Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-vibration apparatus including an anti-vibration base, a plurality of supporting mechanisms configured to support the anti-vibration base, a plurality of actuators configured to apply a force to the anti-vibration base, an obtaining unit configured to obtain vibration data which represents vibrations on the anti-vibration base, a first calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the vibration data obtained by the obtaining unit, a force to be applied to the anti-vibration base so as to reduce the vibrations on the anti-vibration base, and a distribution unit configured to distribute the force calculated by the first calculation unit to forces to be applied by the plurality of actuators to the anti-vibration base.

Abstract: Tracking systems that allow a portable electronic device to record a target as it moves includes a holder for a portable electronic device, a tracking element coupled to the holder that follows or tracks a target as the target moves; and a positioning element coupled to the holder that pans and rotates as the tracking element tracks the object. Alternative configurations include a combination holder/positioning element, which is incorporated into the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration isolation module (101) for a lithographic apparatus or an inspection apparatus. The module comprises a support frame (102), an intermediate body (103) and a support body (104) for accommodating the lithographic apparatus. The intermediate body is connected to the support frame by means of at least one spring element such that the intermediate body is a hanging body. The support body is connected to the intermediate body by means of at least one pendulum rod (108) such that the support body is a hanging body. The invention further relates to a substrate processing system comprising such vibration isolation module.

Abstract: Display hooks for displaying items of merchandise are provided. For example, the display hook includes at least one rod for supporting a plurality of items of merchandise and an end assembly coupled to the at least one rod. The end assembly includes an alarm mechanism configured to generate at least one alarming signal. The end assembly is configured to detect removal of each item of merchandise, wherein the alarm mechanism does not generate an alarming signal when at least a first item of merchandise is removed from the rod, and wherein the alarm mechanism is further configured to generate an alarming signal when a second item of merchandise has been removed from the rod within a predetermined period of time from the first item of merchandise being removed.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a brace being mounted on a person's body part and having a hard fitting surface. The apparatus also includes a load device, a support, a securing member, a brake, a switch device, and a soft film. The load device has a hard receiving surface receiving the fitting surface of the brace. The support movably supports the load device. The securing member secures the fitting surface to the receiving surface and enables the load device to move and follow movement of the person's body part and the brace against resistance applied from the support. The brake limits movement of the load device. The switch device switches operation modes of the apparatus, at least, between a free mode and a limiting mode. The soft film is arranged between the receiving and fitting surfaces for smooth movement of the person's body part on the load device in the limiting mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leveling apparatus that levels an object to be leveled with a surface of a substrate by measuring the force applied to the object, and an atomic force microscope including the leveling apparatus. A leveling apparatus according to the present invention, which levels an object with a substrate such that one side of the object is brought in parallel contact with the surface of the substrate, includes: force sensors disposed to measure force at at least three points on the other side of the object; an angle adjusting unit disposed to adjust the angle between the object and the surface of the substrate; and a controller connecting with the force sensors and the angle adjusting unit to drive the angle adjusting unit on the basis of data from the force sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active vibration isolation system which detects structural vibration of the mass to be isolated via a sensor and also takes account of these disturbance variables.

Abstract: A payload stabilizer suitable for use with video camera payloads. The stabilizer has a feedback system providing supplemental torques to the payload through a gimbal while remaining responsive to direct operator control.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for manipulating of surveillance cameras and the like mounted on top of utility poles. The system comprises: a multi-link articulating mechanism connected to a base, having a distal end, and configured to change positions of said distal end between over the base and cantilevered beyond the base; an object support connected to at least two links of the mechanism and configured to rotate from upright position with the distal end being over the base to upside down position with the distal end being cantilevered beyond the base; a winch mounted to the object support having a cable extended through said object support and configured for attaching the detachable object; and control means configured to manipulate the detachable object between being mounted upright and hanged by the cable at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A load support device includes a first link coupled to a load. A second link is configured to couple to footwear. The second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. The first and second link comprise a link assembly. A first compliant member is disposed between the load and the second link. The first compliant member includes a tension spring or a compression spring. The link assembly further includes a tension cable coupled to the first compliant member. A first actuator is coupled to the first compliant member to control a stiffness of the first compliant member. A sensor is configured to couple to a user to measure a physical state of the user. A control system controls the first actuator based on a gait activity. The first actuator is actuated based on the physical state of the user. The load support device is tuned based on the load.

