Abstract: A power locking device has a body including a blind bore with an electroactive polymer disposed in the blind bore, and a sliding lock member that is disposed in the blind bore and that contacts the electroactive polymer. A current source is in electrical communication with the electroactive polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus of controlling damping force through road frequency classification may include high pass filters configured to perform high-pass filtering of detecting values of wheel vibration input from wheel vibration sensors according to different cutoff frequencies, a main frequency extraction module configured to determine a main frequency of the wheel vibration based on filtered values output from the high pass filters, a maximum amplitude and amplitude ratio extraction module configured to determine a maximum amplitude and an amplitude ratio of the wheel vibration based on the filtered values, a road gripping force control determination module configured to determine whether or not road gripping force is to be controlled based on the determined main frequency and the determined maximum amplitude and amplitude ratio, and a damper control module configured to determine the damping force of dampers of a vehicle based on results of determination and road roughness.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device for optimally decoupling shear forces that are orthogonal to the principal direction of isolation from microvibrations. A pivoting load support element is free to pivot about a pivot point in response to shear forces, with optimal isolation from coupling to the principal direction of vibration isolation. A friction free bearing for small motion is provided to respond to the forces perpendicular to the principal direction of vibration isolation. An internal load support plate associated with the pivoting element is supported by equalizing springs and is damped by an active actuator driven according to a sensor on the internal load support plate. Adjustment points, such as screws, adjust the pivoting element with respect to the fixed pivot point.

Abstract: A method for controlling an attitude of a payload includes determining an input torque based on an input angle and one or more motion characteristics of the payload, determining an estimated disturbance torque based on one or more motion characteristics of a carrier to which the payload is coupled, and calculating an output torque based on the input torque and the estimated disturbance torque. The output torque is configured to effect movement of the carrier to achieve a desired attitude of the payload.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device for optimally decoupling shear forces that are orthogonal to the principal direction of isolation from microvibrations. A pivoting load support element is free to pivot about a pivot point in response to shear forces, with optimal isolation from coupling to the principal direction of vibration isolation. A friction free bearing for small motion is provided to respond to the forces perpendicular to the principal direction of vibration isolation. An internal load support plate associated with the pivoting element is supported by equalizing springs and is damped by an active actuator driven according to a sensor on the internal load support plate. Adjustment points, such as screws, adjust the pivoting element with respect to the fixed pivot point.

Abstract: Provided is a damper for a semi-active energy regenerative suspension based on hybrid excitation. The damper includes: an upper lifting lug, a dustcover, a lower lifting lug, a hydraulic shock absorber, and a hybrid excitation mechanism, wherein the hydraulic shock absorber is configured to provide a constant viscous damping coefficient, and wherein the hybrid excitation mechanism is configured to generate an adjustable electromagnetic damping force, to transform the vibration energy into electrical energy, and to storage the electrical energy. Also provided is a method for determining the sizes of the damper. The damper which has a simple structure, balances the vibration isolation property and energy regenerative property of the vehicle suspension, and provides a fail-safe function. Furthermore, the method for determining the sizes of the damper is easy and practical to implement, has definite steps and produces drastically optimized results.

Abstract: A suspension control system and a method for controlling a damper device of a bicycle include a damper device and a spring device for sprung damping of a relative motion between a first and a second component of the bicycle. The suspension device has a spring unit exhibiting a spring characteristic, and the damper device exhibits a damping characteristic. The spring characteristic of the spring unit is changed under the control of an electrically operated actuator, which in turn is controlled via an electric control device.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve (12) includes a pressure space (22c) for controlling the damping valve (12), which pressure space (22c) is arranged inside the damping valve (12) and is connected to a further space (20) via at least one choke orifice (30) for the flow of damping medium, and the pressure space (22c) is operatively connected to the further space (20) via a pressure relief valve (32).

Abstract: The invention is based on a mechanism (1) for a chair having a synchro mechanism by means of which a seat surface structure and a backrest structure are moved in a synchronized ratio relative to one another, wherein the mechanism (1) serves to adjust a restoring force of the synchro mechanism to a different body weight of a seat user by changing a working angle of a force accumulator, and the mechanism (1) includes a seat support (8) for the seat surface structure, a bearing yoke (5), the force accumulator unit (2) a backrest support (3) for supporting the backrest structure, and a translational bearing (16), wherein the mechanism (1) has a triangular steering block (21) and the force accumulator unit (2) is connected to the triangular steering block (21), and on a weight adjustment method for an improved dynamic sitting experience on the part of the seat user by means of a mechanism (1) for a chair with a synchro mechanism, in which the position of a first pivot point (31) of the force accumulator unit (2) i

Abstract: A tactile display device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, supports between a first and a second electrodes, and an electroactive polymer filled between a supports.

