Including Disabling Means For Resilient Element Patents (Class 248/561)
  • Patent number: 11608994
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that circulates a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, in which the outdoor unit includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant and a housing that houses the heat exchanger, the housing includes a first plate that is provided to surround the heat exchanger, and a second plate that is provided to cover an opening formed on an edge of the first plate, has a ventilation hole through which air is circulated between inside and outside of the housing, is made of a material having greater corrosion resistance than that of the first plate, and includes a screw coupling part provided to be coupled to the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chungwan Yuk, Jeimin Choi, Hyeonu Park, Eunsung Jo, Kyusang Park, Buyoun Lee, Hansuk Lee, Changsoo Lim, Keunjeong Jang, Duju Hwang
  • Patent number: 11377003
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system (1), preferably a driver seat (1), comprising a first suspension part (10), preferably a frame (10) of the driver seat (1); a second suspension part (11), preferably a seat surface (11) of the driver seat (1), wherein the two suspension parts (10, 11) are movable relative to each other in at least one first spatial direction (Z), preferably in the vertical direction (Z); a kinematic system (12), preferably a scissor kinematic system (12) which is designed to connect the two suspension parts (10, 11) in a movable manner relative to each other at least in the first spatial direction (Z); a suspension device (13) which is designed to support the static load of the second suspension part (11); and an actuator (2) which is designed to introduce a force bidirectionally between the two suspension parts (10, 11) and thereby actively damp the relative movement between the two suspension parts (10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ContiTech Vibration Control GmbH
    Inventors: Max Werhahn, Peter Marienfeld
  • Patent number: 11149968
    Abstract: A heat source unit including: mounting feet; a bottom frame disposed on the mounting feet; vibration-proofing members that are disposed between the bottom frame and the mounting feet and space the bottom frame apart from the mounting feet; and a plurality of struts that extend upward from the mounting feet. All of the struts are anchored to the mounting feet without being anchored to the bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Koike, Shigeki Kamitani
  • Patent number: 10919592
    Abstract: A bicycle comprises front and rear wheels, a frame, a seat post, and a damping member. An upper portion of the seat post is movable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The damping member couples the seat post to the frame to dampen movement of the upper portion of the seat post. The damping member can be positioned at least partially in a top tube of the frame. Preferably, the seat post flexes when the upper portion of the seat post moves. The frame further includes a securing location for securing the seat post, and the securing location is a distance from the upper end of the seat tube that is at least 30% of a length of a seat tube. The seat post has a front-to-rear width, and the seat tube has a rear wall spaced from the seat post by a gap that is at least 25% of a front-to-rear width of the seat post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. D'Aluisio, Brenton Haven, Ian Milliken
  • Patent number: 10723247
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, which is provided with a collision prediction sensor and with a seat cushion having a seat cushion top face and a seat cushion frame, includes: a pelvis movement suppression member disposed along a seat width direction inside a front portion of the seat cushion; a vertical movement-enabling unit supporting the pelvis movement suppression member at the seat cushion frame and allowing vertical movement of the pelvis movement suppression member to follow vertical movement of the seat cushion top face; and a stopper unit attached to the seat cushion frame and, in a case in which a rapid deceleration of a vehicle is detected or a collision of the vehicle is predicted by the collision prediction sensor, restricting downward movement of the pelvis movement suppression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 10601365
    Abstract: In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER INC.
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 9998068
    Abstract: In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER INC.
