Torsion Bar Or Bushing Patents (Class 248/608)
  • Patent number: 11617442
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cylindrical rocker mechanism including a top assembly having a first cavity, a middle assembly including at least one middle lug aligned with the first cavity to facilitate insertion of a first pin therethrough thereby coupling the top assembly with the middle assembly, a second cavity aligned perpendicularly to the at least one middle lug, a bottom assembly having a horizontal plate, and at least one bottom lug aligned with the second cavity to facilitate insertion of a second pin therethrough thereby coupling the top assembly with the middle assembly, wherein the top, and middle assemblies move and roll in perpendicular directions thereby facilitating a friction dependent, substantially slip-less, omnidirectional, rolling and a tilting motion of the top assembly in response to a force applied by a subject to top assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Arie Ramon
  • Patent number: 11447048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for automatic tilt compensation within a vehicle, comprising a first assembly and a second assembly which is pivotally connected to the first assembly by means of a first axis, wherein the system further comprises a pendulum arrangement which is pivotally connected to the second assembly by means of a second axis arranged above the first axis and at an upper end of the pendulum arrangement, wherein a deflection of the pendulum arrangement relative to the second assembly can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Konstantin Lorey
  • Patent number: 10631641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a swivel chair tray, and more particularly relates to a spiral adjusting swivel chair tray for changing the angle of a torsion spring. The present invention mainly solves the technical problems existing in the prior art, for example, the swivel chair tray cannot adjust the angle of the torsion spring, so the adjustment degree of the seat cannot be changed and the operation is relatively inconvenient. The present invention includes a base plate, wherein the base plate is connected to a middle seat through a shaft. The middle seat is fixedly provided with a tapered tube through a tapered tube pad. A torsion spring is sleeved over the shaft, and the torsion spring is connected to an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the angle of the torsion spring through a torsion spring fixing block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hangzhou Zhongtai Industrial Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yongxing Ni
  • Publication number: 20150136939
    Abstract: A support system (1) for substantially isolating an object (100) from abrupt movement of a foundation. The support system (1) has a frame (3) operatively attached to the foundation and a cradle (11) for supporting the object (100). The support system also has a horizontal isolation component (5) and a vertical isolation component (7). The horizontal isolation component (5) is configured to allow movement of the frame (3) relative to the foundation and dampen movement of the object (100) in a horizontal direction during abrupt movement of the foundation. The vertical isolation component is operatively connected between the frame (3) and the cradle (11). The vertical isolation component is configured to allow movement of the cradle (11) relative to the frame (3) in a vertical direction and dampen movement of the object (100) in a vertical direction during abrupt movement of the foundation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Stuart Haselden
  • Patent number: 8973885
    Abstract: A structural rod has a primary rod that has an axial cavity and a secondary rod inside the axial cavity so that the secondary rod is able to move inside the axial cavity along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod. The primary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the first end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the second end. Conversely, the secondary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the second end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the first end. The primary and secondary rods are joined through one or more intermediate linkage elements made of a deformable and elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Mathieu Bonnet, Frederic Journade, Laurent Lafont, Benoit Valery
  • Patent number: 8567227
    Abstract: A guide and retention assembly for spaced apart confronting plates of a die set for guiding the plates for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from the other. The assembly includes a housing with a mounting flange and a sleeve with a through bore, and a rod extending through the bore and slidably received in at least one bushing in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: DADCO, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Cotter
  • Patent number: 8535019
    Abstract: A motor/pump unit, particularly for a power-steering arrangement in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a hydraulic pump unit having a pump module and a motor unit with a drive motor. At least one damping element is provided between the pump unit and a portion of the housing to decouple the noise of the pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Gummersbach, Martin Jordan, Stephan Hoppe
  • Patent number: 8537476
