Abstract: A refrigerator with an ice dispenser includes a spiral type time delay unit for controlling the opening and closing of an ice duct. A duct cap opens and closes an ice duct formed in the refrigerator. A rotating shaft of the time delay unit is operably connected to the duct cap. Foldaway catching members on a rotating shaft intersect with a threaded cylindrical body. The catching members fold back to allow a quick opening of the ice duct. The catching members then interact with the threaded cylindrical body as the ice duct closes to delay the closing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing sway of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle. The apparatus comprises a draw bar for linking a trailer to a vehicle and means for hitching the trailer to the draw bar and for hitching the draw bar to the vehicle. The apparatus also comprises a body associated with the hitching means such that horizontal angular movement of the draw arm relative to the draw bar causes a substantially equivalent horizontal angular movement of the body relative to the draw bar. The apparatus further comprises means linked to the body for dampening horizontal angular movement of the body and, thereby, dampening horizontal angular movement of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle may have a device that is movably connected to the vehicle and a gear damper used to control the motion of the device. If the vehicle is subjected to crash acceleration, the viscosity of the damper fluid increases to prevent the motion of the device.

Abstract: Oil damper for a drum type washing machine including a hollow cylinder having an oil chamber for filling oil therein, a tub holder fixedly secured to one end of the cylinder for securing the damper to a tub side, a shaft passed through, and exposed from the other end of the cylinder, a base holder fixedly secured to the shaft at an end thereof exposed to an outside of the cylinder for securing the damper to a base side of the cabinet, and a piston having a plurality of oil holes, for sliding inside of the cylinder, wherein at least one of above components is formed by plastic injection molding, thereby providing a new oil damper which reduces a production cost significantly, and has a good productivity, and high operation reliability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor module comprising a relative displacement sensor and an acceleration sensor, and a damper equipped with the same. The damper comprises a cylinder which is formed with a hollow portion therein; a piston rod which is inserted through an upper portion of the cylinder; a piston valve which is connected with an end of the piston rod so as to reciprocate in the cylinder, and which is formed with a fluid passing hole formed to be passed through the piston valve up and down; a rod guide which air-tightly closes an upper end of the cylinder and has a though-hole in which the piston rod is inserted; and a sensor module which is provided with an acceleration sensor for detecting an acceleration at least in a z-axial direction and a displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of the piston rod and which is coupled with the rod guide.

Abstract: A system for dampening the vibrations experienced by a sensing line connected to a jet pump within a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The system may include an eccentric clamp assembly (ECA). The ECA includes: a cam member and saddle; a key member, such as a t-bolt; an eccentric member; a clamp member; clamp body. A jacking bolt, washers, and an ECA connector lock the assembly in place. The ECA allows for adjustment in multiple directions, reducing installation time.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic shock absorber in which fall prevention means, which is moored at a mooring portion provided to a spring receiver (spring receiver base portion) having been previously assembled to the axle bracket and prevents the fall of the spring receiver (spring receiver base portion), is provided at the axle bracket in an assembled state in which upper and lower ends of an axle-side tube are vertically inverted and an axle bracket is assembled to a lower end of the axle-side tube from above.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic shock absorber including a spring receiver that is supported so as to be not rotatable with respect to the axle bracket. The spring receiver is divided into a spring receiver base portion that has an outer diameter smaller than an inner periphery of an axle-side tube, and a spring receiver cylindrical portion that is inserted into an inner periphery of the axle-side tube and a suspension spring is seated thereon. A lower end engagement portion provided at a lower end of the spring receiver cylindrical portion is seated on an upper end engagement portion provided at an upper end of the spring receiver base portion, so that the spring receiver cylindrical portion is concentrically set to the axle-side tube.

Abstract: An air pressure proportional damper includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is fluidly attached to the second chamber through an air adjustment valve. The air adjustment valve regulates flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in proportion to air pressure received from an accompanying air spring.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat assembly of a machine includes an upper support member and a lower support member. A pair of scissors linkages interconnect the upper and lower support members. Each of the scissors linkages includes first and second arms pivotably attached at central portions thereof. An electronic controller is in communication with a pair of electromagnetic devices positioned at first ends of the first arms. The electronic controller is configured to energize the electromagnetic devices in response to a sensor output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein phase changes in a material can dampen vibrational energy, dampen noise and facilitate heat transfer. One embodiment includes a method for damping vibrational energy in a body. The method comprises attaching a material to the body, wherein the material comprises a substrate, a shape memory alloy layer, and a plurality of temperature change elements. The method further comprises sensing vibrations in the body. In addition, the method comprises indicating to at least a portion of the temperature change elements to provide a temperature change in the shape memory alloy layer, wherein the temperature change is sufficient to provide a phase change in at least a portion of the shape memory alloy layer, and further wherein the phase change consumes a sufficient amount of kinetic energy to dampen at least a portion of the vibrational energy in the body. In other embodiments, the shape memory alloy layer is a thin film. Additional embodiments include a sensor connected to the material.

