With Condition Responsive Control Means Patents (Class 248/550)
  • Patent number: 10065533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle cab or a vehicle seat comprising an upper part and a lower part which are vertically spring-mounted relative to one another by means of at least one height-adjustable scissor-action frame comprising two scissor arms which are pivotable about a common axis, and at least one air spring having a variable air volume, it being possible for movements of the scissor-action frame to be transmitted to a switching element, by means of a transmission element that is mechanically operatively connected to the scissor-action frame, in order to control the air volume of the air spring, wherein a height-adjustment device for the scissor-action frame, comprising a manually actuable control lever element and a guide element that is mechanically operatively connected thereto, the switching element being able to be pivoted about a first axis of rotation and the transmission element being able to be pivoted about the first axis of rotation in the opposite direction to the switching element by me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Alexander Lorey
  • Patent number: 9935493
    Abstract: A control circuit includes a first input coupled to a power source, a second input coupled to an output of a power supply, and an output coupled to an input of the power supply. The control circuit senses current at the power supply output. If the sensed current exceeds a threshold, the control circuit connects the power supply input to the power source. If sensed current does not exceed the threshold, the control circuit disconnects the power supply input from the power source and applies a voltage to the power supply output. If the sensed current exceeds the threshold while the power supply input is disconnected from the power source and while the control circuit is applying voltage to the power supply output, the control circuit discontinues application of voltage to the power supply output and connects the power supply input to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: William C. Milks, III
  • Patent number: 9896956
    Abstract: A support assembly for a gas turbine engine includes at least one inner support that extends about a circumferential axis and defines a cavity for receiving a control ring. At least one cover plate is attached to at least one inner support to enclose the cavity. At least one of the inner support and the cover plate includes a rail and the other of the inner support and the cover plate includes a groove for engaging the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Decari S. Jenkins, Steven J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 9869195
    Abstract: A support assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a control ring that extends about a circumferential axis. A plurality of first supports has a cavity that receives the control ring. A plurality of cover plates are attached to the first plurality of supports and enclose the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew S. Miller, Peter Balawajder
  • Patent number: 9778039
    Abstract: A microsystem includes a base layer formed from an electrical insulating material. The base layer has an inner surface defining a cavity and an external surface opposed to the inner surface, and in direct communication with an environment. A cap layer and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device layer are formed from electrical insulating material or an other electrical insulating material. The cap has an inner surface defining a cavity, and an external surface opposed to the inner surface, and in direct communication with the environment. A MEMS device on/in the MEMS device layer is disposed between the base and the cap. Respective adjacent portions of the base, the cap and the device substrate are bonded to define an enclosed space. The enclosed space at least partially includes the base cavity or the cap cavity. At least a portion of a MEMS device on the device layer is in the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Khalil Najafi, Rebecca L. Peterson, Jae Yoong Cho, Zongliang Cao, Guohong He, Jeffrey Gregory, Yi Yuan
  • Patent number: 9765846
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus mounted with at least one linear axis or axis of rotation and a robot on a base and mounted with vibration isolators and the robot includes vibration isolators that are capable of seating and suspending the base and a controller that controls suspension and seating of the vibration isolators in accordance with an operating condition of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenzo Ebihara
  • Patent number: 9746123
