Including Spring Zone Understructure Patents (Class 248/618)
  • Publication number: 20070176073
    Abstract: A mouse tray apparatus includes a substantially planar mouse tray pivotally mounted at a bottom mid-portion thereof to a base such that as an operator moves a mouse over a top surface of the mouse tray, a weight of the operator's hand on the mouse causes the tray to tilt downward in a direction corresponding to a location of the mouse on the mouse tray. A bias force can be provided to resists tilting of the mouse tray away from a horizontal position, so that as the operator moves a mouse over a top surface of the mouse tray, a weight of the operator's hand on the mouse overcomes the bias force and causes the mouse tray to tilt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Simic
  • Patent number: 7251132
    Abstract: A computer drive carrier to be removably received within a receiving frame so that a computer drive transported by the carrier can be interfaced with a host computer. A handle is pivotally connected to the computer drive carrier and adapted to be rotated between a closed position when the carrier is received within the receiving frame and an open position when it is desirable to remove the carrier and its drive from the receiving frame to be replaced by a different carrier. A key controlled lock is mounted on the receiving frame and includes a locking pawl that is rotatable from an unlocked position, at which to permit the handle to be rotated from the closed position to the open position so that the computer drive carrier can be removed from its receiving frame, to a locked position, at which to prevent the handle from being rotated to the open position so that the computer drive carrier is locked in place in the receiving frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kingston Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dieter G. Paul, Choon-Tak Tang
  • Publication number: 20070165373
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a shock mount assembly that is configured to provide impact absorption to sensitive components such as a display and an optical disk drive. The computing device also includes an enclosureless optical disk drive that is housed by an enclosure and other structures of the computing device. The computing device further includes a heat transfer system that removes heat from a heat producing element of the computing device. The heat transfer system is configured to thermally couple the heat producing element to a structural member of the computing device so as to sink heat through the structural member, which generally has a large surface area for dissipating the heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Nick Merz, John DiFonzo, Stephen Zadesky, Michael Prichard
  • Patent number: 7177147
    Abstract: A computer hard drive heat dissipation device for a fixed, swappable or externally connectable hard drive is provided. A heat socket is provided inside a metallic housing, and a heat board is provided on the bottom of the metallic housing. A contact surface where the heat socket and the heat board contact the hard drive, corresponding to a hard drive heat source, is provided with a high heat conductive material or a high heat conductive medium capable of absorbing vibration, enhancing quantitative fit, and conducting heat. The hard drive contact surface and its surrounding space are provided with vibration absorption and sound absorption materials respectively so as to obtain good capabilities in heat dissipation, vibration absorption and sound absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Enermax Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Su
  • Patent number: 7152842
    Abstract: A shock-isolation system having a platform for supporting an operator station and a console which can both be fixedly secured to the platform in a relative non-displacement mode with the platform supported by a shock mount that simultaneously isolates the platform including an operator, the operator station and the console as a unitary component from high ā€œgā€ shock to thereby minimize injury to an operator due to impact with either the operator station, the console or the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Allen L. Arndt, Samuel A. Runge
  • Patent number: 7137603
    Abstract: A desktop electronic device translates on a desktop from a first position to a second position through use of at least one mobility assembly. The mobility assembly(s) may be integral with the desktop electronic device, connected to the desktop electronic device, or integral with a platform that supports the desktop electronic device. The mobility assembly(s) include at least one primary revolving element and optionally includes at least one secondary revolving element in contact therewith. The primary and secondary revolving elements may be spherically or cylindrically shaped in any combination. A spherical primary revolving element allows the desktop electronic device to translate linearly or non-linearly. Brakes or disengaging mechanisms may be combined with the desktop electronic device, mobility assembly(s), or platform to resist or prevent movement of the desktop electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: SolVisions Technologies International
    Inventors: Gary B. Solomon, Mark B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 7092251
    Abstract: A chassis for receiving a plurality of disk drives includes a plurality of disk drive receiving stations. Each station is configured to carry out testing and/or servo writing operations on a received disk drive. Each station includes a base, a nest assembly and a plurality of elastomeric mounts that elastically couple the nest assembly to the base to enable movement of the nest assembly relative to the base. The nest assembly includes a nest configured to receive and mate with the disk drive and a printed circuit board. Each station includes a separate vibration isolating mass that is coupled to the nest. The vibration isolating mass at least partially isolates vibrations originating within the nest from being transmitted through the elastomeric mounts to other nests in the chassis and at least partially isolates vibrations originating outside the nest from being transmitted through the elastomeric mounts to the nest assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Henry