Abstract: An analytical methodology for the specification of progressive optimal compression damping of a suspension system to negotiate severe events, yet provides very acceptable ride quality and handling during routine events. In a broad aspect, the method provides a progressive optimal unconstrained damping response of the wheel assembly with respect to the body. In a preferred aspect, the method provides a progressive optimal constrained damping response of the wheel assembly with respect to the body, wherein below a predetermined velocity a conventional damper force is retained.

Abstract: A ride control system for a motorcycle having an oil-containing fork having an air space. The control system includes a control unit having a reservoir and a valve in flow communication with the air space of the fork and the reservoir. The valve is configured to enable air to substantially freely pass from the air space of the fork to the reservoir during a relatively low speed impact experienced by the fork, and to inhibit air from passing from the fork to the reservoir during a relatively high speed impact.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system that includes a magnetically actuated motion control device comprising a housing defining a cavity and including a slot therethrough. A movable member is located within the cavity and is movable relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator located on either the housing or the movable member causes the housing to press against the movable member to develop a friction force.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the roll of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a selective lock connected between an unsprung portion of the vehicle and a sprung portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A noise and vibration damper for use with a rotatable structure, such as a driveshaft assembly for a vehicular drive train system, includes an inner member, an elastomeric member that extends about the inner member, and an outer member that extends about the elastomeric member. The inner member is formed from a sheet of material that has been deformed to a desired shape, while the outer member is formed from a tube of material having a length that is selected to provide the desired dampening frequency. The natural resonant frequency of the noise and vibration damper can be adjusted by varying either or both of the shape of the inner member or the axial length of the outer member of the noise and vibration damper. In both instances, the weight distribution of the components of the noise and vibration damper is altered.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is designed such that its equation of motion can be decoupled. Such a suspension system is provided with actuators, and the actuators are optimally controlled to reduce vibration of the suspension system.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer controlled display device. In one embodiment, the display device includes a flat panel display having an input for receiving display data. Additionally, a moveable assembly may be coupled to the display. The moveable assembly may provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement for the flat panel display device. Additionally, the moveable assembly may have a cross-sectional area, which is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structure of the flat panel display.

Abstract: A method for damping torsional vibrations in a rotating shaft. The method includes coupling an actuator to a shaft; rotating the shaft; determining an amount of torsional vibration in the shaft; and controlling the actuator in response to the amount of torsional vibration and a rotational position of the shaft to damp the torsional vibration in the shaft.

Abstract: A method controls the damper current of a damper of a motor vehicle. The damper is adjustable by an electrical current and the permissible change of the current per time interval is delimited by a limit.

Abstract: A piston damper assembly includes a piston damper and a relative velocity sensor. The piston damper includes a damper body, a piston rod, and a dust tube which is attached to the piston rod. The relative velocity sensor includes an axially extending first magnet supported by the dust tube, a flux collector, and a first sensor coil. The flux collector is supported by the dust tube, includes an axially-extending first prong in axially-extending contact with the first magnet, includes an axially-extending second prong, and includes a joining member connecting the first and second prongs. The first sensor coil surrounds the joining member and/or one of the first and second prongs. A piston-damper dust tube subassembly includes the dust tube and the relative velocity sensor.

Abstract: A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a self-centering feature that operates to keep the valve body centered about the valve shaft. The damper may also include a timer feature, which retains the valve in an open position for a predetermined period of time after it is initially opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for vibration isolation and cancellation, especially but not exclusively suited for a damper in wafer-chip production equipment. Active vibration isolation and cancellation technology (or air mount technology) for chip production equipment needs to become more effective with the advancement of the production of chips that require ever-smaller features. Typically, actuators and sensors in an active isolation/cancellation system are frequently used but not optimized in their technology. By integrating the actuators and the sensors together certain performance limitations become negligible and can be discarded. The resulting damper can be of an absolute or of a relative damper type. The performance of a vibration isolation and cancellation system and its limitations can be described using gain and phase relations from the control theory. A damper that uses the proposed system is of a so-called absolute damper type.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, in which a piston rod with a piston is guided axially by a piston rod guide. A distance detection system is used to determine the position of the piston in the cylinder. The distance detection system includes a sensor and a transmitter. The sensor is mounted on the piston or on the bottom of the cylinder. Upon axial displacement of the piston, the transmitter travels a distance different from that traveled by the piston, the difference between the two distances being used to determine the position of the piston.

