Nonmetallic Resilient Element Patents (Class 248/634)
  • Patent number: 6902157
    Abstract: A vibration isolation assembly comprises a base, a plunger and an annulus of resilient material between the base and plunger. The base has a pair of oppositely inclined, internal, tapered surfaces connected to each other which define an opening though the base. The tapered surfaces of the base contact corresponding external surfaces of the annulus. The plunger has an inclined surface substantially parallel to one of the internal surfaces and a second surface within the opening and facing the pair of tapered surfaces. The inclined surface and the second surface of the plunger engage corresponding internal surfaces of the annulus. In this device vibration creates a load on the annulus which is entirely compressive, or nearly so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Daniel P. Brown
  • Patent number: 6887544
    Abstract: A shock isolator for simultaneously isolating shocks and for supporting a static load in an axial offset compression mode comprising a four-sided elastomer having a first elongated support surface and a second elongated support surface with the laterally offset from each the elastomer rotated at a point between the first support surface and the second support surface to thereby simultaneously provide shock and vibration attenuation while providing axially offset support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Monson
  • Patent number: 6862177
    Abstract: A vibration-reducing system for use with a data processing apparatus is provided. The data processing apparatus includes a data access apparatus. The vibration-reducing system includes at least one first elastic element and at least one second elastic element, and the elastic modulus of the second elastic element is smaller than the elastic modulus of the first elastic element. The first elastic element connects the data access apparatus to the data processing apparatus, and the second elastic element is disposed between the data processing apparatus and the data access apparatus. A part of impact energy is removed from the data access apparatus by using the difference between the elastic modulus of the first and the second elastic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Uniwill Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Wang Chou
  • Patent number: 6859363
    Abstract: A shock absorbing mechanism for the hard disk is provided. The mechanism comprises a hard disk frame including, at either side, two first holes, two second holes, and two first apertures; two side brackets each including, at an outer side, two slots and two second apertures; two pairs of barbell shaped pads, each pad including two end enlargements and an intermediate neck disposed in the slot; two elongate, inner positioning members each including two end stop members for fastening the inner enlargements, and two third apertures; and two elongate, outer positioning member each including two end positioning members for fastening the outer enlargements in the second hole, and two fourth apertures. The outer positioning members, the frame, the brackets, the inner positioning members, and the hard disk are threadedly secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Aaeon Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Yung-Shun Chuang
  • Patent number: 6853552
    Abstract: A cartridge receptacle receives a cartridge that features a computer adapter card. The cartridge receptacle includes a side with first and second card guides attached to that side. The first and second card guides are dimensioned to cooperate with retaining structure on an installed cartridge to retain the installed cartridge in the receptacle while providing a gap for air flow between the installed cartridge and the side. Various embodiments of the receptacle accept various sizes and numbers of expandable cartridges. Corresponding cartridges and information handling systems incorporating receptacles for expandable computer cartridges are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: James A. Brewer
  • Patent number: 6852382
    Abstract: A shock isolator for simultaneously isolating shocks and for supporting a static load in an axial offset compression mode comprising a four-sided elastomer having a first elongated support surface and a second elongated support surface with the laterally offset from each the elastomer rotated at a point between the first support surface and the second support surface to thereby simultaneously provide shock and vibration attenuation while providing axially offset support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Robert J. Monson
  • Publication number: 20040217236
    Abstract: A vibration-proof clamp capable of achieving high vibration-proof performance with high reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Tomio Shibuya
  • Patent number: 6742312
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a sports floor assembly. The shock absorber has a base portion and a nodule portion. The base portion is formed of an elastomeric material. The nodule portion extends a distance from one side of the base portion and has a first layer formed of an elastomeric material with a durometer Shore hardness substantially equal to the durometer Shore hardness of the base portion. The nodule portion has a second layer formed of an elastomeric material having a durometer Shore hardness less than the durometer Shore hardness of the base portion and the first layer of the nodule portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Citizens State Bank
    Inventor: Jim Louis Valentine
  • Patent number: 6715746
    Abstract: A vibration isolation device is disclosed. More specifically the vibration isolation device of the present invention comprises a fuse for decreasing the mount stiffness when loads above a threshold load value are applied to the device. The fuse for decreasing the mount stiffness comprises a shear pin with shear locations that comprise annular grooves with semielliptical cross sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Bachmeyer, Michael R. Blewett, Marvin D. Ohme
