Abstract: A robot gravity balancer includes: a tubular housing whose both ends in the direction of a longitudinal axis are closed by end plates having through-holes; a movable member housed inside the housing so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis; a compression spring disposed between the movable member and the end plate; and an elongated rod that is capable of being passed through the through-holes of both the end plates, and that is disposed in a state of having one end detachably mounted on the movable member and the other end protruding to the outside of the housing, regardless of which of the through-holes the rod is passed through. The robot gravity balancer is disposed between a first member and a second member of a robot, the second member being provided so as to be swingable around a predetermined swing axis relative to the first member.

Abstract: A force damper arranged to progressively arrest a first force imparted by an object moving in a first direction is disclosed. The force damper includes a housing enclosure having a first housing end and a second housing end. The first housing end includes a first connection point, and the second housing end includes an opening. A driving member is disposed within the housing enclosure and includes a first shaft end, a second shaft end, and a shaft therebetween. The first shaft end includes a stop and the second shaft end includes a second connection point. A compressible member is disposed within the housing enclosure between the stop and the opening. The compressible member is formed from a material that at least partially undergoes plastic deformation when the first force is arrested and imparts a second force on the stop toward first housing end.

Abstract: A maintenance jig for a balancer of a robot includes a balancer with a casing closed at both ends by two end plates, each having a through hole, a movable member disposed in the casing, movable in an axial direction of the casing, a rod, one end of which is fixed to the movable member and another end of which is disposed outside the casing, and a force generating member accommodated in the casing. The force generating member generates a pulling force that pulls the rod into the casing. The maintenance jig includes a first member detachably fixed to the other end plate, a second member includes a male screw portion to be fastened to a screw hole of the first member, and a rotational force input unit through which a rotational force is input.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism (100) is provided for a vehicle seat (1), in particular for a utility vehicle seat, including a scissors-type frame (3). The height adjusting mechanism (100) includes a gas spring (12) that cooperates with the scissors-type frame (3) as well as a valve device (40) for ventilating and/or evacuating the gas spring (12). The valve device (40) is located on a control unit (110). The control unit (110) includes a control element (82) for actuating the height adjusting mechanism (100). A vehicle seat (1) is also provided including a height adjusting mechanism (100).

Abstract: An energy absorber includes a housing, a bearing housing positioned within the housing, a main connection point connected to a first receiver, and a threaded rod connected through a bearing and having an end connected to the first receiver at a first end of the housing. The bearing is positioned in the bearing housing. Compressible elements of the threaded rod compress against the bearing to absorb energy upon exceeding a force threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a pivot arm mounted energy attenuating vehicle seating system. In one exemplary embodiment the vehicle seating system includes a seat with a pair of left upper and lower seat pivots, and a pair of right upper and lower seat pivots; and apart from the seat a pair of left upper and lower stationary pivots, and a pair of right upper and lower stationary pivots. A pair of left and right upper pivot arms are connected at one end to a respective upper seat pivot, and at the other end to a respective upper stationary pivot; and a pair of left and right lower pivot arms are similarly connected at one end to a respective lower seat pivot, and at the other end to a respective lower stationary pivot. The seating system may further include an energy attenuating member with a first end attached to the seat and a second end configured for attachment to a vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A suspension for a washing machine and a washing machine with the suspension is disclosed. The suspension includes a support shaft; a first elastic member that surrounds a portion of the support shaft and provides a first elastic force to the support shaft in a longitudinal direction of the support shaft; a second elastic member between the support shaft and the first elastic member, and configured to provide a second elastic force different from the first elastic force to a support shaft in the same direction as the first elastic member; a guide stopper at one end of the support shaft, configured to restrict movement of the first elastic member and the second elastic member in one direction; and a housing on the support shaft that surrounds the first and second elastic members, configured to restrict movement of the first and second elastic members in another direction.

