Abstract: A resilient shaft coupling in which a rigid primary and a rigid secondary coupling member are connected together by at least one resilient annular assembly of a multi-part construction that is composed of a number of ring segments that are identical and run circumferentially in close succession. Each segment is composed of axially outer metallic segment plates and an inner rubber body that has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with a radially outwardly increasing width in an axial plane. In order to obtain higher thermal stressability of the shaft coupling, at least one window is provided in the rubber body of each segment. The ends of the window end in the vicinity of the radial end faces of the segment. Openings are also provided in the two segment plates of each segment and are congruent with the window in the rubber body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing vibration proof rubber by compounding rubber elastic bodies between an inner metal fitting and outer shell metal fitting including the steps of forming a rubber layer by curing adhesion of the rubber elastic bodies to the respective metal fittings, applying a halogen compound solution to the bonding surfaces of the respective rubber layers and then press-fitting the inner metal fitting to the outer shell metal fitting using a lubricant or a lubricating adhesive. The above manufacturing method prevents the defects found in conventional types of vibration proof rubber, particularly disadvantages such as poor durability in a corrosive environment and further the severe requirements which have recently been imposed on vibration proof rubber can sufficiently satisfied.

Abstract: A fluid-filled resilient bushing having inner and outer sleeves, and a resilient member interposed between the inner and outer sleeves for primarily damping and isolating vibrating applied in a first diametric direction of the bushing. The bushing has a pair of first fluid chambers disposed in mutually opposed relation with each other in the first diametric direction, a pair of second fluid chambers disposed in mutually opposed relation with each other in a second diametric direction perpendicular to the first diametric direction, and at least one orifice through which the pair of first fluid chambers communicate with each other, so as to permit a working fluid to flow between the first fluid chambers upon application of the vibrations.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for use in a suspension of an automotive vehicle. The bushing assembly is comprised of inner and outer cylinder members which are coaxial and spaced from each other. An elastic member and a rigid sleeve member are disposed between the inner and outer cylinder members. A sliding member is disposed between the inner cylinder member and the rigid sleeve member in order to reduce torsion spring effect of the elastic member. The sliding member is prevented from its axial displacement upon contacting with a radially outwardly extending retainer section formed in the inner cylinder member. Additionally, a generally cap-shaped seal rubber is provided to accomplish seal between the end section of the rigid sleeve member and the end section of the inner cylinder member.

Abstract: A pivotal joint assembly including a socket housing having a cavity essentially of the shape of the bearing end of the stud member to receive the bearing member in operative relationship, said bearing member of said stud member being essentially cylindrical in shape and at least covered with sufficient elastomer to form a head and shoulder appearing elastomer ring thereon and to cause the elastomer in the head portion to be compressed 25 to 35% and preferably 27 to 32% in the assembled state.

Abstract: A sound isolating bearing has concentric inner and outer housings made of steel with a concentric shim between the inner and outer housings sandwiched by layers of a resilient elastomer. The longitudinal cross section of the shim is convex on both inside and outside surfaces with the same radius of curvature to allow cocking of the inner housing relative to the outer housing about a first point on the bearing axis midway between the ends and about a second pivot point outside the bearing in a plane midway between the bearing ends perpendicular to the bearing axis.

Abstract: The invention provides an elastic articulated coupling which comprises a relatively rigid inner member having a longitudinal axis, a relatively rigid outer member having a generally cylindrical interior of a predetermined first diameter surrounding said inner member with substantial clearance, and an elastomeric body located in the clearance between the inner and outer members. The elastomeric body is connected firmly to the inner member. Additionally, a sleeve comprising wear-resistant elastic material is firmly connected to the elastomeric body and disposed between the elastomeric body and the outer member. The elastomeric body and the sleeve together have a predetermined second diameter which is greater than the predetermined first diameter defined by the interior of the generally cylindrical outer member. As a result, the sleeve is connected in a non-positive manner with the interior surface of the outer member merely by radial pre-stressing and by axial bracing.

Abstract: A resilient bushing having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve disposed around the inner sleeve in co-axial and radially-spaced relation thereto, and a cylindrical resilient member interposed between the inner and outer sleeves. The bushing comprises an intermediate sleeve substantially embedded in the cylindrical resilient member in co-axial relation thereto. The intermediate sleeve has a radially outward flange at one or both of its axial ends.

