Variable Or Adjustable Energy Absorbing Means Patents (Class 248/566)
  • Patent number: 11571958
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engine mount for a vehicle including a membrane, which is an essential component of an engine mount for supporting a powertrain of the vehicle. The membrane may be deformed vertically and radially depending on an input amplitude so as to open or close bypass holes in upper and lower plates depending on the input amplitude. As such, it is possible to easily fulfill a function of isolating vibrations generated by the powertrain during idling and a damping function of controlling the behavior of the powertrain during traveling and it is possible to prevent the generation of abnormal noise attributable to cavitation and rattling phenomena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seung Won Kim
  • Patent number: 11193532
    Abstract: A variable stiffness bushing includes: inner and outer tubular members; an elastic member connecting these tubular members. At least one pair of circumferentially separated liquid chambers is defined in the elastic member such that first axial ends and second axial ends of the liquid chambers are defined by first and second end walls of the elastic member, respectively. The liquid chambers of each pair communicate with each other by a corresponding communication passage including a circumferential passage provided in one of the tubular members, which includes a coil wound coaxially therewith and a yoke provided with at least one gap constituting the circumferential passage. A magnetic fluid fills the liquid chambers and the communication passage(s). The first and second end walls are configured such that when the tubular members are axially displaced relative to each other, a difference is created between volumes of the liquid chambers of each pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuho Ito, Toshio Inoue
  • Patent number: 10876675
    Abstract: A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition. The treatment room of the facility is constructed from a vault module comprising a freestanding outer frame assembly that is placed on the supporting foundation. The vault module includes a base frame adjustably mounted within the outer frame assembly for supporting the radiotherapy device and a plurality of adjustable supports for leveling the base frame independently from the outer frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: John J. Lefkus, III, Cheri A. Oquist
  • Patent number: 10808793
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission mount which isolates noise or vibration of an engine, the hydraulic transmission mount may include a core which moves horizontally together with a main rubber vulcanized outside the core in accordance with behavior of a vehicle; stoppers which are coupled to both surfaces of the core and define a hermetic liquid chamber with the core; a bracket which surrounds the stoppers and fixes the hydraulic transmission mount to a vehicle body; and a spoke which penetrates an insertion hole formed at a center of the core and has protruding regions that are bent at both end portions of the spoke and in contact with the stoppers, wherein a fluid encapsulated in the liquid chamber flows through the insertion hole in accordance with the behavior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seung-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 10451141
    Abstract: A fluid mount is provided having continuously variable characteristics for improving driving performance in which an automatic fluid opening and closing unit is installed between upper and lower fluid chambers. The fluid mount includes a core having a central bolt, engaged with an engine, inserted into a central portion of the core, and a rubber member formed on an outer circumferential surface of the core. The core and the rubber member are disposed in a bracket housing. The upper and lower fluid chambers and the automatic fluid opening and closing unit are installed between the upper and lower fluid chambers to continuously open and close a flow path through current change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seung-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 10364862
    Abstract: An active engine mounting device is provided. The active engine mounting device includes upper and lower liquid chambers partitioned by a valve unit and adjusts a vibration and a load input from an engine in response to a driving condition while a fluid passes through the valve unit and attenuates the vibration and the load. The active engine mounting device includes an insulator that encloses a core integrally formed with a mounting bolt and elastically deformed based on the load applied to the core. A main case is disposed at a circumference of a lower end portion of the insulator. A diaphragm is disposed under the main case. The valve unit is configured to selectively pass the fluid through three channels based on operation of the valve. An actuator is disposed through an auxiliary case to drive the valve in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Woo Kim, Jang Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 10093214
