Abstract: This invention generally relates to reducing electronic noise by mechanical means, in order to improve signal quality. More specifically, this invention relates to reducing small amplitude vibrations of analog electronic circuit components, which electronically respond to mechanical movements, such as vibrations. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a signal-to-noise ratio is improved by gravity-restoring mechanical isolation and transmission-path evasion of signal generating, processing, transmitting, broadcasting, receiving or detecting electronics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive vibration isolation device for broadband suppression of vibrations. The device preferably comprises either a vertical spring filter, a horizontal spring filter, or a combination of the two. The vertical spring filter comprises non-linear spring devices such as Belleville washers, ZK washers, crest-to-crest springs or the like stacked in series, in parallel, or any combination thereof. ZK washers are washers which comprise multiple integral concentric rings of varying conicity. The device further may optionally comprise a screw, belt or similar device for adjusting the aspect ratio of the vertical spring. The device further may optionally comprise a screw or similar device for adjusting the static load placed on the vertical spring. The horizontal spring filter may comprise any number of bearings retained within a conical raceway disposed between two cylindrical plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive mass damper for broadband suppression of vibrations. The mass damper preferably includes a bob supported by nonlinear springs with high secant stiffness and low tangent stiffness. The mass damper is mounted on a machine or other source of vibration. The vibration generated by the machine is transmitted to the mass damper and induces off phase vibration of the bob which suppresses the inducing vibration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive mass damper for broadband suppression of vibrations. The mass damper preferably includes a bob supported by nonlinear springs with high secant stiffness and low tangent stiffness. The mass damper is mounted on a machine or other source of vibration. The vibration generated by the machine is transmitted to the mass damper and induces off phase vibration of the bob which suppresses the inducing vibration.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a substantially flat pump chamber in the sole of the shoe under the heel of the user, with a one-way valve permitting the drawing in of air when pressure is taken of the heel, and second one-way valve at the outlet from the flat pump which comes into play as air is being exhausted from the chamber. One or more pressure bladders for receiving air from the pump mentioned above, are mounted in the sidewalls of the shoe, toward the rear thereof adjacent the ankle. When the user is active, and is walking or running, the pump is automatically actuated to inflate the air bladders and to provide additional support for the foot and the ankle. The air bladders may be provided with a relief valve to prevent overpressure, and/or with arrangements for slowly leaking air out of the bladder so that when the user is resting, pressure on the foot and ankle is minimized. This last function may be accomplished, either by a bleed valve, or by a series of fine perforations in the walls of the bladder.