Abstract: A safety box is adapted for use at any suitable location; however, it is designed especially for use in an automotive vehicle, and more specifically in a rented auto. An anchor member (perhaps a massive nylon block) is bolted to the floor of the vehicle or to another suitable stationary structure. The bottom of the box has a cavity which slips over and captures the anchor member, thus securing the box to the automotive vehicle floor or the like. A sliding door panel is located on the top of the box. In the back of the box, a sliding latch bar is completely enclosed within a vertical bore through the box wall. A spring biases the latch bar to a raised position where its lower end is outside the cavity. A closing of the lid pushes the latch bar downwardly and into the cavity, which traps the anchor member within the cavity to prevent a theft of the box. The closed lid, and therefore the trapped anchor member, is locked with a single key.

Abstract: An active vibration removing apparatus having an air-spring as an actuator, includes: a vibration removing table, a supporting air-spring for supporting the vibration removing table, a servo-valve for adjusting the pressure of the air-spring, and a feedback system for controlling the servo-valve. A pseudo-differentiator pseudo-differentiates a speed adjustment signal of a device placed on the vibration removing table. A pulse selector for selects an arbitrary numbers of pulse waveforms from a series of pulse waveforms outputted from the pseudo-differentiator. The output of the pulse selector is feedforwarded in the feedback system.

Abstract: A controllable fluid damper is employed in a seat suspension system. A microprocessor receives successive signals from a displacement sensor and computes a rate of displacement. This displacement rate is used to determine an appropriate control signal for the damper to provide the desired isolation of the seat occupant from the vibration input to the frame. A rate control method is disclosed as a preferred control technique for providing the desired isolation, although both the control hardware and method can be used independently.

Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators bonded on S-shaped brackets extend between a support and a payload. The brackets can be used for vibration isolation by attenuating resonant vibrations under computer dynamic control relying on predetermined dynamic resonant characteristics and H-Infinity control methods. The brackets can also be used for platform directional pointing under computer control.

Abstract: An active isolation device and method reduces the transmission of vibrations from interconnected elements. The device maintains a high stiffness between interconnected elements while actively reducing the transmission of relative movements, such as vibration. In one embodiment, the device uses accelerometers to measure the vibrations experienced by each of the interconnected elements and selectively operates an actuator between the two elements to maintain the position of one of the elements. In another embodiment, plural of the devices are used cooperatively to reduce the vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted from one element to a platform, permitting simultaneous control of multiple degrees of freedom of movement.

Abstract: An anti-tip device is provided for an appliance in the form of a first bracket secured to a floor and having an open-ended slot for receiving a support leg of the appliance. A second bracket is secured to the first bracket and is capable of engaging an interlock switch of an appliance. The engagement of the interlock switch by the second bracket is indicative of proper installation of the appliance. Further, use of the appliance is prevented by improper installation using the control circuitry of the appliance connected to the interlock switch.

Abstract: A heat releasable bracket, for supporting a ceiling panel under normal conditions, and for releasing the ceiling panel when exposed to elevated temperatures caused by a nearby fire or the like, includes a first bracket part which includes a mounting portion for securing the first bracket portion to a support structure such as a beam, column, wall, etc.; a second bracket part which is adapted to be secured to the first bracket part and provide a support for the ceiling panel; and a heat releasable link which normally joins the first and second bracket parts together, but which releases the second bracket part from the first bracket part when exposed to elevated temperatures, which in turn allows the ceiling panel to drop away from the position at which it is normally supported. The heat releasable bracket can form part of an effective and relatively inexpensive ceiling panel support system comprised of at least one heat releasable bracket and at least one other bracket which is not heat releasable.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a ride zone protection device is provided for use with a pneumatic seat suspension, comprising a cam in communication with the air suspension actuation means to alternatively allow and prevent actuation of the air suspension based on the positioning of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A container holder apparatus (10) includes a pair of collapsible and retractable holders (28, 30). The holders (28, 30) may collapse into one another so that a first holder (28) vertically rotates toward the cupholder (30) and there into so that the first holder (28) fits within the second holder (30) with their bases (31, 33) vertically positioned and parallel with one another, and sides (32, 34) overlapping. In this collapsed position, the holders (28, 30) can move into a cavity (14) of the apparatus (10). The collapsing of the holders (28, 30) and retracting thereof may be motor driven (56, 70).

