Abstract: Fluid-filled elastic mount wherein first and second mounting members are connected by an elastic body which partially defines a fluid space in which a resonance member is disposed while being supported by the first mounting member such that an outer annular portion of the resonance member cooperates with the inner surface of the fluid space to define an annular fluid passage and such that the annular portion is abuttable on a stop portion provided on the second mounting member, the resonance member including an inner portion fixed to the first mounting member, and an intermediate portion connecting the inner and annular portions such that the inner and outer portions are spaced apart from each other in a load-receiving direction, the intermediate portion having fluid passages having a total fluid communication area not smaller than three quarters of the surface area of the intermediate portion, which surface area is not smaller than a half of the surface area of the resonance member.

Abstract: An elastic mounting apparatus for vibration-decoupled mounting of a turbocharger housing on an internal combustion engine. The mounting apparatus includes a clamping element with two spring elements arranged in a functionally serial relationship. The clamping element joins the housing and the internal combustion engine so as to allow relative vibration between the two. The first spring element includes an annular spring member made of elastomeric material and a second spring element formed by at least one disk spring. The clamping element is penetrated by a clamping screw, and the disk spring can be compressed by the clamping screw in such a way that its spring rate, after compression to the intended preload, is substantially zero. The housing is configured as a turbocharger housing with at least one intake pipe. The intake pipe is braced in a vibration-decoupled and sealing manner on the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine by a sealing element made of an elastomeric material.

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 vibration sensitive component is mounted within a housing. The mass of the housing is supported by a damper which absorbs a portion of the shock to the component. In addition, a low profile resilient retainer provides a centering force to keep the component from contacting the housing.

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 single-thrust bearing for a shock absorber with a columnar journal projecting in the damping direction and which is sealingly surrounded by a flexible, annular-shaped membrane, whereby the membrane is secured in its rim area, which projects radially to the outside, to a supporting bearing and separates two liquid-filled working chambers from each other. The working chambers are defined in the area of the extremities which mutually oppose each other by hollow-conical bearing springs made of a rubber elastic material. The bearing springs are supported in their base area on the supporting bearing and are braced against one another by means of the journal by way of their tips which are turned away from each other.

Abstract: An improved shock isolating mount is provided that permits selection of either a high or a low separation strength. The shock mount comprises interfitting flanged spacer and thimble members and resilient rings mounted thereto. The thimble is formed from a hollow plastic stem and a metal base. The metal base includes a flange and an internally threaded post. The thimble stem fits over and snaps onto the post. The metal base member is made in either a high strength or low strength configuration. Selection of the appropriate configuration of base member provides a shock mount assembly of the desired separation strength.

Abstract: An apparatus shock isolation mounting system includes an apparatus, a base, and an apparatus chassis that carries the apparatus and is vertically slidable with respect to the base. A pair of oppositely disposed, self-centering preloaded springs with internal guide rods are attached between the apparatus chassis and the base. A pair of shock dampers are attached between the apparatus chassis and the base at different locations. The preloaded springs and the shock dampers cooperate to prevent damage to the apparatus by vibration and shock loadings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damping mounting comprising a body portion adapted for attachment to a load and including a mounting surface having a resilient member coupled thereto. The resilient member is adapted to exert a substantially equivalent restoring force on the body portion for substantially all directions of the load continuous or discontinuous. This results in the vibration damping being substantially constant over all orientations of the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a cab of a conventional over-the-highway truck or tractor vehicle relative to a vehicle frame which includes a pair of longitudinally extending rails and a transverse member interconnecting the rails. A pair of mounting assemblies are located near the front of the cab to resiliently and pivotally connect the cab to the rails. A pair of spaced apart spring members are located near the rear of the cab to support the cab for limited movement relative to the frame. A spaced pair of dampers extends between the cab and the frame to damp movement of the cab. The spaced dampers are located between the spring members. A centering damper is mounted between the cab and the frame to damp transverse movement of the cab. The centering damper is located between the spaced dampers.

Abstract: A gas spring including a housing, and a rolling convolution type flexible gas seal supporting a piston within the housing. The piston has a chamber and a resilient vibration damper unit resides within the chamber for reducing the horizontal stiffness of the gas spring.

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 horizontal axis clothes washing machine. A rotatable clothes basket has a generally longitudinally extending and generally horizontally disposed axis of rotation. The clothes basket is rotatably attached to a generally surrounding first member (which is a tub). A second member (which is a cabinet) generally surrounds the tub. At least two spaced-apart tub suspension subassemblies each include a cylinder, a rod, a piston, and a spring. The cylinder is attached to one of the first and second members. The rod has a first end positioned within the cylinder and has a second end attached to the other of the first and second members. The piston is positioned within the cylinder and is attached to the first end of the rod. The spring is positioned within the cylinder between the first and second ends of the rod. Preferably, a pair of balance rings are attached to the clothes basket.

