And Elastomeric Member Patents (Class 267/189)
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Patent number: 11820191Abstract: Provided is a stabilizer bush that ensures improved durability. The stabilizer bush (10) comprises: a bush main body (11) formed from a tubular elastic body having a retention hole (12) through which the stabilizer bar (2) passes; a rigid body portion (14) that is fixed to the bush main body (11) and has a higher rigidity than the bush main body (11); and an elastic film (16) that comprises an elastic body and is in contact with a second surface (14b) of the rigid body portion (14). A part of the elastic film (16) is fitted into depressed portions (15a, 15b) that are depressed from the second surface (14b) to a first surface (14a) side.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Toyo Tire CorporationInventors: Takahiro Nakagaki, Yoshiyuki Saihara
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Patent number: 11643035Abstract: A vehicle front structure basically includes a vehicle frame, an upper suspension arm, a lower suspension arm, a sway bar and a rack and pinion steering. The upper suspension arm is pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame about first and second upper pivot points. The lower suspension arm is pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame about first and second lower pivot points. The sway bar is attached to the upper suspension arm and located above the upper suspension arm. The rack and pinion steering arranged between the upper and lower suspension arms. The rack and pinion steering is located adjacent the second upper pivot point and between the first and second upper pivot points with respect to a longitudinal vehicle direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Keith E. Kotrla, Michael P. Deschamps
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Patent number: 10926597Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a suspension and powertrain unit having a vehicle frame module, an electric motor unit carried by the frame module centrally between two wheels and a suspension including, for each wheel, an upper oscillating arm and a lower oscillating arm carrying a respective wheel support. Each wheel support rotatably supports a respective wheel hub connected to the electric motor unit by a respective drive shaft. Brake discs are mounted on two output shafts of the electric motor unit, at a distance from the respective wheels, and are connected by drive shafts to the hubs of the two wheels. Thanks to the absence of brake discs adjacent to the wheel hubs, swivel joints connecting each wheel support to the respective upper and lower arms can be arranged so as to define a steering axis passing through a respective wheel center and thereby having a substantially zero kingpin offset.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: FCA Italy S.p.A.Inventors: Gaetano Battaglia, Daniele Bruno, Luca Dusini, Fabio Gerbino
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Patent number: 10744833Abstract: An independent wheel suspension includes a knuckle which is supported on a spring support connected to a vehicle body. The knuckle is connected to the spring support via a knuckle pin and is arranged so as to be mounted rotatably around a longitudinal axis A of the knuckle pin. The transverse control arms are mounted at the upper end and lower end, respectively, of the knuckle pin. The spring support is connected to the knuckle pin so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it so that the knuckle pin connects the spring support, the knuckle and the upper transverse control arm and lower transverse control arm together. The independent wheel suspension has a further safety component which prevents the knuckle pin from rotating in an uncontrolled manner around its longitudinal axis A.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Gell, Johann Wimmer
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Patent number: 10207562Abstract: A stabilizer support structure includes a suspension member in which a side rail portion and a cross-member portion are formed integrally, the suspension member including an upper suspension member that includes a first fastening portion at which a bracket is fastened at an intersection portion between the side rail portion and the cross-member portion, the bracket supporting a rod-shaped stabilizer whose length direction is in the vehicle width direction, and a lower suspension member that forms a closed cross section portion with the upper suspension member; and a reinforcing member that is joined to both the upper suspension member and the lower suspension member inside the closed cross section portion at the intersection portion, the reinforcing member spanning between the upper suspension member and the lower suspension member in the vehicle vertical direction, and being fastened together with the bracket via the first fastening portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hirokazu Terashima
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Patent number: 10017026Abstract: The sway bar linkage connects a sway bar with a control arm of a vehicle suspension system. The linkage includes a fastener and a plurality of bushings disposed between the fastener and the sway bar and between the fastener and the control arm. At least one of the bushings is constructed as a single piece of material, presents an outer surface, presents an inner bore which extends along an axis for receiving the fastener, and presents a plurality of pockets. The pockets are spaced radially between the inner bore and the outer surface for allowing the bushing to more easily deflect and absorb energy while transferring forces between the sway bar, fastener and control arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLCInventor: Richard W. Harvey
