Abstract: A seat suspension system includes a first seat (e.g., a base) member and a second seat (e.g., a seat) member preferably overlying the first seat member. At least one spring (e.g., elastic or rubber) mount is interposed between the first and second seat member. The at least one elastic mount provides a projected elastic center spaced from (preferably located above) the second seat member such that the second seat member is pivotable about the projected elastic center. Embodiments describing seat suspension systems having a single focalized mount or a plurality of spaced apart, focalized mounts are included.

Abstract: A damper (20) for damping motion between two relatively moveable members, such as pivotal motion between components in office chairs (10). The damper (20) includes a outer member (22) having an internal recess (23) with a inner surface (24) and a crosswise oriented hole (30) intersecting the recess (23), and an inner member assembly (32) moveable relative to the outer member (22) having a shaft (34) with a resilient friction member (38) mounted thereon. The resilient friction member (38) frictionally engages the inner surface (24) in an interference fit relationship thereby radially precompressing the resilient friction member (38). The resilient friction member (38) preferably has one or more protrusions (40) that may be axially or radially oriented.

Abstract: A hinge comprising a first hinge attachment member; a second hinge attachment member, the first and second hinge attachment members being movable relative to each other; and a coupling member for coupling the first and second hinge attachment members and for supplying damping when the first and second attachment members are displaced relative to each other. The damping is comprised of surface effect damping and such damping may be direction dependent or dependent on the rate of displacement or acceleration of one of the members. The hinge includes means for adjusting the magnitude of the damping supplied.

Abstract: A chair height adjustment mechanism includes an energy storage unit which has a compressible fluid. This compressible fluid allows the compressible fluid displaced by the piston rod entering the cylinder, to store energy for subsequent use as the chair seat is raised. This fluid may be of the type that has a dual phase at room temperature such that increase in pressure on the compressible fluid causes a portion of that compressible fluid to transition from gaseous phase to liquid phase. This makes the energy storage unit a constant force spring. The features of this constant force spring may be used in a conventional piston cylinder, shock absorbing device, as well.

Abstract: A damper (20) for damping motion between two relatively moveable members, such as pivotal motion between components in office chairs (10). The damper (20) includes a outer member (22) having an internal recess (23) with a inner surface (24) and a crosswise oriented hole (30) intersecting the recess (23), and an inner member assembly (32) moveable relative to the outer member (22) having a shaft (34) with a resilient friction member (38) mounted thereon. The resilient friction member (38) frictionally engages the inner surface (24) in an interference fit relationship thereby radially precompressing the resilient friction member (38). The resilient friction member (38) preferably has one or more protrusions (40) that may be axially or radially oriented.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension unit for cushioning shocks in amputees is provided. The prosthetic suspension unit has a first member adapted to be secured to a first prosthetic member and a stop located in the first member. An attachment member is adapted to be secured to a second prosthetic member. A bearing member is operative between the attachment member and the first member such that the attachment member may slide freely in an axial direction relative to the first member. An elastomeric energy storage element is positioned within the first member and includes a first portion abutting the stop. A second portion abuts a face axially moveable with the attachment member to compress the storage member upon application of load by the user.

Abstract: A damper (20) for damping motion between two relatively moveable members, such as pivotal motion between components in office chairs (10). The damper (20) includes a outer member (22) having an internal recess (23) with a inner surface (24) and a crosswise oriented hole (30) intersecting the recess (23), and an inner member assembly (32) moveable relative to the outer member (22) having a shaft (34) with a resilient friction member (38) mounted thereon. The resilient friction member (38) frictionally engages the inner surface (24) in an interference fit relationship thereby radially precompressing the resilient friction member (38). The resilient friction member (38) preferably has one or more protrusions (40) that may be axially or radially oriented.

Abstract: A prosthetic insert unit for cushioning shocks in prosthetics is provided. The unit includes attachment member (150 etc.), a lower sleeve (124′ etc), a slide bearing (152′ etc.) to allow free reciprocal motion therebetween, an elastomeric energy storage member (124′ etc.) received in the interior of the sleeve (124′ etc.), a piston (134′ etc.) cooperative with said elastomer member to compress same, and an anti-rotation mechanism. Preferably, the anti-rotation mechanism is integral with the slide bearing (152′ etc.). The elastomer member provides controlled deflection as well as damping for the insert. Preferably, an anti-click element (269 etc.) is provide to minimize rebound clicking. Acoustical elements (268 etc.) may also be included to minimize noise transmission into other areas of the insert.

Abstract: A resistance device (20) useful as a thumb or hand exerciser. The device (20) includes an outer member (32) including an axial through bore (34); an inner member (22) received within the through bore (34) and extending out of both its ends; and a friction member (36), such as an elastomer sleeve, immovably mounted on said inner member (22); said friction member (36) being in operable contact with the through bore (34) to provide resistance to relative axial movement between said inner (22) and outer (32) members. The level of resistance may be adjusted by rotating ends (24, 24′)of the inner member (22) relative to one another such that the friction member (36) is axially compressed. Stops (30, 30′) limit axial travel.

Abstract: A device for cushioning shocks is provided. A relatively unstable, collapsible elastomeric member which has guides integrally formed thereon, is surrounded by a guide sleeve which provides controlled deflection as well as damping for the elastomeric member. A piston is used to collapse the elastomeric member. The cush of the present invention can be utilized in hydraulic systems where an elastomeric bladder provides primary energy storage and in other applications where the cush of the present invention is the primary damper. This cush can be preloaded and, where desired, can be provided with the capability to adjust the preload.