Abstract: Flexurally stiff members having low torsional stiffness, high transverse shear resistance and high stability are disclosed. In several embodiments, each member includes a flexurally and torsionally stiff tapered elongate beam surrounded by an outer tube-like component of lower torsional stiffness and interconnected by an elastomeric medium which enables the tube-like component to twist relative to the beam while permitting some of the flexural and transverse loads applied to the tube-like component to be transferred to the beam. In several embodiments, the tube-like component includes a pair of interarranged corrugated open section members engaged by one or more stabilizers, including a shrunk fit tube of elastomeric material extending lengthwise between attachment fittings at opposite ends. End fittings for applying various loads to the members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A metal block (14) is secured to a first member. The metal block (14) includes a first bore (30) separated from a second bore (46) by a radial wall (26) having a central opening (34). A sleeve of elastomeric material (16) is formed between bore 30 and a longitudinally split bushing (18) centered within bore (70). An elongated pin portion (54) of a pin element (12) is plugged into a socket (10) interior of the bushing (18). The pin portion (54) radially expands the bushing (18) against the elastomeric material (16). This provides a tight frictional engagement between the bushing (18) and the pin portion (54). It also results in the bushing (18) and the pin element (12) moving together in response to vibrations, and results in the elastomeric material (16) absorbing the vibrations. Pin element (12) is either connected to a second member or includes a tapered projecting end portion (74 ) sized to engage an opening (82) in a second member (80).

Abstract: A coaxial joint for joining inner and outer cylindrical members permitting rotational and/or linear movement between them, comprises an outer bushing sleeve non-rotatably receivable within the outer cylindrical member, an inner bushing sleeve formed with a central bore for receiving the inner cylindrical member; a first group of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced ribs formed between the inner and outer sleeves; and a second group of such ribs formed in staggered relationship with respect to the first group on the outer face of the outer sleeve and effective, when forcibly received within the outer cylindrical member, to distort inwardly the portions of the outer sleeve between the first group of ribs and thereby to minimize the distortion of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A support ring assembly includes a support ring formed of synthetic material to be fastened on a shaft for a balancer of torsional vibrations, the support ring having lateral surfaces and a plurality of openings formed therein, and a plurality of metal fastening bushings disposed in the openings, the bushings having end surfaces aligned with the lateral surfaces, and the bushings including devices for locking the bushings into the support ring.

Abstract: A structural element which is particularly suited for use in accommodating torsional displacement while carrying various axial, transverse, and flexural loads. The structural element is of a multi-component construction which includes at least one elongated tube-like thin wall member having a pair of longitudinally-extending edges. The wall member is laterally engaged and constrained by one or more stabilizers which permit yielding relative motion between the edges when torque is applied.

Abstract: An elastic joint comprises an intermediate socket of an elastic material which firmly adheres to, and is clamped between, a housing and an inner part and which has a constant thickness in the main load direction, over a substantial portion of its width perpendicular to the main load direction.

Abstract: The axial load-carrying ability of an axially-lobed, nearly-spherical elastomeric joint is enhanced by offsetting the elastomer layers so that there is more elastomer to react the load in compression. The improvement is useful in the application of the joint to a gimbal-like rotor system.

Abstract: A decorative cover for mounting on butt-hinges to conceal the exposed portions thereof to improve the aesthetic appearance. The cover includes flap portions which are attached to the leaf members of the hinge to place an arcuate in cross section hump portion of the cover in overlaying relationship with the knuckles of the hinge. The decorative hinge cover is formed of an elastomeric material to allow it to conformingly move with the hinge.

Abstract: Joint means for flexibly coupling a first member having a body portion and at least two arms extending from the body portion generally parallel to and radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the joint means to a second member positioned radially inwards of said arms comprises elastomeric means acting between an internal curved surface on the body portion of the first member and an external curved surface on the second member opposite to and axially spaced from said internal curved surface.

Abstract: A structural element capable of resilient twisting about an axis including a plurality of axially extending open section members of decreasing transverse dimension nested together with adjacent ends of the members being rigidly interconnected at each end of the element.

Abstract: A bushing assembly incorporated in an eye of a suspension arm for an automobile includes a cylindrical member, a cylindrical rubber bushing adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the member and press fitted in the eye, and a cylindrical insert embedded in the bushing. The bushing is provided on each end with a flange extending radially outward and contacting each end surface of the eye when the bushing has been fitted in the eye.