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Patent number: 10011153Abstract: A suspension for vans or semi-trailers has a sliding (or slider) frame that can be slid longitudinally between spaced, left and right trailer stringers. The sliding frame is coupled within the stringers for longitudinal sliding between forward and rearward extremes. The sliding frame is formed by a pair of left and right rails spaced by two or three or more cross members. The sliding frame has an even number of independent air-spring support towers. The support towers are welded to the rails, but the cross members are bolted. The air-spring support towers can take semi-funnel shapes to having a lower narrower end forming an air-spring seat, and flaring upwardly from there to upper ends connected high on the rails to funnel the weight of the van or trailer from over a wider area to more of a pinpoint distribution on the air-spring seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Inventor: Jason M. Klein
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Patent number: 9840121Abstract: A suspension axle for a farm equipment is provided. The suspension axle includes an axle beam having two ends. The two ends are configured to be simply supported to the farm equipment. The suspension axle also includes a first mounting arm coupled to the axle beam between the two ends and extending outwardly from the axle beam. The suspension axle also includes a first mounting bracket pivotably coupled to the first mounting arm at a first horizontal pivot axis. The suspension axle also includes a first suspension member coupled to at least one of the axle beam and the first mounting arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Hilvers, David R. Smith, Shawn W. Gerdeman
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Patent number: 9505284Abstract: A trailer suspension system has an axle, a pair of frame hanger brackets, dual trailing arm beams, and a spring. The pair of frame hanger brackets are mounted spaced apart underneath the trailer. The dual trailing arm beams are connected rigidly to the axle at one end and resiliently connected to a respective one of the frame hanger brackets with a pivot means bushing at the other end. The spring intermediate the trailing arm beam and the trailer to support the trailer load. Wherein, the axle connection center is the center of the patch that connects the axle to the longitudinal trailing arm beam, thereby reducing the stress on the axle as well as increasing the stability of the suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Cush CorporationInventors: Jason M. Klein, Kevin C. Schlack
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Patent number: 9205874Abstract: A wheel suspension for a two-track motor vehicle includes a multi-link assembly having control arms that are articulated on a vehicle body and on a wheel carrier, a rotary actuator for an active suspension control system, with a motor-gear-unit constructed to transfer torques as actuating forces to the multi-link assembly via a torsion rod, and at least one reinforcing brace independent of the multi-link assembly and disposed on a side of the vehicle body and extending below the multi-link assembly, as viewed in a vertical direction of the vehicle body. The reinforcing brace delimits downwardly in the vehicle's vertical direction a free space, in which the rotary actuator is at least partially arranged.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Andreas Schindler, Dominik Mohrlock, Joachim Schmitt
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Patent number: 8616567Abstract: It is an object to effectively enhance rigidity of a subframe installed to couple a pair of right and left wheel suspension members, with a simple structure, and allow a stabilizer to be adequately installed. A subframe (3) installed to couple a pair of right and left wheel suspension members (2) together comprises a cross member (31) provided with a lateral-link support portion (14, 18) supporting an end of the lateral link (5, 6), a pair of right and left side members (33) each extending from a respective one of opposite vehicle-widthwise outer ends of the cross member (31), in a vehicle longitudinal direction; and a pair of right and left reinforcing members (35) each reinforcing a coupling section between the lateral-link support portion (14, 18) of the cross member (31) or a vicinity thereof, and a respective one of the side members (33).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Eguchi, Masaaki Tanaka
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Patent number: 8562008Abstract: A stabilizer coupling for use in a roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle has at least one actuator, with the actuator being formed by an outer profile element and an inner profile element. An elastically deformable body is arranged between the outer profile element and the inner profile element. The outer profile element is formed as a hollow profile component, in particular a hollow profile component constructed as an extruded profile and made from a light metal alloy.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Oliver Seibt, Jürgen Krogmeier, Igor Illg, Friso Berheide, Andreas Janzen