Abstract: A variable stiffness structure configured to support a variable load, the variable stiffness structure including a positive stiffness element coupled to the variable load, a negative stiffness element, a hydraulic system coupled to the positive and negative stiffness elements and configured to adjust a relative position of the positive and negative stiffness elements in response to a change in the variable load, while the variable stiffness structure supports the variable load.

Abstract: A variable damping force member is used in a vehicle suspension device and the damping force of which can be changed. The variable damping force member is equipped with a piston which is slidably housed in a cylinder filled with a fluid and which divides the cylinder into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, and has fluid passages connecting the first and second fluid passages. A valve member is provided in the piston for blocking the fluid passages, and for opening the fluid passages when the piston slides. A piezoelectric body is connected to the valve member, and pushes the valve member towards the fluid passages when voltage is applied. A bellows is arranged on the valve member so as to seal the piezoelectric body from the fluid, and the bellows biases the piston in the direction in which the piezoelectric body is constricted.

Abstract: Apparatus for absorbing shock, particularly repetitive shocks, comprises a frame and a shock-absorbing component comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA). In one type of apparatus, one or more SMA rings (65) are mounted on brackets (64) on a frame (62, 63) so that shock received by the frame from one direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a first direction, and shock received by the frame from the opposite direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction. In other types of apparatus, SMA shock-absorbing components (16, 27, 37, 46, 89) are mounted in a frame (11, 12,13,14,15,17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 34, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47) so that the way in which the shock-absorbing component is deformed is independent of the direction of the shock received by the frame.

Abstract: A device for actively influencing vibrations in a component, in particular vibrations in a component of a motor vehicle such as engine vibrations, for example. The device includes a sensor for detecting the vibrations, an actuator which acts on the component, and a regulation and control unit in which actuating signals may be generated from the sensor signals in order to adjust the actuator. The actuator is designed as an electrically actuatable piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: An active damping system for use in connection with a vibration isolation system includes an intermediate mass between a base and an isolated payload. The intermediate mass is supported by at least one support element which also supports at least substantially all of the static forces of the isolated payload. An actuator dampens and isolates dynamic forces acting on the intermediate mass from the isolated payload. The active damping system also includes a payload support element and a passive damping element, both of which are coupled at one end to the payload platform and at an opposite end to the intermediate mass. A sensor is affixed to the intermediate mass to generate a feedback signal to a processor coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active vibration isolation system which detects structural vibration of the mass to be isolated via a sensor and also takes account of these disturbance variables.

Abstract: A shock absorber (D1) comprises a ring-shaped seal member (3) supported by a cylinder (1) so as to cause a tip to contact the piston rod (2) resiliently. A ring-shaped actuator (4a) exerts an inward force on the outer circumference of the seal member (3). The actuator (4a) is constituted by a polymer material that varies its diameter upon impression of a direct-current voltage. By controlling the direct-current voltage depending on the relative displacement speed between the piston rod (2) and the cylinder (1), the frictional resistance which the seal member (3) exerts on the piston rod (2) is kept large when the relative displacement speed is in an extremely low operation speed region, and is decreased as the actuator (4) decreases the inward force when the relative displacement speed increases above the extremely low operation speed region.

