Abstract: A space-saver workbench is disclosed which is pivotally movable between a work position wherein the table thereof is in a horizontal position to a stored position wherein the table portion thereof is in a vertically disposed position. A pair of springs are operatively connected to the table portion to provide a lift assist for moving the table portion from its horizontal position to its vertically disposed position. The springs also assist in maintaining the table portion in its stowed position. When the table portion is in the stowed position, it is spaced outwardly from a wall or the like sufficient so that the table portion will not interfere with tools hanging on a pegboard positioned adjacent the table portion.

Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.

Abstract: A table that includes a damper attached to a first faceplate and a second faceplate. The damper can dampen flexural loads introduced to the table by either shock or vibration. The damper may include a damping layer that is attached to a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may be cantilevered from the first faceplate. The second plate may be cantilevered from the second faceplate.

Abstract: A table that includes a damper attached to a first faceplate and a second faceplate. The damper can dampen flexural loads introduced to the table by either shock or vibration. The damper may include a damping layer that is attached to a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may be cantilevered from the first faceplate. The second plate may be cantilevered from the second faceplate.

Abstract: A plurality of spring tubes is provided in an assembly to make a worker's practice of “pearl diving” unnecessary. A container has one tube attached in each corner and each tube has an internal coil spring secured at a bottom of an inner chamber but extended by a cable looped over a pulley at a top of the tube. A shelf or false bottom is attached to a quick link at an end of the cable in each tube. Each link is guided in a vertical slot formed in an outer chamber of each extruded plastic tube so that the shelf is spring-loaded and weight-responsive. A key advantage of the adjustable shelf is that it prevents back strain and similar muscular injuries to workers who are constantly leaning and bending over to retrieve or store articles in the container. The ability of the shelf to tilt at any or all corners allows it to float and not bind as product is loaded or removed. These tubes and the shelf can be adapted to any of the presently manufactured containers or racks.

Abstract: A supporting assembly includes a mounting seat secured to an object, an inner connecting member having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting seat, an outer connecting member having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting seat by an axle, a wrist member pivotally connected to a second end of the inner connecting member and a second end of the outer connecting member, and a supporting plate pivotally connected to the second end of the outer connecting member and the wrist member. A spring is mounted around the axle and includes a first end attached to the mounting seat and a second end attached to the outer connecting member. A pressing portion of the inner connecting member presses against a stop of the inner connecting portion.

Abstract: A cart with a spring-loaded platform presents material continually at the proper working height. The cart has a base supporting posts encased in springs. A platform rests upon the springs. The platform is at a height convenient for the worker. As materials are stacked upon the platform the springs compress and the platform moves toward the base distance equal to the height of the newly stacked item. Thus, the top of the stack remains at the height convenient for the worker. As material is removed from the stack the spring expands pushing the platform away from the base and presenting each new item in the stack at the convenient, desired height to the worker.

Abstract: A dual ergonomic platform truck includes a frame assembly having a pair of first and second segments, a pair of guide rods each having a first end connected to one of the first segments and a second end connected to one of the second segments. A pair of platform assemblies are moveable along the pair of guide rods respectively. Each platform assembly includes a deck guide that receives the guide rod and a platform that is connected to the deck guide and is constructed to hold items. Each platform assembly also includes a first linear bearing that is received within the deck guide and a spring support bracket connected to the deck guide. A pair of springs are used to lift the pair of platform assemblies respectively. Each spring is connected to the first and second segments of the frame assembly. The platform truck may also include a self-aligning platform assembly.

Abstract: A device for and method of ergonomically removing parts from a parts bin, so that an operator does not have to unnecessarily bend to remove parts, using an open-ended bin, a platform removably contained within the bin, and a mechanism for lifting the platform which is, also, removably contained within the bin. The mechanism for lifting the platform may be a manually operated or automatically operated scissor-type jack, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder. Also, the platform may be vertically adjusted by a spring whose spring constant is chosen to correspond to the weight of the parts within the bin.

Abstract: A manufacturing process, such as that used for ultrasonic welding, employs a self-leveling fixture (20) including a base (12) and an operation stage (14) that are separated by leveling devices (16) and 18). The leveling devices include a centrally located spherical plane bearing (16) and one or more spring members (18) disposed about the periphery of the operation stage. In this way, the operation stage can react in response to pressure applied thereto complying to the applied pressure, thus providing a realistic self-leveling feature. After the pressure is removed, the return to a normal position via the spring action of spring (18).