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Patent number: 8356825Abstract: A stabilizer device having high reliability and light weight is provided. The stabilizer device has a stabilizer consisting of a torsion part and arm parts each extending from both ends of the torsion part and having an overall shape of a square bracket, a “]” shape, a bushing for fixing the stabilizer to an automobile body arranged at both ends of the torsion part, and a resin misalignment preventing member which has a contacting part contacting with the bushing, which is arranged neighboring the bushing, and which is integrally formed with the torsion part and covering all therearound in a predetermined range of axial direction of the torsion part.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
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Patent number: 8256782Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a frame mounting bracket. A torsion axle is pivotally attached to the frame mounting bracket. The torsion axle pivots about a suspension assembly pivot axis. An air spring support arm is rigidly attached to the torsion axle. An air spring is attached at one end to the frame mounting bracket and at an end of the support arm opposite the suspension assembly pivot axis. A spindle arm with a spindle is adapted for mounting a wheel assembly is attached to the torsion axle. The vehicle suspension system is adapted to include an optional cross-member brace adapted to attach to the frame mounting bracket allowing the cross-member brace to extend across a width of a vehicle to an adjacent vehicle suspension assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
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Patent number: 8240688Abstract: Forming a recess in an intermediate section in an axis direction of an outer peripheral face of a stabilizer bush allows the contact surface pressure between an inner peripheral face thereof and an outer peripheral face of a torsion portion to be low in a section where the recess is formed. Therefore, when the torsion portion twistedly deforms, slipping against the torsion portion starts from the intermediate section in the axis direction of the stabilizer bush, and the slipping spreads to opposite end parts in the axis direction, thus enhancing the ride comfort of a vehicle. Moreover, open ends of axially opposite end parts of the stabilizer bush, where no recess is formed, are put in intimate contact with the outer peripheral face of the torsion portion, thus preventing sand and mud from entering therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuo Miyamoto
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Patent number: 7980577Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.Inventors: Ervin K. Vandenberg, David H. Croston
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Patent number: 7758056Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame bars attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm mounted on the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm. The outer tube of the torsion axle pivotally supports the air spring support arm and the axis of the torsion axle is coaxial with the pivot axis of the air spring support arm to provide a more compact and sturdy suspension assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
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Publication number: 20100176544Abstract: Forming a recess (18h) in an intermediate section in an axis direction of an outer peripheral face (18b) of a stabilizer bush (18) allows the contact surface pressure between an inner peripheral face (18d) thereof and an outer peripheral face of a torsion portion (15) to be low in a section where the recess (18h) is formed. Therefore, when the torsion portion (15) twistedly deforms, slipping against the torsion portion (15) starts from the intermediate section in the axis (L) direction of the stabilizer bush (18), and the slipping spreads to opposite end parts in the axis (L) direction, thus enhancing the ride comfort of a vehicle. Moreover, open ends of axially opposite end parts of the stabilizer bush (18) where no recess (18h) is formed are put in intimate contact with the outer peripheral face of the torsion portion (15), thus preventing sand and mud from entering therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasuo Miyamoto
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Patent number: 7726674Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
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Publication number: 20090202291Abstract: A plastic rocker pendulum is provided with a rod-shaped basic body (1) and mounting elements (2, 3) arranged at the free ends of the basic body (1) for the ball heads of ball pins. The cross section of the basic body (1) has an essentially S-shaped design with at least three crossbars (5, 6, 7) arranged in parallel at spaced locations from one another and connection webs (8, 9) coupling two adjacent crossbars (5, 6, 7) each. The connection webs (8, 9) are arranged at opposite end areas of the crossbars (5, 6, 7). The geometrical moment of inertia can be substantially increased compared to conventional cross sections due to this cross section shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2007Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Frank Budde
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Patent number: 7401797Abstract: A support block at a trailing arm and a stabilizer link that varies in contact state to the support block form a large toe-in during out-of phase movement of both wheels and form a small toe-in during in-phase movement of the wheels, thereby embodying an appropriate toe-in displacement according to the vehicle turn and forward motion, thus improving the vehicle driving characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Young-Gun Cho
