Abstract: A device for damping vibrations acting upon a track vehicle is provided. Long torsion bar springs which so far have been used to absorb torsion are subdivided into a plurality of small torsion bar springs. The torsion bar springs are operationally interconnected via drive or transmission elements and accommodated outside the interior, thereby removing the need for installation space for the damping device at a right angle to and below the vehicle chassis, and reducing it to the lateral zone or inside a minor recess in the chassis, a so-called chassis recess.

Abstract: A rotatable wheel having a rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle and between a disc brake rotor and the rotatable wheel, for providing enhanced suspension. The rotary shock absorber consists of an air-tight hollow disc structure filled with lubricant, the disc structure further having a central circular opening, a sealing plate coupled to and sealing the central circular opening on one side, a sealing boot portion coupled and sealing the central circular opening on the other side, and a circular hub portion nesting inside the hollow disc structure. The hub portion further has six circular through holes, one or more identical helical springs nested firmly inside each of the six circular through holes, and six lug bolts each having two threaded ends and a smooth body. Each of the six lug bolts is further coupled rigidly and perpendicularly at the center of each of the two corresponding helical springs and secured on both ends at each side of the hollow disc structure.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and a spring-elastic torsion bar assembly, and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar assembly has a body spring that can be attached to the vehicle body with one end, and a transverse control arm spring that is attached to the transverse control arm with one end. The body spring and the transverse control arm spring are coupled with one another at their free ends. The transverse control arm spring and the body spring are coupled with one another by way of a setting element or a releasable connection, whereby the setting element or the releasable connection, respectively, allows rotation of the ends assigned to one another, for setting purposes.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis, and a body spring configured as a torsion bar spring for absorbing rotational movements of the transverse control arm about the longitudinal axis. The body spring is disposed on the transverse control arm so as to rotate with it, with a first end. An electromechanical actuator for changing the angle of rotation of the body spring is disposed at a second end of the body spring. The wheel suspension has a damping element. The second end of the body spring is connected with a stress relief spring that is configured as a torsion bar spring, disposed coaxially with the body spring, and can be attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A skateboard is provided with a deck providing a support platform for the user, a front and rear wheel sets and trucks coupled to the deck. The support platform may include a central portion and raised front and rear portions. The front and rear portions may angle upwardly from the central portion, and then angle downwardly. The trucks may be coupled to the deck at the downwardly angled portions. The front and rear trucks may each include a pair of torsion springs alongside a kingpin. The hardness of the torsion springs may be varied to alter the performance of the skateboard depending on the characteristics of the user. A foot-operated brake may be mounted to the rear portion of the support platform. The deck may include a hinged portion located between the front and rear portions with a handle located in the hinged portion of the deck. The torsion springs may be provided with an identifier based upon their hardness. In certain examples that identifier may be a color coding system.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension utilizes a shunt linkage assembly between first and second torsion springs to change effective lengths of the first and second torsions springs in jounce and roll modes of operation. A first lever arm couples the first torsion spring to a first wheel and a second lever arm couples the second torsion spring to a second wheel component. The shunt linkage assembly acts as a tension-compression link between the opposed first and second lever arms. During jounce the first and second torsion springs would have one effective length, and during roll the first and second torsion springs would have a shorter effective length to provide roll stiffness that is greater than jounce stiffness.

Abstract: A rotary shock absorber coupled on an axle between a disc brake rotor and a rotatable wheel of equipment, bicycle or motor vehicle, for providing enhanced suspension. The rotary shock absorber consists of an air-tight hollow disc structure filled with lubricant, the disc structure further having a central circular opening, a sealing plate coupled to and sealing the central circular opening on one side, a sealing boot portion coupled and sealing the central circular opening on the other side, and a circular hub portion nesting inside the hollow disc structure. The hub portion further has six circular through holes, two identical helical springs nested firmly inside each of the six circular through holes, and six lug bolts each having two threaded ends and a smooth body. Each of the six lug bolts is further coupled rigidly and perpendicularly at the center of each of the two corresponding helical springs and secured on both ends at each side of the hollow disc structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of variable rate stabilizer bars are disclosed, including apparatus, vehicle, and kit implementations. Embodiments may have first and second stabilizer bar members. Each stabilizer bar member may be adapted to be operatively coupled to a respective, opposite ground-engaging element of a vehicle. Each stabilizer bar member may be configured to experience a torque about their longitudinal axis upon movement of the respective ground-engaging element relative to the vehicle when operatively coupled to the ground-engaging elements. Embodiments may have a torque transfer regulator, which may be operatively coupled to both stabilizer bar members. The torque transfer regulator may be configured to transfer a portion of the torque experienced by one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member. Some embodiments may provide for active control of the degree of torque transfer from one ground-engaging element's suspension system to the other.