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame. A support bracket is rotatably coupled with the seat frame, and is coupled with a front seat cushion tube supporting a forward portion of a seat. A spindle bracket is operably coupled with the frame. A position clamp includes a spring-biased piston rotatably coupled with the spindle bracket. A housing is slidably coupled with the piston, operable between fore and aft positions, and is rotatably coupled with a clamp mounting bracket, which is fixedly coupled with the support bracket. A release bar is operably coupled with the position clamp, is operable between lock and release positions, and is spring-biased to the lock position. A release handle is operably coupled to the release bar and configured to disengage the release bar from the lock position, thereby allowing sliding movement of the housing fore and aft relative to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Brian John Roorda, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 10029553
    Abstract: A hydraulic engine mount with two channels is provided, which reduces vibration effectively in ignition mode and rough road mode, improves performance in noise, vibration, harshness (NVH) in a vehicle with stop/start function. The hydraulic engine mount with two channels, provided with a dividing means, comprises a first channel formed along a first path of the dividing means and providing a moving path of fluid between an upper fluid chamber and a lower fluid chamber, a second channel formed along a second path of the dividing means and providing a moving path of fluid between the upper fluid chamber and the lower fluid chamber, and a solenoid device having a first solenoid valve body installed in the housing and configured for opening and closing the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: DTR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Woo Seon Jo
  • Patent number: 9850800
    Abstract: An exhaust system having a gasket includes a turbocharger disposed to be rotated by exhaust gas, a warming up catalytic converter through which exhaust gas discharged from the turbocharger passes and which purifies the exhaust gas, a connecting pipe disposed between the turbocharger and the warming up catalytic converter and which delivers the exhaust gas, a gasket interposed between an inlet side flange of the connecting pipe and an outlet side flange of the turbocharger, and which seals the exhaust gas, and a stay which connects the warming up catalytic converter to a vehicle body, and includes an elastically flexible curved line portion formed at one side of the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: ChunSoon Jang
  • Publication number: 20150136937
    Abstract: A method for controlling structure-borne noise based on a combined-type vibration isolation device includes the following steps: S1: determining a combined-type vibration isolation device as required according to parameters of a mechanical device to be isolated, and installing the combined-type vibration isolation device on a horizontal bearing surface; S2: vertically placing the mechanical device to be isolated on the combined-type vibration isolation device; S3: adjusting a mass of an intermediate balance weight block of the combined-type vibration isolation device; and S4: adjusting an inherent frequency of the combined-type vibration isolation device to be lower than a structural vibration sound transmission frequency generated in the operation of the mechanical device to be isolated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicants: STATE GRID CHONGOING ELECTRIC POWER CO. ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA (SGCC)
    Inventors: Luwen Xu, Guojun He, Fangqing Gao, Xiaorui Hu, Anxin Zou
  • Publication number: 20150053496
    Abstract: A powertrain mounting system for a vehicle powertrain includes a first powertrain mount that exhibits a first gradual rate of change of static stiffness when under load. The mounting system also includes a second powertrain mount that exhibits a second gradual rate of change of static stiffness when under load. The first gradual rate of change of static stiffness is related to the second gradual rate of change of static stiffness by a static equilibrium torque balance equation of respective displacements at the first and the second powertrain mounts. The static equilibrium torque balance equation is based in part on a spatial arrangement of the first and the second powertrain mounts relative to the powertrain. A method of designing the powertrain mounting system determines the first and second gradual rates of change of static stiffness under load to achieve efficient energy management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Sam M. Jomaa, Daniel F. Weir
  • Patent number: 8910926
    Abstract: A liquid-sealed vibration isolation device including: a cylindrical outer tube member; a boss member; a vibration isolation base body ; a diaphragm; a partition member; an orifice; a decompressing-cum-pouring hole allowing the liquid-sealed chamber to communicate with the outside; and a sealer sealing the decompressing-cum-pouring hole. In the liquid-sealed vibration isolation device, an annular attaching member is provided to which the diaphragm is vulcanizingly adhered on the inner peripheral side and which is formed into an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction and attached to the upper end side of the outer tube member, and the decompressing-cum-pouring hole is disposed in the annular attaching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Okamura
  • Publication number: 20140357494
    Abstract: A mounting plate for locating under a superconducting magnet structure, between the superconducting magnet structure and a supporting surface of a mobile carrier, is controllable between two different states. In a first state, the mount provides rigid attachment and precise location of the superconducting magnet structure onto the supporting surface of the mobile carrier. In a second state, the mount provides vibration isolation between the superconducting magnet and the mobile carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS PLC
