Including Central Guide Rod Or Tube Through Spring Patents (Class 267/293)
  • Patent number: 7025344
    Abstract: A rubber mount, preferably a stabilizer mount, and a process are provided for mounting the mount, which is used to mount sectional bars used preferably as stabilizers. The mount is of a simplified mounting type. For this purpose, the elastomeric mount body (2) for receiving the sectional bar as well as a clamp (3) for jointly fastening the mount (1) and the sectional bar to other components forms a structural unit according to the present invention already before the mounting on the sectional bar. Both the mount body (2) and the clamp (3) receiving it have an axially extending opening gap (5). The mounting of the mount (1) on the sectional bar is carried out using the opening gap (5) by pressing the sectional bar through this opening gap into the mount (1), i.e., the mount (1) is clamped on the sectional bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Helmut Kammel, Raik Michelmann
  • Patent number: 7021613
    Abstract: A toe correction bushing (1) is composed of a main body (2) and a stopper member (3), wherein the main body (2) is integrally provided with an inner cylinder (4), an outer cylinder (5), and an elastic body (6). The outer cylinder (5) is provided at part of the axial end with an outwardly opening inclined section (7). A recessed space (8) is provided inside of the inclined section (7). The stopper member (3) is provided with a circular plate section (20) and a stopper projection (23) at the peripheral section thereof. A boss (21) provided at the central section of the stopper member (3) is press-fitted into one end of the inner cylinder (4) for integration and at the same time, the stopper projection (23) is caused to engage the recessed space (8). When a lateral force F to the right is applied to the outer cylinder (5), the axial movement of the outer cylinder (5) is controlled by the stopper projection (23) and displaced in the direction perpendicular to the axis by an inclined plane (24) for toe correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Yamashita Rubber Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masafumi Mikami, Katsutaka Momose
  • Patent number: 7014179
    Abstract: A bicycle adjustable cushion device includes an outer tube with a connection cap connected to a first end thereof and an inner tube has a first end movably and rotatably inserted in a second end of the outer tube. A rod has a first end fixed to the connection cap and a second end of the rod movably inserted through a polygonal hole in an end plate threadedly connected to the first end of the inner tube. An elastic rubber is received in the outer tube and the rod extends through the elastic rubber. Two ends of the elastic rubber are in contact with an inside of the connection cap and the end plate which is movable to compress the elastic rubber by rotating the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Chao-Hu Chen
  • Patent number: 6953187
    Abstract: An elastomer spring, particularly for rail vehicles, comprises a core made of metal or plastic; an outer sleeve that also consists of metal or plastic; a cushion made of elastomer material, in the form of a layered spring that is arranged between the core and the outer sleeve; as well as a base chamber that is configured below a core offset. The elastomer spring is configured in multiple steps in the vertical direction X, specifically consisting of at least a first spring and a second spring, whereby a chamber is present between two springs, in each instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Phoenix AG
    Inventors: Michael Groth, Andre Sanz
  • Patent number: 6921066
    Abstract: A connector assembly/device for elastically connecting a steering wheel to a rotary member supported by a stationary member so the rotary member is rotatable upon rotation of the steering wheel, including a first member fixed to the rotary member for rotation therewith, a second member fixed to the steering wheel for rotation steering wheel, an elastic body interposed between the first and second members to elastically connect the first and second members, and a relative-rotation restrictor located between the first and second members, for restricting an amount of elastic deformation of the elastic body upon rotation of the second member relative to the first member, to restrict a maximum angle of relative rotation of the first and second members permitted by the elastic deformation of the elastic body, for thereby restricting a maximum angle of rotation of the steering wheel relative to the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Hamada
  • Patent number: 6889988