Abstract: A vibration canceler includes a dimensionally stable inertial mass that is retained by a spring element made of a flexible material. A metal clamping element is mounted to the spring element and the clamping element and the inertial mass are fastened frictionally to one another through a wall of a recess in said inertial mass. The recess may be tapered in the direction of insertion of the spring element, to ensure a good frictional fit.

Abstract: A hydraulic antivibration support includes an inner rigid strength member and an outer rigid strength member which are interconnected by an elastomer body. At least two liquid-filled chambers are defined, at least in part, by the elastomer body and are interconnected via at least one narrow channel. The elastomer body includes a central portion having at least two support arms that extend radially between the inner strength and the outer strength member. The support arms are adapted to support an axial load and enable relative axial motion between the two strength members. Each of the support arms is disposed between two of the chambers. The elastomer body further includes respective flexible walls defining the inside of each chamber, each flexible wall having two lateral edges that extend axially and each of which is connected to a support arm in the vicinity of the outer strength member.

Abstract: A machine tool isolation system is disclosed. The preferred system includes a pair of platforms connected by a plurality of legs. A tool is typically connected to one platform, and a workpiece to the other. The legs are able to move one platform with respect to the other which can create vibrations. A base, typically formed by a plurality of legs, is mounted to one of the platforms to support the two platforms and legs connected therebetween. A vibration isolator is disposed between the base legs and the floor or other support on which the entire system is mounted.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device provided with a damping plate damper having a viscosity damper includes: a case body comprising an upper flange, a body portion, and a lower flange; a collared resilient member provided with a body portion and a collar portion, an outer surface of the body portion and an undersurface of the collar portion being connected to the case body; a center shaft connected to the central portion of the collared resilient member; a damping plate fixed to the bottom end portion of the center shaft; and a damper case fixed to the bottom end of the case body and filled with a viscous substance. An operator cabin of a construction machine is resiliently supported to the vehicle body through the shock absorbing device.

Abstract: A sleeve rubber spring for mounts in a motor vehicle, in which a rubber body is arranged between an inner tube and an outer tube and has at least two chambers, which are filled with a fluid damping agent and are connected to one another through at least one overflow channel. A shutoff structure is provided including an axially extending seal, which opens only in the case of a predetermined pressure difference in the chambers. This seal of the shutoff structure of the overflow channel includes at least two sealing lips, which are separated from one another, have a hook-type profile in their cross section with a radial undercut and are deformable radially to the central axis of the sleeve rubber spring.

Abstract: A hydraulically damping bearing bush, particularly for motor vehicles, includes a hollow-cylindrical bearing core having ends with end surfaces and an outer tube having end surfaces. Two elastomeric support springs have a space therebetween and are disposed between the bearing core and the outer tube at the end surfaces. The support springs extend substantially radially and have inwardly curved wall portions. Elastomeric radial support lugs extend horizontally on two sides between the bearing core and the outer tube. The support lugs divide the space into upper and lower fluid-filled chambers. The chambers communicate with one another through an annular channel. A cylindrical diaphragm-like elastomeric part extends between the two support springs along the bearing core. The elastomeric support springs, support lugs and part are made as an integral molded and vulcanized part.

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes a substantially sealed space within a housing 4 forming a liquid chamber by partitioning the sealed space with a diaphragm 5. The liquid chamber is further partitioned into first and second chambers 7 and 8 by a rubber partition wall 6. An orifice passage 9 is arranged to communicate between these two chambers 7 and 8. The rubber partition wall 6 is provided at its intermediate portion with a membrane portion 11, a part of which is adapted to serve as a stopper portion 12. When the membrane portion 11 is bent and deformed downwardly, the stopper portion 12 is pushed, at its front end, on a partition wall supporting member 14 for deformation. The repulsion force of the stopper portion 12 by the deformation varies non-linearly in response to the deformation of the membrane portion 11 and as a result, the spring characteristic of the membrane portion 11 also becomes non-linear.

Abstract: A single-thrust beating for a shock absorber with a columnar journal projecting in the damping direction and which is sealingly surrounded by a flexible, annular-shaped membrane, whereby the membrane is secured in its rim area, which projects radially to the outside, to a supporting bearing and separates two liquid-filled working chambers from each other. The working chambers are defined in the area of the extremities which mutually oppose each other by hollow-conical bearing springs made of a rubber elastic material. The bearing springs are supported in their base area on the supporting bearing and are braced against one another by means of the journal by way of their tips which are turned away from each other.

