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.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to secure a keyboard, the methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture including a multi-axis positionable tray apparatus for securing a keyboard, the multi-axis positionable tray apparatus comprising: a tray portion, wherein the tray portion is configured to move along at least a first axis and a second axis, a first positioner to provide positional adjustment along the first axis, wherein the first positioner removably attaches the multi-axis positionable tray apparatus with respect to a mounting surface, and a second positioner to provide positional adjustment along the second axis, wherein the second positioner allows the multi-axis positionable tray to move towards a user.

Abstract: A parallelogram suspension in a bicycle, the parallelogram suspension comprising a first swing arm rotatably coupled to a seat post at a first end of the first swing arm; a second swing arm rotatably coupled to the seat post at a first end of the second swing arm; a linkage rotatably coupled between a second end of the first swing arm and a second end of the second swing arm; a deformable support disposed in a volume defined between the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the linkage; and a release configured to selectively open the volume to release the deformable support.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a base including a base hook and a seat platform provided with a seat. A first link couples a first rotational axis of the base and a third rotational axis of the seat platform and is configured to be rotatable about the first rotational axis and the third rotational axis. A second link couples a second rotational axis of the base and a fourth rotational axis of the seat platform and is configured to be rotatable about the second rotational axis and the fourth rotational axis. A link hook is provided on the second link. An elastic member is latched to the base hook and the link hook and is configured to pull the link hook toward the base hook. A first angle between a contracting direction of the elastic member and a rotation direction of the link hook increases as the elastic member expands.

Abstract: A seating arrangement to be used on a floor includes a support assembly and a seat assembly with a top surface. The support assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a compressible elastic member between the top and bottom plates, and a fastener assembly connecting the top and bottom plates. A diameter of the compressible elastic member is greater than or equal to 40% of a diameter or a length of a diagonal of the top surface of the seat assembly. In response to offset weight placed on the seat assembly, the compressible elastic member selectively compresses causing the seat assembly to axially tilt in substantially any direction such that a plane of the seat assembly tilts downward from a neutral position substantially parallel to the floor, and decompress to the neutral position, in response to the offset weight removed from the seat assembly.

Abstract: A chair includes a support spine. A seat assembly is coupled to the support spine, and the seat assembly includes a flexible frame being movable relative to the support spine. The flexible frame comprises a first frame element, a second frame element coupled to the first frame element at a first corner, and a third frame element coupled to the second frame element at a second corner. The first corner and the second corner are substantially independently movable relative to the support spine. A conformable panel is coupled to the flexible frame and configured to engage an occupant of the chair. A resistance assembly couples the support spine to the flexible frame. The resistance assembly bears against the flexible frame to facilitate substantially independent movement of the first corner and the second corner relative to the support spine.

Abstract: A motor for driving a fan in a heating and/or cooling system includes a motor body, a motor cover, and an isolator. The isolator damps vibrations passed from the motor body to the motor cover. The isolator includes two isolating elements connected by a bridge. At least one of the two isolating elements includes at least two corners in a cross-sectional view.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a frame fixedly securable to a structure. A suspension assembly is operably connected to the frame. A seat support is adapted to receive a seat, and the seat support is operably connected to the suspension assembly. The suspension assembly includes a first elongate suspension bar slidably disposed on a pivot surface. The first suspension bar has a first end slidingly secured to the seat support and a second opposed end secured to a shock compensating device. The suspension bar is translatable relative to the pivot surface, wherein moving the suspension bar changes the shock compensation of the suspension assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chair (1) which comprises a support (6), a seat element (5), a back element (4), a leg element (3), a spring mechanism and a weight-controlled working adjusting element for the spring mechanism.

Abstract: An autofill system for a container where the liquid fill level is adjustable. A proximity sensor is used in conjunction with an adjustable displacement caused by the weight of the liquid to provide for an autofill system with a user selectable liquid fill level.

Abstract: A securing device for securing a pipe in a housing, which has a cylindrical collar, at least three securing arms, each securing arm containing a proximal arm portion mounted on the cylindrical collar, a distal arm portion bearing a bearing pad, the bearing pad containing a bearing surface facing away from the collar and intended to collaborate with a wall of the housing in which at least one of the securing arms contains a guideway capable of translationally guiding the distal arm portion with respect to the proximal arm portion, an elastic member being coupled to the guideway so as to be able to apply a return force that pushes the distal arm portion away from the proximal arm portion.

