Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable stiffness assembly for use in conjunction with a fixed stiffness element to elastically connect a structure to a mass. The assembly includes a structure mount, a mass mount, and a rotatable stiffness element. The rotatable stiffness element rotatably engages with the structure mount and the mass mount, and has a minimum stiffness value with respect to forces in a direction a maximum stiffness value with respect to forces in another direction The fixed stiffness element and the adjustable stiffness assembly together provide a complete stiffness assembly having a total stiffness value with respect to force in the global direction for elastically connecting the mass and the structure. The first rotatable stiffness element is rotatable relative to the structure mount and the first mass mount to vary the total stiffness value of the complete stiffness assembly with respect to force in the global direction.

Abstract: An optical motion sensor includes a substrate, a whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator disposed on the substrate, a mass-spring-damper system disposed on the substrate proximate to a first side of the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator, and a waveguide or optical fiber. The whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator has a substantially circular cross-section. A gap separates an end of the mass-spring-damper system from the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator. The waveguide or optical fiber abuts a second side of the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator that is substantially opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A brake operating apparatus operates a brake apparatus of a small vehicle including a bicycle. The brake operating apparatus includes a support, an operating member, an electric actuator and an electronic controller. The operating member is provided to the support. The detector is configured to detect information on input to the operating member. The electric actuator is configured to drive the brake apparatus. The electronic controller is configured to control the electric actuator based on a detection result of the detector.

Abstract: Automotive leaf springs are produced from low-hardenability and specified hardenability steel, with identical and different length, width and thickness and constant or variable cross section profile, that are subjected to through-surface hardening and low tempering. The ideal critical diameter of hardening, carbon content and hardened layer depth depend on the thickness of constant cross section profile leaf and maximum and minimum thicknesses of variable cross section profile leafs. Adherence to the optimum correlations of parameters indicated make it possible to produce leaf springs with the best mechanical properties and longevity.

Abstract: A hand controller that includes a control member mounted on a hand held base for commanding a remote vehicle or movement of a virtual object within a virtual environment includes an input device mounted for generating tilt commands for a sensor mounted on the remote vehicle or the virtual object, the input device being located on a front of the base and oriented to be displaced up and down to tilt the sensor or the virtual point of view when the base is held during operation.

Abstract: A gimbal support that senses rotational displacement and provides haptic feedback in one, two or three dimensions of a manually-operated control member used to generate control inputs using a single hand while also limiting cross-coupling.

Abstract: A linear actuator provides linear displacement of an actuator plate. The linear actuator includes a set of base flexures that extend from a base plate to an actuator plate and a set of arm flexures that extend from a base arm to an actuator arm. The base arm of the base frame extends up perpendicularly from the base plate and the actuator arm, of the actuator frame, extends perpendicularly from the actuator plate. A base frame and actuator frame may be elbows that are arranged to form a box with the base flexures and arm flexures extending orthogonally within the cavity of the box. A flexure may include an extension element such as a pleated portion of the flexure that has stored length that enables the flexure to extend to increase the linear displacement region. The arm flexures prevent the base flexures from following a radius of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device (14) for supporting a bag (20) containing material to be centrifuged in a centrifuge receptacle (12), said support device (14) comprising a resiliently elastic panel (16) which—when bent—will generate a restoring force, said panel (16) being of a material and a size which will allow it to be bent elastically at least to such an extent that its two ends will contact one another.

Abstract: Provided is a disk spring which has a spring portion having a circular disk shape, the spring portion to be interposed between a pair of rotary members, for example an outer plate and a piston, being relatively movable in an axial direction to come close to and separate away from each other, wherein the spring portion has a rounded cross-section portion to be brought into contact with, for example, the outer plate, and a straight cross-section portion being continuous to the rounded cross-section portion and being formed on at least one of an inner diameter side and an outer diameter side of the spring portion so as to be allowed to be brought into contact with, for example, the piston and be compressed between both the rotary members in a close contact state.

