Abstract: An air spring seat principally for buses, trucks, boats or other vehicles includes a manual air pump for inflating and deflating the air spring. The manual air pump includes a piston having a rearward air intake stroke, a forward compression stroke to deliver pressurized air through a check valve delivery and venting system to the air spring, a pressure stabilized at rest position at the end of the compression stroke and a forward venting stroke from the at rest position mechanically to release air from the air spring through the check valve delivery and venting system. A floating seal carried by the piston provides a fluid tight seal between the piston and pump body during the piston compression stroke but permits air to move from the intake side of the piston to the compression side of the piston during the piston intake stroke. The piston movements are all controlled by a manual lever handle readily accessible to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine mounting system for a vehicle engine includes a pair of engine mount assemblies having elastomeric bodies including two longitudinally aligned integral engine mounts. The mounts are in fluid communication with one another via an integral orifice track molded as a groove at the interface between the elastomeric body and a mating base plate. The engine mount assembly is mounted on a vehicle frame such that the common axis of the hydraulic chambers is situated transversely to the torque axis of the engine. During operation, the engine pitches about this torque axis. The pitching action of the engine causes one end mount to compress forcing hydraulic fluid along the orifice track into the other mount. The other mount simultaneously expands and receives this excess fluid. Advantageously, the flow of fluid along the orifice track produces a damping effect of the motion and vibration to provide isolation from the vehicle frame.

Abstract: The adjusting device possesses a hydraulic cylinder in whose cylinder tube there are housed a main piston equipped with a piston rod, an auxiliary piston and a force-exerting spring. The cylinder tube is closed off at both of its ends by an associated end flange. The outer surface of the cylinder tube simultaneously constitutes the guide surface of a guide tube which is fixedly connected by means of a connecting flange with the piston rod. Since the cylinder tube possesses an essentially constant or uniform inner diameter and outer diameter, the guide tube can be constructed to be so long that the adjusting device is stable enough to serve as a supporting column or pillar, e.g. for a chair or other seat structure.

Abstract: An air spring seat principally for buses, trucks, boats or other vehicles includes a manual air pump for inflating and deflating the air spring. The manual air pump includes a piston having a rearward air intake stroke, a forward compression stroke to deliver pressurized air through a check valve delivery and venting system to the air spring, a pressure stablized at rest position at the end of the compression stroke and a forward venting stroke from the at rest position mechanically to release air from the air spring through the check valve delivery and venting system. A floating seal carried by the piston provides a fluid tight seal between the piston and pump body during the piston compression stroke but permits air to move from the intake side of the piston to the compression side of the piston during the piston intake stroke. The piston movements are all controlled by a manual lever handle readily accessible to the seat occupant.

Abstract: This invention is a liquid filled type vibration insulating device, wherein a partition member dividing a closed chamber into two liquid chambers is provided with a gas chamber isolated from both liquid chambers and a portion of the gas chamber adjacent to at least one of the liquid chambers is partly or wholly defined by a flexible diaphragm, and is to prevent the increase of dynamic spring rate in the vibration insulating device due to high frequency vibrations by absorption of vibration through deformation of a flexible diaphragm when high frequency, small amplitude vibrations are particularly transmitted to the device.

Abstract: A field portable dental chair, collapsible to suitcase size, with pivotable outriggers for support, the chair including a bellows arrangement with a telescopic internal structure for raising and lowering the seat of the chair. The apparatus is formed, in part, of rigid members and, in part, flexible members contained within the rigid members for portability. Inflatable cushion members are provided for support of the head, back, seat and legs of a patient.

Abstract: A discharge ring supporting structure of an adjustable-blade axial-flow turbine comprises upper and lower halves separated along a horizontal plane passing through the central axis of the discharge ring. The lower half of the discharge ring is supported by a plurality of supporting columns, each having upper and lower supporting members. The upper supporting members are detachably connected between the lower half of the discharge ring and the lower supporting member. When it is desired to remove the runner, the discharge ring is separated into the upper and lower halves, and the upper supporting members of the supporting columns are removed so that the discharge ring can be lowered. Lowering of the discharge ring allows the runner to be lowered and then removed axially without the runner blades contacting the discharge ring. The upper supporting members of the discharge ring supporting columns are provided with a vibration damper for damping vibration in the discharge ring.

Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle engine including mounting units located at the opposite sides of the engine output shaft. The mounting unit includes a hydraulic chamber filled with hydraulic liquid. The hydraulic chamber of one unit is connected with that of the other unit through a conduit which may be provided with a variable orifice or a valve. The variable orifice or the valve is operated so that the fluid flow through the conduit is restricted or cut-off under a specific rolling frequency range.

Abstract: A continuously adjustable levelling column for chairs comprises a guide tube having a lower end and an upper end. A telescopic tube is guided within the guide tube and has a tapered upper end portion extending beyond the upper end of the guide tube. A gas spring is accommodated within the telescopic tube. This gas spring is axially fixed within the telescopic tube. The upper end of a container of the gas spring abuts through a distance piece a support face at the upper end of the tapered portion of the telescopic tube. A piston rod passing through the lower end of the gas spring is axially fixed with respect to the lower end of the guide tube. A locking control pin extends through the upper end of the gas spring and is engageable through a transmission pin by a control handle.

Abstract: In a sprung vehicle seat including a gas spring arrangement disposed between a seat carrier frame and a base frame, the gas spring arrangement includes a valve assembly for adjusting the pressure in a gas spring in response to the weight of the seat occupant (weight adjustment) and in dependence on the desired seat height (height adjustment). The valve assembly has a first valve means for weight adjustment and a second valve means for height adjustment, being separate from and manually operable independently of the first valve means. For weight adjustment, the seat also includes an actuator connected to the seat carrier frame and actuable for controlling the pressure in the gas spring, in dependence on the height of the seat carrier frame. A coupling means operatively connects the actuator to the seat carrier frame selectively at a plurality of different operative positions.

Abstract: A seat is provided with a downwardly depending tubular casing having a generally open bottom except for a retainer therein. The base includes an open top support cylinder which receives the tubular casing therein. The piston of a gas or hydrapneumatic spring cartridge is mounted at the lower end of the support cylinder in axially and radially fixed relation thereto. Even though the gas spring (cartridge and piston) is capable of swiveling about its longitudinal axis relative to the support cylinder, the longitudinal axis of the gas spring (cartridge and piston) remains substantially vertical at all times. The casing is loosely received or floats within the support cylinder and loosely surrounds the cartridge. Near the upper end of the casing an internal wall operatively engages the upper end of the cartridge in such manner that movement of the cartridge along the piston rod causes a corresponding movement of the casing.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension system for a vehicle seat with structural features allowing the suspension to be contained within the confined space available in recreational vehicles and light trucks. The invention includes a generally horizontal moveable platform pivotally attached at one end to a side of a seat frame. An air spring and shock absorber are mounted between the frame and the bottom of the seat to resiliently bias and damp the platform and therefore the occupant's vertical movement. The pivotal attachment is as far as possible from the center of the seat to permit maximum movement of the platform in an arc which closely approximates a straight, substantially vertical line. Means for automatically adjusting the suspension for occupants of different weights is included.

Abstract: A resilient mounting of a centrifuge that is a pneumatic one is made in a stand between the subsurface and supporting frame of the centrifuge by means of at least three vibration insulating units, each of which is provided with at least one pneumatic spring connected to a source of pressurized air through an automatic controller of a constant static height and having at least three vibration dampers. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient mounting of a centrifuge has three controllers of constant static height and vibration dampers which are seated obliquely.

Abstract: A pneumatic spring for use in a vehicle suspension has provided within the pneumatic spring an elastomeric spring which is subject to load only in the event of a pressurization failure of the pneumatic spring. The elastomeric spring is secured at one end to the pneumatic spring and is of generally circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the normal direction in which it would be loaded. The spring additionally is of progressively increasing external diameter over a part of its length as considered in a direction from its secured end to the other, free, end whereby both the vertical compression stiffness and horizontal shear stiffness of the spring progressively increase when the spring is subject to an increasing compression loading in the event of a pressurization failure.