Abstract: A pivot shaft (10) which is a first shaft member coupled to a supporting member, an inner cylinder (12) which is a second shaft member coupled to a supported member, and an outer cylinder (14) which is a third shaft member are disposed to be approximately coaxial with each other and disposed radially in multiple layers. The pivot shaft (10) and the inner cylinder (12) are coupled to each other through a first rubber-like elastic member (11), and the inner cylinder (12) and the outer cylinder (14) are coupled to each other through a second rubber-like elastic member (13). The total reaction force is increased by restricting the rotation of the outer cylinder (14) by means of an operating pin (19) which is a reaction force adjusting part and thereby adding a reaction force resulting from the second rubber-like elastic member (13) to a base reaction force resulting from the first rubber-like elastic member (11).

Abstract: A seatback includes a lower frame, an upper frame, and a hinge coupling the lower and upper frames. An actuator is fixed relative to the lower frame, and a cable extends from the actuator to the upper frame. In the event of a collision, the actuator pulls the cable, and the upper frame moves from an upright position to a bent position relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a chair comprises a base, a first support configured to support a chair seat and a second support configured to support a chair back, the second support is pivotably coupled to the base. A coupling mechanism couples the second support to both the base and the first support. The coupling mechanism comprises a pin attached to the first support, a first linear guide slot provided on the base, and a second linear guide slot provided on the second support. The pin is slideably received in both the first linear guide slot and the second linear guide slot. The second linear guide slot slopes upwardly in a forward direction of the tilt mechanism when the tilt mechanism is in a zero-tilt position.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system which comprises a support divided into a plurality of rigid sections on which a displaceable stage is arranged. The sections are arranged on pneumatic bearings, and the pneumatic bearings of the individual sections are controlled independently from each other and based on the position of the displaceable stage.

Abstract: A resilient-support adjusting device of a chair backrest includes a base and a spring-tensioning brace and a backrest-fastening seat pivotally connected to two ends of the base. The backrest is fixed to the backrest-fastening seat. A spring is tensioned between the spring-tensioning brace and the backrest-fastening seat. The base contains upper and lower abutting members that have inclined abutting surfaces abutting against each other. The upper abutting member has an upper end abutting against a swinging end of the spring-tensioning brace. The lower abutting member has an engaging member that can be driven by the operating lever to rotate. The engaging member and the lower abutting member engage with each other. When rotated, the operating lever drives the spring-tensioning brace to swing and draw the spring. The spring thus draws the backrest-fastening seat harder, making the backrest have stronger backward resilient support.

Abstract: A vibration absorption system for a rooftop mounted air handling unit is disclosed herein. The vibration absorption system includes an upper rail. The vibration absorption system also includes a lower rail. The vibration absorption system also includes at least one biasing device disposed between the upper rail and the lower rail. The vibration absorption system also includes a fastener having a head and extending through at least a first portion of the upper rail and at least a first portion of the lower rail to interconnect the upper rail and the lower rail. The vibration absorption system also includes a nut releasably engaged with the fastener. The first portion of the upper rail and the first portion of the lower rail are disposed between the nut and the head. The nut is adjustably positionable along a length of the fastener wherein adjustment of the nut along the length of the fastener varies an extent of compression of the at least one biasing device.

Abstract: An adjustable support member for mounting a device including a support arm having a base pivot block and a right link arm connected at a first end to said base pivot block and a left link arm connected at a first end to said base pivot block and spaced from said right link arm, an upper leveler block wherein the right link arm is connected at a second end to the upper leveler block and the left link arm is connected at a second end to the upper leveler block, a gas spring assembly having first and second ends with the first end of the gas spring assembly being pivotally connected to the base pivot block at a gas spring adjustment assembly and the second end of the gas spring assembly having a rod connected to the right link arm and to the left link arm at a position spaced from both the first and second ends of the right link arm and the left link arm.

Abstract: A mountable attachment for positioning a sensor in an environment, like a combustion chamber of a gas turbine is disclosed. The mountable attachment includes a mounting member having a hollow elongated configuration for incorporating the sensor therewithin. The attachment further includes at least one primary resilient member disposed within the mounting member in a coordinating manner with the sensor for applying an axially outward force on the mounting member to prevent thereto from loosening from a counterpart , and providing a mounting torque for mounting the sensor at a target position within the environment . The attachment may also include additional resilient member, such as a secondary resilient member, which may in combination with the primary resilient members attain a resulting mounting force to prevent the mounting member from loosening from the counterpart.

Abstract: A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.

