Abstract: An inversion-formed double-walled tube includes an outer tube having an outer wall thickness, an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube and having an inner wall thickness, and a transition portion connecting the inner tube and the outer tube. In this arrangement, at least one of the inner and outer wall thicknesses varies along a length of the double-walled tube. The inversion-formed double-walled tube may be configured as an inversion tube type energy absorber and as an energy absorbing inversion tube assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle hood lift mechanism is disclosed, including a central member extending between a vehicle and a hood. The central member is pivotally engaged with the hood via a first hinge. A central portion is pivotally engaged via a second hinge to the central member. The central portion includes a lower and upper member each joined at the second hinge. The lower member includes a distal end pivotally engaged to a lower member via a third hinge and the upper member includes a distal end pivotally engage to a second arm via a fourth hinge. The first arm extends between the distal end of the lower member to the hood and the second arm extends between the distal end of the upper member and the engine compartment. The vehicle hood lift mechanism allows the hood to be maintained in a horizontal plane when in a raised and lowered position.

Abstract: A mechanical part configured to be placed under torque. The mechanical part includes an inner tube having, a corrugated web, and an outer shell. The inner tube has an outer tube circumference, a tube axial direction, and a tube length. The corrugated web has a plurality of peaks and a plurality of troughs, a height measured as a difference between one of the peaks and one of the troughs, and a web length perpendicular to the height and in the tube axial direction. The outer shell has an inner shell circumference, an outer shell circumference, and a shell length. The plurality of troughs is affixed to the outer circumference of the inner tube. The plurality of peaks is affixed to the inner shell circumference of the outer shell. The web length is aligned with the tube length and the shell length.

Abstract: A mount assembly for mounting a cabin attendant seat to a support structure may comprise a first strap configured to plastically deform in response to a deflection of the support structure. The first strap may comprise a first perforation, a second perforation, and a third perforation located between the first perforation and the second perforation. The perforations may be configured to allow the strap to plastically deform.

Abstract: A shock absorption device includes an inner cylinder assembly threadably engaged within an outer cylinder assembly. The outer cylinder assembly includes a cap shaped member, at least one protruding member, and at least one first spring member. The inner cylinder assembly includes at least one compressive member, at least one second spring member, and at least one movable piston member. When an external impact force is applied to the cap shaped body member, the first threaded portion of the outer cylinder assembly jumps over the second threaded portion of the inner cylinder assembly as provided by elastic movement of the resilient ring member about the cap shaped body member. The thread jumping results in the first spring member compressing and the protruding member pushing the piston member which pushes and compresses the second spring member and the compressive member providing a reactive force to absorb the external impact force.

Abstract: In a method for noncontact, radiation thermometric temperature measurement, a short-circuit photocurrent that is proportional to a received radiant power is produced in a photodiode radiation detector that is operating photovoltaically without bias voltage. The photocurrent is processed in a current to voltage converter. Subsequently, a temperature signal corresponding to the radiant power is generated. A corrective current, dependent on a temperature of the photodiode radiation detector, is added to the short-circuit photocurrent to compensate a fault current, wherein the fault current is based on an input bias current and an input offset voltage of the current to voltage converter across a temperature-dependent shunt resistance of the photodiode radiation detector. A device with a corrective current source controlled by a microcontroller is provided that can be used to perform the method.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket, an upper jacket, a telescope actuator assembly, and an energy absorbing system. The upper jacket is at least partially received within the lower jacket. The telescope actuator assembly is arranged to translate the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket along a steering column axis. The telescope actuator assembly includes a telescope drive bracket that defines a first pathway. The energy absorbing system includes a first strap that extends at least partially through the first pathway.

Abstract: A magneto-caloric assembly can include a first region including a first magneto-caloric material, a second region disposed on the first region and including a second magneto-caloric material and a first matrix material, and a third region disposed on the second region and including a thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A portion of a steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes an energy absorption strap and a breakaway member. The energy absorption strap has a first strap portion coupled to an upper jacket assembly and a second strap portion coupled to a lower jacket assembly. The breakaway member has a first breakaway member, a second breakaway member, and a frangible area. The first breakaway member defines a first opening that receives the first strap portion. The second breakaway member defines a second opening that receives the second strap portion. The frangible area joins the first breakaway member to the second breakaway member.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes: an outer column and an inner pipe retained by the outer column for movement in a front-rear direction of a vehicle, an inner-pipe retaining section with opposed leg sections interconnected via a fastening mechanism. The apparatus further includes an impact energy absorbing member provided on the inner pipe and having a generally U sectional shape along the axis line of the inner pipe. The absorbing member includes: a base section mounted to the inner pipe; an abuttable section bent from the rear end of the base section such that it is abuttable against the fastening mechanism; and an energy absorbing section bent forward from one end of the abuttable section such that, when an impact is input to the inner pipe, the absorbing section absorbs energy of the impact while deforming by abutting against the fastening mechanism.

