Zigzag Or Plural Patents (Class 267/165)
  • Patent number: 11761503
    Abstract: A lattice structure and system for absorbing energy, damping vibration, and reducing shock. The lattice structure comprises a plurality of unit cells, each unit cell comprising a plurality of rib elements with at least a portion of the rib elements including a solid bendable hinge portion for converting energy into linear motion along a longitudinal axis of the respective rib element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zachariah Rueger, Amer Sadikovic
  • Patent number: 11618567
    Abstract: An aircraft berth includes a bowed slat surface; the bowed slats provide a degree of cushioning apart from a foam mattress. The bowed slats are held in deformable brackets that allow the bowed slats to expand laterally as they are compressed vertically, and allow a degree of twisting of individual bowed slats. The bowed slats may be placed in a berth frame with greater or lesser density along the length of the berth frame to provide more or less support at particular locations. Alternatively, or in addition, bowed slats with greater cross-sectional thickness may be used were more support is desirable. The bowed slats may be organized in sub-frames that may be oriented to provide head and/or knee support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerry Overhiser, Ian L. Frost, Adam Loewy
  • Patent number: 11149899
    Abstract: An assembly includes a series of support structures. Each of the support structures includes a base, a top plate having a continuous surface area, and a connector coupling the base to the top plate. The connector assumes a compressed position when under load from an object. The support structures that are in an extended position provide a lateral retention force to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Westfall, Siddharthan Selvasekar
  • Patent number: 11078983
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus includes a flexible membrane defining an accumulator cavity, and a compression assembly defining a compression cavity. The compression assembly is disposed within the flexible membrane such that viscous fluid contained within the cavities may be exchanged therebetween by a damping orifice, fluid conduit and or valve mechanism. The accumulator cavity deforms in response to the application of a transmitted impact load, and is capable of storing and releasing potential energy in response to the application and cessation of the transmitted impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Kudla, Jeffrey T. Kelly, Marshall W. Downing, John T. Koscielniak, Jeffrey N. Weisbeck, Gregory Herman, James Senneff
  • Patent number: 10677307
    Abstract: A device for applying an axial force includes a longitudinal axis with a first compression surface located at a first end of the longitudinal axis and a second compression surface located at a second end of the longitudinal axis. A plurality of resilient members is positioned between the first compression surface and the second compression surface. A first resilient member is oriented with a first end proximate the first compression surface and a second end proximate the second compression surface. A second resilient member is oriented with a first end proximate the first compression surface and a second end proximate the second compression surface. The device has a compressed state and an expanded state where the first compression surface and second compression surface move in a direction of the longitudinal axis between the compressed state and the expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Karsten Aagaard, Errol Mark Tazbaz
  • Patent number: 10300757
    Abstract: A hydraulic mount apparatus includes a housing defining a cavity. The apparatus also includes an annular member disposed in the cavity. The annular member is secured to the housing to split the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The apparatus further includes a pressure relief apparatus coupled to the housing. The pressure relief apparatus is configured to allow fluid communication between the first and second chambers in response to a predetermined pressure threshold being reached in at least one of the first and second chambers. A suspension system including a shock absorber and a link is coupled to the shock absorber. The suspension system further includes the hydraulic mount apparatus coupled to one of the shock absorber and the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Oblizajek, Wojciech E. Suchta
  • Patent number: 10226119
    Abstract: A tabletop elevation adjustment mechanism includes a fixed outer tube, a movable inner tube vertically movable in the fixed outer tube, and a plurality of corrugated sheet members equiangularly fastened to a bottom of the movable inner tube. Each of the corrugated sheet members has a plurality of first and second ridge portions respectively protruding toward two opposite sides thereof. The first ridge portions elastically stopped against an outer surface of the movable inner tube and the second ridge portions elastically stopped against an inner surface of the fixed outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Wen-Shan Ko
  • Patent number: 10145443
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus includes a flexible membrane defining an accumulator cavity, and a compression assembly defining a compression cavity. The compression assembly is disposed within the flexible membrane such that viscous fluid contained within the cavities may be exchanged therebetween by a damping orifice, fluid conduit and or valve mechanism. The accumulator cavity deforms in response to the application of a transmitted impact load, and is capable of storing and releasing potential energy in response to the application and cessation of the transmitted impact load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Kudla, Jeffrey T. Kelly, Marshall W. Downing, John T. Koscielniak, Jeffrey N. Weisbeck, Gregory Herman, James Senneff
  • Patent number: 10041557