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Publication number: 20080036166Abstract: A stabilizer bar includes a sleeve and bushing that are used to mount the stabilizer bar to a vehicle structure. The sleeve is comprised of a plastic material and includes a locking mechanism for locking the sleeve to the stabilizer bar. The bushing is comprised of a resilient material and is mounted to an external surface of the sleeve. Once the sleeve is locked onto the stabilizer bar, lateral movement between the bushing and the stabilizer bar is prohibited. Further, frictional reaction of the bushing occurs between plastic and rubber materials, which results in reduced noise during suspension loading.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Jonathan Russell, Brian Allen Irwin
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Patent number: 7318593Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly for a vehicle suspension system is disclosed. The stabilizer bar assembly has a stabilizer bar that is provided with an annular ring. The annular ring is either formed as an upset or assembled to the stabilizer bar. A bushing having a groove on its inner diameter is assembled to the stabilizer bar at the annular ring that centers the stabilizer bar against transverse displacement. A second bushing is secured to the stabilizer bar at a location spaced from the annular ring. The first and second bushings secure the stabilizer bar to right and left frame rails. The annular ring may have a square, tapered or spherical cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Sterly, John Soronen, Brock Jones
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Patent number: 7188851Abstract: A stabilizer for vehicles has a torsion portion extending in a width direction of a vehicle, arm portions extending in a forward or backward direction from both side end portions of the torsion portion, straight portions provided in a vicinity of both side end portions of the torsion portion, the straight portions extending along with an axial direction thereof, leading end portions of the arm portions, the leading end portions of the arm portions being mounted to the vehicle, and the straight portions being mounted to the vehicle via bushes, and a stopper provided at one of the straight portions, the stopper preventing the straight portions from moving more than a predetermined distance in an axial direction with respect to the bush.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Furuyama, Jun Umeno, Kenzo Tago
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Patent number: 7036805Abstract: A pneumatic front suspension assembly for an industrial vehicle comprises: a front axle linked to a pair of side-members, and a pair of airbags for adjusting the height of the axle relative to the side-members. On each side, there is provided a rigid arm whereof one end is articulated relative to the side-members, and the other end receives the axle and the lower part of the suspension air bags; a pair of connecting rods mutually articulated about a pin substantially parallel to the axle, one of said connecting rods, the upper connecting rod, being articulated relative to the side-member, the other connecting rod, the lower connecting rod, being articulated relative to the rigid arm, and a generally U-shaped additional element, forming an anti-roll bar, and including a transverse rod linked to the lower connecting rods at their articulation points with the rigid arms, and branches located on either side of the transverse rod, and linked to the lower connecting rods.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Renault V.I.Inventor: Jérôme Renaudot
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Patent number: 7025344Abstract: A rubber mount, preferably a stabilizer mount, and a process are provided for mounting the mount, which is used to mount sectional bars used preferably as stabilizers. The mount is of a simplified mounting type. For this purpose, the elastomeric mount body (2) for receiving the sectional bar as well as a clamp (3) for jointly fastening the mount (1) and the sectional bar to other components forms a structural unit according to the present invention already before the mounting on the sectional bar. Both the mount body (2) and the clamp (3) receiving it have an axially extending opening gap (5). The mounting of the mount (1) on the sectional bar is carried out using the opening gap (5) by pressing the sectional bar through this opening gap into the mount (1), i.e., the mount (1) is clamped on the sectional bar.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Helmut Kammel, Raik Michelmann
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Patent number: 6866276Abstract: A vehicle suspension is provided that includes a frame supporting a pair of laterally spaced apart suspension members pivotally supported on the frame and movable in a vertical direction. A pair of wheel ends is each supported respectively on one of the suspension members. A stabilizer bar is supported on the frame laterally between the suspension members. The stabilizer bar includes opposing ends each respectively proximate to one of the suspension members. A pair of resilient stabilizer bar links each respectively interconnect one of the ends and one of the suspension members and transmit torsional force to the stabilizer bar in response to movement of the suspension members in the vertical direction during roll conditions. The links have first and second deflection rates during the roll condition with the first rate being less than the second deflection rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLCInventors: Robert P. Carlstedt, James B. Chamberlin, Ragnar Ledesma, Nancy L. Saxon, Dennis A. Kramer, Doyle R. Downey, Joseph Cubalchini, Jr., Monte G. Williams
