Gene D Garn

US Patent:

51831376, Feb 2, 1993

Filed:

Dec 20, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/811758

Inventors:

C. Kenneth Siwek - Erie PA
Wallace C. Flower - McKean PA
Gene D. Garn - Erie PA

Assignee:

Lord Corporation - Erie PA

International Classification:

F16F 708

US Classification:

188381

Abstract:

A dual-rate surface effect damper with extended useful life. The dual rate is provided by two cylindrical liners which have different inner diameters which engage a damping piston having protrusions which have an interference fit with the liner. Features which extended life include heat dissipative elements such as internal and external fins, a convective heat transfer path for cooling air through the piston and a lubricant of MoS. sub. 2 dispersed in a Teflon. RTM. -filled flurosilicone. Maintaining the temperature of the elastomer below about 200. degree. F. (93. 3. degree. C. ) is critical to avoiding thermal breakdown. In addition, the elastomer and metallic surfaces can undergo a surface treatment to reduce their tendency to abraid and to cause abrasion, respectively.