Abstract: A dashpot for wheel suspensions, with a preferably sheet-metal spring cup (6). The cup is attached to a shock absorber or its accommodating tube, supports a helical spring that surrounds the shock absorber or tube, and can be advanced along the shock absorber or tube on threads. To allow the dashpot to be raised and lowered in precise increments, the attachment is maintained tight by a cylindrical housing (3). The housing is provided with a slot extending over its total length and with outside threads. Its inner surface of the housing rests directly against the shock absorber or its tube. The housing operates in conjunction with a height-adjustment ring (12) or neck (7) with matching inside threads on the spring cup. The slope of the threads ensure that the force exerted by the spring on the spring cup will squeeze the slotted housing together radially.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper for a hydrodynamic clutch device particularly for coupling a turbine wheel hub with a turbine wheel shell and/or for coupling a lockup clutch arrangement with a turbine wheel, includes a primary side and a secondary side which is rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the primary side against the action of a damper element arrangement. A radial bearing arrangement is arranged for radially supporting the primary side and secondary side with respect to one another. For this purpose, the radial bearing arrangement is arranged radially outside of the damper element arrangement.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle wheel includes at least one helicoidal spring and at least one flexible retaining and connecting armoring, which in working position, stresses a portion of the spring by maintaining it compressed to obtain two different stiffness curves.

Abstract: In a spring seat fixing structure of a hydraulic shock absorber (10), a proximal end side of a cap (44) is provided with a small diameter force-fit portion (71) which is fixedly forced into a small outer diameter portion (51) of a damper tube (11), and a distal end side of the cap (44) is provided with a large diameter force-fit portion (73) which is fixedly forced into a large outer diameter portion (52) of the damper tube (11).

Abstract: In order to simplify mounting a coil spring to a vehicle body, a connecting device, which connects a spring bracket to the vehicle body, is disposed at an inner circumferential portion of the coil spring. This eliminates the problem that the spring bracket needs a space for connecting to the vehicle body about an outer circumference of itself.

Abstract: A vibration-damping rubber for a suspension of a vehicle is composed of a resilient rubber body adapted to be interposed between a plurality of members of the suspension. The resilient rubber body has a slide surface adapted to contact one of the plurality of members. One part of the resilient rubber body, which includes at least the slide surface, is composed of a rubber having high sliding characteristics.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling has first and second hubs provided with outwardly extending flanges formed at ends of cylindrical parts of the hubs. Each may be connected to a transmission shaft. The flange of the first hub has a plurality of spring holes therein located within the periphery thereof. A holder is fitted over the cylindrical part of the first hub and fixed to the flange of the second hub so as to hold the flange of the first hub between the holder and the flange of the second hub. Barrel-shaped coil springs pass through the spring holes in the flange of the first hub. Each barrel-shaped coil spring is compressed between the second hub and the holder so that the coil springs deflect to bring adjoining coils thereof into contact with each other when torque is transmitted.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a shock absorber, a coil spring, a tubular dust cover, and an insulator. The shock absorber is provided with a first seat and a second seat at the opposite ends. The insulator is disposed between the first seat and the coil spring, and includes a body for holding the coil spring, and a contact projecting from the body in a centripetal direction and having a portion being brought into contact with one of the opposite ends of the dust cover. The insulator forms a space between the first seat and an outer portion with respect to the portion of the contact. Thus, the insulator reduces the wear of the first seat resulting from the contact with the dust cover, inhibits the first seat from corroding, and keeps the strength of the first seat from decreasing.

Abstract: A one-piece cast suspension mounting spring pocket having a circular, radially contoured disk portion and having a plurality of flanges is disclosed. The disk portion serves as a spring pocket and prevents a spring from radial movement. The flanges are parallel to and spaced from one another, and are generally perpendicular to the disk portion of the one-piece cast member. One or more of the flanges intersects a frusto-conical formation which is radially centered in the disk portion, the intersecting flange conforming to and bowing with the frusto-conical formation. The structural integrity of the one-piece cast spring pocket is improved when compared to the currently produced multi-piece spring pockets by having the flange intersect the frusto-conical section.

Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension which pivots a rear frame (10) behind the bottom bracket shell (5). The overall pivot width is greater than that of the bottom bracket shell (5), this ensures high torsional control and simplifies manufacture. At the junction of the seat stays (9) there projects a suspension housing (16) which sleeves axially or near axially over the stay runner (17). Both the suspension housing (16) and stay runner (17) feature flat sides to which bearing surfaces (19) are affixed. Between the bearing surfaces (19) there are needle roller bearing groups (20). One or both of the bearing surfaces (19) have deformable backs (21). The stepload slot (32) exerts a stepload force on the stepload pin (23) and the suspension such that only a bump loading force above that threshold stepload force would produce suspension movement. A hollow shock absorber (26) surrounds both the suspension housing (16) and stay runner (17).

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system including a substantially cylindrical post having an externally threaded surface. The threads cooperate with a thread pattern associated with an adjustment collar. A spring is interpositioned between the adjustment collar and the axle of the vehicle such that when the adjustment collar or post is turned about the cooperating thread pattern therebetween the spring has a tendency to compress or decompress depending upon the direction of rotation of the collar, and therefore raise or lower the body of a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an auxiliary wheel on a bicycle wheel. A resiliently flexible arm, such as a coil spring, laterally spaces from a wheel of the bicycle a smaller auxiliary wheel. A pintle is connected to the arm at an end remote from the bicycle wheel for mounting the auxiliary wheel for rotation parallel to the rotation of the bicycle wheel. A shank is connected to an end of the resilient arm remote from the pintle for radially offsetting the arm downwardly from an axle of the bicycle wheel, and a bracket mechanism for coupling the shank to the frame at the axle to secure it in fixed relation to the bicycle wheel. Preferably the amount of radial offset can be adjusted to fit one size of the apparatus on at least two of the most popular sizes of children's bicycles, namely 12" and 16" (wheel diameter) bicycles. The radial adjustment can also be used to compensate for variations in tire depth and inflation.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed for supporting a coil spring, for example for an automobile suspension system. The bearing assembly includes an elastic support having a sloped spring supporting surface corresponding to the pitch of the spring. At the side opposite the spring, the elastic support is supported by a distance element. The distance element and elastic support are geometrically configured so that a uniform axial length of the elastic support member is disposed between the spring and the distance element over a substantial circumference of the coil spring. In certain embodiments, recesses are formed in the elastic support member for engaging with cams at the distance element, with the ends of the cams and the bottoms of the recesses dimensioned so that there is a constant height of the elastic support between the spring and the distance element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing a gantry. Powerful springs in the apparatus allow small deviations from a perpendicular configuration of a boom and beam arrangement. The springs resist larger deviations, thereby increasing the structural integrity and safety of the apparatus and method. The method stabilizes the gantry by providing a progressively increasing restoring force as the boom and beam travel farther from a starting position corresponding to a perpendicular relationship between the boom and the beam.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly is disclosed for use with motor vehicle suspension systems in which a portion of the wire coils of the coil spring is covered by a flexible hose or tube. Coil springs which could use such hoses include those having a tapered wire diameter wherein one end of the coil spring's wire has a smaller diameter than at other portions of its length. The flexible hose is made of a material which has sufficient resiliency to first be stretched as it is installed onto the wire of the coil spring, and then will naturally return back to near its original non-stressed diameter to tightly fit around the diameter of the wire at both ends of the hose. The resulting tight fit retains lubricant and anti-corrosive compounds inside the hose, and keeps moisture and dirt from entering the interior of the hose.

Abstract: The invention has for its object a suspension with dynamically variable flexibility or stiffness. The suspension process uses one or several elastic elements mounted opposite each other, so as to impress on the vehicle suspension a variation of stiffness or of flexibility having two slopes on the curve (shock-relaxation and compression effort) and the use of different stiffnesses or flexibilities is localized during operation of the suspension in the vicinity of the position of the loaded vehicle on its wheels and that the least stiffness is located on the second portion of the course of collapse of the wheel suspension. The invention is applicable to suspensions particularly for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: Active and adaptable sensor for a dashpot for measuring the difference between the speed of the body of a motor vehicle and that of its axle. A piston rod travels through the sensor and induces a voltage in a winding that is accommodated along with a permanent magnet in a housing. The voltage represents the difference in speed.