Abstract: A fixing member, a cooking range and an oven with the same are provided. The fixing member includes: a base plate defining a mounting hole; a connecting plate comprising a first plate segment connected at a first side of the base plate, a second plate segment, and a third plate segment substantially parallel to the base plate, the second plate segment being connected between the first and third plate segments; and a fixing plate defining a first end connected at a second side of the base plate and perpendicular to the base plate, and a second end having a snapping tongue bent and extended in a direction away from the connecting plate, a vertical distance between a free end of the snapping tongue and the base plate being equal to or smaller than that between the third plate segment and the base plate.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a leaf spring of fibre-reinforced plastics for resiliently supporting a wheel carrier of the motor vehicle. The leaf spring comprises a first end portion, a spring portion, a bendable portion and a second end portion. The leaf spring further comprises a first receiving device for supporting the first end portion and a second receiving device for supporting a second end portion. The first receiving device and the second receiving device are designed such that the first end portion and the second end portion are held in a non-displaceable way relative to one another. At least one of the first and second receiving devices are designed such that the respective associated end portion is supported in a moment-free way in the receiving device.

Abstract: A brake-assist device for a motor vehicle having a servomotor is described. A servomotor has a plunger piston, a moving part, and an arrangement to move the moving part into position with respect to the plunger piston. The servomotor is actuated by a control rod. The control rod has a first end that presses upon the plunger piston and a second end to receive a force exerted by a brake pedal intended to be moved by a driver of the vehicle. The servomotor includes a sensor interposed in a contact space between the plunger piston and the moving part. A spring is compressed between the plunger piston and the moving part. The servomotor includes an arrangement for displacing the plunger piston in the contact space based on the driving mode. A stiffness of the spring is sufficiently high for an onset of braking to occur only with a striking force that is significantly higher during a reactive driving mode than it is during a calm driving mode.

Abstract: A socket attachment structure for attaching a socket to a substrate, the socket including a plurality of contact probes that respectively contact the substrate and a contacted body at both longitudinal direction ends thereof, a probe holder that accommodates and holds therein the plurality of contact probes according to a predetermined pattern, and a holder member provided around the probe holder, includes: a plurality of support members that extend out from a principal plane of the substrate and are respectively inserted through insertion holes provided in the holder member; and a spring member that is attached to the plurality of support members in a state of biasing the holder member placed on the substrate towards the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid-connecting element with a first receiving space with a first connecting element and a first displaceable valve element, and a second receiving space with a second connecting element and a second displaceable valve element. A fluid connection between the first receiving space and the first connecting element being interrupted by the first valve element in the first position, and a fluid connection between the first receiving space and the first connecting element being opened by the first valve element in the second position. The second valve element is displaceable between two positions, wherein a fluid connection between the second receiving space and the second connecting element is interrupted by the second valve element in the first position, and a fluid connection between the second receiving space and the second connecting element is opened by the second valve element in the second position.

Abstract: Springs having various configurations include upper and lower connecting members and spring elements extending therebetween. The configurations of the springs may enable them to be formed of polymeric material such as by injection molding. Pumps for pumping fluid or adapted for other uses may include such springs and may include interfacing arrangements with the springs.

Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.

Abstract: A damper assembly including a cover having at least one aperture therein, a flange operatively connected to the cover, and a spring having at least one leg engaged with a radially outer surface of the flange, the spring having at least one post engaged in the aperture of the cover, wherein engaging the post in the aperture preloads the spring against the radially outer surface of the flange for exerting a force on the damper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for the gun sight of a military vehicle, incorporating a head to which the gun sight is fastened and a foot which is integral with the vehicle, the head being integral with a column with a vertical axis which is introduced into the foot, the column being made integral with the foot by spring means wherein the spring means are constituted in the form of tongues arranged along at least two parallel planes perpendicular to the vertical axis of the support, each plane incorporating at least three tongues evenly spaced angularly around the column and integral with it by a first end and integral with the foot by their second end, these spring means imparting stiffness to the link between the column and the foot that is less along the vertical axis than along the other directions (X, Y) orthogonal to this vertical axis.

Abstract: Supporting spring systems for sleeping, reclining or sitting furniture must have spring characteristics that provide good sleeping, reclining and/or sitting comfort. In known supporting spring systems, this is achieved only by relatively high design expenditure. The invention aims to create a simple and flexible supporting spring system which nevertheless ensures high sleeping, reclining or sitting comfort. Support elements (13, 50, 60, 70, 80) for connecting two female connectors (10) of a pair of female connectors (11) are provided for this purpose. The support elements (13, 50, 60, 70, 80) exhibit spring arms (15, 72) that are guided from beneath the female connectors (10) of the pairs of female connectors (11) up around the outside of the pair of female connectors (11).

