Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a wheel support member configured to support a pair of left and right traveling wheels; a link mechanism configured to support the wheel support member such that the wheel support member can be raised and lowered, the link mechanism being provided spanning between a vehicle body and the wheel support member; a suspension mechanism configured to elastically support the wheel support member, the suspension mechanism being provided spanning between a suspension support portion, which is formed on the vehicle body, and the wheel support member; and a lateral link configured to restrict leftward and rightward movement of the wheel support member, the lateral link being joined to a vehicle body-side support portion, which is formed on the vehicle body, and to a wheel-side support portion, which is formed on the wheel support member, wherein the link mechanism has: an upper link with an front end portion supported so as to be able to pivot up and down around an upper pivot axis by a link sup

Abstract: A cargo dolly having a suspension assembly incorporated therein, wherein the suspension assembly is adapted to maintain the dolly at a prescribed height relative to an underlying surface. Thus, as cargo is loaded onto the dolly, and subsequently unloaded from the dolly, the dolly will substantially remain at the same height, which facilitates use of the dolly with standardized loading docks, such as loading docks associated with aircraft.

Abstract: A spring system for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the rod assembly comprises a housing having a rod member movable between extended and retracted positions relative thereto, and a first compression spring in the housing surrounded by a second compression spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position relative to the housing. The two springs are oppositely wound whereby, from a compressed condition, the spring rod exerts an expansion force which increases at a linear rate. The spring system includes a valve arrangement to control the rate at which the spring rod moves from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: A compression spring rod for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the rod assembly comprises a housing having a rod member moveable between extended and retracted positions relative thereto, and a first compression spring in the housing surrounded by a second compression spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position relative to the housing. The two springs are oppositely wound, of different length, of different outside diameter, and of different wire diameter whereby, from a compressed condition, the spring rod exerts an expansion force which increases at a linear rate. Two sets of the springs can be arranged for biasing the rod member to a central position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A self centering, bi-directional, non-cavitating damper that includes a cylindrical damper body and a piston assembly having a piston reciprocally movable in the damper body and a piston rod connected and movable with the piston. A tube is connected with the piston rod and is spaced about and radially from the damper body so that the tube and damper body may move axially, relative to each other, but are normally positioned in centered positions with respect to each other. First and second plastic washers are positioned between the damper body and the tube. At least one coil compression spring is positioned between the damper body and the tube and biases the washers apart axially to their normal positions. Each washer is prevented from moving apart beyond its normal position, but is movable toward the other washer, against the bias of the spring, when relative movement, from their normal positions, occurs between the damper body and the tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper including a cylinder and a piston rod and a seal for the piston rod and a metal bellows fixedly mounted between the cylinder and the piston rod for accepting leakage of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder, and a spring arrangement encircling the cylinder and piston rod, the spring arrangement consisting of two equal length, equal size springs wound in opposite directions with their outer ends fixed to the cylinder and piston rod and having their inner ends bearing against each other to eliminate the application of torque from the springs to the bellows.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use in connection with moored barge fleets, and capable of withstanding very large shock loads so that when positioned between a mooring cable and a stationary shore connection the shock absorber absorbs impact loads that are applied to the mooring cable by virtue of the flow of the current and the passage of other vessels. The shock absorber includes a cylindrical outer shell, the shell including end closure plates at each end. Extending between the end closure plates are six guide rods, each guide rod carrying four aligned groups of two concentric helical compression springs, the respective groups of springs being separated from axially adjacent groups of springs by respective alignment plates that are freely movable relative to the guide rods.

Abstract: Spring-like element for use as a toy or the like consisting of a coil of copper tape of high width-to-thickness ratio forming an elongated frusto-conical structure that exhibits spring characteristics combined with dry friction damping.