Abstract: An energy absorption structure for a vehicle has an energy absorption element, in particular an engine longitudinal carrier, and at least one impact transmission element, which impact transmission element is pressed against a side wall of the engine longitudinal carrier and, in the event of an impact, is guidable along the side wall, wherein the engine longitudinal carrier is a fiber composite component and the impact transmission element has a microstructure which can be countersunk into the engine longitudinal carrier.

Abstract: A seat (5) comprising a bucket (10) and a frame (15) fastened to a floor (2). Said seat (5) includes at least one energy absorber system (20) having a plurality of energy absorbers (21) arranged in parallel. Said seat (5) includes an index (30) that is movable in translation to secure the bucket (10) to an energy absorber system (20) by engaging with one end of one or more energy absorbers (21). Said seat (5) includes at least one suspension system (40) having a spring member (60) suspending said bucket (10) from said frame (15) as a function of the weight of a passenger, mechanical indexing means (60) co-operating with an index (30), said seat (5) including a mechanical inhibitor system (70) for blocking the suspension system (40) during a crash.

Abstract: An end of a stay material made of a tubular aluminum alloy extruded material is expanded by electromagnetic molding to form a flange for producing a bumper stay. The flange width is increased without cracking and a decrease in the thickness. A stay material having a circumferential wall undulating in a waveform pattern is used. A circumferential length L (one round length along waveform pattern) of the outer periphery wall along the circumferential direction of the stay material is longer than a circumferential length L0 of a simple cylindrical circumferential wall having the same outer diameter (circumscribed circle) (L>L0). L?L0 is an excessive line length. Since the circumferential wall has the excessive line length, when the end of the circumferential wall is expanded to form the flange, the flange having a large diameter can be formed.

Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.

Abstract: An impact attenuator for vehicles, including an energy absorbing device for decelerating forces, including a housing, at least two pins arranged in the housing which are arranged in parallel to each other in the housing, as well as a metallic, elongated draw element, which can be positioned within the housing such that it extends between and in contact with the pins, wherein the pins and the draw element are positioned such that a change of direction appears on the draw element when passing by each pin such that at mutual moving of the draw element and the housing in relation to each other, the movement is decelerated due to deformation of the draw element at passage of each pin. The pins and the draw element are positioned such that the draw element obtains a change of direction of at least 90° when passing at least two of the pins.

Abstract: A device and a method for the adaptive degradation of collision energy. A deformation element is provided which carries out a first motion in one direction for degrading the collision energy and undergoes tapering. In addition, an actuator system is provided which adjusts the tapering for the adaptive degradation as a function of a control signal. The actuator system is configured for a second motion in the axis of the direction of the first motion and for adjusting the tapering of the deformation element. As a result of the second motion, the actuator system is able to hold at least one die plate having a respective opening through which the deformation element is driven for adjusting the tapering. A number of die plates held by the actuator system is a function of the control signal. The die plates held in each case cause tapering of the deformation element.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag comprising foam bulk at least partially surrounded by a flexible membrane, the airbag compressible from a second volume to a first volume; a locking mechanism for maintaining the airbag compressed to the first volume; a one-way valve openable to deliver air to the airbag when the locking mechanism is released; and wherein when the locking mechanism is released, the airbag expands.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing structure includes a vertical hollow column that telescopically receives a post. A coil spring surmounts a centrally apertured support plate that receives and is secured to the hollow column. A coil spring stands atop the support plate and the upper end of the coil spring is secured to a top plate that surmounts the post. A centrally apertured spacer plate is parallel to the top plate and is downwardly spaced apart from it. A plurality of bolts interconnects the top plate and spacer plate. The post retracts within the hollow column and the coil spring is compressed when a downwardly directed force is applied to the top plate. The coil spring unloads and restores the top plate and the spacer plate to their respective positions of repose when the downwardly directed force is removed. Each bolt is engaged by an eye loop at the end of a cable.

