Abstract: A load balancing arm for a medical device support system includes a proximal hub, a support arm, first and second springs, and a link. The link has a proximal end pivotably mounted to a link bearing element for pivotable movement about a link pivot axis, and a distal end pivotably mounted to a distal end of the first spring and a proximal end of the second spring. The link and first and second springs are configured such that the biasing forces exerted by the first and second springs are transmitted through the link to the link bearing element thereby to generate a moment about a main pivot axis of a proximal hub that counters a moment generated by a medical device load at a distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket fixable to a desk edge, the bracket including: a fixing portion, a holding portion and a connecting assembly, wherein the connecting assembly has one end connected to the fixing portion and the other end connected to the holding portion; the connecting assembly includes a connecting body, having a first end and a second end, a first connecting member arranged at the first end, and a second connecting member arranged at the second end; the first connecting member has a first body portion perpendicular to the connecting body, and a first locking portion fixed to the fixing portion; the first body portion is provided with a first arc-shaped slot; the second connecting member has a second body portion perpendicular to the connecting body, and a second locking portion fixed to the holding portion; the second body part is provided with a second arc-shaped slot; and the connecting assembly further includes a first screw slidable in the first arc-shaped slot, and a second scre

Abstract: A traffic control assembly, which includes a reinforced mounting base selectively mountable adjacent a roadway, a primary flexible tubular member, a reinforcing member, a retaining member, and a retaining pin. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the primary flexible tubular member is coupled to the reinforcing member, where the reinforcing member is configured to provide elastic support to the primary flexible tubular member against an impact by a moving vehicle. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the primary flexible tubular member is coupled to a structural insert on the opposite end from the base, the structural insert is further coupled to a secondary flexible tubular member to increase the resiliency of the traffic control assembly against an impact by a moving vehicle.

Abstract: A stand-on lawnmower includes a vehicle body frame, a steering mechanism operable for maneuvering the lawnmower, and a platform assembly for an operator operating the steering mechanism. The platform assembly includes a stationary base mounted to the vehicle body frame, a platform supported to the stationary base and a swing mechanism provided between the stationary base and the platform. In the platform, a footrest face for the operator is formed. The swing mechanism includes a rolling mechanism for causing rolling of the footrest face and a pitching mechanism for causing pitching of the footrest face.

Abstract: A chair support device primarily for office use includes a lower support having rollers or feet for standing on the floor spaced apart from each other in predetermined distances, an upper support, and a receiving tube, as a support member, that has a central axis, connected to a central portion of the upper support, extends therefrom towards the lower support and is coupled to a central portion of the lower support by a ball joint that enables tilting of the receiving tube within an angular range relative to vertical and weight load to be taken predominately by the lower support. The support member is preferably in or close to the weight line of a chair held by the device.

Abstract: A swing chair includes a base, a seat, and a driving frame. The seat is disposed above the base. The driving frame is disposed between the base and the seat. The driving frame includes a first fixing base, a first shaft, a second fixing base, a second shaft, a first driving assembly, and a second driving assembly. The first fixing base is fixed to the base. The first shaft is rotatably connected to the first fixing base. The second fixing base is fixed to the seat. The second shaft is connected to the first shaft and the second fixing base is rotatably connected to the second shaft. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the first shaft to rotate with respect to the first fixing base. The second driving assembly is configured to drive the second fixing base to rotate with respect to the second shaft.

Abstract: A two degree-of-freedom actuator includes a first linkage, a second linkage, a third linkage, a magnet, a winding panel, and a plurality of windings. The second linkage is rotationally coupled to the first linkage, whereby the first linkage is rotatable, relative to the second linkage, about a first rotational axis. The third linkage is rotationally coupled to the second linkage, whereby the first and second linkages are rotatable, relative to the third linkage, about a second rotational axis that is perpendicular to the first rotational axis. The magnet is fixedly mounted on the first linkage. The winding panel is fixedly mounted to the third linkage and has an inner surface and an opposing outer surface. The inner surface faces the magnet and is spaced apart therefrom. The windings are wound around the winding panel.