Abstract: A self-levelling platform arrangement comprises a platform which may form the base of a trolley container, supported on a biasing mechanism that comprises a scissors jack arrangement incorporating a tension spring to provide the biasing force whereby the platform descends as items are loaded onto the platform and rises as items are unloaded. The load/tension ratio of the spring is adjustable. To achieve tensioning of the spring, one end of the spring is attached to one of the opposite arms of the scissors arrangement through a flange plate while the outer end is attached to one end of a balance beam member supported for rotation about a fulcrum, the position of the fulcrum being variable along the length of the beam. The other end of the beam member connects, via a further flange plate, to the other of opposite arms by a connecting rod.

Abstract: A table includes a table support; a slide guide secured to the table top; a sliding member received in the slide guide for displacements relative to the table top and parallel to its main plane; a stationary table support; first and second link bars articulated to the table support and the sliding member. The first and second link bars together form a link bar guide. A coupling bar is articulated to a mid region of one of the first and second link bars and to a component affixed to the table top. This construction provides that a pivotal motion of the parallel linkage guide causes a displacement of the sliding member relative to the table top in its main plane and also causes a height-changing displacement of the table top relative to the table support transversely to its main plane, while the table top remains in an unchanged position relative to the main table top plane. Further, a height-arresting device is provided for immobilizing the table top in any height position thereof.

Abstract: A device for and method of ergonomically removing parts from a parts bin, so that an operator does not have to unnecessarily bend to remove parts, using an open-ended container, a platform removably contained within the container, and a mechanism for lifting the platform which is, also, removably contained within the container. The mechanism for lifting the platform may be a manually operated or automatically operated scissor-type jack, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder. Also, the platform may be vertically adjusted by a spring whose spring constant is chosen to correspond to the weight of the parts within the bin.

Abstract: A vertical vibration elimination table apparatus has a vibration elimination table supported by actuators at four portions thereof. The actuators are operable in response to signals which are fed back thereto and which are indicative of vertical positions and vertical accelerations of the four portions of the table. A control apparatus for controlling and driving the actuators includes a 4-degree-of-freedom motion mode extraction circuit for extracting motion mode error signals of four degrees of freedom including one degree of freedom for translational motion, two degrees of freedom for rotations and one degree of freedom for twist motion, a compensation circuit for producing compensated motion mode signals by effecting compensations on the respective motion mode error signals, and a motion mode distribution circuit for producing drive signals based on the compensated motion signals and delivering the drive signals to the respective actuators.

Abstract: A self-biasing system for articles has an article support, a frame for controlling the movement of the support and a biasing structure capable of moving the support. The system can be a self-leveling article dispenser with the frame including elongate channel members. The channel members define an elongated cavity capable of receiving articles to be dispensed. A platform is slidably received in the cavity. A plate has one part of a reversibly extensible structure secured thereto. A flexible line has a segment secured to the platform and the linear movement thereof is controlled by a guide on the plate and a guide associated with the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an operational member, particularly for use in an optical laser system for optically trapping and manipulating microscopic particles in a particle manipulation chamber. A flexure member, is provided which has a pair of substantially inflexible parallel members and four sets of flexible spring members. The pair of parallel members is maintained in a spaced relationship by the four sets of flexible spring members. Each of the four sets of flexible members has at least two parallel flexible elements which can be leaf springs or formed as a unitary part of the flexure member. The four sets of flexible spring members are in two groups of two flexible spring members with each of two of groups of flexible members having their two sets of flexible spring members positioned in a "V" shaped pattern. The apices of the "V" shaped patterns are positioned outwardly of each other forming a parallelogram having at least six sides and preferably a parallelogram having eight sides.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolating a load structure from vertical, horizontal and rotational vibrations of a supporting structure operate with the aid of displacement of a pneumatic fluid from and to a fluid chamber of a pneumatic vibration isolation system. A fluid-tight diaphragm extends from a circumferential edge of the fluid chamber into that fluid chamber, and has a circumferential compliance section inside that edge of the fluid chamber. The diaphragm is structured inside of that compliance section with alternate stiffened and reinforced diaphragm portions in the fluid chamber. The diaphragm and the fluid chamber are coupled between the supporting structure and the load structure. Vertical vibrations are damped by displacing pneumatic fluid from and to the fluid chamber with the fluid-tight diaphragm and horizontal and rotational vibrations are damped with the reinforced diaphragm portion in the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for trays, plates or the like. The dispenser apparatus includes a top member having an opening therethrough for the trays, plates or the like and includes a base. A plurality of post assemblies are provided with each post assembly extending between the top member and the base. The length of each post assembly may be varied between a fully extended and a retracted position.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in counterbalancing a shelf or the like incident to vertical movement thereof along a trackway featuring a linkage assembly and coupling assemblies for effecting a relatively large displacement of the shelf incident to a relatively small displacement of a shelf counterbalance spring. The shelf is mounted on the trackway by followers carrying a manual brake releasably engageable with the trackway.