    Abstract: A multi-directional damping device includes a supporting element, an annular frame extending around the supporting element, and at least one elastic element extending between the supporting element and the annular frame. The elastic element includes an end connected to the supporting element, another end connected to the annular frame, and several segments formed between the ends and adapted for absorbing vibration at different frequencies. The elastic element bears the weight of the supporting element and that of the annular frame and retains in position between the supporting element and the annular frame. The segments of the elastic element vibrate at the frequencies when the supporting element or the annular frame vibrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Wen-Tzu Wang
  • Patent number: 9488239
    Abstract: The spring device includes a part using the resilient properties of the material from which the part is made. There are at least two opposite points or areas, which are to be biased. The device includes, between the points or areas, an intermediate portion including a mesh structure resulting from the assembly of optionally rectilinear segments, at least two of which lie in separate planes, both outside of the direction of bias. During the biasing, one segment is longitudinally biased by compression and the other is longitudinally biased by pulling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: BORRELLY Spring Washers
    Inventor: Guy Valembois
  • Patent number: 9486667
    Abstract: Provided is a bicycle trainer that provides a riding sensation such as that when actually riding a bicycle outdoors. The bicycle trainer is for training by using a detachably installed bicycle (21) and is provided with the following: a main body (3) placed on the floor; a support shaft (5) in which one end is movably inserted into the main body and the other end is fixed to a fork end support means (7) that supports a fork end part (23) of the bicycle; and an elastic part disposed so as to surround at least a part of the support shaft from the center in the longitudinal center thereof to the other end. The support shaft elastically deforms due to the force imparted from the fork end part and therefore the bicycle can move forward and backward and incline to the left and right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Masayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 9327857
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a product in a sheet material wrapper employing a first sheet of plastically deformable sheet material (for example aluminium) and a second sheet of wrapping material (for example a plastic film) having springback. Once the product is placed on the first sheet, the second sheet is applied on the product providing in the second sheet a part wrapping the product and a part facing the first sheet. The first sheet and the part of said second sheet facing it are airtight-seal coupled so to form, by effect of the coupling, a plastically deformable composite sheet material against the product or to form an integral housing cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SOREMARTEC, S.A.
    Inventors: Pier Carlo Scaliti, Giuseppe Terrasi
  • Patent number: 8944230
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a plurality of reaction plates separated by one or more separator springs to maintain a distance between the reaction plates when the clutch is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Copeland
  • Patent number: 8899563
    Abstract: A flexible volumetric structure has a first spring that defines a three-dimensional volume and includes a serpentine structure elongatable and compressible along a length thereof. A second spring is coupled to at least one outboard edge region of the first spring. The second spring is a sheet-like structure capable of elongation along an in-plane dimension thereof. The second spring is oriented such that its in-plane dimension is aligned with the length of the first spring's serpentine structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Christopher M. Cagle, Robin W. Schlecht
  • Patent number: 8840095
    Abstract: A spring for ejecting a storage device module from a chassis is provided. The spring includes a first end, where the first end is held captive when the spring is installed in the chassis. The spring includes a second end, opposite the first end, and a body between the first and second ends. The body is formed with serpentine bends proceeding linearly between the first and second ends and in a common plane with the first end. The second end is oriented orthogonal to the common plane. The spring is in expansion when the storage device module is inserted into the chassis. The storage device module pushes against the second end when the storage device module is fully inserted into the chassis. The spring exerts force outward from the chassis when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Dot Hill Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Brenden Michael Rust, David Michael Keffeler, Andrew Rudolph Heyd
  • Patent number: 8801422
    Abstract: A machine and method to produce structural elements for the building trade made of cement material with one or more inserts made of polymer material. The machine comprises at least a molding member, a loading unit for loading the inserts and a depositing member to deposit the cement material. The molding member is open at the upper part and the loading unit and the depositing member are selectively positionable above the molding member in order to load and deposit from above, respectively, the inserts and the cement material into the molding member, in order to achieve the structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: S.A.C.M.E. Srl
    Inventor: Luciano Badin
  • Publication number: 20140142482
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a flexing arrangement with a wide range of applications. The arrangement has at least one leaf spring structure having a plurality of reusable leaf springs connected together. At least one of the leaf springs is made of essentially of an alloy of nickel and titanium, and the alloy has a nickel content of substantially 50.1-55 at % and a titanium content of substantially 45-49.9 at %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Chi Yueng CHUNG, Lok Wang MA
  • Patent number: 8720871
    Abstract: A dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: BabyRoo Ltd.