  • Patent number: 7054150
    Abstract: A mounting for a disk drive unit includes a carrier for carrying a disk drive unit during required movement of the disk drive unit. The carrier defines a space into which the disk drive unit can be inserted, and the carrier is adapted to be inserted with the disk drive unit into a receiving frame for operational use. At least two resilient devices are mounted on the carrier for securing the disk drive unit in the receiving frame when the carrier is inserted into the frame, at least one resilient device being mounted on each side of the carrier to allow movement of the device as a whole relative to the carrier, and the resilient device is arranged to secure the disk drive unit in the receiving frame by acting between the disk drive unit and the receiving frame. A method of handling the disk drive unit includes placing the disk drive unit into the carrier engaging a robotic device with a coupling structure projecting from the front of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventors: David J. Orriss, Andrew W. Atkins
  • Patent number: 6988703
    Abstract: A seat suspension includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Dale Ropp
  • Patent number: 6798656
    Abstract: A hard disc drive (HDD) heat sink and sound absorbing frame comprises a sound absorbing frame, two heat sinks with multiple heat dissipating fins and two heat conducting seals. The sound absorbing frame has an open center and multiple through holes. Each heat sink has an inner surface, multiple screw holes, multiple posts with threaded holes attached to the inner surface of the heat sink and multiple heat dissipation fins. The HDD is securely mounted in the open center of the sound absorbing frame, and the heat sinks are mounted on the sound absorbing frame with the HDD. The multiple posts on the heat sinks respectively extend through the corresponding through holes in the sound absorbing frame. Screws screw into the threaded holes in the posts to hold the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6755384
    Abstract: A flexible platform or plate holder for use with liquid handling robots. More specifically a flexible platform for use with a variety of plate holders which allows for complete removal of a sample from a well without the need for liquid sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., Hitachi Chemical Research Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliott Gorfain
  • Patent number: 6719258
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes an air spring suspension system for effectively isolating the occupant of the vehicle's seat from shock, vibration and inertial forces directed along both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A stationary base plate member is attached to the floor of the vehicle and it supports a pivot linkage assembly joining the stationary base member to a movable base member. An air spring is disposed between the stationary base member and the movable base member to displace the movable base member in a generally vertical direction to an extent allowed by the linkage assembly. Supported atop the movable base member is a seat slide assembly that permits fore and aft adjustment of seat position within the vehicle. A vehicle seat mount is affixed to the pair of slide members and includes shock absorbing springs that are disposed between the slide members and the vehicle seat mount for cushioning inertial forces due to acceleration and braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Activar, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane R. Bryngelson, Philip T. Fortin
  • Patent number: 6682043
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a microphone stand has a chamber (10), a cover (12) mounted on the chamber (10) and a central rod (13) mounted inside the chamber (10). The chamber (10) has multiple hooks (101) formed on the wall of the chamber and multiple resilient rings (11) around the central rod (13) and hooks (101) to suspend the central rod (13) inside the chamber and provide an excellent shock absorbing capability to the microphone stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20030231463
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disc drive system which includes cushioning material positioned between the interior of disc drive housing and a disc drive. Such a system advantageously provides a removable disc drive system which isolates shocks from the disc drive. The disc drive system includes a housing bottom, a mounting plate coupled to the housing bottom, and a disc drive coupled to the mounting plate via cushioning pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Charles D. Hood, Scott Bradley Koester
  • Patent number: 6578813
    Abstract: An improved shock isolation system having an operator platform wherein an operator chair is interposed as a physical barrier between the operator's graphic terminal and the processing equipment that controls the graphic terminal so that the processing equipment is maintained in a normally non-operator contactable position by interpositioning an operator's chair therebetween thereby minimizing the opportunity of the operator being injured by being accidentally thrown in to the processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Scott J. Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20030106981
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a seat suspension that includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Dale Ropp
  • Patent number: 6572071