    Inventors: Neil Belton, Richard Gowland, Trevor Bryan Husband, Nicholas Mann, Michael Simpkins
  • Patent number: 8899393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Technical Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Emil Kraner, Antonio Lopes
  • Patent number: 8833745
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a seismic isolation device which, regardless of a load to be supported, is capable of reducing acceleration through lengthening a natural period of an upper structure, with excellent vibration energy absorbing capacity by obtaining a properly preferable frictional force as well as a returning characteristic, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Denki University Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Fujita, Go Tanaka, Mitsuru Miyazaki, Hideo Ozawa, Ikuo Shimoda
  • Publication number: 20140209779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stationary vibration isolation system and to a method for controlling such a system which comprises a damper effective in a horizontal direction which includes a fluid of variable viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter A. Kropp, Peter Kluth
  • Patent number: 8757600
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic springing system for vehicles with at least a first and a second part (3, 4), wherein the two parts (3, 4) are mounted vibration-mobile and pneumatically sprung in relation to each other by means of at least one pneumatic spring (8), wherein a first control device (10) is arranged to supply air to and extract air from the pneumatic spring (8), which carries out the extraction of air after a first travel end zone (62) of the springing system has been reached in which the pneumatic spring (8) is in a compressed state, and which carries out the supply of air after a second travel end zone (63) of the springing system has been reached in which the pneumatic spring (8) is in an extended state, wherein a second control device (20) is provided to supply air to the pneumatic spring (8) and disable the extraction of air from the pneumatic spring (8) during a pre-determinable first time interval (61) after a first travel end stop (58) in the first travel end zone (62) has been reached
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 8684340
    Abstract: A variable stiffness liquid inertia vibration isolation device includes a liquid inertia vibration elimination isolator and a variable stiffness spring operably associated with the liquid inertia vibration elimination isolator for varying the stiffness of the liquid inertia vibration isolator. The variable stiffness spring may include an elastomeric pad exhibiting a first stiffness along a first axis and a second stiffness, significantly greater than the first stiffness, along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 8590667
    Abstract: A crankcase of an internal combustion engine includes protruding portions formed on an outer surface of the crankcase which are constituted of a pair of left and right wall members, and a vibration isolating rubber is fitted between the wall members. The crankcase configured in this manner prevents the generation of sounds from a protruding portion of the crankcase and is light-weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Watanabe, Atsushi Ogasawara, Masataka Tanaka, Satoru Nojima
  • Patent number: 8567770
    Abstract: To expand a body weight adjustment range and achieve thinning. An initial position adjusting member 15 which can adjust initial resilient forces of two torsion bars 31, 41 is provided. Therefore, a body weight adjustment range is expanded as compared with a conventional configuration where a resilient force of only one torsion bar is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yutaka Sakamoto, Hiroki Oshimo
  • Publication number: 20130233998
    Abstract: The invention is a device for influencing transfer of vibration between two units, one is mounted so that it can vibrate and the other is mounted to be quieted. A parallel circuit is connected indirectly or directly with both units, which comprises at least one elastically deformable element, with an associated first force path and at least one force generator, providing a second force path, oriented parallel to the first force path and associated with a lever, connected indirectly or directly with the one unit, which lever at one end is rotated about a first axis of rotation oriented orthogonally to both force paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicants: Hochschule Darmstadt, University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Andreas BUETER, Enrico JANSSEN, Samuel GAISBAUER
  • Patent number: 8474783
    Abstract: A connection structure of a vehicular engine mounting and a front plate of a front wheel cowling is disclosed. The engine mounting includes a damper assembly, an upper mount bracket and a lower mount bracket. One end of the upper mount bracket corresponding to the front plate of the front wheel cowling is provided with a lug, and the lug is of a “Z” shape and includes a first locating plate, a second locating plate and a transitional plate. The first locating plate and the second locating plate is connected with each other via the transitional plate, and the first locating plate abuts against the front plate of the front wheel cowling and is fixed thereto by bolts. The second locating plate and the transitional plate are protruded into the locating hole in the front plate of the front wheel cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chongqing Lifan EFI Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhimin Hu