Abstract: A gimbaled cup supporting device for holding cups in a level position in a moving vehicle while at the same time isolating the cup from shock and vibration transmitted from the moving vehicle to the support mechanism. A shock absorber is described in which the central portion supports a collar and shaft attached to the cup holding mechanism and an annular ring portion displaced from the central portion is attached to a supporting shaft that is removably attached to the supporting vehicle. The rubber shock absorber isolates the supporting shaft from the gimbaled cup supporter while supporting it in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A device, such as a gudgeon pin, for connecting a piston of a reciprocating internal combustion agent to a connecting-rod comprises at least in part a fibre-reinforced composite material. The device further comprises a metallic sliding bearing having a circular cylindrical external surface. The sliding bearing layer is arranged on the external surface of the fibre-reinforced composite material. A plurality of fibre layers, which run in differing directions, are arranged in the composite material, and the sliding bearing layer is divided in the transition region from a piston to a connecting-rod. The gudgeon pin has alternate layers, in which fibres are arranged orthogonally to fibres in an adjacent fibre layer. The fibres run parallel to the gudgeon pin axis in one layer and orthogonally thereto in the two adjacent layers.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener joint in a composite material work piece subject to an operating load comprising the steps of forming a hole of a prescribed hole diameter through the composite material work piece placing a tubular metal sleeve member with a compressible cushion layer around the outside thereof within the hole through the work piece; non-elastically expanding the tubular metal sleeve member radially and circumferentially to force the cushion layer into contact with the hole surface and compress the cushion layer; and placing a fastener in the tubular metal sleeve member to maintain the sleeve member radially and circumferentially expanded and the cushion layer compressed to a thickness to transmit the operating load from the work piece to the fastener through the cushion layer and sleeve member. The joint formed by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting spike (16, 17, 18) is used for flexibly interconnecting two chain links (1, 2) of a track, specifically for tanks. The spike comprises a metal bolt (8) with a vulcanized-on rubber sheathing (13). On inserting spike (16) into bores (5) of chain links (1, 2), it is elastically deformed. Sheathing (13) is one-part developed and has thicker and thinner points (14 resp. 15), the material strengths of which are higher (S.sub.o) resp. lower (S.sub.2) than is the difference between the radius of bolt (8) and that of bores (5). This improvement provides increased life and reduced chain expansion because the connecting spike completely fills up the bores.

Abstract: A bearing for carrying compressive radial loads comprising alternating bonded layers of a resilient material of a uniform modulus of elasticity and layers of a non-extensible material, all generally concentrically formed about a common center axis. The fatigue life of the bearing under torsional and compressive loads is enhanced by progressively decreasing both the length and thickness of each layer of resilient material with increasing radii, so that a substantially equal strain is carried across each layer of resilient material in response to each torsional load and the shape factor of each of the layers of resilient material remains substantially constant or increases with increasing radii.

Abstract: A housing member for a transmission in a vehicle has an axially extending columnar portion having a non-circular cross-section. A rear mount is fitted on the columnar portion. The rear mount is kept from slipping off the columnar portion by a first lock washer fastened to the end of the columnar portion. The lock washer includes a first annular piece fitted on the columnar portion and a second annular piece having a diameter larger than that of the columnar portion. A second lock washer is arranged for preventing a bolt for fastening from loosening. The second lock washer has at least two tabs respectively engaging the bolt head and the first lock washer.

Abstract: A torsional damper integral with a torsion bar wherein the damper is not directly connected to any support structure. Torque applied by the torsion bar to the damper on one side of the damper's mid length is equilibrated by torque exerted by the torsion bar to the damper on the opposite side of its mid length. In this manner, a part of the torsion load is transmitted to the energy dissipating damper.

Abstract: In a resilient coupling of the kind comprising an inner shaft nested concentrically within an outer shaft by means of a sleeve unit of elastomeric material for transmission of torque between the shafts there is provided a buffer unit mounted within the outer shaft to transit torque between the shafts only when a certain degree of torsional deflection is exceeded by the sleeve unit.

Abstract: End bearing assemblies are provided for articulating links, especially for articulating control links associated with helicopter rotor mechanisms. The end bearing assemblies comprise at least two elastomeric bearing sections connected by a load-transmitting member and arranged to react to loadings and accommodate motions along and about at least one of three mutually orthogonal axes.

