Abstract: A torsion axle assembly for supporting of a vehicle body on an undercarriage, including an elongated inner member having an inner member longitudinal axis; a torsion arm interconnected with the elongated inner member and the undercarriage; an elongated enclosure interconnected with the vehicle body and having an interior space; and resilient polymeric material residing within the interior space to support the elongated inner member within the interior space, such that the inner member longitudinal axis resides at an unloaded camber angle to an elongated enclosure longitudinal axis when none of the weight of the vehicle body is borne by the torsion axle assembly and at a loaded camber angle when the weight of the vehicle body is borne by the torsion axle assembly, such that the unloaded camber angle is greater than the loaded camber angle. A vehicle having such a torsion axle assembly and a method are disclosed.

Abstract: A crankshaft arrangement for an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a torsional vibration damper having a primary mass and a flywheel, wherein the primary mass is connected fixedly to the crankshaft, and the flywheel and the primary mass are coupled via a viscous fluid. The torsional vibration damper is attached to an output end of the crankshaft. The primary mass is coupled to a secondary coupling via an elastomer coupling ring. The torsional vibration damper is coupled to the secondary coupling via a feedback device. The feedback device has a negative stiffness.

Abstract: A cantilever bushing assembly anchors the central torsional section of a vehicular stabilizer bar in a cantilevered manner relative to a vehicle understructure. The bushing assembly comprises a bracket having a pocket centered on a pocket axis that coincides with a longitudinal axis of the stabilizer bar. Two plastic outer cans are cooperatively slidable into the pocket. Each outer can has an anti-rotation lobe received in respective keyways formed in the pocket. A rubber buffer is bonded to each outer can. Each rubber buffer has a frusto-cylindrical inner bearing surface that forms an arcuate portion of an interior bushing diameter. The inner bearing surface is post-vulcanization bonded to the central torsional section of the stabilizer bar. An arched rate plate is embedded within each rubber buffer. The rubber buffers compress in the area of the inner bearing surfaces and constrict about the central torsional section of the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerant compressor, comprising a compressor housing (1) that can be hermetically capsuled, and a compressor-motor unit (4) arranged in the housing interior (3) of the compressor housing (1), which is elastically mounted on an inner side of the compressor housing (1) by way of at least one spring element (5), wherein at least one damping element (9) made of an elastomer is provided, in order to damp the transmission of vibrations caused by the compressor-motor unit (4) to the compressor housing (1). The at least one damping element (9) is made of an elastomer that is softer compared to polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE).

Abstract: A variable-pitch vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a sync ring, a vane having a vane arm, and a pin installed through the sync ring and through the vane arm. The pin includes an anti-rotation notch located along a pin shaft. An anti-rotation spacer is engaged with the pin at the anti-rotation notch to prevent rotation of the pin. A turbine section of a gas turbine engine includes a turbine rotor and a turbine stator. The turbine stator includes one or more variable-pitch vane assemblies including a sync ring, a vane having a vane arm, and a pin installed through the sync ring and through the vane arm. The pin includes an anti-rotation notch located along a pin shaft. An anti-rotation spacer is engaged with the pin at the anti-rotation notch to prevent rotation of the pin.

Abstract: The present document shows a spring suspension device for an agricultural implement, including a casing, a beam extending through the casing, and four spring elements disposed in a space between the casing and the beam. The casing and the beam are resiliently rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam. The spring elements differ substantially from each other with respect to shape or material properties, and first and second side faces of the beam, which interact with the respective spring elements, differ substantially from each other with respect to the radius of curvature, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A suspension structure includes a pair of trailing arms (12) each having at its front end a pivot (14) that is attached to a vehicle body, a beam member (13) connecting the pair of trailing arms, and a pair of in-wheel motor drive devices (31) coupled and fixed to rear end regions of the trailing arms. The position of the pivot (14) in a lateral direction of a vehicle is included in a range A, B, and C from an inner end to an outer end of the in-wheel motor drive device (31) in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sleeve bearing for being received in an outer sleeve includes an inner part which extends in the axial direction, a bearing body, and a cage which encloses the bearing body circumferentially. The bearing body encloses the inner part, is made from an elastic material, and has at least two chambers. The cage is formed from at least two cage parts, the spacing of which can be varied in the radial direction. A sealed joint area is provided between the cage parts.