Abstract: An energy absorber includes opposing aligned crush lobes expandable in opposite directions, and when expanded, potentially collapse with different energy-absorbing rates and stroke distances. The energy absorber forms a subassembly design that is adaptable and easily modified for predetermined energy absorption crush curves and specific energy-absorbing circumstances, such that it can be used inside a vehicle passenger compartment or outside a vehicle in different locations, such as for a knee bolster on the instrument panel, or on a door inner panel, or on an under-knee seat component, or on a headliner or A-pillar cover, or hood-lifter for pedestrian safety. One version of the energy absorber includes formed sheets bonded along a perimeter to define two cavities and an inflator-holding pocket connected to the cavities by integrally-formed tunnels.

Abstract: A tensioner as well as a method for fitting a safety line cable on the tensioner. The tensioner designed for the safety of personnel attached to the cable while working under dangerous conditions. The tensioner has a fixing element configured to couple to an external element such as a wall and has two sections capable of separating and absorbing energy as a result of a fall of a worker while attached to the safety line cable. A section of the cable passes through and is crimped in a sleeve of the tensioner while the cable is kept under tension.

Abstract: Low-velocity axial impact thrust on a bonded telescoping middle joint of a strut is retarded and impact energy is converted and absorbed by the elastic strain of unfettered circumferentially bands. In a preferred embodiment an impacted strut regains structural integrity after impact displacement and fracture by re-bonding.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: An antiroll device for the suspension of a motor vehicle comprises a torsion bar and two lateral links articulated to this bar and to two lateral shock absorbers. At least one of the links (9) is telescopic and includes a piston (13) mounted so it can slide in a piston tube (14) via a rod (15) connected to the hinge connecting the link to the adjacent shock absorber, the piston being mobile due to the movement of this connection and cooperating in compression with return means (17) housed inside the said tube. The return means include two compressible stop components (18 and 19) which are designed to impart to the link a progressive stiffness which increases with the amplitude of the movements of the axis of the adjacent wheel (2a), so that this wheel is substantially uncoupled from the torsion bar or coupled to it for small or large-amplitude movements respectively.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: A resilient shock-absorbing device includes an absorber body having a first absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal first outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed first longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent first longitudinal ends of two adjacent first outer tube halves, and a plurality of first heat-seal seams each interconnecting two adjacent first longitudinal ends that contact each other, and a second absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal second outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed second longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent second longitudinal ends of two adjacent second outer tube halves, and a plurality of second heat-seal seams each extending longitudinally and interconnecting two adjacent second longitudinal ends that contact each other. A plurality of first and second foam members are respectively filled in the first and second outer tube halves.

Abstract: The invention is a device for increasing occupant protection in a motor vehicle during a lateral impact, in which the energy input acts laterally on a partial area of the motor vehicle door wherein a motor vehicle seat is situated on the side of the motor vehicle door facing away from the energy input. The motor vehicle door is provided with an interior lining facing the motor vehicle seat and at least one partial area of the interior door lining is conveyable from an initial state into an extended state projecting by a drive unit into the motor vehicle interior. The drive unit is connected to the motor vehicle door and to the partial area of the interior door lining.

Abstract: An energy absorber includes opposing aligned crush lobes expandable in opposite directions, and when expanded, potentially collapse with different energy-absorbing rates and stroke distances. The energy absorber forms a subassembly design that is adaptable and easily modified for predetermined energy absorption crush curves and specific energy-absorbing circumstances, such that it can be used inside a vehicle passenger compartment or outside a vehicle in different locations, such as for a knee bolster on the instrument panel, or on a door inner panel, or on an under-knee seat component, or on a headliner or A-pillar cover, or hood-lifter for pedestrian safety. One version of the energy absorber includes formed sheets bonded along a perimeter to define two cavities and an inflator-holding pocket connected to the cavities by integrally-formed tunnels.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g. depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: A jounce bumper assembly for a vehicular suspension system, the suspension system having a first member and a second member, is provided. The assembly comprises a mount coupled to the first member, wherein the mount has a cylindrical portion comprising a first cylindrical outer surface. The assembly also comprises a jounce bumper coupled to the second member, and a striker cap having a first end comprising a first cylindrical inner surface circumferentially coupled over the first cylindrical outer surface, and having a second end configured for resilient engagement with the jounce bumper.

