Abstract: A hydraulic damper for an electrical switching apparatus includes a damper enclosure including an inner wall. Also included is a chamber defined by the inner wall, the chamber having a first end, a second end. Further included is a tapered portion of the chamber extending from a tapered portion initial end to a tapered portion terminal end, the tapered portion angled inwardly in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the chamber. Yet further included is a press rod at least partially disposed within the chamber. Also included is a piston having a piston outer surface and disposed within the chamber and having an initial position adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the chamber. Further included is a gap defined by the piston outer surface and the inner wall, wherein adjustment of the piston in the longitudinal direction adjusts the gap.

Abstract: Bump stop for an amphibious vehicle suspension having a member selectively movable between an operating position, and an inoperative position. This allows the suspension to retract road wheels along locus for conversion to marine mode. Bump stop free end may be moved by filling cavities with pressurized fluid. Alternatively, the entire bump stop may be rotated on a pivot by a hydraulic cylinder, an electric solenoid, manually or by any other mechanical means. Alternatively, the movable member may be a position in a cylinder, withdrawn against a return spring by hydraulic pressure, and may act against resilient snubber on the vehicle suspension. Bump pad has a curved undersurface, allowing the bump stop to be bent out of the way when the suspension is lowered.

Abstract: A suspension system which includes at least one beam, a support spring extending between the vehicle frame and the support beam and a lift spring extending between a lift bracket welded to the beam and the vehicle frame. The support spring is precompressed by using a U-bolt and may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length of the U-bolt. Additionally, the spring provides a constant effective force throughout the entire path of travel of the tire-wheel assemblies attached to the axle. While the axle force provided by the spring increases, the force operates through a changing lever arm relative to the pivot point to assure that the spring force operating through the lever arm remains substantially constant throughout the path of travel of the suspension system.