Fluid Spring Patents (Class 248/631)
-
Patent number: 11866110Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
-
Patent number: 11364826Abstract: A sealed boat seat suspension including a plurality of sealed rails. The sealed boat seat suspension also includes a boat seat attachment component which is coupled to the plurality of sealed rails. The sealed boat seat suspension also includes a boat seat attachment component which is movable with respect to at least a portion of the plurality of sealed rails. The sealed boat seat suspension also includes a suspension component which is coupled to the boat seat attachment component such that the suspension component provides at least some control of movement of the boat seat attachment component with respect to at least a portion of the plurality of sealed rails.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Philip Tsiaras, Dennis K. Wootten, Paul Hammerstrom
-
Patent number: 10843753Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10816910Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration isolator, comprising: a base; a coupling element to be coupled to a vibration sensitive object; a decoupling mass; a first vibration isolator part arranged between the base and the decoupling mass; and a second vibration isolator part arranged between the decoupling mass and the coupling element, and wherein at least one of the first and second vibration isolator part comprises a pneumatic isolator.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Hans Butler, Cornelius Adrianus Lambertus De Hoon, Fransiscus Mathijs Jacobs, Pavel Kagan, Jeroen Pieter Starreveld, Maurice Willem Jozef Etienne Wijckmans
-
Patent number: 10775147Abstract: A hexapod CMM or hexapod-like CMM has a base structure and a movable structure connected to each other by at least three telescopically extendable legs via spherical joints. Each of the telescopically extendable legs comprises a linear first member and a linear second member having countersliding surfaces and are designed in such a way that allows a relative, linear movement of the first linear member and the second linear member. Further each of the telescopically extendable legs has an air cushioning mechanism, which comprises at least one air supply system connected to at least one source of compressed air and having at least one air escape. The air escape is arranged in such a way that compressed air escaping the air escape flows into a gap between the countersliding surfaces of the at least two linear members of the leg cushioning the two linear members against each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBHInventors: Claudio Iseli, Bernhard Sprenger
-
Patent number: 10519535Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Kateeva Inc.Inventors: Sass Somekh, Eliyahu Vronsky, Conor Madigan
-
Patent number: 10414042Abstract: The present invention introduces a new concept of applying a parallel mechanism in automated fiber placement for aerospace part manufacturing. The proposed system requirements are 4DOF parallel mechanism consisting of two RPS and two UPS limbs with two rotational and two translational motions. Both inverse and forward kinematics models are obtained and solved analytically. Based on the overall Jacobian matrix in screw theory, singularity loci are presented and the singularity-free workspace is correspondingly illustrated. To maximize the singularity-free workspace, locations of the two UPS limbs with the platform and base sizes are used in the optimization which gives a new design of a 4DOF parallel mechanism. A dimensionless Jacobian matrix is also defined and its condition number is used for optimizing the kinematics performance in the optimization process. A numerical example is presented with physical constraint considerations of a test bed design for automated fiber placement.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignees: KHALIFA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AEROSPACE HOLDING COMPANY LLCInventors: Dongming Gan, Jian S. Dai, Jorge Dias, Rehan Umer, Lakmal Seneviratne
-
Patent number: 10086892Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9897999Abstract: A technology is provided to enable lowering the fault generation rate related to a parts installation device. A parts installation device (100) (calculation device (150)) fetches or calculates state parameter values that represent the relative position relationship or the distance of a part holder and a part during the operation of removing and holding, calculates the fluctuation values of the state parameters, and corrects parameters having a small increase in the cycle time and is effective in reducing fluctuations among the parameter values of the holding position of the part holder, stop time, operating speed, and operation acceleration when the value of the fluctuations exceeds a first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryoji Asakura, Kenji Tamaki, Masahiro Hoshino, Hiroto Sekiguchi, Tomise Koyama
-
Patent number: 9334915Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension and vibration isolation system having cable isolators. The cable isolators employ low-friction air-bearing pneumatic cylinders and cables to isolate a suspended payload from vibrations of a carrier or to isolate the carrier from vibrations of the payload. Using such air-lubricated cylinder to piston interfaces virtually eliminates static friction and so improves the effectiveness of the isolation for small forces and displacement. The use of pneumatic cylinders also permits the system to be tuned to the required resonance frequency to isolate the payload from vibrations in a desired frequency band.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Vale S.A.Inventor: Benjamin David Polzer