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly includes a stabilizer bar having a bushing, a bushing retainer in mechanical compressive engagement with the bushing, and a mounting bracket adapted to connect the stabilizer bar to an automotive vehicle. The bushing retainer can have a uniform outer diameter such that the bushing is compressed uniformly over the entire length of the bushing retainer, or, alternatively, the bushing retainer can have a stepped outer diameter such that the bushing is compressed differently within discrete sections along the length of the bushing retainer. A method of inducing a pre-load onto a bushing that supports a stabilizer bar includes: providing a stabilizer bar, placing a bushing onto the stabilizer bar, placing a bushing retainer, having an first outer diameter onto the bushing, and reducing the outer diameter of the bushing retainer to a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Haimian Cai, Steve Xi Lin, Lakshmana Gummadi
  • Patent number: 6854723
    Abstract: An outer sleeveless type resilient bush wherein a resilient body fixed to the outer circumference of an inner sleeve is brought into contact with the inside face of a support hole of an article to be supported, an inserted sleeve being embedded in the resilient body, axial notches and split grooves are respectively formed on the inserted sleeve and the resilient body. flanges that bend in the diametrically outwards direction are formed at both ends of the inserted sleeve, and arranged to extend outwards in the diametrically outwards direction and the flange at one end is made capable of reduction in diameter, so that the resilient bush can be inserted into the support hole from the side of this flange, and resistance to withdrawal from the support hole can be increased and performance is improved by making the initial compression ratio of the resilient body large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsu Ogawa, Kazutaka Suzuki, Keiichi Sunami
  • Patent number: 6802498
    Abstract: A cylindrical mounting apparatus includes: a cylindrical mount having an elastic body elastically connecting an inner and outer sleeve disposed in mutually spaced-apart relation; and a bracket independent of the cylindrical mount and having a pair of support plates opposed to each other with a spacing therebetween. The mount is interposed between the pair of support plates and fastened to the bracket by a mounting bolt extending through a bore of the inner sleeve across the support plates. Two positioning protrusions protrude from an inside surface of one support plate toward the other, and a mounting plate is disposed on one axial end of the inner sleeve extending diametrically. A recessed engaging portion of the mounting plate is brought into engagement with the positioning projections to place the mounting plate in a predetermined position about its center axis on the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: Tokia Rubber Industries, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Makino, Akihiro Mayama
  • Patent number: 6802497
    Abstract: An aggregate bearing (1) in bushing-form, having an outer ring (2) and an inner support element (4) and rubber springs (5, 6) arranged in-between, wherein the outer ring (2) is provided with cut-outs (10, 11) at least in the connecting regions (8, 9) of the rubber springs (5, 6), preferably in the main load direction (7); and the cut-outs (10, 11) are provided with end beads (12, 13) which project beyond the outer contour of the outer ring (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Werner Hettler
  • Publication number: 20040173955
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomer spring (1), particularly for rail vehicles, comprising at least:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Groth, Andre Sanz
  • Patent number: 6782981
    Abstract: An antivibration apparatus for limiting vibrations of a virbrating element, comprising a mass, two elastic members connected to the mass, and a support member including a metal sheet plate having a central portion and two lateral wings, the lateral wings being fixed respectively to the elastic members and converging slantwise toward the central portion, away from the mass, and the central portion being adapted to be fixed to the vibrating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Paulstra CRC
    Inventor: Franck Larmande
  • Patent number: 6764066
    Abstract: An hydraulic damping mount has an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve for securing thereto a piston of a spring strut (activatable in at least one direction), an elastomeric body and two chambers. The two chambers are interconnected via a gap. The inner sleeve comprises a radially projecting boss separating the two chambers from each other. The connection between the two chambers is configured in accordance with the invention as a gap between the boss and the outer sleeve so that when activated, the fluid flow through the gap is in the direction opposite to the movement of the boss, resulting in a reduction in the stiffness. This simplifies assembly whilst enhancing the stiffness response of the mount. The invention relates furthermore to a mount for supporting a spring strut in making use of such a mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Trelleborg Automotive Technical Centre GmbH
    Inventor: Arndt Graeve
  • Publication number: 20040135301