Abstract: A household appliance including a mounting aid that has at least two functional parts that are separated from one another by at least one separation point.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration isolator that includes a coil spring. In a horizontal direction, the coil spring is rigidly connected to the base or to the load to be isolated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stationary vibration isolation system and to a method for controlling such a system which comprises a damper effective in a horizontal direction which includes a fluid of variable viscosity.

Abstract: A boom raising and lowering device that is configured to raise and lower a boom includes a raising and lowering mount that is provided so as to be able to be raised and lowered with respective to the working vehicle, a roll mount that is provided on the raising and lowering mount so as to be rotatable in a roll direction and that supports the boom in a cantilever-supported manner, a first raising and lowering actuator that drives one end of the roll mount in the vertical direction with respective to the working vehicle, and a second raising and lowering actuator that drives other end of the roll mount in the vertical direction with respective to the working vehicle. The boom is driven in the vertical direction and roll direction by operating the first raising and lowering actuator and the second raising and lowering actuator.

Abstract: A Halloween pumpkin/jack-o-lantern stand having motorized platform able to rotate jack-o-lantern. A base with legs comprising of front display housing motion sensor which activates several functions including rotating platform, exterior profile lights, interior jack-o-lantern light, moving appendages and audible device. Jack-o-lantern is secured onto platform with extruding prongs.

Abstract: A hoist system having a drum primarily self-contained within a batten, for raising and lowering lighting, sound equipment, curtains and the like in a performance environment. The hoist system may be adapted with safety mechanisms including an overload sensor and/or a slack line detector. The system may be provided in the form of a point hoist. The compact system is highly scalable to a variety of spaces and applications, including school and public theaters and concert halls, as well as some homes, private business, etc.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a high precision two axis tracking system having adaptive angular velocity comprising: a pedestal coupled to a foundation; a slew drive comprising a modular velocity rotation driver operably coupled to the pedestal; an azimuth yoke operably coupled to the slew drive and hingedly coupled to an elevation hub; an elevation hub comprising a modular velocity elevation driver, hingedly coupled to the azimuth yoke; a directional apparatus configured to be precisely pointed towards a target, operably coupled to the elevation hub; and a processor operably coupled to the tracking system.

Abstract: An examination and processing machine, in particular a lithography appliance, for use in the semiconductor industry, comprising a machine frame (1), an examination or processing device (5) for a work piece (4), a carriage (3) which is mounted on the machine frame (1) and can hold the work piece (4), a handling device (6) for positioning the work piece (4) on the carriage (3) and for removing it from the carriage (3), a series of oscillation isolators (2) for low-oscillation mounting of the machine frame (1), and individual control devices (30, 40, 20) for controlling the carriage (3), the handling device (6) and the oscillation isolators (2). These control devices (20, 30, 40) are subordinate to an overall control device (50), which acts as a host system, via a real-time bus (60).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. In some embodiments, an apparatus for mounting one or more solar panel modules above a supporting surface is disclosed, the apparatus including: three foundational members embedded in the supporting surface; a support frame configured to receive the solar panel modules; a support strut assembly configured to attach the support frame to the three foundational members to support the solar panel modules; where the support strut assembly includes a plurality of strut members, and includes one or more adjustment mechanisms that may be used to adjust a length or a joining angle of at least one of the strut members.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a hinge assembly comprising an axle, the hinge assembly coupling a first mating end of a first housing to a second mating end of a second housing, the second housing being movable relative to the first housing from an open position in which the axle is in a first position near to the first mating end and the second mating end and a folded position in which the axle is in a second position spaced from the first mating end and the second mating end such that the first mating end and the second mating end are movable toward one another to move the portable electronic device to a partially open position for clipping to an object; and a processor in electrical communication with electrical components in one of the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: In order to control vibrations of two parts of a piece of machinery, a variable force may be generated to oppose the vibrations, with the variable force being generated under control of a controller on the basis of an iterative relationship, the iterative relationship being such as to generate the force of one iteration using a controller output signal in frequency domain vector form derived from the controller output signal of the immediately previous iteration in frequency domain vector form plus a frequency domain vector quantity derived from the resultant vibration of more than one previous iteration. Where these two parts are connected by multiple (f) mounting devices, the controller output signals a previous iterations are taken into account, and the frequency domain vector quantity derived from the controller output signals and more than f previous iterations.