-
Patent number: 8991780Abstract: A load carrier device is provided with a support structure and means arranged for connection to a lifting means. The support structure comprises one or more shock absorbers provided with a telescoping element which in an initial position projects downwards from an underside of the support structure and is arranged for damped compressive telescoping at the contact of the load carrier with a base.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Offshore Technology Partner ASInventors: Tarald Tveit Pedersen, Kjell Morten Kaldestad
-
Patent number: 8777177Abstract: A hydraulic fluid actuated equipment leveling assembly incorporating a plenum having adjustment ports; an input channel opening the plenum; a disk valve operable for opening and closing the adjustment ports; telescoping and hydraulic ram actuated equipment support pedestals; hydraulic lines spanning between the plenum's adjustment ports, and the pedestal's hydraulic rams; and fluid displacing plungers connected operatively to the hydraulic lines for adjusting the hydraulic line's interior volumes.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Stephen A. Youngers, James J. Youngers, Neil J. Youngers
-
Publication number: 20130306832Abstract: The present invention introduces a solution by providing a supporting apparatus for glass substrate and which comprises a first supporting member creating a first supporting surface along a first horizontal direction. A second supporting member is included to create a second supporting surface and arranged spatially and perpendicular to the first supporting member. The supporting apparatus further includes at least two buffering devices arranged between the first and second supporting surfaces for providing an attenuating effect when a fully loaded cartridge is landed thereupon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.Inventors: Yongqiang Wang, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Xiande Li, Erqing Zhu, Minghu Qi, Weibing Yang, Zenghong Chen, Zhenhua Guo, Yunshao Jiang
-
Patent number: 8528261Abstract: An apparatus for isolating and leveling a machine foundation with respect to a substructure of a building or the ground. The apparatus of the present invention provides an enclosure connectable to the machine foundation. A load bearing member is disposed within and adjustably connected to the enclosure. A support member is positioned between and in contact with the bearing member and the substructure for supporting and isolating the machine foundation from the substructure and providing a leveling mechanism to level the machine foundation. The support member may include an elastomeric inner core having elastomer-coated cords overlapping the inner core to resist radial expansion of the inner core upon the realization of a compressive force along a longitudinal axis of the inner core. The support member may also include a high-strength, rigid material, such as a steel I-beam, that is replaceable with other support members.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Unisorb, Inc.Inventors: Wayne H. Whittaker, Patrick D. Carl, Timothy L. Spahr, David L. Curtis
-
Patent number: 8382076Abstract: A support column with a vertical tube has a coaxially installed gas spring including a cylinder divided by a piston into first and second working chambers. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber in a sealed manner to the outside, where it is attached to a bottom support piece of the vertical tube. The cylinder projects out of the vertical tube and is guided with freedom to slide back and forth in a guide sleeve installed in the end of the vertical tube opposite the bottom support piece. A connection between the first and second working chambers can be blocked by a manually actuatable valve. A second valve between the chambers, which is closed when the gas spring is under load, can be switched to the open position after the load on the gas spring has been absent for a certain period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Matthias Etzkorn, Manfred Metzdorf, Thomas Müller
-
Patent number: 8182038Abstract: A vehicle seat having a device for controlling a pneumatic suspension system, by means of which the vehicle seat is spring-mounted relative to a vehicle body part, including at least one directional-control valve which is pneumatically connected to the device for controlling the suspension system and which is arranged in the region of a seat part of the vehicle seat, the seat part being movable relative to a base frame and which is adjustable by a movement of the seat part relative to the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Grammer AGInventor: Erwin Haller
-
Patent number: 8113761Abstract: There is provided a support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus. The support platform of a non-contact transfer apparatus includes a plurality of first holes each having a plurality of sub-holes arranged in a radial direction and a plurality of second holes arranged in a line proximate the first holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignees: LG Display Co., Ltd., AVACO Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang Eon Ahn, Hyun Joo Jeon, Hwan Kyu Yoo, Ji Young Oh, Cheon Soo Lee
-