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

Abstract: A mounting bracket for use with a solar module is disclosed. The mounting bracket includes a foot including a first wall and a second wall oriented substantially orthogonal to the first wall, the first wall including serrations configured to engage serrations on a rail to adjust a height of the rail with respect to the foot. The mounting bracket further includes a backing configured to be coupled to the foot and secure the mounting bracket to the rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting heavy load is developed which consists of parallel spring sets in a M×N matrix, where M is the number of Modules and N is the number of spring sets in each module. Each spring set may be comprised of a single coil or multiple coils in series. Each module is pre-compressed to the design installation load employing hydraulic jacks working in parallel by a single pump.

Abstract: A modular datacenter includes a server rack, a main beam, and an attachment member. The server rack is configured to hold a plurality of servers. The main beam is configured to hold the server rack in a specific location within the modular datacenter. The attachment member is coupled to the main beam and connected to the server rack. The attachment member is configured to apply a force to the server rack to put the server rack under compression or tension, and to change the natural frequency of the server rack based on the compression or the tension and on the location of the attachment member with respect to the server rack.

Abstract: The invention is a device for transmitting or decoupling mechanical vibrations, comprising a first component and a second component, which are connected to each other by means of a coupling element that has a variably adjustable stiffness in at least one direction of action in which at least one component is supported in a vibrating manner With the coupling element by a planar element having a top side and a bottom side and extending in a longitudinal direction with the planar element being dimensionally stable in the longitudinal direction and elastic lateral to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: To expand a body weight adjustment range and achieve thinning. An initial position adjusting member 15 which can adjust initial resilient forces of two torsion bars 31, 41 is provided. Therefore, a body weight adjustment range is expanded as compared with a conventional configuration where a resilient force of only one torsion bar is adjusted.

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.

Abstract: A gravity compensation apparatus is provided, including a force output device, an axis and an arm with the axis as rotational center. The present invention is to output a force via the force output device to the arm when the arm contacts the force output device. When the arm rotates in the first or second quadrants, the contact point between the arm and the force output device will change continuously so that the force rotation speed of the force output device, the effective length of the lever arm and the force-applying angle will also change accordingly. Through appropriate design, the generated torque value can show a non-linearly increasing curve approximately to a sin function between 0-90°.

Abstract: A vibration absorption system for a rooftop mounted air handling unit is disclosed herein. The vibration absorption system includes an upper rail. The vibration absorption system also includes a lower rail. The vibration absorption system also includes at least one biasing device disposed between the upper rail and the lower rail. The vibration absorption system also includes a fastener having a head and extending through at least a first portion of the upper rail and at least a first portion of the lower rail to interconnect the upper rail and the lower rail. The vibration absorption system also includes a nut releasibly engaged with the fastener. The first portion of the upper rail and the first portion of the lower rail are disposed between the nut and the head. The nut is adjustably positionable along a length of the fastener wherein adjustment of the nut along the length of the fastener varies an extent of compression of the at least one biasing device.

Abstract: An adjustable support member for mounting a device including a support arm having a base pivot block assembly and a right link arm connected at a first end to said base pivot block assembly and a left link arm connected at a first end to said base pivot block assembly and spaced from said right lower link arm and an upper leveler block wherein the right link arm is connected at a second end to the upper leveler block and the left link arm connected at a second end to the upper leveler block and a gas spring assembly having first and second ends with a first end of the gas spring assembly having a piston being connected to the base pivot block assembly and the second end of the gas spring assembly having a rod connected to the right link arm and to the left link arm at a position spaced from both the first and second ends of the right link arm and the left link arm and the base pivot block assembly having a gas spring tension adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A vibration damping system includes a laminated body (3) formed by alternately laminating rigid hard plates (4) and viscoelastic soft plates (5), and pair of shoe plates (1, 2) at both ends in the laminating direction of the laminated body (3), to form a vibration damping body (6). The show plates (1, 2) are connected to each other by a displacement restriction member (7), so as to applying a pre-compression to the laminated body. The vibration damping body (6) is divided into a plurality of segments (3A, 3B, 3C) in the laminating direction, for allowing the vibration-proof main body (6) to be separated and displaced at the parting faces (8), without causing an excessive tensile force in the vibration damping system, even if the displacement restriction member (7) has worn to degrade the pre-compression function and a tensile force is applied due to a prying deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust system component (1) for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, with a housing (2) having at least one housing wall (4), which separates an interior space (5) of the housing (2) exposed to an internal pressure (Pi) during the operation of the exhaust system from a surroundings (6) surrounding the housing (2) and having an ambient pressure (Pu). In order to improve the durability of the component (1) even with small wall thicknesses, at least one stiffening element (3) can be provided, which is fastened to and arranged on the housing (2) such that it counteracts an internal pressure (Pi) that is above the ambient pressure (Pu) induced by the deformation of the housing wall (4).

