Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the above-mentioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: An access floor assembly includes a base floor, a substructure mounted to the base floor, a bearing plate, formed with a first cavity, mounted to the substructure and disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor, an isolator plate, formed with a second cavity, overlying the bearing plate, a ball disposed between the bearing plate and the isolator plate contacting the first and second cavities, and a floor plate coupled to the isolator plate and together forming an access floor disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor.

Abstract: A dynamic kinematic mount includes three balls, a first plate, and an opposing second plate. The first plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the first plate, and the second plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the second plate. Also provided is a spacer having opposing first and second faces and three bores extending therethrough from the first face to the second face. The three balls are each disposed in one of the three bores for rotation relative to the spacer, in which the three ball project outboard of the first and second faces. The first plate is in juxtaposition to the first face, and the second plate in juxtaposition to the second face.

Abstract: An adjustable support stand (30) supports equipment above a foundation. A body (56) has a threaded sleeve (58). A shaft (60) has a support end for supporting the equipment and a threaded end for screwing into the threaded sleeve of the body to adjust a height of the support stand. An isolation bearing assembly (70) is disposed on the support end of the shaft for providing isolation to the equipment. Four legs (46) are connected to the body. Each leg has a vertical channel member (80) in contact with the foundation and a diagonal brace member (90) coupling the vertical channel member to the body. The legs are individually extendable in length. A leg extension assembly (116) can be used to extend the height of the support stand.

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: A bar or pipe shape semiconductor-integrated-circuit (“microbar”) and method for manufacturing the same. The microbar is substitute for common flat microchip. The shape and size of said microbar calls for novel manufacturing processes in special lathe, holding its clean microenvironment. Also for Bar Level Packaging (BLP) with lead array over the cylindrical surface separated by insulator layer from the IC. Said array is either solder bump or ring. Inductive coil and common or fractal RF antenna are optional parts of said IC, which may be assisted by ferrite inserts in hole or counter bore at the microbar's end. Said insert creates extremely small and strong magnets or resonators on demand. Additionally micro machines (MEMS), optical wave-guides and switches, micro-loudspeaker or microphone and other electronic devices may be inserted into said hole or bore. Said microbar is mounted in single or multiple hole sockets of commercial grade or military grade (explosive shock resistant) boards.

Abstract: A mass damper (12) is attached to a machine tool (11) to suppress the vibration and oscillations induced by the machine tool. The mass damper uses a sensor (50) or transducer (70) to sense changes in vibration frequency or other physical action and control an actuator (56) to move a piston assembly (60). The piston assembly operates to increase or decrease compression on a spring (38) attached to a bob or moveable mass (18) within a housing (13) of the mass damper. The bob oscillates in opposite phase with the vibration induced by the machine tool to counteract the undesired vibration. The compression spring acts as a restoring force to bring the bob back to its neutral position. The change in compression on the restoring spring effectively changes the center frequency of the mass damper to keep the frequency response of the machine tool within the bandwidth of the mass damper.

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 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: A fire proofing assembly with friction sliding surfaces to accommodate wide horizontal seismic isolator movements placed around seismic isolators and in partitions at the perimeter of isolation spaces. Heat reflecting, insulating and intumescent layers may be interposed at friction surfaces. Normal force to friction may be maintained by spring. Temporary, partial dissembling arrangement provided for isolation bearing inspection. Elastomeric curtain may be provided for fire hose test.

Abstract: A seismic isolation bearing including a top load plate (11A) for securing the bearing to a structure to be supported, a lower load plate (11B) for securing the bearing assembly to the foundation, and a steel reinforced rubber bearing body (13) sandwiched therebetween. The rubber bearing body (13) performs the bearing and restorative functions of the seismic isolation bearing. A steel midplate (14) extends radially from the middle of the bearing body laminated stack, and includes a plurality of holes (35) proximate the outer circumaference of the midplate. A first series of yield pins (12T) are anchored to the top load plate and extended downwardly toward the bottom load plate, and a second series of yield pins (12B) are anchored to the bottom load plate and extend upwarlly towards to the top load plate. The yield pins (12T, 12B) are received within the oversized holes (35) disposed about the periphery of the midplate.