    Abstract: A composite frequency-adjustable shock absorber is provided, comprising a motion main machine stand bar and a shock absorption device, which are arranged on a foundation carrier platform; the shock absorption device is divided into an upper shock absorption device and a lower shock absorption device, the shock absorption device is arranged on a base with an inner cavity, and the upper shock absorption device for suppressing the low-frequency vibration and the lower shock absorption device for absorbing additional high-frequency vibration are connected in series; the upper shock absorption device comprises an elastic component based on a flexible hinge group and a prestress adjusting device, the flexible hinge group is arranged in the inner cavity of the base, the prestress adjusting device for adjusting the inherent frequency of the flexible hinge group is connected with the flexible hinge group, and the motion main machine stand bar is fixed on a load bearing portion of the flexible hinge group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Zhijun Yang, Youdun Bai, Xin Chen, Chaoran Chen, Chengxiang Li
  • Patent number: 9749544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gimbal driving device comprising a holding arm, a first motor, a connecting frame for fixing an imaging device, a connector and a flexible wiring board. The first motor may comprise a shaft, a rotor holder connected with the shaft, and a shaft cover fixed to the holding arm, wherein the shaft may bring the rotor holder into swinging; the connecting frame may be fixed to the rotor holder to bring the imaging device into swinging; the connector may be connected between the shaft and the connecting frame; and the flexible wiring board may have one end connected to the holding arm and the other end thereof connected to the connecting frame, wherein a length of the flexible wiring board may remain unchanged while the imaging device is swinging. The invention also relates to a gimbal assembly using the gimbal driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SZ DJI OSMO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong Wang
  • Patent number: 9740112
    Abstract: A patterning device support (200), for example, a patterning device (202) or substrate support, can be configured to release internal stresses of a patterning device loaded thereon. The patterning device support can include a positive pressuring generating interface (206a, 206b) or an acoustic vibration generating interface (206a, 206b), or can be configured to oscillate while at least a portion of patterning device is decoupled from the patterning device support. A method of transferring a patterning device between a patterning device handling apparatus and a patterning device support configured to move the patterning device can include positioning the patterning device onto a surface of the patterning device support, and performing a process that releases internal stress of the patterning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: ASML Holding N.V., ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Arindam Sinharoy, Stephen S. Roux, Jean-Philippe Xavier Van Damme, Daniel Nathan Burbank, Mark Josef Schuster, Duncan Harris, Christopher Charles Ward
  • Patent number: 9689457
    Abstract: A torque rod (1) has two elastic bushes (2, 3) to be mounted respectively to a vibration-generating side and a vibration-receiving side, and a connecting rod (4) connecting the two elastic bushes (2, 3). The actively controlled vibration cancellation means (5) is an actuator including: the shaft (5a) having two opposite ends mounted to the connecting rod (4) and extending in an axial direction of the connecting rod (4), the mass member (5b) shaped in a tube to surround the shaft (5a); a coil (5e) and a winding core (5f) fixed to the shaft (5a) in the tube-shaped mass member (5b); a permanent magnet (5d) mounted to an inner peripheral surface of the tube-shaped mass member (5b) or the shaft (5a), and a connecting member (5c) for connecting at least one end of the tube-shaped mass members (5b) to the shaft (5a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Yukihiro Sugimoto, Akira Ueki, Humiharu Kurose, Takanobu Sugiyama, Yoshiyasu Kimura, Masahiko Kondo, Yuusuke Satou
  • Patent number: 9670610
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method of detecting when a wall mounted drum type washing machine drops, slips, tilts or detaches from the wall, in which the apparatus includes a horizontality detecting sensor configured to output a sensor value corresponding to a horizontal inclination of a main body of a washing machine; a verticality detecting sensor configured to output a sensor value corresponding to a vertical inclination of the main body of the washing machine; and a controller configured to determine whether the main body of the washing machine has dropped, slips, tilts or detaches from the wall by receiving sensor values from the horizontality detecting sensor and the verticality detecting sensor, and blocking power to the washing machine when the main body of the washing machine dropped, slipped, tilted or detached from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Ill Bae
  • Patent number: 9609284
    Abstract: A subject is imaged using imaging equipment arranged on portable, wireless vehicles. The vehicles are positioned in a pattern in proximity to the subject and illuminate the subject in order to collect image data. The image data can be collected by cameras carried by the vehicles in addition to or instead of external high speed cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OTOY, INC.