  • Patent number: 6712571
    Abstract: A releasable fastening device that includes a rivet (3) that can be inserted in through openings (5, 6) of components (1, 2) that are to be mounted. The rivet (3) is provided with a projection at one end and with spreadable expansion elements (4) at its other end. A threaded bolt (8) is axially pushed into an internal counter-thread of the rivet (3) to spread the expansion elements (4). When the fastening device is assembled, the walls of the components (1, 2) or of an intermediate element (7) engage radial recesses on the circumference of the rivet (3) to hold the components securely. Bolt (8) can be unscrewed from the rivet (3) to facilitate disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Krohlow, Mathias Mikl, Mario Rieger
  • Patent number: 6651966
    Abstract: An aggregate bearing (1) in bushing form having an outer ring (2) and an elastomeric coating (3) and an inner support part (4), as well as rubber springs (5, 6) arranged in-between; axial penetrations (8, 9) are provided between the outer ring (2) and stop buffer (7) located in the direction of the main load (10); and, prior to the bearing being put into use for the first time, the stop buffer(7) located in the main load direction (10) and the inner elastomeric coating (3) of the outer ring (2) are connected to one another by at least one cross-piece (12) arranged in the axial direction of the bearing (1) and designed as a preset rupture joint, in order to achieve as early a progression onset as possible in the direction of the pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Werner Hettler
  • Patent number: 6622975
    Abstract: A suspension device has a carrying region, at which it is to be connected to a carrying structure, and also a flexible load beam which essentially consists of elastomer material, is disposed between two articulating zones and has a centrally disposed centre of load distribution. At the latter, the load acting on the said load beam branches out towards the two articulating zones, which in turn are each connected to the carrying region by a carrying leg. The two articulating zones lie in a common transversal plane which extends transversely to the direction of action of the load. The centre of distribution of load is disposed, in the non-loaded condition, between the carrying region and the transversal plane, and the load beam is adapted to approach a stretched position in which the centre of distribution of load lies in the said transversal plane when the load increases and is directed away from the carrying region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: SGF Suddeutsche Gelenkscheibenfabrik GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Klaus Steinmaier
  • Publication number: 20030173470
    Abstract: A conduit isolator mount for separating and securing one or more elongate articles. In one embodiment the isolator may be used by itself to secure one or more elongate articles in relative position. In other embodiments, the isolator may be used in combination with conventional cable ties, saddle-type mounts, or button head cable ties and the like to secure and position the isolator mount to a desired support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gerard G. Geiger
  • Patent number: 6592285
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device is provided for removably connecting a first and second component. The device includes a holding arm adapted to be attached to the first component; a receiving element adapted to be attached to the second component; and at least one vibration-damping element of elastic material coupled to the holding arm. The holding arm is insertable into the receiving element, whereby the at least one vibration-damping element is slidable along at least a surface of the receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6571898
    Abstract: The mounting device has at least two receiving blocks on a load-bearing structure, each block having two face-to-face parallel ribs, as well as at least two damping studs. Each is produced from an elastically deformable material and includes two parallel grooves able to interact, by sliding, with the two parallel ribs of a receiving block. Each damping stud also has a bearing face suitable for interacting with an item of equipment, as well as having an abutment face suitable for interacting with the receiving block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Jean-Nicolas Guyomard
  • Patent number: 6572070
    Abstract: An exhaust system hanger isolator supports exhaust system components on a vehicle in a manner to reduce noise and vibration. The isolator includes a bracket having first and second apertures formed therethrough at opposing ends of the bracket. First and second rubber grommets are received within the first and second apertures, respectively. The first and second rubber grommets have chamfered ends to facilitate push-in insertion into the apertures, and the first and second rubber grommets each have a central opening to receive headed attachment rods therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carlo Arciero, Christopher Stephen Figueira, Glenn Richard Reed
  • Patent number: 6545865
    Abstract: A shock mount structure facilitates shock absorption for a device. An outrigger, preferably two wing-like outriggers at diametrically opposite sides of the device, is mounted to the device at an attachment point, and is positioned between two contacting force absorbing members, distributing the shock force to the force absorption members, and supporting the device against slippage with respect to the force absorption members. Leaf spring tabs are formed within the cartridge shell, spaced from an edge of the cartridge shell to allow their flexure. The force absorption members are positioned between the device and the leaf spring tabs, contacting the tabs, such that the tabs assist in absorbing shock force directed at the leaf spring tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Albrecht, Allen Ronald Cox, David Michael Davis, Wayne Isami Imaino, James Mitchell Karp, George G. Zamora