Abstract: An impact attenuator, which is arranged to be flexible longitudinally as well as sideways, has a rear part with two wheels, an attenuating part, a front part with two pivot wheels, and a coupling part for connection to a vehicle. The coupling part has a damper for dampening part of the force during a collision against the impact attenuator. During a minor collision against the impact attenuator the collision force is mainly absorbed by the damper. The damper regains after a collision its original position and the impact attenuator can remain operative. During a larger collision against the impact attenuator, the collision forces are also absorbed by the attenuating part.

Abstract: In order to stop a moving vehicle without injury to occupants, a vehicle barrier is provided having a pair of platforms disposed on opposite sides of a roadway, and a capture net extending across the roadway between the platforms. Each platform has a rotatably mounted spool attached to a different end of the net, and a dual acting extension-compression shock absorber pivotally mounted to the spool, such that when the force or energy of an impacting vehicle on the net is applied to the shock absorbers, via rotation of the spools. Rotation of spools operate the shock absorbers in compression, and if needed, in extension. In railroad crossing application, two of the vehicle barriers are provided on either side of the railroad tracks to prevent vehicles from crossing the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A resilient shock-absorbing device includes an absorber body having a first absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal first outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed first longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent first longitudinal ends of two adjacent first outer tube halves, and a plurality of first heat-seal seams each interconnecting two adjacent first longitudinal ends that contact each other, and a second absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal second outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed second longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent second longitudinal ends of two adjacent second outer tube halves, and a plurality of second heat-seal seams each extending longitudinally and interconnecting two adjacent second longitudinal ends that contact each other. A plurality of first and second foam members are respectively filled in the first and second outer tube halves.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a cable under tension, in particular for rockfall, debris flow and avalanche control works, is equipped with an elongate, helical deformation element (1), through which the cable (9) can be looped. Both overlapping end areas (2, 3) of the deformation element (1) are guided through a holding element (10; 30), and the deformation element (1) is plastically deformable when the cable is overloaded, by reducing the helical diameter. The holding element (10; 30) has bevels or roundings (21, 22, 23; 40, 41) at the entry and exit of an opening (31) formed for the overlapping end sections (2, 3) of the deformation element (1). The effect of this is that the reduction of the helical diameter can progress more consistently than before, and also the load-damping curve can be defined better.

Abstract: A propshaft assembly includes a shaft structure having a hollow cavity and an insert member being positioned within the hollow cavity and engaging the shaft structure. The shaft structure vibrates in response to receipt of an input of a predetermined frequency such that a shell mode anti-node is generated. The insert member is located at a position that approximately corresponds to the anti-node and has a compressive strength that is tailored to an anticipated displacement of the anti-node to thereby attenuate vibration of the shaft structure.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: A reversible energy absorbing assembly including a shape memory foam disposed within an interior region, wherein the shape memory foam is adapted to expand to an expanded configuration in response to fluid communication with a fluid source. The shape memory foam is a material selected from the group consisting of shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers. Once expanded, the assembly effectively absorbs kinetic energy of an object upon impact with the assembly. The shape memory foam can be thermally activated to restore the original configuration of the energy absorbing assembly. Methods of operating the energy absorbing assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The motion damper includes a damper wall, damper stages, and a damper head. The damper wall and damper stages are successively smaller in size and have a nested relationship. The damper wall and damper stages are each flexibly attached to an adjacent damper stage or the damper wall such that the damper stages may deploy in a telescopic fashion away from the damper wall. The damper head is attached to a smallest damper stage. As a result, the damper stages change in position relative to the damper wall and relative to each other to absorb the kinetic energy of objects attached to the damper head and damper wall.