Abstract: A drive device (11) for driving a wheel (7) of an electrically powered vehicle having an electric machine (12) and a transmission unit. The transmission unit has a spur gear transmission (14) and a planetary transmission (13) which, when viewed in the direction of the flow of force during a traction operation, is positioned on the output side of the electric machine (12) in the sequence of the planetary transmission (13) and then the spur gear transmission (14).

Abstract: A body mount for use in motor vehicles in which the mount is sandwiched between the subframe and body. The mount has an insert member with an oblong shape in the lateral displacement direction of the vehicle. The insert member is surrounded by a microcellular urethane body. The oblong shape increases the compression of the microcellular urethane body that can be used to respond to lateral forces. The lateral response rate can be stiffer than the fore and aft response rate. The isolation mount also can facilitate fine tuning thereof by selectively indenting a cup member surrounding the microcellular urethane body to adjust the vibration characteristics of the body mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomer metal element for an elastomer metal bearing, particularly as a bearing connection between a dome module and a vehicle, with an inner cylindrical metal part (2) for connection to a first structural element which is to be supported, with two outer sheet metal shell parts (4, 5; 4?, 5?) lying opposite each other and partly overlapping the inner cylindrical metal part, and with elastomer bodies (6, 7, 8, 9) adhering between the inner metal part (2) and the sheet metal shell parts (4, 5; 4?, 5?), wherein the elastomer metal element (1), with the application of a radial tensioning in the elastomer bodies (6, 7, 8, 9), can be pressed into an accommodating eye (19) at a second structural element which is to be supported.

Abstract: An elastic bearing bush, particularly for use in a chassis of a motor vehicle, has a housing, a core disposed inside the housing, and an elastomer body connecting the housing to the core. The bearing bush has different damping properties in a first spatial direction and a second spatial direction. The bearing bush has a substantially rectangular base surface. The spring and damping properties are determined in the first spatial direction by at least one air spring element and in the second spatial direction by at least one elastomer spring.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a vehicle which includes a wheel (8) and at least one suspension arm (2) that connects the wheel (8) to the body (7) of the vehicle. The arm (2) is pivotally mounted to the body (7) by an inner part (9) of a bearing (3) such that the arm (2) pivots about an axis (6). An angle measuring device senses rotation of the arm (2) about the pivot axis (6) relative to the body (7) and includes a signal generator (25) and a sensor (18). One of the signal generator (25) and the sensor (18) is attached to an outside of the arm (2) while the other is rigidly attached, via a bracket (15), to the body (7) at a distance from the suspension arm (2).

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame on opposite sides thereof. Each lever is pivotally mounted on the frame for swinging movement on an axis intermediate opposite ends of the lever transverse to the frame. The suspension includes a pair of beams, one extending forward from one of the levers and the other extending forward from the other lever, each of the forwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever forward of the lever axis and having a support for a forward axle. The suspension also includes a pair of beams, one extending rearward from one of the levers and the other extending rearward from the other lever, each of said rearwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever rearward of the lever axis and having a support for a rearward axle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an elastomeric bush bearing. A bearing of this type is substantially unaffected by torsional loads and has a simple design. The proposed bush bearing includes, in a conventional manner, an inner sleeve formed as a hollow cylinder, a sleeve-like outer element surrounding the inner sleeve, and an elastomeric bearing support disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer element. The elastomeric bearing support is formed as two parts, having an inner bearing support and an outer bearing support, with an inner element enclosed between the inner and outer bearing support. For improving the torsion characteristic, the inner bearing support according to the invention is formed by at least one elastomeric formed part which is inserted from one axial end of the support between the inner sleeve and the inner element, which is connected with the outer bearing support.

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an embedded position sensor and an embedded speed sensor.