Abstract: A reinforcement element for absorbing forces in concrete elements that are supported by support elements includes a longitudinally stable, flexible longitudinal element. This element is placed in recesses in the concrete element which are disposed in such a way that in the region of the support element the reinforcement element runs in the area of the concrete element remote from the support element. The end regions of the reinforcement element each run at an acute angle toward the surface of the concrete element turned toward the support element, and exit from the concrete element. Both end regions of the longitudinally stable, flexible longitudinal element are diverted around the respective exit edge of the recesses, are led into a tensioning device, are held therein, and can be tensioned with respect to one another. The reinforcement element thereby forms a closed loop; the arising forces can be absorbed in an optimal way.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the prestress of an elastic means around a predetermined tension or position can especially be used to adjust the height of and the relief force acting on a weight. A mechanic adjustment unit is connected in parallel to the elastic means to preadjust the value of the predetermined tension comprising a movable portion engaging the connection portion between elastic means and adjustment unit and a force exerting element being attached at said movable portion. The mechanic adjustment unit is in an unstable equilibrium position at said predetermined tension or position, the movement of the movable portion being such that the force exerting element adds an adjustment or compensation force upon deviation of the predetermined tension or position of the elastic means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for a motor spindle (1) arranged in a housing (2), particularly of a machine tool, having an inner ring (6) fixedly joined to the motor spindle (1) and an outer ring joined to the housing (2). The inner ring (6) is arranged in the outer ring (7) in a way permitting axial motion and a tilting motion, and is placed under elastically resilient preload against the outer ring (7) by means of preloading members (8).

Abstract: A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.

Abstract: A spring reaction force converting apparatus has first and second members arranged to be in parallel with and opposed to each other and to be capable of being moved toward and apart from each other, a spring element arranged to be extended between the first and second members in parallel thereto, a link mechanism holding the spring element between the first and second members such that the spring element is capable of being expanded and contracted, the link mechanism being connected to the first and second members; a stopper member maintaining the spring element held by the link mechanism in a condition in which the spring element is compressed by a predetermined amount in an initial condition, and an arrangement thereof in which a reaction force of the spring element is converted to a different type of force transmitted to the first and second members through the link mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spring system for use in vehicles for adjustment of the suspension characteristics, comprising at least one spring element to provide a spring force, an upper and a lower arrangement area to receive forces, a scissors-type frame arranged between the upper and the lower arrangement area for coupling the spring element with at least one force acting on one of the arrangement areas. According to the invention the spring element is coupled with a deflection means to influence the spring force and between the deflection means and a segment of the scissors-type frame an active connection can be created to transmit forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cantilever releasable lock mechanism for selectively adjusting the height of a support platform with respect to a reference level and to adjust the angular attitude of the support platform. The mechanism consists of a housing, a carriage member having a first end and a second end where the first end is pivotally attached to the housing, a spreader member that may be axially displaced with respect to the carriage member bi-axially depending upon the direction of rotation of a support platform that is pivotally attached to the carriage member at its second end. Displacement of the spreader member in one direction urges a clutch member to apply bearing stress that locks the carriage member rotationally to the housing and in the other direction relieves the bearing stress and unlocks the mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. A bottom frame is provided for mounting to the vehicle and a middle frame or linking system movably mounts the top frame to the bottom frame. The middle frame includes two pair of scissor arms with rollers at the ends of the scissor arms. The top frame has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. The bottom frame also has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. Included among the roller tracks of the top and bottom frames is a single pair of curvilinear tracks, a pair of pivotal connecting tracks and two pair of linear tracks. A regulator system is also disclosed to regulate the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat. The suspension system includes a first frame member, a second frame member connectable to the seat and movably coupled to the first frame member, a suspension member coupled to both the first frame member and the second frame member and suspending the second frame member above the first frame member, an adjustment mechanism coupled to the suspension member and manually manipulatable by an operator to adjust the stiffness of the suspension, a handle movable along a portion of the adjustment mechanism and facilitating manual manipulation of the adjustment mechanism, and an engaging member resiliently resisting movement of the handle under its own weight along the portion of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed phase modulation of optical beam with reduced optical loss. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first region of an optical waveguide disposed in semiconductor material. The first region has a first conductivity type. The apparatus also includes a second region of the optical waveguide disposed in the semiconductor material. The second region has a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type. A first contact is included in the apparatus and is coupled to the optical waveguide at a first location in the first region outside an optical path of an optical beam to be directed through the optical waveguide. The apparatus also includes a first higher doped region included in the first region and coupled to the first contact at the first location to improve an electrical coupling between the first contact and the optical waveguide. The first higher doped region has a higher doping concentration than a doping concentration within the optical path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isokinetic gantry arrangement for the isocentric guidance of a particle beam (12), that can be rotated about a horizontal longitudinal axis (16) and has a beam optical system, symbolized by magnets (36, 38, 40), that deflects the particle beam (12) axially infected by a particle beam accelerator, radially and vertically relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis (16), with a largely rotationally-symmetrical primary structure (18) and a secondary structure (30) that holds the magnets (36, 38, 40) and is supported by the primary structure (18), with the secondary structure (30) having a rigidity that is designed so that the vertical displacements of the magnets (36, 38, 40) due to their weight are essentially of equal magnitude (isokinetic) in all the angle of rotation positions of the gantry arrangement (10), and a method for its design.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. A bottom frame is provided for mounting to the vehicle and a middle frame or linking system movably mounts the top frame to the bottom frame. The middle frame includes two pair of scissor arms with rollers at the ends of the scissor arms. The top frame has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. The bottom frame also has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. Included among the roller tracks of the top and bottom frames is a single pair of curvilinear tracks, a pair of pivotal connecting tracks and two pair of linear tracks. A regulator system is also disclosed to regulate the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.