Abstract: A vibration isolating apparatus in which a vibrating body, which is disposed within a pressure-receiving liquid chamber and is connected to a mounting member such that a gap is formed between an inner wall surface of the pressure-receiving liquid chamber and the vibrating body, is disposed. An elongated limiting passage is formed in the vibrating body so as to penetrate therethrough. The limiting passage communicates the pressure-receiving liquid chamber and an auxiliary liquid chamber provided within the mounting member. When there is low-frequency vibration, there is liquid-column resonance of a liquid within the limiting passage. However, because the limiting passage is elongated, the liquid-column resonance of the liquid therein is large, and a high loss factor is obtained. Therefore, the low-frequency vibration is reliably absorbed. When there is high-frequency vibration, there is liquid-column resonance of the liquid in a vicinity of the gap.

Abstract: A bracket includes first and second portions for joining a suspension damper and a suspension spring to a vehicular body. The first portion of the bracket includes a wall having a ledge. A central opening is provided in the ledge for receiving the upper end of a damper. The second portion of the bracket includes a wall substantially perpendicular to the wall of the first portion. A seat is provided in the wall of the second portion to seat the upper end of a suspension spring. Preferably, the first and second portions are formed as a single casting.

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: A telescopic tube mounting device, which includes an outer tube having a coupling at the top, an inner tube made to slide in and out of the outer tube and locked at the desired elevation by a lock screw on the coupling, a C-shaped locating ring fastened to the bottom end of the inner tube to prohibit disconnection of the inner tube from the coupling, a stopper sealed in the bottom end of the inner tube and having a longitudinal through hole with a tapered top orifice for passing air in and out of the inner tube to buffer the falling speed of the inner tube when the inner tube is collapsed.

Abstract: A fluid mount (20) provides a flexible connection and fluid effects such as damping and/or fluid inertia for a supported member (22) attached to a supporting member (24) in a singular and unitary package. The fluid mount (20) includes a beam (34) and a laminated elastomer and shim construction bonded thereto, defining variable volume fluid chambers (44, 46, 48, 50) and interconnecting fluid passageways (52, 54). Fluid effects are provided in both a radial translational mode (loading at R) and a rotational mode (loading at T) to suppress vibrations of the supported member (22).

Abstract: A hydraulic antivibration device comprises, between its two chambers, two passages (8, 10) connected in parallel, and it also comprises a rotary shutter (11) having the same axis (X) as the device and suitable for opening or closing, at will, at least one of the two passages and also slots that put the chambers into communication with a decoupling shutter member. Angular displacement of the shutter is controlled by successively exciting two small antagonistic electromagnets (14, 15) housed in the outer portion of the intermediate partition (7) and suitable for attracting a ferromagnetic armature (16) of the shutter member, which armature is urged towards an intermediate position by a small spring (17).

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 wound paper roll support including an air inflatable rubber bladder on a planar table support. The inflated tube will support and conform to variables in the length and diameter of each roll which is supported by the table after removal from a winding apparatus positioned adjacent to the table.

Abstract: In the case of a horizontally and vertically acting viscous vibration damper for damping vibrations of large masses exhibiting large amplitudes, at least one tube is disposed within the damper casing filled with viscous damping medium. Although this tube is able to move freely in the horizontal direction, i.e. parallel to the damper casing base, it is prevented from moving in the axial direction. The damping characteristics are thereby maintained, even in the event of vertical vibration movements.

Abstract: A rotary motor with a counterbalanced torque arm adapted to be mounted within an auger housing. The torque arm is mounted on the stationary cylinder block of the motor which extends radially outwardly from the access of the cowling and is attached to the auger housing. The torque arm includes a pair of diametrically opposed torque arm members which support pairs of cylinders. The cylinders engage the housing and are interconnected such that diametrically opposed pairs of cylinders are in fluid communication. Accordingly, rotational torques exerted on the torque arm by the cylinder block, for auger screw rotation both in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, are born equally by the opposing torque arm members.

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes: a housing which is filled with a fluid; an intermediate plate inserted in the housing for partitioning the interior of the housing into two liquid chambers, the intermediate plate having therein a cylinder and at least two passageways for allowing the two liquid chambers to communicate with each other, the cylinder being formed at a position midway in one of the passageways, and one of the liquid chambers being provided with an elastic wall to render the capacity of that liquid chamber variable; a piston capable of opening and closing one of the passageways as the piston moves in the cylinder; and a pressure changeover valve disposed outside the housing and capable of moving the piston by means of a change in pressure by applying a gas pressure to the piston.