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 9939042
    Abstract: A device for isolating vibration and motion which may be used to dampen or isolate vibrations and motion from heating, ventilation, air conditioning, mechanical and/or electro-mechanical equipment to reduce or eliminate the deleterious effects of vibration, movement and excessive noise created by the equipment. The device includes one or more pairs of vertical limiters, one or more springs, a pair of and at least two flanges. The frame members are each in a fixed relation to at least one vertical limiter which has a slot therein wherein the vertical limiters each have a respective engagement portion/cross beam which is partially passed through the opposing vertical limiters slot such that the vertical limiter pair allows the flanges each to move in toward or away from each other, but wherein the vertical limiters function as to prevent twisting or sliding of the flanges with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MGM Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dotson Carson Green, William Blair Wilder, Adnan Bijelic
  • Patent number: 9140768
    Abstract: A mounting plate for locating under a superconducting magnet structure, between the superconducting magnet structure and a supporting surface of a mobile carrier, is controllable between two different states. In a first state, the mount provides rigid attachment and precise location of the superconducting magnet structure onto the supporting surface of the mobile carrier. In a second state, the mount provides vibration isolation between the superconducting magnet and the mobile carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens PLC
    Inventors: Neil Belton, Richard Gowland, Trevor Bryan Husband, Nicholas Mann, Michael Simpkins
  • Patent number: 8937695
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backplane and a liquid crystal module having the backplane. The backplane includes a main body, a plurality of raised ribs formed on the main body, and a plurality of wall mounting members rotatably attached to the raised ribs. Each of the wall mounting members is selectively set, through rotation, at a retracted position or a wall-mountable position with respect to the corresponding raised rib. The wall mounting members provided on the backplane of the liquid crystal module are made in a foldable arrangement, whereby in packaging, the wall mounting members are rotated to a retracted position located inside the backplane and in an operation of assembling a complete device, the wall mounting members are expanded to a wall-mountable position for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qinjun Shi
  • Patent number: 8568042
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a camera support device. The camera support device includes a mounting assembly adapted to releasably mount a camera. The camera support device further includes at least one tuning element in communication with the mounting assembly, the tuning element being adjustable so as to permit tuning of a natural frequency of the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gregory Brueckner, Matthew Thomas Valente
  • Publication number: 20130241253
    Abstract: A motion support mechanism, for example for a chair, joined to a mounting surface and to a base for providing resistive support to the mounting surface as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement relative to the base. The motion support mechanism includes a support bearing connected to the mounting surface and to the base which permits one or both of tilting and rotational motion of the mounting surface relative to the base, a pivot ball sized fixedly attached to a portion of the base, and, a resistance cartridge fixedly connected to the mounting surface such that the resistance cartridge undergoes movement relative to the base and applies a resistive force on the base as the mounting surface undergoes one or both of rotational and tilt movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CORECHAIR INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Patrick N. Harrison, James R. Edwards, Ken W. Vandervelden, Thomas N. Banks, David R. Gater
  • Patent number: 8528875
    Abstract: An adjustable equipment curb has upper and lower frames, each having opposed first and second length-adjustable sides and opposed length-adjustable first and second ends interconnectable to form a rigid frame and height-adjustable mounting legs. The lower frame may be used alone, or may support the upper frame through a shock mount system having mounts affixed to both the upper and lower frames and shock absorbing springs between the mounts. The frames may be formed of interconnecting channel members, and the lower frame channel members may be of a perforated construction that, in conjunction with applied sheathing, provides acoustic damping. Seismic brackets may be affixed to the either of the frames to provide resist seismic shock and developed moment resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: John Wilson, Jr., Richard C. Berger, John P. Giuliano, Thomas C. Steele
  • Publication number: 20120297876
    Abstract: A micromechanical component including a mass structure which may be deflected with respect to a substrate with the aid of at least one spiral spring in a direction of deflection. The spiral spring includes at least one folding section, which is formed by two spring legs which are situated essentially in parallel to each other and are connected to each other with the aid of a connecting bar. A damping device for oscillating movements of the folding section in the direction of deflection is provided in the area of the connecting bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Christoph GAUGER, Markus Heitz
  • Patent number: 8079438
