Abstract: A leaf spring (76) for holding down the pad backplate (72) and the pressure distributor plate, if any, in the pad opening of a disc brake at one side rests on a movable frame (12) of the brake and at the other side pressurizes the lining backplate and the pressure distributor plate, if any. The leaf spring (76) is designed such that, in relaxed condition, it has an arched center portion (106) which is followed at either end by an at least approximately straight side portion (108,108') the end portions (84,84') of which are fixed at the lining backplate and pressure distributor plate, respectively, in the direction of extension of the leaf spring. This is to assure reliable hold-down even at great accelerations in spite of the fact that the brake linings remain easy to be applied and released. Such a leaf spring provides a favorable hold-down characteristic for the lining backplate and the pressure distributor plate without impeding the venting of the brake.

Abstract: A flexible, resilient control arm is rigidly connected at an inner end thereof to a side of a vehicle frame and pivotally connected at an outer end thereof to a wheel assembly. A rigid control arm may be pivotally connected at an inner end thereof to the side of the frame and pivotally connected at an outer end thereof to the wheel assembly. A shock absorber is connected for damping motion of the wheel assembly. The flexible control arm thus operates in place of a second rigid control arm and a separate coil or leaf spring. The flexible control arm may have various composite constructions for providing both dimensional integrity and flexibility, including metal and binder impregnated fiber portions having varying thickness and width along their lengths.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a primary composite control arm element and a secondary composite control arm element. The secondary element has a length shorter than a length of the primary element. A root attachment assembly is provided for mounting an inner end of each of the primary and secondary elements to a corresponding side of a vehicle frame. The primary and secondary elements are positioned relative to each other such that the secondary element overlaps an inner portion of the primary element. An outer portion of the primary element extends beyond an outer end of the secondary element. A wheel hub assembly is mounted to the outer portion of the primary element. A shock absorber is connected to the side of the frame for damping motion of the outer end of the primary element relative to the frame. The primary and secondary composite control arm elements provide greater overall strength, a progressive spring rate, and over-load protection.

Abstract: A spring is constructed as a resilient U-shaped piece comprising a middle portion and leg portions disposed in the same plane, the leg portions including a bearing for taking an external load. The bearings are disposed on the leg portions in such a manner that a line passing through the centers of the bearings is parallel to the middle portion.

Abstract: A leaf spring of plastic material having a spring body of fiber-reinforced plastic material, which at least at one end is provided with a thickening, with an end zone (1) of the spring body increasing in its thickness towards the spring end (5'). On this thickened end zone (1), a spring eye body (6, 19, 26) is wedged up at its appropriately laminar mounting zones with the aid of clamping sleeves.For the manufacture of the plastic material leaf spring, one advantageously starts with a spring body, the end zone (1) of which exhibits plane parallel top and bottom sides (2, 3), respectively, on which coatings of a plastic mass of fiber-reinforced duromer plastic material are applied to form the aforementioned thickening.

Abstract: A constant cross-sectional area filament wound composite material leaf spring of optimal energy storage efficiency given the constraints of filament winding and maximum spring width comprises a portion which widens toward the end of the spring, the rate of increase of width of the spring being such that the longitudinal side surfaces of the spring along such portions follow a lateral, outwardly convex curve of radius R.sub.I, wherein R.sub.I at each point is substantially equal to the camber, i.e., the longitudinal radius of curvature R.sub.C at that point.

Abstract: A method of producing a plastic leaf spring for motor vehicles comprising forming a plurality of cured duromeric plastic strips reinforced with high strength fibers aligned substantially in the direction of the maximum elongation or compression of the fibers occurring under spring load at least in essential resilient regions of the spring, the said resilient regions being said strips bonded together by an adhesive and eventually also being bonded to a second, more resilient element and/or to another element and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bicycle. The bicycle includes a frame joining the front and rear wheels where the frame comprises a leaf spring suspension which enables the front and rear wheels to resiliently pivot relative to one another. The saddle and pedal mechanism are attached to the suspension.

Abstract: A non-metallic leaf spring in which a unitary body member is made up of strands of glass fibers distributed in a matrix of polymerized epoxy resin. The spring is provided with end fittings and a mounting assembly intermediate the ends of the spring by which the spring can be mounted between suspended and unsuspended structures without causing stress concentrations at the non-metallic spring. The method and apparatus by which the spring is manufactured casues strands of fiber to be distributed throughout the spring at a substantially uniform density throughout the longitudinal length of the spring.

Abstract: A plastic leaf spring for motor vehicles comprising a plurality of cured durometic plastic strips reinforced with high strength fibers aligned substantially in the direction of the maximum elongation or compression of the fibers occurring under spring load at least in essential resilient regions of the spring, the resilient regions being the strips bonded together by an adhesive and eventually also being bonded to another element and a process for its preparation.