    Inventors: Hezi Stern, Uri Weinstein
  • Patent number: 8668189
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8562075
    Abstract: An energy absorber element comprises an absorber portion having first and second distal ends and having a first elongate element and a second elongate element facing the first elongate element and connected to the second element solely at the first and second distal ends, a first anchor point secured to the first distal end of the absorber portion, and a second anchor point secured to the second distal end of the absorber portion, wherein each of the first and second elongate elements includes a succession of straight-line segments parallel to one another and at least one circularly-arcuate segment such that at least two successive straight-line segments are connected together by one of the at least one circularly-arcuate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Olivier Honnorat, Thomas Manfredotti
  • Patent number: 8540224
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20130228959
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Hermann Bock GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Bock
  • Publication number: 20130176677
    Abstract: A spring for ejecting a storage device module from a chassis is provided. The spring includes a first end, where the first end is held captive when the spring is installed in the chassis. The spring includes a second end, opposite the first end, and a body between the first and second ends. The body is formed with serpentine bends proceeding linearly between the first and second ends and in a common plane with the first end. The second end is oriented orthogonal to the common plane. The spring is in expansion when the storage device module is inserted into the chassis. The storage device module pushes against the second end when the storage device module is fully inserted into the chassis. The spring exerts force outward from the chassis when expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DOT HILL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brenden Michael Rust, David Michael Keffeler, Andrew Rudolph Heyd
  • Publication number: 20130099434
    Abstract: A silencer for a leaf spring assembly. The silencer is disposed between end portions of leaf springs. The silencer has a two-layer structure which has a fixing layer and a sliding layer which are integrally formed. The fixing layer has a projection portion, and the projection portion has an engagement portion at a leading end portion thereof. The fixing layer, which is fixed at the fixing side leaf spring, has a tensile strength higher than the sliding layer. The sliding layer, which abuts the sliding side leaf spring, has a hardness lower than the fixing layer. The projection portion of the fixing layer can have sufficient strength to resist the shearing force. In the sliding layer, undesirable noise generation is difficult, and even when a load transmission portion of an end portion of the sliding side leaf spring partially abuts the sliding layer, undesirable noise generation can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Yano, Naoshi Sato, Noritoshi Sakaide
  • Patent number: 8408375
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a plurality of reaction plates separated by one or more separator springs to maintain a distance between the reaction plates when the clutch is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Copeland
  • Publication number: 20130033804
    Abstract: A spring module includes: a resilient member having a pair of wire parts extending side by side along an axial direction and a connecting part connecting the wire parts at ends of the wire parts; and fastening members provided at opposite ends of the resilient member, respectively, wherein the resilient member provides a resilient force, which is applied in a direction which is inclined from the axial direction if the fastening members are positioned so as to be inclined away the axial direction, the resilient member being deformed as the fastening members move closer to or further away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Gwan WOO, Chung-Keun YOO, Hyun-Suk SHIN
  • Patent number: 8366082
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for decreasing frictional effects in stacks of Belleville springs and limiting deflection of the springs. In one embodiment, carriers for springs overlap and minimize the effects of lateral forces that are developed as springs in a stack are loaded. Carriers may be used on mandrel guides, in cylindrical guides or without a guide. In other embodiments, maximum load and defection of springs may be provided by the spring carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Evans
  • Publication number: 20120325034
    Abstract: A spring unit including a zigzag spring 40A, 40B; a first sliding unit 20A including a first spring securing part 22 securing a first end of the spring, a first spring accommodating part 28A, 28B accommodating the spring; first slide guiding parts 25 on both sides of the first sliding unit; a second sliding unit 30A including a second spring securing part 32 securing a second end of the spring, a second spring accommodating part 36A, 36B accommodating the spring, second slide guiding parts 35 on both sides of the second sliding unit, wherein the first and second slide guiding parts 20A and 30A are engaged to mutually slide, and the spring 40A, 40B is held inside a space formed between the first and second spring accommodating parts 28A, 28B, 36A, and 36B while the first and second slide guiding parts 25 and 35 are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yuji Hazama