Abstract: Variable tension is applied to a cord as it is drawn from a spool. More tension is applied to the cord as more cord is drawn preventing impulse stress. Cord used to attach user interface device for receiving input and presenting information.

Abstract: A bearing for a control arm of a wheel suspension of a vehicle has at least one sensor (18, 28, 38, 48, 58) arranged in or at the bearing (11, 21, 31, 41). The sensor determines the relative movement of the vehicle parts connected to each other by the bearing (11, 21, 31, 31, 41).

Abstract: An elastomeric bushing assembly including a substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment having a recessed channel manufactured into a portion of an outer surface thereof and a rigid member disposed within the recessed channel manufactured into the portion of the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment. The substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment is configured such that it may be disposed within a first structure comprising an inner surface having edges defining a gap and the substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment is configured such that it may receive a second structure comprising an outer surface. The substantially cylindrical elastomeric bushing segment is configured such that it may be disposed within the first structure comprising the inner surface having edges defining the gap such that the rigid member is substantially aligned and in direct contact with the edges defining the gap.

Abstract: A cab body mounting (100) in a vehicle has a frame-side bracket (102) attached to a chassis frame side rail (18) and a body-side bracket (104) attached to a cab body rail (16). An elastomeric bushing (108) and a fastener (109) associate brackets 102, 104 so as to allow limited motion between them accompanied by bushing deformation. Bracket (102) has an upright wall (110) that is spaced a distance from an end (16E) of rail (16). A sufficiently large relative acceleration of the body on the frame, such as during a frontal impact, will cause an edge portion of bracket (104) to abut wall (110), which arrests further movement of the bracket in the fore-aft direction, and thereby shares the loading that is being imposed on the mounting due to the acceleration force. This occurs before the stress in the shank of fastener (109) reaches the characteristic maximum allowable shearing stress for the fastener material.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension method for stabilizing a bicycle frame is provided with an elastically deformable damping suspension in order to absorb shocks, wherein said method consists of elastically deforming a suspension device by a torsional effect perpendicularly to the bicycle frame. The suspension device extends over a frame plane and is fitted out to implement the method by providing a damping torsional device arranged about at least one axis contained in a torsional plane perpendicular to the frame plane.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an elastic articulation designed to operate in torsion and comprising an elastomeric sleeve (7) whereof the inner and outer peripheral surfaces are linked without any possibility of sliding respectively to inner (8) and outer (9) reinforcements, and which is configured such that the articulation should have a minimal radial rigidity along a first reference axis Z′ of a system with three reference axes X′, Y, Z′ whereof the second reference axis Y merges with the axis of the elastic articulation (5), at least one of the two end surfaces (7a) and (7b) of the sleeve (7) has a profile which continuously moves in the circumferential direction of the sleeve between at least a minimum and at least a maximum, the minimum or minima and the maximum or maximums of the profile in the inner peripheral zone of the end surface being offset by a predefined angle respectively relative to the minimum or minima or to the maximum or maximums of the profile in the outer peripheral zone of

Abstract: A slipper bushing includes a series of coaxially disposed cylindrical components. The slipper bushing has an outer sleeve, a resilient member coaxially disposed within and secured to the outer sleeve, a rigid, self-lubricating bearing coaxially disposed within the resilient member and an inner sleeve coaxially disposed within the bearing.

