Abstract: A rectangular cylindrical suspension for a data storage drive unit such as a tape drive, the suspension secured into a computer housing, providing resilient leaf springs on a bottom wall and protrusions on a top wall for clasping the data storage drive unit within the cylinder spaced from the top, bottom and side walls of the suspension to create a resilient holding of the data storage drive. The cylindrical suspension can be fashioned of ferromagnetic materials to provide a magnetic shielding as well as a suspension. The suspension prevents dimensional distortion within the data storage drive unit caused by fixedly attaching the suspension to the computer housing where dimensional tolerances may not be accurate.

Abstract: A unitary compound earthquake isolation bearing which permits the installation of a compound bearing comprising a sliding bearing and at least one MER as a single unit without special and separate attachment of the MER to the support or superstructure.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to control and damp with as few actuators as possible, vibrations generated in various directions on the bed of an automatic transport vehicle employed in clean rooms and other facilities. The automatic transport vehicle of the present invention comprises a truck (1a) and bed (1b) elastically supported with respect to the truck, a plurality of actuators (36) installed between them with inclined lines of action, sensors (40) which detect acceleration in the direction of the lines of action of these actuators, vibrations being suppressed by controlling the driving force of the actuators in accordance with the acceleration detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A disk drive support system suspends a disk drive within a sleeve-like support housing from two upper corners and two lower corners using four parallelepiped shaped elastomeric mounts, one bridging the drive and housing at each corner. Each mount has one zone affixed to the drive and another opposite zone affixed to the housing by tangs on the drive and housing which engage two respective slots in the mount. A third slot is formed in the mount between the two zones so that there is no straight line path between the zones through the material of the mount which is not interrupted by the slot. The third slot thereby prevents transmission of direct compressive forces between the two zones, and thus requires at least some component of force acting between the two zones to act in shear. Shock absorber pads are provided on the disk drive which are separated from the housing by an air space so as to absorb shocks but not transmit vibrations.

Abstract: A device to control vertical vibration of a building caused by seismic disturbance. Air springs are positioned and secured between the building foundation and the building superstructure to attenuate vertical vibration of the building. Vertical support rails are secured to the foundation and/or to the building superstructure on opposite sides of, and adjacent to, the air springs. Horizontal connecting brackets are rigidly secured to the air springs and slidably secured to the adjacent rails. The brackets restrain horizontal deflection of the air springs without interfering with vertical reciprocation of the air springs.

Abstract: A load equalizing pier for a coach comprises a stand for placement on the ground and a head for placement under a load, e.g. a coach beam. The stand includes means for adjusting the height of the head. The head includes a base plate for attachment to the top of the stand and a support plate for placement under the load. Springs, supported by the base plate bias the support plate toward a biased position separated from the base plate. Bolts retain the support plate to the base plate above the base plate such that the support plate is movable downward from a biased position to a stop position restrained by the base plate. The springs apply a biasing force less than the desired load such that said support plate, under desired load, is restrained from further downward movement by said base plate. Preferably, the springs apply a biasing force of less than half of the desired load.

Abstract: Shock sensitive equipment, for example, instruments in a spacecraft, must be protected against impacts, for example, those caused by severing explosions that separate the spacecraft from a used up rocket. For this purpose a platform carrying the component to be protected is secured to support structures of the craft by elastic spring devices, each of which has a low eigenfrequency or resonant frequency and a low damping constant, whereby the mounting is preferably so that friction forces are minimized. For example, the spring devices have a U-configuration connected to an L-configuration. Contact surface area minimizing ring spacers may be inserted between the platform and the spring devices.

Abstract: A platform is mounted by bellows, at least one for each degree of freedom (DOF) of the platform. The bellows may provide either an active or a passive mounting for the platform. By arranging a suitable number of such bellows in supporting relationship a platform or floater for example six degrees freedom can be provided. Using pneumatic bellows in opposed pairs, one pair for each degree of freedom and by controlling the pressure in (and flow to) the bellows selected forces may be applied to the platform to accurately position the platform or to provide feedback for a sensory control e.g. as reflected force applied to the joystick. The position and orientation of the platform, i.e. movement of the platform, may be used to generate signals for example as in a joystick. Sensing the pressure in each of the bellows of each of the pairs permits the forces being applied by or to the platform to be monitored.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vibration-damping mount (1) for vibration-sensitive equipment and apparatus. The vibration-damping mount (1) has a damping device (10), a supporting structure (20) connected thereto, shock absorption elements (30), and height adapters (40). The vibration-damping mount (1) can be divided, and can be erected without changing the position of the unit being held.