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved shock eliminator, particularly a shock eliminator for use in constructions such as bridges and houses. The shock eliminator includes a base, a carrier seat, a slide block and springs. The top side of the base is provided with a round curved concave slide recess. The slide block has a bottom surface formed with a curved surface equivalent to the slide recess in diameter and disposed in the slide recess, and a top side centrally provided with a hemispherical depressed coupling groove. The carrier seat is a plate member disposed on the top portion of the slide block and has a bottom portion centrally provided with a coupling post having a hemispherical distal end equivalent to the depressed surface of the coupling groove in diameter. The coupling post is disposed in the coupling groove of the slide block. A suitable number of springs are disposed on the surface of the slide block around the coupling groove to hook the bottom side of the carrier seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Chung-Shien Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030094560
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved shock eliminator, particularly a shock eliminator for use in constructions such as bridges and houses. The shock eliminator includes a base, a carrier seat, a slide block and springs. The top side of the base is provided with a round curved concave slide recess. The slide block has a bottom surface formed with a curved surface equivalent to the slide recess in diameter and disposed in the slide recess, and a top side centrally provided with a hemispherical depressed coupling groove. The carrier seat is a plate member disposed on the top portion of the slide block and has a bottom portion centrally provided with a coupling post having a hemispherical distal end equivalent to the depressed surface of the coupling groove in diameter. The coupling post is disposed in the coupling groove of the slide block. A suitable number of springs are disposed on the surface of the slide block around the coupling groove to hook the bottom side of the carrier seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chung-shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 6547206
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Dickie
  • Publication number: 20030016493
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a first unit and a second unit connected to the first unit. The first unit having an electronic device and a first supporting member. The second unit having a vibration generating device and a second supporting member. A first damper is attached to the first supporting member. A second damper is attached to the second supporting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shinji Hiratomo, Yuji Nakajima, Eiji Hashimoto, Yosuke Miura
  • Publication number: 20020190185
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a seat suspension that includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Dale Ropp
  • Publication number: 20020179806
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for damping out vibrations associated with a structure are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a structure includes a mass and a vibration damper. The mass has a first surface and a second surface, and is arranged to transfer vibratory energy. The vibration damper includes a force adjuster, as well as a first energy dissipator and a second energy dissipator. The vibration damper is positioned about the mass so that the first energy dissipator is in contact with the first surface and the second energy dissipator is in contact with the second surface. The first energy dissipator and the second energy dissipator absorb the vibratory energy transferred by the mass, while the force adjuster adjusts force on the first energy dissipator and force on the second energy dissipator. In one embodiment, the mass is a beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Ting-Chien Teng
  • Publication number: 20020162937
    Abstract: Proposed is a piece of audio electrical or audio electronic equipment or component thereof, having at least one combined spring-damper element (14) for supporting the equipment (13) or its component on a surface (15) in such a way that the resonance frequency of the spring-damper element (14) is below 20 Hz. The defined natural frequency of the support outside of self-starting vibrations along with the damping results in a significantly improved sound quality while protecting against external influences, such as structure-borne noise and airborne noise, as well as against self-starting vibrations of the piece of equipment, by damping them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Sebert Schwingungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Sebert, Ulrich Madeheim
  • Patent number: 6474618
    Abstract: An elastomeric mounting module (1) suitable for use as one of a pair of modules for forming an elastomeric mounting assembly (20) comprises two rigid end members (2, 3) of L-shape section and an element (4) of elastomeric material extending between and bonded to inwardly facing surfaces (10, 11) of the end members, respective bonded surface zones of the two rigid end members being offset at least in part as considered in the direction of normal compression loading and in a transverse direction perpendicular to said loading direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Trelleborg AB
    Inventor: Peter Richard Andrew Cannon
  • Publication number: 20020125400
    Abstract: The invention provides an antivibration device lightweight and excellent in heat interception, wherein a top opening of a main body fitting (1) and an upper attachment fitting (2) are interconnected through a vibration-isolating base (3); a stopper fitting (8) of a generally cylinder form partly cutout is connected to the main body fitting (1) with its upper edge bent inwardly to form a stopper portion (81), which is located above a stop flange (22) of the upper attachment fitting (2) and has a stopper function against a large vertical displacement; a stopper rubber member (15) is fitted to the stopper fitting (8) so as to extend from the upper surface of the stopper portion (81) to an outer surface of its side plate by vulcanization molding; the cutout portion (83) of the stopper fitting (8) is plugged by a heat shield rubber membrane portion (17) vulcanization molded integrally with the stopper rubber member (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Yukio Takashima, Toshihiro Kakimoto, Hikofumi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6437977