Abstract: A coil spring device comprises a coil spring formed of a spiral wire having a first end and a second end, a first end support mechanism supporting the first end of the wire, and a second end support mechanism supporting the second end of the wire. The paired support mechanisms are movable relatively to each other in the axial direction of the coil spring. The first support mechanism supports the first end of the wire for rotation only around a first diametrical axis which extends toward a coil central axis. The second support mechanism supports the second end of the wire for rotation only around a second diametrical axis which extends toward the central axis.

Abstract: An articulated railroad car, which includes an articulated connector, rail truck and car body units, has at least one standard short-travel railroad car side bearing which is designed to permit down travel of the car body unit of at least 5/8 inch. In a preferred embodiment, one rail truck portion includes a long-travel railroad car side bearing. The long-travel side bearing includes a top cap member and a bottom member with a resilient member interposed therebetween. The long-travel side bearing permits roll axis movement of one car body unit relative to another car body unit to reduce forces on the rail truck which would tend to prevent its successful negotiation of curves.

Abstract: A pressure spring tensioner comprises a cylindrical guiding tube having an axially elongated tube slot with a threaded spindle extended axially within the tube and rotatably mounted therein. The first sleeve is affixed to the tube adjacent an end thereof and it carries a first gripping clamp which is engageable over one end of the spring. A second sleeve assembly is slidable on the tube and it carries a second gripping clamp which engages with the opposite end of the spring. The second sleeve assembly includes a second sleeve slidable on the guiding tube and with a sliding snug fit and having a radial recess. A pad is arranged in the second sleeve in threaded engagement with the spindle and it has a radial finger extending through the tube slot which is of a length no longer than twice the thickness of the guiding tube and engages in the radial recess of the second sleeve.

Abstract: An interchangeable end mount system for stabilizer shock absorbers. Two types of end mounts are described, an eye ring end mount and a stud end mount. In one preferred embodiment, the eye ring end mount includes an eye ring, a threaded sleeve with a shoulder, and a washer. The end mount is removably screwed onto a threaded piston rod. An improved spring seat provides a bottom support for the shock absorber spring. A stud end mount embodiment includes an internally and externally threaded stud with a shoulder, and a washer. Another embodiment of the stud end mount does not have a shoulder or washer but uses cup washers and urethane doughnuts to retain the shock absorber spring.

Abstract: An articulated railroad car, which includes an articulated connector, rail truck and car body units, has at least one standard short-travel railroad car side bearing which is designed to permit down travel of the car body unit of at least 5/8 inch. In a preferred embodiment, one rail truck portion includes a long-travel railroad car side bearing. The long-travel side bearing includes a top cap member and a bottom member with a resilient member interposed therebetween. The long-travel side bearing permits roll axis movement of one car body unit relative to another car body unit to reduce forces on the rail truck which would tend to prevent its successful negotiation of curves.

Abstract: A coil spring has a series of short length plastic rollers received on the spring coils so that the rollers engage either a cylinder wall in which the spring works or a rod received through the spring, or both. The rollers act as roller bearings to prevent binding, wear and noise.

Abstract: A track adjusting flow controlling mechanism sets the optimum tension or "controlled sag" in the endless track of a track type vehicle. A piston and associated valve assembly control flow of pressurized fluid to a track adjusting clyinder. Movement of the piston tensions the track with substantially no sag ("S") and subsequent retraction of the piston provides correct track tension with an optimum track sag ("S"). Supply of pressurized fluid to the piston and valve assembly is controlled by the vehicle operator from the operator's station. Conventional track adjusting operations require considerable time and effort and are often an undesirable task. In view of this, the adjusting task is often neglected with the resulting rapid wear of the track and related components. The subject track adjusting mechanism provides a quick and simple operation to provide proper track adjustment.