    Abstract: Bearing for a piston rod of a piston-cylinder unit, including a bearing body mounting on the piston rod side and a counter-bearing of a component to be carried by the piston rod. The counter-bearing is designed as a bearing flange, the top and bottom side of which are fitted with respective bearing bodies in the form of slide bearings. The bearing body mounting supports the counter-bearing axially on both sides and the two bearing bodies are preloaded by a spring towards the bearing body mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Gunther Handke, Michael Hurrlein, Gabriela Hurrlein
  • Publication number: 20040124052
    Abstract: An antivibration apparatus for limiting vibrations of a vibrating element, comprising a mass, two elastic members connected to said mass, and a support member including a metal sheet plate having a central portion and two lateral wings, the lateral wings being fixed respectively to the elastic members and converging slantwise toward the central portion, away from the mass, and the central portion being adapted to be fixed to the vibrating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Franck Larmande
  • Patent number: 6755405
    Abstract: A rubber bearing with an approximately cylindrical reinforcing element made of one or more insert parts, with each part extending in the axial direction of the bearing. The one or more insert parts are vulcanized into an elastomer of a bearing body between an inner and outer surface of the bearing body. The one or more insert parts having adjacent edges extending axially parallel with a non-straight, mutually complementary edge profile. An intermediate space formed between the adjacent edges of the one or more parts is filled with the elastomer of the bearing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Helmut Kammel, Bernd Kümper, Jim Robinson
  • Publication number: 20040108640
    Abstract: An elastomeric bearing assembly including a concentric outer member operable for securely engaging a bore structure associated with a first structural member, wherein the concentric outer member is disposed substantially within the bore structure. The elastomeric bearing assembly also including a concentric inner member operable for securely engaging a pin structure associated with a second structural member, wherein the concentric inner member is disposed substantially within the concentric outer member. The elastomeric bearing assembly further including an elastomeric section disposed between the concentric inner member and the concentric outer member, wherein the elastomeric section is bonded to a surface of the inner member and a surface of the outer member, and wherein the elastomeric section is operable for accommodating axial, cocking, and torsion motions of the second structural member relative to the first structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Michael, William James Galloway
  • Patent number: 6742619
    Abstract: A skid steer loader and like off-road vehicles with engine mounts having internally snubbed shocks and vibrations isolators, particularly for mounting three and four cylinder engines. The engine mount provides for minimized damage due to shocks from the chassis to the engine and due to vibrations from the engine to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Trelleborg AB
    Inventors: Don Farbotnik, Derek Roworth
  • Publication number: 20040084822
    Abstract: A bushing is shown to include an inner metal component having a performance tuning feature integrated therewith. An elastomer is bonded to the inner metal component. The performance tuning feature may include one or more ribs extending radially outwardly from and circumferentially about the main elongated body portion of the inner metal component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Brent R. Collyer, Daniel R. Adema, Christopher W. Forrest
  • Publication number: 20040056397
    Abstract: A bush-type rubber mount is provided, preferably a hydraulically damping rubber mount, with a, preferably tubular, metallic inner part, an elastomeric mount body surrounding the inner part and connected to it by vulcanization. An outer sleeve accommodates the inner part. The inner part has, in an axial section, two radially outwardly extending elevations located opposite each other on its circumference and are completely embedded in the elastomer. Two elastomer recesses extend in a kidney-shaped pattern in relation to the circumference of the mount body between the elevations and pass axially through the mount body. The two elastomer recesses are arranged in the elastomeric mount body near the inner part, so that the inner part standing free in relation to the outer sleeve in the area of the kidneys is connected to the mount body essentially only via the elevations on the mount body. A defined cardanic axis extending through the apices of the elevations is formed at right angles to the axis of the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Alfred Tatura, Claudia Hoping
  • Publication number: 20040046298