Abstract: A semi-active device is used to damp vibrations moving relative to two elements between which the device is fixed. This device includes: a first member extending axially along a longitudinal axis; a second member extending axially along the same longitudinal axis, the two members being guided translatably relative to one another; a friction element extending between the two members and connecting them completely to each other by friction in an axial translational direction for any force below a threshold ‘s’, the force tending to create a relative translational movement of the two members along the longitudinal axis; an adjustment device enabling the value of the threshold to be adjusted. Thus adjusting the slip threshold of the friction element enables the dissipation conditions to be adjusted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing assembly (1) for a rotatable shaft (2). The bearing assembly comprises a bearing housing (10); a bearing (20) located within the bearing housing (10) and arranged in use to receive a rotatable shaft (2); and an elongate member (14) that couples the bearing (20) to the bearing housing (10) for damping vibrations of the rotatable shaft (2). The elongate member (14) comprises a piezoelectric element (40) which may be actuated so as to exert a force on the elongate member. This arrangement allows the bearing assembly to damp vibrations of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A self-adjusting end position damping arrangement includes a stroke space 9 which is delimited by a movable stroke element 7, 24 and a part of the pneumatic cylinder 1, with the stroke space 9 being connected via a connecting duct 14 to the working pressure P1 which acts on the cylinder piston 22 or to the ventilation pressure (P3) in the outlet duct 3 and the stroke element 7, 24 being acted on via a damping duct 16 by the damping pressure P2 in the damping volume 19, a non-return valve 12 is arranged in the connecting duct 14 upstream of the stroke space 9, which non-return valve 12 blocks in the direction of the working pressure P1 or the ventilation pressure (P3), respectively, and a ventilation duct 5 is provided, which ventilation duct 5 can be opened by means of the movable stroke element 7, 24 and which is connected to an outlet duct 3.

Abstract: A device for selectively controlling and varying a frictional force level at an interface between two bodies, includes a first contact body having at least one surface, a second contact body having at least one surface in physical communication with the first contact body, and an active material in operative communication with a selected one or both of the first contact body and the second contact body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal wherein the change in a property is effective to change the frictional force level at the interface between the at least one surface of the first contact body and the at least one surface of the second contact body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.

Abstract: An oscillation decoupling device is disclosed with a load-receiving element which is mounted in an oscillating manner relative to a support unit at least along an active direction along which at least part of the load is applied having at least one sensor unit which detects an oscillation of the element due to the load and at least one actuator unit acting against the oscillation of the element. The support unit is modularly configured and serves as a support structure for at least one unit that receives the element and is elastically deformable in the active direction of the load. The load-receiving element is connected to the elastically deformable unit. The at least one actuator influences the deformation applied to the at least one unit, or is integrated thereon, so that the at least one actuator initiates a deformation acting against an elastic deformation due to the load inside the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising a piston 3 in slideable communication with the housing 2; an actuator 16 in operative communication with the piston 3, wherein the actuator 16 comprises a shape memory material and is adapted to control the displacement of the piston. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in operative communication with a piston; and activating an actuator 16 in operative communication with the piston, wherein the actuator 16 comprises a shape memory material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface for controlling (for example damping) mechanical vibrations for the automotive industry. The inventive interface comprises a base connection element, a load connection element and at least one energy converting system extending between the base connection element and the load connection element. The different energy converters of the one energy converting systems have a common preferential direction and are exposed to a preload action produced by a pretensioning element. The inventive interface also comprises a pushing force deviating element mounted between the base connection element and the load connection element which is provided with a membrane or a leaf spring disposed preferably in a perpendicular direction with respect to the preferential direction of the energy converting system. The inventive pushing force deviating element protects the energy converting systems against mechanical damage caused by an external pushing action.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes damper body, a piston assembly and a pulser. The damper body is operable to maintain a fluid. The piston assembly may include a piston rod and a piston plunger. The piston plunger and at least a portion of piston rod is slidably positioned within the damper body. The pulser is operable to generate hydraulic waves within the fluid toward the piston assembly to alter the damping force of the damper assembly.

Abstract: Device and process for oscillation insulation in a transmission path. The device includes a first body structured and arranged to undergo an oscillation movement, at least one rigid connection element, a second body connected to the first body via the at least one rigid connection element, and an actuator device attached to the at least one connection element. A sensor unit is arranged in an interface area of the at least one connection element, and a regulator unit, connected to the sensor unit, is arranged to control the actuator device to perform an elastic deformation equivalent to an oscillation movement of the first body. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Device and process for oscillation insulation in a transmission path. The device includes a first body structured and arranged to undergo an oscillation movement, at least one rigid connection element, a second body connected to the first body via the at least one rigid connection element, and an actuator device attached to the at least one connection element. A sensor unit is arranged in an interface area of the at least one connection element, and a regulator unit, connected to the sensor unit, is arranged to control the actuator device to perform an elastic deformation equivalent to an oscillation movement of the first body. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damper having a damper cylinder, in which a piston ram is guided via a piston rod, and for adjusting characteristic damper values, the flow of a damper fluid can be controlled. A piezoelectric valve is disposed inside the damper cylinder, and includes a piezoelectric element and an actuator, and an evaluation and control circuit for adjusting the flow of the damper fluid triggers the actuator via the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Interfaces for damping mechanical vibrations are used, for example, for damping vibrations in the automotive or aerospace industry. The interfaces have a base connection element (10), a load connection element (28) and a support element (14), with the support element (14) being connected to the base connection element (10) via a pretensioning device (12). A first energy converter system (16, 18) extends between engagement points (20, 22) on the base connection element (10) and engagement points (24, 26) on the load connection element (28). A second energy converter system (30, 32) extends between engagement points (34, 36) on the support element (14) and engagement points (38, 40) on the load connection element (28).