    Inventors: Julian Michael Urbach, Malcolm Taylor, Clay Sparks, Timothy Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9580115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat or a vehicle cab with a suspension system comprising an upper closing part and a lower closing part which is deflectable in relation to the upper closing part, which closing parts are connected to each other in a resilient manner by means of a suspension element, and with a damping system for damping vibrations acting on at least one of the two closing parts, wherein the damping system and a distance levelling system for adjusting a distance between the upper closing part and the lower closing part have a common fluid actuator element controlled by compression and tension stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 9546945
    Abstract: A vibration damper assembly that may be attached and moved about a payload or optical mount surface of an optical structure such as an optical table. The vibration damper assembly may include a sensor and an actuator that may be disposed within a housing. In some embodiments, the vibration damper assembly or components thereof may be incorporated into an optical structure in the form of an optical component to be disposed or mounted on an optical mount surface of an optical structure such as an optical table. Embodiments of the vibration damper system may include a controller in communication with the damper assembly Embodiments of the controller may use adaptive tuning, auto-ranging selection of gain factors and other features in order to optimize damping performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NEWPORT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vyacheslav M. Ryaboy, Prakash S. Kasturi, Adrian S. Nastase
  • Patent number: 9528567
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive, multi-axis suspension system providing both coarse and fine suspension for payloads such as passenger seats, trailers, passenger compartments of motor vehicles, shock/vibration generating devices etc. Coarse suspension control is provided to maintain the payload within a selected position regardless of the weight of the payload. Fine suspension control is provided by monitoring and analyzing vibration characteristics in time and/or frequency domains to determine a variable amount of damper resistance to be exerted by a magnetorheological (MR) device. A nominal damper resistance of the MR device is selected based at least on the combined weight of the payload. A piston of the MR device is centered about its throw range and the piston is actuated at angles not parallel to the movement of the payload to provide low-profile operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Zero Shock Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Jody G. Robbins, William E. Woodbury, II
  • Patent number: 9495646
    Abstract: Monitoring health of dynamic systems includes using speaker recognition techniques. Some embodiments include determining a system-independent statistical (first) model, and determining a healthy system (second) model based on data representing vibrations of multiple healthy systems and the first model and speaker recognition techniques. Vibration data are obtained from a particular system. It is determined whether the particular system is unhealthy based on the vibration data from the particular system and the first model and the second model and speaker recognition techniques. Some embodiments include obtaining training data that represents vibrations of multiple healthy systems. A damage-sensitive parameter is based on the training data. A threshold value that separates damaged systems from healthy systems is based on the training data and the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Homayoon Beigi, Raimondo Betti, Luciana Balsamo
  • Patent number: 9486069
    Abstract: A furniture piece in the form of a table comprises a table frame with two table leg structures, which are connected to one another by at least one connecting brace. Fastening brackets for fastening the connecting brace are provided on the table leg structures. The table frame has a vibration-damping device that operates between the connecting brace and at least one fastening bracket in order to damp lateral vibrations of the furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Widholzer, Josef Widholzer
  • Patent number: 9423828
    Abstract: A leveling system includes a chassis and a first foot protruding from the chassis. The leveling system also includes a plurality of pressure sensors to measure pressure at a first location at the first foot and a second location separated from the first foot. In addition, the leveling system includes a processor that retracts or extends the first foot using an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator to balance pressures at the first location and the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Sprenger, Paul J. Gwin
  • Patent number: 9401292
    Abstract: A transporting device for transporting substrate of liquid crystal display and using method thereof are provided. The transporting device comprises a fixing arm, at least two forks mounted on the fixing arm, laser emitting devices respectively mounted on the forks that are used to carry two ends of the substrate, laser sensors mounted on the fixing arm and corresponding to the laser emitting devices, a processor mounted on the fixing arm and connected to the laser sensors, and air damping devices mounted below the forks that are used to carry two ends of the substrate. The droop amount and the vibration of the fork can be measured when the transporting device is carrying a substrate, and it can be determined whether the droop amount and the vibration are abnormal. If they are abnormal, the laser emitting device will be started up to alleviate the vibration of the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weibing Yang, Chun Hao Wu, Kun Hsien Lin, Yongqiang Wang, Zhiyou Shu, Minghu Qi, Zenghong Chen, Guokun Yang, Yunshao Jiang, Chenyangzi Li