    Abstract: In a so-called bulge type of vibration-isolating bushing wherein an annular cover made of a synthetic resin is provided as a bulge portion on an outer periphery of an axially central part of an inner cylinder, such a vibration-isolating bushing that is superior in buckling strength in the axial direction of the inner cylinder, low-cost, and advantageous in environmental aspect, while preventing any displacement of the annular cover is provided. To that end, a knurling is provided on an outer periphery of an axially central part of a metal pipe constituting the inner cylinder, preferably, together with a serration on an axial edge of the metal pipe; and the annular cover is secured to the outer periphery of the metal pipe inclusive of the knurling by molding of a synthetic resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Seiya Takeshita, Yasukuni Wakita
  • Patent number: 6698733
    Abstract: A hydraulic antivibration support including a first rigid connection device having a base and a vertical pin, a second rigid connection device having a rigid vertical tube, a first elastomer body connecting the base to the second connection device and able to support a permanent weight, a second elastomer body fitted inside the tube. The second elastomer body has two deformable walls, on both sides of a free passage traversed by the pin, defining two hydraulic chambers connected together by a throttled channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Paulstra CRC
    Inventor: Franck Larmande
  • Patent number: 6698731
    Abstract: A multiple chamber piston includes a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber attached by a first channel and a third fluid chamber connected to a fourth fluid chamber by a second channel. Air chambers are provided between the first fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber as well as the second fluid chamber and the fourth fluid chamber. As a result, when vibration is to be attenuated, walls of the air chambers are able to bend and deform to increase compliance of the overall multiple chamber piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Jay Thornhill
  • Patent number: 6691840
    Abstract: A suspension damper including a tube and a damping piston assembly disposed within the tube and slidably mounted therein for reciprocal movement in the tube. The suspension damper also includes a piston rod extending through the tube and connected to the damping piston assembly, a rod guide assembly closing a top end of the tube, and a rebound cut-off disk and spring suspended in the tube between the rod guide assembly and the damping piston assembly and cooperating with the damping piston assembly to provide a rebound cut-off effect between the rebound cut-off disk and the damping piston assembly. The rebound cut-off disk and spring have specific gravities that are less than the specific gravity of the fluid in the tube, such that the disk and the spring are floatable in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Lisenker, Saiman Lun
  • Publication number: 20040017034
    Abstract: A vibration isolating bushing includes: a main shaft member having a tubular portion, a flange portion, and a block portion; an outer cylinder member disposed coaxially with the main shaft member; and a rubber elastic body disposed between the main shaft member and the outer cylinder member. The rubber elastic body includes a hollow portion opening in an end face away from the flange portion and extends in the axial direction up to the vicinity of an end face on a side of the flange portion. The rubber elastic body further includes: a non-deforming rubber portion positioned between the flange portion and the block portion being substantially undeformable by an axial load; and a connecting portion for connecting the non-deforming rubber portion and an inner peripheral surface of an end portion of the outer cylinder member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Seiya Asano, Kazuhiko Kato
  • Publication number: 20040004317
    Abstract: A fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device wherein an inner and an outer sleeve are elastically connected together at their axially upper ends by an elastic body, at their axially lower ends by a flexible layer, and at their axially intermediate portions by a flexible partition. A pressure-receiving chamber partially defined by the elastic body and an equilibrium chamber partially defined by the flexible layer are disposed on opposite sides of the flexible partition, and are held in fluid communication through an orifice passage defined by an orifice defining member attached to an axially intermediate portion of an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. The flexible partition includes a cylindrical portion extending axially upwardly from an inner peripheral portion of the orifice defining member and an annular curved portion extending radially inwardly from the upper end of the cylindrical portion to be fixed to the inner sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Motohiro Hatano, Jyoji Tsutsumida
  • Patent number: 6669183
    Abstract: A spring element of an elastic material, in particular of synthetic plastic for taking a kinetic energy has a tubular piece, and a base plate which is fixedly connected to the tubular piece, the tubular piece having a wall thickness corresponding to a ratio between an outer diameter and an inner diameter of less than 2 and a structural height within the range of 0.7-1.3 of the outer diameter, so that during deflection with approximately 35% of an initial structural height an open end of the tubular piece is fitted over a force-loaded surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ringfeder VBG GmbH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Detzner