  • Publication number: 20120125699
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20120073884
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7938387
    Abstract: Springing construction for making mattresses where a plurality of resilient modular elements having a central coupling body for coupling to locating bars are extended substantially parallel to the lying plane of the mattress and the central coupling body is associated with a central springing element that adjoins, on opposite sides of the locating bars lying plane, springing side elements, and the modular elements are resiliently yieldable along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the mattress lying plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Valentino Fossati
  • Publication number: 20110095461
    Abstract: An elastic assembly for a portable electronic device includes at least two springs and two bushings. Each spring has a different curvature radius and two annular connecting portions at two ends, the connecting portion of each spring having a different diameter relative other connecting portion of other springs. The springs are substantially arranged in a plane, the two connecting portions of each spring are respectively coiled around and secured to another two connecting portion of another spring, the two bushings are respectively secured to the two connecting portion having the smallest diameter. The disclosure also discloses a slide mechanism using the elastic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: FAN-ZHE DING, CHIA-HUA CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100301531
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic suspension member of the plastic material and of the spring or ball and socket type or the like, that comprises a base (2) and a head (3) between which is provided an elastic suspension member (4). The elastic member (1) comprises a central longitudinal suspension axis (A). According to the invention, the elastic suspension member (4) comprises three identical elastic structures (5, 6, 7) each including at least two rectilinear or substantially rectilinear juxtaposed arms (8) connected by pairs by a hinge (9) in order to define one or more suspension Vs each active in a suspension plane (P, P?, P?) perpendicular to said hinge (9). The suspension planes (P, P?, P?) of the three elastic structures (5, 6, 7) intersect each other at the axis of said longitudinal axis (A), and the suspension planes (P, P?, P?) are offset by pairs by an angle of about 120°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: DELAHOUSSE ET FILS
    Inventors: Marc Delahousse, Olivier Gregoire
  • Publication number: 20100239415
    Abstract: A spring assembly for a retractable turbine rotor seal supported in an arcuate segment may include in one embodiment a first radially inner restraining plate having a lower surface adapted to engage a surface of a turbine stator, and a flat upper surface provide with an upstanding hub; a second radially outer restraining plate having a flat lower surface and an upper surface adapted to engage a surface of the arcuate segment, the radially outer restraining plate formed with an opening receiving the upstanding hub; and at least one spring telescoped over the upstanding hub and exerting a radially outward biasing force on the second radially outer restraining plate, and adapted to exert a radially outward retracting force on the arcuate segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Norman Arnold TURNQUIST, Shorya nmn AWTAR, Mustafa GURSOY, Karatik Mangudi VARADARAJAN
  • Patent number: 7726636
    Abstract: A quiet, non-binding collapsible spring mechanism for resiliently supporting a mattress includes a system of collapsible, sinuous springs, each having hooked ends for silencing the mechanism during use or collapse, as well as central offset portions for enabling the sinuous springs to compress to a greater extent than heretofore. Both rigid and yieldable support structures connect the spring mechanism to an item of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Item Development
    Inventor: John Miller
  • Patent number: 7678168
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exhaust system support assembly (10) for coupling an exhaust member (F) to a vehicle (A). The exhaust system support assembly (10) includes an exhaust member mount assembly (52) couplable to the exhaust member (F), an isolation pin (32) received within at least a portion of the exhaust member mount assembly (52), and at least one resilient member (44,46) disposed between the exhaust member mount assembly (52) and the isolation pin (32). The exhaust system support assembly (10) further includes a pivot assembly (16) couplable to the vehicle (A), wherein the pivot assembly (16) slidably and rotatably receives the isolation pin (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Connelly, John Thomas Auxter, Jin Choi, Reid R. Nabarrete, Michikazu Jody Tao
  • Patent number: 7614486
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque in one rotary direction includes a cam plate including notches spaced angularly about an axis, a rocker plate including pockets mutually spaced angularly about the axis, rockers, each rocker being located in a respective pocket for movement toward and away from engagement with a notch on the cam plate, a spring recesses, each spring recess including a retainer, and springs, each spring located in a spring recess and engaged with a retainer, for urging a rocker toward the cam plate and engagement with a notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norman J. Bird, Dennis N. Wys, John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 7338039
