Abstract: A rocking seat for children's amusement generally consisting of a seat assembly mounted on a base assembly securable to a support surface. The base assembly includes a body of resilient rubber material and has an overhanging portion that enhances the rocking motion of the seat assembly when a child seated in the seat assembly rocks back and forth. The body further has upper and lower flanges and a web portion interconnecting the flanges providing for a 360.degree. rocking movement.

Abstract: A shock-mounting apparatus designed for receiving and holding a microphone so as to isolate the microphone from surrounding structure-borne environmental vibration. The apparatus comprises a cradle that flexes when opening to receive the microphone and then closes firmly around the microphone body to hold it in place. The cradle also permits the microphone to be received into and removed from the shock-mounting apparatus without requiring disconnection from the signal output cable.

Abstract: There is disclosed in a surface effect ship which is constructed substantially of aluminum alloy material a hull construction including a side hull component which is bottomed by an operationally "wet" aluminum alloy keel plate, an improved propeller support arrangement comprising a superior strength thin-profile steel alloy strut extending cantilever-wise through the keel plate and carrying at its outer end bearing means for support of a ship propeller shaft. Interiorly of the side hull the steel strut is mechanically anchored to an operationally "dry" aluminum alloy member of the side hull structure, while at its underwater "wet" intersection with the aluminum alloy keel plate it is supported thereby but electrolytically and dynamically insulated therefrom by means of an epoxy-like housing device which at that cantilever support juncture encircles the strut.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for supporting a sensor housing on a surface to which vibrations are applied having mounts fixedly coupled to the surface and brackets fixedly coupled to the housing with a vibration isolation material supported between the mounts and the brackets to improve the vibration isolation to the housing by placing at least one half of the material of the apparatus in compression responsive to linear vibrations along at least two of the axes of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hermetic refrigeration compressor installation comprising an outer housing containing a refrigeration compressor, a plurality of indentations in the outer housing, a plurality of resilient grommets each having a grommet tip received within a respective one of the indentations, and a bonding between the grommets and the indentations for securing the grommets therein. Further provided is a base separate from the refrigeration compressor and outer housing, and projections on the base for mounting the grommets securely thereon. The method of the present invention comprises forming a plurality of indentations in the outer housing, providing a plurality of resilient grommets each having a grommet tip, adhesively securing each one of the grommet tips in a respective one of the indentations, and connecting the grommets securely to thebase.

Abstract: An annular composite washer assembly provides a "soft" mount for a tool element subassembly mounted on the threaded output spindle of a portable grinder or other power tool. The composite washer includes a pair of flat annular washers and a molded body therebetween. The body has integrally-molded inner and outer annular bands joined integrally with the inner and outer diameters of the respective washers. A first pair of blind axial pockets, diametrically opposed to one another, extends through the first washer and the body and terminates at the second washer. A second pair of blind axial pockets, diametrically opposed to one another and shifted circumferentially with respect to the first pair of blind axial pockets (preferably by ninety degrees) extends through the second washer, through the body, and terminates at the first washer.

Abstract: A vibration damping base for an engine and shaft. A pair of spaced shaft bearings are coaxially supported in a pair of spaced, parallel plates. Upper and lower support arms are connected to the plates and extend transversely of the bearing axis. The support arms are tubes of rectangular cross-section which are engaged adjacent their ends by facing, U-shaped brackets having elastomeric linings. The support arms are connected to flanges of longitudinal beams forming part of the base and made of two channels. One support arm is welded at each end to a flange of a first channel which has surface engagement with a flange of a second channel.

Abstract: For a cable bearing system, preferably I-shaped, bearers arranged vertically at intervals, one behind the other and several brackets fixed horizontally at the sides to the bearers are used, whereby the bearers have, at one or both ends, holding plates which can be fixed in position, to obtain an earthquake-proof design, particularly for use in nuclear power stations, at least two neighboring bearers are braced together to form a stiff elementary unit of the bearing structure, and the holding plates are designed to be fixed in position with the intermediate insertion of spring elements, effective in all directions, and absorber elements, effective in one direction, whereby the spring and absorber elements, retain their function in a minimum range of 268.degree. K. to 470.degree. K. and the bearing layers have a load capacity of 5 kp/cm.sup.2 (approx. 0.5 n/mm.sup.2) at 473.degree. K.