    Abstract: A support system for a vibrating component of an optical assembly that is adjacent to a frame, wherein the component is driven to vibrate along an X-direction of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The support system includes a support member connected to the frame. The support system has contact elements that are adjustable for movement into and out of contact with the vibrating component to constrain motion of the vibrating component in the Y-direction and in the Z-direction, without constraining motion of the vibrating component in the X-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hinds Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Mansfield, Baoliang Wang
  • Patent number: 8474783
    Abstract: A connection structure of a vehicular engine mounting and a front plate of a front wheel cowling is disclosed. The engine mounting includes a damper assembly, an upper mount bracket and a lower mount bracket. One end of the upper mount bracket corresponding to the front plate of the front wheel cowling is provided with a lug, and the lug is of a ā€œZā€ shape and includes a first locating plate, a second locating plate and a transitional plate. The first locating plate and the second locating plate is connected with each other via the transitional plate, and the first locating plate abuts against the front plate of the front wheel cowling and is fixed thereto by bolts. The second locating plate and the transitional plate are protruded into the locating hole in the front plate of the front wheel cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chongqing Lifan EFI Software Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhimin Hu
  • Patent number: 8132640
    Abstract: A frangible mount for a vehicle differential that includes a first horizontal mounting flange, a second mounting flange parallel to and vertically offset from the first mounting flange, and a generally circular differential shaft bushing holder portion with a central axis transverse to the first and second mounting flanges. The mount also includes a first transition integrally formed with, and between, the first mounting flange and the receiver portion, a notch defined between the first mounting flange and the first transition, and a second transition integrally formed with, and between, the second mounting flange and the receiver portion. When an axial force is applied to the bushing holder portion in excess of a threshold value, either the first transition or the first mounting flange fracture and either the second transition or the second mounting flange fracture, thus, allowing the bushing holder portion to be displaced apart from the first mounting flange and second mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Heitkamp, Stephen Rosepiler, Kishore Pydimarry
  • Publication number: 20110278424
    Abstract: A display positioning apparatus is provided for lifting, supporting, and/or positioning a load, such as a display. The apparatus includes a base and a lift arm adapted to couple to a display, the lift arm pivotally coupled to the base providing a range of travel. A balance mechanism is operatively coupled to the lift arm and the base to counterbalance the lift arm and display. In some cases the balance mechanism includes a torquing spring member to counterbalance the lift arm and an attached display along the range of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: ERGOTRON, INC.
    Inventors: John Theis, Saeb Asamarai, Peter Segar, John Cain
  • Patent number: 7559518
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a computer peripheral device includes a housing accommodating a base within the housing, and a supporting post having a first end coupled to the base. The base has a pivoting sleeve and couples to the supporting post at a first position, and the pivoting sleeve engages with the supporting post such that the housing is rotatable to force the pivoting sleeve and the supporting post to rotate. The pivoting sleeve can move along an axial line of the housing, and the housing can be pivoted about the top of the pivoting sleeve together with the supporting post. Therefore, the housing can carry out multi-direction-movement, or so-called sphere-like movement relative to a leg coupled to the second end of the supporting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kye Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Chao-Qin Ye
  • Publication number: 20080238231
    Abstract: The application includes various embodiments of devices and methods for mounting a motor within an image forming apparatus. The motor is mounted on a frame and positioned to engage and drive a component within the image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, the component is an imaging unit. The frame includes an opening to receive the motor. A locating member is attached to the frame and extends into the opening to contact the motor and provide accurate positioning for engagement with the component. The locating ring provides for a press fit with lower forces. Additional fasteners may fixedly connect the motor to the frame and maintain the accurate positioning provided by the locating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carter, Harald Portig, Brian Reed Spencer, Joseph Edwin Domhoff, David W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20080179266
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting musical instruments including at least one center pipe, at least one base to support the center pipe, at least one tubular arm pipe, wherein one end of the arm pipe is coupled to the center pipe, at least one clamp structure that can be coupled to the other end of arm pipe, capable of locking into the arm pipe while grasping at least one rod. The rod can support at least one musical instrument. The rod can be surrounded by a flexible bushing and clamps to hold the rod in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Mori, Kiyoshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7315410
