Abstract: The Rotating Car Wheel Display allows perspective customers interested in purchasing a car rim or wheel to see the rim or wheel in motion as it would be on the car itself. It operates in a clockwise and counterclockwise motion for spinning wheels and traditional rims and wheels. It is a portable device that can be displayed easily and inexpensively by any wheel and tire shop for more curb appeal.

Abstract: A support for machinery, and for isolating vibration from the machinery, comprises a plurality of mounts, each mount comprising an elastomeric block for completely supporting the static load of the machinery, and active isolation means comprising inertial shakers arranged to maintain essentially a zero stiffness of the mount to excited structural resonances over a desired frequency band above said mount resonant frequency, and to modify the transmission of out of balance forces to the hull. A control system coupled to the inertial shakers includes a means for applying damping force signals, such as to dampen structural resonances, to inhibit the onset of resonant vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive, multi-axis suspension support system providing both coarse and fine suspension to a payload. Coarse suspension control is provided to maintain the payload within a coarse range of position. Fine suspension control is provided by monitoring and analyzing vibration characteristics in both time and frequency domains to determine the required amount of damper resistance to be exerted by a magnetorheological (MR) device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for depositing a metal coil (200) on two stationary support points (110-1; 110-2). In order to be able to deposit even metal coils that have high internal residual stress in a stable manner on the two support points, according to the invention, a third support point (140) is pivoted against the outer circumference of the metal coil (200) if needed).

Abstract: A tilt preventing structure for electromagnetic driving device comprises: a casing, a driven object (such as lens module), a guiding mechanism and an electromagnetic driving module. The driven object is received within the casing and is movable alone an axle direction. The guiding mechanism is furnished inside the casing and is sleeved with the driven object, so as to guide the driven object to move along the axle direction. The electromagnetic driving module comprises a plurality of magnetic elements mounted on the driven object. The guiding mechanism is made of magnetically susceptible material and is nearby one of the magnetic elements. By means of the magnetic pulling force generated by the nearby magnetic elements, the guiding mechanism is pulled by the force and leans against the driven object, so as to minimize the tilts when the driven object is moving relative to the guiding mechanism.

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: An apparatus for adjusting the level of a refrigerator includes: a main body; a guide groove formed to be level in a forward/backward direction of the main body; a movement unit inserted in the guide groove and moving in the direction in which the main body is inclined; a contact point part formed at one of both ends of the guide groove and selectively connected to the movement unit; and a notifying unit informing about whether or not the contact point part is connected. When the refrigerator is installed, an installation technician can recognize whether or not the refrigerator is installed to be level regardless of a skilled degree of the installation technician, so the installation time can be shortened and a service satisfaction of consumers can be increased.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly that can be attached and moved about a payload surface of a table. The vibration damper assembly includes a sensor and a damper located within a housing. The housing can be attached to the payload surface by one or more fasteners. An operator can move the vibration damper assembly to different locations of the payload assembly to optimize the damping function of the assembly.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a vibration control apparatus that can be installed in a small pace and can be produced at low cost, as well as a wind turbine generator equipped with the vibration control apparatus and a vibration control method. The vibration control apparatus 7 includes a first vibration system 10 of inverted-pendulum type, second vibration systems 20 of inverted-pendulum type which are provided on both sides of the first vibration system 10, a restraining unit 30 which restrains a first weight 11 of the first vibration system 10 and a second weight 21 of the second vibration system 20 and a damper which damps vibration of the first weight 11 and the second weight 21. The vibration control apparatus 7 is installed on an upper floor 8a of a plurality of floors 8.