Abstract: A rail-mountable support assembly includes a universal positioning arm for holding a surgical instrument such as an endoscope or retractor during a surgical procedure. Coarse adjustment of instrument X-Y position across the sterile field above an operating table is provided by an articulated arm which is rotatably coupled to an upright support shaft. Fine adjustment of surgical instrument elevation above the operating table is provided by a reversible drive motor which extends and retracts the instrument along the longitudinal axis of the support arm. The insertion orientation of the instrument is adjustable by a rotatable coupling. Release of the articulated arm for coarse positioning can be performed manually by actuation of an arm-mounted switch, and fine positioning can be performed manually by arm-mounted switches or by foot pressure applied to floor switches by the surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a self leveling system for sensing and changing the inclination of generally horizontal members of a jig frame assembly that includes a manufacturing plane, which system includes a lifting means affixed generally under an end of one of the horizontal members, a level sensing means affixed to the member for sensing an inclination of the member, and a computer comprising means to input a desired orientation of the manufacturing plane with respect to the horizon, means to compare the sensed inclination of the horizontal member with the desired orientation, means to compute a change in the sensed inclination to achieve the desired orientation, and means to transmit a control signal proportional to the change to the lifting means for the purpose of achieving the desired orientation of the manufacturing plane.

Abstract: The relative motion and force between two interconnected elements can be controlled by a semi-active damper to minimize the instances of the motion exceeding acceptable limits, while maximizing isolation between the elements. Applying an algorithm to the control parameters of the damper provides excellent isolation from input vibration and shocks. The dampers and control algorithms are useful in primary vehicle suspension systems, cab mounts, seat mounts, and engine mounts.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a manually manipulated power tool which, upon actuation of the power tool momentarily relieves the tension supporting the power tool and enables the power tool's weight to be utilized to augment the axial force required to perform work such as screwdriving, drilling and grinding. A sensor mechanism which is part of the invention may also be used to obtain similar benefits from prior art suspension mechanisms.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power assisted adjustment system for a power assuming or bearing a load member in a desired condition, comprising an actuator in combination with an adjustment member adaptable for assuming a load, and a hydraulic cylinder for temporarily reducing the load on the adjustment member, thereby permitting adjustment of extremely heavy loads with a nominal input force to the actuator. The actuator is operably engagable with the adjustment means and movable relative to the adjustment member. Electric switch operably connected with the actuator actuates the cylinder between an activating position and non-activating position, thereby permitting adjustment of the adjustment member in response to movement of the actuator in the activating condition. An input force or torque applied to the actuator effects a desired adjustment of the adjustment member. When the input force is stopped or interrupted, the actuator is biased to a non-activating position.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually or audibly displaying swinging reducing effect in a structure with a damper or a base isolator, which reduces swinging of building structure during earthquake and increases performance characteristics and structural safety of the structure. The apparatus comprises an earthquake observation device, a computer, a display unit and a communication system for connecting the earthquake observation device, the computer and the display unit. The earthquake observation device records input seismic wave to the structure and response wave of the structure at each given time, and the computer calculates response in case the structure is not provided with damper or base isolator, using dynamic characteristics of the structure and input seismic wave in observation records. Thus, the input seismic wave, observed response wave with damper and base isolator, calculated response wave without damper or base isolator, as well as damping effect and base isolation effect are given on the display unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shock absorbing suspension system supporting a seat on a floor of a vehicle. The suspension system includes a hydraulic bag filled with a liquid and coupled to support the seat on the floor, the hydraulic bag having a valve orifice. The suspension system also includes a reservoir partially filled with liquid, having a lower orifice, an upper orifice, and a baffle positioned adjacent the lower orifice to impede the liquid from escaping through the upper orifice. An adjustable valve has an internal passageway communicating with the hydraulic bag via its valve orifice and the reservoir via its lower orifice to allow the liquid from the hydraulic bag to pass into the reservoir. The passageway can be made sufficiently small to dampen motion of the seat toward and away from the floor. The reservoir includes a supply of gas in direct communication with the liquid, the gas being compressed when the liquid enters the reservoir through the valve, thereby providing a spring.