Abstract: An elevator cab is supported in a frame by a plurality of substantially oval supports which have circular, in section, ends engaging planar surfaces on cab and frame. The sides of the supports are cylindrical and include an annular tooth surrounding each of the circular ends. An annular valley is interposed between the end and tooth on both ends of the support. The planar surfaces on the cab frame are formed by cup-shaped members having flat basins surrounded by an annular tooth. The rounded end of each support rolls in the basin of cup-shaped member, and the annular tooth on the cup-shaped member limits the extent of shifting of the supports by selectively entering the annular valley on the end of the support. Controlled pendulum type movement of the cab in the frame is thus achieved.

Abstract: A seat suspension including a downstop slide element having an overall width that automatically adjusts to compensate for dimensional variations between relatively stationary and movable frame parts of the seat suspension due to manufacturing tolerances and wear. The downstop has first and second leaf members having spaced apart first and second top and bottom walls, front and rear walls, and inner and outer walls, respectively. A connecting member interconnects the leaf members to place the first and second inner walls in opposed confronting relation for movement toward and away from each other to form a longitudinally extending slide gap therebetween of variable width. A first biasing member is provided to normally urge the pair of leaf members apart. A first tapered portion is provided on the inner wall of at least one of the leaf members. A cam surface is provided on the front wall of at least one of the leaf members.

Abstract: A damping subsystem protects a structure from the effects of seismic disturbances and employs at least a first pair of first and second damping and transformation mechanisms including respective, associated first dampers oriented in parallel relationship in a first direction and oppositely disposed relatively to the center of gravity of the structure and mechanically connected between respectively corresponding portions of the structure and the foundation in relatively inverse relationship. Each mechanism transforms a force transferred to the associated first damper from the foundation in the first direction and/or any lateral, relative displacement of the corresponding structure and foundation portion in the first direction to a corresponding force and/or displacement, respectively, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each also performing the reverse transformation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus includes a main body, an ultrasonic probe with a a cable, an expansive support portion, a horizontal arm, a table, and a lever, and a display unit. One end of the support portion is attached to the main body. One end of the horizontal arm is attached to the other end of the support portion. The horizontal arm includes a rotating mechanism for horizontally rotating about the support portion and a mechanism for locking and unlocking the rotating mechanism. A portion of the table is attached to the other end of the horizontal arm. The table includes a pivot mechanism for horizontally pivoting about the horizontal arm and a mechanism for locking and unlocking the pivot mechanism. The lever is arranged on the table so as to bias the locking and unlocking mechanism. The display unit is arranged on the table through a mechanism for allowing it to be tilted.

Abstract: A fixture for appliance manufacturing and transport of the assembled appliance supports vertically movable components of the appliance at differing elevations during manufacturing and continues to at least partially support the components during the transport after assembly. A particular use of the fixture is in the manufacture of a washing machine which has a suspended wash tub and drive assembly and an outer cabinet. The fixture is composed of a main support and a cabinet support with the main support being vertically movable relative to the cabinet support, yet held by the cabinet support in a fixed horizontal position. The wash tub and drive assembly is supported during use by a suspension system connected between the wash tub and cabinet and with the use of the fixture, a portion of the weight of the wash tub is supported at all times during the assembly process and during shipping, relieving the cabinet from bearing that weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating horizontal shocks, generated in high speed elevators by inaccurately aligned guide rails, from the elevator car body includes spherical shock absorbers for supporting the bottom side of the car body in a car sling and centering elements with cooperating guide pins connected between the top side of the car body and the car sling. The lower portion of the car body can, in the case of horizontal shocks, execute a rolling deflection movement on the spherical shock absorbers to absorb these shocks. This deflection movement takes place against a centering spring tension, which is produced by a centering device attached to the bottom side of the car body and a guide pin extending through a guide sleeve of the centering device which pin is moved by the car body into an inclined position. An elastic filler element produces a centering counterforce on the upper portion of the guide pin.

Abstract: An article support in the form of a container with an open, upwardly facing mouth and a platform in the container spanning the zone within the container below the mouth in a normal position into which it is spring urged with the platform being yieldable for a downward movement exerted upon it, as by pushing a sponge downwardly to a level of soapy water for example, in the container so that the sponge may be utilized and replaced on the normally elevated platform to dry.

Abstract: A vibration-damping floor is supported by one ends of flexible coupling members, such as chains or ropes whose the other ends are connected through guide sprockets and movable spring frames to tension springs set horizontally under the floor. A vertical vibration for the floor is absorbed by the springs.