Abstract: A suspension for an automatic washing machine is provided. The suspension includes a main body, a tub having a drum therein coupled to the main body, a snubber bar having one end connected to a cabinet of the washing machine and another end in the main body, a seal at to a lower end of the snubber bar and configured to slide and/or move in the main body, and one or more springs in the main body, configured to apply an elastic force to the seal when the seal slides and/or in the main body, and including at least two sections having different spring constants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a leveling platform for an i LA®/external lung device which can be patient adjusted. The platform includes upper and lower planar support members pivotally attached to each other along one side of each member and the opposed side includes an adjustment mechanism for pivoting the top support member with respect to the bottom support members to provide a level adjustment. The top support member includes a retaining mechanism for holding an i LA® ECLS device and level indicators to indicate whether or not the top support member is level. The bottom support member rests on a surface such as a bed or chair to which the platform can be secured. Once the ECLS device is connected to the patient and supported in the ECLS device is mounted on the top surface of the leveling platform and if required, the adjustment mechanism is engaged by the clinician or patient to level the ECLS device.

Abstract: A spring bar lift and attachment system includes a bracket assembly, a ratchet mechanism, and a flexible strap. The ratchet mechanism is secured to the bracket assembly, and the bracket assembly is configured to be secured to a portion of a frame of a trailer. The flexible strap includes a ratchet end configured to be wound onto the ratchet mechanism and a spring bar end configured to be secured to a spring bar of a weight distribution hitch that is attached to a tow vehicle. The ratchet end of the flexible strap is configured to be wound onto the ratchet mechanism when the bracket assembly is secured to the frame of the trailer and the spring bar end of the flexible strap is secured to the spring bar.

Abstract: An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. The articulated arm CMM also comprises (1) a ratchet lock for restricting the motion of at least one transfer member in at least one direction of rotation and (2) a clutch mechanism for allowing limited rotation of the at least one transfer member upon application of a high amount of force upon at least one transfer member.

Abstract: An overload detecting assembly comprising a lateral probe (18) which cooperates with a first load bearing member (10) as it moves towards a second load bearing member (11) and in turn deflects an indicator member (20) which may take a permanent set when a yield point is exceeded. Ready inspection of the indicator member reveals whether or not it has been bent. The indicator member may comprise a cantilevered beam (24) formed in a sleeve (20) coaxial with the load bearing members (10, 11). Alternatively, an extension (25) of the probe (18) may deflect laterally at a midpoint under overload conditions. Alternatively, the probe (18) may form an impression in an indicator member (30) under overload conditions.

Abstract: A hook clamp has surfaces allowing the clamp to be placed on a support and clamped thereto. The surfaces are such that the clamp can be placed on the support and its weight held by the support prior to tightening. The clamp has a built-in connector for supplying power to the lamp. The clamp has one or more fail-safe holes for securing the clamp to the support with a safety cable. The clamp also has one or more flanges that can be received by a separate mounting bracket, for mounting the clamp and any attached element during storage, staging, or when otherwise not being used.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.

Abstract: A sensor includes a clevis insert for reception within a first bore of a clevis. The clevis insert is configured to accommodate a latch pin. A strain sensing element is operatively associated with the clevis insert for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert when a force acts on the clevis insert through the pin. The invention also provides a method of retrofitting a cowl latch assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic engine mount having a fastener which protrudes outside from a mount body and is inserted into a fastener insert hole formed in a support structure such as a vehicle frame or the like and then fixed thereto by means of a fastener member. The engine mount comprises a first elastic pad having a first hole through which the fastener can pass and a second elastic pad having a second hole through which the fastener can pass. When installed in the support structure, the first elastic pad is disposed between the support structure and the mount body and the second elastic pad is disposed between the support structure and the fastener member.