Abstract: A vibration attenuation device comprises a first section and a second section, each section comprising an insulating material such as rubber. The first section and the second section are aligned end-to-end. Typically, the insulating material is cylindrically-shaped to provide for easy alignment between the two sections. The base of a U-shaped first anchor is substantially surrounded by the insulating material of the first section. The base of a U-shaped second anchor is substantially surrounded by the insulating material of the second section. The legs of the first anchor extend from the base of the first anchor to beyond the base of the second anchor and the legs of the second anchor extend from the base of the second anchor to beyond the base of the first anchor. Additional sections comprising insulating material and anchors may be added to provide more flexibility.

Abstract: A seismic isolation bearing for bridges, buildings and machines with steel reinforced rubber body and external or internal tapered steel pin uniform yielders. The pins are fixed to load plates and intersect in mid plate or in the bearing body. External pins may be threaded ended to be used with nuts and other hardware as temporary press for assembly. Also as temporary ties for handling before installation or as anchorbolts. Vertical bearing stiffness is greatly controlled by the size of a central hole, passing vertically through the bearing.

Abstract: A seismic isolation bearing for structures consisting a steel ball sandwiched between two horizontal, steel load plates. The load plates have a shallow, concave, conical recess of vertical, collinear axis. The cone axis passes through the ball centerline at rest. The load plates are bolted the structure under and above. Gravity restores the bearing's displacement in the lack of external forces. Lateral bearing forces are independent of displacements.

Abstract: A seismic brake assembly comprises an annular pipe journaled through a gripping block which frictionally engages the pipe about the pipe's outer diameter. The force with which the gripping block frictionally engages the pipe is controlled by a Belleville or spring-loaded washer. By securing the gripping block to one point in a structure and by securing one end of the pipe to another point in or associated with the same building or structure to be supported, the seismic brake functions as a rigid member of applied lateral stresses less than a design threshold. When the applied lateral force exceeds the design threshold, controlled sliding friction between the rod and gripping block is experienced, whereupon the building or structural framing returns the seismic brake to its nominal position when the seismic activity ceases. By controlling various factors including the diameter of the pipe and the tension with which the block engages the pipe, virtually any desired hysteresis loop may be achieved.

Abstract: A seismic isolation bearing for bridges, buildings and machines with steel reinforced rubber body and external or internal tapered steel pin uniform yielders. The pins are fixed to load plates and intersect in mid plate or in the bearing body. External pins may be threaded ended to be used with nuts and other hardware as temporary press for assembly. Also as temporary ties for handling before installation or as anchorbolts. Vertical bearing stiffness is greatly controlled by the size of a central hole, passing vertically through the bearing.

Abstract: A machine base isolator incorporates a plurality of elastomeric pads separated by steel separating disks. A bolt passes through the center of the pads and separating disks and is secured to a machine base; the opposite end of the bolt is imbedded within an enclosure filled with an elastomeric material. The top of the elastomeric material is covered by a reference plate having an opening large enough to permit the passage of the bolt but not large enough to permit the passage of the bolt head, thus creating an interlocking joint to prevent separation of the bolt from the reference plate. The reference plate is secured to a base plate which in turn is attached to an underlying supporting surface such as a concrete floor. The elastomeric pads are selected from an elastomeric material and configured to provide a predetermined natural frequency or period approximately corresponding to a desired frequency.

Abstract: An isolation bearing for structures includes interlocking channels arranged in pairs of rows in which adjoining pairs of rows can be aligned or staggered. A transverse anchor rod controls the deformation of the side walls of the channels. Kinetic energy is absorbed in the bearing by deformation of the elastomer, deformation of the metal components, and by friction. Elastomer bulge is controlled by plates at the ends of the channels. Stress distribution in the walls of the channels is controlled by oppositely slanted slots. The channels are made from metal tubing or I-beams.