Abstract: There are provided: a seamless steel pipe formed from a cylindrical steel material billet through a hot isostatic extrusion step, wherein a depth of a contiguous flaw formed on an inner periphery surface and an outer periphery surface of the steel pipe is 50 nm or less; a hollow spring obtained by forming a hollow body in a shape of a coil or a bar or a bar with curved part from the seamless steel pipe made of spring steel and applying a surface treatment to the hollow body so that the hollow body has compressive residual stress; and a method for producing seamless steel pipe including: a billet molding step; a first heating step; a hot isostatic extrusion step; a second heating step; an extension step; a third heating step; and a pickling step.

Abstract: A sheet lifting device is provided for lifting a sheet or web of material in a press. The device can include a base portion and a resilient, bendable arm extending from the base portion. The base portion can include a merge portion that connects the resilient, bendable arm to the rest of the base portion. A system is provided that includes the sheet lifting device mounted in a slot of a support frame, for example, in a blanking press. Methods of conveying a sheet or web of material using the system are also provided.

Abstract: An animal carrier gate anti-rattle device comprises an elastic elongated member having a front surface and a back surface. The elastic elongated member comprises: a proximal section defining a hook that forms an opening facing the front surface; a distal section; and a first bent section between the proximal section and the distal section, where the first bent section has a bend angle of less than 120 degrees relative to the back surface.

Abstract: Provided is a silencer for a laminated leaf spring, with which it is possible to more effectively reduce abnormal noise generated in conjunction with deflection of the laminated leaf spring, as compared to when a conventional silencer for a laminated leaf spring is used. This silencer (1) for a laminated leaf spring is arranged between adjacent leaf springs (60a-60c) in the direction in which the multiple leaf springs (60a-60c) forming a laminated leaf spring (6) are stacked. A thermoplastic elastomer that has lower hardness than thermoplastic synthetic resins such as polyethylene resin, polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, and polyester resin, and that has a better sliding characteristic than rubber materials such as natural rubber and synthetic rubber, is used for the material of the silencer (1).

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic spring which enables prevention of breakage caused by compressive stress is provided, including a FRP spring that has a laminated structure having plural fibers which are different from each other in tensile modulus of elasticity and are laminated. An upper surface of the FRP spring is a surface to which a pulsating bending load is applied. An upper side region of each laminated structure is a compressive stress region at which compressive stress is generated. A lower side region of each laminated structure is a tensile stress region at which tensile stress is generated. Distribution of tensile modulus of elasticity of each laminated structure is asymmetric with respect to the neutral axis.

Abstract: A foot or shoe-borne apparatus comprises a spacer and spring assembly that can be oriented in two orientations. In the first orientation, the assembly is under the sole of a user's foot or shoe such that the assembly acts against the ground for enhanced locomotion for that foot or shoe. In the second orientation, the assembly is positioned away from the sole of the foot or shoe, thereby enabling ordinary use of that foot or shoe.

Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoset matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: An axel mount for a leaf spring comprises a housing, an aperture, a support, and a mechanical stop. The support runs lengthwise on a shelf of the housing and has a length generally equal to a length of the housing. The mechanical stop is coupled to the support and reduces an amount of vertical deflection allowed to an associated leaf spring. Further, a windup preventer may be coupled to the support that prevents the leaf spring from entering a windup mode.

Abstract: A device with stiffness adjustment has a housing having a plurality of passageways, each defining an axis. The device has a plurality of stiffness devices each having a plurality of flat springs elongated in the direction of the passageway axis. The plurality of stiffness devices are each rotatable about their respective passageway axis. In an embodiment, the device has a casing interposed between the wall of the passageway of the housing and the stiffness devices. The casing is a spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of laminates made of at least two fibre bands made of fibres which are embedded unidirectionally in a plastic material matrix. Likewise, the invention relates to laminates which are produced in this way and can have a shape memory. The laminates according to the invention are used for local reinforcement of injection moulded parts.

Abstract: A high-strength spring steel and a spring are provided that have superior corrosion fatigue strength. The spring steel comprises, in mass percent, 0.35-0.55% C, 1.60-3.00% Si, 0.20-1.50% Mn, 0.10-1.50% Cr, and at least one of 0.40-3.00% Ni, 0.05-0.50% Mo and 0.05-0.50% V, the balance being substantially Fe and incidental elements and impurities.

Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicle seat is provided. The shock absorber is suspended on a seat frame so as to elastically support a pad. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires that are disposed in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a resinous member that connects the wires to each other, the resinous member having a bent portion, wherein the resinous member is elastically deformable in a direction in which the wires are opposed each other in accordance with a deformation of the bent portion.