    Abstract: A seat for heavy equipment having a buffer in forward and backward directions, which can protect an operator by attenuating impact and vibration generated in a cab in forward and backward directions of an excavator in accordance with the driving of the buffer in a main working mode of the excavator. The seat includes a lower member mounted on a suspension plate, an upper member slidably mounted on the lower member in forward and backward directions of the equipment, a buffer unit for attenuating impact and vibration generated in the forward and backward directions of the equipment, a tilting unit, and a locking unit. In a main working mode, a buffer function is performed through forward and backward movement of the upper member against the lower member, and when the main working mode is released, the buffer function is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holdings Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hak Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 7828262
    Abstract: A damping and mounting structure for a motor includes a bracket to which a motor is mounted, the bracket being provided with a plurality of through-holes; a housing having a driven element which is driven by the motor on the bracket; a plurality of threaded holes and positioning recesses coaxial to the threaded holes, provided in the housing; a plurality of cylindrical damper bushes made of an elastic material, mounted in the through-holes; a plurality of retainer bushes made of a material harder than the damper bushes and inserted in the damper bushes, the retainer bushes being provided, at the front ends thereof, with positioning projections which are inserted into the positioning recesses; and a plurality of set screws which extend through the retainer bushes from a surface of the bracket and are screwed into the threaded holes of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Saito
  • Publication number: 20090181780
    Abstract: A child entertainment apparatus is convertible between a swing mode and a jumper mode. The apparatus includes a frame, and a support convertible between a swinging configuration and a bouncing configuration. In the jumper mode, the support suspends the seat from the frame by a substantially flexible section, and in the swing mode, the support suspends the seat from the frame by a substantially rigid section. A bypass section is movable between an engaged position wherein the bypass section provides a substantially rigid connection between the frame and the seat, and a disengaged position wherein the substantially flexible section of the first support provides a flexible connection between the frame and the seat. The seat may be convertible between a feet forward position for the swing mode and a feet down position for the jumper mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Joseph P. Sejnowki, Jeff Yaschur, Bill Mussig, Dan Nelsen, Traci J. Barron, Carl G. Ross
  • Patent number: 6663076
    Abstract: A seat post includes a tube having a stop secured in the middle portion. A pipe is slidably extended through the stop. A rod is secured to the pipe and has a seat cushion secured on top. A spring may bias the pad to engage with a stop of the tube and to cushion the rod. A bolt is threaded to the tube and engaged with the pad for adjusting the spring force of the pad and the spring against the pipe. A barrel is secured on the tube and one or more studs are engaged between the barrel and the rod for preventing the rod from rotating relative to the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Suei Der Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030038223
    Abstract: A flexure for holding small parts is integrally formed by EDM machining in the form of two adjacent four-bar linkages. The two four-bar linkages can be flexed apart and small parts such as electronic components or optical filters can be placed between them. When the linkages are released, they will spring back together and hold the parts in between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fleming, Jeffrey J. Hohn, Christopher R. Holloman, Steven E. Wheeler, Charles N. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020096618
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting assembly for a detection device (10) provided with a front detection face (19), a back face, a first side face (13) and a stop side face (11) opposite to the first side face (13). The mounting assembly comprises a removable mounting part (20) that comprises an attachment plate (29), a stop lip (21) comprising stop means (22) cooperating with corresponding means (12) on the stop side face (11) of the device (10), click fit means (23) cooperating with corresponding means on the first side face (13) of the device (10) and elastic pressure means (25) pressing on the back of the device (10). The mounting assembly also comprises a fixed mounting part (30) composed of a base plate (31) fixed to a mounting plate (32), the base plate (31) being designed to hold a removable mounting part (20) and the mounting plate (32) being designed to hold the mounting assembly on an arbitrary support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventors: Gerard Pitault, Eugene Cheong
  • Patent number: 6336619
    Abstract: A seat platform for industrial and agricultural vehicles capable of supporting a seat for forward and rearward movement characterized by low cost and ease of assembly of a seat mount plate with a base plate wherein linear tracks defined on the seat mount plate cooperate with linear guides formed on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Michigan Seat Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Wahls
  • Patent number: 6209843
    Abstract: A pivotal rocking chair base is provided which allows the ultimate chair user to select or eliminate the rotational movement of the chair base. Also, by making adjustments to front and rear turnbuckles the amount or degree of tilt or rocking action of the seat can be chosen. An infinite variety of adjustments is thus available to the user to customize the chair motion for his particular purposes and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: R. Brantley Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5915662