    Abstract: A scanner element includes a frame part formed by a substrate, a movable plate formed inside the frame part and a torsion bar swingably supporting the movable plate on the frame part. One of the movable plate and the torsion bar has an adjusting part formed by a process of forming the movable plate and the torsion bar so that a ratio of an actual value of a moment of inertia I+?I of the movable plate to an actual value of a spring constant K+?K of the torsion bar is substantially equal to a ratio of a design value of the moment of inertia I of the movable plate to a design value of the spring constant K of the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsurou Saitoh
  • Patent number: 6927508
    Abstract: The invention relates to the decoupling device for an actuator, which has a number of decoupling elements. A securing element is disposed between these decoupling elements. The actuator is fastened to the securing element. The decoupling elements rest against radial support shoulders and axial support shoulders of the securing element and a housing. These are embodied so that radial, axial, and tangential oscillations of the actuator are decoupled from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Rupp, Gerd Knoepfel, Otto Brass, Gerhard Zink
  • Patent number: 6910670
    Abstract: A vertical mount rubber bushing including a rubber elastic body elastically connecting inner and outer sleeve, wherein the rubber elastic body having cross sectional shapes viewed in a first direction of prizing force input where rubber legs are affixed to an axially center portion of the inner sleeve and extend towards opposite axial ends of the inner sleeve, towards the outer sleeve and away from the inner sleeve to either axial side of the axially center portion, thereby forming depressed spaces partially defined by the rubber legs and situated on either axial side of the axially center portion, and viewed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, where main body rubber portions thicker than the rubber legs elastically connect the inner and outer sleeves while extending in the second direction with a shape generally increasing in length in an axial direction moving from the outer sleeve toward the inner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kato
  • Patent number: 6827343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torsion device of an exoprosthesis system, with a proximal part (1) which, counter to the action of a resilient torsion element, can be turned in positive and negative directions of rotation (5, 6) in relation to a distal part (2). To increase the functional range, it is proposed that the torsion element (4), in the positive direction of rotation (5), has a torsion characteristic different than that in the negative direction of rotation (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Skiera
  • Publication number: 20030057334
    Abstract: In a bracket mounting structure is disclosed for mounting a bracket holding a center bearing of a propeller shaft to a vehicle body member by bolts and nuts. The structure contains a bush collar formed in a cylindrical shape having a flange in an upper end, fitted to the bolts and fixed to the vehicle body member by the bolts and the nuts. It also contains a pair of upper and lower rubber bushes fitted to an outer periphery of the bush collar and gripping the bracket there-between, and a washer provided in a lower end of the lower rubber bush among the rubber bushes. An outer peripheral edge of a lower end of the bush collar extends all through an inner peripheral edge of the washer and is expanded outward in diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Teiji Suka, Masaru Naoi, Kazuhiro Iwano
  • Patent number: 6524692
    Abstract: An energy absorbing structural laminate comprising: (a) a first layer of composite material comprising x1 plies; wherein at least 0.5x1 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; (b) a second layer of composite material comprising x2 plies; wherein at least 0.5x2 plies contain fibers arranged in a shape of a continuous curve; wherein said continuous curve is the same or different in different plies; and (c) a viscoelastic layer disposed between the first and second layers such that shear strains are substantially distributed throughout the viscoelastic layer when a load is applied to the structural laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Structured Composites, LP
    Inventor: B. Walter Rosen
  • Publication number: 20020063196
    Abstract: In a vibration isolator wherein an inner and an outer cylindrical fittings are connected by a rubber elastomer between both fittings; in the rubber elastomer above and below the inner cylindrical fitting, hollow spaces are formed circumferentially in a larger width, in a cross-section square to the axial direction, than an outside diameter of the inner cylindrical fitting; and lateral portions as support arms of the rubber elastomer between the hollow spaces support the inner cylindrical fitting to the outer cylindrical fitting, in order to lower the dynamic spring rate in the lateral direction square to the axial direction and facilitate the tuning of rigidity, without changing the vibration-isolating characteristics in the vertical direction and without deteriorating the durability, small vacancies are provided in the lateral portions at a distant position inboard from the outer cylindrical fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshio Ihara, Hironori Kato
  • Patent number: 6343773
