Abstract: A vibration isolator, system, and method for minimizing propagation of vibrations between structures are configured to decouple axial and lateral structural modes. The vibration isolator includes an axial flexural support that provides axial compliance relative to a central axis and a lateral elastomeric support that provides lateral compliance relative to the central axis. The axial flexural support and the lateral elastomeric support provide stiffness about the central axis. The vibration isolator includes a first mount coupled to a first external structure and a second mount coupled to a second external structure. The axial flexural support is coupled to the first mount and the lateral elastomeric support is coupled to the second mount and the axial flexural support. Using an axial flexural support and a lateral elastomeric support enables tuning of the structural modes in one axis while minimizing the effects to the structural modes in the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A vibration isolator, system, and method for minimizing propagation of vibrations between structures are configured to decouple axial and lateral structural modes. The vibration isolator includes an axial flexural support that provides axial compliance relative to a central axis and a lateral elastomeric support that provides lateral compliance relative to the central axis. The axial flexural support and the lateral elastomeric support provide stiffness about the central axis. The vibration isolator includes a first mount coupled to a first external structure and a second mount coupled to a second external structure. The axial flexural support is coupled to the first mount and the lateral elastomeric support is coupled to the second mount and the axial flexural support. Using an axial flexural support and a lateral elastomeric support enables tuning of the structural modes in one axis while minimizing the effects to the structural modes in the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A shock isolator assembly comprises a base a platform and a plurality of self-resetting buckling isolators providing a three-stage response to a dynamic load acting between the base and the platform. The three-stage response of the self-resetting buckling isolators comprises a tension stage when the dynamic load exceeds a threshold tension load, a compression stage when the dynamic load exceeds a threshold compression load, and a rigid stage when the dynamic load is below the threshold tension load and the threshold compression load.

Abstract: A shock isolator assembly comprises a base a platform and a plurality of self-resetting buckling isolators providing a three-stage response to a dynamic load acting between the base and the platform. The three-stage response of the self-resetting buckling isolators comprises a tension stage when the dynamic load exceeds a threshold tension load, a compression stage when the dynamic load exceeds a threshold compression load, and a rigid stage when the dynamic load is below the threshold tension load and the threshold compression load.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes flexures and a multi-part mounting interface for coupling a frame that supports equipment to a structure. The flexures may include three pairs of flexures that allow movement in three orthogonal directions, to allow compliance and/or damp vibrations in the three directions. The flexures may surround the multi-part mounting interface, the parts of which are configured to move relative to one another. One of the parts of the mounting interfaces passes through another part of the mounting interface, such as in one or more holes in one of the interfaces. The device allows equipment mounted on the frame to be isolated from some or all of vibrations produced at the structure. In an example embodiment the vibration isolation system is used in mounting an optical sensor or device to an aircraft.

Abstract: A vibration isolation device includes flexures and a multi-part mounting interface for coupling a frame that supports equipment to a structure. The flexures may include three pairs of flexures that allow movement in three orthogonal directions, to allow compliance and/or damp vibrations in the three directions. The flexures may surround the multi-part mounting interface, the parts of which are configured to move relative to one another. One of the parts of the mounting interfaces passes through another part of the mounting interface, such as in one or more holes in one of the interfaces. The device allows equipment mounted on the frame to be isolated from some or all of vibrations produced at the structure. In an example embodiment the vibration isolation system is used in mounting an optical sensor or device to an aircraft.

Abstract: A water trap cup for use in connection with a drain tube in a refrigerator is described. In one embodiment, the water trap cup includes a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall. The side wall includes retaining webs configured for retaining an end of the drain tube within the water trap cup, and a bottom stop extends from the side wall and maintains the drain tube end spaced from the bottom wall so that a seal is not formed between the bottom wall and the drain tube. The retaining webs generally define a first chamber and a second chamber, and the first and second chambers are in fluid communication. To assemble the water trap cup to the drain tube, the first chamber is aligned with the tube, and the cup is pushed upward into engagement with the drain tube until the drain tube end contacts the bottom stop.