Abstract: A horizontal-motion vibration isolation system for supporting an object in an equilibrium position relative to a base while suppressing the transmission of horizontal vibratory motion between the object and the base includes a plurality of columns, each column having a rigid member with a first end and a second end. A tilt mechanism is operatively connected to each first end of the rigid members and the object. Likewise, a tilt mechanism is operatively connected to each second end of the rigid members and the base. Each tilt mechanism exhibits a tilt rotational stiffness and the horizontal translation of the object relative to the base causes tilt rotation of the columns. The tilt rotational stiffness of the tilt mechanisms is approximately proportional to the compression load transmitted to the columns by the weight of the object, so that the horizontal natural frequency of the system is nearly insensitive to the payload weight.

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.

Abstract: A motor mounting structure having a motor and a mounting portion to which the motor is mounted. When an external force resulting from a load acting in a direction orthogonal to a motor shaft is applied to the shaft, a hardness or configuration of an elastic member disposed between the motor and the mounting portion to which the motor is mounted changes. Alternatively, a configuration of the mounting portion may be changed and the motor mounted such that the motor shaft is parallel to a set target mounting direction. Accordingly, an unbalanced load is not partially applied to a driving force transmission mechanism at the time the motor is rotated, and an excessive load is not placed on the motor.

Abstract: A wheelchair seat suspension comprises at least one substantially horizontally, disposed elongate spring. The spring is adapted to be supported by the wheelchair frame. At least a portion of the spring is adapted to support at least a portion of the seat.

Abstract: A chair height adjustment mechanism includes an energy storage unit which has a compressible fluid. This compressible fluid allows the compressible fluid displaced by the piston rod entering the cylinder, to store energy for subsequent use as the chair seat is raised. This fluid may be of the type that has a dual phase at room temperature such that increase in pressure on the compressible fluid causes a portion of that compressible fluid to transition from gaseous phase to liquid phase. This makes the energy storage unit a constant force spring. The features of this constant force spring may be used in a conventional piston cylinder, shock absorbing device, as well.

Abstract: A radiation treatment apparatus (10) including a stand (12), a gantry (14) movably supported on the stand (12), the gantry (14) having a vertical section (16) and a generally linear cantilevered strut section (18), the cantilevered strut section (18) having a supported end adjacent the vertical section (16) and a projecting end opposite the supported end, a substantially linear particle accelerator (30) disposed within and longitudinally supported in generally parallel relationship with the cantilevered strut section (18), the accelerator (30) having a predetermined injection point (32) where particles are launched in the accelerator and a predetermined exit point (34) where the particles are discharged from the accelerator, a treatment head (22) coupled to the remote end of the cantilevered strut section proximate the exit point (34), the treatment head (22) for emitting a radiation beam (27), and a tuneable stiffening apparatus (40) attached to the accelerator (30) for substantially maintaining alignment be