  • Patent number: 9394966
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration suppression apparatus which includes a first object elastically supported on a base, a second object elastically supported on the first object, and a driving unit configured to drive the first object, and which suppresses a vibration of the second object, comprising a first generation unit configured to generate a first signal, a second generation unit configured to generate a second signal, and a control unit configured to control the driving unit, wherein the control unit controls the driving unit based on the first signal, and after the deviation between the relative distance between the base and the first object, and the first reference distance falls within an allowable range, the control unit controls the driving unit based on the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tosiya Asano
  • Patent number: 9217533
    Abstract: A vibration isolating table is adapted to be disposed between a vibrating body, which vibrates with the playing of a musical instrument, and a floor for suppressing vibration or shock generated by the vibrating body from transmitting to the floor, wherein the vibration isolating table includes: a rigid plate including a plate-shaped member having predetermined rigidity; and a main body portion supporting the rigid plate in a floating condition above the floor. The main body portion is formed of an elastic body having higher elasticity than the rigid plate and includes a bulge means which bulges in a shape tapered from one side to the other side, wherein a lower surface side of the rigid plate is supported by the one side or the other side of the bulge means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: ROLAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Patent number: 9174739
    Abstract: An active vibration control system includes a plurality of actuators corresponding to and disposed adjacent each engine of an aircraft, at least one sensor located within a passenger cabin of the aircraft and configured to detect a magnitude and frequency of one or more of vibration and sound produced by a respective engine and generate one or more of a vibration and sound feedback signal, and a controller connected to each of the plurality of actuators and each of the at least one sensor, the controller being configured to effect control of no more than two of the plurality of actuators for a respective engine based the feedback signal where the no more than two actuators effect suppression of one or more of vibration and sound of a respective engine due to rotating axis of the respective engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hamid Jamshidiat, Laila M. Elias, Melvin Kosanchick, III
  • Patent number: 9134632
    Abstract: Lithography apparatus and device manufacturing methods are disclosed in which means are provided for reducing the extent to which vibrations propagate between a first element of a projection system and a second element of a projection system. Approaches disclosed include the use of plural resilient members in series as part of a vibration isolation system, plural isolation frames for separately supporting first and second projection system frames, and modified connection positions for the interaction between the first and second projection system frames and the isolation frame(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: ASML Netherlands B.V., Carl Zeiss SMT GMBH
    Inventors: Marc Wilhelmus Maria Van Der Wijst, Hans Butler, Yim Bun Patrick Kwan, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Bernhard Geuppert, Marco Hendrikus Hermanus Oude Nijhuis, Rodolfo Guglielmi Rabe, Dick Antonius Hendrikus Laro
  • Patent number: 9127744
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. Springs are compressed between the top and bottom plates. Fluid dampeners between the top and bottom plates are connected to a valve that allows dampening to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 9061767
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device to reduce the vibrations that are produced in the chairs of helicopter pilots due to the movement of the blades of such aircraft. Such device is based on a low weight and cost pneumatic system, that counteracts the vibrations suffered by the pilot, as it neutralizes the movement of the chair's structure making the vibration to be absorbed by a pneumatic ball and is not transmitted to the pilots body. Additionally, the device counts with a support structure coupled to a security mechanism and anchorage, which rests over the pneumatic bellows and vertically displaces over the security mechanism guides damping and isolating the vibrations produced by the aircraft's rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: La Nacion, Ministerio de Defensa
    Inventors: Camilo Rojas Gallego, Jonathan Maya Tellez
  • Patent number: 9048779
    Abstract: Apparatuses for positioning and moving an object are provided. One apparatus positions/moves the object within a two-dimensional space having the shape of a convex polygon. Another apparatus positions/moves the object within a three-dimensional space having the shape of a convex polyhedron. Yet another apparatus separately positions/moves two different attachment points on the object within the bounds of the lateral faces of a three-dimensional space having the shape of a convex prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Randall Lee Szarzynski
  • Publication number: 20150142182