Abstract: A spring for use in a vehicle suspension comprises at least one leaf having longitudinal ends tapering outwardly from one end of the spring to the other to form a substantially trapezoidal shaped leaf spring. The leaf is resiliently biased by a spring constant to a normally semi-elliptical shape which deflects into a substantially linear orientation when the vehicle supported upon a ground surface by the suspension. The linear orientation of the usually semi-elliptical spring maximizes resistance to lateral distortion in the direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the spring. Preferably, the spring comprises a single leaf having tapered longitudinal edges and an eye at each longitudinal end adapted to receive a mounting pin therethrough.

Abstract: An improved coined reel leaf spring for a video tape cassette is provided having a central portion and arms emanating therefrom. The arms include at least one rib formed therein adding strength to the arms and allowing a one-half reduction in the conventional thickness of the coined reel leaf spring required to effect bending and biasing. The reduced thickness, of course, reduces material costs for the coined reel leaf spring and overall production costs for the tape cassette.

Abstract: In the process for producing a leaf spring which, at least in essential springy sections, is composed of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, a continuous web (9) is formed comprised of reinforcing fibers, appropriately in the form of fiber rovings or fibrous tissues, with the reinforcing fibers being appropriately impacted or impregnated with a hardenable plastic substance, whereupon intermediate layer pieces (37) are appropriately put on the continuous web (9). The continuous web (9) is then wound up in several layers (36) on a rotating pick-up device (27) into a continuous reel (35), with the intermediate layer pieces (37) arranging themselves in the continuous reel (35) between contiguous superposed continuous web layers (36); the continuous reel (35) is then placed in a mold in such a manner that it adjoins along its entire periphery the barrel-shaped contact area of the mold chamber.

Abstract: A leaf spring construction employs tapered leaf elements made from a steel sheet, where at least the tapered portion of the leaf elements have an arcuate shape in transverse cross-section with a convex surface on the tension side and a concave surface on the compression side thereof.

Abstract: An elongate member with a composite construction has a pair of spring portions connected by an intermediate beam portion. The elongate member is connected to a uni-body or other vehicle frame so that it extends horizontally in a transverse direction across the frame. The spring portions may be tapered so that they are flexible and resilient when a predetermined set of wheel loads are applied to the outer ends thereof. The intermediate beam portion is dimensioned and configured to provide a rigid structural element that may be used to provide additional lateral strength for the uni-body frame. A wheel assembly is connected to the outer end of each of the spring portions and a shock absorber connects each wheel assembly to the uni-body frame to damp up and down motion of the corresponding wheel.

Abstract: Improvements to the various components of hydrostatic bearing levitation systems, systems wherein fluid pressure between a load and the rails of a track system supports and guides the load, are described. The rail has a plurality of lengthwise extending ports and nozzles communicating from the innermost ports through the curved upper wall to the interface area between the rail and the load. The nozzles are arranged in longitudinally aligned groups and in a pair of parallel rows with the groups of one row being longitudinally staggered with respect to the groups of the other row. The nozzles can be inexpensively produced by boring an oversize hole through the upper wall and fixing a cannula, such as a hypodermic needle, in the bore. The cannula's internal diameter is the desired nozzle diameter. The load support member has a compliant outer cover, a central core, and a filler material wound tightly on the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steel and a process for its manufacture which is suitable for the production of springs, especially leafsprings for vehicles. The steel which is vacuum-treated is an ordinary low-carbon steel with 0.20-0.04% C. Its composition is incidentally characterized in that the oxygen content does not exceed 0.040% and in that boron is added to an amount of 0.002-0.004% and titanium to an amount of 0.015-0.050%. The addition of boron causes the hardenability to increase greatly, thus making it possible to keep the carbon content low and, in consequence, reducing the danger of destructive decarbonization.A characteristic of the process of production consists in the fact that the steel is produced in an oxygen converter in such a manner that the nitrogen content in the ladle does not exceed 20 ppm, in that it is subsequently subjected to vacuum treatment and in that Al is added so that the amount of uncombined oxygen drops to max.

Abstract: A constant cross-sectional area filament wound composite material leaf spring of optional energy storage efficiency given the constraints of filament winding and maximum spring width comprises a portion which widens toward the end of the spring, the rate of increase of width of the spring being such that the longitudinal side surfaces of the spring along such portions follow a lateral, outwardly convex curve of radius R.sub.I, wherein R.sub.I at each point is substantially equal to the camber, i.e., the longitudinal radius of curvature R.sub.C at that point.