Abstract: A brake system for garage doors including a piston assembly movable within a longitudinal housing assembly and including a central through opening and a threaded bushing rigidly mounted to the piston assembly. A threaded axle is cooperatively received by the threaded bushing so that the rotation of the axle causes the piston assembly to move at a predetermined speed longitudinally within the housing assembly. Longitudinal connecting apertures permit the flow of fluid adjacent to the ends of the piston assembly to flow through. A flapper valve assembly is mounted to one of the ends of the piston assembly by a separating spring member. When the movement of the piston assembly exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the spring member is compressed eliminating the clearance and closing the connecting apertures. This prevents any additional flow and rotational movement of the threaded axle, which in turn is mechanically connected to the counterbalance axle of an opening and closing mechanism for garage doors.

Abstract: A damper controlling apparatus of a vehicle includes wheel speed sensors, each wheel speed sensor generating a wheel signal indicating an angular velocity of a corresponding wheel of the vehicle, a vertical velocity calculator for obtaining a signal indicating a vertical velocity of a vehicle body by using the wheel signals from the respective wheel speed sensors and a controller for generating a damper controlling signal by using the vertical velocity signal. The controller has a band pass filter for receiving and processing the wheel signals, a low pass filter for receiving and processing a signal provided from the band pass filter and a compensator for compensating a signal provided from the low pass filter to produce the vertical velocity signal.

Abstract: A method for modeling a coil spring on a suspension system in terms of derived torque and force characteristics of the spring comprising the steps of providing a force field generator for simulating the spring, securing the force field generator to the suspension system, activating the force field generator to produce forces for characterizing the spring, measuring the forces; and deriving a spring design based upon the measured forces.

Abstract: An impact damper for deceleration of a vehicle impacting on all obstacle by hydraulic damping, forces and gas spring forces includes at least inner and outer pipes telescopically displaceable one inside the other and defining an annular space therebetween with a base closing one end of the inner pipe. A dividing piston is sealingly guided in the inner pipe. The inner pipe, the base, and the dividing piston define a gas space which holds gas under pressure. The inner pipe further defines a first liquid space separated from the gas space by the dividing piston. An intermediate wall is fastened to the inner pipe and includes a throttle opening therethrough connecting a second liquid space to the first liquid space. The annular space between the first and second pipes has one end sealed to the atmosphere and another end sealed by the intermediate wall. The annular space is connected to the second liquid space by a flow connection having a valve.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a pair of valve assemblies which include an acceleration sensitive valve which couples the working chamber of the shock absorber to the shock absorber's reserve chamber through a fluid path to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specific amount. A compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly are also provided which controls the fluid flow through the piston and the base assembly, respectively, to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorber having high dissipating power and comprising a rod-and-piston assembly (12) slidably received in a cylinder (11) and defining on either side of the piston (13) respective working chambers (18; 19) containing hydraulic fluid. In the invention, each working chamber (18, 19) communicates continuously with an associated chamber (20, 21) containing a heterogeneous energy absorption-dissipation structure constituted by a capillo-porous matrix (51, 61) and an associated liquid (52, 62) relative to which the matrix is lyophobic. In addition, each working chamber (18, 19) communicates with a common compensation chamber (30) via an associated valve system (32, 33) including non-return means (40, 41) ensuring that the working chamber concerned closes automatically during compression, and opens during expansion.

Abstract: A vibration control apparatus designed specifically for use on space vehicles includes a stator for mounting in the vehicle, a lower flotor, magnetically levitated on the stator, an upper flotor nested in and magnetically levitated on the lower flotor, and position, orientation and motion sensors carried by the stator and flotors. When any changes in position, orientation or movement, i.e. vibration of apparatus is detected, magnetic force actuators are energized to compensate for such changes to keep a work platform on the upper flotor virtually vibration-free. Moreover, controlled and induced vibration of the work platform and an experiment carried thereby can be effected using the lower flotor as a reaction mass, i.e. without feedback to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method controls the damper current of a damper of a motor vehicle. The damper is adjustable by an electrical current and the permissible change of the current per time interval is delimited by a limit.