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Patent number: 6845995Abstract: A suspension bar assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a suspension bar having a bushing, a bushing retainer that exerts radially and axially compressive forces onto the bushing such that the bushing is in frictional engagement with the suspension bar, thereby preventing relative movement of the bushing and the suspension bar, and a mounting bracket that is adapted to connect the suspension bar to the automotive vehicle. A method of inducing a pre-load onto a bushing that supports a bar includes: providing a bar, placing a bushing onto the bar, placing a bushing retainer onto the bushing, and compressing the bushing axially and radially within the bushing retainer.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Haimian Cai, Xi Lin
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Patent number: 6688619Abstract: A vehicle axle crosspiece includes inner and outer tubes extending crosswise of the vehicle, with the axially outer end of the outer tube being connected to a wheel arm on one side of the vehicle and the axially outer end of the inner tube being connected to a wheel arm on the other side of the vehicle. The inner and outer tubes are joined together by at least two axially-spaced antiroll articulations of elastomeric material housed between the inner and outer tubes. Each of the two antiroll articulations has its own radial stiffness and is assigned a coefficient proportional to its radial stiffness. The center of inertia of the antiroll articulations is closer to the wheel arm connected to the outer tube than to the wheel arm connected to the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin-Michelin & CieInventors: Vincent Biard, Michel Blondelet
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Patent number: 6523843Abstract: A bearing has an elastic bearing element and envelops a vehicle wheel suspension stabilizer. The elastic bearing element with an inner sleeve is disposed on the stabilizer. The bearing element can be connected in a rotationally secure manner to the stabilizer by corresponding locking elements between the inner sleeve and the stabilizer.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, Vorwerk & Sohn GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Wiesemann, Norbert Schote, Hartwig Naploszek, Thomas Geisler
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Patent number: 6513801Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly includes a stabilizer bar and a pair of bushing assemblies. Each bushing assembly includes a first semi-circular member, a second semi-circular member and a hinge connecting the two semi-circular members together. The two semi-circular members encases the stabilizer bar and the two semi-circular members are encased by a frame bracket which attaches the stabilizer bar to a vehicle. Each semi-circular member includes an embedded rigid semi-circular member to control the compression and flexing of the bushing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventor: Frank J. McCarthy
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Publication number: 20020121733Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly has a stabilizer bar and a pair of bushing assemblies. Each bushing assembly has an elastomeric bushing disposed around the stabilizer bar and an outer metal member disposed around the elastomeric bushing. The outer metal member compresses the elastomeric bushing between the stabilizer bar and the outer metal member to a prespecified percent of compression. When the stabilizer bar rotates with respect to the outer metal member, the compression of the elastomeric bushing stops movement between the elastomeric bushing and the stabilizer bar and between the elastomeric bushing and the outer metal member. A fastening strap is attached to the outer metal member to attach the stabilizer bar assembly to a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: James Lewis, Richard Novy, Robert Missig
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Patent number: 6419214Abstract: A sway bar bushing made from elastomeric material of substantially uniform thickness having a generally cylindrical inner part and a generally cylindrical outer part coaxially surrounding said inner part. A plurality of equiangularly spaced apart and radially disposed spokes provide integral connection between the inner and outer parts and extend radially therebetween. The inner and outer parts are of substantially identical length and connected along the entire lengths thereof by the spokes. The inner part defines a bore for complementing an associated portion of a sway bar received therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Uniroyal Chamical Company, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Palinkas
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Publication number: 20020014731Abstract: A sway bar bushing made from elastomeric material of substantially uniform thickness having a generally cylindrical inner part and a generally cylindrical outer part coaxially surrounding said inner part. A plurality of equiangularly spaced apart and radially disposed spokes provide integral connection between the inner and outer parts and extend radially therebetween. The inner and outer parts are of substantially identical length and connected along the entire lengths thereof by the spokes. The inner part defines a bore for complementing an associated portion of a sway bar received therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 1999Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: MCCORMICK PAULDING & HUBER LLPInventor: RICHARD L. PALINKAS