Abstract: A suspension consisting of an elastic leaf (17) made of a composite material, having in its plane of vertical symmetry a height which increases towards the end or ends supporting the wheels. The leaf is fixed to the chassis (21) at two points (22) which are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The leaf may be mounted longitudinally or transversely.The leaf may consist of fibers extending longitudinally, without being cut, from one end to the other, embedded in an appropriate binder.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin leaf spring including a curved central section and a pair of generally circular end sections connected to the respective ends of the central section. Each end section defines an opening to receive a connecting member. The spring is wound from an endless strand of substantially continuous fibers impregnated with a cured thermosetting resin. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs are formed in the neck region of the spring, which joins the curved central section to the respective end sections. The ribs, which extend alternately upwardly and downwardly from a plane extending through the neutral axis of the spring, increase the stiffness of the spring in the neck region and prevent delamination of the fibrous windings during service.

Abstract: In a FRP leaf spring consisting of a main body and a rib, the main body has a taper portion so tapered that the thickness of the main body varies continuously along the longitudinal direction thereof, and the rib is projected integrally from the main body in the direction of the thickness thereof, extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body, so that the total sectional area of the main body and the rib, as well as the width of the main body, is kept substantially fixed in every position along the longitudinal direction to ensure uniform stress distribution.

Abstract: An FRP leaf spring wherein finer continuous fibers are embedded in that thickness range of the leaf spring to which tension stress is applied, and continuous fibers of greater diameters are embedded in that thickness range of the leaf spring to which compression stress is applied.

Abstract: A leaf spring is provided in which the major component is a leaf made up of continuous strands of fibers distributed in a matrix of polymerized plastic resin. The spring has a theoretical constant cross-sectional area and uniform width throughout its length and at the same time is thickest at its midportion and tapers to the opposite ends. The spring results in an arrangement having a cavity intermediate opposite ends and opposite sides which is capable of receiving locating pins or bolts of the type used with conventional metal leaf springs without the requirement for drilling of holes or otherwise weakening the structure. One embodiment of the invention incorporates a metallic leaf with the non-metallic components.

Abstract: A leaf spring construction including at least one leaf element made from a flat sheet of uniform width and thickness, the leaf element having an arcuate shape in the transverse cross-section with a convex surface on tension stress side and a concave surface on compression stress side thereof, the leaf element having in cross-section a width b and a transverse center line forming an arc of a radius r.sub.c with the relation of2.0.gtoreq.r.sub.c /b.gtoreq.0.64and a thickness t with the relation of0.2.gtoreq.t/b.gtoreq.0.05In a laminated leaf spring including a plurality of such leaf elements, each leaf element is formed to have a convex surface of a radius of curvature r.sub.o and a concave surface of a radius of curvature r.sub.i in the relation of1.2.gtoreq.r.sub.o /r.sub.i .gtoreq.1.0.

Abstract: Composite control arm apparatus combines the functions of dimensional integrity and flexibility to replace a control arm and a spring in the suspension of an automotive vehicle. Different embodiments of composite control arm apparatus are shown, some of which include two materials bonded together, with one material providing primarily dimensional integrity and the other material providing primarily springiness or flexibility so that the two functions are combined in a single composite element.

Abstract: An assembly of a leaf spring of composite, fibre reinforced resin, material, and a component secured to the spring by clamping means, wherein the relative positions of the spring and component are determined by a locating element with a head engaging in a shallow, sloping walled, recess in the spring, and a body which engages the component, e.g. with an aperture therein. An element of resilient material, e.g. a polyurethane rubber, may be positioned adjacent the spring surface to prevent abrasive wear thereof.

Abstract: An elongated spring member is formed of fiber reinforced plastics, particularly resin-impregnated glass fiber strands, and includes end provisions adjacent the two ends for the reception of attachment elements associated with the use of the spring. The spring includes parallel impregnated strands which have been wound about a rack provided with end supports following which the entire wound resinous product is placed within a mold cavity and cured to provide a spring member having integral, molded end provisions encircled by continuous, uncut reinforcing fibers with or without the inclusion of additional reinforcing material, and which is molded without the formation of any significant waste product. The improved spring member includes transversely disposed end provisions which may comprise a passageway or elongated end members encircled by the reinforced strands and the center axis thereof may be along the neutral axis of the spring body or alternatively, above or below the neutral axis.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring for use in a vehicle suspension system having a pair of metal outer skins and a stiff plastic core bonded between the skins. The core can be made of any one of a variety of filled or unfilled polymers which has a relatively high shearing strength and sufficiently isotropic properties so as to handle stresses in all directions. An important aspect of the invention is that it provides for a simple and inexpensive method for manufacturing a contoured composite leaf spring which includes the steps of first positioning the skins in a spaced relation within a female mold and then pouring or injecting the core material into the space between the skins. Preferably, the skins are of uniform width and thickness to reduce manufacturing costs. In most common vehicle applications, the spring would have a point of maximum thickness in the central section where the bending moment is greatest and would be tapered toward each end.

