Having Flexible Wall Patents (Class 267/64.23)
  • Patent number: 11897299
    Abstract: Mounting bracket assemblies including a base bracket and a clamp. The base bracket includes a base bracket wall with a base wall portion having a first surface portion and a second surface portion. The base bracket is positioned along an existing jounce bumper mount of a vehicle with the first surface portion engaging a distal edge of the jounce bumper mount. The clamp is the base bracket and extends peripherally along a side wall portion of the jounce bumper mount in abutting engagement with an outer peripheral surface portion thereof and coextensively therewith. Suspension systems, mounting bracket kits and methods of assembling a mounting bracket assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 11879514
    Abstract: Disclosed are a compound impact-resistant device and an application thereof. The compound impact-resistant device includes an inner cylinder, a first pressure sensor and an outer cylinder; an inner cavity of the inner cylinder is connected to a magnetorheological damper, a spiral valve element, a floating piston and a spring from bottom to top; and the outer cylinder is connected to a piston rod, a bottom end of the piston rod penetrates a top of the inner cylinder, the spring and the floating piston to be connected to the spiral valve element, and a portion below the spiral valve element is filled with hydraulic oil. The compound impact-resistant device can provide specific initial support force and achieve active self-adaptation to dynamic impact, thus solving the problems that traditional hydraulic buffers cannot provide initial support force and traditional mechanical crushing members have difficulty in providing large support force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Shandong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chenglong Wang, Meng Chen
  • Patent number: 11667169
    Abstract: A spring element, in particular a jounce bumper, for a vehicle suspension contains a longitudinal axis, a base body extending along the longitudinal axis, and an end portion positioned on a base end of the base body. The base body is elastically deformable between an uncompressed basic state and a compressed state in which the base body is at least partially compressed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The end portion is configured for mounting the base body in a mounting cap. It is suggested that the end portion contains a plurality of at least two radially extending retention elements that are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and each of the retention elements are configured to engage a mating retention element provided on the mounting cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: BASF Polyurethanes GmbH
    Inventors: Anthony Touzard, Josef Heidemann
  • Patent number: 11548345
    Abstract: A suspension component for a vehicle may include a spring section performing a support function for supporting a portion of the vehicle and a shock absorbing section performing a damping function to damp action of the spring section. The spring section may be adjustable to provide adjustable support characteristics and the shock absorbing section is adjustable to provide adjustable damping characteristics. The spring section may be adjustable independent of the shock absorbing section. The spring section of the suspension component may define a gas chamber for holding a quantity of a gas to provide a spring support for the vehicle, and the shock absorbing section of the suspension component may define a fluid chamber to provide damping of movement of the spring section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: AFCO Performance Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jesse Jurrens
  • Patent number: 11535076
    Abstract: A damper mount structure improves accuracy of positioning to increase assembling efficiency and includes a damper mount for fixing an upper portion of a suspension device to an attachment opening formed in a vehicle body. The damper mount includes: a housing to be mounted on the upper portion of the suspension device; a stay which protrudes from an outer circumferential surface of the housing and is brought in contact with a lower surface of a circumferential edge of the attachment opening in a state that the housing has been inserted through the attachment opening to attach the housing to the circumferential edge of the attachment opening; and a plurality of ribs which connect the stay with an outer circumferential surface of the housing. A first rib, a second rib, and a third rib include side surfaces, respectively, facing an inner circumferential surface of the attachment opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kubota, Yasufumi Nakajima, Takashi Okazaki
  • Patent number: 11485881
    Abstract: Structural adhesive films are presented which comprise branched or networked polymers which are the reaction product of one or more polyether sulfone polymers, which may include amine-terminated polyether sulfone polymers and/or hydroxy-terminated polyether sulfone polymers, with epoxy-functional chemical species including the reaction product of one or more first polyepoxides with an amine-terminated branched polytetrahydrofuran polymer. The structural adhesive films may possess high strength, holding power and durability in high-temperature applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Lianzhou Chen
  • Patent number: 11421750
    Abstract: Gas spring assemblies include a flexible spring member and a restraining cylinder. The flexible spring member includes a flexible wall extending longitudinally between first and second ends as well as peripherally about a longitudinal axis. The flexible wall includes an inside surface and an outside surface with the inside surface at least partially defining a spring chamber. The restraining cylinder includes a cylinder wall that extends longitudinally between first and second open ends as well as peripherally about the longitudinal axis. The cylinder wall includes an inside surface and an outside surface. The restraining cylinder is disposed longitudinally along the flexible spring member between the first and second ends thereof with at least a portion of the inside surface of the restraining cylinder permanently attached to the flexible wall along the outside surface thereof by way of a chemically-bonded joint. Methods of assembly are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Rutger Zegveld, Jan van Aartsen