    Abstract: To provide an an.isotropic damper using an elastic member having an E value two times or more larger than that of an elastic member for damping the vibration in the vertical direction to a portion for supporting the rotary part of an optical disk or the like and a mechanical chassis mounting an optical pickup and to the portion for damping the vibration in the planar direction, and comprising two types of elastic members for controlling the fluctuation in the relative distance between the optical pickup and the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Itakura, Yukihiro Kidokoro
  • Patent number: 5797227
    Abstract: A stabilization system protects a structure, comprising at least a slab and having a foundation formed in the earth, from the effects of seismic disturbances. Pendulum support elements, secured at upper ends to respective support columns affixed to the foundation and at lower ends to support positions of the slab, support the slab while permitting limited relative movement between the slab and the support columns in the event of a seismic disturbance. A damping system connects the slab to the foundation to impede action of forces tending to produce relative rotation between the slab and the foundation and to provide damped control of relative linear displacements therebetween. A level monitoring system monitors the respective levels of monitoring positions displaced about the slab and detects differential changes in the levels at the monitoring positions, the rods being adjustable to correct for such differential changes and thereby to reestablish a common level condition at all monitoring positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Federico Garza-Tamez
  • Patent number: 5456438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool support including a fixed frame (10), a source (16, 17), a source of suction (16, 17) of compressed air, a bearing structure (13); comprising a plate (11) provided with holes (14); and pad (12); intended to absorb the vibration generated by the operation of the machine and/or by its environment. According to the present invention the holes (14) can communicate selectively with the source of suction or the source of compressed air. In addition, the machine rests directly on the surface of the plate (11), a pad (12) suitable for absorbing the vibration being disposed between the frame and the bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael Long
  • Patent number: 5326063
    Abstract: A swing-away joystick mounting assembly (20) for mounting a joystick (12) to a wheelchair frame member (11). The joystick mounting assembly (20) produces pantographic movement of the joystick device (12) between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust the placement of the joystick (12). Ingress and egress to and from the wheelchair are eased while, further, permitting the wheelchair to be moved closer to a table or desktop (14). A pair of arms (24, 24') are pivotally mounted at first ends (25, 25') to a first mounting mechanism (21) at spaced apart locations and pivotally mounted at second ends (26, 26') to a second mounting mechanism (22) at spaced apart locations. This four-bar configuration produces pantographic movement of the second mounting mechanism with the joystick device (12) carried thereby between the retracted position and the extended position. A latch mechanism (27) releasably secures the arms (24, 24') together in either the retracted position or the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Quickie Designs Inc.
    Inventor: Rex W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5236169
    Abstract: A shock absorbing bicycle seat mounting post assembly is mounted in a hollow tubular socket member, by means of a binder clamp, in the frame of a bicycle. The shock absorber includes a compression spring which will effectively absorb shocks which are carried through the frame when the wheels encounter obstacles and holes when traveling along the ground. The bicycle seat mounting post assembly includes a number of shims which will adapt the post assembly to varying sizes of bicycle frames. A bellows is provided to keep dirt and dust out of the spring area and protect skin and fingers from being pinched. Stabilization is enhanced by the provision of a piston at the lower end of the movable shaft upon which the seat is attached. A variable volume reducing device may be positioned below the seat mounting post to adjust the volume of air trapped below the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: T.J.S.W. Inc.
    Inventor: Thore Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5178025
    Abstract: A seating device for aged, infirm and handicapped persons includes a passive, pivotably mounted, energy storage device laterally disposed below a seat base, and a parallelogram linkage between the seat base and a chair seat for controlling elevation and tilting motion of the seat. A lever which can be coupled at selectable points along an arc about the pivot point of the energy storage device exerts torque on the parallelogram linkage to oppose downward movement and aid upward movement. By varying the position of engagement of the energy storage device to the lever, the force exerted can be adjusted to the weight of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Innovative Medical Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bennett, Leonard Katzin
  • Patent number: 5152110
    Abstract: A damping subsystem protects a structure from the effects of seismic disturbances and employs at least a first pair of first and second damping and transformation mechanisms including respective, associated first dampers oriented in parallel relationship in a first direction and oppositely disposed relatively to the center of gravity of the structure and mechanically connected between respectively corresponding portions of the structure and the foundation in relatively inverse relationship. Each mechanism transforms a force transferred to the associated first damper from the foundation in the first direction and/or any lateral, relative displacement of the corresponding structure and foundation portion in the first direction to a corresponding force and/or displacement, respectively, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each also performing the reverse transformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Federico Garza-Tamez