Abstract: Anti-seismic isolator for isolating of a structure provided with support feet with respect to a ground subject to vibrations induced for example by an earthquake, said isolator comprising an oscillating element that can be associated with at least one of the supporting feet of said structure and a supporting framework provided with a supporting base adapted to support the isolator with respect to the ground, in which said oscillating element and said supporting framework are associated with each other by means of connecting elements sliding in pairs of substantially parallel arched guides, arranged in at least one out of said oscillating element and said supporting framework, whereby said oscillating element and said supporting framework are mutually oscillating and the mutual oscillation of the oscillating element and of the supporting framework causes the simultaneous mutual sliding thereof along two directions perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Spring-soft intermediate mounting piece for use in a swivel chair, which comprises a chair column comprising a gas lift (1) and a standardized cone, as well as a seat mechanism comprising a conical sleeve, wherein the intermediate mounting piece comprises an elastic element so as to enable a spring-soft interconnection between the chair column and the seat mechanism. The intermediate mounting piece comprises a cartridge (3) for being able to receive the standardized cone of the chair column (9), wherein the cartridge (3) is at least partially encased by an elastic rubber element (7). In addition, the intermediate mounting piece, which comprises in an upper portion thereof a housing comprising a cone (4) for plugging the cartridge (3) of the seat mechanism and which encloses in a lower portion thereof the cartridge (3) together with the elastic rubber element (7) at least partially in the radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention's vibration/shock amelioration device, as typically embodied, has a geometric device axis and includes two axial endplates, an intermediate support structure, and at least six truncated-conical resilient (e.g., elastomeric) elements. The intermediate support structure is equidistant between the endplates and lies in a geometric bisector plane that is perpendicular to the device axis. Each resilient element has a geometric conical axis, a larger-diameter axial end, and a smaller-diameter axial end. The resilient elements are fixed between the support structure and an endplate and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the device axis whereby the conical axes intersect the device axis at oblique angles and the smaller-diameter axial ends are closer to the bisector plane than are the larger-diameter axial ends. The intermediate support structure can include a single rigid piece, or a composite unit having a pair of rigid members and a resilient (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional shock-absorbing device, which comprises a base, a carrying base, and a carrying platform. The carrying base is disposed between the base and the carrying platform. A first elastic member is disposed between carrying base and the base for providing vertical shock-absorbing effect. A first limiting groove and a sliding member are disposed between the carrying platform and the carrying base for providing horizontal shock-absorbing effect. In addition, second elastic members connected to the base are disposed on the periphery of the carrying platform for providing horizontal and vertical shock-absorbing effects concurrently and thus achieving three-dimensional shock-absorbing effects. Moreover, the present invention has more support and less tipping. Besides, it is more durable.

Abstract: A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint.

Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport.

Abstract: An elastomeric bushing includes an inner component, first, second and third elastomeric or plastic members and an outer component. The first elastomeric or plastic member is disposed over the inner component. The second elastomeric or plastic member is disposed over the first elastomeric or plastic member. The third elastomeric or plastic member is disposed over the second elastomeric or plastic member. The outer component is disposed over the third elastomeric or plastic member.

Abstract: Improved isolation bearings, platforms, and tracks are disclosed for protecting a payload, such as delicate equipment, from damage due to vibrations, such as seismic vibrations. The isolation platforms and bearings combine a plurality of shapes on their load bearing surfaces to increase stability of the payload even when subjected to vibrations of high velocity or intensity.

Abstract: An axial damper for elements having a cylindrical, rectangular or squared section, includes two identical fixing clamps, each fixing clamp including an upper part and a lower part connected to each other by a clamping device to be wound around the elements. At least two rafter-tie-rods are each connected at two ends thereof to the clamps. The rafter-tie-rods are placed equidistant from each other in the case of more than two rafter-tie-rods. The damper also includes two damping systems, each including two or more blocks of elastomeric material, with a pre-compressed elastic element interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A bearing housing and a washing machine including the same are disclosed. The bearing includes a bearing support supporting a bearing, a rib formed integrally with the bearing support and including a penetration part, and a flange part extending radially from the rib. The washing machine can maintain concentricity of the stator and permit simplification of an assembly process.

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: Pressure spring pieces elastically bias a free-form curved mirror such that the free-form curved mirror is pressed against positioning sections and positioned thereby. Displacement restricting sections are disposed opposite to the pressure spring pieces with respect to the free-form curved mirror in biasing directions of the pressure spring pieces with gaps. The gaps are set such that deformation of the pressure spring pieces remain within an elastic range when the free-form curved mirror moves against biasing forces of the pressure spring pieces to come into contact with the displacement restricting sections.