    Abstract: A screwless disk drive frame positioning structure is disclosed. A floppy disk drive frame is hanged below the hard disk drive frame, and then a positioning structure on the front plate of a computer base is used to buckle the disk drive frames, or after the hard disk drive frame is combined with the floppy disk drive frame, the hard disk drive frame is hanged from an upper plate of a computer base. Then, the positioning structure on the front plate of the computer base serves to buckle the floppy disk drive frame. The positioning structure comprises a pressure suffering plate and two elastic elements. A bending plate having a concave portion extends from the middle portion of the pressure suffering plate. While the floppy disk drive frame is a “␣” shape plate. The lower side of the floppy disk drive frame is formed with a hooking plate folded outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Lite-On Enclosure Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Hsuan Yu
  • Publication number: 20020097556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shockproof device of a hard disk drive in which a plurality of springs are mounted on slide rail seats at sides of hard disk drive of notebook computer in order that the hard disk drive is disposed in a hanging arrangement. Besides, the inner five sides (except the hard disk drive extraction side) of the hard disk drive housing are provided with shock-absorbing blocks for improving the shockproof function. In addition, two sides of the hard disk drive housing are fitted with the slide rail seats for the convenient extraction of the hard disk drive. Accordingly, a better shockproof effect is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Jui-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 6367763
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive burn-in and test mounting for high terminal density grid array packages is formed by a support base which carries a plurality of C-shaped spring finger contacts. One end of each spring finger contact is attached to the first face of the support base at the edge of a hole corresponding to the outline of the LGA package and extends through the hole. The contacts are curved so that the second end of each contact is supported above and spaced from the opposite side of the support base. Each spring finger is curved to define a knee which lies in a plane parallel with the faces of the support base. The spring fingers are arranged so that the knees are in register with lands on an LGA package. When the LGA package is moved toward the support base, the knees contact the lands on the LGA package. Electrical communication may be established with either end of the finger, thus permitting spreading of input/output terminal connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne K. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 6351377
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus of a data storing device comprises a lower case an upper case, and two combining elastic pieces. The left and right sides of this lower case each has a combining portion having a combining elastic piece thereon. The upper case is installed above the lower case; and two combining elastic pieces each has a buckling portion and a movable portion, the movable portion can drive the buckling portion, and the two combining elastic pieces is connected to left and right sides of the upper case. The data storing device can be disposed between the upper case and the lower case, and then the buckling portions of the combining elastic pieces connected to the left and right sides of the upper case are buckled to the combining holes of the lower case so that the data storing device is clamped and fixed between the upper case and lower case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Lite-On Enclosure Inc.
    Inventors: Jackie Chao, James Chen
  • Publication number: 20010045503
    Abstract: A bar loading magazine, particularly for feeding cropping machines arranged downstream of the magazine, comprising a supporting element which is divided into a plurality of loading compartments, the loading compartments being provided with supporting elements for the bars which have lifting elements for maintaining the supporting elements at a height, inside the compartment, which allows the operator to easily access the bars supported by the supporting elements, as the bars are gradually unloaded from the supporting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: PRIULI DANTE BRUNO
    Inventor: Dante Bruno Priuli
  • Patent number: 6299247
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having an upper support and a lower support, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 6249432
    Abstract: A “hot-pluggable” hard disk drive is mounted in a removable hard disk drive tray. The hard disk drive tray has a vibration dampening system for reducing vibration between the hard disk drive, the hard disk drive tray, and a hard disk drive docking bay located within a computer system. The vibration dampening system has three primary components. The first component is a strip of polymeric material located between an end of the hard disk drive tray and the docking bay. The second component of the vibration dampening system is a set of polymeric strips located between an inner surface of the tray and the hard disk drive. The third component of the vibration dampening system is a set of spring assemblies. Each spring assembly is located between the sides of the tray and the docking bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric T. Gamble, James R. Drake, Joaquin F. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 6179376