Abstract: A docking station for an automated guided vehicle includes a station base unit and a shift unit adapted to move relative to the station base unit between an extended position and a retracted position, where movement of the shift unit from the extended position to the retracted position defines a shift unit movement direction. The docking station further includes an actuator coupled to the station base unit and the shift unit, where the actuator is adapted to move the shift unit between the extended position and the retracted position and at least one locator block coupled to the shift unit. The docking station stops an automated guided vehicle travelling in the shift unit movement direction when a portion of the automated guided vehicle contacts the at least one locator block with the shift unit in the extended position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a thermally-conductive vibration isolator are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation employing a plurality of thermally-conductive vibration isolators. In one embodiment, the thermally-conductive vibration isolator includes a first end portion, a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion, and first and second load transfer paths from the first end portion to the second end portion. The first and second load transfer paths comprise a main spring and a damper in parallel with the main spring, respectively. An elongated thermal conduit, which has a thermal conductivity exceeding that of first load transfer path and the second load transfer path, extends from the first end portion to the second end portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a display appliance, for example a television set, or a display apparatus of the display appliance between a display position and a standby position, with a remote control for operating the display appliance, with a drive unit for moving the display appliance or the display apparatus thereof between the display position and the standby position, and with a control unit for actuating the drive unit. The control unit includes a detection device for detecting the operational state of the display appliance. The control unit actuates the drive unit depending on output signals from the detection device such that the drive unit moves the display appliance or the display apparatus thereof into the display position when said display appliance is switched on and moves the display appliance or the display apparatus thereof into the standby position when said display appliance is switched off.

Abstract: A servo system is provided for controlling movement of a flexible structure having multiple masses and elements. Each element couples a respective two of the masses and functions as a spring when the flexible structure is subject to a linear or rotational input at or above a frequency at which the respective element exhibits flexure. The servo system includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is disposed relative to a respective one of the masses to sense a respective acceleration. A motor having a torque input may operatively be configured to output one of a linear or rotational force on the first mass based on a torque signal present on the torque input. A servo controller that receives each sensed acceleration from each sensor may generate a compensation feedback signal based on a sum of sensed accelerations. The torque signal may be output to the motor based on the compensation feedback signal.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement for directional equipment. The arrangement includes a body that supports the equipment and that supports a drive motor with a driving belt sheave, a driven belt sheave coupled to the directional equipment and a drive belt running between the belt sheaves. To prevent random or periodic movements in the mounting of the supporting body being transmitted to the equipment, a stabilizing unit including two guide rollers mounted at a fixed distance from one another on a displaceable holder, is designed to act via the guide rollers upon the belt in the space between the driving belt sheave and the driven belt sheave.

Abstract: A shock isolation structure for mounting a radar system to a supporting surface on board of a vessel includes a platform on which the radar system can be attached, six strut-like damping elements operating in both tension and compression between the platform and the supporting surface. The damping elements are oriented in a truss configuration with first ends of the damping elements connected to the supporting surface for universal movement and with second ends of the damping elements connected to the platform for universal movement. Each of the damping elements includes a magnetorheological or electrorheological fluid damper.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly that can be attached and moved about a payload surface of a table. The vibration damper assembly includes a sensor and a damper located within a housing. The housing can be attached to the payload surface by one or more fasteners. An operator can move the vibration damper assembly to different locations of the payload assembly to optimize the damping function of the assembly.

Abstract: A platform that includes a vibration sensor located within an inner core of a table. The table may have a first plate that supports a vibration-sensitive payload. The first plate may be separated from a second plate by the inner core. The sensor can be located within the core directly below the device. The sensor can be connected to an electrical connector attached to an external surface of the table. A monitor can be readily plugged into the electrical connector to obtain vibration data from the sensor. The platform may also include a damper located within the inner core to reduce vibration of the table. The damper may be an active device that is connected to control circuits located within, or outside, the inner core.

Abstract: A retractable license plate bracket for a motor vehicle is herein disclosed, comprising a means for a license plate to fold down under the motor vehicle. In this manner, sport cars, show cars, cars with low ground clearance and similar motor vehicles can display license plates for motoring purposes on the road, yet allow the license plate to essentially disappear when at shows or for aesthetic purposes.

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: Paper and continuous web scanners operate at varying and high temperature conditions that cause distortion of the support beams and ultimately misalignment of the scanner heads. Circulating a heat transfer fluid between the support beams and through segmented fluid channels within the beam allows tuning of the beam's deflection when operating in an uneven thermal environment. The heat transfer rate can be modulated through various techniques, including: (1) varying the flow rate through each channel under manual or automatic control, (2) controlling the inlet fluid temperature of each channel with fluid immersion heaters or coolers, and (3) setting up the flow sequence via distribution channels that are, for example, in parallel, serial, or mixed.