  • Patent number: 11312198
    Abstract: Air spring strut for a motor vehicle comprising an air spring with a shock damper for the spring-cushioning and damping of oscillations of a motor vehicle chassis, wherein the air spring comprises an air spring cover and a rolling piston, wherein a rolling bellows of elastomer material is clamped in an airtight manner between the air spring cover and the rolling piston. The air spring cover comprises a damper bearing receptacle in which a damper bearing of the shock damper is arranged, and the air spring cover comprises a clamping base to which a first end of the rolling bellows is attached. At least the damper bearing receptacle of the air spring cover is produced completely from a plastic material, and the plastic material is a thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Kai Marcus Rautenberg
  • Patent number: 11041539
    Abstract: A bi-directional damping system generates damping forces in two opposing directions. A shaft has a plurality of bi-directional damping modules fixedly coupled thereto. Each module includes a fluid-filled variable-volume first chamber including at least one port through which fluid can flow based on changes in volume of the first chamber, and a fluid-filled variable-volume second chamber including at least one port through which fluid can flow based on changes in volume of the second chamber. The first chamber and second chamber are fluidically isolated from one another. A fluid-filled spacer chamber is coupled to adjacent ones of the modules. The spacer chamber includes at least one venting port through which fluid can flow based on pressure in the spacer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: W. Neill Myers, Robert E. Berry, Frederick Scott Gant, Jeffrey Lee Lindner, John S. Townsend
  • Patent number: 10451135
    Abstract: A gas spring system (10), comprising: an end plate (12); a piston (14) laterally spaced from said end plate (12); a first flexible sleeve (16) having a first end (13) and a second end (15), said first end (13) of the first flexible sleeve (16) sealingly connected to the end plate (12); a second flexible sleeve (18) having a first end (17) and a second end (19), said first end (17) of the second flexible sleeve (18) sealingly connected to the piston (14); and a swage assembly (20) sealingly engaging the respective second ends (15, 19) of said first and second flexible sleeves (16, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Graham R. Brookes
  • Patent number: 10168103
    Abstract: A structure for the end of pressure vessels, most applicably plate heat exchangers, for reducing the effects of movement changes and vibrations caused by variations in internal pressure and temperature. The end is made up of a heat transfer plate and an end part in such a way that the end part is connected by welding to the shell of the outer surface of the heat exchanger stack, forming an enclosed chamber on the end of the heat exchanger, into which chamber higher pressure than the external pressure level is brought and/or generated. The higher pressure receives and dampens, via a heat transfer plate, vibration and pressure shocks harmful to the heat exchanger structure in the medium circuits of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: RAUCELL OY
    Inventor: Pentti Raunio
  • Patent number: 10137749
    Abstract: An air spring with damping characteristics for a suspension assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a bellows and a piston. The bellows includes a bellows chamber. The bellows is attached to a main member of the heavy-duty vehicle and to the piston. The piston includes an open bottom that is sealingly closed by a disc attached to the open bottom. The piston and the disc define a piston chamber. The piston is mounted on the suspension assembly of the heavy-duty vehicle. The bellows chamber and the piston chamber are in fluid communication with each other via at least one opening, wherein airflow between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber provides damping to the suspension assembly of the heavy-duty vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael J. Keeler, Jeff R. Zawacki, Andrew J. Westnedge, Jason M. Ramus, Jacob Andreasen, Nicholas J. Giamati
  • Patent number: 9849745
    Abstract: A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, or other suspension system or vehicle component, and can be isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HENDRICKSON USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: R. Scott Fulton, John E. Ramsey, Kimm L. Carr, Brett L. Muckelrath, Thomas J. Long, William W. Brewer, Damon Delorenzis, Andrew J. Westnedge
  • Patent number: 9752848
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide significant firearm recoil force reduction and can be integrated within a traditional firearm stock. Such recoil shock absorbers include a body assembly, plunger assembly, and return spring. The body assembly includes a shock tube, cylinder end, and accumulator. The shock tube includes an opening at its distal end, the cylinder end is rotably coupled to the shock tube, and the accumulator is coupled to the cylinder end. The cylinder end can be selectably/adjustably aligned with the shock tube opening, resulting in a selectable/adjustable orifice and a pathway from the shock tube to the accumulator. The plunger assembly is slidably coupled to the body assembly and includes a piston. The piston and the shock tube are in slidable relation such that when the plunger assembly is introduced into the body assembly the piston is introduced into the shock tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Kyntec Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald J. Spyche, Jr., Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9738131