  • Patent number: 5083845
    Abstract: A fixture for appliance manufacturing and transport of the assembled appliance supports vertically movable components of the appliance at differing elevations during manufacturing and continues to at least partially support the components during the transport after assembly. A particular use of the fixture is in the manufacture of a washing machine which has a suspended wash tub and drive assembly and an outer cabinet. The fixture is composed of a main support and a cabinet support with the main support being vertically movable relative to the cabinet support, yet held by the cabinet support in a fixed horizontal position. The wash tub and drive assembly is supported during use by a suspension system connected between the wash tub and cabinet and with the use of the fixture, a portion of the weight of the wash tub is supported at all times during the assembly process and during shipping, relieving the cabinet from bearing that weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gene A. Sparks, Paul R. Staun, Steve A. Flam
  • Patent number: 5035466
    Abstract: An ergonomic chair of simplified design includes a seat support member, a backrest support member, and a base member to which the seat support member and the backrest support member are both attached. The base member engages the seat support member in a manner that permits movement of the seat support member between a forward seated position and a rearward seated position. The base member also engages the backrest support member in a manner that permits movement of the backrest support member independent of the movement of the seat support member in a first direction toward the base member and in a second direction away from the base member. The base member also serves to tilt the base member forwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marty K. Mathews, Jeffrey A. Weber
  • Patent number: 4890703
    Abstract: Apparatus applicable to the piston rod of a control cylinder inherently operable to selectively limit and control the extent of its retraction. A preferred illustrative embodiment, as applied in use, conforms to a generally L-shaped structure the long leg of which is slim, substantially uniform in width, at least in part transversely arcuate along the length of its inner operative surface, highly resistant to compression and has its base end pivotally connected to the short leg of said structure. Springs interposed between these legs in the pivotal interconnection thereof are established in a secure and stable relation thereto in a manner to positively apply in continuing bias on the long leg which induces it to incline to and over the length of the short leg to inherently form therewith an acute angle. These legs are so formed to lend the minimal amount of material of which they are comprised a very high degree of load bearing strength for their size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: C. R. & I., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Hathaway
  • Patent number: 4860507
    Abstract: A structure stabilization system for protecting structures from effects of seismic disturbances. Plural bases of a base isolation system support, through flexible suspension elements, corresponding, plural vertical support columns. Corresponding adjustment mechanisms on each base provide for adjusting all support elements to a common elevation. A gripper mechanism in each base is selectively, axially adjustable to establish substantially identical, effective free suspension lengths and common harmonic characteristics of all suspension elements. A releasable interlock subsystem interlocks the structure to the foundation to render it stable against minor forces, such as produced by wind, and automatically releases the structure to permit same to float in support by the base isolation system in response to forces exceeding a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Federico Garza-Tamez
  • Patent number: 4852849
    Abstract: A lifting seat device having a lifting arm coupled to or adapted to be coupled to a seat member and a mechanism for controlling the angular position of the lifting arm to assist in lowering and raising the seat member, the lowering and raising mechanism comprising a compression spring enclosed within a housing and whose compression is arranged to be increased upon the lifting arm being angularly displaced as a result of a user sitting on said seat member, there being means enabling the spring to be adjustably pre-stressed to enable the load/displacement characteristics of the lifting arm to be adjusted and preselected. The lifting arm can be selectively separable from the lowering and raising mechanism so that when the lifting arm is removed from or is repositioned in the mechanism, the seat can be used in a conventional, non-lifting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: Eifion R. Jones
  • Patent number: 4822094
    Abstract: A seat suspension mechanism providing a vertical range of cushion travel to a tractor seat when fluid is supplied to the mechanism. The suspension mechanism includes a linkage assembly movable through a predetermined path of travel for securing the seat to the frame and a damper assembly operable in combination with the linkage assembly for regulating the cushion travel of the seat. The present invention further includes an automatic seat stop mechanism connectable to the suspension mechanism for limiting the movement of the linkage assembly and the seat upon cessation or interruption of fluid flow to the seat suspension mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Raymond L. Oldfather, Robert J. Oliver