  • Patent number: 6666311
    Abstract: A spring strut support bearing, has a top bearing that can be affixed by its inner ring to the front end of an automobile, e.g. to the end of a piston rod of a shock absorber facing a vehicle body. The inner ring is surrounded by an outer ring with radial clearance; at least one elastic spring element made of rubber-elastic material is arranged in a gap formed by the clearance. The outer ring is disposed in a stationary manner with respect to the vehicle body; and only the component of the loading force of the shock absorber extending through the elastic spring element of the top bearing reaches the vehicle body. The inner ring has on each of its two end faces at least one elastically flexible stop buffer for limiting extreme deflection movements in moving direction of the shock absorber, the stop buffers each having the capability of being brought into contact with counter stop faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Michael Schütz
  • Publication number: 20030227118
    Abstract: A mount assembly for connecting a damper rod to a motor vehicle tower comprises a mount housing, a nut, and a resilient cushion. The mount housing has a vertical portion extending through an opening in the tower, and a flange disposed on one side of the tower. The nut is disposed on a side of the tower opposite the one side, and is engaged with the vertical portion of the mount housing. The resilient cushion is disposed within the vertical portion of the mount housing, the damper rod extending through the resilient cushion assembly. A spring engaged with the tower is adapted to transfer loads from the motor vehicle to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: George A. LaBeau
  • Patent number: 6659435
    Abstract: Vibration-isolating device having a low dynamic spring constant, particularly in a high frequency spectrum of about 150 Hz to 300 Hz, and including an annular liquid chamber defined in a rubber elastomer between an internal cylinder member and an external cylinder member. An annular stirring member is arranged in the chamber projecting from an inner periphery side of the external cylinder member inward toward a chamber wall face on the internal cylinder member side form a clearance therebetween. Upon inputting of vibrations, the dynamic spring constant is lowered by the resonance action due to the fluidization of liquid flowing vertically through the clearance within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Yoshitaka Ishimoto
  • Publication number: 20030222384
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration damping bushing comprising: an inner and outer sleeve fixable to a first and a second component, respectively; an elastic body having a tubular main body portion interposed between the inner and outer sleeves and a pair of flange portions integrally formed at axial end portions of the main body portion, which extends radially outwardly and is laminated on axial end faces of the outer sleeve; and a deformation resistant portion provided for at least one flange portion over a given circumferential length, projecting axially outwardly to be opposed to a member of the first component with a spacing therebetween. Due to radial compressive deformation of the main body portion, the flange portion undergoes elastic deformation toward the member of the first component so that the deformation resistant portion comes into contact with the member of the first component to increase resistance to the radial compressive deformation of the main body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kato, Seiya Asano
  • Publication number: 20030218287
    Abstract: A toe correction bushing (1) is composed of a main body (2) and a stopper member (3), wherein the main body (2) is integrally provided with an inner cylinder (4), an outer cylinder (5), and an elastic body (6). The outer cylinder (5) is provided at part of the axial end with an outwardly opening inclined section (7). A recessed space (8) is provided inside of the inclined section (7). The stopper member (3) is provided with a circular plate section (20) and a stopper projection (23) at the peripheral section thereof. A boss (21) provided at the central section of the stopper member (3) is press-fitted into one end of the inner cylinder (4) for integration and at the same time, the stopper projection (23) is caused to engage the recessed space (8). When a lateral force F to the right is applied to the outer cylinder (5), the axial movement of the outer cylinder (5) is controlled by the stopper projection (23) and displaced in the direction perpendicular to the axis by an inclined plane (24) for toe correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Masafumi Mikami, Katsutaka Momose
  • Patent number: 6651966