Abstract: In a truck having a vertically movable goods-receiving portion, a plurality of resilient elements are arranged between an upper beam interconnecting the upper end of a righthand post and the upper end of a lefthand post and lower frames for mounting the vertically movable portion. The lower ends of all the resilient elements are fixed to the lower frames. The upper ends of some of the resilient elements are fixed to the upper beam, and the upper ends of the remaining resilient elements are engageably and disengageably held.

Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser for trays or the like. At least two parallel, hexagonal posts extend longitudinally. A roller mechanism extends between the two posts, the roller mechanism having a plurality of rollers engaging the hexagonal posts in order for the roller mechanism to travel longitudinally along the posts. At least one arm extends from the roller mechanism, the arm adapted to support the trays or the like. A hanger is provided near an end of the hexagonal posts and extension springs extend between the roller mechanism and the hanger to provide an upward force against the downward force of the weight of the trays or the like.

Abstract: A vibration-damping floor is supported by one ends of flexible coupling members, such as chains or ropes whose the other ends are connected through guide sprockets and movable spring frames to tension springs set horizontally under the floor. A vertical vibration for the floor is absorbed by the springs.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly for a table top is disclosed. The table top has on its bottom side a downwardly open cup recess. An insert is positioned in the recess and the insert is connectable to a table leg. A dampening filler material is positioned in the cup between the table top and insert to effectively isolate the insert (and thus, the table leg) from the table top. Breakage of highly decorative table tops is thus reduced.

Abstract: A desk has a vertically adjustable top and at least one vertical guide member movable upwardly and downwardly on a support or frame. A spring leg is disposed between the frame and vertically adjustable desk components. The spring leg is pivoted at one end to a guide member and its other end is braced against a curved rail. The braced end is movable on the rail and lockable in positions corresponding to accommodate various loads on the desk top. The curve of the rail is chosen so that in any position of the braced spring end, the vertical components of force acting on the guide member are equal, at least in two opposite end positions of the desk top. This results in equilibrium in each vertical position for every load on the desk top, after the spring leg has been adjusted.

Abstract: A counterbalancing mechanism allows a weight or constant force to be counterbalanced for any practical linear range of travel, including means for effortlessly adjusting the mechanism for a constant force or load of any practical magnitude. A load support slides along an axis substantially passing through a fixed lower pivot point. The load support member is pivotally connected to the top end of an upper lever arm. The upper lever arm is pivotally connected by a horizontal link to the upper end of a lower lever arm that is pivotally connected to the fixed point. A pully that may swivel about its swivel axis embraces the axis and guides a cable connected to the horizontal link at one end to a spring assembly at the other end. The spring assembly may be adjusted.

Abstract: A device for supporting a sponge has a container filled with liquid, a sponge supporting plate in the container, and a resilient member urging the supporting plate with the sponge away from the liquid and depressable by a user into the liquid to moisten the sponge.

Abstract: The weight of a pivoted body is counterbalanced by a spring acting on a cam connected to that body to pivot therewith. A band, connected to that spring, attaches to the cam and wraps around the cam. The cam's profile is contoured to produce moment arms of various lengths, through which the force of the spring acts, balancing the variable torque of the weight of the pivoted body.

Abstract: A seat suspension device for use in an automotive seat which comprises a pair of right and left X-shaped links for connecting a lower frame with an upper frame and a torsion bar journaled to the pivotally-connected portions of the two X-shaped links. The torsion bar includes two ends, with one end thereof being engaged with one of the X-shaped links and the other end engaged with the other X-shaped link, so that the upper frame can be supported resiliently relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: A springing arrangement comprises a coil spring and a spring-engaging member acting thereon between the two ends of the spring and in a direction which differs from the longitudinal direction of the spring, thereby to provide non-linear dependency of the spring force on the distance covered by the spring-engaging member. The spring-engaging member is made up of two elements on respective sides of the spring, each element bearing against the spring by way of a curved surface and extending over a plurality of turns of the coil spring.