  • Patent number: 4736555
    Abstract: A free access type floor comprising a plurality of floor boards arranged on one and the same plane in a closely connected manner to form a secondary floor, engaging members provided at at least each corner of each of said floor boards, and support members provided with floor board-engaging means, which are adjustable in height, for detachably engaging with said adjacent engaging members of adjacent floor boards on one and the same plane to support said floor boards in a closely connected manner, and a method for installing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shouzi Nagare, Fuziaki Yamakawa, Akio Ishimoto, Yasuo Inukai, Tadahiro Sugamura, Soutarou Takino, Toshiaki Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 4722505
    Abstract: A mount for a record player with variable antivibration controls that make it possible for the user of the player to separately establish an optimum antivibration setting depending on the conditions of the specific surface that the player is resting on and on the overall acoustical conditions with respect to footstep and acoustical feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4699257
    Abstract: A variable frequency vibration isolator for isolating vibrations between a base and a load having relative displacement of each other characterized by a pair of coil springs in series with a connector between them. The connector is journally mounted for axial movement in response to spring vibrations. Locking means including a timing circuit for clamping and unclamping the connector against movement, so as to improve vibration isolation at frequencies higher than approximately 2f.sub.n while substantially improving the performance at lower frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne B. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4664445
    Abstract: A tilting mechanism for a chair seat or the like of the kind where said tilting mechanism comprises a rigid metal plate being connected to a chair support via a retaining means and where said chair seat is pivotally connected to said tilting mechanism by the aid of said retaining means, first and second flexibly resilient and coaxially arranged members e.g., rubber pads or springs, being provided for cooperation with the metal plate and the attaching frame or the like of the chair seat and both said members being provided in front of and spaced from said retaining means so that said first member is compressed when the seat is tilted backwards and that said second flexibly resilient member is compressed when the seat is tilted forwards. Said members are precompressable by the aid of an adjusting member for the adjustment of the tilting rigidity. Said tilting mechanism is provided with locking means to enable locking the seat in a forward tilted, a neutral, or a backward tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: HAG A/S
    Inventor: Morten Groseth
  • Patent number: 4650148
    Abstract: A locking device for a seat suspension provided in a seat for use in a vehicle such as an automobile is disclosed in which an upper frame attached to the seat proper side is supported via front and rear links to a lower frame fixed to the vehicle floor side in such a manner that it can be oscillated in a vertical direction relative to the lower frame, the upper frame is provided with engagement pins, and the lower frame is provided with lock plates engageable with the engagement pins. The lock plates are connected through link piece means with a shaft slidable longitudinally by an operation lever and also can be engaged with or disengaged from the engagement pins by the longitudinal sliding movements of the shaft. When the lock plates are engaged with the engagement pins, the link-piece means is connected with the shaft in a direction perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4627593
    Abstract: In the body of a pipe support a piston supported on a compression spring is movable relative to the body. A turnbuckle suspended from the piston passes down out of the body and, in use, is connected to a pipe to be supported. The body and the piston have adjacent each other oppositely inclined slots. The piston may be clamped to the body by a lock nut and a lock washer which are interconnected through registering portions of the slots by a bolt. The bolt can be slackened off to allow the nut and washer to slide in the slots so that the piston can move freely in the body. The oppositely inclined slots allow the piston to be clamped to the body at any position within its range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Inventor: Anthony J. Salter
  • Patent number: 4598503
    Abstract: An improved arrangement of so-called upper and lower curbs with interposed springs having an interconnected condition allowing for their delivery to an installation site as a single modular section, and at said site each section bolted together and then readily released from each other to then allow vibratory movement in said upper curb relative to said lower curb on said interposed springs, and wherein the release is produced by the force urgency in the springs which dampen the vibration of the air handling unit which is mounted on the curbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Inventors: Richard C. Berger, Paul L. Berger
  • Patent number: 4566667
    Abstract: A seat suspension is disclosed in which a movable frame to be mounted onto a seat cushion for an automobile so as to be resiliently movable relative to a base frame mounted onto the floor surface of the automobile. The movable and base frames are connected with each other such that the movable frame can be moved elastically and vertically by means of two links mounted crosswise and pivotally and a spring constantly biasing these two links. Between the movable and base frames, there is provided a lock mechanism which is arranged to lock the movable frame at a desired height level. The lock mechanism includes a lock piece which is provided in either the base frame or the movable frame and has a plurality of engagement recesses in a vertical direction, and a lock pin which is provided in the other frame and is adapted to be engaged within the engagement recesses of the lock piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 4555085