Abstract: A non-helical torsion spring system includes an arm to be connected to a load, such as a frame or chassis of a vehicle, and at least one ring to be connected to a moving member, such as a vehicle suspension member. Torsion elements, which may be disposed in concentric groups, each have one end disposed at and resisting rotation relative to the arm but permitting flexural movement relative to the arm. The torsion elements also each have another end disposed at and resisting rotation relative to the at least one ring but permitting flexural movement relative to the at least one ring. At least one of the ends is axially movable. Each group of torsion elements is connected to a respective ring. A torsion control adjusts torsion in the at least two torsion elements, manually or through the use of servomotors.

Abstract: A tunable mass damper for use in a vehicle steering system in which a rack and pinion gearing subsystem would otherwise transfer resonant vibrations to the vehicle steering wheel. The mass damper element is a generally cylindrical mass supported and suspended around the shaft extending from the pinion gear by several cantilevered spring elements. The mass damper is tunable by modifying the size of the mass or the size or material or length of the springs so that the damper's resonant frequency for axial oscillation matches the resonant vibrations present at the steering shaft extending from the pinion gear.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis, and a body spring configured as a torsion bar spring for absorbing rotational movements of the transverse control arm about the longitudinal axis. The body spring is disposed on the transverse control arm so as to rotate with it, with a first end. An electromechanical actuator for changing the angle of rotation of the body spring is disposed at a second end of the body spring. The wheel suspension has a damping element. The second end of the body spring is connected with a stress relief spring that is configured as a torsion bar spring, disposed coaxially with the body spring, and can be attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle having a suspension assembly including a first torsion member connectable to a frame along a first axis and a second torsion member operatively coupled to the first torsion member along a second axis. A plurality of wheel arms are coupled to the second torsion member, which, in turn, are each coupled to a wheel shaft. This type of vehicle has enhanced suspension.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes an actuator, an output member, and a spring arrangement having at least one spiral return spring. The output member has a neutral position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position. The neutral position is between the first actuated position and the second actuated position. The output member capable of being driven by the actuator from the neutral position to the first actuated position and to the second actuated position. The spring arrangement is arranged to bias the output member towards the neutral position from the first actuated position and is arranged to bias the output member towards the neutral position from the second actuated position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension assembly for a carriage. The suspension assembly, in one embodiment, includes a first torsion member connectable to a carriage frame along a first axis and a second torsion member operatively coupled to the first torsion member along a second axis. A plurality of wheel arms coupled to the second torsion member, which, in turn, are each coupled to wheel spindle. This type of suspension assembly provides carriages with enhanced suspension and reduces damage to carriages during operation.

Abstract: A multi-stage torsion axle that has a first stage torsion assembly positioned within a second stage torsion assembly. The first stage torsion assembly has a square first stage shaft within a first elastomeric bushing. The second stage torsion assembly has a square tubular second stage shaft within a second elastomeric bushing, the second stage shaft fitting around the first stage torsion assembly. A hollow square tubular housing fits around the second stage assembly. The resilience of the first stage torsion assembly is less than the resilience of the second stage torsion assembly. A stop mechanism directly transfers torque from the first stage shaft to the second stage shaft when the first stage has rotated more than a predetermined amount relative to the second stage shaft.

Abstract: An open-topped vehicle body, such as a dump body, includes a tarping system that is deployed over the body by a pivoting bail member. An actuation mechanism applies a torque to the bail member to automatically pivot the member and deploy the tarp. The actuation mechanism includes a number of double coil spiral torsion springs anchored on a shaft attached to the dump body. The springs each includes a right hand and a left hand coil portion concentrically wound about an integral center anchor portion. The shaft includes an elongated slot to receive and support the center anchor portion of each spring within the mechanism. The coil portions of each spring include a left and right reaction end configured to contact and provide a torsional force against a corresponding reaction post within the housing. In one embodiment the housing is made in two connectable halves with one half of each reaction post integrally formed into each housing half.

Abstract: An open-topped vehicle body, such as a dump body, includes a tarping system that is deployed over the body by a pivoting bail member. An actuation mechanism applies a torque to the bail member to automatically pivot the member and deploy the tarp cover. The actuation mechanism includes a number of double coil spiral torsion springs anchored on a shaft attached to the dump body. The springs each include a right and a left coil portion concentrically wound about an integral center anchor portion. The shaft includes an elongated slot to receive and support the center anchor portion of each spring within the mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a housing attached to the bail member. The housing contains the double coil springs and supports a pair of reaction posts extending therethrough. The coil portions of each spring include a left and right reaction end configured to contact and provide a torsional force against a corresponding reaction post within the housing.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method are provided to reduce the interlaminar shear loading in the retention area of composite springs used in a vibration isolator for use with a helicopter main rotor. The composite springs, which are made of a graphite laminate, are weakest when subject to inter-laminate shear. The shear forces are highest during bending and twisting about the longitudinal axis of the laminate composite. The invention consists of several techniques to minimize the inter-laminate shear. The first is the use of nylon mounting pads which are attached to the ends of the graphite laminate spring arm at the locations where mounting to the inner and outer hubs is to take place. In particular, it has been found that the nylon spacer must be recessed back from the perimeter edges of the graphite spring arm the same distance which is approximately equal to the width of the graphite spring arm.