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, Steve Courtney
  • Patent number: 6166901
    Abstract: A "hot-pluggable" hard disk drive is mounted in a removable hard disk drive tray. The hard disk drive tray has a vibration dampening system for reducing vibration between the hard disk drive, the hard disk drive tray, and a hard disk drive docking bay located within a computer system. The vibration dampening system has three primary components. The first component is a strip of polymeric material located between an end of the hard disk drive tray and the docking bay. The second component of the vibration dampening system is a set of polymeric strips located between an inner surface of the tray and the hard disk drive. The third component of the vibration dampening system is a set of spring assemblies. Each spring assembly is located between the sides of the tray and the docking bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric T. Gamble, James R. Drake, Joaquin F. Pacheco
  • Patent number: 6019154
    Abstract: A manufacturing process, such as that used for ultrasonic welding, employs a self-leveling fixture (20) including a base (12) and an operation stage (14) that are separated by leveling devices (16) and 18). The leveling devices include a centrally located spherical plane bearing (16) and one or more spring members (18) disposed about the periphery of the operation stage. In this way, the operation stage can react in response to pressure applied thereto complying to the applied pressure, thus providing a realistic self-leveling feature. After the pressure is removed, the return to a normal position via the spring action of spring (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Ma, Xinpei Lu, Mark S. Bresin
  • Patent number: 5971347
    Abstract: A disturbance-proof device connected between two vertically spaced beams for absorbing shocks upon a disturbance, includes a flat top plate, a flat bottom plate, and a plurality of flat supporting plate connected in parallel between the flat top plate and the flat bottom plate, each flat supporting plate having a substantially V-shaped profile with its width gradually reducing from the flat top plate toward the flat bottom plate, a flat top flange welded to the flat top plate, and a round rod at its bottom side inserted in between two parallel locating blocks raised from the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Chong-Shien Tsai, Lap Lai Chung
  • Patent number: 5813649
    Abstract: A constant-load deformable bracket for protecting the occupants of vehicles and/or objects from injury or damage resulting from vertical acceleration or deceleration. The constant-load deformable bracket starts to deform when the magnitude of the vertical force on the bracket reaches a predetermined value. In vehicle applications, the deformable bracket is installed between a seat and its platform. The deformable bracket may also be used in a storage container to protect goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Simula, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie D. Peterson, Charles N. Whitaker, John A. DiPalma
  • Patent number: 5810320
    Abstract: A weight-balancing stand arrangement supports a sheet of material or the like and includes a bottom stand-part and a top stand-part. The top stand-part includes a horizontal beam provided with a horizontal guide surface. The guide surface coacts with widely spaced apart end portions of two guide rods, the opposite end-parts of which are placed closer together and are pivotally mounted on the bottom stand-part and coact with one or more devices which function to forcibly create a clear related rotational pattern for the two guide rods. The arrangement also includes spring devices which act between the bottom stand-part and at least one of the guide rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kinnarps AB
    Inventor: Alf Claesson
  • Patent number: 5769381
    Abstract: A process for preventing vibrations of a shaft (1) driven into rotation around its axis and having a length greater than its diameter. The shaft is maintained at both ends by fixed centering devices (2a, 2b) and at its center by at least one intermediate support (12). The support is located on one side of the shaft, and its position with respect to the end centering devices (2a, 2b) is adjusted so that, in its central part, the center (0) of the shaft is away from the line running through the centers of the end centering devices (2a, 2b) on the side opposite the intermediate support (12). The shaft is thus subjected to permanent deformation and maintained applied onto rolling bearing devices (7a, 7b) by an elastic recall force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Pierre Patin
  • Patent number: 5692728
    Abstract: A supporting mechanism is provided in which each of three supporting portions is constituted by an elastic member able to be deformed only in one direction and an oscillation mechanism which can oscillate around the axis parallel to the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Shiozawa
  • Patent number: 5645216
    Abstract: A bearing system for a part of a railroad track, such as a rail-fastening or ribbed slab (10), supported by elastic elements on, for example, a railroad sleeper. The elastic elements form a spring system with a kinked characteristic curve such that when the spring system is subjected to force that is smaller than the forces active in the operative range (16) of the spring system, the characteristic curve rises steeply and, in the operative range (16), runs flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: BWG Butzbacher Weichenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Benenowski, Albrecht Demmig, Hans-Ulrich Dietze, Alfred Kais, Erich Nuding
  • Patent number: 5529277