  • Publication number: 20030038224
    Abstract: A system for isolating wall hung equipment from shock and vibration including a wall mountable support or fixture having a first member for securing to a wall and a second member for securing to equipment with a plurality of triad elastomers mounted therebetween to cantleverly support the equipment and at the same time isolate the equipment from shock and vibration. The elastomer mounts while permitting displacement of the members with respect to one another inhibit the members from contacting each other when one or the other is subject to shock or vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Trevor J. McCollough
  • Patent number: 6520464
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement facilitates mounting and removal of an article, such as an elongated housing for a proximity sensor. A bracket and a coupling each have an aperture extending therethrough for receiving the article. A central axis extends through the apertures. The coupling includes a plurality of spaced apart flexures located adjacent the coupling aperture. Each flexure includes an axially extending arm portion for engaging a respective part of an inner sidewall portion of the bracket aperture. Upon rotation of the coupling about the central axis, the bracket sidewall portion engages or releases the arms of the coupling to effect radial movement of the arms. In particular, rotation of the coupling in one direction about the central axis relative to the bracket urges the arms radially inward and rotation of the coupling in the other direction permits a radially outward movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Richard Morrissey, Isak Kaysreman
  • Patent number: 6505697
    Abstract: A suspension fitting for a motor vehicle exhaust system, the fitting comprising a top and bottom strength members interconnected by a resilient system comprising firstly a single central support arm and secondly a flexible limiting ring surrounding the support arm to limit relative travel between the strength members in a direction corresponding to the support arm lengthening. The top and bottom strength members have respective downwardly and upwardly extending rigid limbs which are placed facing each other on a horizontal axis perpendicular to the general direction of the exhaust system so as to come into abutment against each other and limit relative travel between the strength members along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Monneau
  • Patent number: 6499714
    Abstract: A system for and method of mounting a machine to a base. A mounting bolt is provided for extending through the base, the mounting bolt includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, and an enlarged head attached to the second end of the shaft. A grommet having an aperture for receiving the shaft of the mounting bolt and having a groove for receiving the machine is provided. A nut attaches to the shaft of the mounting bolt adjacent the first end thereof to secure the grommet to the mounting bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John R. Wike
  • Patent number: 6498722
    Abstract: An isolation mounting system attaches a computer component, such as a disk drive, to the structure of a computer system. In an embodiment, the isolation mounting system comprises a post bracket attached to the computer component, a plurality of isolators attached to posts extending from the post bracket, and a socket bracket attached to the isolators and to the structure of the computer system. An opening in the isolators fits over, onto, or around the posts of the post bracket. Outer surfaces of the isolators fit within receptacles of the socket bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard W. Stolz, Jay K. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6496363
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a peripheral device on a casing of an electronic apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart upright mounting plates, each having a lower edge adapted to be fixed to a base plate of the casing, and each being formed with a mounting recess on one side confronting the other mounting plate. The mounting recess is defined by a pair of upright clamping walls and a connecting wall which interconnects the clamping walls. Each of a pair of anchoring members has an upright engaging wall formed with an engaging projection adapted to engage a respective outer side wall of the casing, and a pair of wing portions extending transversely, from the engaging wall. The anchoring members are inserted respectively into the mounting recesses via open upper ends of the latter, and are clamped between the clamping walls of the respective mounting recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Compucase Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Liang Li
  • Patent number: 6491279
    Abstract: In a bracket mounting structure is disclosed for mounting a bracket holding a center bearing of a propeller shaft to a vehicle body member by bolts and nuts. The structure contains a bush collar formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a flange in an upper end, fitted to the bolts and fixed to the vehicle body member by the bolts and the nuts. It also contains a pair of upper and lower rubber bushes fitted to an outer periphery of the bush collar and gripping the bracket there-between, and a washer provided in a lower end of the lower rubber bush among the rubber bushes. Outward protruding projections are provided in an outer peripheral edge of a lower end in the bush collar, and notches through which the projections can pass. Engagement portions with which the projections are engaged due to a relative rotation are provided in an inner periphery of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Iwano
  • Patent number: 6484976