Abstract: A mount damper comprises electrode plates placed on a motor side and a support body side respectively, a control unit for adjusting voltage between the electrode plates, and an electrostrictive polymer member for changing a distance between the electrode plates by the voltage therebetween. The electrostrictive polymer member is also an elastic body sandwiched between the electrode plates and has a hardness changeable with a change in the interelectrode distance. A motor is mounted through this mount damper. The control unit adjusts voltage applied between the electrode plates to a value different from a value causing resonance of the motor and the electrostrictive polymer member, thereby absorbing vibration of the motor during rotation thereof, irrespective of a rotation speed. Thus, the mount damper and the image forming apparatus using it can reliably prevent resonance and absorb vibration constantly even if a device selectively uses plural levels of the rotation speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibration in a motor vehicle includes a vibration damper module having a hollow-cylindrical housing, which has opposite ends closed by force-transmitting end closures, and a control unit for detecting interfering vibration and generating a control signal in response to the detection of the interfering vibration. An actuator assembly is secured to an inside wall surface of the housing and rendered operative in response to the generation of the control signal for causing the vibration damper module to introduce into the motor vehicle a counter vibration to suppress the interfering vibration. The actuator assembly includes at least three actuators distributed in the housing in spaced-apart relationship on a pitch circle and having a length extension which is aligned in parallel relationship to a length extension of the housing.

Abstract: A brake actuating apparatus includes a force transmission element operable to transmit a brake actuating force and an abutment member moveable to abut the force transmission element. A piezo-electric device operable on expansion applies a force between the abutment member and the force transmission element to move the force transmission element in a direction of brake actuation. A support member moveable independently of the abutment member supports the force transmission element in the new position following expansion of the piezo-electric device.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for enhancing the stability of an elongate hose extending from a tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the system, device, and method provide a passive, integrated damping device that may generate electrical energy from changes in disposition of the elongate hose and then using the electrical energy generated to impart mechanical damping forces to a portion of the elongate hose. Thus, the embodiments may minimize the occurrence of oscillations in the elongate hose as it extends from the tanker aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation.

Abstract: A damper mechanism for absorbing torsional vibrations in a rotating shaft. The damper mechanism includes a vibration absorbing mechanism and at least one actuator that is controllable to affect the torsional vibration absorbing characteristics of the vibration absorbing mechanism.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular spring (12) in the form of a cylindrical hollow body, especially for pre-tensioning a piezoelectric actuator element (2) of an actuator unit (1) of a fuel injector comprises the step of providing a thin-walled, solid-drawn steel tube with a plurality of regularly arranged longish recesses (14) by means of laser cutting. Thus, an actuator unit (1) comprises a piezoelectric actuator element (2) which is arranged in a thin-walled cylindrical hollow body, wherein the hollow body being elastically embodied and pre-tensioning the actuator element (2). Furthermore, the hollow body is a solid-drawn steel tube which is provided with a plurality of longish recesses (14).

Abstract: A method and a device for influencing the transfer of vibrations of a vibration generator to an object connected to it, in particular of engine vibrations to the body of a motor vehicle. At least one piezo element is arranged as an actuator in the region of an intermediate element connecting the vibration generator to the object. Primary vibrations are transferred between the vibration generator and the object via the intermediate element. The actuator is induced in a controlled manner to undergo secondary vibrations. The total energy and/or the composition of the frequencies of the vibrations transferred via the intermediate element are changed by the actuator, and the remaining residual vibration is measured and used for controlling the secondary vibrations.