Abstract: A member of composite material incorporates at least one strain responsive member within a part at which a strain is induced by a load in use. A signal which is a function of a strain detetected by the strain responsive member is communicated to an indicator or monitoring device which registers the applied load causing the strain.In one embodiment a leaf spring for a vehicle comprises upper and lower elements of one or more superimposed strips of pre-impregnated longitudinally extending carbon fibres and an inner element of one or more strips of pre-impregnated glass fibres. During laying up of the strips two strain gauges (13, 14), which may be on or integral with a carrier strip, and their leads (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) are introduced into the active length of the spring which experiences a bending moment on the application of a load. The gauges are positioned at a pre-determined distance apart which is maintained when the member is cured, as by hot press moulding.

Abstract: The normally generally straight, slightly arcuate main leaf of an auxiliary or "helper" leaf spring bundle is modified to include loops at both ends thereof, enveloping the respective helper leaf bracket of the frame, to provide additional anti-sway resistance. The device combines extreme simplicity, particularly in modification of existing suspension systems, for instance when it is desired to use a truck frame in applications subjecting same to extreme canting forces, for instance, in combination with a boom mechanism of a cherry picker device or the like.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly in which the leaves, except for the longest or spring-eye leaf, the leaf adjacent thereto, and the shortest leaf, are formed from bar stock by cutting same with an ogee or sloped S-shaped die section without producing any resultant scrap; cambering and heat treating the individual leaves in the conventional manner; and assembling same such that each successive leaf is shorter than the predecessor leaf and its ogee-shaped end is mounted in the oppositely disposed attitude relative to the predecessor leaf, with substantially full length contact therebetween, without providing for conventional tip inserts or leaf separators therebetween.

Abstract: A long-lived, unitized seal biasing spring assembly for use in rotary mechanisms such as rotary engines. The rotary mechanism with which the invention is to be used includes an operating chamber and a rotor within the chamber. At least one seal retaining groove is provided in the rotor and the seal is retained in the groove and extends partially out of the groove into sealing engagement with the chamber. A unitized, multi-leaf spring assembly made according to the invention is disposed in the groove and engages the seal to bias the seal into sealing engagement. Through the use of a unitized construction, assembly is facilitated while the use of a multi-leaf biasing spring arrangement dramatically reduces spring stress substantially prolonging the useful life thereof.

Abstract: The spring comprises at least one spring leaf formed from a bar having a circular cross-section and flattened progressively toward each end. The portions of the bar defining the ends have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The center part of the bar is cylindrical.The flattened ends may be rolled round onto themselves to form eyes for the passage of spring fastening means.The spring may have a plurality of such leaves and for a secondary leaf devoid of eyes.

Abstract: Light-weight, corrosion-resistant, elongated spring structure formed from fiber-reinforced composite material and method of manufacture in which a configuration-defining core portion is laid up from non-woven fiber plies of varying longitudinal dimension with such centrally located core portion being overlaid with a plurality of elongated plies of non-woven fibers extending between longitudinal ends of the spring structure. Transverse strength in the elongated spring structure is obtained from placement of crossply material generally contiguous to the outer surface or by helical wrapping of the longitudinally oriented plies. Included are methods for forming integral spring-mounting means and manufacture of a plurality of spring structures simultaneously.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle such as a trailer or tractor wherein ground-engaging wheels on an axle are mounted on a pair of control arms, which in turn are pivotably mounted for vertical swinging motion at one end to frame brackets laterally disposed at opposite sides of the vehicle frame. Spring means are disposed in a load-transmitting relation between another end of the control arm and the vehicle frame. The pivotal connection between the frame bracket and the control arm includes a bolt which passes through an aperture in the control arm and slotted apertures in the frame bracket to provide fore and aft adjustment of the control arm at the pivotal connection. This slotted connection facilitates alignment of the axle relative to the vehicle frame. The bolt is carried in the slotted adjustment apertures by special mounting plates which have means for pivotably supporting the plate on the frame bracket and means for gripping the mounting plates for movement with respect to the frame brackets.

Abstract: A very light and high efficiency leaf spring made from a curved hollow tube with flattened opposite ends, cross section of said tube having a form which varies progressively from the center part of the tube towards each opposite ends but wall of the tube having the same area in any cross section throughout the length of the leaf.