Abstract: A leaf spring manufactured from composite material has a variable cross sectional area. The leaf spring is manufactured by die forming a core of a constant cross section, then winding fibres onto the core to create a spring with a variable cross section and then cutting the spring to size. A ply lay-up station is shown which winds fibre onto a die formed workpiece as it moves through the station.

Abstract: The invention provides a leaf spring system which supports a leaf spring assembly using attachment mechanisms which allows normal operation of the leaf spring assembly while providing support through a resilient deformable reinforcing spring.

Abstract: A linear motor is disclosed. The linear motor includes an armature mounted for driven linear oscillation substantially along a longitudinal direction; a secondary mass mounted for linear oscillation substantially along the longitudinal direction; and a coupling unit for coupling the armature and the secondary mass. The coupling unit includes at least two coupling spring assemblies and at least a coupling element, the coupling spring assemblies being arranged in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and being spaced apart from each other, and the coupling element being fixedly connected with the coupling spring assemblies.

Abstract: A solenoid valve of the type with a flat core and a flat spring. The present invention related to a solenoid valve comprising a coil, a fixed core arranged inside the coil, a movable core arranged outside the coil, bearing a valve gasket, and a flat return spring to stress the movable core into a rest position, the solenoid valve being characterized in that the flat spring has variable stiffness, preferably bearing without embedding on corresponding surfaces of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic spring is provided, in which broken pieces can be prevented from being scattered when breaking without using any additional member and variation in load when breaking can be reduced. FRP spring has a layered structure having basic unit consisting of a positive direction orientating layer and a negative direction orientating layer 22. By appropriately setting an absolute value of orientating angles of each layer, fibers in the positive direction orientating layer and the negative direction orientating layer can be entangled mutually, and thus, the spring as a whole exhibits pseudo-ductility in a breakage condition. Elastic modulus and strength available for use as a spring can be obtained and breaking at a resin portion between fibers can be prevented in each layer.

Abstract: A flat spring for a voice coil motor includes an curved internal flat spring, an outer flat spring placed outward the internal flat spring, a first connection body folded at least twice and interposed between the internal flat spring and the outer flat spring, a second connection body placed between the internal flat spring and the outer flat spring in parallel with the first connection body and having an identical shape with the first connection body, and a connection flat spring including a connecting part connecting adjacent ends of the first and the second connection body, where an end of the first connection body which has no connection with the connecting part is connected to the internal flat spring, and an end of the second connection body which has no connection with the connecting part is connected to the outer flat spring.

Abstract: A user-selectable force conversion apparatus includes a first and a second connecting member that are pivotally connected to each other between a sliding member and a fixed member. The apparatus also includes a leaf spring holder for removably retaining one or more leaf springs and loading the second connecting member with a substantially linear force response of the leaf springs. A user may change the combination of leaf springs and/or vary a length ratio for the first and second connecting members and thereby change the force response of the apparatus. Movement of the sliding member by the mechanical input may convert the substantially linear force response of the leaf springs to a user-selected force response for the mechanical input. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Keys may be formed for keyboards. The keyboards may be attached to electronic devices such as computers or may be formed within a portable computer or other electronic equipment. A keyboard may be provided with a planar housing member such as a top plate. The top plate may have openings through which key caps protrude. Each key cap may be attached to a respective spring mechanism. The spring mechanism for each key may have first and second diving-board structures that flex about respective parallel flex axes. A dome switch may be mounted under each spring mechanism. The dome switch is compressed when the key cap is pressed and the first diving-board structure moves towards the dome switch. The top plate may have edge portions surrounding each key opening that form upstop structures that prevent the key caps and spring mechanisms from tilting when the dome switch is compressed.