    Abstract: An active anti-vibration apparatus is provided that supports a wide range of vibration accelerations using only one type of anti-vibration mechanism. Upon occurrence of an excessive acceleration, the active anti-vibration apparatus performs switching such that an acceleration detection gain 14b of an acceleration amplifier 14 is multiplied by a prescribed magnification, the cutoff frequency of a high-pass filter 11a of a vibration control unit 11 is increased, and an acceleration control gain 11b of the vibration control unit 11 is multiplied by the reciprocal of the prescribed magnification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Ryuji Kimura, Kosuke Suemura
  • Publication number: 20150129741
    Abstract: In an arm support apparatus, a grippable member is connected to a longitudinal mount and is located such that a part of the grippable member is grippable by a hand of an arm when a part of the arm is mounted on the longitudinal mount. The hand is located to be closer to the first end of the longitudinal mount than to the second end of the longitudinal mount. A second limiter limits movement of the part of the arm mounted on the longitudinal mount in both a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is away from the second end of the longitudinal mount in the longitudinal direction. The second direction is parallel to the lateral width of the longitudinal mount and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Hideki OKUDA, Minoru TAKAHASHI, Kazuhiro HONGO, Tetsuya GOTO, Yosuke HARA, Jun OKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150122967
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine, including a housing; a tub in the housing and having an opening; a drum in the tub; a rotary driving member in the housing configured to provide motive power to the drum and/or to rotate the drum; a tilting driving member between a side wall of the tub and the housing to provide the motive power to tilt the tub; and one or more damping members between the side wall of the tub and the housing to support the tub. The damping member(s) can be varied by tilting the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hye Ung KIM
  • Publication number: 20150108320
    Abstract: An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150108319
    Abstract: An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150112554
    Abstract: The present relates to a method and system for controlling an inclination of a boom with respect to a vehicle. A central frame member allows a pivotal movement of the boom with respect to the vehicle. Sensors collect data related to an inclination of the central frame member with respect to the vehicle. Control means control the inclination of the central frame member with respect to the vehicle. An electronic control unit actuates the control means based on the collected data. The control means may comprise breaking means for preventing a variation of the inclination of the central frame member, and adjustment means for modifying the inclination of the central frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: MS GREGSON
    Inventors: Mario VITALI, Guy MARTEL, Remi LAGACE, Mamadou DIALLO
  • Publication number: 20150102198
    Abstract: A moving platform for use with a camera and track assembly, and comprising a platform body having a hollow rectangular shape with five mirrored exterior sides and one open bottom side. Within and attached to the platform body is a drive wheel, an electric motor and a gear box adapted to drive the drive wheel, a non-drive wheel positioned and rotatable parallel to the drive wheel, a pair of directional wheels spaced from the drive wheel and the non-drive wheel, and a guide wheel assembly attached between the pair of directional wheels and including at least one caster wheel assembly adapted to roll within a recessed rail of a track assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Yves Poliquin
  • Patent number: 9004469
    Abstract: A device used for providing dynamic isolation and damping of dynamic vibrations, in a passive way, originated in the launch vehicle of a space shuttle and reaching the payload or satellite. The device comprises a plurality of identical elementary unit elements, such that the device is designed in a modular way, allowing the individual modularity of each of the elementary unit elements. Each of the elementary unit elements is tailored and designed individually, and the complete device can be designed for each particular application and payload needed as a function of each of the elementary unit elements allowing an easy design and lower costs, for a wide range of payload applications. Each elementary unit element comprises a spring component and a damping component, such that the functionalities provided for each component are separated and can be individually tailored, thus providing a device having a wider range of adaptation capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: EADS CASA Espacio S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Lancho Doncel
  • Publication number: 20150097101
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) at a desired viewing angle. The apparatus comprises a display support that supports a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) and that is pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to the terminal; a variable length member that connects a further region of the display support to the terminal; and a motor that selectively varies the length of the member, the edge region and further region being spaced apart to tilt the display at a viewing angle responsive to the length of the variable length member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Liam Mccafferty, Roderick George Paterson, Donald I. MacInnes