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Publication number: 20010045694Abstract: A cylindrical rubber elastic member for having a stabilizer bar inserted therein comprises an inner layer rubber with high sliding properties and an outer layer rubber provided outside of the inner layer rubber. Both the stability in operation and the riding comfort can be improved. Further, the rubber elastic member comprises a sliding surface made of a rubber with high sliding properties at the end face thereof. Frictional resistance can be lowered to prevent abnormal noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Katsuya Hadano, Hideyuki Imai, Takaaki Ando, Hiroshi Yokoi
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Publication number: 20010033048Abstract: An automotive vehicle-use stabilizer bar (1) bushing is provided. The bushing (1) includes a generally cylindrical rubber-made elastic body (3) having formed therein in the center thereof an insertion hole (2) through which a stabilizer bar (200) is axially inserted. The above stabilizer bar bushing (1) is to be fixed with a mount bracket (103) to the body of the automotive vehicle with the insertion hole (2) being directed laterally of the vehicle body. The mount bracket (103) is applied on the outer circumference of the stabilizer bar bushing (1) and fastened to the vehicle body to secure the stabilizer bar bushing (1) to the vehicle body. Thus, the stabilizer bar bushing (1) will attenuate vibration by a portion thereof between the stabilizer bar (200) and vehicle body while allowing rotation and torsion of the stabilizer bar (200) in the insertion hole (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2000Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventor: Shigeru Kamifuku
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Patent number: 6257563Abstract: The invention relates to a damper for vehicle components, particularly motor vehicle components such as steering tie rods and antiroll bar struts, with an elastic unit that is loaded in substantially axial direction of the component. To create a damper that will require little space but exhibit high reliability and a long service life and to permit a modular assembly from structurally simple and inexpensively producible parts for different applications, the elastic unit comprises at least two elastic elements 30 that are reciprocally, substantially pressure loaded and are disposed inside a housing (10) between the housing (10) and a coupling element (20) which transfers compression forces in substantially axial direction. The elastic elements (30) counteract an inclination and a coaxial offset of coupling element (20) with respect to the longitudinal axis of housing (10).Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hans-Gerd Oellers
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Patent number: 6241224Abstract: A torsion spring for connecting a first member and a second member that are aligned along a longitudinal axis and that rotate about that axis together. The torsion spring includes a first molded plastic end that mates with the first member, a second molded plastic end that mate with the second member, and an elastic member that connects the first and second molded plastic ends together. The elastic member is for providing a force that biases the second member relative to the first member. The elastic member can be made of molded plastic arms or an elastic compound such as rubber.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Bernard Leibman
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Patent number: 5884926Abstract: A stabilizing or anti-roll bar for vehicles, of any shape, is provided with a positioning device including: a radial annular groove, continuous or discontinuous, of spherical profile, which is hot-machined, in pre-determined axial position on the external surface of a rectilinear part of the bar in the vicinities of supports of connection to the body of a vehicle; an annular plug made of a relatively hard and rigid elastomer material, provided with a radial through cut made along an entire generator of the plug, so that the plug can be opened in the circumferential direction so as to be fitted on the rectilinear part of the bar, the annular plug being internally provided with an annular projection which can be coupled into the said groove of the bar; and surrounding means suitable for being mounted externally on the plug to prevent the opening thereof and close a lateral internal surface thereof, with pre-determined force, against the external surface of the bar, to lock the plug axially with respect to the bType: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Rejna S.p.A.Inventors: Carlo Muzio, Adriano Benenti
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Patent number: 5829769Abstract: A damping device for motor vehicle stabilizers includes a resilient bushing and a mounting sleeve. The bushing is adapted to enclose or encircle the stabilizer under the clamping force of the mounting sleeve. The bushing is defined by a non-split sleeve having a cylindrical portion and a through-hole concentric with the cylindrical portion. The mounting sleeve has a cylindrical through-opening possessing an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the bushing when the bushing is uninfluenced by external forces. The bushing in the mounted position is clamped by the mounting sleeve under the symmetrical clamping effected by the resilient material from which the bushing is made.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: AB VolvoInventor: Lennart Hillqvist