    Abstract: An air spring with damping characteristics for a suspension assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a bellows and a piston. The bellows includes a bellows chamber. The bellows is attached to a main member of the heavy-duty vehicle and to the piston. The piston includes an open bottom that is sealingly closed by a disc attached to the open bottom. The piston and the disc define a piston chamber. The piston is mounted on the suspension assembly of the heavy-duty vehicle. The bellows chamber and the piston chamber are in fluid communication with each other via at least one opening, wherein airflow between the bellows chamber and the piston chamber provides damping to the suspension assembly of the heavy-duty vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael J. Keeler, Jeff R. Zawacki, Andrew J. Westnedge, Jason M. Ramus, Jacob Andreasen, Nicholas J. Giamati
  • Patent number: 9517672
    Abstract: A shock absorber provided with a suspension spring, the shock absorber includes a tube whose lower end portion is joined to a vehicle axle side portion provided with a tire, and a lower spring bearing that is provided on an outer circumference of the tube and supports a lower end of the suspension spring. The lower spring bearing includes a bearing part on which the lower end of the suspension spring is seated, and a contact part that is continuous with the bearing part. An outer diameter of the contact part is larger than an outer diameter of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9308796
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly that is displaceable between an extended condition and a compressed condition can include a first end member, a second end member, a flexible wall secured between the first and second end members, a spring chamber and a volume-displacing body disposed within the spring chamber. The body can be supported along one of the flexible wall and the first end member such that the body remains in spaced relation to at least the second end member in a compressed condition of the gas spring assembly. A method of adjusting a gas spring assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 9278699
    Abstract: Lateral support elements for engaging an associated flexible wall of an associated gas spring assembly can be displaceably mounted along an associated end member of the associated gas spring assembly, such as by way of an elastomeric mounting element. The elastomeric mounting element can be formed as an endless annular ring, from an elongated length of elastomeric material wound helically about an axis, a plurality of support element sections disposed in peripherally spaced relation to one another about an axis or from a plurality of concentric element rings formed from elastomeric and comparatively rigid materials. Gas spring assemblies including one or more of such lateral support element as well as suspension systems that includes one or more of such gas spring assemblies and methods of manufacture are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Naveen S. Sachan
  • Patent number: 9261157
    Abstract: A modular piston assembly is associated with an air spring assembly that has a bellows rolling over a surface of the piston assembly. The modular piston assembly includes a first piston portion adapted to fasten to an associated air spring bellows. A second piston portion separate from the first portion, is adapted to fasten to an associated mounting component. Interlocking members are provided to secure the first and second piston portions together, and/or any desired intermediate piston portions. Discrete air reservoirs may also be included in the modular piston assembly to increase the volume of the air spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 9254727
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (110; 200; 400) can include a gas spring assembly (128; 202; 402) and a gas damper assembly (130; 204; 404). The gas spring assembly can include opposing end members (206, 208; 406, 408) and a flexible spring member (210; 410) secured there between that at least partially forms a spring chamber (212; 412). One of the end members (208; 408) can include an end member chamber (268; 468) that is separated into a plurality of damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494). Damper pistons (300, 302; 500, 502) are disposed within the damping chambers (292, 294; 492, 494) and are connected to the other end member (206; 406) by way of a damping rod (276; 476).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes, Joseph A. Bounds
  • Patent number: 9205715
    Abstract: A towable farm implement includes a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to a frame by a plurality of suspension systems. Each suspension system includes an upper support structure and a lower support structure. Each of the upper and lower support structures have a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to the frame about a first pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to a portion of the wheel assembly about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis. Each suspension system further includes a damping device having a first end configured to be pivotably coupled to the frame, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wheel assembly. The damping device is configured to move the wheel assembly generally vertically while maintaining the longitudinal position and, optionally, a steering angle of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen, John Walvatne
  • Patent number: 9168803
    Abstract: Air spring, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising a plunger piston, an air bellows, and a cover, said air bellows being movable between a first compressed position and a second extended position by a compressing or extending movement, wherein the air bellows has an axle-side region with a fixing portion for fixing on the plunger piston, and a body-side region, wherein the fixing portion is fixed between the cover and the plunger piston, and wherein the cover has at least one guiding portion on the cover circumferential edge, said guiding portion extending away from the body-side region and outwards over or beyond the fixing portion and being used as a support for the axle-side region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SAF—HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Buttner