  • Publication number: 20150099970
    Abstract: A movement device and a manipulator configuration are provided for contact and/or invasive examination or treatment of the human or animal body under the influence of increased and/or changing acceleration. Wherein a functional head can be moved relative to a base along a plurality of degrees of freedom movable by drive devices and at least one drive device is constituted as a force-limited drive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: AMST-SYSTEMTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Richard Schluesselberger, Sen., Richard Schluesselberger, Jun., Rainer Schluesselberger, Norman Eisenkoeck
  • Patent number: 8998162
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for a mechanized irrigation system wherein remotely controlled augers are mounted on the drive units of the irrigation system which may be driven into the ground to anchor the drive unit to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Charles E. Gutha, Steven Jay Murphy
  • Patent number: 9000995
    Abstract: A rotationally-stabilizing tracking antenna system includes a three-axis pedestal, a drive assembly rotating a vertical support assembly relative to a base assembly, a cross-level driver pivoting a cross-level frame assembly relative to the vertical support assembly, and an elevation driver pivoting an elevation frame assembly relative to the cross-level frame assembly, a motion platform assembly affixed to the elevation frame assembly, three orthogonally mounted angular rate sensors disposed on the motion platform assembly sensing motion about X, Y and Z axes, a three-axis gravity accelerometer mounted on the motion platform assembly to determine a true-gravity zero reference, and a control unit determining the actual position of elevation frame assembly based upon sensed motion about X, Y, and Z axes and the true-gravity zero reference, and controlling the azimuth, cross-level and elevation drivers to position the elevation frame assembly in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sea Tel, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Blaney
  • Publication number: 20150090017
    Abstract: Turbine blade tip clearance is measured in a fully assembled turbine casing by mounting a non-contact displacement probe or sensor on a turbine blade that generates data indicative of sensor distance from the turbine casing that circumferentially surrounds the blade. The sensor is mounted on the blade with a sensor fixture, which includes a clamping mechanism and a sensor retention mechanism that retains and calibrates the sensor by selective movement of the sensor relative to the retention mechanism. Variations in sensor distance data are recorded when the turbine is operated in turning gear mode. Blade rotational position data are collected by a rotational position sensor. A data processing system correlates the distance and rotational position data with localized blade tip gap at angular positions about the turbine casing circumference. This method and apparatus facilitate assessment of turbine casing deformation impact on blade tip clearance and rotor/casing alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Mahmood K. Silieti, Kevin L. Hines, Abdullatif M. Chehab
  • Publication number: 20150085991
    Abstract: An X-ray stand includes a device that compensates for distortions caused by weight. The stand includes a horizontal bracket. The device for distortion compensation includes an inclination-angle transmitter that generates an inclination signal as a function of an inclination angle of the bracket. The device also includes a control device that receives the inclination signal from the inclination-angle transmitter, a motor drive that is activated by the control device, and an adjustment device that is driven by the motor drive and is configured to adjust the inclination angle of the bracket. The control device activates the motor drive such that any deviation of the inclination angle of the bracket from a predefined inclination angle is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Franz Fütterer, Harald Graf, Stefan Hesl, Michael Kleber, Jürgen Plannerer, Stefan Popp
  • Patent number: 8978849
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping and dissipation device (10) which can be used for limiting disturbances transmitted between two bodies, generated by forcing elements of a dynamic, seismic nature and by wave-motion in structures in general, which comprises two end elements (18, 14, 32) each destined for being respectively connected to one of the two bodies, the device (10) also comprising at least one disk (11) made of an elastomeric material and at least one elastic element (12) with a variable load, coaxially arranged along an axis A, the elastic element (12) with a variable load having an initial pre-compression degree and is characterized in that at least one of the end elements (18) is connected to the device (10) through a sliding coupling with a sliding direction within a plane tilted with respect to the axis (A), preferably by at least 60°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Saipem S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Minola
  • Publication number: 20150069205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration isolation system which comprises a support divided into a plurality of rigid sections on which a displaceable stage is arranged. The sections are arranged on pneumatic bearings, and the pneumatic bearings of the individual sections are controlled independently from each other and based on the position of the displaceable stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shatat-Herres Moneer, Mario Pabst, Peter A. Kropp
  • Publication number: 20150069173