Abstract: A floor lock system for supporting a surgery table having a patient support surface supported by a base member and defining a longitudinal axis. The system includes first and second primary lock members located on laterally opposite sides of the longitudinal axis for the base member. A third primary lock member is located generally along the longitudinal axis and the first and second secondary lock members are located on laterally opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The primary lock members are actuated by first actuators for movement toward a floor surface with a first force and the secondary lock members are actuated by second actuators for movement toward the floor surface with a second force less than the first force.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled engine mounting device for mounting an engine to a body of a vehicle, includes a plurality of hydraulic pressure chambers controlled by a single solenoid valve for effectively reducing vibrations at most frequency vibrations. More particularly, the invention includes first and second hydraulic pressure rooms divided by a partition and communicating with each other by a passageway to dampen vibration of an engine with a fluid friction. A third hydraulic pressure room is formed near the first hydraulic pressure room, the third hydraulic pressure room communicating with the first hydraulic pressure room by a passage-aperture having a solenoid valve.

Abstract: A manually operable mechanical memory device comprises at least one slider slidably mounted within a slider rail attached to one member of a seat guide system. The slider includes at least one stop face adjacent an end of the slider. A stop element is retractably attached to a second seat guide member that is movable relative to the first seat guide member. The stop element is movable from a neutral position outside of the slider to a stop position capable of placement within the slider and engagement against the stop face. The slider includes a catch to prevent the stop element from entering the slider from the neutral position. The slider includes a striker that locks the stop element within the slider and against the stop face.

Abstract: An active seat suspension system for equipment that transfers vibration to a human operator provides human body vibration control and, thus, a more comfortable environment for the operator. The system utilizes a "man in a loop" control strategy, where both the equipment and human operator model are analyzed as a dynamic system. The seat suspension parameters are evaluated through optimization, which assumes, under normal stochastic conditions, that the vibratory inputs to the system are unknown. A controller estimates their values in real time, and a preferred characteristic force between the seat and machinery is determined. The characteristic force determined minimizes a cost function. Using an output from the controller, an actuator (which may be either active or semi-active) substantially applies the characteristic force between the seat and machinery, resulting in reduced vibration being transmitted to the human operator.

Abstract: A sprung vehicle seat comprises a scissor support assembly formed by scissor members pivotable about a common pivot axis, and a gas spring for adjustment of the support assembly. A first valve device can be connected to the gas spring for adjustment of the height of the seat and a second valve device can be connected to the gas spring by way of a coupling for adjusting the height of the seat in dependence on weight. The coupling comprises a segment member which is pivotable about the support assembly pivot axis and which has an arcuate toothed portion, and a pivot arm with a tooth arrangement which can be brought into meshing engagement with the toothed portion. The pivot arm is connected to one of the scissor members of the support assembly and is actuable by a drive means connected to the first valve device. Also arranged pivotably at the support assembly pivot axis is a rocker member operable to actuate the second valve device and movable limitedly relative to the segment member.

Abstract: Clamping mechanism for clamping a plate to a base comprises an arm having a clamp head on one end and a sleeve slidably receiving the arm. The sleeve is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to the arm. A drive is provided to rotate the sleeve from a first position to a second position in which the arm is disposed with its head in position to clamp the plate to the base and to slide the arm through the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position to draw the head tightly against the plate and clamp it to the base.

Abstract: Vibrations in a structure having a large mass and a multiplicity of frequencies of excitation are damped by determining two principal frequencies of excitation for the structure and coupling thereto a damping member of smaller mass to produce an absorber. The spring damper characteristics of the absorber are determined at these frequencies and the displacement of the damping member is monitored. The monitored displacement of the damping member is processed together with the spring damper characteristics of the absorber to output a signal which produces a force acting on the damping member proportional to the displacement of the damping member with a controlled time delay. This produces two frequencies of vibration in the damping member substantially equal to the determined frequencies of excitation of the large structure and thereby produces resonance of the damping member substantially at the determined frequencies of excitation.

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

Abstract: An actively-controlled resonant-type force generator (20) is adapted to be attached to a structure (21), and includes a mass (23) mounted for movement relative to the structure and a plurality of springs (22, 24) operatively arranged between the mass and the structure. A servoactuator (26) is arranged to controllably excite the mass-spring system. The actual force (F.sub.a) transmitted from the mass to the structure is compared with a commanded force (F.sub.c) to produce a force error signal (F.sub.e). The actuator is caused to produce a velocity as a function of the error signal. The gain of the closed force loop is selected so that the resonance of the mass-spring system has an effective damping ratio (.zeta.) greater than about 0.5, and preferably about 0.7. Thus, the mass-spring system will not be substantially resonantly excited by vibrations of the structure near its resonant frequency (.omega..sub.n).