    Abstract: A support structure includes first and second support members which are interlocked with a body. The second support member is placed in a die such that a hole of the second support member is located at a predetermined position and the body is placed on the second support member. The first support member is placed on the body such that apertures of the support members and an opening of the body are aligned. A shaping pin is then advanced toward the first support member in alignment with the predetermined position so that a shoulder of the shaping pin extends into the first support member. The shaping pin continues to advance through the first support member until a portion of the body extends past a surface of the second support member, thereby joining the first and second support members and the body together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Baer, Gary C. Berray
  • Patent number: 6324744
    Abstract: A specialized mounting arrangement for an accessory such as an engine driven air conditioner compressor to an engine is utilized featuring a pair of press fitted bushings in a pair of arms of the mount and a single bolt extending therethrough. The arms of the mount assembly are constructed so that they straddle portions of an anchor member attached to the engine. A connector bolt is inserted through one bushing in one arm of the mount and then thorough a passage in the anchor member, and next into engagement with internal threads carried by the other bushing which his carried by the other arm of the mount. Rotation of the bolt moves the bushings toward one another and against the ends of the anchor member to clamp the anchor and thus the accessory therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M Banks, Kenneth W Wheat, Vem L Chuang
  • Patent number: 6278209
    Abstract: Decoupling devices for an electric motor in relation to a housing usually have decoupling bushes made of elastic material, which are disposed between a motor mount and the housing and extend along a bush longitudinal axis. The decoupling device includes a first contact point at which the decoupling device rests against the motor mount, and a second contact point at which the decoupling device rests at least indirectly against the housing, each decoupling bush is secured so that the decoupling bush can be radially deflected in relation to the bush longitudinal axis, by means of which the forces are in fact transmitted, but vibrations are damped or insulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Rupp, Gerd Knoepfel, Otto Brass, Gerhard Zink
  • Patent number: 6095460
    Abstract: A support arrangement for an exhaust system including an upright muffler and an upwardly-extending exhaust stack located behind the cab of a truck. An arm is mounted on a frame member of the truck, and a vibration isolator supported on the arm in turn supports the weight of an exhaust pipe elbow, a muffler, and a stack located above the muffler, all oriented generally upwardly. An upper connecting assembly is attached to the exhaust stack and to a mounting fastened to the back side of the cab to support the muffler and stack with respect to longitudinal and lateral movement relative to the truck while still permitting some vertical movement of the cab relative to the frame. In one embodiment the upper connecting assembly is attached by way of elastomeric members which permit yet resist movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Freightliner Corporation
    Inventors: Ted V. Mercer, Ibrahim Qutub
  • Patent number: 5857750
    Abstract: A seat device comprises a cushion frame mounted on a floor; a support member for supporting a seat pad; and torsion bars for elastically supporting the support member on the cushion frame, including a torque bar section and an arm section, wherein the torsion bars are provided at the front and rear positions of the seat or at the left and right positions thereof by at least one pair, and each arm section of the at least one pair of torsion bars be provided so as to form a parallel link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kashiwamura, Akira Homma, Nozomu Munemura, Toshimichi Hanai, Kazuhito Kato, Kozo Yamaura
  • Patent number: 5692727
    Abstract: A supporting member in a conventional seat device is supported only by torsion bar arm portions positioned at right and left sides of the device. Accordingly, when a large biased load acts on the device, a sufficient roll rigidity is not obtained and both arm portions at the right and left sides rotate simultaneously. Interference with the supporting panel, cushion frame or the like may also occur. Accordingly, a seat pad supporting member supported by a cushion frame provided on a floor is elastically supported on at least one of the front and rear portions thereof to a torsion frame by a torsion bar. The torsion bar is latched, at the torsion bar torque bar portion side, to the cushion frame side. The torsion arm portion side, moreover, is latched to the right and left sides. Finally, the torsion bar arm portion, on both sides, is connected to a connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kashiwamura, Akira Homma, Nozomu Munemura, Toshimichi Hanai, Kazuhito Kato, Kozo Yamaura
  • Patent number: 5590506
    Abstract: A system for supporting an architectural element such that the supporting structure resists unexpected, infrequent shocks such as might be encountered during an earthquake or other disaster and isolates the architectural element from variations in the level or stability of the surface on which the structure rests. The system provides an apparatus for supporting an architectural element that includes a pair of laterally spaced apart fixed bearing members arranged on a surface beneath or adjacent to a site for an architectural element, and an elongated elastic member supported on bearing surfaces of the bearing members at a distance spaced inwardly from the ends of the elongated member. An architectural element, which may comprise a base for a building or other structure, a building, or a portion of a building, may be placed in association with the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5374012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device for linking an item of on-board equipment item to the structure of a vehicle, such as a rotary wing aircraft.Advantageously, it comprises first (5) and second (6) elements shaped at least approximately as plates and capable of being fixed respectively to said structure (3) and to said equipment item (2), and suspension means (7) including damping members (14) linked respectively to the first and second elements and capable of acting along the three roll, pitch and yaw reference axes of said aircraft to absorb the linear displacements along said axes, and elastic suspension members (15) linked respectively to the first and second elements and capable of acting around the three reference axes to absorb the angular displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Roger Marchand, Yves Florentin, Serge Chicot