Abstract: A platform that includes a vibration sensor located within an inner core of a table. The table may have a first plate that supports a vibration-sensitive payload. The first plate may be separated from a second plate by the inner core. The sensor can be located within the core directly below the device. The sensor can be connected to an electrical connector attached to an external surface of the table. A monitor can be readily plugged into the electrical connector to obtain vibration data from the sensor. The platform may also include a damper located within the inner core to reduce vibration of the table. The damper may be an active device that is connected to control circuits located within, or outside, the inner core.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a device for controlling a pneumatic suspension system, by means of which the vehicle seat is spring-mounted relative to a vehicle body part, including at least one directional-control valve which is pneumatically connected to the device for controlling the suspension system and which is arranged in the region of a seat part of the vehicle seat, the seat part being movable relative to a base frame and which is adjustable by a movement of the seat part relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A system for recording data associated with a drilling rig is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a system includes one or more hardened memory devices and a memory interface unit to receive one or more data streams containing drilling data. The memory interface unit is configured to extract the drilling data from the data streams and store the drilling data on the one or more hardened memory devices. If desired, the hardened memory devices may be distributed across a drilling rig to increase the probability that recorded data will survive a catastrophic event. Optionally, the system includes a communication device to enable communication with a remote site.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isolator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

Abstract: A support for machinery, and for isolating vibration from the machinery, comprises a plurality of mounts, each mount comprising an elastomeric block for completely supporting the static load of the machinery, and active isolation means comprising inertial shakers arranged to maintain essentially a zero stiffness of the mount to excited structural resonances over a desired frequency band above said mount resonant frequency, and to modify the transmission of out of balance forces to the hull. A control system coupled to the inertial shakers includes a means for applying damping force signals, such as to dampen structural resonances, to inhibit the onset of resonant vibration.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for automatically adjusting the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device in response to a disruptive force. By configuring an energy absorbing device for automatic response tuning, utilizing a controller coupled to one or more sensors for processing a determination primarily based on sensing data, the natural period of an overall structure may be adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased) so that the acceleration response of the structure is decreased upon being subjected to a disruptive force, for example, high winds, a blast from an explosion, or a seismic force caused by an earthquake.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable item of furniture with a vertical pipe, a supporting base arranged at a first end of the vertical pipe, a guide bush fastened to a second end of the vertical pipe opposite to the supporting base, a cylinder which is arranged coaxially in the vertical pipe a piston which divides the cylinder into a first work chamber and a second work chamber, a piston rod fastened by its first end to the piston extends through the second work chamber and a connection between the first work chamber and the second work chamber which can be blocked by a valve actuatable by an actuating device. The valve is controllable electromagnetically. The furniture item comprises a sensor or switch which generates a signal causing the valve to close when the piston reaches a position in the cylinder near the valve.

Abstract: Provided is a system and process of controlling motion. The system and process provide a force to substantially maintain a relative position in response to an external force being applied to at least one of one or more movable members or generate an internal force to adjust the relative position.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus for a robot arm and effector includes a mounting member and a carrier connected to the robot arm and the effector, respectively. The mounting member includes a support body, and the carrier is slidable relative to the mounting member. The connecting apparatus further includes at least one bumper assembly positioned between the support body and the carrier to absorb impact energy; and a detection module generating a signal to stop the robot arm when the carrier is moved to a predetermined position relative to the mounting member.

Abstract: The vibration isolation device of the present invention includes a first position feedback control system including a reference body system that is fixed to an object to be isolated from vibration and includes a reference body; a first driving unit that drives the object with respect to a base; and a first compensator that calculates a command value to the first driving unit based on position information obtained from the reference body system. Also, the reference body system includes a second position feedback control system including a second driving unit that drives the reference body with respect to the object; a first measuring unit that measures the position of the reference body relative to the object; and a second compensator that calculates a command value to the second driving unit based on position information obtained from the first measuring unit. Here, the second compensator is a PD compensator.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a base, a first cover and a second cover. The first cover is rotatably disposed on the base between a first position and a second position. When the first cover is at the first position, the cover is closed relative to the base, and when the first cover is at the second position, the cover is open relative to the base. The second cover is movably disposed on the base between a third position and a fourth position. When the first cover is rotated from the first position to the second position, the second cover is pushed thereby from the third position to the fourth position.