Abstract: Vibrations in a structure having a large mass are damped by coupling thereto a damping member of smaller mass and continuously monitoring the frequency of excitation of the structure produced by applied load(s) and the displacement of the damping member. The monitored frequency of excitation and displacement of the damping member are processed together with data relative to the mass, stiffness and damping characteristic of the damping member. A signal is outputted to produce a force acting on the damping member proportional to the displacement of the damping member with a controlled time delay to produce a frequency of vibration in the damping member substantially equal to the monitored frequency of excitation of the structure, this produces resonance of the damping member substantially at the monitored frequency of excitation and is effective to damp substantially the vibrations of the structure at the monitored frequency of excitation.

Abstract: An active isolator with a closed-loop feedback control system which uses an actuator in parallel spring relation to a static load spring to control the dynamic vibration transmitted from a vibrating device over a broad band frequency range. A collocated sensor is installed to sense the vibration of the isolated element and is amplified and fed, filtered and amplified again, reversed in sign and fed directly into the actuator. No external synchronizing signal or processor is needed. This simple active control is practical only where the combined series dynamic stiffness of the structure and vibrating body is much less than or much greater than the active mount's dynamic stiffness.

Abstract: An actively controlled mount system to control vibration which permits static forces from a machine while decoupling the transmission of dynamic vibrational forces. The mount system provides a reduction of force losses from a first generating area to a second force applying area to actively control vibrations of a vibrating element. These force losses are minimized due to minimization of the mass and velocity of fluid pumped by pumping the fluid through short large cross-sectional area passageways. The device provides for channeling of the forces to the vibrating element in a uniaxial direction and constrains the application of forces in non-working directions.

Abstract: A power unit mounting device for an automotive vehicle is provided which serves to damp vibration transmitted from a power unit to a vehicle chassis. The power unit mounting device includes generally a plurality of working chambers filled with a working fluid, an actuator operable to adjust transmission of vibration between the working chambers which is inputted from the power unit through the working fluid for varying damping characteristics exhibited by the power unit mounting device, and a bracket supporting the power unit mounting device on the vehicle chassis. The bracket is so arranged as to surround the actuator for increasing freedom in installation of the mounting device on the vehicle chassis and for protecting the actuator against radiant heat from the engine and/or an exhaust pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a scientific or measuring instrument or the like in a level horizontal plane. The apparatus comprises an inclinometer comprising a support housing and a plumb member freely suspended within the support housing. The plumb member has an exterior surface provided with first sensing means and the support housing has an interior surface provided with second sensing means cooperative with the first sensing means in determining simply variation of the support housing from an exact upright position. Automatic adjustment means are also provided which are responsive to the first and second sensing means for adjusting the support housing to maintain an upright positioning of the support housing and the instrument attached thereto.

Abstract: An engine mount comprises a relatively stiff elastomeric member having an interior defining a first chamber containing hydraulic liquid. The elastomeric member is attached both to the engine and to the vehicle body. A flexible wall defines a second chamber and the two chambers are connected by a restricted channel. Engine vibration is transmitted to the liquid in the first chamber via the elastomeric member, and damping takes place because of the resistance to the flow of liquid between the two chambers or because of oscillation of the mass of the liquid in the restricted channel. In addition, a flexible membrane is supported by the interior wall of the elastomeric member and urged against this wall by a leaf spring, and the air pressure between the interior wall of the elastomeric member and the membrane is variable.

Abstract: A hydraulic damping device is provided including a housing having a first main liquid chamber defined in part by a rubber body which expands and contracts upon input of vibrations in a vertical direction, a second main liquid chamber defined in part by a rubber body which expands and contracts upon input of vibrations in a horizontal direction, and an auxiliary liquid chamber defined in part by a rubber film, which communicates with the first and second main liquid chambers through passageways. Upon input of vibrations in a vertical direction, one or more valves opens the passageway communicating with the first main liquid chamber and closes the passageway communicating with the second main liquid chamber to force a damping liquid filled within the first main liquid chamber to flow into the auxiliary liquid chamber, thereby damping vibrations in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A closed loop control and a closed loop control method use frequency filters for controlling the width of an air gap in an electromagnetic levitation system between a machine bed and a mass, such as a machine to be levitated. The control includes closed loop control elements to electromagnetically simulate a mechanical spring having a variable, sonic frequency-dependent spring characteristic including the spring rate and damping for providing an acoustic insulation to prevent vibration transmissions into the machine bed. The control element includes filters responsive to sonic frequencies. The closed loop control supports and guides the levitated machine within narrow air gap widths in the very low frequency range and prevents the transmission of vibration forces to the machine bed in the low, medium and high frequency ranges.