  • Patent number: 8473163
    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. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. An alternate configuration of a dual-goal energy absorption system is also disclosed that enables both shock mitigation and vibration isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Techno-Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Hiemenz, Wei Hu, Vaibhav Vora
  • Patent number: 8430373
    Abstract: A fluid-filled type vibration damping device including a resin bracket provided on an outside peripheral face of a second mounting member. The resin bracket includes a mating portion mated within a mating groove of the second mounting member opening in an outside peripheral face of the second mounting member, a mating tubular portion extending on the outside peripheral face of the second mounting member from the mating portion to one axial side, and a mounting portion which is formed at a distal end portion of the mating tubular portion on the one axial side and extends peripherally outward. A weight reducing space opens at a distal end face of the mating tubular portion on the one axial side while extending between an inside peripheral face of the mating tubular portion and the outside peripheral face of the second mounting member in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Nishi, Daisuke Fukunaga, Tetsuya Miyahara, Keisuke Kawabe
  • Patent number: 8413948
    Abstract: A dynamic kinematic mount includes three balls, a first plate, and an opposing second plate. The first plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the first plate, and the second plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the second plate. Also provided is a spacer having opposing first and second faces and three bores extending therethrough from the first face to the second face. The three balls are each disposed in one of the three bores for rotation relative to the spacer, in which the three ball project outboard of the first and second faces. The first plate is in juxtaposition to the first face, and the second plate in juxtaposition to the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Zoltan A. Kemeny
  • Publication number: 20120241587
    Abstract: An adjustable seat suspension for a vehicle seat that includes a linkage arrangement disposed between a seat frame and seat base whose collapse is opposed by a spring lever arm linkage arrangement supported on a fluid powered spring actuator carried by the base that has a plurality of pivotable spring lever arms that are each coupled to a portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid powered spring actuator is an air spring whose pressure is adjustable and which is powered by an air compressor to tailor suspension characteristics and provide a desired preload. The base includes an upright to which the spring lever arm linkage arrangement is pivotally mounted with its spring lever arms supported by a saddle carried by the air spring at a location disposed between the upright and where the spring lever arms couple with the seat suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robert J. Wahls, Ronald Uecker
  • Patent number: 8267356
    Abstract: A tension balancer which includes an axis body including a latch part, a column shaped main body including a bottom part which has at least two first through holes arranged at equal intervals in a concentric circle from the center, and an open upper part, a spring base housed within the main body and having an aperture for joining an end of the axis body to the center, and at least two second holes arranged at equal intervals in a concentric circle from the center, an upper lid having an aperture for pushing through the main body of the axis body to the center, and at last two second through holes arranged at equal intervals in a concentric circle from the center, the upper lid being screwed to the main body by a bold and nut which passes through the first, second and third through holes, and at least two or more spring unit groups sandwiched between the spring base which is housed within the main body and the upper lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohta, Masanobu Takahashi, Shinichi Kobayashi, Mikio Ito, Mitsuru Murakami, Yutaro Ohtomo, Keitaro Kawamura, Masahashi Nakagome
  • Patent number: 8262051
    Abstract: An isolator. The novel isolator includes a first mounting structure, a second mounting structure, and a structure for providing a coupling path between the first and second mounting structures, this path having a series of zigzag patterns adapted to attenuate shock and/or vibration energy. The first mounting structure is attached to the shock source, and the second mounting structure is attached to the device to be isolated. In an illustrative embodiment, the isolator provides a path having a series of ninety-degree bends and a length greater than a direct distance between the first and second mounting structures. The path length and number of bends is tuned to provide a desired attenuation level. The dimensions of the isolator may also be tuned to provide a desired resonant frequency. In a preferred embodiment, the isolator is made from metal or some other material having stable properties over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Peter H. Vo, Edward C. Schlatter, Jeffrey J. Layton
  • Patent number: 8235351