    Abstract: A center bearing hanger assembly (68) for supporting a drive shaft (62) of a vehicle is provided. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) includes a center bearing (66), which supports the drive shaft, having an outer housing (76). The outer housing (76) is mechanically coupled to a male hanger (102). The male hanger (102) is received by a female receptacle (104). The female receptacle (104) is attached to an undercarriage of the vehicle. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) increases the ease of vehicle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Boutin
  • Patent number: 6471179
    Abstract: An isolation mount for use in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The motor vehicle has a body portion and a subframe portion. The subframe has a through hole. The isolation mount includes a thimble member having a flanged portion and an axially extending tube portion. An annular foamed elastomeric member is adjacent to the thimble member. The annular member having a radially outwardly extending one end portion, an opposite end portion and an inner passage. The opposite end portion is acceptable in a slidable fit into the through hole from one side of the subframe portion to the other side. The opposite end portion being movable radially outwardly when the opposite end is axially advanced past said through hole and said one end portion being axially advanced to be adjacent to the one side of the subframe portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: Shahram Tousi, Mickey Love, Casimir R. Kiczek
  • Patent number: 6439557
    Abstract: A thermal isolator including first and second pads, the first and second pads shaped to cover first and second leg portions of a mount. The isolator further includes a friable connecting portion attached to each of the first and second pads. The connecting portion is positioned to disconnect when a housing is positioned on the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Stitt
  • 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: 6402119
    Abstract: A molded rubber hanger with a reinforcing belt made from a woven fabric or a continuous yarn. The belt has perforations through which the rubber passes to form a mechanical bond. The perforations may be woven directly into a fabric, or they may be provided after fabrication of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Schlegel Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley R. Miska
  • Patent number: 6394407
    Abstract: A passive vibration isolator that contains a resilient element supported by a first support and a second support. The resilient element reacts with one or more of the supports so that the isolator has a natural frequency versus load curve. The curve has a first portion with a varying natural frequency and a second portion with a relatively constant frequency. The second support may have a profile so that a contact area of the support is approximately constant in the first portion of the curve and varies in the second portion of the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventor: Vyacheslav M. Ryaboy
  • Patent number: 6392892
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a network attached data storage system. In one embodiment of the invention, the system provides high data density by providing the capability to mount four data storage devices, such as disk drives, in a row that extends across the width of an enclosure that conforms to the 1U specification. In a further embodiment, the system includes a latch that allows a data storage device that is disposed on a carriage to be attached and detached from a receiving bay within a disclosure. The latch includes a sensor that provides an electrical signal which is indicative of when a user is disengaging the latch to remove the data storage device from the enclosure. This signal can be used to prevent any data that is being transferred to or from the data storage device from being lost and/or corrupted during removal of the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: LeftHand Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Zbigniew S. Sobolewski, John Spiers
  • Patent number: 6371433
    Abstract: A damping device with a top element, a bottom element, and a viscoelastic element between the top and bottom elements. The damping device exerts significant shear displacement across the viscoelastic element upon deflecting. The damping device may have first and second ends and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The damping device may have a generally longitudinal extension with an elevation in the direction of the top element in the intermediate portion. The elevation may have a substantially triangular V-shape when the damping device is unloaded. A system in accordance with the principles of the present invention including a system cabinet, a plurality of carriers mounted in the system cabinet for receiving hard disk drives, and a plurality of damping devices according to the invention mounted between the carriers and the system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dale H. Anderson, Donald M. Connelly, Jr., Kenton C. Green
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6343782
    Abstract: A vibration canceller having an inertial mass that is nonpositively joined to at least one spring element. The spring element is made exclusively of elastomeric material, is configured in substantially rod-shaped fashion, and is equipped on at least one of its end faces with a plug-shaped enlargement, the enlargement being arranged, under elastic preload, in a congruently configured opening of the inertial mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Herwig Hönlinger, Günter Zeis
  • Patent number: 6311945
    Abstract: A passive vibration isolation device includes a support frame, an instrument support platform and a plurality of vibration isolators. The support frame is adapted to rest on a support surface. The instrument support platform is adapted to support an instrument thereon. The vibration isolators are spaced apart from one another and disposed between and interconnect the support frame and the instrument support platform such that the instrument support platform is suspended by the vibration isolators in a position spaced from the support frame and above the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ted Pella, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D'Angelo