Abstract: A vibration eliminating apparatus for eliminating vibration suspends a floor board from an installation floor. A supporting electromagnet is provided on the installation floor in order to suspend a magnetic member fixed to the floor board by a magnetic force. The magnetic member is provided with a thin magnetic pole through a non-magnetic member, and a control electromagnet having a yoke located in proximity to the thin magnetic pole is provided to control a horizontal position of the floor board. A vibration detector is provided to detect vibration of the floor board, and a vibration monitor is used to decide whether or not vibration detected by the vibration detector is within an allowable range of a machine mounted on the floor board and output an operation enable signal only when vibration is within the allowable range.

Abstract: A stabilized payload including:a first gimbal arranged for rotation about a first axis and mounted onto a support;a dual gimbal mounting assembly supported on the first gimbal for supporting a sensor; andan environmental protective housing mounted on the first gimbal and enclosing the dual gimbal mounting assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding a storage tank by tensile stress inside an object, especially a movable object, e.g., a satellite, aircraft or motor vehicle, in which the storage tank is used for the storage of liquid or gaseous fluids, whose temperature exhibits a difference of at least 10.degree. C., in particular 30.degree. C., preferably 50.degree. C., to the outside temperature of the object. Here, the holding device contains a molded part made of a shape memory alloy (memory metal), which in the case of comparatively high mechanical stresses, especially during the take-off or lift-off of an aircraft or satellite or the driving of a motor vehicle, results in an increase of tensile stress, and in the case of comparatively small mechanical stresses, especially during flying of an aircraft or satellite or the standing of a motor vehicle, results in a reduction of tensile stress.

Abstract: A mounting means is adapted to hold a large component while it is being bolted to a frame. A hook is attached to the component and adapted to suspend the component in a first position. A bracket is attached to the frame and is adapted to receive the hook, hold the component in the first position, and align the component with a mounting bolt. The component is then drawn to a second, installed, position as the mounting bolt is tightened.

Abstract: Intermittent stabilization of a load table supported by pneumatic vibration isolators is provided by determining a load shift condition, increasing passage of gas to the pneumatic vibration isolators and imposing external or internal damping on the load table in response to that load shift condition. For internal damping, the pneumatic vibration isolator is provided with damping fluid in one of its pneumatic chambers and a damping fluid friction passage is provided between that damping fluid in that one pneumatic chamber and the other pneumatic chamber.

Abstract: A platform is mounted by bellows, at least one for each degree of freedom (DOF) of the platform. The bellows may provide either an active or a passive mounting for the platform. By arranging a suitable number of such bellows in supporting relationship a platform or floater for example six degrees freedom can be provided. Using pneumatic bellows in opposed pairs, one pair for each degree of freedom and by controlling the pressure in (and flow to) the bellows selected forces may be applied to the platform to accurately position the platform or to provide feedback for a sensory control e.g. as reflected force applied to the joystick. The position and orientation of the platform, i.e. movement of the platform, may be used to generate signals for example as in a joystick. Sensing the pressure in each of the bellows of each of the pairs permits the forces being applied by or to the platform to be monitored.

Abstract: A stowable container holding assembly (10) for a vehicle. The assembly (10) includes a carrier (12) mounted in a vehicle support structure. A tray (18) having a container receptacle (22) is supported by and moveable with respect to the carrier (12). A motor (34) receives energy and converts it to motion. The motion is transmitted to the tray (18) and drives the tray (18) through an actuation assembly (32) between a retracted stowed position and an extended use position. The motor (34) is activated by a switch (48). Movement of the tray (18) is limited by a plurality limit switches (50). When the tray (18) is in the extended position, a lamp (62) is illuminated, and sensors (58) detect the presence of an object in the receptacles (22) and will not permit the tray (18) to return to the stowed position if an object is present. The tray (18) can be moved between the stowed and use positions manually in the event of power failure.