    Abstract: In a spring assembly, more especially for the cushioning of seats, beds or chairs or all types, including spring legs arranged in pairs, a bridge member extending between each spring leg of a pair of the spring legs, and a connecting member disposed between adjacent spring legs pairs to connect adjacent pairs. The spring leg pairs, bridge member and connecting member may be formed from a one-piece, continuous material, said material having a plurality of bends formed therein. The bends allow the spring leg pairs to fold independently of each other when the bridge member is subjected to a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Pfau, Edgar Franke
  • Patent number: 6595503
    Abstract: A cushioning device includes a mounting plate disposed in parallel to a base plate. The mounting plate has a connecting surface facing the base plate, and a mounting surface opposite to the connecting surface and mounted on an object to be cushioned. A cushioning unit is mounted fixedly between the base plate and the mounting plate, and includes an intermediate plate disposed between and parallel to the base and mounting plates, and a plurality of cushioning members, each of which has a first U-shaped strip portion mounted fixedly between the base plate and the intermediate plate, and a second U-shaped strip portion mounted fixedly between the mounting plate and the intermediate plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jian-Rung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6557436
    Abstract: A displacement modifying structure for receiving an input displacement from a motor source and generating a multiplied displacement therefrom for provision to a load. The structure includes a static beam and a dynamic beam. The static beam has a fixed end and a movable end while the dynamic beam has a first end and a second end. The first end of the dynamic beam is connected between the motive source and the movable end of the static beam. The second is also connected through a pivotless joint to the movable end of the static beam. Upon movement of the first end over a first distance by the motive source, the second end of the dynamic beam and the movable end of the static beam move over a second distance for provision to the load. The second distance, or output displacement is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Joel Hetrick, Sridhar Kota
  • Publication number: 20020079627
    Abstract: A molded or non-molded elastomeric shock cell having a base with legs extending from each side of the base with each of the legs having a foot that extends laterally outward from the legs to provide a unitary elastomeric shock cell that can be individually mounted to support plates or a plurality of elastomeric shock cells can be ganged, or stacked together to produce a composite isolator with different shock isolation characteristics. The elastomeric shock cell if mountable in one axis provide tension resistance and if mounted in a bias axis or right angle axis provide tension and compression resistance to shocks to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Trevor J. McCollough, Wesley Eugene Revely, Brian Scott Leininger, Robert James Monson
  • Patent number: 6250618
    Abstract: A curved wave shim is formed from a flat elongated wire strip which follows a sinusoidal wave path that includes a series of waves spaced about the curved wave shim path, each wave having a shoulder portion which bears against generally parallel surfaces of the working elements positioned on a shaft or in a cylinder bore. The shim fits in a rectangular groove formed either on a shaft or in a cylinder bore, the axial height of the groove being slightly greater than the distance between successive wave crests and troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Smalley Steel Ring Company
    Inventor: Michael Greenhill
  • Patent number: 6189875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device with an X-beam (6) and two parallel Y-beams (2,3) in the shape of an H. On each Y-beam a motor driven carriage (4,5) is provided. Between these carriages an X-beam is coupled. On the X-beam a carriage (9) with a positioning head (10) is provided. The coupling (7) between one end of the X-beam and the carriage (4) on the first Y-beam (2) comprises two leaf springs (19,20) perpendicular to each other, the intersecting line of said leaf springs forming an imaginary rotation axis (28) of the coupling. The coupling (8) between the other end of the X-beam and the carriage (5) on the other, second Y-beam (3) comprises one leaf spring (29) oriented in the Y-direction and having a relatively great stiffness in the Y-direction and a relative small stiffness in the X-direction. Advantage of these couplings: no play, frictionless, possibility of small angle correction for the positioning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Josephus M. M. Van Gastel
  • Patent number: 6170808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring core for mattresses and seat cushions with leaf springs. The spring core consists of a plurality of spring elements bent up out of passages punched in a plate, with each spring element having an upper and a lower spring clip, with the upper spring clip bent up out of a passage punched in the lower spring clip. The spring elements can also be coated with extruded foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Franz Kutschi