Abstract: A sprung vehicle seat comprises a fluid spring between a base frame and a seat carrier frame displaceable relative to the base frame in respect of height, together with a control means for the fluid spring. The control means includes a switching means and an actuator acting thereon, with movement in respect of height of the seat carrier frame relative to the base frame being converted into a relatively large rotary movement as between the switching means and the actuator means. The structure for converting the heightwise movement into the rotary movement includes a belt winding mechanism wherein extension and retraction of the belt in response to heightwise movement of the seat carrier frame produces the relative rotary movement, or a toothed element meshing with a gear similarly operable to provide the relative rotary movement of substantial magnitude.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing mounting for a vehicle engine incorporates hydraulic damping by means of a pair of liquid filled chambers (20,21) which are separated by a thick rubber intermediate diaphragm and communicate via a restricted passageway (32). A gas spring acts on one chamber and a piston (67) sealed by a reinforced rolling-lobe diaphragm (55) acts on the other chamber, the reinforcement of the rolling-lobe diaphragm providing low rolling resistance while maintaining high bulge stiffness.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for mounting a vibrating body to a support structure, being particularly adapted for use as an engine mount system for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid-filled type vibration damping structure consisting of a liquid-filled vibration isolator and a bracket member in which the liquid-filled vibration isolator comprises first and second frames each to be mounted on a vibration source side such as power unit and on a vehicle body side, a resilient member provided between the first and second frames, a baffle member secured on the first frame and dividing the internal space surrounded by the resilient member, a diaphragm and one of the frames into two liquid chambers, said baffle member further having a ring-shaped orifice portion so as to damp a low frequency band vibration through the orifice portion.

Abstract: Building construction supported by the ground, having a floor, sidewalls mounted upon the floor and a roof supported by the sidewalls and the floor. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable flexible elements are provided which are disposed between the floor and the ground. Adjustable linkages anchor the floor to the ground and serve to urge the floor toward the inflatable flexible elements to provide a stable and relatively level support for the floor as well as the sidewalls and roof.

Abstract: A damper which comprises a damper housing and a damper plunger in which the damper plunger comprises a top plate for the reception of an object that is to be damped, and a plunger tube. The plunger tube is frustoconical in configuration and can be moved into and out of a damping medium present in the damper housing, the larger cone diameter end of the plunger tube being directed into the damper medium.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle seat having pneumatic suspension with automatic regulation of the seat height and an integrated height adjustment system. The height adjustment is designed in such a way that it can be used, even in the rest position of the vehicle seat, for the direct and precise setting of the selected static height of the seat. There is provided that, during the adjustment of the static height, tappet stops of control member are changed in such a way that during the adjustment process they render the valve tappets substantially free from play.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus having a hydraulically controlled counterweight. A flexible roll diaphragm seals each piston to each cylinder in the system.

Abstract: A propeller thruster installation includes a propeller unit rigidly supported in an inner tunnel tube which in its turn is elastically coaxially supported in an outer tunnel tube which is rigidly secured to the hull of a ship. In order to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations from the propeller unit to the interior of, an ship the annulus between the outer and inner tunnel tubes is filled with elastic gas cushions, or a continuously maintained "bubble curtain" of air.

Abstract: Vehicle seat suspension apparatus comprising a forwardly and rearwardly adjustable vehicle seat being interconnected to the floor of the vehicle by first and second bracket means, the first and second bracket means being interconnected by means of a spring and a shock absorber assembly, a slot formed in one of the brackets, and a portion of the other bracket being disposed in the slot to prevent lateral movement of the seat.

Abstract: A resilient support column for height-adjustable chairs or the like includes a piston-and-cylinder type pneumatic spring that is installable in and removable from the column by means of a retaining sleeve structure carried by the spring. The retaining sleeve is connected to the column through a threaded connection that permits quick one-step insertion of the combined sleeve-spring unit into the column, while thereafter affording the advantage of threaded adjustment within the column or threaded removal therefrom. A simple mechanical fastener holds the retaining sleeve in place on the pneumatic spring during shipment and/or assembly.