  • Patent number: 9139061
    Abstract: A suspension system can include an air spring, an air reservoir external to the air spring, and a flow control device which variably restricts flow of air between the air spring and the air reservoir. Flow between the air spring and the air reservoir may be permitted in response to compliance of the suspension system, and the air spring can have an internal air volume at least 2½ times as great as a volume of the air reservoir. The flow control device may permit flow between the air spring and the air reservoir in response to a predetermined pressure differential level across the flow control device. Multiple air reservoirs can be internal to an axle, and can be isolated from each other in the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc., Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Damon Delorenzis
  • Patent number: 9039020
    Abstract: An end member for a gas spring assembly is dimensioned to receivingly engage an end of a flexible wall. The end member can be formed from polymeric material and can include a side wall receiving the end of the flexible wall. The end member can also include a base wall extending transverse to the side wall and dimensioned to abuttingly engage a jounce bumper of the gas spring assembly. The end member can include a mounting ridge or a mounting channel for engaging an associated structural component. A gas spring assembly including such an end member is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Ratz, Stephen C. Street, Paul P. Koeske
  • Patent number: 8915508
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height sensor. The air spring height sensor of this invention comprises a height measuring signal transmitter (102) and a receiver (101). The height measuring signal transmitter is adapted for transmitting a height signal. The receiver is adapted for sensing the height signal transmitted by the height measuring signal transmitter. The height signal indicates a distance between the height measuring signal transmitter and the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Veyance Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lutz May
  • Patent number: 8899603
    Abstract: An active air suspension system includes an air spring assembly that has a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag to provide a variable force and rate dual air spring configuration. The air suspension system is configured to accurately control pressure within the piston airbags in a closed-loop manner. Continuous control of the piston pressure provides an accurate increase or decrease of spring rate or force depending on the controller inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: David A. VanRaaphorst
  • Patent number: 8800974
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air spring sleeve comprising: an outer layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and an inner layer that form the sleeve; the outer layer and the inner layer are formed of an elastomeric composition, with the proviso that the elastomeric composition does not comprise epichlorohydrin; and the at least one reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of reinforcing elements disposed between a layer of the elastomeric composition, wherein the elastomeric composition of the at least one reinforcing layer is identical to the elastomeric composition of the outer layer and the inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Howard, Hao Wang, Sheel Agarwal, John D. Rensel
  • Patent number: 8733743
    Abstract: A gas spring piston includes a piston body with an end wall and a side wall that projects longitudinally from the end wall. The side wall includes an outer surface and a retainment ridge spaced longitudinally from the end wall such that the outer surface is disposed between the retainment ridge and the end wall. The retainment ridge projects radially-outwardly beyond the outer surface such that a shoulder surface is formed adjacent the outer surface. The outer surface includes an engagement feature that is dimensioned to compressively engage an associated flexible wall. The engagement feature is positioned along the outer surface in spaced relation to the end wall and the shoulder surface of the retainment ridge. A gas spring assembly and a method of assembling a gas spring that include such a gas spring piston are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Paul P. Koeske
  • Patent number: 8613430
    Abstract: A gas spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A flexible wall extends between the first end member and the second end member such that a spring chamber is at least partially defined therebetween. A biasing assembly is operative to urge an end of the flexible wall into abutting engagement with the second end member and operative to permit the end of the flexible wall to be separated a distance from the second end member while in the assembled condition. A gas suspension system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8474798
    Abstract: An air spring has at least one working space which is filled with compressed air and which is delimited at least partially by a rolling bellows which is fastened at its ends to connecting parts. At least one of its ends, the air spring has a wall which is thicker in relation to the rest of the rolling bellows body, wherein the rolling bellows has, at least one of its thickened ends, a continuously vulcanized layer cover which is folded back to such a length that, after the assembly of the air spring, at least one region of the rolling bellows which is highly loaded by chassis forces falls into the region of the layer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joachim Jeischik
  • Patent number: 8459619
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pump, a gas spring, and an accumulator. The suspension system also includes a controller for adjusting the suspension system. The controller has a processing circuit configured to receive a measure of gas in the spring. The processing circuit is further configured to calculate a difference between a target value and a current value based on the received measure of gas. The processing circuit is also configured to provide an output for adjusting the gas in the spring in response to the calculated difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Minh Trinh, David P. Cuff, Rongjun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8302944