Abstract: A bicycle with a torsional shock absorber comprised of a torsion spring assembly. The elements of the torsion spring assembly include: housing, a shaft positioned within the housing, a rubbery substance positioned between the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the shaft. The torsional shock absorber is mounted on the bicycle such that shock forces are converted into rotational forces tending to rotate the shaft within the housing. These rotational forces are resisted by the spring force created by the rubbery substance within the torsion spring assembly; thereby absorbing the shock forces. In a preferred embodiment, the rubbery substance is bonded to the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the front and rear portions of the bicycle frame pivot about the pedal spindle axis.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bushing for supporting on a vehicle body an end portion of a suspension arm. The bushing is designed such that the frequency to keep the dynamic spring constant of the fluid-filled bushing to a minimum, or the frequency to keep the loss coefficient of the same to a maximum is set in the vicinity of the rigid resonance frequency f0 (for example, 600 Hz) of the suspension arm. As a result, a transmission force (transmission force N=resonance magnification &ugr;×dynamic spring constant K*) due to the vibration in the vicinity of the above-mentioned rigid resonance frequency transmitted from the road surface through the suspension arm is reduced, so that it is possible to improve road noise.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a plurality of tie rods, a front resilient mount interconnecting the engine with the frame, and a rear resilient mount that interconnects the frame with the transmission, and that is positioned above the pivot mount between the swing arm and the transmission.

Abstract: A slipper bushing comprises radially inner, intermediate and outer generally cylindrical members. The intermediate member includes an axial bearing surface at an end thereof. Elastomeric material is disposed between the intermediate and outer members. A generally cylindrical polymeric radial bearing sleeve is disposed between the inner and intermediate members and has a radially inner surface nonrotatably fixed relative to a radially outer surface of the inner member and a radially outer slip surface adapted to rotatably slip relative to a radially inner surface of the intermediate member. An elastomeric seal has an annular portion with opposed first and second axial bearing surfaces. The seal first axial bearing surface sealingly engages the intermediate member axial bearing surface and is nonrotatably fixed relative thereto. An annular polymeric slip ring has opposed first and second axial bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A lift axle assembly for supporting an auxiliary axle and wheels and selectively moving the auxiliary axle between in use and storage positions. The auxiliary axle is supported using two sets of upper and lower support arms pivotally connected between saddles attached to the axle and support hangers which are attached to the vehicle. Lift air springs selectively push the upper support arms vertically upwardly for rotating the support arms and placing the auxiliary axle in the storage position. The pivotal connections of the lower support arm as well as the pivotal connection of the upper support arm to the support hanger are of a bushing type allowing both rotational motion about the axis of rotation and coning for allowing twisting of the support arms about their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A bushing for a vehicle suspension system has a hollow cylindrical sleeve and a hollow cylindrical jacket, with first and second elastomeric members compressively preloaded into an annular space between the sleeve and the jacket. The elastomeric members, which are complementary in filling the annular space, are selected from different materials possessing different spring rates. The elastomeric members are preferably semicircular radial sections of an annulus. When the bushing is aligned in the vehicle suspension, the bushing exhibits at least one diameter where the bushing effectively has a first spring rate when the bushing is acted on by a force in a first radial direction and exhibits a different spring rate when the bushing is acted upon by a force in a second radial direction which is one hundred eighty degrees opposed to the first radial direction.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device includes a first crank member, a buffering unit and a second crank member. The first crank member has a first hole formed therein. The buffering unit is inserted into the first hole, and has a cylindrical hollow outer wall, a cylindrical hollow inner wall coaxially mounted in the outer wall, an annular rubber cushion disposed between the inner and outer walls, and a shaft extending through and engaging the inner wall. The outer wall engaging the first crank member. The second crank member is connected to and is rotatable about and together with the shaft. The rubber cushion is deformed by the outer and inner walls in order to retard pivotal movement of the first crank member relative to the second crank member about the shaft.

Abstract: A twist beam suspension includes a twist beam which is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof runs along with the transverse direction of a vehicle, and a pair of trailing arms being connected to a body of the vehicle and each of which is disposed at a respectively different longitudinal end of the twist beam and is disposed such that the longitudinal direction thereof runs along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The twist beam suspension further includes a restricting apparatus which restricts inward displacement of the pair of trailing arms relative to the body of the vehicle in the transverse direction of the vehicle prior to restricting outward displacement of the pair of trailing arms relative to the body of the vehicle in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bushing apparatus improves the axial load capability of attachments of suspension members to structural members of a motor vehicle. The bushing includes an outer sleeve member (16) having an outwardly extending radial flange (36) and an inwardly extending radial flange (40) and an outer diameter so as to allow the bushing device to press fitted into the suspension member. An inner sleeve member (18) is disposed coaxially within the outer sleeve member creating an annular region for a resilient member (20). First and second end washers (22,24) are press fitted into the inner sleeve member. The resilient member 20 also includes first and second projections (52,70) extending radially outward from the resilient member. A stake (90) is formed on a shoulder (92) of the outer sleeve member to retain the outer sleeve member within the suspension member.