    Abstract: A lockable tilting apparatus for the seats of chairs and which can be used selectively either for chairs which tilt backward or for chairs which tilt forward, comprising a base plate securable to chair seat and a stationary body member adapted to be supported by the pedestal of the chair, spring means supported by said stationary body member, means supported by said stationary body member mounting said base plate for tilting pivotal movement relative to said stationary body member, link means engaging and movable with said base plate against the restoring force of said spring means whereby said base plate is tiltably movable relative to said body member against the restoring force of said spring means; and wherein a locking apparatus which is actuatable by displacement of an operating lever between two terminal positions is provided for selectively locking the base plate against tilting movement or for releasing the base plate for tilting movement, characterized by a slide member mounted in said body member f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignees: Fritz Bauer, Sohne oHG
    Inventors: Fritz Bauer, Hans-Peter Bauer, Hans Jurgen Bauer
  • Patent number: 4542877
    Abstract: An essentially tubular spring housing (FIGS. 5, 6) is formed with longitudinal slits (8d, 8e) into which the support spring blocking structure (1, 10) can be assembled. The support spring blocking structure, in one form (FIGS. 1, 2) is a longitudinal rail retaining a plurality of stacked blocking plates (2) therein, between abutments (3, 4) which are spaced wider than the length of the stack of plates (2) to permit engagement of a spring plate (7) between selected blocking plates, and thus lock the spring plate, and hence the spring, in selected position. In another embodiment (FIGS. 3, 4), the stacked plates (9) are slidable in a holder band or strip (10a). The holders (1a, 10a) are formed with a longitudinal, externally projecting holding hook (5, 11) to permit storing the blocking structure on the spring holder (right side, FIGS. 5, 6) in readily accessible position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventor: Friedrich Elsasser
  • Patent number: 4513939
    Abstract: An improved arrangement of so-called upper and lower curbs with interposed springs having an interconnected condition allowing for their delivery to an installation site as a single unit, and at said site being readily released from each other to then allow vibratory movement in said upper curb relative to said lower curb on said interposed springs, and wherein the release is produced by the force urgency in the springs which dampen the vibration of the air handling unit which is mounted on the curbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventors: Richard C. Berger, Paul L. Berger
  • Patent number: 4485998
    Abstract: A spring hanger comprising a casing, a coil compression spring in the casing, a piston plate in the casing engageable with one end of the spring and adapted for connection to a load to be supported by the hanger, and a spring reaction member in the casing engageable by the other end of the spring, the piston, when connected to the load, being adapted for movement in the casing to compress the spring. Support members hold the reaction member in fixed position with respect to the casing against the expansionary force exerted by the spring when the latter is compressed against the reaction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Kowalski, Charles N. Cunneen
  • Patent number: 4455009
    Abstract: An adjustable seat mounting mechanism is provided between a base part and a seat support part mounted for relative fore and aft movement. An adjustment mechanism is operatively associated between the base part and the seat support part for effecting adjustment between a locking mode preventing the fore and aft movement, an isolation mode permitting limited oscillatory movement between the base part and the seat part, and an unlocking mode to permit full fore and aft adjustment of the seat. A single manually manipulatable member is provided, movable with the seat, for effecting adjustment between the three modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Danny S. Foster, Daniel L. Burns
  • Patent number: 4438898
    Abstract: The specification discloses a chair control in which the tiltable member can be locked against movement with respect to the stationary member by means of a rigid locking plate pivotally mounted on the tilting member and rotatable by an actuator rod, having a bell crank type lever formed therein, into close proximity with the stationary member to thereby physically block relative movement between the tiltable and stationary members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Jack R. Knoblauch, Duane M. Beukema, Kenneth W. Hozeski
  • Patent number: 4403763
    Abstract: Transport securing device for a record player, the base plate of which rests with the interposition of elastic support elements on a mounting plate, having a spacer which is arranged movably on the base plate and protrudes below the lower edge of the base plate and, within a thread, bears a screw an enlarged foot part of which engages below the mounting plate while its head extends above the base plate and is so provided with a collar that, upon unscrewing, it clamps the base plate as well as the mounting plate separately but at the same time between itself and the spacer, the base plate not changing its position with respect to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Inventor: Helmut Dold