    Abstract: A shock load isolation mounting system that incorporates a dashpot into each shock load isolation mount to provide damping. Each shock load isolation mount includes a shock mount portion having a first end fixed to the object to be isolated from shock loads, a second end, and an intermediate section between the first end and the second end. Each isolation mount also includes a dashpot mounted in series with the shock mount portion. The dashpot includes a moveable piston and a cylinder that receives the piston therein. The piston is fixed to the second end of the shock mount portion, and the cylinder is fixed to a support that is fixed relative to the object so that the dashpot provides damping in directions parallel to compression and tension directions of the shock mount portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Brian T. Van Lear
  • Publication number: 20110204204
    Abstract: A torque support for a converter tilting drive mounted on a shaft journal. The supports are provided on the gear housing that accommodates the shaft journal to be driven. The supports support the gear housing on the structure carrying the converter. To this end, the supports are embodied in each case as dual action hydraulic piston-cylinder units that are independently anchored on the structure in an articulated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: SMS Siemag AG
    Inventors: Jörg Hertel, Benjamin Wallmeroth, Lutz Rose, Christoph Sundermann, Stephan Schulze, Christian Imiela, Wolfgang Igelhorst, Uwe Thiedemann
  • Patent number: 7918432
    Abstract: This invention relates to a support or hanger utilizing a conical spring washer or set of conical spring washer displaying variable load characteristics. When installed, both types (support or hanger) allow for small movements in pipe, ductwork or equipment (PDE), thus, allowing for the thermal growth of PDE. Conventionally, helical coil spring supports are chosen to meet the load capacities of PDE but are reluctantly used because of their large size. By using conical spring washer s, the size of the support is substantially reduced making it a more useable device. A smaller, more compact design proves to increase the support/hanger's application making it more stable to place under piping and even under reciprocating motion equipment like generators and pumps. For small displacements, it is found that this invention behaves in the same manor as a conventional helical coil spring support under the same applied loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: James Octavius Taylor, III, Klaus Peter Redmann, Bharat Vallabhdas Makadia, Kirk Vincent Leonardi
  • Patent number: 7841588
    Abstract: In order to provide a damping element (4) in compact form for transportation as an individual part of a dismantled stand (1) and to be able to push a support (11) into a tube (2) to fix it there, it is proposed that the support (11) is relatively, in particular vertically and telescopically, displaceable with respect to tube (2), in that damping element (4) is connected at a first end (19) on support (11) to a component (20) for holding the appliance, in that damping element (4) is held by tube (2), in that a second, opposite end (21) of damping element (4) protrudes out of tube (2) when damping element (4) is relaxed, in that the second end (21) of damping element (4) can be shifted onto tube (2) or into it when damping element (4) is compressed, and in that second end (21) can be fastened in this compressed state by a fixing element (22) to fix support (11) in its position shifted towards tube (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ondal Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kellner, Hans Moll
  • Publication number: 20100133413
    Abstract: An adjustable seat suspension for a vehicle seat that includes a linkage arrangement disposed between a seat frame and seat base whose collapse is opposed by a spring lever arm linkage arrangement supported on a fluid powered spring actuator carried by the base that has a plurality of pivotable spring lever arms that are each coupled to a portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid powered spring actuator is an air spring whose pressure is adjustable and which is powered by an air compressor to tailor suspension characteristics and provide a desired preload. The base includes an upright to which the spring lever arm linkage arrangement is pivotally mounted with its spring lever arms supported by a saddle carried by the air spring at a location disposed between the upright and where the spring lever arms couple with the seat suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. Wahls, Ronald Uecker
  • Publication number: 20100125404
    Abstract: An inertial navigation system includes a housing mountable to a vehicle and a sensor assembly located within the housing. The sensor assembly includes at least one accelerometer or gyroscope operable to measure an amount of movement of the sensor assembly. In addition, at least one adjustable mount attaches the sensor assembly to the housing and is adjustable to change its stiffness, and thus its natural frequency, based on a signal initially generated by the sensor assembly, processed by a processor, and then received through a feedback control loop. In one embodiment, the adjustable mount may take the form of a piezoelectric device. In another embodiment, the adjustable mount may take the form of a magnetorheological fluid device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc
    Inventor: Robert B. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100102194