    Abstract: An aggregate bearing (1) in bushing form having an outer ring (2) and an elastomeric coating (3) and an inner support part (4), as well as rubber springs (5, 6) arranged in-between; axial penetrations (8, 9) are provided between the outer ring (2) and stop buffer (7) located in the direction of the main load (10); and, prior to the bearing being put into use for the first time, the stop buffer(7) located in the main load direction (10) and the inner elastomeric coating (3) of the outer ring (2) are connected to one another by at least one cross-piece (12) arranged in the axial direction of the bearing (1) and designed as a preset rupture joint, in order to achieve as early a progression onset as possible in the direction of the pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Werner Hettler
  • Patent number: 6648110
    Abstract: A method of producing a dust cover assembly comprising the steps of: preparing a fixing member having a mounting bore to be fitted on a shock absorber's piston rod, and an engaging portion formed in its outer circumferential surface as an axially undercut portion; preparing a tubular parison having a large diameter portion at its one axial end portion; positioning the large diameter portion to be disposed radially outwardly of the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member; closing a blow mold to form a mold cavity around the parison and to hold the large diameter portion of the parison in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member; and blow molding the parison by introducing a compressed gas into the blow mold through the mounting bore, thereby molding the dust cover. A dust cover assembly and a shock absorber equipped with the dust cover assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yorikazu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6644635
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping elastomeric bearing is suitable for mountings in a motor vehicle. The elastomeric bearing includes an elastic bearing part which is arranged between a sleeve-shaped outer part and an inner part coaxial thereto and which connects these elastically to one another. At least two chambers, which are filled with a liquid damping medium, communicate with one another via at least one throttle duct. Four chambers are provided, which are arranged in one plane, the four chambers each being arranged in one of four quadrants which are formed by two intersecting axes arranged in the plane, and at least two throttle ducts being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Breitfeld, Klaus-Thomas Hettich, Bernd Koeder
  • Patent number: 6622996
    Abstract: Hydraulically damping rubber bearing consisting of an inner part, an outer part a certain distance concentrically or eccentrically outside the inner part, and a rubber part between the inner part and the outer part, in which rubber part at least one damping medium-filled chamber is provided. A certain distance concentrically inside the inner part, another tubular part is provided, part of the outside surface of this tubular part and part of the inside surface of the inner part being at least partially spherical, an elastic element being provided between these two spherical areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann Boge GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Mayerböck, Stephan Frisch
  • Patent number: 6619639
    Abstract: A bushing for a lift axle assembly for a heavy vehicle. The lift axle assembly selectively lowers and raises supplemental wheels of the vehicle into and out of engagement with a support surface and forms a part of the support system for the vehicle when the supplemental wheels are lowered. The assembly comprising at least one bushing. The bushing includes a hard polymeric sleeve having a wall thickness of about 0.1″ to about 0.3″ (0.25-0.76 cm) and a hardness of greater than Shore 65D. An elastomeric polyurethane sleeve surrounds the hard polymeric sleeve and is fixed to it. A metal shaft is rotatably mounted in the hard polymeric sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: ATRO Engineered Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bert C. Shelley, Keith W. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20030155698
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns an elastic articulation designed to be linked to a vehicle body suspension arm and capable of operating in torsion and of carrying a substantial part of the body weight, comprising an inner reinforcement 8, an outer reinforcement 9 enclosing the inner reinforcement, and an elastomeric sleeve 7, arranged between the inner and outer reinforcements and whereof the inner and outer peripheral surfaces are linked without any possibility of sliding to said inner and outer reinforcements. The disclosure is further characterized in that the outer reinforcement 9 is configured so as to be able to be fixed directly to the body of a vehicle, without any intermediate rigid support part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Serge Lefebvre, Michel Gautheron
  • Publication number: 20030155809