Abstract: A joint (52) for connecting arm portions (40, 42) of a ceiling or wall mounted support system includes housing members (60,62) with an annular bearing (64) interposed between opposed surfaces (82,84) thereof. The housing members are clamped together on an axle (98) such that a braking force generated between the bearing and the housing member surfaces opposes rotation of one arm portion relative to the other. A variable braking force is generated between the bearing and surfaces (206) of the housing members which are generally perpendicular to the opposed surfaces (82,84). The variable braking force is generated by a spring (182) and is greatest when the arm supporting a piece of equipment (24, 26, 28, 56) is at its lowest point, relative to the horizontal. This overcomes the increased forces in the spring which otherwise tend to cause the arm portion (42) to drift upward.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting free-space optical communications system (FSO) equipment to a window. The apparatus includes a substantially rectangular frame member in which a central opening is defined. In one embodiment, the frame member comprises an extrusion that may be cut to a desired length to fit various window widths. The frame member is coupled to a window frame or the window via a plurality of universal mounting brackets. A support that is operatively coupled to the frame member provides a mounting interface to couple to an FSO terminal that is disposed within the central opening. In one embodiment, the support comprises a gimbaled support that enables the FSO terminal to be rotated about a pair of orthogonal spin axes. A valance is provided to prevent undesired access to the gimbaled support and FSO terminal and make the apparatus appear less obtrusive.

Abstract: A gimbal is rotatably supported about a Z axis by one pair of support columns fixed to a mounting surface. A motor and angle detector are provided on the gimbal to control a rotation of an image pickup section about a Y axis. By a coil unit formed on the mounting surface, a magnet mounted on the gimbal is driven to rotate the gimbal about a Z axis. The rotation angle of the gimbal is detected by a relative positional relation between a sensor head fixed to the gimbal and rod bent in an arc-like configuration to follow a rotation focus of the gimbal.

Abstract: The support ring of the includes an outer mounting bracket that is connected to a fixed bracket by a swivel. The outer mounting bracket pivotly supports a bolt-together collar that rotatably receives an inner collar. The inner collar is designed to tightly clamp onto the tool to be supported. The inner collar and the tool thus rotate inside the outer collar while the outer collar allows the tool to pivot with respect to the bracket. The support ring thus allows the tool to be weightlessly supported in essentially any useful position as if the tool were not supported at all.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for mounting equipment (12) to a foundation (14) and for isolating the equipment from shock loads and acoustic vibrations comprises an outer retaining member (16) secured to the equipment, an intermediate retaining member (18) secured to the foundation and an inner retaining member (20) secured to the equipment. A first resilient member (22) is secured in position for sliding contact with an inner surface (86) of the outer retaining member during static loading, axial loading causing movement of the foundation and/or equipment toward the other or transverse loading, whereby the first resilient member is loaded predominately in compression. A second resilient member (24) is secured in position for sliding contact with an inner surface (96) of the intermediate retaining member during axial loading causing movement of the foundation and/or equipment away from each other or transverse loading, whereby the second resilient member is loaded predominately in compression.

Abstract: An equipment mount for isolating equipment from shock loads and acoustic vibrations has a ring-shaped base mounted to a foundation. A generally cylindrical retainer has an X-shaped cross section and a pair of contact surfaces forming the X-shaped cross section and disposed at an angle relative to the axis of the retainer. The retainer is movable relative to the base. A generally cylindrical resilient member is disposed between the base and the retainer. The resilient member includes a kick segment at either end thereof projecting outwardly at an angle relative to the axis of the resilient member and having an end contacting one of the retainer contact surfaces when free standing. The resilient member is deformable under load so that a greater portion of at least one of the kick segments contacts at least one of the retainer contact surfaces to isolate the equipment from the load.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for large structures operable both passively and actively is disclosed which comprises a passive type damping mechanism to be mounted on the structure and including an added mass, spring, dampener, etc., hydraulic cylinders mounted on the structure and connected to the added mass, an electro-hydraulic servo mechanism to switch the hydraulic cylinders between passive and active type operation, and a control unit for switching the electro-hydraulic servo mechanism between passive and active type operation in response to the velocity and displacement of the added mass as well as the velocity of the structure.

Abstract: A method of controlling level lateral positions of a vibration control base suspended by air springs to be returned to its standard level and lateral positions and to keep their positions by utilizing analog integration or a feedback compensation in combination thereto so as to control an air pressure or air pressures of air springs for driving the vibration control base and also controlling vertical and horizontal vibrations of the vibration control base and an apparatus for carrying out the said method.

Abstract: A vibration mount by which a subject body (10) is mounted on a support (12) by means of an intermediate body (16), and constrictive actuators (22, 24) each of whose dimensions can be changed in a controllable manner by signals supplied from a computer receiving information from sensors on the intermediate body, applies controlled compensating forces to the intermediate body to reduce its vibrations.