  • Patent number: 5172955
    Abstract: An infant seat having a seating surface positionable between upright and reclined orientations, the seating surface being supported by arms which are connected to torsion springs in a base, the torsion springs providing a bouncing motion to the seating surface in both the upright and reclined orientations. The base includes a rear support member which pivots between a support position, in which the member is substantially coplanar with the base, and a collapsed or folded position, in which the support member is pivoted adjacent to the seating surface. In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the seating surface and support arms includes a pivot plate pivotally connected to the seating surface and support arms and includes a slot engaged by a shoulder rivet attached to the support arms which defines limits of pivotal movement of the seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products Company
    Inventors: Theodore B. Freese, Robert M. Parker, Gregg W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5011109
    Abstract: A suspension device for seat which includes a torsion bar interposed between an upper movable frame and a lower base frame, the torsion bar being adapted to bias the upper movable frame upwardly, and a spring provided on a shock absorber which is extended between the upper movable and lower base frames. The repercussive force of the suspension device is increased by the torsion bar and spring, against a downward load applied on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kojiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 4944481
    Abstract: An adjustable monitor stand for pivoting a monitor about a horizontal axis which is relatively simple to operate and which does not require great effort to adjust is provided. The stand includes a base, a platform for holding the monitor, and a hinge interconnecting the base and the platform. The hinge includes a torsion spring selected with regard to the mass of the monitor and the distance of its center of gravity from the axis so that the gravitational torque produced as the monitor is pivoted with the platform about the horizontal axis is always substantially balanced by the restoring torque generated by the spring. The stand therefore requires very little effort to adjust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: NeXT, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Yurchenco, Eugene F. Duval
  • Patent number: 4890810
    Abstract: A seat suspension device which comprises an upper frame, a lower frame, a pair of linkage mechanisms provided between the upper and lower frames, and a torsion bar which elastically supports the seat upon the suspension device. The torsion bar is so arranged that it extends along the lateral bar section of one of the upper and lower frames, with its support end portion being secured at the other of the upper and lower frames, so as to resiliently support the upper frame. Further, the linkage mechanisms have downwardly arced upper portions in each of their links. Thus, these structures permit the lowering of the upper frame or the seat down to a lowest possible degree without interference of the parts of the linkage mechanisms and torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4884777
    Abstract: A seat suspension device including an elastic biasing mechanism for elastically biasing a seat frame away from a lower base frame, a locking mechanism for locking the seat frame to thereby place the seat suspension device in a locked state, and a biasing force adjustment mechanism for adjusting the biasing force of the elastic biasing mechanism. The locking mechanism is so arranged that it will bring to a locked state the seat suspension device when the biasing force of the elastic biasing mechanism is reduced to a lowest degree by operation of the biasing force adjustment mechanism. Accordingly, by merely operating the biasing force adjustment mechanism, both biasing force adjustment and locking/unlocking operation are effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 4880201
    Abstract: A suspension system has a base, mountable to the floor of a vehicle, and a frame above the base. The base and frame are coupled by a linkage, for example two, spaced pairs of crossed links. A mechanical spring, preferably in the form of a torsion bar, is mounted in one of the base and frame. A lever is coupled to the spring means. A roller assembly mounted in the links is movable along the lever arm to vary its length and to act as a fulcrum. The lever has a cam lobe so that movement of the roller assembly arcuately moves the torsion bar to preload same, as the length of the lever arm is altered. Varying the length of the lever arm and the preloading of the spring responsive to differing occupant's weights maintains constant natural frequency and centers the suspension system in the ride zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Bostrom Seating, Inc.