  • Publication number: 20010030274
    Abstract: A machine mount is disclosed. The mount is ideally suited for naval applications but is generally applicable to any type of equipment. The shock and vibration absorbing part of the mount is made of elements of molded urethane or similar material that change shape as static loading increases. The mount has elements shaped to give a smooth but non-linear, increasing response in static loading. As the static load is applied the extra deformation increases the mount stiffness in two ways, there is an increase in load to mount surface contact area and the elements of the mount change from flex loading to shear and compression as the shape of the elements change under load. The natural frequency of the mount in loading is low and relatively constant over a wider range of static loads then prior art mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Kelli Corona-Bittick, Jim Dorr, Colin Ratcliffe
  • Patent number: 6301105
    Abstract: Noise is reduced in a disk drive enclosure by using vibration damping materials on the inside surface of the enclosure. These materials and their placement on the inside surface of the enclosure reduce noise without thermally insulating the disk drive. A temperature controlled fan may be used to remove heat by convection while generating a minimum amount of noise. The connection between the disk drive and the external connector of the disk drive enclosure is made more reliable by using a printed circuit board instead of a cable. Because a printed circuit board has a fixed location and fixed layout, variability among disk drive enclosures can be minimized. Also, errors in manufacturing of the disk drive enclosure can be reduced. To facilitate the use of the disk drive in a stripe set, the disk drive enclosure has a set of mechanical interlocks that permit the enclosures to be stacked vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Avid Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Glorioso, Daniel H. Kass, Clifford G. Westland, Erica M. Jehu, Morton H. Tarr
  • Publication number: 20010019099
    Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic mount including an elastic body elastically connecting a first mounting member and a cylindrical second mounting members for fluid-tightly closing one open end of the second mounting member, a partition and a closure members superposed on each other and fixed at their peripheral portions to the other open end of the second mounting member, by calking, to provide on one side of the partition member a pressure receiving chamber partially defined by the elastic body and on the other side of the partition member an equilibrium chamber partially defined by a flexible diaphragm fixed to the closure member. These chambers are filled with a non-compressible fluid. The partition member has a cylindrical positioning shoulder, while the closure member has a cylindrical wall portion which is press-fitted onto the positioning shoulder of the partition member, so that the partition and closure member are positioned relative to each other in their diametric direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Takehiro Okanaka, Hiroaki Tanahashi
  • Publication number: 20010019098
    Abstract: The mounting device has at least two receiving blocks on a load-bearing structure, each block having two face-to-face parallel ribs, as well as at least two damping studs. Each is produced from an elastically deformable material and includes two parallel grooves able to interact, by sliding, with the two parallel ribs of a receiving block. Each damping stud also has a bearing face suitable for interacting with an item of equipment, as well as having an abutment face suitable for interacting with the receiving block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jean-Nicolas Guyomard
  • Patent number: 6276652
    Abstract: A fastening element for a plastic housing, especially a filter housing, which is fitted to a supporting structure so as to damp vibrations. To this end the housing is provided with the fastening element comprising a rubber-elastic member (12), especially a member produced by the two-component injection molding method, and a mounting member of the support structure is lockingly engaged with the fastening element so that the fastening element of the housing is functionally connected to the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Rieger
  • Patent number: 6272011
    Abstract: A hard diskdrive mobile rack formed of a hollow rack, a top cover and a buffer unit for mounting in the mainframe of a computer to carry a hard diskdrive for storing data, wherein the rack body has an opening for the loading of a hard diskdrive, and an electric connector for connection to the circuit of the mainframe of the computer; the top cover is slidably inserted into the rack body to close the opening of the rack body; the buffer unit includes a tray, which carries the loaded hard diskdrive, and a plurality of spring elements, which support the tray and the loaded had diskdrive in the rack body to eliminate shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Star Chen
  • Patent number: 6270051
    Abstract: An adapter plate for pivotally securing an isolating mount to a drive train component is provided. The adapter plate includes a body portion which can be secured to the drive train. The adapter plate also includes a pivot support formed on the body portion. The pivot support has a pivot member for pivotally securing a first end of the isolating mount. The adapter plate also includes a securing member formed on the body portion. The securing member has an aperture for aligning with a corresponding aperture at a second end of the isolating mount. The isolating mount can pivot about the pivot support during installation of the drive train component within a vehicle, and the isolating mount can be secured to the securing member to prevent pivotal movement after installation of the drive train component within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventor: Douglas L. Power