Patent number: 7934709Abstract: Provided is a viscous fluid-sealed damper which helps to achieve an increase in degree of freedom in terms of the selection of the material of a sealing container, which can be produced with high production efficiency, and which helps to avoid leakage of the viscous fluid. A lid member is fixed to a container main body while compressing and holding a flange portion between a sealing member and the lid member, so an opening end of the container main body can be sealed with the lid member without having to effect fixation through fusion-bonding as in the prior art, and the degree of freedom in terms of material selection can be increased. Further, if the container main body is formed of a butyl rubber, the container main body can be fixed to the lid member without using any adhesive, so it is possible to achieve a reduction in production time and in cost. Further, it is possible to avoid leakage of the viscous fluid due to defective adhesion.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rie Miyakosawa, Junji Ohki
-
Patent number: 7758007Abstract: A commercial vehicle seating and operating unit fastened to a support (1) comprises a rotatably supported base plate (2), by means of which the seating and operating unit is supported rotatably about a vertical axis of rotation. The bearing arrangement comprises two cylindrical sleeves, which are disposed one coaxially in the other, a first inner sleeve (19) that is rigidly connected to the commercial vehicle and a second outer sleeve (21) that is rigidly connected to the seating and operating unit, the inner sleeve (19) forming a passage for the penetration of cables, pipes or hosepipes that connect the seating and operating unit to a unit of the vehicle. The bearing arrangement has a limiting device, which limits the rotation of the seating and operating unit about the vertical axis to a preset maximum angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Dipl.-Ing. agr. Andreas ReichhardtInventor: Alfred Link
-
Patent number: 7690618Abstract: The present invention relates to a position adjustment mechanism, comprising two cylindrical portions, a first one of the portions being slidably disposed inside a second one of the portions. One of the portions has at least three detents and the other portion has at least three members for engaging in respective the detents to hold the portions in a first position, the members being removable from the detents to allow the portions to move into a second position; wherein the detents and members are equi-spaced around the first and second portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Roger Geoffrey Halstead
-
Patent number: 7673941Abstract: A gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time, and articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Humanscale CorporationInventors: Robert King, Thomas Latone
-
Patent number: 7669823Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seat and seat suspension assembly comprising a seat mounted to a seat supporting platform and suspension mechanism, the platform and suspension mechanism being rotationally mounted to a base by a pedestal so that the platform, suspension mechanism and seat may rotate through 360 degrees. The pedestal comprises two swivel housings, the first swivel housing being mounted in fixed position on the base and the second swivel housing being rotationally mounted to the first and supporting the suspension mechanism, platform and seat. A suspension spring and damper are associated with the suspension mechanism to enhance the ride characteristics of the seat, with the damper being positioned inside the pedestal and having one end connected to the first swivel housing and the other end connected to the suspension mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Cole T. Brodersen
-
Publication number: 20090272871Abstract: A vehicle seat having a device for controlling a pneumatic suspension system, by means of which the vehicle seat is spring-mounted relative to a vehicle body part, including at least one directional-control valve which is pneumatically connected to the device for controlling the suspension system and which is arranged in the region of a seat part of the vehicle seat, the seat part being movable relative to a base frame and which is adjustable by a movement of the seat part relative to the base frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Grammer AGInventor: Erwin Haller
-
Publication number: 20090256050Abstract: A pneumatic lift apparatus comprises a main body including a body tube, with a cross-section of the body tube being neither a perfect circle nor a polygon; a restricting means slidably mounted on the body tube of the main body, with the body tube restricted not to rotate relative to the restricting means; and a housing means; wherein the restricting means is coupled to an end of the housing means, with the main body inserted through the restricting means and received in the housing means, with the main body fixed in the housing means opposite to the restricting means.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventor: Steve Huang
-
Patent number: 7520486Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic engine mount having a fastener which protrudes outside from a mount body and is inserted into a fastener insert hole formed in a support structure such as a vehicle frame or the like and then fixed thereto by means of a fastener member. The engine mount comprises a first elastic pad having a first hole through which the fastener can pass and a second elastic pad having a second hole through which the fastener can pass. When installed in the support structure, the first elastic pad is disposed between the support structure and the mount body and the second elastic pad is disposed between the support structure and the fastener member.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: DTR Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tae Sup Kim