Abstract: A lift mechanism of a "fork-lift" type is capable of use on the input and output sides of machines for processing sheets of particle board, plywood and similar products. The mechanism itself has the sheets of product to be processed stacked on a pair of spaced-apart lifting arms which are hydraulically raised and lowered from one end, leaving the other end open to permit loading of stacks of product sheets or to permit removing stacks of product sheets from the arms by means of a conventional fork-lift truck. The lifting arms deflect under load in direct proportion to the amount of load on them, and a cam and cam-follower mechanism is provided to compensate for this deflection. Thus, the top sheet of the stack load always is presented at a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing stacked articles, such as cases of wine stacked one upon the other, includes a frame in which a platform is situated on which the stack of articles is supported. The platform is coupled to a mechanism which is positioned under the weight of the stack so that the uppermost article is presented at a predetermined height for automatically elevating the platform and stack supported thereby upon removal of the uppermost article whereby the next article beneath it automatically comes into position at that predetermined height. The mechanism comprises a torsion spring one end of which is attached to the platform and the other end of which is connected to a drum which is mounted to the underside of the support platform. Each lateral end of the drum has a pulley region around which a pair of cables are wound, each cable having a free end which is attached to an upper end of the frame of the apparatus and supports along its length a respective corner of the support platform.

Abstract: A height adjustable work plate, particularly for sewing machine tables, including a carriage supporting the work plate and being slidably guided on a vertical frame structure, wherein the work plate is assisted by a pneumatic spring provided at its upper end with a pulley over which a rope is trained, one end of the rope being attached to the frame and the other end to the carriage.

Abstract: A scissors mechanism supports a platform, and is coupled to a sealed gas cylinder or other energy-storage device in such a way that the cylinder tends to lift the platform, and an article on the platform--such as a television set, a bar, office equipment, a tabletop, etc. The lift may be enclosed in a compact cabinet so that the article on the platform is concealed when down, and accessible when up.Energy released in lowering the article is stored in compression of gas within the storage device, and subsequently reused in raising the article. Compensation is provided for the strongly varying mechanical advantage provided by the scissors mechanism, so that the stored energy can operate smoothly on the article throughout the entire operating range of the scissors, making possible the use of the energy-recycling system.

Abstract: A passive support structure comprises rigid compression members in which only compressive forces are generated, and extendable tensile members, which elongate as necessary to accommodate externally applied forces. The structure incorporates two spaced members, a lower base member and an upper support member, interconnected by a plurality of rigid compression members, the ends of which are pivotally attached to both the base and the support member. Because of the pivotal connections, only axial compressive forces can be generated within the compression members. Also interconnecting the base and support members are elastic tensile members, which yield as necessary to accommodate the applied force, and in which energy absorbing and dissipating elements can be incorporated.

Abstract: Device for stacking of articles of which the upper most article of the stack is maintained automatically at a certain level.The device comprises a vertical container for the stack of articles, said container having an opening at the upper side around which an annular flange is arranged, on which a number of main tension springs is suspended, which support the body part of a carrier, whereas the supporting plane part of the carrier rests on the body part of the carrier by means of preferentially a single central helical compression spring, having a diameter approaching the main dimension of the carrier.The strength of this helical compression spring is weaker than that of the body springs, so that at loading with a stack of articles, the supporting plane moves down resiliently faster, and also a greater part of the carrier is used for the stack of articles and thereby an increase of capacity is obtained, with stable support for the stack of articles.

Abstract: In a table comprising a table-top that can be adjusted in height and/or inclination relative to the trestle, and a spring arrangement provided between the trestle and the table-top and serving to counterbalance the weight of the table, the table-top (6) is connected to the trestle at its rear edge by disengageable stops and at its front edge by clamps. The spring arrangement comprises a torsion bar spring (11) mounted preferably on the trestle (1) and provided with at least two radial arms (15, 21) bearing against the trestle (1) and the lower face of the table-top (6), respectively. Such a spring arrangement is of particularly simple design and requires only little space. Further, the torsion bar spring offers a favorable spring characteristic. A particularly soft spring effect can be achieved by the use of a stack of leaf springs (31) as torsion bar spring.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of controlling the level of a self-levelling device comprising a table to be controlled in level, an air spring supporting the table, a sensor for contactless detection of an amount of displacement of the table from a reference position, an inlet valve for supplying air under pressure to the air spring through an inlet port therein, and an outlet valve for discharging air from the air spring through an outlet port therein. An interval of time for actuating the inlet valve and/or the outlet valve to return the table to the reference position is computed from the amount by which the table is displaced. The inlet and/or outlet valve is then actuated for the calculated interval of time to adjust the table level through the air spring.