Abstract: An improved pivot joint has a rotatable and tiltable stud. A rotational preload force is applied to the stud by a bearing which is circumferentially stressed in tension to apply a clamping force to the stud. This clamping force resists rotation of the stud relative to a housing until a predetermined minimum rotational force is applied to the stud. A tilting or sidewise preload force is applied to the stud by a resiliently compressible bushing which is disposed between the bearing and the housing. Since the tilting preload force is applied to the stud by the bushing, the bearing can be designed to provide an optimum rotational preload force without regard to tilting preload force design considerations. Similarly, the bushing can be designed to provide optimum tilting preload forces without regard to design considerations influenced by the rotational preload forces.

Abstract: A resilient mounting bushing, particularly for spring mounting drive and other units of motor vehicles, comprises an inner and an outer cylindrical bushing disposed one within the other and an elastomer spring body interconnected between the bushings, which has upper and lower spaced apart diametrically opposed axial through recesses, one of the recesses being closed slightly by loading of one of the bushings and an insert of hard material disposed in the other one of the recesses acting in a direction to open the recess.

Abstract: A rotary blade retention system comprises a rotor hub rotatable about a central axis and a retention assembly coupling at least one blade to the rotor hub. The blade extends generally radially from the hub and rotates with the hub about its central axis. The retention assembly includes a frictionless thrust bearing and an elastomeric thrust bearing connected together in series. The two bearings are mounted relative to the blade and the rotor hub such that when a centrifugal load is imposed on the blade, the bearings are loaded in compression and cooperate to restrain the blade against the centrifugal load. The frictionless bearing permits free pivotal movement of the blade about its longitudinal axis so as to effect variations in the pitch of the blade. The elastomeric thrust bearing includes at least one laminated bearing having a plurality of layers of rigid and elastomeric material which alternate lengthwise of the blade.

Abstract: A marine propeller drive coupling bushing assembly with an annular rubber bushing between radially inner and outer elements forming an annular bushing cavity rectangular in cross section, the rubber bushing being distortionally forced thereinto from a free form of an annulus having a trapezoidal cross sectional configuration. The displacement from the free trapezoidal cross section to the distorted configuration is 40-60%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball joint to use without supplying oil in a torque rod of an automobile, in a mechanism for connecting brackets fitted to the chassis of an automobile, brackets fitted to a wheel axle supporting member and torque rods connecting the said brackets, in which a spherical bearing ring made of strong synthetic resin, for example an acetal resin such as Delrin or the like is provided inside a bearing housing to support a shaft having a spherical ball portion fixed to the said bracket adhering onto the central periphery of the said ball portion, oil-containing fabrics are provided on the both sides of the said spherical bearing ring adhering onto the periphery of the said ball portion, and the said bearing housing is connected to a boss of the torque rod.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to a ball joint to use without supplying oil in a torque rod of an automobile.

Abstract: A device for elastically supporting an upper structure on a frame and thus reducing the vibration which is transmitted from the frame to the upper structure.

Abstract: An elastic support mount for use between an outer member having an inner surface formed generally as a surface of revolution and an inner member in the outer member and having an outer surface formed generally as a surface of revolution comprises a solid (circumferentially continuous) elastomeric body of revolution having an outer surface directly engageable against the inner surface of the outer member and an inner surface directly engageable against the outer surface of the inner member. This body has at least one axially open end and is provided at this end with an inner metal sleeve and a coaxial outer metal sleeve which are imbedded in the elastomeric body at the open end and have axial lengths equal to a fraction of the overall length of the elastomeric body. In use this mount is axially compressed by snap rings or the like engaging only against the inner and outer rings so that it is forced into very tight frictional contact with the surfaces of the members between which it is mounted.

Abstract: A drive mounting for an elevator of a scraper vehicle having a main drive shaft carrying a pair of driving sprockets coupled to an elevator drive unit at one side of the frame, in which the drive unit is mounted in a spherical type joint at one end thereof and is carried at the other end thereof by a resilient mounting carried in a vertical socket capable of limited swivel and pivotal movement. The resilient mounting also has a pivot along a horizontal axis offset from the drive shaft axis. This mounting prevents stresses from being set up therein when the drive unit is mounted, and also absorbs shock during operation. Means are also provided for holding the main drive shaft in place separate from its associated motor and gear drive to facilitate assembly and motor maintenance.