Abstract: A metal strip 10 is bent to form a ring and end parts 12 and 14 are connected to each other. An electron beam 26 may be defocused and emitted to a welded section 20 along a crosswise direction of the metal strip 10. Next, a focal point 28 of the electron beam 26 may be focused onto a weld-melted portion 25 to execute electron beam welding. Subsequently, the electron beam 26 may be defocused emitted to the welded section 20 along the crosswise direction of the metal strip 10, and the welded section 20 may be further cooled. The average of the dendrite secondary arm spacing of the weld-melted portion may fall within a range of 7 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element (1) for a cushioning device of a piece of furniture for sitting or lying, in particular for a bed mattress, comprising a spring body (10) and an accommodating section (30) arranged thereon, wherein the spring body (10) and the accommodating section (30) are injection-molded from plastic as one piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to the torsion springs for micromechanical applications. They can be used if elements are to be pivoted about an axis in an oscillating fashion. According to the object which is set, the torsion springs are to have an improved linear spring characteristic. The torsion springs according to the invention have a square, rectangular or trapezoidal cross section. A slot which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring and another slot which is formed in the torsion spring along its longitudinal axis and which opens into the first slot are formed at a clamping end point.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of profile components of fiber composite material by a forming chain system, an associated profile component and the chain system for its continuous production. The method draws on the forming chain system having at least one forming chain. Here, preform batch of fiber strands, impregnated with matrix material and/or woven fiber webs, knit webs or nonwoven webs, are brought to the system at the working run of the at least one forming chain and are guided through the forming chain system, forming a continuous profile containing the profile component with a variable cross section over the profile length and/or with a profile longitudinal axis with virtually any desired extent. The profile components can be provided with local reinforcements, add-on parts of inserts, for example, for introducing force, as early as during primary forming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element including at least one spring tongue for spring-loading a separate locking part of a steering column of a motor vehicle and at least one fastening part for fastening the spring element to a pin of the steering column. The spring element also has at least one carrier arm, preferably at least two carrier arms, arranged opposite each other for carrying along the locking part when the spring element moves.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention may include a method of producing a composite article comprising a container, filling the container with a powdered metal, and compacting the powdered metal in the container such that an interfacial bond is created between the compacted powdered metal and the container.

Abstract: A sheet lifting device is provided for lifting a sheet or web of material in a press. The device can include a base portion and a resilient, bendable arm extending from the base portion. The base portion can include a merge portion that connects the resilient, bendable arm to the rest of the base portion. A system is provided that includes the sheet lifting device mounted in a slot of a support frame, for example, in a blanking press. Methods of conveying a sheet or web of material using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A plate spring includes holding section, first attached section, second attached section, first spring section connected between the holding section and the second attached section, and a second spring section connected between the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion. The holding section has a first edge, second edge opposite to the first edge, and a third edge. The first attached section is positioned adjacent to an intersection of the third edge and the second edge. The second attached section is positioned adjacent to an intersection of the third edge and the first edge. The first spring section has a wavy configuration and extends from an end of the first edge to the second attached section. The second spring section also has a wavy configuration and extends from an end of the second to the first attached section. The present disclosure also provides a voice coil motor.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic spring which enables prevention of breakage caused by compressive stress is provided. The FRP spring 1 has a laminated structure (reference numeral 20 in case of three-layer structure, reference numeral 30 in case of five-layer structure) having plural fibers which are different from each other in tensile modulus of elasticity and are laminated. An upper surface of the FRP spring 1 is a surface to which pulsating bending load is applied. An upper side region of each laminated structure 20 and 30, which is upper with respect to the neutral axis S, is a compressive stress region at which compressive stress is generated. A lower side region of each laminated structure 20 and 30, which is lower with respect to the neutral axis S, is a tensile stress region at which tensile stress is generated. Distribution of tensile modulus of elasticity of each laminated structure 20 and 30 is asymmetric with respect to the neutral axis S.

Abstract: A spring for a composite brake disk. The spring has a planar central region with a hole and two spring regions which are formed symmetrically to one another and which in each case on sides lying opposite one another adjoin the planar central region. The spring regions in each case have an arc and a spring arm. Preferably, the spring arms have in each case an end region with a rounded bearing surface. By such a spring being used, a simple construction of a composite brake disk is made possible, the occurrence of hotspots and the effect of thermal rubbing being as far as possible avoided. At the same time, a functionally appropriate fit of the spring is ensured, the load on the pot due to the bearing surface of the spring being kept extremely low.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is described a rotor of a Wankel engine including a plurality of apex seal members each biased by a respective spring, each spring including an axial action portion and a radial action portion, the axial action portion including at least two radially extending band sections with adjacent ones of the band sections being connected by a fold, one of the band sections contacting a radially extending surface of the apex seal member and another of the band sections contacting a radially extending element of the rotor body, and the radial action portion forming a major part of a length of the spring, contacting an axially extending surface of the apex seal member in two spaced apart locations, and contacting the rotor body between the two spaced apart locations.