Abstract: A support for a hi-fi turntable base or the like and having an open frame member disposed adjacent the upper surface of a base plate member, a fluid filled endless tube member disposed on the upper surface of the base member and within the interior of the frame and preferably arranged in a serpentine configuration to achieve a proper disbursement of the fluid during use of a support apparatus, the outer diameter of the tube being greater than the thickness of the frame whereby the tube projects above the outer limit of the frame for receiving a floating support plate thereon. A centrally disposed post or bolt extends loosely between the base plate and the floating plate for securing the floating plate to the base plate, the floating plate being adapted for receiving the turntable base thereon for isolating the turntable base from vibration caused by walking across the floor or the like, the elements of the turntable support apparatus being constructed from materials having different frequency.

Abstract: Vibration limiting apparatus for use in supporting devices sensitive to vibration embodies an outer supporting container. A vibration dampening liquid within the outer container dampens vibrations transmitted between the outer container and an inner buoyant member. The inner buoyant member supports the vibration sensitive device and floats freely within the outer container. Oppositely disposed magnets mounted on adjacent surfaces of the inner buoyant member and the outer supporting container urge the inner buoyant member toward a position so that it is supported by the dampening liquid in spaced relation to the adjacent inner surfaces of the outer container.

Abstract: A sprung vehicle seat which adjusts to a preset height, even when accommodating people of different weights, and which also permits adjustment of the preset height, is supported by a gas spring. An actuator which is linearly movable when there is a change in the seat height can cooperate with a switching mechanism, which includes a valve spaced apart from a switch, to control the volume of air in the gas spring. A holder carrying either the switching mechanism or the actuator is pivotably mounted on a slider which is linearly movable unless it is locked into place. When the holder is in a first angular position, the actuator and the switching mechanism are separated to avoid unnecessary actuation of the gas spring during bouncing movements, and when it is in a second angular position the actuator and the switching mechanism are moved toward each other so that they can cooperate to adjust the seat to the preset height.

Abstract: An engine mounting arrangement includes elastomeric mounting blocks interposed between laterally extending arms connected to the engine and brackets fixed to a cross member of the chassis near the outboard ends thereof. The blocks are adapted to undergo shear upon the engine rolling about an essentially longitudinal axis. The arrangement further includes a mounting unit including an elastomeric chamber defining member which readily undergoes shear without changing the volume the chamber which it defines when the engine rolls but which undergoes a volume change upon the engine bouncing or vibrating in the vertical direction. The volume change pumps working fluid from the chamber to a second variable volume chamber and vice versa through a flow restriction so that vertical movement of the engine is strongly damped but rolling readily permitted. The arrangement further minimizes the transmission of vibration from the engine to the chassis and the tendency of the cross member per se to be vibrated.

Abstract: Improvements for office chairs are described which include a cam control mechanism having two operative positions under control of the occupant. In the first position the cam actuates a first pneumatic cylinder to adjust the height of the seat over a continuous range. In the second position, the cam independently actuates a second pneumatic cylinder for adjusting the postural attitude of the backrest over a continuous range about a pivot located at the sacral level of the occupant. In the postural adjustment mode, the cam may be positioned to actuate the backrest adjusting cylinder continuously so that the backrest provides a floating support or dynamic cushioning to the back of the occupant. The backrest cushion assembly is mounted to its support by means of a pair of laterally spaced cushion mounts which provide lesser resistance and support to body motions in a fore-and-aft plane but greater support to laterally backward motion, as when the occupant is reaching for something.

Abstract: Between two elastic resilient blocks are disposed in parallel first and second vibration absorbers. The first absorber is an air-filled annular tube which absorbs a high-frequency small-altitude vibration which is transmitted from the engine to the vehicle body, while the second absorber is an elastic resilient block which absorbs a low-frequency large-altitude vibration which is transmitted from the vehicle body to the engine.

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

Abstract: A lengthwise adjustable gas spring consists of a housing containing gas under pressure, which is formed by an outer tube 2 and a coaxially disposed inner tube 3 with an annular channel 4 therebetween. A closed piston 5 sealed against the inner tube and axially movable within same, is connected to a piston rod 9, which extends through a seal formed by a plug 10 at one end of the housing. A valve 23 is disposed at the other end of the housing and is used for the regulated connection via the annular channel 4 of two partial housing chambers 20a and 20b disposed on either side of the piston within the inner area of the housing. A valve lifter 22 is embodied within the valve body and is sealed against the valve body and opens or closes gas transfer ports. The valve body 23 and the plug 10 are axially supported against the inner tube 3 and are sealed against the inner surface of the outer tube 2. In order to avoid use of separate seals, the valve body e.g.