-
Patent number: 7497413Abstract: The invention pertains to an object support post with a vertical tube, which has a support plate at one end and a guide bush at the other end, in which a pneumatic spring is guided with freedom to slide back and forth. The pneumatic spring has a pressure cylinder, the interior of which is filled with a pressurized gas, where the interior is divided by a sliding piston into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, which chambers can be connected to each other by a bypass, which can be opened by a manually actuated valve. The piston has a piston rod, which extends through the second working chamber and is guided out of the pressure cylinder through a seal, the free end of the rod being attached to the support plate. A first stop ring, which, when the piston rod is in its outwardly extended position, encloses the area where the piston rod leaves the pressure cylinder, is connected permanently to the vertical tube and has a first, axially oriented, helical stop surface on one side.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventor: Harald Pooschen
-
Patent number: 7467774Abstract: An adjustable-height chair column comprises an upright tube and a gas spring that is disposed coaxially in the upright tube. The gas spring comprises a valve for actuation of the gas spring. This valve is embodied for opening upon relief of the casing of the gas spring in relation to the upright tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Stable II S.a.r.lInventors: Walter Bohm, Helmut Kastner, Holger Knaust, Gerhard Wunderling
-
Publication number: 20080258021Abstract: A support column with a vertical tube has a coaxially installed gas spring including a cylinder divided by a piston into first and second working chambers. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber in a sealed manner to the outside, where it is attached to a bottom support piece of the vertical tube. The cylinder projects out of the vertical tube and is guided with freedom to slide back and forth in a guide sleeve installed in the end of the vertical tube opposite the bottom support piece. A connection between the first and second working chambers can be blocked by a manually actuatable valve. A second valve between the chambers, which is closed when the gas spring is under load, can be switched to the open position after the load on the gas spring has been absent for a certain period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Matthias Etzkorn, Manfred Metzdorf, Thomas Muller
-
Patent number: 7431261Abstract: The pneumatic suspension apparatus 3 includes at least one pneumatic bag 4 for being attached with a vehicle between the vehicle frame and the vehicle seat for restricting the vehicle seat laterally and dampening vibrations; a regulator 6 pneumatically connected with the at least one pneumatic bag 4, where the regulator 6 adjusts the pressure in the at least one pneumatic bag 4; and a reservoir 8 pneumatically connected with the regulator 6. Optionally, a compressor 9 may be included to pressurize the reservoir 8. The compressor 9 may replace the reservoir 8 in supplying pressure to the pneumatic bag 4.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventors: Sean Kyle Irish, Nicholas Edwin Audino
-
Publication number: 20080237439Abstract: An extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper channel includes an integrally formed boss for securing a ball stud. A tensioning assembly is contained within the extension arm having one end coupled to the ball stud and the other end coupled to one of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form an adjustable parallelogram.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Innovative Office Products, Inc.Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen
-
Publication number: 20080150202Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle seat. The air spring includes a plurality of air spring components which delimit at least one air spring chamber. The air spring forms an intake air connection and a discharged air connection for controlling the height and/or level of the vehicle seat, wherein the air spring furthermore has, for controlling the height and/or level of the vehicle seat, a valve device which is integrated in the air spring or in at least one air spring component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: GRAMMER AGInventor: Erwin Haller
-
Publication number: 20070295882Abstract: A scissor suspension includes a first arm having a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured for pivotal attachment to a structure and a first bearing may be pivotally connected proximate to the second end of the first arm. A second arm having a first end and a second end may be pivotally connected to the first arm between the first and second ends of the first and second arms. The first bearing may be moveably coupled to the first rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventor: Jonathan C. Catton
-
