Abstract: A controllable platform suspension system (20) for treadmills (18) and other platforms and devices therefor which exhibit controllability of the impact condition of the platform, such as a treadmill deck (36). In the treadmill application, user-selectable damping/stiffness is provided to simulate variable track conditions, such as pavement, rubber, grass, gravel, sand, and the like. The controllable suspension system (20) comprises spring mounts (40) or the like or a flexible deck (36) for allowing movement of the deck (36) relative to the frame (22) at a contact location (29) due to impact and a controllable device such as an Electrorheological (ER) device, Electrophoretic (EP) device, Electromechanical Hydraulic (Semi-Active) device, controllable mounting, or a Magnetorheological (MR) device, such as an MR brake (42a, 42a, 42b), MR damper (42d), or MR mount (42c, 42e, 42f) interconnecting between the frame (22) and platform (36) to provide the user-variable impact restraint.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a shock-isolating caster. A surface-effect damper engages at least one of a wheel element and an intermediate structural member to dampen vibration and shock loads which would otherwise be transmitted from the wheel element through the intermediate structure and mounting member to the equipment supporting cart. A first embodiment positions the damper between an outer wheel rim and an inner wheel hub. Second and third embodiments mount the wheel on a pivotable arm and dampen the movement of the arm. Capability to adjust damping levels is provided.

Abstract: A vibration isolating and sealing device for mounting a fan having a propeller rotatably secured within a housing, said device comprising an outer, substantially square frame; an inner substantially square frame; a generally "S" shaped flexural membrane disposed between and connecting said inner to said outer frame; said membrane being made of elastomer, and wherein the inner frame has a central bore configured to channel air to the propeller of the fan.

Abstract: A flexible fluid conductive coupling for use with fluid flow systems has short fluid conductive cylindrical sections having different diameters so chosen that the smaller diameter section may fit within, and well clear of, the larger. A pair of external mating flanges are provided at the end and near the end, respectively, of the larger and the smaller cylindrical section, and a combination coupling and seal laminated from alternating layers of resilient and rigid materials is held in compression between these two flanges. The facing surfaces of the flanges are shaped to provide for the desired motion or displacement. The slight extension of the smaller cylindrical section into the larger provides a stagnation region between the two cylindrical sections, thereby protecting the seal from abrasive injury which might be caused by particulate matter in the fluid stream.

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.