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Patent number: 5699998Abstract: In the production of a pocket spring assembly, two layers of fabric are secured together along multiple parallel seam zones so as to form a quilt defining a plurality of parallel fabric tubes, the tubes so formed are supported on guides extending longitudinally through the tubes, portions of the quilt are repeatedly drawn from the guides at their one ends and folds formed in each layer of fabric in the drawn off portion are secured to form pockets from the drawn off portions of the quilt, and precompressed coil springs are passed through the guides and released into the pockets between each drawing of the quilt, with their axes perpendicular to both the axes of the fabric tubes and the direction of advancement of the quilt, so that secured folds in the fabric of the tubes in front of and behind the released springs retain them in the pockets. Spaced longitudinal slits are formed in the seam zones, the slits permitting the fabric to envelope the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1995Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Inventor: Milton Zysman
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Patent number: 5538229Abstract: A suspension attachment apparatus is described suitable for use in a motor vehicle having an elongate suspension member interposed and connecting a sprung mass to an unsprung mass. The apparatus includes an isolator and a mechanism for fastening the suspension member to the sprung mass. The mechanism ensures proper orientation of the suspension member during the assembly process. Additionally, the mechanism simultaneously prevents rotation of the suspension member along its longitudinal axis relative to the isolator and prevents rotation of the isolator relative the sprung mass while isolating the sprung mass from vibrations of the unsprung mass.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1992Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Daniel F. Kmiec
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Patent number: 5391882Abstract: A P-type/intrinsic/N-type (P-I-N) gamma ray detector (10) includes a semiconductor detector layer (12) of intrinsic cadmium telluride (CdTe) or cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe). P- and N-doped semiconductor layers (14,16) of mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) are formed on the opposite surfaces (12a,12b) of the detector layer (12), and ohmic metal contacts (18,20) are formed on the doped layers (14,16). The composition of the doped layers (14,16) is Hg.sub.1-x Cd.sub.x Te, and is graded such that x progressively decreases with distance from the detector layer (12) toward the ohmic contacts (18,20). This causes the bandgap of the doped layers (14,16) to also decrease from the detector layer (12) toward the ohmic contacts (18,20), forming potential barriers (E1,E2) which block leakage currents constituted by injection of minority carriers from the ohmic contacts (18,20) into the detector layer (12) and provide low resistance between the doped layers (14,16) and ohmic contacts (18,20).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Santa Barbara Research CenterInventor: David R. Rhiger
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Patent number: 5332255Abstract: A heavy duty front suspension system especially for passenger buses includes square rubber torque springs supported by a spring frame assembly. The spring support frame includes a lower support having transverse reinforcement gusset plates extending at an angle from the frame assembly to enable the frame and torque spring support the loads transmitted by the bus and to withstand the variations in the road surface. The torque spring includes a hexagonal block on each end of the tubular shaft for removably mounting an adjustment lever to transmit the tension stresses to the spring. Each adjustment level has an eyelet connected to adjustable tension bars extending to a mounting bases which are anchored to the structural cross members of the bus body. A yoke element is firmly fixed to a trunnion that forms part of the spring frame assembly. A lower end of the yoke has an extension with a conical hole to fasten a shock absorber assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: Dina Autobuses, S.A. De C.V.Inventor: Alfonso Velazquez
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Patent number: 5026090Abstract: In a wheel suspension system for automobiles including an upper and a lower control arm which are carried, at one side of their ends closer to a vehicle body, on the body by a support shaft, the support shaft includes an upper tubular shaft portion having the upper support arm provided on one side thereof so as to project therefrom, a lower tubular shaft portion located below the upper tubular shaft portion and having the lower support arm provided on the one side to project therefrom, and a connecting rod which integrally interconnects the upper and lower support arms. An elastic member is interposed between each of the tubular shaft portions and a core shaft centrally disposed in the tubular shaft portion and secured to the vehicle body. This makes it possible to provide a large torsional rigidity to the support shaft and provide a reduction in weight of the support shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1989Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yohsuke Sekino