Abstract: A suspension unit for each rear wheel of a motor powered off-road four wheeled vehicle comprising a suspension arrangement with the inner members constructed for mounting on a fixed shaft secured to the vehicle and the outer casing carrying a swing arm terminating in a swivel joint to be secured to a single rear wheel axle and a pair of such a units in combination with a drive chain and sprocket device for the single axle and a braking system having at least one disc brake for fixed mounting on the rear axle with caliper carried on an operating arm supported from a bearing to be mounted on the same axle.

Abstract: An elastomer bearing (20) and assembly method therefor. The bearing (20) includes an inner member (22) having an outer profiled surface with a maximum radial dimension, an outer member (24) having a minimum radial dimension which is smaller than said maximum radial dimension and a inner profiled surface. The outer member (24) includes first (26) and second halves (28) being inserted axially over the spherical portion (23) of inner member (22). Each halve (26, 28) including axial threaded portions (32) which are threadedly interconnected to secure halves (26, 28) together. An elastomer layer (30) is bonded to said outer profiled surface of said inner member (22) and said inner profiled surface of said outer member (24). In another aspect, the profiled surfaces are spherical surfaces. Preferably, air is vented into the threaded escapeway (33) during the bonding process. A radial gap (34) is provided to aid is air removal/venting.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of braking systems, particularly those braking systems that utilize linkages to transmit brake-generated loads from a wheel and brake assembly to a braked vehicle. According to an aspect of the invention, a damped brake rod is provided for attachment to a structure, the structure having at least one wheel and brake assembly. The damped brake rod comprises a rod-like member for attachment to the brake assembly and the structure to resist rotation of the brake assembly relative to the structure, and a bending mode coulomb damper attached to the brake rod that damps cyclic bending mode movement of the rod-like member during braking. The bending mode coulomb damper bears essentially only cyclic loads induced by cyclic bending mode movement of the rod-like member generated during braking. A method of damping a brake rod is also provided.

Abstract: A bushing for a vehicle suspension comprises an inner tube, an outer tube coaxially surrounding the inner tube, and a vibration isolating rubber filled between and integrally bonded to the inner and outer tubes. The inner tube has, on a part of its outer periphery, a hump portion projecting radially in a fan shape, which has an inclined surface. The outer tube has a tapered portion at one end, which is substantially identical in angle of inclination with the inclined surface of the inner tube hump portion and faces the inclined surface. A plurality of arcuate hollow portions are provided in the vibration isolating rubber to raise the compliance characteristic of the bushing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and thereby improve the riding comfort. Both the riding comfort and the steering stability are thereby improved.

Abstract: A locking, adjustable, resilient mount for mounting a motorcycle engine on a motorcycle frame includes a shaft rigidly connected with the motorcycle frame via a pair of spaced mounting plates, at least one resilient vibration absorbing member arranged on the shaft, a mounting sleeve connected with the engine which is arranged around the resilient member, a pair of externally threaded collars arranged concentrically around the shaft at opposite ends of the vibration absorbing member, and a pair of internally threaded adjustable thrust plates arranged concentrically around the collars. The thrust plates are rotated on the collars to adjust the resiliency of the mounts and are locked by aligning one of a plurality of radially extending holes contained in the thrust plates with a bore contained in the collars and inserting a locking pin therethrough.

Abstract: A bearing comprising an inner support ring and an outer support ring surrounding and radially displaced from the inner support ring is disclosed. The support rings are supported on each other in a radially elastic manner by an intermediate ring made of at least three web elements made of rubber-elastic material, which are uniformly distributed over the circumference of the rings and which are fastened along holding surfaces to the support rings. The holding surface on the side facing the inner support ring is connected to the holding surface on the side of each web element facing the outer support ring by an imaginary line which intersects the central region of their circumferential extent and which forms with a radial plane intersecting the line an angle A of between 15.degree.-75.degree..