    Abstract: An apparatus that prevents collapse mode and sling-shot mode of the accumulated air spring vibration isolation system is presented. The apparatus is contained in an air spring which is connected to accumulator. The apparatus blocks air flow to the accumulator when the air spring is attempting to bottom out, resulting in a soft pneumatic stop for the suspended mass. High pressure air within the air spring at its lowest height is evacuated to the accumulator, thus precluding a “sling shot” reaction of the suspended mass. The apparatus incorporates a double acting air cylinder with an orifice disk attached to a piston shaft end and an orifice contained within the air spring head. The upper air cylinder volume is vented to the air spring interior compartment through an unrestrictive orifice and the lower air cylinder volume is vented to the high pressure source through a highly restrictive orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Hemanth Porumamilla, Jerald M. Vogel, Atul G. Kelkar
  • Patent number: 8272627
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air spring device having a free-standing air spring bellows and an outer guide which is fastened to the air spring bellows by means of an inner clamping ring, wherein the outer diameter of the inner clamping ring is greater than the outer diameter of the air spring bellows in the unpressurized state, and the inner clamping ring generates a radially outwardly pointing encircling bulge in the unpressurized air spring bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Holger Oldenettel, Mark Philipps
  • Patent number: 8267382
    Abstract: Before inner components of a hydraulic shock absorber, such as a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod, are placed, an outer shell is joined with a joint portion of an assembling apparatus so that a gas pressure chamber and the outer shell are in communication with each other. A low-pressure gas is supplied in the gas pressure chamber and the outer shell. Under a pressure of the low-pressure chamber, an oil tank subassembly is inserted in the outer shell and is fitted therein to form an oil tank. The oil tank is divided into an oil chamber and a gas chamber by a diaphragm. By this assembling method, it is possible to supply the low-pressure gas into the gas chamber without a need for a gas-supplying hole for supplying the gas into the gas chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryu Yazaki, Atsushi Maeda
  • Patent number: 8246019
    Abstract: An air spring for use with a closure of a vehicle is disclosed. The air spring includes a rod and a tube axially slidable in the rod. The rod may include a housing having tube slots defining flexible arms with rod cam extensions extending therefrom. The rod cam extensions may have an extension rod cam surface that has a smaller angle than a retraction rod cam surface, with a rod peak between the two. The tube may include a tube cam extension having a tube peak with a diameter greater than the diameter of the rod peak. The tube cam extension may include an extension tube cam surface that has a smaller angle than a retraction tube cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Krajenke
  • Patent number: 8231113
    Abstract: A cooperative mounting arrangement for an end member or spacer of a gas spring assembly includes a recess formed into one of the end member and the spacer. A projection is provided on or along an associated structural component. The recess receives the projection such that lateral forces acting on the end member of the gas spring assembly can be transferred to the associated structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Grabarz, Stephen C. Street, Pradipta N. Moulik
  • Publication number: 20110278775
    Abstract: A residual pressure holding valve (1) for a hydropneumatic suspension strut (2) of a motor vehicle has a valve housing (3) with an air inlet (4) and an air outlet (5). A valve body (6) is arranged displaceably in the valve housing (3) and a valve element (7) is arranged displaceably in the valve body (6). Air pressure applied to the air inlet (4) can lift the valve body (6) off a valve body seat (8) of the valve housing (3) to allow air to flow past the valve body (6) to the air outlet (5). Air pressure applied to the air outlet (5) can lift the valve element (7) off a valve element seat (9) of the valve body (6) to allow air to flow past the valve element (7) to the air inlet (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Francesco Germano, Steffen Lang, Claus Blattner, Thomas Sprengel
  • Patent number: 8006963
    Abstract: A pneumatic spring and damper unit (1) has working chambers (2,3) which are filled with compressed air and are partially defined by rolled bellows or corrugated bellows. The working chambers are superimposed and connected through throttle valves, arranged inside a common pot-shaped cylindrical housing (4), and separated by a cylindrical piston (7), in such a way that one working chamber (2) is arranged on the front side of the piston and the other working chamber (3) is arranged on the rear side of the piston. The piston and the piston rod (5) are respectively sealed by roller bellows inside the cylindrical housing and guided therein, and the piston rod and the piston are interconnected by an articulation (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Jens-Uwe Gleu
  • Patent number: 7967280
    Abstract: An air spring including a spring seat, and a flexible sleeve connected to the spring seat. The flexible sleeve forms a compression chamber and includes a lobe that rolls along a surface of the spring seat during compression of the flexible sleeve. An annular barrier is disposed on the spring seat between the lobe of the flexible sleeve and the surface of the spring seat to deflect debris and ice from becoming lodged or trapped in the spring seat that may damage the flexible sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Vibracoustic North America, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael L. Crabtree