Abstract: A rocking chair having a fixed base, and a seat frame mounted on the base for rocking movement by means of a plurality of rocker cams mounted one behind the other. The rocker cams are pivotally mounted to one of the base or seat frame and having arcuate surfaces engaged against the other of the base or seat frame. This achieves a predetermined desired motion of the seat relative to the base. In one embodiment, a pair of such rocking cams are provided in tandem on each side of the chair. In another embodiment, only a single pair of cams are provided in tandem at a central portion of the chair. In another embodiment three cams are provided in a triangular arrangement.

Abstract: A supporting structure for a floor-mounted type speed change lever of a motor vehicle is disclosed, which comprises two identically constructed supporting units which are mounted to the vehicle floor and oriented abreast facing toward the front of the vehicle, the two supporting units being arranged to put therebetween an enlarged spherical portion formed on the lever so that the lever is pivotal at the spherical portion relative to the supporting units. The supporting structure is characterized in that each of the units comprises at least two parallel elastic blocks which are spaced from each other in a direction in which the lever extends.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the transmission of vibrations from one object to another including a first and second frame having a rod attached to one of the frames and the other being slideably mounted to the rod. An air bag or other force transmitting mechanism is attached to one end thereof to one of the frames and abuts the other of the frames. A source of fluid is provided for pushing the first and second frames apart when such fluid is allowed to flow into the force transmitting apparatus. A biasing structure is provided for causing the frames to move closer together when fluid is allowed to escape from the force transmitting apparatus and a valve structure is connected between the fluid supply and force transmitting apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of the fluid between the air bag, a source of pressurized fluid and atmosphere.

Abstract: A pivotal adjustment mechanism is disclosed for connection to two mutually movable members. More particularly, an adjustment mechanism is disclosed providing torsionally restricted motion in all axes. The composite structure includes a plurality of tubes and torsion bar components interconnected to transmit forces between the movable members. The torsional forces are transmitted through a circuitous path for maximizing restraint in a device of compact size.

Abstract: A vise with conventional fixed and moveable jaws, a cylindrical support secured to the lower side of the fixed jaw, a mounting for attaching the vise to a bench or the like, a tube accommodating the cylindrical support for sliding and rotational movement, and a clamping arrangement on the mounting for clamping the tube and cylindrical support in place, is also provided with a gas spring within the tube. One end of the gas spring abuts the cylindrical support at its axial center while the other end abuts the sidewall of the tube exerting an upwardly directed force at an inclined angle which counteracts and offsets the tilting moment caused by the cantilevered jaws. The tube is formed with a portion of decreased diameter engaging the cylindrical support in the clamping zone, minimizing contact and friction, and preventing sticking or canting.

Abstract: A pneumatic piston assembly wherein a first apertured piston having a piston well is secured by a diaphragm to a pneumatic chamber. A load-supporting element is received in and pivotally engages the floor of the piston well. The load to be isolated directly engages the load-supporting element. Vibrational forces acting on the chamber are primarily absorbed by the piston in a gimbal-like fashion, thereby effectively isolating the supported load from such forces.

Abstract: A vibration-isolating apparatus having orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes is provided for mounting a payload to a base. The payload contains a torque producing device. Torque generated about the X-axis in the payload is communicated to the base through a stiff linkage in the rotational degree of freedom about the X-axis. The apparatus includes first and second support frames, the payload mounted on the first support frame and the second support frame mounted to the base. Gimbal means permit rotation of the payload about the Y and Z axes. Linear dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated linearly along the X, Y and Z axes and rotation dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated rotationally about the Y and Z axes.

Abstract: A suspension system for a washing machine including a tub assembly having an outer stationary tub and an inner clothes receiving tub mounted for rotation on a central shaft extending downwardly through the lower wall of the stationary tub, comprises a first support cup defined in the base of the washing machine, support legs spaced about the periphery of and attached at first ends to the outer tub and at opposite ends to a second support cup shaped complementarily to the first cup. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the support cups is a truncated hemisphere. The second support cup is received in the first cup to support the tub assembly on the base. A plurality of spring members are provided about the periphery of the outer tub, extending between the last mentioned tub and base to aid in stabilizing the tub assembly.

Abstract: A platform carried by a rocket projectile for supporting an antenna or ot type of terminal homing sensors which are required to survive a high-g launch phase. The platform uses compliant suspension with modified hemispherical support gimbals for bearing protection during a 10,000-12,000 g projectile launch environment. Post-launch lower-g environments permit the compliant suspension to function as a two-degree-of-freedom stabilized platform that can be used for guided projectiles such as the anti-radiation projectile missile.