Abstract: The elevator car is disposed in a frame which moves on rails through the elevator hoistway. A pendulum mount is used to mount the car in the frame so that the car is free to swing within the frame in pendulum fashion. Both lateral and torsional swinging movement of the car within the frame are controlled. A combination spring/damper assembly interconnects the car and the frame to control such lateral movements of the car whereby the car is softly stabilized within the frame.

Abstract: A system for mounting a device on board ship which experiences normal vibrations of a predetermined frequency and which may be subjected to high intensity shock forces including a plurality of preloaded liquid springs operable in tension and compression and oriented in a truss configuration between the deck of the ship and the device, the casings of the liquid springs having a natural frequency in excess of the normal shipboard vibrational frequencies and by virtue of being preloaded providing rigid linkages for transmitting normal shipboard vibrational frequencies to the device, the preloading being of such a magnitude to permit the liquid springs to yield in either tension or compression when the ship is subjected to high intensity shock forces such as weapons effect pulses, and the liquid springs resetting the device to its normal position relative to the ship after termination of the high intensity shock forces.

Abstract: A mount capable of being pressed into an installed position in a hole in a plate. The mount has inner and outer concentric annular elements connected together by an intermediate flexible thermoplastic elastomeric web. The outer annular element has a peripheral groove which receives the plate and a deflectable wall with a chamfered outer surface and a series of slots. The flexible web permits the inner element to vibrate with respect to the plate and thereby isolate an item from the plate.

Abstract: A resilient mounting system for an elevator car in a car sling is provided, with the securement of the elevator car being resilient in the lateral direction and substantially more rigid in vertical direction. In prior art elevator car mounting designs, this problem could not be solved simply and efficiently. As taught by the invention, substantially vertically disposed, elongate supporting members are provided with both ends thereof attached to the frame of the car sling or equivalent, the supporting members extending to a securement point on the elevator car in such manner that the supporting members carry at least part of the weight of the elevator car.

Abstract: A structure stabilization system for protecting structures from effects of seismic disturbances. Plural bases of a base isolation system support, through flexible suspension elements, corresponding, plural vertical support columns. Corresponding adjustment mechanisms on each base provide for adjusting all support elements to a common elevation. A gripper mechanism in each base is selectively, axially adjustable to establish substantially identical, effective free suspension lengths and common harmonic characteristics of all suspension elements. A releasable interlock subsystem interlocks the structure to the foundation to render it stable against minor forces, such as produced by wind, and automatically releases the structure to permit same to float in support by the base isolation system in response to forces exceeding a predetermined level.

Abstract: To support machinery subject to dynamic vibration in operation, such as sewing machines and the like, on a platform which is movable longitudinally with respect to a post (12), a carriage (14) has at least three or four rollers located thereon of essentially double-conical shape, engaging circular guide surfaces (24) formed on the post. The post (12) preferably is a hollow extruded aluminum rail (12), and the conical portions (46) of the roller form lateral portions having, in cross section, a concave contour which overlaps a projected contour of the guide surfaces of the rails adjacent the terminal ends. The rollers are of elastically deformable material so that, upon engagement with the rail, the terminal end portions will compress and place the guide surfaces under compressive force which is accepted by the rollers, acting in the direction parallel to the shaft axis of the rollers.

Abstract: A compact seat suspension for an underground mining machine is disclosed in which a vertical suspension is operably connected between a fixed bracket and a sliding bracket for supporting a seat and for reducing and dampening vibration and shock transmitted from the mining machine to the seat. The fixed bracket is attached to a side wall of the mining machine and includes one or more vertical guide members. The sliding bracket is movably mounted on the vertical guide members for relative vertical movement with respect to the fixed bracket. The sliding bracket is attached to the back portion of a seat provided within the mining machine. The entire compact assembly is adapted to be positioned entirely behind rather than beneath the seat, making it possible to utilize the suspension in areas of reduced height.

Abstract: An omnidirectionally tilting pedestal mechanism for supporting a chair seat, including a tubular pedestal member, first and second tilt/swivel assemblies, each mounted within the pedestal member for limited tilting movement, a flexure shaft for connecting the first and second tilt/swivel assemblies within the pedestal member, and mounting means for connecting the flexure shaft to a chair seat, such that as the chair seat is tilted, the deflection force acts to tilt one end of the flexure shaft within one of the tilt/swivel assemblies for bowing the flexure shaft between the first and second tilt/swivel assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transporting a heat-generating load through an environment affected by vibrations and pressure variations, employ a capillary structure for advancing that working fluid, when in a liquid state, from a condenser section at a heat-conducting supporting structure spaced from the load to an evaporator section at a heat-conducting load support at the load, for converting the advanced fluid to a vapor state with heat drawn from the load in the evaporator section.