  • Patent number: 6145820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch disk assembly having a dampening mechanism which includes a hub and a pair of plates joined together at a radial outer portion thereof. The hub and the plates define a generally annular fluid chamber therebetween. An undulated flat-spring is disposed in the annular fluid chamber. The undulated flat-spring is compressible between the hub and a portion of one of the pair of plates in response to relative rotary displacement between the hub and the pair of plates. A viscous fluid is disposed in the annular fluid chamber and has a kinematic viscosity within a range of 500-50,000 cSt at 60.degree. C. A gap is defined between radially extending inner sides of the annular fluid chamber and corresponding sides of the undulated flat-spring. The gap is within a range of 0.1 to 0.6 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6092262
    Abstract: A non-skid wheel brake mechanism includes a wheel body, a shaft part, left and right wheels each with a ring rim. The device includes an outer rim having an oval ring groove having upper and lower half portions. A substantially oval shaped shaft bore extends through the outer rim. A rim bore extends vertically through the outer rim to form an accommodating channel. The accommodating channel is in communication with the shaft bore. The ends of the wheel shaft is secured within the insert bores of the ring rims. An S-shaped spring plate is positioned inside the accommodating channel and extends into the shaft bore against the wheel shaft such that the ring rims are frictionally braked by the lower half portion of the oval ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Arthur Lin
  • Patent number: 6024345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin-made spring which, although the spring is made of a resin only, has a strength similar to that of a metal-made spring, and in which the strength is hardly reduced with time and can be maintained to a desired degree for a long term, and also to a bellows type constant volume pump which uses such a resin-made spring. The resin-made spring of the present invention has a configuration in which a strip-like PTFE-made sheet is bent in a zigzag manner in a longitudinal direction of the sheet to thereby provide a predetermined swelling curvature R, side faces of bent portions of the predetermined curvature are in close proximity to or in contact with each other, and the bent portions of the predetermined curvature are elastically expandable and contractible by means of heat holding and cooling. Such a PTFE-made spring is used as a spring for a check valve on the side of a tip end portion of a discharge hole of a bellows type constant volume pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio
  • Patent number: 6003538
    Abstract: A drain valve providing a drain sleeve having a first end, a second end and a flow-chamber therebetween. The first end includes a first diameter being smaller than a second diameter of the second end. The first diameter and the second diameter cooperate to define an annular shoulder therebetween. The first end is threadingly received by an air conditioner outlet and the drain sleeve has at least one drain hole therethrough near the shoulder for draining condensation from the air conditioner outlet. An outer cap is provided having an outer wall and an annular side wall projecting perpendicularly from an outer periphery of the end wall. The side wall is the outer cap is threadingly engageable with the drain sleeve second end. A sealing assembly is fixedly connected at a first end thereof to the end cap end wall and includes a second end thereof projecting inwardly from the end cap end wall towards the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Robert A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5803441
    Abstract: To reduce a frictional resistance generated between undulated ribbon-like springs and outer circumferential walls, a flywheel assembly is composed of a first flywheel 1, a second flywheel 3 and ribbon-like springs 18. A fluid chamber 17 is formed between the second flywheel 3 and the first flywheel 1. The undulated ribbon-like spring 18 is disposed within the fluid chamber 17. In one embodiment, a projecting ring portion 20a that projects beyond the other ring portions 20 is provided so as to contact with an outer circumferential portion 7a of the fluid chamber 17 in order to prevent the remainder of the spring from contacting the portion 7a of the chamber 17. In another embodiment, a mid-portion of the undulated ribbon-like spring is confined to restrict radially outward movement by a plate and axially aligned pins which prevent radial movement of portions of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5791581
    Abstract: A power recoilable rule has an elongated bumper for cushioning the recoil impact of the blade hook when the blade is refracted into the casing. The casing has an opening at a juncture between the bottom wall and front wall, and a bumper is mounted in the casing within the opening for linear sliding movement relative to the casing in a path along the bottom wall. The opening in the front wall and the outer end of the bumper cooperate to provide an exit aperture for the elongated blade which extends outwardly through the exit aperture and has a hook on its outer end. A shock absorbing compression spring acts between the inner end of the bumper and the housing, and it is compressed by the inward movement of the bumper to absorb energy imparted by the hook when it impacts the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Herbert H. Loeffler, Joseph P. DeCarolis