Abstract: A drafting table having spring-balanced lifting and tilting movement features is provided with an anti-snap device which prevents the table top from tilting so quickly to the full-vertical position that it hits its stops and rocks the entire table over. The anti-snap device comprises a flexible strap which is wrapped about and fixed to cylindric members on which the table top lifts and tilts. The flexible strap becomes tight as the table top reaches its fully vertical position, but tightening of the strap is resisted by the tilt springs, which are pulled to one side by the strap. Resistance to the tightening of the strap requires more force to tilt the top to its full vertical position, increasingly slowing the tilting movement near the end of tilting travel.

Abstract: A tumbling board construction including a sheet of material of sufficient strength to support a mat or the like, preferably molded of plastic. The sheet has a generally rectangular periphery, an upper face and a lower face, and a plurality of stationary male and female interlocking devices are disposed about the periphery in alternating fashion and below the upper face. The interlocking devices are generally upwardly and downwardly directed. Identical sheets, through proper orientation, may be interlocked together to form a support for a tumbling mat.

Abstract: A table is suspended off springs, the upper ends of which can be lowered by a crank mechanism so that there is no spring load on the table when it is lowered for loading.

Abstract: Adjustable wire guide rods are selectively positioned in holes in the movable dispenser table so that it can handle different size dishes.

Abstract: A counterweight system is disclosed, which is advantageously used for counterbalancing the table top of a vertically-adjustable drafting table. Obviously, the counterweight system could be used for other applications. When used in a drafting table of the type including a frame and a table top provided with vertical legs guided for up-and-down movement within the frame, cables are attached to the lower end of the two legs and are trained over a common pulley and attached to said pulley, which is freely rotatably mounted within the frame. A spiral-shape cam member is fixed to one side of the pulley and an additional cable which is attached to the pulley is trained over the cam member and attached at its other end to one end of tension springs, the other end of which is attached to the frame.

Abstract: A corrugated paper display stacker having a plurality of vertically arranged springs and upwardly biased pivoted trays secured to a back panel. A double acting torsion spring having hooks on protruding fingers that are inserted into the fluting of the tray and a stablizing U-shape loop on the other side of the spring maintain each of the trays in a vertical position when not loaded with merchandise. The torsion spring is held to the back panel by securing means in the form of a dowel.

Abstract: A hamper of the type having a base with an upper perimetric frame supported on the base, and a sack whose mouth is mounted on the upper frame so that the sack depends therefrom in an extended condition. The lifting apparatus includes a rigid member associated with a lower portion of the sack and extending transversely across the sack. A rope mechanism is coupled to the rigid member and extends upwardly over an edge of the upper frame for raising the rigid member towards the mouth as the cord is pulled over the frame edge. Springs act on the rigid member for upwardly biasing the rigid member towards the mouth. The rigid member can be secured to a lower portion of the sack for raising the lower portion of the sack itself, or it can be provided as a separate platform for insertion within the sack for raising the platform within the sack.

Abstract: A holder for packaging articles, displaying them and offering them for sale, comprising at least one pallet unit adapted for carrying, a number of articles or layers of articles separated by intermediate trays, the pallet unit having an upwardly and downwardly directed rim flange which may be discontinuous, a levelling device being present by means of which the pallet unit can be moved up and down, said holder further comprising means for the support or easy displacement of the filled holder.

Abstract: Extensible support apparatus comprising a pair of telescoping members, e.g.

Abstract: A device is described for dispensing articles, such as trays, plates, etc., while maintaining the uppermost article of the stack at a predetermined dispensing level independent of the number of articles in the stack. The novel device comprises an upper annular member through which the articles are dispensed, a plurality of vertical post members, each having at the upper end thereof an outwardly turned inverted U-shaped portion with a short outer leg portion, said short outer leg portions supporting said annular member and an article carrier tray vertically slidable beneath said annular member while being guided by said vertical post members.

Abstract: The top of a table such as a drafting table which may be adjustable in its elevation, is counterbalanced by counterbalancing elements exerting an approximately constant balancing force. The counterbalancing elements comprise at least one leaf spring forming a bow inserted between the table top and a counter abutment below the table top so that the leaf spring or springs is biassed to form said bow, whereby the load on the bow has a tendency to cause a lateral flexure of the bow. The arrangement is such, that the downwardly directed force component caused by the weight of the table top and the pressure exerted by the bent leaf spring or springs, are directed opposite to each other.

Abstract: Storage racking in which each bay, which is disposed back-to-back with another bay, contains a wheeled trolley which carries a standard pallet. The trolley can move to the rear of the bay against the restoring force of elastic cables to leave sufficient room at the front of the bay for another standard pallet.

Abstract: A pair of movable joined scissors are positioned between the base and dispenser table by being roller-guide connected thereto, and the main compression springs are tied to the scissors axis, and the scissors are centered by tension springs connected to the scissors and base.