Abstract: A control system and a method for a back-and-forth cable system is provided. The cable system includes a running cable, a first pulley and a second pulley, the pulleys being located at both ends of a course for guiding the running cable. A controllable motor assembly drives of the pulleys and a carrier is connected to the running cable, for pulling or towing a boarder. The control system includes first and second tracking devices to generate first and second tracking signal indicative of the rotation of the pulleys. Two limit positions along the course are stored in storing means and a controller has inputs to receive the first and the second tracking signals and inverts rotation of the controllable motor assembly when the two positions of the carrier detected go beyond either one of the two limit positions.

Abstract: A rotationally-stabilizing tracking antenna system suitable for mounting on a moving structure includes a three-axis pedestal for supporting an antenna about a first azimuth axis, a second cross-level axis, and a third elevation axis, a three-axis drive assembly for rotating a vertical support assembly relative to a base assembly about the first azimuth axis, a cross-level driver for pivoting a cross-level frame assembly relative to the vertical support assembly about the second cross-level axis, and an elevation driver for pivoting an elevation frame assembly relative to the cross-level frame assembly about the third elevation axis, a motion platform assembly affixed to and movable with the elevation frame assembly, three orthogonally mounted angular rate sensors disposed on the motion platform assembly for sensing motion about predetermined X, Y and Z axis of the elevation frame assembly, a three-axis gravity accelerometer mounted on the motion platform assembly and configured to determine a.

Abstract: A support for machinery, and for isolating vibration from the machinery, comprises a plurality of mounts, each mount comprising an elastomeric block for completely supporting the static load of the machinery, and active isolation means comprising inertial shakers arranged to maintain essentially a zero stiffness of the mount to excited structural resonances over a desired frequency band above said mount resonant frequency, and to modify the transmission of out of balance forces to the hull. A control system coupled to the inertial shakers includes a means for applying damping force signals, such as to dampen structural resonances, to inhibit the onset of resonant vibration.

Abstract: A fore-aft positioning adjuster adapted for use with an object, such as a seat, includes a locking mechanism, and an actuator employing an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, and configured to selectively cause the mechanism to release, so that the object can be repositioned, as a result of the change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting various audio devices to a flat panel display employing mounting holes disposed on a rearward face of the panel of the flat panel display that are otherwise normally employed to couple a support of the flat panel display to the panel of the flat panel display, wherein a hub supporting rods that in turn support the audio devices is coupled to the rearward face of the panel with the aid of those holes, and wherein the hub and rods together convey electrical signals between at least one of the audio devices and at least one cable.

Abstract: A steerable vehicle lighting system includes a steerable platform assembly and a control assembly. The steerable platform assembly has a body adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a platform adapted to receive a payload and adapted to rotate with respect to the body, an actuator at least partially placed in the body, and an actuator rod rotatably mated to the actuator and rotatably mated to the platform. A rotation of the actuator rotates the platform. The control assembly includes a first wheel adapted to be placed on a rotating portion of a steering apparatus, a transducer adapted to be mated to a stationary portion of the steering apparatus, a second wheel mated to a rotatable portion of the transducer and adapted to be rotated by the first wheel, and an elastic member that elastically urges the transducer and the second wheel towards the first wheel.

Abstract: A distributed network vibration isolation system includes several vibration isolation nodes distributed throughout a structure. The nodes wirelessly intercommunicate and include a passive structural isolation device and an active structural isolation device. The nodes work together via wireless communication to isolate a payload from a disturbance source.