Abstract: A transport device for shock sensitive packages maintains an object in a near zero gravity spatial orientation to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful mechanical shock and or vibration to a body, object or device needing protection. This device has active impact cancellation, and is controlled by a computer via attached sensors that return positional data and reduce or eliminate the deceleration rate of the protected body via programmed algorithms, and rapidly compensating linear actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating an active vibration isolation system and to an active vibration isolation system, in particular for a vibration isolated positioning of lithography-devices, wafer-handling-systems and/or microscopes, as for instance scanning microscopes. The active vibration isolation system comprises the following components: a support body for bearing a load which is to be isolated; pneumatic vibration isolators with controllable valves for carrying the support body with respect to the ground; position sensors for providing vertical position signals of the support body; a first regulating system for vibration compensation in at least one degree of freedom in translation (Xt,Yt,Zt) and in at least one degree of freedom in rotation (Xr,Yr,Zr) and a second pneumatic regulating system for vibration compensation in at least one degree of freedom selected from three degrees of freedom (Zt,Xr,Yr) which are effective in vertical direction.

Abstract: A vessel (1) with a motion compensation platform (4), which platform is provided with at least one carrier (6) for bearing, moving and/or transferring a load, actuators (5) for moving the carrier relative to the vessel, preferably in six degrees of freedom, a control system for driving the actuators (5), and motion sensors for measuring motions of the vessel (1) relative to the at least one element in the surrounding area, which measurements are used as input for the control system, wherein at least one at least partly passive pressure element (9) is provided for applying, during use, a pressure to the carrier for at least partly bearing this.

Abstract: A display system includes a base member, a rear support member which is connected to one end of the base member in an upward and downward direction, a display device, a support unit which is disposed on an upper portion of the rear support member, and supports the display device such that the display device is movable in position and changeable in position in at least two axial directions, a sound output device which is disposed on the display device and the rear support member, and a control device which controls operations of the support unit, the sound output device and the display device. A bed, a mattress, a bedding covering or the like is provided on the base member such that a user can watch a screen of the display device in a posture where the user has lain above the base member.

Abstract: A fast response, dual stiffness mode isolator including a flexible diaphragm for an isolation piston, a first chamber supporting the flexible diaphragm, a second chamber serving as a reservoir, and a valve connected to a supply, to the first chamber, and to the second chamber and operable to by-pass the second chamber to more quickly direct the supply to the first chamber.

Abstract: An isolation system includes a platform, a plurality of isolators for the platform electronically switchable between a soft mode of isolation resulting in a first natural frequency and a stiff mode of isolation resulting in a second natural frequency, and a controller responsive to a signal representing the frequency of a machine on the platform and configured to switch the isolator to the stiff mode of operation when the frequency of the machine approaches or reaches, the first natural frequency to avoid resonance magnification, and otherwise switch the isolation to the soft mode of operation.

Abstract: A flexible apparatus is provided. The flexible apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect bending of the flexible apparatus, a bending holder configured to maintain a bending state of the flexible apparatus, and, a controller configured to control operations of the flexible apparatus, wherein when a predetermined input is received while the flexible apparatus is manipulated, the controller controls the bending holder to maintain the bending state of the flexible apparatus.

Abstract: A pivoting device especially useful in aircraft passenger cabins that can pivot a monitor between stowed and open positions, the pivoting device including a forward/reverse rotatable driving motor. An electromagnetic brake holds the monitor in stowed and opened positions A power unit powers the motor and the electromagnetic brake. A controller controls the pivoting movement of the monitor. The power unit includes a rectifier circuit that transforms AC to a DC, a step-up circuit that steps up the transformed voltage, a voltage regulator that adjusts the transformed voltage to a prescribed DC voltage, and a retraction power retention circuit including a capacitor. When no source voltage is detected while the monitor is in its opened state, the capacitor supplies the power to a voltage regulator of the power circuit, deactivates the electromagnetic brake and reverse rotates the motor to drive the monitor to its stowed position.

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.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for mechanical vibration decoupling having two bearing ends to which bodies for reciprocally decoupling vibrations are joined which are interconnected by couplings having a variably adjustable stiffness. The couplings comprise at least three spring beam elements each having a spring beam surface from which a normal vector extends and which are each dimensionally stable in a longitudinal direction and are elastical orthogonal to the spring beam surface. The at least three spring beam elements are disposed spatially relative to each other so that normal vectors thereof are each orientated at an angle ? relative to each other with ?=90°±30°.