Abstract: A tunable and reusable impact energy absorbing system and process includes a control structure comprising a sleeve having an outer surface fixedly attached to a chassis, a seal at each end of the sleeve, a magnetorheological fluid disposed between the seals, and a coil in proximity to the magnetorheological fluid, wherein the seal and the magnetorheological fluid are in sliding engagement with a support member, wherein the impact surface is fixedly attached to a support member. Varying the current to the coil alters the magnetic field upon the magnetorheological fluid, which can be used to tune the yield stress of the sliding engagement.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: Tunable pull-through energy attenuator and decelerator devices is disclosed which provide for variable force-time profiles, deceleration and kinetic energy attenuation of moving objects so as to prevent damage or injury to impacting objects, vehicles or persons. The device employs either consumable inelastic or reusable, viscoelastic deforming elements, such as tubes, rods, plates or strips, which absorb substantial amounts of energy through repeated inelastic or viscoelastic deformation when the deforming element is pulled-through a tunable array of rigid pins having a variety of configurations and settings. The disclosed devices provide for variable force-time profiles which control the cumulative deformation and thereby the amount of energy absorbed and rate of deceleration of impacting objects.

Abstract: An earthquake shock damper includes two positioning plates, two fixing plates and multiple energy absorbing plates securely sandwiched between the two positioning plates and having the two fixing plates extending out in different directions. Each energy absorbing plate has a mediate portion with a width smaller than that of two distal ends of the energy absorbing plate so that deformation of the energy absorbing plate is able to smoothly absorb energy from the earthquake.

Abstract: A motion converting device includes a plurality of branched elements. Each branched element includes a base beam, an intermediate beam, and a coupling beam. The base beam is elastically deformable, and one end of the base beam is fixed such that the base beam is slanted with respect to a base. The intermediate beam is also elastically deformable, and one end of the intermediate beam is fixed to the base beam at a position which is offset from a central portion of the base beam towards another end of the base beam. The coupling beam is likewise elastically deformable, and one end of the coupling beam is fixed to the same position as the intermediate beam. At each of the branched elements, the other end of the base beam is fixed to another end of an intermediate beam of another branched element, such that the plurality of branched elements is disposed in a loop-like arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of damping in load-carrying members, particularly those load-carrying members that carry a load between a plurality of masses that are subject to induced cyclic distortion or vibration. According to an aspect of the invention, a damped structural member is provided that carries a load between a first mass and a second mass. The damped structural member comprises a load-carrying member that carries the load between the first and second masses, and at least one damping member nested with the load-carrying member. The damping member and the load-carrying member move relative to each other during cyclic distortion of the load-carrying member thereby dissipating distortion energy at a damping interface between the damping member and the load-carrying member. The damping member bears essentially only cyclic loads induced by cyclic bending mode movement of load-carrying member. A method for damping a structural member is also provided.

Abstract: A brake for a plunger of a hydraulic elevator is provided which in a preferred embodiment includes a pressure plate, a first brake ring, a wedge plate, a biasing spring and a fluid release actuator. The pressure plate is movable along an axis generally parallel with the axis of the plunger. The first brake ring encircles the plunger and has an inner surface for engagement with the plunger. The first brake ring also has a second surface for force engagement with the pressure plate. The first brake ring additionally has an outer wedge surface. The first wedge plate has a first wedge surface for engagement with the wedge surface of the first brake ring. The spring biases the pressure plate and wedge plate toward one another. The fluid release actuator urges the pressure plate away from the wedge plate. Upon release of the actuator relative movement of the pressure plate towards the first wedge plate causes the brake ring to circumferentially grip the plunger and prevent movement axial of the plunger.

Abstract: An energy absorbing high impact cable device having a ring damper with first and second ends for attachment to at least one mesh net panel. The damper further includes a retainer for retaining the first and second ends, and to maintain a circular damper according to a predetermined stiffness for impact restraint. The ring damper further includes a cover, which is hermetically sealed around the cable to prevent degradation. A cable-to-loop fastener mechanically secures the cable device to at least one mesh net panel to form a linked arrangement. This particular arrangement translates absorbed energy within a plane of the panels to prevent structural deformation within the device due to rolling rock energies beyond a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A push rod of a vacuum booster includes an inner rod section, a pipe-shaped outer rod section which is slidably fitted over an outer periphery of a rear portion of the inner rod section and connected to a brake pedal, and a buffer member made of a synthetic resin and fitted over the outer periphery of the inner rod section in front of the outer rod section. Usually, an end face of the outer rod section is retained in a position in which it abuts against a projection of the inner rod section. When an axial compressing force is applied to the push rod upon a collision of an automobile, the end face of the outer rod section slides forwards over and past the projection, while buckling the buffer member. Thus, the pushing-up of the brake pedal toward a vehicle compartment due to the retreating movement of a master cylinder is prevented, and the load applied to a driver's foot is alleviated.