    Abstract: A system is described which utilizes two perpendicular four-bar linkages coupled by a common plate to provide a translational-free flexible suspension having two rotational degrees of freedom about a desired point. One of the four-bar linkages is secured to a stationary "ground" structure, and the other linkage is attached to the object to be supported, such as a mirror. In one embodiment, two links of each of the two four-bar linkages are constructed from spring steel flexure elements which are rigid in all directions except about the rotational axis. The flexure elements thus comprise "revolute joints". Because the flexure elements function as spring hinges, no friction is encountered when the suspension is displaced or "pivoted".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Miroslaw A. Ostaszewski
  • Patent number: 5451093
    Abstract: An infant seat unit includes a seat or harness disposed on a table, the table being resiliently mounted on a base unit at spaced circumferential intervals displaced away from the seat itself so that the seat and table are free to bounce up and down with respect to the base, and the seat also can be made to be rotatable with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Item New Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiden J. Petrie, John G. Matthews, Stephen E. Lane
  • Patent number: 5429338
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventors: Sam A. Runge, Han D. Phan
  • Patent number: 5407246
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 5280889
    Abstract: "A vehicle and the ballistic shock isolator therefor including a turret, a sensor assembly and a shock isolator isolating the turret from the sensor switch and including upper and lower annular members, a plurality of leaves secured at opposing ends thereof to the annular members, each of the leaves having a corrugated bellows shaped portion in the form of an even number of similarly shaped portions, alternate ones of the similarly shaped portions having an open end in opposing directions, each of the leaves varying in thickness and width in a direction from the upper annular member to the lower annular member. The variation in width of the portion is alternately from wide to narrow and then from narrow to wide in a direction from the upper annular member to the lower annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: David L. Amil, William D. Bracken, Robert W. Coburn, Richard L. Knipe, Gregory G. Mooty, David D. Ratcliff, Daniel W. Stanley, Kenneth L. Taylor, Steven S. Stresau
  • Patent number: 5275371
    Abstract: A springy, low dielectric retainer device in the form of a rod, a triangle, an ellipse or whatever, is used in a compressed condition to hold RF energy absorber blocks in position juxtaposed "energy leaky" RF circuitry. The absorber blocks are held in position due to frictional forces provided by the compressed retainer. In this manner, the absorber blocks can be re-positioned to obtain optimum amplitude/frequency response characteristics from the affected RF circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Alcatel Network Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brian, Larry D. McPherson, William F. Weber
  • Patent number: 5267720
    Abstract: A structureborne noise isolator employs a two axis system whereby a noise generating platform is coupled to an inner frame by a first pair of diametrically positioned noise isolators, the inner frame being coupled to an outer frame by a second pair of diametrically positioned noise isolators. At least one noise isolator comprising a coil spring shrink fitted at one end to an inner housing and at the other end to a cover. The inner housing is inserted into an outer housing with a damping compound between and potted to the inner and outer housings. Additional damping compound is bonded to the base of the outer housing separating the base of the outer housing from the base of the inner housing. The cover, having damping compound bonded thereto, is coupled to the outer housing. A hub, positioned adjacent to the damping compound on the cover, is coupled to the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Sperry Marine Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Brazell, Jamil I. Lahham
  • Patent number: 5249417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to install and remove heavy components mounted on a base structure is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which provide means for coupling the component and base structure in a manner permitting relative rotation and translation about an axis of rotation. In one embodiment, an aircraft engine component (18) has a pair of hooks (32) and an aircraft engine (10) has a pair of pins (46) which engage the hooks to couple the component and engine to permit rotational and translational motion of the component relative to the engine. For this embodiment, a method for relative motion between an installed and uninstalled condition is comprised of maneuvering the component and engine between a coupled and uncoupled position, moving the coupled component relative to the engine about the axis of rotation, and manipulating a fastener means between a secured and unsecured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Duesler, Frank B. Manning
  • Patent number: 5042396
    Abstract: A plastic pallet in which an insert assembly is positioned within the hollow of the plastic pallet to discourage warpage and failure especially in racked, storage situations. The insert assembly comprises a pair of beams arranged in an X-configuration, tower members secured at their upper ends to respective ends of the beams and positioned respectively in the four corners of the pallet, and tensioning straps extending between the tower members around the perimeter of the pallet proximate the upper surface of the bottom wall of the pallet. The X-configured beams are positioned in the space between the spaced upper and lower sheets of the platform structure of the pallet and are maintained in a convexly bowed configuration by the tensioning straps so as to resist downward bowing of the platform structure, even when the pallet is racked for extended periods of time in a loaded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Lyle H. Shuert