Abstract: A lithography apparatus is disclosed, which comprises: a first component, a second component, a coupling device which is configured to couple the first and second components to one another, a capture device for capturing a movement (Z) of a floor on which the lithography apparatus stands, and a control device which is configured to actuate the coupling device depending on the captured movement (Z) of the floor in order to restrict a movement of the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus includes a payload receiving unit, a transportation body, and a compensation system arranged there between providing adjustment of a desired spatial relationship of a payload surface of the compensation unit. The compensation system has at least one of a first compensation unit and a second compensation unit for adjustment of the spatial relationship. The compensation units adjust the spatial relationship in different directions. Thus the compensation system maintains a desired orientation of the payload surface independent of changes of orientation of the transportation surface. Further, the compensation system substantially maintains a common point of gravity of the transportation apparatus including the payload by displacing the center of gravity of the payload receiving unit and the payload substantially opposite to a displacement of a center of gravity of the transportation apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a worker's body part, for example a surgeon's arm, is provided. The body part is supported by a base movably supported by a support. The apparatus has a free mode and a limitation mode, which are switchable. When it is determined that the body part is attempting to move the base or a fastening member, the operating mode is switched to the free mode. When it is determined that the body part is not attempting to move the base or the fastening member, the operating mode is switched to the limitation mode. The free mode allows the fastening member to fasten the body part on the base and allows a brake to release limitations to the motions of the base. The limitation mode allows the fastening member to release the body part from being fastened and allows the brake to limit the motions of the base.

Abstract: A holding force adjusting apparatus to be attached to a posture holding apparatus having a base, a supporting member which is attached onto the base so that the supporting member freely swings between a standby state where the supporting member does not support a substance on the base and an active state where the supporting member supports the substance in an inclination state, and a swinging support member having a biasing force for returning the supporting member to the standby state when the supporting member is inclined, the holding force adjusting apparatus being designed to adjust a biasing force of the swinging support member, the holding force adjusting apparatus including a weighting detection member for detecting weight of the substance to be placed, and a returning force adjusting member for adjusting the bias force according to a detected weight by the weight detecting means.

Abstract: A posture holding apparatus including, a base onto which a substance is placed, a supporting member being attached onto the base so that the supporting member swings between a standby state and an active state, and a swinging support member having a returning force for returning the supporting member to the standby state, wherein the swinging support member is structured by a swinging member, a biasing member for applying a biasing force to the swinging member to the standby state, a liquid pressure output member for outputting liquid pressure in response to a weight of the substance, and a displacement amount adjusting member, with which a point of action of the biasing force applied from the biasing member to the supporting member is moved in response to the liquid pressure such that a distance from the pivot to the point of action changes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dual axis tracker (100) comprising a support structure (200) for supporting at least two pivotal arms (110) which is adapted for holding at least two solar devices (109); a first actuating structure (300) pivotally mounted to said pivotal arms (110); said first actuating structure (300) comprising a first telescopic boom (305); a first motor (400) connected to said first telescopic boom (305) for powering the telescopic movement of the telescopic boom (305) and thus providing movement for the first actuating structure (300); a second actuating structure (350) disposed transversely relative to the first actuating structure (300) and pivotally mounted to the support structure (200); said structure (350) comprising a second telescopic boom and (305); a second motor (500) connected to said second telescopic boom (305) for powering the telescopic movement of the second telescopic boom (305) and thus providing movement for the second actuating structure (350).

Abstract: In an active suspension system for actively suspending a plant, a fail-safe system controlled by a failure-detector has a selectively-activated damper coupled to the plant. The damper may be a separate element from the actuator. Under normal circumstances, the damper is deactivated and therefore generates no damping force. However, if the failure detector detects an abnormal state in the system, it activates the damper, thereby causing a damping force that resists motion of the plant.

Abstract: A sun-chasing device is provided, including a base, a first transmitter disposed on the base, a second transmitter, a support, a carrier pivotally connected to the support for carrying a solar module, a first supporting component pivotally connected to the first transmitter and the carrier, and a second supporting component pivotally connected to the second transmitter and the carrier. The sun-chasing device has great rigidity and carrying ability against strong wind, and has great precision and rotation angle, such that a solar plate can precisely aim at sun for long time and thus the efficiency of a solar module is significantly increased.