Patent number: 7306192Abstract: A height-adjustable chair column includes a vertical post axially extending along a longitudinal axis, a bottom plate, a guide cylinder bushing permanently inserted into the upper end area of the vertical post, and a guide tube inserted in the guide cylinder bushing so that it is guided with freedom of axial movement and secured against rotation in the guide cylinder bushing. Further, the chair column includes a lockable gas spring assembly with a pressure cylinder, which is installed coaxially in the guide tube such that it is secured against axial displacement relative to the guide tube and it is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis, and with a piston installed in the pressure cylinder with freedom of sliding axially. The piston is connected to a piston rod which is fastened to the bottom plate and supported there with freedom of rotation about the longitudinal axis. Moreover, a height-adjustable foot rest is attached to the upper end region of the guide tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventor: Dirk Peter Sopp
-
Patent number: 7290744Abstract: A breakaway basketball goal system is provided for absorbing shocks during playing conditions. In embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a base, a neck movably coupled to the base, a backboard attached to a distal end of the neck, and a shock-absorbing mechanism that permits a neck, backboard and rim to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that may automatically return them to their playing position. The shock-absorbing mechanism can include a housing disposed on a rearward side of a mounting post, a shock absorber, a guide attached to a movable end of the shock absorber, and a cable connecting the guide to the neck. In embodiments of the invention, the backboard extends a horizontal distance from the base to provide a safe playing area.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Alan D. Baldasari
-
Patent number: 7255355Abstract: A portable collapsible stand includes first, second, and third support frames, a work surface frame, and a telescoping strut pivotably connected to the first and work surface frames. The second frame projects perpendicularly from a lower portion of the first frame. A first end of the third frame is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the first frame such that the third frame pivots from a first parallel position to a second perpendicular position with respect to the first frame. An upper portion of the work surface frame is rotatably connected to the upper portion of the first frame. In operation, the stand can assume a collapsed position in which the first, third and work surface frames are generally parallel, and an operating position in which the third frame and first frame are perpendicular and the work surface frame and surface supporting the stand are parallel.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: MK Diamond Products, Inc.Inventors: John Chisholm, Shawn Tsung, Paulo Carrolo
-
Patent number: 7232103Abstract: A load-bearing, pressurized-fluid column apparatus and method for supporting a load or mine ceiling with respect to a support surface or mine floor includes an elongated, flexible sleeve and bladder retain a substantially incompressible liquid. The sleeve and bladder have a collapsed and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the sleeve and bladder are not filled, and have a first, shorter length. In the expanded configuration, the sleeve and bladder are filled with the liquid, and have a second, longer length sized to extend to and between the load and the support surface. A valve allows the liquid to be added and prevents escape of the liquid. A base can seal a lower end of the sleeve, and can be disposed on the support surface. A cap can seal an upper end of the sleeve, and can be capable of abutting the load.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Efficient Mining Systems LLCInventor: Roland B. Heath
-
Patent number: 7188819Abstract: Object-support column includes an end unit, a guide tube which has a nominal diameter, and end having an end diameter which is smaller than the nominal diameter, and a transition-length portion extending from the nominal diameter to the end diameter, the end being connected to the end unit. A pneumatic tube surrounds the guide tube and the end unit, the pneumatic tube having a conical section with a diameter reduction surrounding the end unit. Alternatively, a guide portion of the guide tube may be supported radially on the inner wall of the pneumatic tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Peter Thurmann, Stephan Enders
-
Patent number: 7182323Abstract: An arrangement with a height-adjustable component includes an approximately vertically extending upright which bears the component, the upright including a pneumatic spring. The pneumatic spring has a cylinder having a bottom end connected to a fixed part of the arrangement. A piston displaceably arranged in the cylinder subdivides the cylinder into a bottom cylinder chamber and a top cylinder chamber and has a piston rod at one end. The piston rod projects through the top cylinder chamber and is guided out of the top end of the cylinder and bears the component at its free end. The top and bottom cylinder chambers are filled with a gas filling, under positive pressure, which subjects the piston to an upwardly directed push-out force corresponding approximately to the opposing weight-induced force of the component. A valve allows a gas flow from the top into the bottom cylinder chamber and blocks the same in the opposite flow direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventor: Thomas Müller
-