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit (11) is elastically supported by means of elastomer elements (17, 18), through which bolts (15, 16) pass, on two legs (13, 14) of a mounting bracket (12) that extend perpendicular to one another. The leg (14) of the mounting bracket (12) has recesses, open counter to the mounting direction (45) of the unit (11), for receiving the elastomer element (18). With clamping means (34, 35, 36) disposed on the bolt (16), the elastomer element (18) is axially shortened and pressed against both the recess and side faces, located on either side of the recess, of the leg (14) of the mounting bracket (12). With the shortened elastomer element (18), a positive and nonpositive engagement with the leg (14) of the mounting bracket (12) is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Schlitzkus, Rainer Schwarz, Andreas Weh
  • Publication number: 20030137087
    Abstract: A hydraulic bushing forms a mount between a first component and a second component by including a first spring portion connected between a core and an inner support structure and a second spring portion surrounding the inner support structure. The first spring portion is formed of rubber and defines hydraulic fluid cavities and a fluid channel extending between the cavities, while the second spring portion is formed of microcellular polyurethane. The first spring portion and the second spring portion are located so they operate in series with one another. In this way, vibrations of a load transferred through the hydraulic bushing can be damped at a predetermined low frequency by the rubber with hydraulic fluid cavities, while still allowing for isolating of higher frequencies by the microcellular polyurethane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Rod G. Hadi, Bjoern Oppermann
  • Publication number: 20030137088
    Abstract: A hydraulic bushing forms a mount between a first component and a second component by including a spring portion connected between a core and an inner support structure. The spring portion includes a first spring portion formed of rubber and defining hydraulic fluid cavities and a fluid channel extending between the cavities, with the cavities located about a first portion of the core, and a second spring portion formed of microcellular polyurethane about a second portion of the perimeter. The first spring portion and the second spring portion are located in parallel to one another. In this way, vibrations of a load transferred through the hydraulic bushing between the core and the inner support structure can be damped at a predetermined low frequency by the rubber with hydraulic fluid cavities, while still allowing for isolating of higher frequencies by the microcellular polyurethane portion of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Rod G. Hadi, Bjoern Oppermann
  • Publication number: 20030111780
    Abstract: In a resilient bush (2) of the outer sleeveless type and wherein a resilient body (21) fixed to the outer circumference of an inner sleeve (20) is directly brought into contact with the inside face of the support hole of an article to be supported, an inserted sleeve (22) being embedded in the resilient body (21), resistance to withdrawal from the support hole can be increased and performance is improved by making the initial compression ratio of the resilient body (21) large. Flanges (22a, 22b) that bend in the diametrically outwards direction are formed at both ends of the inserted sleeve (22), and it is arranged for these flanges (22a, 22b) at both ends to extend outwards in the diametrically outwards direction from the projection plane in the axial direction of the support hole, in a condition in which the resilient bush is fitted into the support hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsu Ogawa, Kazutaka Suzuki, Keiichi Sunami
  • Patent number: 6575441
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Serge Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 6557874
    Abstract: A suspension assembly is provided for use in stabilizing a vehicle during turning maneuvers. The suspension assembly includes a frame and the stabilizer bar secured to the frame by a bracket. A bushing having a hole along an axis receives the stabilizer bar. The bushing has a first portion disposed between the bracket and the stabilizer bar with the stabilizer bar supported by the first portion in a slip-fit relationship. A second portion extends from the first portion along the axis with a tether portion connecting the first and second portions. A notch is arranged adjacent to the tether portion and separates the first and second portions. Preferably, the notch and tether portion provide a frangible connection between the first and second portions. A clamp is supported on the second portion to secure the second portion to the stabilizer bar thereby preventing relative rotation between the second portion and the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Suspension Systems Company
    Inventor: Joseph A. Fader
  • Patent number: 6540216