    Abstract: A variable stiffness support is disclosed. The variable stiffness support has a support housing that is configured to adjust the orientation of an internal elastomer assembly. The support housing includes an adjustment mechanism, and the elastomer assembly includes an outer ring that encircles an elastomeric material, a central bushing embedded in the elastomeric material, and a plurality of shims embedded in the elastomeric material in a parallel planar fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: David F. Haynes, David L. Williams, Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Pascal
  • Patent number: 7621498
    Abstract: A hanger for a ceiling fan is formed with a conical receiving opening contracted downward gradually and having a hard hanging spherical member received therein. The hanging spherical member has its outer circumference annularly provided with a stop ring whose diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the receiving opening. A shock-absorbing cover is covered around the outer circumference under the stop ring of the hanging spherical member, having its inner circumferential camber matching with the outer circumferential camber of the hanging spherical member to enable the shock-absorbing cover to stably cover the hanging spherical member, and its outer circumference completely touching the inner edge of the receiving opening, avoiding the hanging spherical member dropping downward, preventing noises from produced and effectively elevating stability of the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Yu Tang
  • Publication number: 20090279190
    Abstract: A moveable assembly includes a frame, resilient suspension arms made of carbon nanotube bundles, and a moveable member. The frame is disposed around the moveable member. Each of the resilient suspension arms includes a first end fixed to the frame, and a second end connected to the moveable member. The resilient suspension arms are centro-symmetrically arranged relative to the moveable member such that the moveable member is capable of stably moving along a predetermined direction driven by an external force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TAI-HSU CHOU
  • Publication number: 20090256293
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat suspension system comprising a support assembly, a regulating system, and a control system. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system, which can comprise a hardware control for setting-selection by a human operator, directs the regulating system to adjust the support assembly as needed. Based on the human operator's chosen settings, the regulating system, in conjunction with the support assembly, can emulate a passive, semi-active, or active suspension. Preferably, the regulating system comprises a rotary motor, which drives the support assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Ward
  • Publication number: 20090189407
    Abstract: A suspension system for a seat assembly of a machine includes an upper support member and a lower support member. A plurality of vertically aligned guide pins interconnect the upper and lower support members, and are telescopically movable to adjust a distance between the upper and lower support members. A plurality of suspension devices are operatively connected to the upper and lower support members for biasing the upper support member away from the lower support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Charles E. Lewis, II
  • Patent number: 7520486
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: DTR Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Sup Kim
  • Publication number: 20090045000
    Abstract: An air ride system is provided for tractors and other agricultural vehicles to provide a smooth operator ride. The system includes a bracket mounted to the transmission housing beneath the cab. A pair of shock absorbers and a pair of air bags extend between the bracket and the cab so as to absorb forces generated during travel of the vehicle over the ground. A laterally extending control rod provides anti-sway for the cab. Stop members limit the upward and downward travel of the cab relative to the transmission housing. A compressor and air lines allow air to be supplied to or removed from the air bags to adjust the ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Keith R. Brown
  • Patent number: 7431261
    Abstract: The pneumatic suspension apparatus 3 includes at least one pneumatic bag 4 for being attached with a vehicle between the vehicle frame and the vehicle seat for restricting the vehicle seat laterally and dampening vibrations; a regulator 6 pneumatically connected with the at least one pneumatic bag 4, where the regulator 6 adjusts the pressure in the at least one pneumatic bag 4; and a reservoir 8 pneumatically connected with the regulator 6. Optionally, a compressor 9 may be included to pressurize the reservoir 8. The compressor 9 may replace the reservoir 8 in supplying pressure to the pneumatic bag 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventors: Sean Kyle Irish, Nicholas Edwin Audino
  • Publication number: 20080174059
    Abstract: Linkage system between a first part and a second part capable of movement relative to each other, incorporating a link capable of transmitting forces between the first and second parts and a frequency control loop for said link incorporating means of measuring a distance separating the first and second parts, a frequency filter for said measurements in a given frequency band and means for comparing these filtered values with a set point, said control loop controlling the link such that it transmits forces only in the given frequency band, the frequency control loop being a position control loop, a speed control loop being incorporated in the position control loop, and a force control loop being incorporated in the speed control loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventor: Ghislain Despesse