Abstract: A vibration cancellation system having a fluidic driver providing fluid pressure differential and flow to an actuator having a reaction mass. The pressure differential drives the reaction mass so that the actuator's oscillations cancel any vibrations emanating from a vibrating structure mounted thereto.

Abstract: A vibration isolation mount comprises a frame adapted for attachment to a pport member, a spring device mounted on the frame and adapted for attachment to a protected device, the spring device being movable on the frame to permit movement of the protected device relative to the support member, and a locking mechanism for limiting movement of the spring device on the frame, thereby to limit movement of the protected device relative to the support member.

Abstract: A device for adjusting vehicle seats, in particular, motor vehicle seats having, link mechanisms which, for the adjustable securement of the seat to the vehicle floor on a cushion-receiving frame of the seat, act near to the front and rear end of the seat frame upon its longitudinal sides. A locking unit engages into at least one link mechanism for locking the seat in a desired seat position. For the purpose of adjusting the seat in the longitudinal direction in a straight line or with superimposed adjustment for height and inclination, and for extreme displacement of the seat for the purpose of facilitating passage to the rear seating positions in the case of two-door vehicles, each of the two front and rear link mechanisms exhibits a link pivotably mounted on the seat frame and two mutually intersecting cross-links. The cross-links are attached by their one end to the link at a distance from its bearing point and are pivotably secured by their other end, at a distance apart, on the vehicle floor side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power assisted adjustment system for assuming and maintaining a load member, and comprises a force-responsive means operably connected with an adjustment means, for assuming a load, and an actuable load-relieving means for temporarily reducing the load on the adjustment means. Application of force or torque to the force-responsive means actuates the load-relieving means thereby relieving load on the adjustment means, and substantially concomitantly operably effects a desired adjustment of the adjustment means.

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

Abstract: This invention consists of a parent structure and a stabilized supported secondary structure with one or more supporting pressurized gas cushions disposed between them. Selective control of pressures in the supporting pressurized gas cushions insures that the secondary structure is maintained in a desired orientation regardless of the orientation of the parent structure. This particularly attractive for stabilization of passenger cabins in boats but is also applicable of trains, airplanes, and even non-vehicular applications where there is tilting or other movement of the parent structure. An attractive application is to gas cushion supported marine craft since such craft already have a gas pressurization system in place. A pressure regulating device controls pressures in the supporting gas cushions.

Abstract: A method of and system for active vibration control in an elongate member such as a pipe (2), wherein an actuator which comprises at least one constrictive element (3) capable of changing its length is attached between flanges (1) spaced along the member and is controlled to produce deformations of the member which inhibit the transmission of unwanted vibration from the member to one side of the attached actuator to the other side.

Abstract: The value of the absolute seat height may be formed from the sum of a first, stationary basic component and a second, quasi-stationary regulation component. The value of the regulation component may be adjusted, independent of the weight of a person resting on the seat, in such a way that it takes on the value of a reference value that corresponds to the height of a person resting on the seat, at least on the average over time. Preferably, a regulation mechanism activates the height adjustment device in steps, in the form of activation steps. Preferably, the activation periods are furthermore increased or decreased by a time component, if the previous activation step caused an overly small or overly large lift.

Abstract: A vibration suppression system senses undesired mechanical motion of a body, and continuously drives a proof mass actuator system to reduce disturbances. An inertial or relative displacement sensor is processed to determine the energy content of the motion, and a correction signal is generated which is summed with the actuator drive signal to minimize the sensed motion energy. The position of the proof mass is sensed, and processed by differentiating and scaling, and the processed proof mass position signal is also summed with the actuator drive signal. The system causes the proof mass actuator loop natural frequency to tend to track the frequency associated with the maximum vibrational energy.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes an air suspension system for effectively isolating the occupant of the seat from shock, vibration and inertial forces directed along both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A base plate is mounted to the floor of the vehicle and supports first and second pairs of sleeve bearings on opposed sides of a box-like housing. The housing itself is attached to a pair of guide rods which cooperate with the sleeve bearings to provide fore and aft movement of the housing. Springs operating in cooperation with a first horizontally disposed air bag serves to dampen out inertial forces on the vehicle seat. The seat itself it support atop a vertically oriented air spring and a plurality of hydraulic vibration dampeners that tend to cushion vertically directed force spectors acting upon the seat and its occupant.