    Inventors: Garth O. Hall, Harvey N. Tengler
  • Patent number: 4804068
    Abstract: A vehicle elevating apparatus constructed with a pair of independent runway carrying parallelogram assemblies each being provided with raising and lowering motor of pressure fluid type, and a torsionally stiff component operatively connecting the parallelogram assemblies so that in the event of failure of one of the motors the torsionally stiff component will transfer the load and substantially equalize the position of the runways and prevent a catastrophic accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Edward V. Carter
  • Patent number: 4796950
    Abstract: The seat and pedestal of a chair are joined by a knee-tilt mechanism which includes a first support fixed to the underside of the seat adjacent the front edge thereof, and a second support fixed to the pedestal and having a sidewardly extending support tube arrangement. The first support has bearing hubs rotatably engaged with the support tube to define a horizontal tilt axis. A restoring mechanism is disposed within the second support for exerting a restoring torque about the tilt axis for urging the seat toward its horizontal position. The restoring mechanism, in the preferred embodiment, employs a sleevelike spring member of an elastomeric material disposed on the tilt axis for developing a restoring torque which generally linearly increases as the seat tilts away from the horizontal position. A second spring coacts between the supports for generating a second restoring torque which is additive with the first torque to effectively cause a torque dwell to facilitate tilting beyond an intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Mrotz, III, Donald L. Cool, Fred C. Liebertz
  • Patent number: 4729539
    Abstract: A seat suspension device for use in an automotive seat which comprises a pair of right and left X-shaped links for connecting a lower frame with an upper frame and a torsion bar journaled to the pivotally-connected portions of the two X-shaped links. The torsion bar includes two ends, with one end thereof being engaged with one of the X-shaped links and the other end engaged with the other X-shaped link, so that the upper frame can be supported resiliently relative to the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Tachi S Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shojiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 4720139
    Abstract: An energy absorbing device used as a load limiting member in a structure to control its response to applied loads is disclosed and functions by utilizing a spool assembly 20 having flanged ends 36 and an interior cavity 34 of sufficiently large diameter to cause it to deform plastically at a prescribed load. In application, the spool 20 is utilized as a pivot point for the legs 14 of an aircraft seat 12. When properly designed and integrated into the seat arrangement 10, the spool 20 will twist about its axis, deforming plastically when the impact load exceeds the spool yield value. Through this deformation, spool 20 absorbs the kinetic energy of the movement of seat 10 at a substantially constant rate, thereby controlling the level of loads transmitted to the seat occupant. By proper sizing and selection of materials, it is possible to control load response in a predictable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Dwight D. McSmith
  • Patent number: 4714228
    Abstract: A self-adjustable supplementary support system for a cylindrical container coaxially disposed in a cylindrical housing by upper flanged supports has a plurality of outwardly extending bracket units on the external surface of the container which coact with inwardly extending resiliently outwardly extending bracket units on the inner wall of the cylindrical housing. The bracket units have flanges which form a concave surface that seats on support bars, attached by links to torsion bars that are secured to ring segments annularly spaced about the inner wall of the cylindrical housing and the bracket units and support bars coact with each other to radially position and support the container in the housing during movement of the two components from a vertical to a horizontal position, and during transportation of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Ronald M. Blaushild
  • Patent number: 4691782
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and devices for impact and vibration damping and, more particularly, to devices composed of an elastoplastic material including the characteristics of damping, heat and pressure dimensional stability, and moisture non absorbency of a blend of polyolefin and conjugated diene butyl rubber which converts impact shock or vibration energy into thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Radiation Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford R. Stine
  • Patent number: 4666121
    Abstract: The spring-tilt mechanism comprises a support frame (4), a seat portion (1) tiltable on the support frame (4) about a substantially horizontal axis (2) between a first and a second position, e.g. defined by stops (13, 13'). One end (15') of a torsion spring (15) is fixed against rotation in the support frame (4). A gear box (16) is operatively engaged with the other end (15") of the torsion spring (15) and has an extendible member (24) engageable with a tracking surface (31) of the seat portion (1). An operating member (29) on the gear box (17) is easily accessible to a user sitting on the seat portion (1) to pre-load the torsion spring (15) for cushioning the user on the seat portion (1) between the said first and second positions (stops 13, 13').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Syba Limited
    Inventors: John Choong, Geoffrey Hollington
  • Patent number: 4664352