Abstract: An skirt having an upper portion and a lower portion covers at least components of a suspension of an active suspension seat, wherein the upper portion is coupled to an upper frame of the suspension and includes at least an upper front portion having a curved cross-section, and wherein the lower portion is coupled to a lower frame of the suspension and includes a lower front portion that has an upper edge and that has either a curved or L-shape cross-section.

Abstract: This invention discloses an optical table and the vibration control method thereof. Using disturbance response decomposing techniques, a double-layer structure is applied to independently control the ground and load disturbances. This invention can simplify the vibration control and improve system performance.

Abstract: An active vibration isolation system comprises a platform (1), an inertial reference mass (4), a support unit (10) for supporting the reference mass (4) without mechanical contact, a first sensor (6) for supplying a signal that is representative for the distance between the reference mass (4) and the platform (1), an actuator (3) for displacing the platform (1) with respect to a bearing body (8), a second sensor (7) for supplying a signal that is representative for the distance between the platform (1) and the bearing body (8), and a control unit (11) for controlling the actuator (3). In accordance with the invention, the first sensor (6) is a displacement sensor, the reference mass (4) is connected with a low stiffness to the platform (1) via the support unit (10) that is supported by the platform (1), and the control unit (11) is arranged for receiving a signal from the first sensor (6) and the second sensor (7) and is arranged for providing a signal to the support unit (10) and the actuator (3).

Abstract: In a control method for a power assist apparatus, a pressing force acting on a workpiece held by a workpiece holding apparatus is detected, a determination is made as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds a preset threshold, a determination is made as to whether or not a dead man switch provided on the workpiece holding apparatus is ON, and a determination as to whether or not to release a rotation restriction applied to a joint portion for connecting the workpiece holding apparatus rotatably to an arm is made in accordance with a result of the determination as to whether or not the detected pressing force exceeds the preset threshold and a result of the determination as to whether or not the dead mean switch is ON.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isolator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

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: The present invention relates to a manipulation button 40 for adjusting the height of a cushion seat for a vehicle that is capable of absorbing the shocks applied to a driver sitting on the cushion seat while the vehicle is being driven on a relatively rough road, and more particularly, to a button for adjusting the height of a cushion seat for a vehicle that is capable of adjusting the height of the cushion seat according to a driver's physical conditions and his desired driving posture, wherein a plurality of pneumatic valves having flow channels formed therein are intensively configured with one another in such a manner as to be operated by means of the seesaw type button 41, thereby effectively performing the ascending and descending motions of the cushion seat in a simple manner.

Abstract: A multi-axis gimbal has each axis defined by a respective spherical shell driven by a flat, compact motor attached to the driven shell and to a next outer shell (or to an external mounting platform, in the case of the outermost shell). The shells rotate about respective axes. In one configuration, the outermost shell is referred to as the “azimuth” shell because in use it rotates about a vertical axis. The next inner shell is an elevation shell that rotates about a first horizontal axis that is orthogonal to the axis of the camera or other sensor payload. An optional third shell can be used to provide “roll” motion, such as rotating a camera about its axis to obtain a particular rotational orientation with respect to a target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting various audio devices to a flat panel display employing mounting holes disposed on a rearward face of the panel of the flat panel display that are otherwise normally employed to couple a support of the flat panel display to the panel of the flat panel display, wherein a hub supporting rods that in turn support the audio devices is coupled to the rearward face of the panel with the aid of those holes, and wherein the hub and rods together convey electrical signals between at least one of the audio devices and at least one cable.

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 helicopter having a rotor, a fuselage connected to the rotor by connecting means, and a control device for controlling vibration of the fuselage; the control device including generating means for generating signals associated with vibration of the fuselage, and actuating means for producing a force on the fuselage associated with the signals to reduce vibration; and the actuating means being carried by the connecting means.

Abstract: An apparatus has an active suspension including an electromagnetic actuator coupled to a plant in a vehicle. A force bias eliminator is coupled to the plant for causing the actuator to experience a zero-mean load, and a vibration isolation block generates a control signal based on the response of a nominal plant to measured disturbances of the actively suspended plant. A compensation system modifies the control signal in response to a difference between the response of the nominal plant to the control signal and a measured response of the actively-suspended plant to the control signal.