  • Publication number: 20110115140
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber therebetween. A damping chamber wall at least partially defines a damping chamber. A damper piston is received within the damping chamber and is operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Joseph A. Bounds, Graham R. Brookers
  • Publication number: 20110115139
    Abstract: A gas spring and gas clamper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member, a first flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber, and a second flexible wall that at least partially defines a second spring chamber. A damper piston and damper rod are operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Pradipta N. Moulik, Graham R. Brookes
  • Patent number: 7926794
    Abstract: An air spring rolling-lobe flexible member, which is made of elastomeric material, has a reinforcement arrangement which is embedded in the flexible member wall (1). The reinforcement arrangement extends along the entire length of the flexible member and is of rubber-coated cord fabric layers (3, 4). The flexible member has a non-symmetric reinforcement arrangement wherein the one outer fabric layer (3) or the several outer fabric layers has/have a stress-elongation characteristic which is different from that of the one inner fabric layer (4) or the several inner fabric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ContiTech Luftfedersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Thurow, Hubertus Gawinski, Christoph Bank, Paul Cerny
  • Patent number: 7866681
    Abstract: An air spring assembly includes a pedestal that has one end fixed to a suspension arm and includes a second end with a platform that supports an air spring assembly. An air spring piston is fixed to the platform. A lower portion of a flexible bellows is fixed to the air spring piston and an upper portion of the flexible bellows is mounted to a vehicle frame structure. A linear moveable member has one end fixed to the upper portion of said flexible bellows and an opposite end slidingly received within an internal cavity of the pedestal such that the upper and lower portions of the flexible bellows articulate linearly with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Shahly, Edwin Lorenz, Edward J. Eshelman
  • Patent number: 7802776
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic spring shock absorber unit having working chambers (2, 3), which are filled with compressed air and which are partially delimited by rolling or folding bellows (7, 8, 9). These working chambers are situated one above the other and are interconnected via throttle valves that can be flowed through. Both working chambers are located inside a common pot-shaped housing (4) and are separated by a piston (6) so that one working chamber (2) is located on the front side of the piston and the other working chamber (3) is located on the rear side of the piston and at least partially surrounds the piston rod (5) so that the piston and the piston rod are sealed and guided inside the housing by rolling bellows (7, 8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft, Inc.
    Inventors: Christof Behmenburg, Heinz Job, Jens-Uwe Gleu, Christian Hilger
  • Patent number: 7726674
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame brackets attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm pivotally mounted on each end of the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Patent number: 7543804
    Abstract: A fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7506881
    Abstract: A protective curtain assembly for an associated fluid suspension system of an associated vehicle includes a section of curtain material and a first securement device securing the second of material along at least a portion of the associated suspension system. A suspension system including a protective curtain is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7497423
    Abstract: A piston assembly used in forming a gas spring assembly includes a first piston member and a second piston member telescopically engaging one another and capable of axial displacement relative to one another between collapsed and extended conditions. The first piston member includes a mounting end and the second piston member includes a flexible wall-engaging end. The first and second piston members arranged such that in the collapsed condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed a first distance from one another and in the extended condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed at a second distance from one another with the second distance being greater than the first distance. A gas spring assembly and suspension system utilizing such a piston assembly as well as a method are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: James Richard Myers
  • Publication number: 20090008844
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising of a piston 3 in slideable communication with a housing 2; a seal 6 in operative communication with the piston 3 and/or the housing 2; wherein the seal 6 comprises an active material adapted to control the motion of the piston 3. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in mechanical communication with a piston 3; wherein the piston 3 comprises a piston head 14 and a piston rod 12; activating an active material in operative communication with the piston head 14; and controlling the motion of the suspended body 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones, James C. O'Kane
  • Publication number: 20080211149
    Abstract: An air spring and shock absorber unit for bicycles or motorbikes includes operator control elements which are accessible from the outside and are disposed on an outer surface of the air spring and shock absorber unit. The operator control elements are disposed so as to be rotatable about a common axis and relative to a position of articulation points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicants: Continental AG, MAGURA Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Hujer, Hans-Peter Krauss