Abstract: An elastomer detent assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a plurality of recesses formed in a surface thereof. The second member is engagable with the plurality of recesses and includes at least one detent finger. A dimension of the at least one detent finger is sized relative to a comparable dimension of the surface such that, upon application of a force, the at least one detent finger will move in finite increments relative to the first member providing a detent mechanism. At least one of the first and second members further includes an elastomer portion and a radially extending flange for limiting axial motion between the members. Embodiments including elastomer bonded to either an inner or an outer member are provided.

Abstract: A height-adjustable coffee or tea brewer is described. The invention includes a base element that may include a selectively operable warming plate. A vertical stand includes two slidably engagable components that may be vertically displaced with respect to one another. The first of these components is attached to the base element and the second is attached to a head element. The head element may be provided with a device to accept a funnel or other mechanism to hold coffee or tea. The head element may also contain a device for heating water or may simply be plumbed to a hot water source. The height-adjustable feature permits the coffee or tea brewer to fill thermally insulated and other containers of varying height.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension unit for cushioning shocks in a prosthetic is provided. The unit includes a cylindrical sleeve attachable to a first prosthetic member; attachment member attachable to a second prosthetic member; a slide bearing allowing the attachment member to slide axially relative to the sleeve; an energy storage member cooperating between said attachment means and the sleeve; a piston positioned to slide within said sleeve and engage an axial end of the energy storage member; and anti-rotation mechanism cooperative between said sleeve and the attachment member for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable length strut having a unique locking device. An annular spring within a housing surrounds an actuator rod. An actuator member engages one end of the annular spring axially compressing it and causing radial bulging resulting in locking the rod in position relative to the housing. Numerous embodiments are disclosed which may replace gas springs in such applications as seat height adjusters, chair arm adjusters and seatback adjusters. An embodiment is disclosed employing a switch to activate and deactivate the actuator member.

Abstract: A locking and positioning device (20) for allowing unlocking and adjustment and then relocking of multiple degrees of freedom with a singular actuation mechanism (26). The device (20) includes a first locking mechanism (22) and a second separate, independent, and spaced apart locking mechanism (24) both of which are actuated by a singular actuation device (26). The first locking mechanism and second locking mechanism may be locked simultaneously or independently with the same actuation device (26).

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a chair seat, table top or the relative position of other items includes an outer support tube and a telescoping, column tube subassembly. The column tube subassembly includes an inner support tube, a cylinder and a piston and piston rod subassembly. The piston rod is connected to the piston at one end and to the outer support tube at the other end. An elastomeric sleeve surrounds the cylinder. A valve controls flow of hydraulic fluid from the interior of the cylinder to and from an expandable chamber defined by the elastomeric sleeve. The piston snap-fits onto the piston rod and allows rotation of the column tube subassembly with respect to the outer support tube. A shock-absorbing element is disposed in the cylinder.

Abstract: An adjustable damper 12 for providing surface effect damping of a first member 10 when moving relative to a second member 20 and providing means for user operated locking of said first member 10 relative to said second member 20 at an infinite number of positions. The damper 12 is particularly useful for locking a chair back in place relative to a chair seat and providing damping of the rotation of the chair back when not locked. This allows the chair back to return to its desired position relative to the seat at a controlled rotational rate. The damper 12 operates by compressing first plate 40 and second plate 50 against elastomers 36A and 36B such that center plate 30 is restrained from rotation relative to plates 40 and 50. A secondary surface effect damping element provides damping when the primary damping element is unlocked. Pin 38 rides in slot 32 and indents the periphery 34 of elastomer 36C bonded to the periphery of slot 32 to provide damping.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a shock-isolating caster. A surface-effect damper engages at least one of a wheel element and an intermediate structural member to dampen vibration and shock loads which would otherwise be transmitted from the wheel element through the intermediate structure and mounting member to the equipment supporting cart. A first embodiment positions the damper between an outer wheel rim and an inner wheel hub. Second and third embodiments mount the wheel on a pivotable arm and dampen the movement of the arm. Capability to adjust damping levels is provided.

Abstract: Several improved embodiments of surface effect dampers that produce a damping force including both hysteretic and frictional components. Various improvements include an amplitude sensitive feature or decoupler mechanism to eliminate or greatly reduce the damping for low amplitude input conditions as compared to high amplitude inputs, provisions for increasing the damping force in a non-linear manner, and features for providing significantly greater damping in one direction than the other. Other embodiments include an improved rotational surface effect damper useful for damping rotational motion, and a multiaxial damper which can be used, for example, as a motor mount which has the capability for the piston to tilt relative to the axis of its piston rod, allowing accommodation of torsional rotation of the engine while not compromising vibration isolation.

Abstract: A fluid-filled strut particularly suited for automotive engine torque control applications. The strut includes a frame having a pair of fluid-filled chambers located adjacent opposite ends. Each chamber is defined by juxtaposed recesses in a pair of elastomeric blocks located on opposite sides of the frame. A discrete elongate fluid conduit connects opposite axial ends of each chamber. Attachment plates on opposite sides of the frame are bonded to the elastomeric blocks and are connected together by a connector bolt sleeve that extends across the frame through the fluid-filled chamber. The elastomeric blocks permit the frame to move in alternate axial directions relative to the sleeve, and in response to such motion, fluid in the chamber is displaced in alternate directions through the conduit to effect the desired motion damping. The elastomeric blocks are shaped to provide a desirable controlled snubbing action in both directions.