Abstract: The device serves for storing energy. A spatial work range is defined by a displacement path upon compression of at least one spring of the spring storage. Along the work range in the working direction, at least two springs are arranged which are impinged in temporal succession upon compression and relaxation, respectively. For impinging the springs, at least one stationary retaining element and a mobile runner are provided. A spring loaded at a first point of time is immobilized in such a way that during a further displacement of the runner no further force is exerted by this spring between runner and retaining element. Reactivation of the immobilized springs is provided in temporal succession upon a reverse movement of the runner.

Abstract: The device serves for storing energy. A spatial work range is defined by a displacement path upon compression of at least one spring of the spring storage. Along the work range in the working direction, at least two springs are arranged which are impinged in temporal succession upon compression and relaxation, respectively. For impinging the springs, at least one stationary retaining element and a mobile runner are provided. A spring loaded at a first point of time is immobilized in such a way that during a further displacement of the runner no further force is exerted by this spring between runner and retaining element. Reactivation of the immobilized springs is provided in temporal succession upon a reverse movement of the runner.

Abstract: A suspension system for compensating road-borne loads applied selectively to one end of a vehicle wheeled axle. The suspension system includes a pair of elongated rigid tubes, extending longitudinally over opposite sides of the wheel axle, and supported thereover by corresponding upright posts anchored to the intermediate section of the wheel axle. Each post and associated tube have a number of lateral interdigitating hollow ears, wherein the tube and post are pivotally interconnected by a lengthwise rubber shaft. A bottom frame beam from the vehicle body extends laterally outwardly of each corresponding tube, and includes a plurality of ears interdigitating with additional ears from the proximate tube for through engagement by another rubber shaft, for pivotally interconnecting the beam to the tube. In normal condition, each beam ear rubber shaft is downwardly offset relative to the post ear rubber shaft.

Abstract: A torsion spring cartridge is provided for torsionally absorbing loads on a trailer frame or the like. The torsion spring cartridge is insertable into an axle tube and includes a counter torque hub, a bearing block spaced therefrom, and a torque shaft mounted for oscillating rotational movement in the bearing block with torsion rods operably interconnected between the counter torque hub and the torque shaft. The bearing block and the torque shaft each include over-rotation stops that cooperate to prevent over-rotation of the torque shaft during use. The bearing block supports the inside of the axle tube to prevent distortion of the axle tube profile during over-torquing of the torque shaft during use, and a frame bracket supports the outside of the axle tube and transmits forces from the bearing block and axle tube directly to the trailer frame. The torsion rods have ends with substantially circular cross-sections, and are held in place by brazing.

Abstract: A torsional suspension unit is provided which includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, torsion rod(s) for absorbing and distributing forces and a bearing block associated with said torsion rod(s) for maintaining one end of said torsion rod(s) in a substantially fixed position. The torsional suspension unit of the present invention also includes a rotatable torque hub member for maintaining a second end of said torsion rod(s), for imparting rotational or torsional forces to said torsion rod(s) and limiting the rotation of said torsion rod(s). The suspension unit of the present invention also preferably includes torsion rod(s) which are non-linear in configuration for improved strength and for improved resistance of the torsion rod to torsional rotation.

Abstract: A system for enabling modification and adjustment of an automobile torsion bar suspension assembly housed in a tubular beam housing includes a plurality of torsion spring stiffener members, each comprising a tubular member dimensioned to be slidably received about the torsion leaf spring assembly within the beam housing. The tubular member includes opposed end portions provided with an inner peripheral surface formed complementary to the outer surface conformation of the leaves of the torsion bar assembly and adapted to engage the leaves assembly in nonrotating fashion. The stiffener member acts to rotationally immobilize a segment of the length of the torsion leaf assembly, thereby increasing the stiffness of the torsion spring. The invention also includes a socket tool having a recess in one end formed in complementary fashion to the outer surface conformation of the torsion leaf assembly and adapted to be engaged thereon.

Abstract: There is provided a counterbalance assembly for use in combination with a rotatable robotic arm and the like in a robotic manipulator, where the robotic arm is rotated about an axis by a torque-producing device having a relatively stationary base. The assembly further includes a torsional spring comprising a pair of concentric tubes connected to each other by rubber, with one tube connected to the arm and the other tube connected to the base. In general, any torque created by the influence of gravity acting on the robotic arm, as it is rotated, is counterpoised by torsional wind-up in the spring due to proportional resistance of the rubber to torsional shear. This spring/arm combination thereby reduces the load on the torque-producing device.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for the driven plate of a friction clutch comprises a hub, a flange extending radially out from the hub and an outer member comprising an annular side plate arranged to one side of the flange and having a central aperture such that the side plate surrounds the hub with a clearance. The side plate is capable of limited angular movement relative to the flange with circumferentially directed resilient means acting between the flange and the side plate to control the angular movement. A friction damper is provided between the hub and the side plate and comprises a resilient friction element supported in the central aperture of the side plate and bearing against the outer surface of the hub.