Miner Elastomer Products Corporation

Miner Enterprises, Inc.

Powerbrace Corporation

Ronald W Kerr

Michael P Molitor

Richard J Beranek

Brian A Senn

Robert S Toms, Jr

Terry J Koehn

Helen Y Chen

Kevin B Tews

Shellie Wonsowski

A multipiece cushioning assembly adapted to be arranged in combination with a shock absorbing apparatus. The multipiece cushioning assembly is disposed between a pair of radial shoulders on first and second members telescoping members of the shock absorbing apparatus arranged in operable combination relative to each other. The radial shoulders on the first and second members limit travel of the shock absorbing apparatus, and with the multipiece cushioning assembly including a plurality of elastomeric bumpers arranged in a generally circular array for absorbing over-travel of the first and second members relative to each other and for readily permitting replacement of the multipiece cushioning assembly while maintaining the first and second members in operable combination relative to each other.

Multipiece cushioning assembly for a telescoping shock absorbing assembly

A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing. Such spring package includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly absorbs, dissipates and returns a second predetermined level of energy. One end of the second spring assembly acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly, extending substantially the cumulative length of the first and second spring assemblies, controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies. An operable length of the guide assembly is automatically adjustable to the length of the housing during operation of the shock absorbing apparatus. An apparatus for monitoring loads applied to the shock absorbing apparatus is also provided.

Dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle

A radial cushioning apparatus including an inner member, an outer member, and an elastomer. The inner member accommodates a shaft passing endwise therethrough. The outer member is arranged in radially spaced relation from the inner member. The elastomer is secured to the inner and outer members and defines a plurality of collapsible spaces into which elastomer material can flex thereby cushioning radial deflection of the shaft.

Radial cushioning apparatus

A method of making a curved compression spring comprising the steps of: providing a monolithic preform having first and second end portions with a curved mid-portion therebetween, with the preform being formed from an elastomer which is free of spring-like characteristics, and with the preform having an initial predetermined length defined by a longitudinal distance between first and second end portions, and wherein the elastomer from which the preform is formed has a molecular structure along with a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1; and, working the preform so as to orient the molecular structure of the elastomer in at least one direction while transmuting the preform into a compression spring.

Methods of making a curved elastomeric spring

A compression spring created from a preform made from an elastomer which is free of spring-like characteristics and has a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain greater than 1.5 to 1. The spring has elongate body with first and second longitudinally spaced free ends along with first and second generally planar arcuate surfaces extending between the ends. As a result of working the preform, portions of the elastomer from which the preform is created are oriented and the preform is transmuted into a curved elastomeric spring.

Curved elastomeric spring

A hinge assembly for pivotally interconnecting a door to a trailer body is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes a hinge plate having a mounting portion and a hinge portion. The mounting portion of the hinge plate is configured to permit attachment to the door, while the hinge portion of the hinge plate defines an elongated closed passage opening at opposite ends thereof. Bearing structure is non-rotatably accommodated within the passage for forming a bearing connection between the hinge plate and a pivot member endwise extending through the hinge portion of the hinge plate. The bearing structure includes a cap formed integral therewith and extending from opposite ends of the passage.

Hinge assembly

A hinge structure for interconnecting a swing door to a trailer body or the like and which allows the door to breakaway form the trailer body when an excessive shear force is applied to the hinge indicative of the door impacting against a surface or improperly engaging an adjacent trailer body.

Breakaway composite hinge structure

A suspension device employed between the rear wheel and the frame of a mountain bike. A lever arm pivoted to the frame carries the rear wheel at one end and the suspension device at the other. The rear wheel portion of the lever arm is about four times as long as is the suspension device portion. The suspension device includes a hollow elongated elastomeric spring carrying an aluminum telescoping portion. The telescoping portion supports the elastomer while allowing reciprocating movement along a major axis, but not allowing any rotational movement around that same axis.

Growing community of inventors

Geneva, IL, United States of America

Ronald W Kerr