Abstract: A suspension damper includes a reservoir housing with a piston slidably mounted therein and including a piston rod extending from the reservoir housing and attached to the vehicle by a mount assembly. An air chamber is defined by a sleeve cirucmscribing the piston rod and connected to the reservoir housing by a flexible portion. The mount assembly includes a pumping chamber which expands and contracts in response to normal road undulations to inflate the air chamber. A valve controlled by the flexible portion of the sleeve controls communication from the air chamber to ambient atmosphere to thereby control inflation of the air chamber and thereby controlling ride height.

Abstract: A magnetorheological damper includes an inner tube, a magnetorheological piston, and an outer tube. The magnetorheological piston is located within and slideably engages the inner tube. The outer tube surrounds the inner tube. The outer tube is in fluid communication with the inner tube.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper assembly is provided which includes a cup member with a threaded opening formed therein. A piston rod includes a threaded portion, which is engaged in the threaded opening. An electrical connector including a terminal portion is received in an opening formed in the piston rod. The threaded engagement between the piston rod and the cup member is a predetermined length that reduces deflection of the cup member to reduce transfer of load to the terminal portion of the electrical connector.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper configured to be arranged between a wheel assembly and a body of a vehicle is provided that includes a cylindrical reservoir tube with a piston mounted for reciprocating movement within the reservoir tube. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extending axially therefrom and through one end of the reservoir tube. An annular rod guide assembly surrounds the piston rod and includes a magnetic portion. A non-magnetic dust tube is disposed around the reservoir tube, the dust tube being operatively connected to the piston rod. A generally longitudinal sensor housing is formed in the dust tube adjacent the magnetic portion and a linear sensor is disposed in the sensor housing adapted to detect the position of the magnetic portion.

Abstract: A control system for a resilient support mechanism such as a suspension mechanism of a wheeled vehicle including a damper disposed between an unsprung mass member and a sprung mass member of the vehicle, wherein a damping coefficient of the damper is divided into a linear portion and a nonlinear portion, and wherein the nonlinear portion of the damping coefficient is defined as a control input u and applied with a frequency weight Wu(s), while a vertical velocity of the sprung mass member, a relative velocity of the sprung mass member to the unsprung mass member and a vertical acceleration of the sprung mass member are defined as an evaluation output zp and applied with a frequency weight Ws(s).

Abstract: A device for controlling damping coefficients of shock absorbers (22FL, 22FR, 22RL, 22RR) of a four wheeled vehicle constructs a phantom damping system composed of a phantom side shock absorber (122, 122F, 122R) disposed vertically at a lateral inside of a turn running of the vehicle to have a lower end movable along a ground surface together with the vehicle and an upper end vertically movable relative to the lower end with a first phantom damping coefficient (Cg, Cgf, Cgr) therebetween, and a phantom angular shock absorber (124, 124F, 124R) arranged to act between the upper end of the phantom side shock absorber and the vehicle body with a second phantom damping coefficient (Ca, Caf, Car) therebetween, whereby, when the damping coefficients of the shock absorbers are controlled to substantially equalize the phantom damping system with the actual damping system of the actual shock absorbers with respect to damping vertical and rolling movements of the vehicle body, the mass center of the vehicle body is lowe

Abstract: A speed (Zw′−Zb′) and an amount (Zw−Zb) of displacement of a wheel relative to a vehicle body are estimated with the aid of an observer, based on a vertical acceleration Zb″ of the vehicle body detected by a sensor. In this observer, a non-linear component fnl(Zw′−Zb′, P) of a damping force of a damper is derived from an estimated relative speed y1ob and an opening position P of the damper, and the component fnl(Zw′−Zb′, P) is used as a control input.

Abstract: A vibration control system utilizes a liquid spring filled with a compressible liquid. In its most general embodiment, the vibration control system minimizes the transmission of vibration between a first mass and a second mass, i.e vehicle frame/vehicle cabin, structure/ground, machinery/platform. The liquid spring can be either a passive or an active system. An active system utilizes a second volume of compressible fluid. A passive system only uses a single volume of fluid. Further, the liquid spring can provide either spring force or both spring and damping forces. Alternatively, a single volume liquid spring can be utilized in conjunction with a conventional damper.

Abstract: A vibration damper with variable damping force, including a cylinder, in which a piston with a piston rod is arranged in axially movable fashion, whereby an adjustable damping valve is activated in dependence on the deflection distance and the activation of the adjustable damping valve is carried out via a stabilizer. The vibration damper has further damping valves, whose damping effects are independent of activation by the stabilizer. The adjustable damping valve, during equilateral deflection and rebound travel of the piston rod on a vehicle axle or unilateral rebound travel, has a damping force setting that is smaller than the damping force of the further damping valves of the vibration damper.