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

Abstract: A gas cushion apparatus (10) includes first, second and third members (14,16,21) and with the first and second members (14,16) being connected together, and constructed such that the second member (16) is capable of being excited by vibration of the first member (14). A cushion device (20) controllably distributes a gas between the second member (16) and one of the first and third members at a preselected region (80) and reduces the transmission of vibratory forces from the second member (16) into one of the first and third member (14,21). The apparatus is particularly applicable to supporting a fender on a wheeled vehicle and minimizing noise transmission to an operator's compartment.

Abstract: An improved actuator button apparatus is disclosed for use in adjustable chairs. The manually actuable button is pressed through an aperture in the chair frame and then moved along a pivoted lever until the button reaches a retention position. Movement of the lever activates or deactivates a chair positioning linkage within the housing.

Abstract: A spring loaded vehicle seat is of the kind having a seat frame and an underframe supports this seat frame by levers and a pneumatic spring so that the seat is maintained at a constant height. Valves control the flow of air to and from the spring to counteract the effect of vibrations. A switch mechanism controls the operation of the valves and a coupling device transmits vibrations of the seat to the mechanism. The coupling device is arranged so that movement of the mechanism after opening a valve lags behind the vibration of the seat.

Abstract: A suspension device for supporting objects, such as a vehicle seat on a base to reduce vibrations transmitted from the base to a person seated on the seat, consists of a first lever hinged at one end to the base, and a second lever hinged to the other end of, and overlying the first lever, the first lever resting on the base, and the second lever resting on the base or the first lever, through respective gas-filled, bell-shaped, hollow damper studs.

Abstract: A body-mounted support device for a motion picture camera or television camera employs a pair of articulated arm assemblies serially connected and attached to a body harness and positioned to support a gimbal device. A camera support tube is mounted upright to turn on the gimbal device and carries a camera on its upper end, and a battery at its lower end. Two-axis horizontal adjustments are provided for the camera at the top of the support tube. Pneumatic cushion means associated with the articulated arm assemblies dampen unwanted movements of the motion picture camera. Tilt adjustments near a belt portion of the body harness serve to position the camera support tube at the desired position in space in front of the cameraman. Provision is made for right hand or left hand mounting of the arm assemblies. An emergency release mechanism is provided to disconnect the entire device from the body harness.

Abstract: A seat assembly for an all-purpose vehicle such as a lorry or tractor comprises a frame carrying the seat. The frame is movably connected to a base secured to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibration eliminating mount for supporting a load is disclosed herein having a three point suspension wherein each of the three points includes a pair of angularly disposed brackets secured to the load and the support respectively. Carried between opposing parallel surfaces on the brackets is a fluid vibration eliminating assembly movably separating the pair of brackets. The assembly is carried in a dish or pan which is fixedly secured to at least one of the brackets and provision is made for accommodating a fluid valve for suitably pressurizing the assembly.

Abstract: This sprung seat notably for off-the-road vehicles is mounted on a base frame and provided with elastic return means in the form of a hydropneumatic device associated with an automatic monitoring distributor adapted to be connected to the pressure fluid circuit of the vehicle and capable of regulating the fluid pressure in the hydropneumatic device as a function of the seat squab frame oscillation. The hydropneumatic device is constructed to eliminate any mechanical frictional contact and incorporates adjustable valve means adapted to be set as a function of the weight of the occupant of the seat.

Abstract: A shock absorber device is provided including a lower cup-shaped part covered by a first diaphragm to define an air chamber and a second diaphragm is disposed in spaced relation above the first diaphragm to define an oil chamber with a piston element being engaged with the second diaphragm to operate through the oil to control pressure applied from the first diaphragm to air in the air chamber. The piston element supports a plate through balls seated in recesses such that horizontal displacement of the plate is translated into vertical displacement of the piston element, the plate being arranged to support a machine to be supported, or a portion thereof. The area of the piston element and the area of the first diaphragm have a ratio therebetween such as to match the requirements of a particular machine and to minimize transmission of shocks and vibrations.