Patent number: 7077250Abstract: A viscous damper for a machinery mount having a damping member disposed intermediate a top support engageable with at least a portion of a load and a bottom plate disposed beneath the support and spaced therefrom to thereby decrease or deaden vibrations. The damper includes a receptacle for vertical disposition, which is closed at the bottom and opened at the top, and is adaptable for containing a viscous fluid. A plunger of smaller lateral dimensions is arranged concentrically and co-axially within the receptacle, and depends downwardly from the horizontally disposed support, and is of such a longitudinal dimension as to be spaced from the closed bottom of the receptacle so as to be submerged partially in the viscous fluid and is therefore free to move vertically. A perforated plate is affixed at the bottom of the plunger, and provides fluid communication between the receptacle and the plunger.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Vibro/Dynamics CorporationInventors: Jerry D. Folkens, Harold E. Reinke, Steven M. Veroeven, Joseph L. Bastl
-
Patent number: 6964411Abstract: A column unit includes a fixed upright tube with a bottom upright-tube end and a top upright-tube end and a telescopic tube axially displaceably guided in the upright tube. A cylinder of a pneumatic spring is axially displaceably guided in the telescopic tube. A piston rod projecting out of the cylinder of the pneumatic spring has a free end fastened on the upright tube proximate the bottom upright-tube end. A carry-along stop of the cylinder of the pneumatic spring allows the telescopic tube to be carried along out of the upright tube when the pneumatic spring is moved axially. A securing element limits an axial movement of the telescopic tube out of the upright tube. The securing element is arranged on the upright tube and abuts the outer cylindrical lateral surface of the telescopic tube with radially inwardly directed resilient prestressing.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventor: Harald Pooschen
-
Patent number: 6953109Abstract: A vibration isolator (200) for isolating a first assembly (202) from vibration from a second assembly (204) includes a housing (206) that is secured to the second assembly (204) and a pendulum assembly (208). The pendulum assembly (208) includes one or more pistons (226) and a connector assembly (224). The piston (226) is coupled to the first assembly (202). The connector assembly (224) couples the piston (226) to the housing (206) and allows the piston (226) to swing laterally relative to the housing (206). The vibration isolator (200) can also include a pendulum support (264) and/or a mover (580) that moves the piston (226) and assists in supporting the load of the first assembly (202).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Douglas C. Watson, Alton H. Phillips
-
Patent number: 6874432Abstract: An adjustable height table includes a base frame, a slider frame assembly, a generally planar support surface and a lifting mechanism. The main portion of the base frame is formed by welding three tubular components to form an H-shape. Each of the end portions of the H-shape include a mounting to support a swiveling locking castor. Above each castor there extends from the H-shaped main portion, a vertically extending tubular post. The slider frame assembly preferably includes an H-shaped main portion formed of three tubular members. Four vertically extending hollow tubular column members are attached to the H-frame so that they may telescopingly engage the four vertically extending posts of the base frame. A generally planar support surface is attached to the top of the four vertically extending columns located on the slider frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventor: John S. Lanphear
-
Patent number: 6866238Abstract: A furniture pillar includes an upright tube and a guide bushing which is inserted into one end of the upright tube and has an inner circumferential surface which is a guide for a supporting tube of the furniture pillar. The guide bushing has a radially inner guide tube, the tube passage of which forms a guide. An annular insertion region extends radially outwards on an end region of the guide tube and is inserted with its outer circumferential surface into the upright tube. A plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs of the guide bushing adjoin the annular insertion region axially, and extend radially outwards from the guide tube to outer end surfaces which bear against the inner wall of the upright tube, forming open chambers between them towards the side facing away from the annular insertion region. The upright tube has a color coating which completely covers its outer circumferential surface. Continuous openings pass from the chambers through the guide tube to the interior of the guide tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Stephan Enders, Holger Maus
-
Patent number: 6840484Abstract: Disclosed is a gas cylinder including: a spindle at least having a flange washer of a cavity shape having a region D1 and a region D2 whose inner diameters are different; a piston inserted to the open inside of the spindle; a piston rod whose one end is fixed in the piston; a base tube having a mounting member on which the lower end of the spindle is mounted with the mounting member inserted to the flange washer; and a pipe holder inserted to the tapered portion in the upper part of the spindle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Sam Hongea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Sang Jeon