Abstract: A combination of a swivel joint with an arm for mounting an apparatus for surveillance applications, such as a television camera includes a truncated ball, an arm attached at the end thereof to the truncated ball and having a passage for a cable, a ring-shaped holder having an inner curved rim of a curvature radius equal to that of the truncated ball for locking that truncated ball. An elongated cylindrical cover having an elongated cutout provides a passage to the arm for gripping the truncated ball and provides the arm with positioning capacity extending through the length of the cutout. A locking nut locks the cylindrical cover to the ring-shaped holder. The cylindrical cover can be rotated for positioning the cutout so that the arm can be adjusted to any position within the length of the cutout and the cable passing through the truncated ball and the holder is not obstructed.

Abstract: An engine mounting system for an internal combustion engine includes a bracket adapted for attachment to an engine and detachable locator members which are attached to fasteners extending axially from the bracket through the frame member of a vehicle. The detachable locator members wedge the engine mounting brackets into a desired location upon the frame crossmember. Once the engine has been decked, the locator members may be removed so as to allow installation of additional fastening elements.

Abstract: A suspension device for automotive seat which is provided with a hydraulic damper and a compression coil spring wound therearound, such that the coil spring is adjusted in elastic repercussion force by way of worm gear and worm wheel so as to permit a fine adjustment of the repercussion force of the coil spring. A casing may be provided for housing the worm gear and worm wheel, and an indicator is formed on the casing. Below the casing, a scale plate having a desired plural graduation lines or marks is provided, to thereby precisely set a desired reprecussion force of the spring.

Abstract: A mount for a surveillance camera or the like for moving the camera between an operating position and a servicing position for changing film or lens or the like. The camera and mount have interengaging support means and a fastener for joining the support means together for supporting the camera. A shaft is positioned in a mounting bracket, with the shaft having threaded sections projecting upwardly and downwardly from the mounting bracket. The support means is fastened to the upper end of the shaft with a detent member carried on the shaft for engaging a detent member in the bracket, with the shaft detent member being adjustable with respect to the camera position. The shaft is clamped to the bracket by a nut or the like on the downwardly extending section. With the detents engaged, the camera is initially adjusted to the desired operating position and then the support means is clamped at the upper end of the shaft.

Abstract: A height adjustment arrangement for a motor vehicle seat has a plurality of pivotable supports each having one end portion arranged at a fixed height relative to a vehicle floor and another end portion hingedly connectable with a seat portion, and a plurality of pairs of separate supporting elements arranged so that each pair of the supporting elements is pivotably connected with a respective one of the pivotable supports. A first supporting element of each pair is mounted on the seat portion, whereas a second supporting element of the same pair is mounted at a fixed height relative to the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A seat leveling apparatus for air-suspension seats of the type used in over-the road vehicles moves the seat to its lowermost position when the driver alights therefrom. When the driver reenters the seat, apparatus is provided to raise the seat to a preselected driving position responsive to the weight of the driver on the seat.

Abstract: A spring support particularly intended for supporting pipes in installations where the pipes are liable to move laterally while in use, as for example in the case of pipes through which steam is conveyed, has provision for locking its compression spring means against movement relative to a body of the spring support in a plurality of positions longitudinally of the axis of operating movement of the spring. Preferably the spring means can be locked in an infinite number of positions within the operating range of its longitudinal movement. Thus if for any reason it is desired to resist movement for a while of a pipe which is supported by the spring support during use, the spring means can be readily locked against movement in the operative position it was occupying, without first having to move the spring means to another position before the spring means may be locked.

Abstract: A spring support of the constant spring force type suitable for supporting pipes in installations where the pipes are liable to move laterally while in use, as for example in the case of pipes through which steam is conveyed, is arranged so that the pipe or other load which the support has to carry in use can be attached to a pivoted lever of the support at various positions at different distances from the pivot. The load is attached through load connecting means to a carrier which is variably positioned on the lever. By adjusting the position of the carrier the turning moment produced on the lever by any one of a range of loads can be arranged to be equal and opposite to the turning moment produced by the spring force which acts on the lever. The facility for adjustment has the manufacturing advantage that a standard form of lever can be produced for supporting a range of loads.