Abstract: The spring includes a composite elastomeric body having in one embodiment a closed end and an open end. A coil spring is embedded both within the body wall and the closed end, and provides reinforcement of both the body wall and the closed end. The body may be of cylindrical, conical, or other shape, depending upon the required function of the spring. It may also take an essentially hourglass shape or the shape of a cylinder flanged at both ends. Alternately, the spring may be internally pressurized to provide load leveling or air spring effects in addition to the variable rate load versus deflection curve normally obtained. The body may be attached directly to any surface to create an airtight seal. Alternately, a closure plate may be provided to seal an open end of the coil spring.

Abstract: An anti-earthquake bearing apparatus for bearing the weight of a structure and reducing the vibration energy propagating to the structure by using bearing bodies disposed between the structure and a foundation or another structure has spherical bag-like bearing bodies serving as said bearing bodies formed by sealing a fluid, rubber-like solid or gas into bags constituted by a rubber-sheet material reinforced with fiber. Each bag-like bearing body is provided with charging/discharging ports. Recesses for preventing positional shift of said bag-like bearing bodies are formed on the bottom surface of the structure and on the upper surface of the foundation.

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 reduced horizontal stiffness vibration isolation system including a gas spring assembly with a load support interface portion and pivot device externally coupled to the gas spring assembly for allowing the gas spring assembly to pivot when either the load support interface portion or the pivot device is displaced to reduce the horizontal stiffness of the gas spring assembly.

Abstract: A support system for supporting an experimental apparatus or a prime mover and decoupling the same from the environment comprises a vessel immersed in a tank of liquid and having support structure extending out of the liquid to support the experimental apparatus or prime mover. The mass of the total combination of the vessel, support structure, and experimental apparatus is adjusted with respect to the density of water so that the support system exhibits neutral buoyancy. Preferably the support structure is of small cross-sectional area so that a small additional mass or a force such as vibratory energy applied to the experimental apparatus produces a large excursion of the system within the water. In this way the system experiences substantial static deflection upon addition of a small additional mass, or the imparting of a small force thereto, and exhibits an extremely low resonant frequency. The device may also be readily adapted for use as a low resonant frequency oscillator.

Abstract: An imaging module mounting apparatus is provided to improve dynamic performance without creating an overconstraint condition causing misalignment of the imaging module. Three solid mounts are used to establish and maintain critical location datums of the imaging module. A single or plurality of variably flexible mounts are used, depending on the size of the module, to maintain alignment while minimizing any overconstraint condition caused by the imaging module being distorted out of plane due to thermal distortion and/or static distortion of the mounting frame due to movement of the machine. The variably flexible mount is filled with a high-viscosity silicon polymer. Due to the high-viscosity of the medium, the mount does not respond to fast or high-frequency vibration and appears to be a rigid mount with regard to such movement.

Abstract: A driving device for a rotational photoreceptor drum for use in an image forming machine, in which a rotational drive from a motor is supplied through a gear train to the axial shaft of the drum. The shaft is connected to the drum only at the side farthest from the gear train. An inertia member is provided within the drum. A rotational member having a rotational resistance is brought in contact with a non-image region of the drum.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped multi-chamber hydraulic bushing is disclosed, which is capable of being loaded perpendicular to its axis. The bushing comprises two supporting sleeves which surround one another and are braced against each other by way of at least one spring element of an elastic material. The spring element at least partially surrounds the inner supporting sleeve, and at least two chambers--which are filled with an incompressible fluid--are arranged diametrically opposite one another. The chambers are fluidly interconnected through at least one connecting port. The chambers are formed by the outer supporting sleeve and a movable chamber wall that is turned toward the inner supporting sleeve. Each chamber wall has a central area that is resistant to expansion and an edge area with a rolling-diaphragm-type design, and is formed in one piece with the spring element.

Abstract: A rubber bearing, in which a liquid-filled working chamber is bounded by an expanding member and by a compensating wall that is capable of moving back and forth in the direction of the working chamber, wherein the compensating wall consists at least partially of a material that is capable of being moved by magnetic forces and extends relatively movably with one partial area into an air gap between mutually opposing electromagnets, which are capable of receiving an electric current. Each electromagnet has at least one coil capable of receiving a d.c. current and at least one coil capable of receiving an a.c. current. In the opposing electromagnets, current traverses either the direct current coils or the alternating coils in opposite directions.

Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic mount including first and second support members and an elastic body interposed between these members for elastic connection thereof. The elastic mount has a pressure-receiving chamber partially defined by the elastic body, first and second equilibrium chambers defined by first and second flexible diaphragms and communicating with the pressure-receiving chamber through first and second orifice passages, respectively. The second orifice passage has a higher ratio of the cross sectional area to the length than the first orifice passage. The present elastic mount further includes an elastic restriction member which is opposed to the second diaphragm and cooperates with the diaphragm to define a vacuum-receiving chamber for allowing elastic deformation of the second diaphragm.

Abstract: A free-floating damper system is provided wherein a damper housing is configured to receive a damper arm for free-floating movement in the x/y plane while restricting similar movement in the z plane. The damper arm is specially configured with first and second wear bushings positioned in a spring biased support to insure the frictional generation of coulomb dampening forces between the damper arm bushings and the damper housing. The damper can be fixedly mounted to a portion of a gas turbine engine such as the turbine frame and a portion of the damper arm can be attached through a mounting bracket to an accessory tube of the engine to dissipate vibrational forces which otherwise can damage the accessory tube.

Abstract: A continuously active pressure accumulator power transfer system for a vehicle or the like comprises an engine, a pump driven by the engine, a main pressure accumulator maintained at a substantially constant fluid pressure and fluid volume by the pump during operation, a fluid motor for propelling the vehicle which is supplied with driving fluid pressure from the main pressure accumulator and a second pressure accumulator at a lower pressure then the main accumulator for supplying fluid to at least one vibration isolation mount.

Abstract: A hydraulically damped sleeve bearing having two supporting structures which are arranged essentially parallel to a common axis and are connected by a spring member made of a rubber-elastic material. The spring member has at least one liquid-filled chamber pair that is connected through a damping opening and whose chambers are configured at right angles to the axis so that they are opposite to each other. The spring member is furnished with recesses, which are molded during production and are open in the direction of an axial front end, and the recesses are sealed by a subsequently installed lid-locking device. The lid-locking device is connected to one of the supporting structures and is movable relative to the other supporting structure.

Abstract: A fluid-filled cylindrical elastic mount including an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve disposed radially outwardly of the inner sleeve, and a generally annular elastic body disposed between the inner and outer sleeves for flexible connection therebetween. The elastic body partially defines two fluid chambers filled with a non-compressible fluid. The fluid chambers are formed in diametrically opposite circumferential portions of the elastic body between the inner and outer sleeves. The elastic body has at least one orifice passage formed therethrough for fluid communication between the two fluid chambers, and extending through the elastic body, adjacent one of the inner and outer sleeves. The elastic body further has at least one void each formed between the corresponding orifice passage and the other of the inner and outer sleeves.

Abstract: The invention proposes a hydroelastic support (10) intended to be interposed between two assemblies to be suspended one with regards to the other, of the type comprising two armatures (12, 14) joined together by a block of elastomer material (16), a working chamber (26) and an expansion chamber (33), connected together by a communication passage (34), and of the type in which the working chamber (26) is delimited in part by a movable diaphragm (30) whose external face (42) comprises a push-rod (44) with which there cooperates a device of the connecting-rod (50) and crank (62, 66) type for driving the movable diaphragm, in which the small end (54) of the connecting-rod (50) is connected to the push-rod (44) and in which the shaft (66) for driving the crank (62) in rotation is mounted so as to turn in a bearing (70) fixed to one (12) of the two armatures.

Abstract: A vibration insulating mount is provided having a flanged body. A rubber body covers flanges provided at both ends of the flanged body, thereby defining a lower support and an upper support. A stopping section of an upper case is provided which has a clearance hole. The hole is the same plan shape as the upper support and is slightly larger than the supper support. The mount is constructed so that when the upper case is fixed to the rubber body, postures of the clearance hole and the upper support are conformed. The mount is further constructed so that the upper support may passed through the clearance hole and the upper case 37 can be rotated and fixed to the rubber body 31. Thus, the upper case is prevented from interfering with the upper support, so that the stopping section is disposed between the supports and opposed thereto so as to touch any one of the supports, upon elastic deformation of the rubber body. A method of assembling an insulating mount is also provided.

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.

Abstract: A power unit mounting device for a motor vehicle includes a first plate, a second plate secured to the vehicle body and a bracket member having a flat plate portion which is disposed between the first and second plates. A first active damping actuator is intimately disposed between the first plate and the flat plate portion and a second active damping actuator is intimately disposed between the flat plate portion and the second plate. Each of the first and second active damping actuators selectively expands and contracts in accordance with an electric power applied thereto. Connecting bolts are used for connecting the first and second plates to tighten the first and second active damping actuators therebetween. A controller is employed for controlling the electric power in such a manner that the expanding and contracting vibrations of the first and second active damping actuators are equal in amplitude but different in phase by 180 degrees.