Abstract: A method of assembling a dynamoelectric machine. The dynamoelectric machine includes at least one end frame having a hub portion extending therefrom, and a cushioning device. The cushioning device has a pair of generally annular cylindric mounts associated generally concentrically with one of the mounts having an axial length greater than that of the other of the mounts, and a resilient material is interconnected between the mounts. In practicing this method, a part of the one mount is mounted in engagement about the hub, and thereby the other mount is disposed in a preselected position axially beyond the hub portion of the at least one end frame.

Abstract: A disk drive shock mount is provided which attenuates shocks and vibrations to a disk drive (1, FIG. 1). The mount comprises a cradle 20 which is affixed to the disk drive housing, and a mounting plate 10 which may be used to suitably secure the disk drive assembly 1 to the next higher level of assembly. Flexible, compressible vibration isolators 50 of rubber or plastic are used to couple the cradle to the mounting plate. Rigid pins 70 on the cradle mate with grommet-enclosed apertures 60, 61 in the mounting plate to limit the degrees of motion permitted between the cradle and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A support structure for a lift car or elevator comprising two pairs of parallel rails and followers arranged in a horizontal parallelogram array between the lift car and support frame, such that compound movement of the followers on their respective rails allows the lift car to move in any horizontal direction to absorb transverse vibration due to misalignment of the vertical guide rails in the lift shaft. Also described are biassing devices arranged to lightly bias the lift car to a centralized horizontal position, and centralizing devices arranged to positively centralize the lift car for entry and egress at each floor.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a dynamoelectric machine has a pair of generally annular cylindric mounts arranged generally concentrically with each other, and each mount has a pair of opposite end portions defining the axial length thereof, with the axial length of one of the mounts being predeterminately greater than that of the other of the mounts. A resilient material is interconnected between the mounts, and the resilient material extends from at least adjacent one of the opposite end portions of the mounts generally axially beyond the other of the opposite end portions of the other mount toward the other of the opposite end portions of the one mount. A dynamoelectric machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The vibration filter comprises an inner ring (27) on which vibration-sensitive equipment may be installed, the ring (27) being suspended from a plurality of springs (24, 25, 26) elastically supported by posts (18, 19, 20) in turn mounted on an outer ring (1) which is spring-suspended the same as the inner ring (27) from a rigid bench (8). The springs (12, 13, 14; 24, 25, 26) and other elastic members (9, 10, 11; 15, 16, 17; 21, 22, 23; 28, 29, 30) have differing resonant frequencies.Between the bench (8) and the outer ring (1), and between the outer and inner rings (1, 27) there may be provided eddy current brakes consisting of strong permanent magnets (46, 48) arranged opposite individual copper or aluminum blocks (5, 47).

Abstract: A tuned spring-mass vibration absorber in which a dynamic mass is suspended from a vibrating support member, such as a helicopter fuselage, by a plurality of cantilevered leaf springs integrally connected to the dynamic mass at selected stations so that the mass CG and the spring center of force are coincident, so that the springs are shaped to constitute a substantial part of the vibration absorber effective mass, and so that the springs are pivotally connected to the support member so as to impart no moments thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to supports, for vehicle seats, having a generally upright configuration. Provision of a plurality of seat adjustments, for operator comfort and safety, performable with an economy of movement and structure which tends to maximize free, usable space within a vehicle cab, is achieved by the invention. A housing member (13) has facing traces (17), and a carriage member (14) bears the seat and a plurality of rollers (51, 53) which engage the traces (17). A bracket assembly (15), disposed between housing and carriage members (13, 14), is selectively slidable with respect to the carriage member (14) to effect height adjustment and, when locked with respect to the carriage member (14), is operable upon to effect weight adjustment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting a motor having cradle engageable rings at opposite ends thereof in the arms of a selected one of a plurality of different size support or cradle bases is disclosed wherein the motor has at least one end shield with an axially extending hub and a resilient mounting ring embracing that hub and movable axially therealong. A support base has a cradle portion for engaging the mounting ring to support the hub and a clamp arrangement for securing the ring to the cradle portion. The opposite motor end may have a similar axially extending hub on the opposite motor end shield embraced by another mounting ring clampable in a second similar cradle portion.