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A self-adjusting shim includes an inner element and an outer element. The outer element defines an internal threaded bore and a projecting tab that limits rotation of the outer element. The inner element includes a threaded outer surface and an inner opening. The threaded outer surface is received in the threaded internal bore such that relative rotation between the inner and outer element results in relative axial movement therebetween. The inner opening includes a torque transmitting feature such as an out-of-round surface or an internally projecting element that is directed radially inwardly so as to couple the inner element to a bolt for rotation.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method of manufacturing a torsional vibration damper in which a metal hub ring and a metal inertia ring surrounding the hub ring are radially spaced apart by a gap. A spring body of rubber-elastic material is fired into the gap with the aid of a lubricant, the spring body and/or the surfaces of hub and/or inertia ring facing the gap being wetted with a lubricant composed of a water-salt solution prior to insertion of the spring body.

Abstract: An inside ring (1) and an outside ring (2) are mounted about a common axis (3) and are joined to one another in a rotationally elastic manner by at least one elastic body (4) of elastomeric material. The elastic body (4) is bonded only to one of the rings (1, 2) and is supported in a relatively rotatable manner on the other ring (2, 1) by at least one friction layer (7) to limit the transmittable torque.

Abstract: A rear suspension for a vehicle includes a sub-frame having projections to a rear and on both ends of the sub-frame, coupling portions are formed on front and rear sides of the projections for connecting the sub-frame to a car body. Front and rear lower links are transversely arranged with respect to the car body and each include a car body side coupling portion coupled to outer end of the sub-frame and a wheel side coupling portion coupled to a knuckle arm rotatably supporting a wheel with respect to the car body. A connecting arm projects upwardly from and has an inner side lower end coupled to the car body and an outer side lower end coupled to the knuckle arm. An upper arm is coupled to an upper end of the connecting arm and cooperates therewith for enabling the wheel to move up and down with respect to the car body.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A variable rate elastomeric torsion spring 30 includes a generally cylindrical elastomeric member 36 having an outer shell 34 bonded thereto on the outside and a plurality of adjacent, axially aligned inner sleeves 36, 38 bonded thereto on the inside. A variable spring rate is obtained by the spring by selectively engaging different combinations of the inner sleeves.

Abstract: An elastic joint with high filtering capacity and axial gap controlled by incorporated stops includes an elastic ring disposed between internal and external coaxial rigid elements, with an additional elastomer layer disposed at each end of the joint between an axial shoulder of the internal armature casing and a turned in edge of the external ring. Thus, a stop function in an axial direction, which stop function is due to the interaction of the shoulder, the turned in edge, and the elastomer disposed therebetween, produces a filtering rigidity from two to five times lower than the radial rigidity in an equilibrium position, which axial rigidity becomes progressively higher than the radial rigidity beyond the filtering zone when a significant axial force is applied to the joint. Such a joint can be used for motor vehicle suspension arms and in antivibration insulation of mobile or stationary equipment.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension of the type including trailing arm axle with cross-beam includes steer-control bushings connecting the forward ends of the axle trailing arms to the vehicle body, the bushings having rigid steer-control elements molded in situ within the elastomeric element of the bushing.

Abstract: An automotive power transmission mount is described as having resilient elastomeric springs radially disposed with a non-rigid intermediate mass which has its own spring rate and an outer member which is also of a non-rigid construction. The resilient elastomeric springs are located about a rigid, inner, hollow, metal core.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle or fork lift truck may be equipped with either cushion or pneumatic tires. When converting the vehicle from cushion to pneumatic tires, the front axle is moved downward and the mast assembly is moved forward to provide adequate clearance. The rear axle is also moved downward and backward. Changing configurations requires the addition of only one component; all of the other axle mounting hardware can be either repositioned or its orientation reversed in order to accommodate the change.