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.

Abstract: A self-guiding mount for celestial observation equipment and a method of self-guiding, the mount comprising a static plate (6) and a rotational axis assembly (5) rotatably mounted to the static plate (6) and about a rotational axis (2) a rotating means for rotating the rotational axis assembly (5) relative to the plate (6). The mount comprises an optical assembly (14), a camera (34) and a micro-processor (105), the self-guiding mount arranged to self-guide and track a movement of a celestial body relative to the earth.

Abstract: A carry system or a medical ceiling support for carrying or supporting medical-technical devices in a hospital treatment room. The ceiling support is provided with at least one extension or arm arranged substantially horizontally and at least one supporting column; at least one pivot joint and/or at least one lifting and lowering device; a support head mounted at the extension or arm for reception of the medical-technical devices; and an operating aid with at least one operating element for releasing or operating a respective brake in the at least one pivot joint or for operating the at least one lifting and lowering device. The ceiling support is arranged for generation of a feedback or back coupling which identifies or characterizes the respective brake or lifting and lowering device operated by the operating aid for a user locally at the support.

Abstract: A pipe support structure which is constructed to utilize the Coriolis force and the reaction force caused, thereby making it possible to suppress the hose compliance amount in the high temperature area while maintaining the degree of freedom of mountability specific for the resin pipe and to realize the above suppressing effect by the simple construction and at a low cost.

Abstract: A pneumatic vibration isolating suspension is disclosed for supporting a payload on a moving carrier while suppressing the transmission of vibrations in the 1 to 50 Hz band between the carrier and the payload. The disclosed invention can be deployed in the air in a towed carrier or sonde, and operated from aircraft power, making it a suitable platform for airborne geophysical instrumentation. It also has particular application to airborne electromagnetic surveying operating in the same frequency band because the sensor vibrations that result in noise created by the modulation of the sensor coupling with the earth's magnetic field are suppressed. Furthermore, the invention can be constructed from resistive composite materials and non-magnetic metals, so it can be operated without producing significant modification to the ambient electromagnetic field being measured.

Abstract: A mount damper comprises electrode plates placed on a motor side and a support body side respectively, a control unit for adjusting voltage between the electrode plates, and an electrostrictive polymer member for changing a distance between the electrode plates by the voltage therebetween. The electrostrictive polymer member is also an elastic body sandwiched between the electrode plates and has a hardness changeable with a change in the interelectrode distance. A motor is mounted through this mount damper. The control unit adjusts voltage applied between the electrode plates to a value different from a value causing resonance of the motor and the electrostrictive polymer member, thereby absorbing vibration of the motor during rotation thereof, irrespective of a rotation speed. Thus, the mount damper and the image forming apparatus using it can reliably prevent resonance and absorb vibration constantly even if a device selectively uses plural levels of the rotation speed.

Abstract: A device and system for growing a photosynthetic culture is provided which employs one or a plurality of vertically disposed photopanels having interior cavities configured for holding liquid and the photosynthetic culture such as algae. The inner chamber of the photopanels may have a shape that is structurally supported by bridging elements. The bridging elements may be formed as stepped cones that may function as light guides to the interior chamber.

Abstract: A device and system for growing a photosynthetic culture is provided which employs one or a plurality of vertically disposed photopanels having an inner chamber configured for holding liquid and the photosynthetic culture such as algae. The inner chamber of the photopanels may have a shape that is defined as well as structurally supported by bridging elements. The photopanels with the bridging elements may be formed as stepped cones and pyramids utilizing common recyclable clear plastic sheets and membranes. The bridging elements also serve to increases the surface area to volume ratio of the inner chamber, expand the surface area exposed to light, alter the hydrodynamics within the photopanel as well as distribute light as light guides to facilitate homogenization of light exposure to individual cells. The bridging elements also have features that allow utilization of direct light beams with shallow grazing angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand for a surgical microscope (28) having a pivotable carrier arm (4). The latter is modifiable in length as a function of its pivot angle (29). It carries a microscope holder (6), pivotable in at least one plane, at the distal end of carrier arm (4), the angular position (21; 24) of the microscope holder (6) being definable with reference to the carrier arm (4; 34) according to a further development; and a motorized drive, which engages on the one hand on the carrier arm and on the other hand on the microscope holder (6), and in the context of operation defines the angular position (21; 24) in remotely controlled fashion and/or automatically.