    Abstract: A suspension device (10) provided with at least one suspension means (20) comprising a flapper (21) performing pendulum motion, the flapper (21) being provided with a mass support (25) supporting at least one flapping mass (30). The mass support (25) is hinged to a carrier structure (2) for isolating and to a holder bar (15) for holding said mechanical assembly. The suspension device (10) includes at least one force generator (70), said suspension device (10) having at least one computer (50) connected to a measurement system (55) measuring the levels of vibration, and to said force generator (70) to regulate said amplitude and said phase actively by controlling the force generator (70) as a function of at least one measurement signal coming from said measurement system (55).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Paul CRANGA, Alain EBERHARD, Jonathan RODRIGUEZ, Benoit ROGIER
  • Publication number: 20150053845
    Abstract: A focus adjusting seat includes a base seat, at least one guide bar, a driving device and an image sensor adjusting seat. The base seat includes a bottom plate and a front plate connected to the bottom plate and having a lens installation hole. Two ends of the at least one guide bar are disposed on the bottom plate, respectively. The driving device is disposed on the bottom plate and has an output screw. The image sensor adjusting seat includes a bottom seat and an image sensor installation part connected to the bottom seat and facing toward the lens installation hole. The bottom seat has a screwed part screwed to the output screw and at least one guide groove movably assembled with at least one guide bar. The driving device is adapted to adjust a relative position between the image sensor adjusting seat and the lens installation hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Chiung-Wei TSAI
  • Publication number: 20150048233
    Abstract: Portable electronic device stands for use with tablet computers, cellular phones, or other portable electronic devices are disclosed. One stand embodiment may include a base assembly which may include a plurality of retractable legs, a vertical axis assembly coupled to the base assembly and configured to store the base within, a horizontal axis assembly coupled to the vertical axis assembly, and an electronic device coupling assembly for removably attaching the electronic device to the stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Richard Dumas
  • Publication number: 20150041616
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of tracking stocked inventory, such as products or other items stocked on a store shelf or other storage space. The disclosure is also directed to devices and systems that may be utilized to carry out such methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: T-Ink, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gentile Gentile, Terrance Z. Kaiserman, Steven Martin Cohen, daniel P. Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20150034795
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension and vibration isolation system having cable isolators. The cable isolators employ low-friction air-bearing pneumatic cylinders and cables to isolate a suspended payload from vibrations of a carrier or to isolate the carrier from vibrations of the payload. Using such air-lubricated cylinder to piston interfaces virtually eliminates static friction and so improves the effectiveness of the isolation for small forces and displacement. The use of pneumatic cylinders also permits the system to be tuned to the required resonance frequency to isolate the payload from vibrations in a desired frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Vale S.A.
    Inventor: Benjamin David POLZER
  • Patent number: 8944398
    Abstract: A portable lift facilitation assembly assists in lifting a person from a seated position. The assembly includes a base and a top. A biasing member urges the top away from the base into an extended position. Extension arms are coupled to the base and the top. Each extension arm is extendable between a retracted position and an elongated position. A latch is coupled to the base and selectively secures the top to the base. A release is coupled to the base and operationally coupled to the latch for selectively releasing the latch from the top wherein the biasing member urges the top into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Carol D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150014507
    Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus includes a support unit that elastically supports an object to a mounting surface, a measurement sensor that measures a displacement of the object relative to the mounting surface, a drive unit that drives the object, and a storage unit. The storage unit stores data indicating a relationship between the displacement of the object and information that indicates a non-linear force produced by an elastic element including a support unit and that corresponds to the displacement. The drive unit drives the object in accordance with the displacement of the object and the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Yugo Shibata
  • Publication number: 20150001368
    Abstract: A leveling system includes a chassis and a first foot protruding from the chassis. The leveling system also includes a plurality of pressure sensors to measure pressure at a first location at the first foot and a second location separated from the first foot. In addition, the leveling system includes a processor that retracts or extends the first foot using an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator to balance pressures at the first location and the second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Sprenger, Paul J. Gwin