-
Patent number: 6817582Abstract: A pneumatic extensible anchoring rack consists of an outer tube, an inner tube, a lid and an air cylinder. The outer tube is a hollow tubular member. The lid is located above the outer tube. The air cylinder is an extensible tubular member located in a hollow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube, and has one end fastening to the lid through a pin. The inner tube is a hollow tubular member located in the outer tube and is fastened to another end of the air cylinder through a pin. The air cylinder is extensible to control the extension or retraction of the outer tube and inner tube of a landing gear. As the pneumatic power is not sufficient to support the weight to be lifted, an anchoring means is provided for anchoring. The anchoring means includes four brake shoes located on four corners in the interior of the inner tube, four supporting rods located in the hollow space between the outer tube and the inner tube and fastened to the lid through pins, a pulling bar and a control valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Inventor: Ting-Tsai Wang
-
Publication number: 20040079854Abstract: A column unit is disclosed, in which a guide sleeve is adhered to the external surface of a spindle by an adhesive for metal, thereby allowing the spindle to stably perform a long stroke. The column unit provided with a spindle that moves up and down in a base tube to adjust the height of chair or table includes a cylindrical shaped guide sleeve fixed onto the external surface of the spindle from an upper portion of the spindle to a height lower than its lower portion, moving up and down along with the spindle, and an adhesive layer applied between the guide sleeve and the spindle to fixably adhere the guide sleeve to the spindle. Therefore, the stroke length of the spindle can stably be increased and the adhesive is simply used to adhere the guide sleeve to the spindle, thereby saving the cost for mass production.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Dong Kwan Ma, Gi Jong Kim
-
Publication number: 20040041063Abstract: A furniture pillar includes an upright tube and a guide bushing which is inserted into one end of the upright tube and has an inner circumferential surface which is a guide for a supporting tube of the furniture pillar. The guide bushing has a radially inner guide tube, the tube passage of which forms a guide. An annular insertion region extends radially outwards on an end region of the guide tube and is inserted with its outer circumferential surface into the upright tube. A plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs of the guide bushing adjoin the annular insertion region axially, and extend radially outwards from the guide tube to outer end surfaces which bear against the inner wall of the upright tube, forming open chambers between them towards the side facing away from the annular insertion region. The upright tube has a color coating which completely covers its outer circumferential surface. Continuous openings pass from the chambers through the guide tube to the interior of the guide tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Stephan Enders, Holger Maus
-
Publication number: 20030230155Abstract: A compliance assembly is disclosed for use in a semiconductor tester testhead stand. The compliance assembly includes an airspring having compliance along a plurality of axes and a containment vessel adapted for receiving the airspring. The containment vessel includes walls that, when the airspring is loaded, control the compliance along the plurality of axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Michael Caradonna, Sarosh Patel
-
Publication number: 20030189157Abstract: A pneumatic extensible anchoring rack consists of an outer tube, an inner tube, a lid and an air cylinder. The outer tube is a hollow tubular member. The lid is located above the outer tube. The air cylinder is an extensible tubular member located in a hollow space formed between the outer tube and the inner tube, and has one end fastening to the lid through a pin. The inner tube is a hollow tubular member located in the outer tube and is fastened to another end of the air cylinder through a pin. The air cylinder is extensible to control the extension or retraction of the outer tube and inner tube of a landing gear. As the pneumatic power is not sufficient to support the weight to be lifted, an anchoring means is provided for anchoring. The anchoring means includes four brake shoes located on four comers in the interior of the inner tube, four supporting rods located in the hollow space between the outer tube and the inner tube and fastened to the lid through pins, a pulling bar and a control valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2002Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventor: Ting-Tsai Wang
-
Patent number: 6619611Abstract: A vibration isolator that has an elastomer which couples a support plate to a piston. The elastomer can provide horizontal damping of a payload that is coupled to the support plate. The piston can move within a first housing inner chamber that is in fluid communication with a second housing inner chamber. The chambers are pressurized with air that can flow to dampen vertical movement of the piston. The vibration isolator of the present invention thus provides both vertical and horizontal damping without using any oils.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Newport CorporationInventors: Vyacheslav Ryaboy, Worthington B. Houghton, Jr., Herman B. Keil