Abstract: A length of hose made out of an elastic material that readily recovers its shape, especially intended for covering the coiled section of a helical compression spring with a progressive characteristic of the type employed in motor vehicles and similar machines. At least one terminating section of the length of hose has a shorter inside diameter and communicates with the remaining, cylindrical, section of the length of hose through an intermediate section that tapers conically at least inside.

Abstract: A garter-type axially resilient coil spring includes a plurality of coils canted along a centerline thereof with each coil having a trailing portion and leading portion. The disposition of the trailing portion is defined by a back angle between the trailing portion and a line normal to the centerline and the disposition of the leading portion is defined by a front angle between the leading portion and the normal line. Specific resilient performance, or load-deflection characteristics, of the spring is obtained by controlling the back angle. At selected back angles, the leading portion may be disposed at front angles beyond the range heretofore thought possible.

Abstract: A vibration damper for bodies which extend substantially parallel to one another, consisting of a clip made of a permanently elastic material and adapted to be slipped undislodgeably onto one of the bodies, and of at least two lugs projecting therefrom in the direction of at least one further body which clasp the latter with elastic initial tension, permitting relative displacement.

Abstract: A hydraulic booster in which the booster piston return spring is formed as a tubular conduit to conduct hydraulic supply pressure to a closed center valve. Upon actuation, the valve opens to permit supply pressure to flow into the power chamber and by valving action controls the exhaust of pressure from the power chamber so as to establish the desired actuating pressure therein. The tubular conduit forming the power piston return spring and transporting the supply pressure to the closed center valve permits a shorter overall axial length of the hydraulic booster by accomodating the movement of the supply pressure chamber at the closed center valve. It also permits less charged supply pressure leaking by accomodating a better pressure seal arrangement.

Abstract: A synthetic resin-coated spring comprising a spring body and a synthetic resin coating layer formed on the spring body. The synthetic resin coating layer contains an olefin polymer modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof. A method for making the coated spring is also described.

Abstract: A helical bearing bushing for use between a cylindrical shaft and an element containing a bore disposed around the shaft, such as a kingpin and steering knuckle assembly, includes a helically wound spring wire as the bearing bushing. The spring wire is helically wound to form a tubular member having interior and exterior surfaces which form the respective bearing surfaces. The tensile force of the helical spring holds arcuate surfaces of adjacent coils in elastic abutment, although lubricant under pressure can elastically separate the coils and pass from one surface to the other. Non abutting portions of the arcuate surfaces form helical lubrication grooves. Either the interior surface or the exterior surface, or both, may be machined flat to provide a better bearing surface.

Abstract: A vibration damper for bodies which extend substantially parallel to one another, consisting of a clip made of a permanently elastic material and adapted to be slipped undislodgeably onto one of the bodies, and of at least two lugs projecting therefrom in the direction of at least one further body which clasp the latter with elastic initial tension, permitting relative displacement.

Abstract: A helically-threaded spring holder on which a helically wound spring is mounted has a groove formed in one side of the thread at the end where the spring engages the spring holder. The groove relieves the portion of the side in which it is formed from restricting the spring against axial movement during deflection of the spring. The circumferential length of this groove is chosen to establish the number of spring coils which can be deflected without contacting the side of the thread. The end of the thread is also made rigid to prevent flexing thereof during maximal elongation of the spring.

Abstract: An upper mount assembly for a suspension strut which incorporates an elastomer bushing operatively connecting the piston rod to support structure that works in shear over initial travel but has compression load buildup at the limit of mount travel. The mount assembly is a unitized multi-element construction having a jounce bumper to provide a load path for suspension spring assist and a load deflection curve to improve suspension characteristics. In this invention, load buildup is achieved in jounce and rebound with the use of a rate washer which is moved upwardly by the strut in jounce movement. Initial travel works the bushing in shear but the elastomer becomes compressed between the washer and an outside metal wall to provide increasing spring rate. When the rod moves vertically downwardly in rebound, the washer controls the load buildup and compresses the upper portion of the jounce bumper for soft entry into rebound.