Abstract: A vibration control system for an engine or transmission cover on a motor vehicle to absorb and dissipate gear or chain-induced vibration uses a piezoelectric strain actuator with a passive resonant control system to absorb and dissipate vibration at a fixed resonance frequency of transmission and engine timing covers. Another embodiment uses an open-loop active control system, based on signals already existing on-board in the engine controller and a control map of phase, amplitude and frequency. Still another embodiment employs a hybrid system, combining open- and closed-loop control.

Abstract: A method and a device for influencing the transfer of vibrations of a vibration generator to an object connected to it, in particular of engine vibrations to the body of a motor vehicle. At least one piezo element is arranged as an actuator in the region of an intermediate element connecting the vibration generator to the object. Primary vibrations are transferred between the vibration generator and the object via the intermediate element. The actuator is induced in a controlled manner to undergo secondary vibrations. The total energy and/or the composition of the frequencies of the vibrations transferred via the intermediate element are changed by the actuator, and the remaining residual vibration is measured and used for controlling the secondary vibrations.

Abstract: A valve regulates fluid displacement in a damper assembly, for example, displacement of hydraulic fluid in a sealed shock absorber. The valve is placed between a portion of fluid at one pressure and regulates the passage of fluid through an aperture or passage to a portion of fluid at a lower pressure by a blocking member which moves to obstruct the aperture in accordance with a desired level of damping. The blocking member is, or is driven by, an electroactive device, such as a bimorph actuator formed of ferroelectric material.

Abstract: A suspension system (20) controls the amount of compressible fluid (42) within struts (28) to determine spring rate coefficients (Ks) and dampening coefficients (Bs) for the struts (28). The spring rate and dampening coefficients (Ks, Bs) are selected to provide forces (F) which are a sum of several components, which include a desired target static force (Fd) for balancing various forces acting upon a vehicle chassis, comparison of the target strut force (Fd) to the actual force (F) applied by the respective struts (28), comparison of velocity ({dot over (z)}5) of the chassis relative to a selected reference datum, and a ride height error (erh). Frequency dependant filtering decreases the spring rate coefficients (Ks) when changes in position (Zs) are detected at frequencies (&ohgr;) beneath a threshold level (&ohgr;K), and decreases the dampening coefficients (Bs) when changes in velocity ({dot over (z)}s) are detected at frequencies (&ohgr;) above a threshold level (&ohgr;B).

Abstract: An automatically adjustable damping force shock absorber includes an outer cylinder; an inner cylinder provided in the outer cylinder; a piston inserted into the inner cylinder. The piston includes a plunger assembly slidably fitted in the inner cylinder so as to divide the inner cylinder into two compartments and provided with orifices on a side wall thereof, several one way valves on a upper and lower walls thereof and a cylindrical piston rod connected at one end thereof to the plunger assembly, a control valve provided in the plunger assembly for controlling fluid amount passing through the orifices and one way valves of the plunger assembly, and an electric power supplier connected to the control valve by a cable for supplying electric power.

Abstract: A valve regulates fluid displacement in a damper assembly, for example, displacement of hydraulic fluid in a sealed shock absorber. The valve is placed between a portion of fluid at one pressure and regulates the passage of fluid through an aperture or passage to a portion of fluid at a lower pressure by a blocking member which moves to obstruct the aperture in accordance with a desired level of damping. The blocking member is, or is driven by, an electroactive device, such as a bimorph actuator formed of ferroelectric material. In one embodiment, the blocking member is a bimorph which covers the aperture, and is flexibly displaced by passage of pressurized fluid through the aperture. A controller provides an electrical actuation signal to move the bimorph toward or away from the aperture, augmenting or decreasing its closing bias to affect both the threshold flow initiation pressure and the rate of flow once the passage opens.

Abstract: A valve regulates fluid displacement in a damper assembly, for example, displacement of hydraulic fluid in a sealed shock absorber. The valve is placed between a portion of fluid at one pressure and regulates the passage of fluid through an aperture or passage to a portion of fluid at a lower pressure by a blocking member which moves to obstruct the aperture in accordance with a desired level of damping. The blocking member is, or is driven by, an electroactive device, such as a bimorph actuator formed of ferroelectric material. In one embodiment, the blocking member is a bimorph which covers the aperture, and is flexibly displaced by passage of pressurized fluid through the aperture. A controller provides an electrical actuation signal to move the bimorph toward or away from the aperture, augmenting or decreasing its closing bias to affect both the threshold flow initiation pressure and the rate of flow once the passage opens.