  • Patent number: 6260814
    Abstract: An air compressor 10 for an air leveling suspension system of a motor vehicle is mounted on a vibration reducing bracket 12. The bracket includes a bottom panel section 16 that has a perforated metal grid 40 embedded therein. Side walls 18 extend to an open top 20. A first set of brass inserts 24 are embedded into a plurality of tiers 22 that are spaced between the closed bottom panel section 16 and open top 20 to mount the air compressor 10. A second set of brass inserts receive bolts 31 to mount the bracket to the chassis 14 of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Cambridge Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale J. Mathews
  • Patent number: 6221930
    Abstract: A lightweight shock absorber has an ideal F-S waveform, and is formed of a foam resin material. The cross-sectional area of the absorber in the compression axis direction and the vertical direction changes at least partially in the compression axis direction, and consequently the relation between distortion and compressive stress in the compression axis direction (F-S waveform) is approximately linear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Tada, Tatsuo Yata, Keiichiro Tabata, Yoichi Nabeshima
  • Patent number: 6209844
    Abstract: In an arrangement for supporting an exhaust system on a motor vehicle, a mounting element is connected to a motor vehicle part, a support element is pivotally connected to the mounting element, and an intermediate retaining means, which is connected to the exhaust system, is pivotally supported by the support element, the pivot axes of the support element and the mounting element and of the intermediate retaining means are parallel and disposed in spaced relationship and so oriented that the support element is pivotable in the longitudinal direction of the exhaust system so as to permit expansion of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Iris Brücker, Heiko Gensert
  • Patent number: 6209842
    Abstract: A damping device with a top element, a bottom element, and a viscoelastic element between the top and bottom elements. The damping device exerts significant shear displacement across the viscoelastic element upon deflecting. The damping device may have first and second ends and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The damping device may have a generally longitudinal extension with an elevation in the direction of the top element in the intermediate portion. The elevation may have a substantially V-shape when the damping device is unloaded. A system in accordance with the principles of the present invention including a system cabinet, a plurality of carriers mounted in the system cabinet for receiving hard disk drives, and a plurality of damping devices according to the invention mounted between the carriers and the system cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dale H. Anderson, Donald M. Connelly, Jr., Kenton C. Green
  • Patent number: 6196516
    Abstract: A cushioning device includes a support frame having right and left anchoring walls adapted to be secured to the right and left side walls of a computer component, respectively. At least one of the right and left anchoring walls has an inserting through hole. An impact absorbing member is made of an elastomeric material, and has a first annular flange and a second annular flange. The impact absorbing member is inserted into the inserting through hole with a portion of the anchoring wall around the inserting through hole being interposed between the first annular flange and the second annular flange. A fastening member passes through a fastening through hole in the impact absorbing member for fastening the support frame onto one of the side walls of the computer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mitac International Corp
    Inventor: Hao-Jui Lan
  • Patent number: 6173800
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system with an exhaust which has two deformable pipe members and at least two casings arranged downstream thereof and belonging to a catalytic converter and/or silencer. At least the last casing, relative to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, of the exhaust, together with the first casing, defines a straight connecting line passing through the two casings and is held on the vehicle body by means of at least partially rubber-elastic connecting members in such a way that it is deflected by a force parallel to the straight connecting line more than by a force of equal magnitude at right angles to the straight connecting line. This enables the casings to be connected to one another exclusively by rigid exhaust parts and oscillations of the second casing to be kept small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments AG
    Inventors: Pieter Delfina Steenackers, John W. Jöorg Alexnat
  • Patent number: 6164614
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting a disc drive with vertical and horizontal compressible elements and for stabilizing the disc drive during use. Shock mounts are affixed to a horizontal surface (i.e. parallel to a data surface) of the disc drive, slowing vertical shock pulses transmitted from the frame to the disc drive. Recessed vertical surfaces are formed on sides of the housing to accommodate additional dampeners, which slow horizontal shock pulses while reducing operating vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Choon Kiat Lim, Joseph Cheng-Tsu Liu, Kok Tong Soh, Wai Onn Chee
  • Patent number: 6138980
    Abstract: An elastomeric mounting configured to be inserted in a pocket in a vibrating first member and to isolate the first member from a second member on which the first member is mounted. The mounting includes a rigid tube, a substantially rigid radial disk at one end of the mounting, and an elastomeric member including a tubeform section essentially surrounding the rigid tube and a sandwich section bonded to an axially projecting surface of the rigid radial disk and extending radially outward from the tubeform section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: Donald M. Farbotnik