    Abstract: A suspension device for a vehicle seat has a lower frame secured to a vehicle floor, an upper frame disposed above the lower frame in parallel for mounting the vehicle seat, link plates disposed in parallel on the front side and the rear side of a vehicle for connecting the lower frame and the upper frame, torsion springs disposed near the connecting portion of the link plates for imparting elastic support force to the link plates, and a shock absorber disposed between the lower frame and the upper frame for damping the relative vibration of the above two frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Shibuki, Noboru Matsuyama, Yoichi Umemura, Atsushi Kamiya, Takaya Fujii, Masayuki Seki, Norio Ohta
  • Patent number: 4616799
    Abstract: A yieldable highway swing sign is described which swings out of the way when struck by farm equipment or other objects such as wet snow from snow plows. The sign has a torsion bar which returns the sign to its original position after being struck. The sign has notches in its hinges to maintain its original position. The notches resist any displacement forces by providing an inclined plane of 40.degree. which must be overcome before the sign is displaced in an arc pivoting around the torsion bar. The displacement of the sign is limited to a 90.degree. displacement from the original position by the configuration of the hinges and is helped by the increased torque created by the torsion bar as the sign swings further from its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Hugo E. Rebentisch
  • Patent number: 4605334
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed to provide pivotal motion between two movable members. The mechanism includes a hemispherical yoke connected to one of the movable members. A center support is connected to the remaining movable member and is nested within the yoke and spaced apart therefrom. A set of four radially projecting torsion bars are connected to the yoke and center support. The torsion bars are substantially coplanar and define a cross-shaped configuration in plan. Four braces are provided to interconnect adjacent torsion bars. Preferably, each of the torsion bars is surrounded by a tubular segment which is affixed to the radially outer end of the torsion bars. Preferably the radially inner portion of the torsion bar is supported by a rotatable bearing. The subject mechanism is low in profile, easy to mount and dismount, and provides a degree of elasticity in the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Ari Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivar Kalvatn
  • Patent number: 4585216
    Abstract: The shaft of a linear actuator driven by a force motor preferably electromagnetic or hydraulic has a bifurcated arm positioned with one of the bifurcations on each side of the shaft and with the opposite end of the arm securely affixed to a torsion bar. The torsion bar has both ends thereof rigidly secured to a frame member. The bifurcations on the arm end contact a hub which defines a pair of side walls that are threadably received upon the end of the shaft. As the shaft reciprocates, a force is generated by the torsion bar colinear with the shaft axis motion which is proportional to the displacement of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: HR Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Boyer, Clyde E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 4575036
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an advertising stand defined by a pedestal and a frame, the pedestal including a pair of legs bridged by a strut and the frame being adapted to receive therein a poster or the like, a pair of L-shaped brackets carried by the strut and a pair of generally vertically disposed brackets carried by the frame, the frame and strut brackets having sandwiched therebetween elastomeric bodies for torsionally elastically connecting the frame to the pedestal whereby the frame is adapted to assume a tilted position relative to the pedestal by elastic deformation of the elastomeric bodies due to the force of wind or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Heinz Allekotte
  • Patent number: 4535964
    Abstract: A vibration-damped suspension of a drive aggregate in the body structure includes a forward and rear bearing installation; the forward bearing installation supports the transmission by way of two bearing supports whereas the rear bearing installation includes a cross-bearer supported on the side of the body by way of lateral outwardly arranged bearing supports. The cross-bearer is connected with a bracket receiving the engine by interposition of a decoupling device, whereby the bracket is decoupled from torsional stresses of the body so that the drive aggregate stands completely quiet notwithstanding twisting of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche A.G.
    Inventors: Matthias Schutz, Rolf V. Sivers, Dirk Roesems, Rolf Rebmann
  • Patent number: 4498656
    Abstract: A universal joint suspension element has four torsion arms, extending from a central location, forming a substantially planar member. Clamping means with a plurality of grooves fasten the member. The grooves are patterned such that the torsion arms are secured therein, with the grooves flared near the periphery of the clamping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Inventor: Tor Arild
  • Patent number: 4438978
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a tilt back mechanism for resiliently controlling the rearward motion of a chair. More particularly, the subject mechanism includes a planar yoke having upstanding braces formed on the side edges thereof. A rocker plate is received between the braces of the yoke and is pivotally connected thereto enabling the rocker plate to tilt relative to the yoke. A longitudinally extending torsion bar is provided with the front end thereof being fixably mounted adjacent the front end of the rocker plate. The rear end of the torsion bar is supported for rotational movement adjacent the rear end of the rocker plate. A lever arm is fixably connected to the rear end of the torsion bar and extends to one side edge of the yoke in an abutting relationship with a stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Tor Arild