    Abstract: An engine mount bushing for use on a motor vehicle. The bushing includes a hard case, and a core located within that case. The bushing further includes an elastomer isolator contacting the core and case. The bushing also includes a foamed elastomer isolator contacting the core, the case and the elastomer isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: Shahram Tousi, Rod Hadi
  • Patent number: 6527261
    Abstract: A hydraulically damping elastomeric bearing, which is suitable for mountings in a motor vehicle, includes an elastic connecting body which is arranged between a first bearing component and a second bearing component and connects these elastically to one another. Two chambers which are filled with a liquid damping medium communicate with one another via at least one throttle duct. To generate a specific damping characteristic, at least two throttle ducts are provided, which connect the two chambers to one another, the first throttle duct containing an absorber which is adjusted as a function of pressure differences between the chambers in the first throttle duct, the absorber controlling the opening cross-section of the second throttle duct as a function of its adjusting movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Breitfeld, Klaus-Thomas Hettich, Bernd Koeder
  • Patent number: 6520493
    Abstract: A lift strut with directional damping comprising a housing comprising a wall that defines a housing chamber, the housing defining an axis; spring means located in the chamber; piston means movable through the chamber along the axis in a first direction and a second direction, the spring means biasing the piston means in the first direction, the piston means comprising a shaft, a seat connected to the shaft along the shaft length, and a resilient member fixed to the seat, the resilient element comprising at least one primary damping ridge and a damping tongue, each of the at least one primary damping ridges being in friction engagement with the housing as the resilient member is moved in the first and second directions, the damping tongue being in engagement with the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the first direction and being located away from the housing wall when the resilient member is moved in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: Atle Larsen
  • Publication number: 20030030201
    Abstract: A vibration-isolating device for mounting and/or supporting an apparatus in vibrational insulation from adjacent structures, and a method for fabricating the vibration-isolating device. The vibration-isolating device includes a housing with a side wall portion joined to an end cap. A cushion is disposed on an inner surface of the side wall portion. The cushion is at least partially spaced from the end cap to form an interior compartment. A displaceable member is affixed to the cushion, extending away from the end cap. The displaceable member moves relative to the housing to dampen vibrations or sudden forces exerted on either the member or the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: R.M. Wade & Co.
    Inventor: Michael Burns Williams
  • Patent number: 6513801
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly includes a stabilizer bar and a pair of bushing assemblies. Each bushing assembly includes a first semi-circular member, a second semi-circular member and a hinge connecting the two semi-circular members together. The two semi-circular members encases the stabilizer bar and the two semi-circular members are encased by a frame bracket which attaches the stabilizer bar to a vehicle. Each semi-circular member includes an embedded rigid semi-circular member to control the compression and flexing of the bushing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Frank J. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20030020223
    Abstract: A vibration-isolating bushing, with which downsizing and weight reduction are attainable and the face pressure of the edge face of an inner cylinder can be reduced, comprises an inner cylinder having a bulge portion bulging in an axially central area thereof in an axially square direction, an outer cylinder disposed outwardly of the inner cylinder in a spaced relationship, and a rubber-like elastomer interposed between the inner and outer cylinders and vulcanization-molded. After the vulcanization molding, an upset portion is formed at one extremity of the inner cylinder in a larger wall-thickness than that of other part by abuttingly forcing an axially one edge face of the inner cylinder on a contact-pressing jig in the axial direction, whereby the area of the edge face is enlarged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Masanao Kameda
  • Patent number: 6508342
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided including a telescopic damper having a piston rod extending from a first end. A mount assembly is mounted on the piston rod. A dust tube is provided the damper assembly including a substantially closed end, the closed end positioned between the telescopic damper and the mount assembly. The closed end of the dust tube includes an opening for receiving the piston rod and a rate surface for contacting a bumper portion of the mount assembly when the damper assembly contracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Pape, Zbigniew G. Krawiec