  • Patent number: 7374145
    Abstract: A reservoir for holding fluid of a vehicle includes a tank and two brackets integrated with the tank to install the tank in the vehicle in an upper portion of the engine compartment. An attaching portion is arranged with each of the brackets to be fixed to the vehicle. A connecting portion is arranged with each of the brackets to connect the attaching portion to the tank. One of the connecting portions has a notch that is deformed or fractured so that the tank can be moved with respect to the vehicle to absorb an impact force that acts on the tank when the tank receives an impact force larger than a predetermined value. The attaching portion has a plurality of rib portions that is deformable or fracturable so that the tank can be moved with respect to the vehicle to absorb force that acts to the tank when the tank receives a force larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ohashi, Yasuhisa Hirano, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Yasushi Kira
  • Patent number: 7293755
    Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes two attachment members inter-connected by an elastic member. One of the attachment members comprises a metal tubular member connected to the elastic member, a metal bracket in which the metal tubular member is press-fitted, and a plastic bracket supporting the metal bracket and adapted to be attached to a support body or a vibratory source. The metal bracket has an engagement portion press-fitted with the metal tubular member, and a non-engagement portion offset from the engagement portion in a radial outward direction and held out of press-fitted engagement with the metal tubular member, the non-engagement portion being connected to the plastic bracket with a second elastic member disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyahara, Katsuhisa Yano, Eiji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7195217
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for a car shaker vibrator that includes a vibrator mounting member that is pivotally connected by a pivot pin, in a hinged or clevis arrangement, to a wedge member. The wedge member includes the male portion of a Gardner type bracket that is adapted for engaging a mating female portion that is mounted on a railroad car. The vibrator mounting member may be selectively rotated between a first position and a second position. The vibrator mounting member is retained at the first position by a locating pin during the emptying of a railroad car during the selective operation of the car shaker vibrator. The vibrator mounting member is retained at the second position by the locating pin when the dislodgement of the male portion from the female portion is desired together with the selective and subsequent operation the car shaker vibrator. An intermediate position may be provided between the first position and the second position and used when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wadensten
  • Patent number: 7156214
    Abstract: Vibration damper includes a cylinder filled with a damping medium in which a piston rod with a piston is guided in an axially movable manner, wherein the piston divides the cylinder into a work space on the piston rod side and a work space remote of the piston rod. A bypass connects at least one of the two work spaces with a first work chamber in a housing in which an axially movable separating piston separates the first work chamber from a second work chamber, the bypass being controlled by a switchable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Sacha AG
    Inventors: Robert Pradel, Helmut Baalmann
  • Patent number: 7018102
    Abstract: A dampening bearing support member having a plurality of bearings disposed between an object and a base with rheological medium disposed around the bearings, with the rheological medium being under the control of the user at times when it is desired to stiffen the rheological medium and limit or prevent movement of the bearings and the object in relation to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brotz
  • Publication number: 20040227050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring device for a vehicle seat, in particular a utility vehicle seat having at least one air spring arranged between a seat part and a lower part for the height adjustment (5) of the seat part and having a control device for controlling the supply and discharge of at least one additional air volume to or from the air spring, wherein at a predefined run in and/or run out position (9) of the air spring, the additional air volume that can be supplied or discharged can be changed or switched off by means of the control device such that inclines in the profile of a force-path air spring characteristic (1; 1a, 1b, 1c) of the air spring in a first and in at least one further range (2, 3, 4) are different from one another. Furthermore, a description is given of a method of springing a vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 6758585
    Abstract: An articulated stand having an adjustment mechanism featuring a hinge-and-wheel assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an articulated, adjustable stand comprising an upwardly extending arm, a downwardly extending leg pivotally attached to the upwardly extending arm, a wheel rotatably mounted to a first end of the downwardly extending leg, and a spring element connecting the first arm member and the second leg member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Erik S. Chan