Abstract: In a hydraulic support, especially for supporting and damping engines for motor vehicles, including a rubber-elastic hollow body which is adhesively connected at its upper end, along its circumference, to a metallic ring which is closed by a cover arranged at its end face, the cover having a first abutment, and which is adhesively connected at its outside surface to a second metallic abutment, the hollow body being divided by an internal nozzle system into first and second chambers which are connected to each other, the rubber-elastic hollow body has, at its lower end, an integral cup portion which defines the second chamber of the hydraulic support and the second abutment is a generally cylindrical member surrounding the cup portion, the upper end of the cylindrical member being connected to the portion of the wall of the hollow body defining the first chamber, the lower end of the cylindrical member closed off and the inside diameter of the cylindrical member being larger than the outside diameter of the cu

Abstract: A position adjusting means of a link mechanism which hangingly supports a swing joint in three-wheeled motor vehicle having front body laterally swingable relative to a rear body. The position adjusting means includes a pair of flexible stops, one being positioned behind one end of a sleeve member which supports a pair of link members, and the other being positioned in front of the sleeve member. These stops are mounted onto a pair of frame members positioned in the front body and extending in parallel along travel direction of the vehicle, or mounted onto one of said frame members so as to position at least one end of said sleeve between the stops. The link members each have an upper end integrally connected to a supporting member and a stop is secured to the lower surface of each supporting member. The supporting members extend in horizontal plane and opposite direction relative to the sleeve along travel direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A member of composite material incorporates at least one strain responsive member within a part at which a strain is induced by a load in use. A signal which is a function of a strain detetected by the strain responsive member is communicated to an indicator or monitoring device which registers the applied load causing the strain.In one embodiment a leaf spring for a vehicle comprises upper and lower elements of one or more superimposed strips of pre-impregnated longitudinally extending carbon fibres and an inner element of one or more strips of pre-impregnated glass fibres. During laying up of the strips two strain gauges (13, 14), which may be on or integral with a carrier strip, and their leads (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) are introduced into the active length of the spring which experiences a bending moment on the application of a load. The gauges are positioned at a pre-determined distance apart which is maintained when the member is cured, as by hot press moulding.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper for damping and levelling structural agitation comprising a first outer member joined to a connecting member by a first elastomeric shear spring, the first outer member including a first fluid chamber and a first elastomeric diaphragm. A second outer member is joined to the connecting member by a second elastomeric shear spring and includes a second fluid chamber and a second elastomeric diaphragm. The connecting member is comprised of a plurality of elastomeric flexible sections which are disposed to form a main fluid chamber communicating with the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, and further includes restrictive orifice for restricting the flow of fluid in the main fluid chamber.

Abstract: A damper comprises a plurality of armatures between which an elastic block is interposed. A partition plate divides the interior bore of the elastic block into two chambers. The chambers are filled with a working fluid and communicate with each other through an orifice providing a restricted flow communication and also through holes providing an unrestricted flow communication. A valve is provided to close the holes to prevent the unrestricted flow communication.

Abstract: A suspension means for mounting an instrument or the like which is susceptible to shock on a movable carrier, in particular a vehicle, comprises a flexible sealing means adapted to absorb shocks in at least one direction and further comprises a blocking device for rigid coupling of said instrument with said carrier, the blocking device being actuable by a drive means which works in said one direction against the resiliency of the sealing means.

Abstract: A viscous spring damper including inner and outer members connected by an elastomeric shear spring and having a main or first fluid chamber disposed therebetween for communication with a second fluid chamber in the inner member through a restricted orifice. The inner and outer members are relatively movable for stressing the shear spring and varying the volumes of the chambers while fluid is transferred therebetween through the restricted orifice. An elastomeric bladder within the second fluid chamber is selectively chargeable with gas pressure for calibrating the damping characteristics, varying the initial spring rate or leveling a vehicle on which the damper is installed. An elastomeric diaphragm is included in the main fluid chamber for providing a selectively chargeable diaphragm gas chamber.

Abstract: A bearing for carrying compressive radial loads comprising alternating bonded layers of a resilient material of a uniform modulus of elasticity and layers of a non-extensible material, all generally concentrically formed about a common center axis. The fatigue life of the bearing under torsional and compressive loads is enhanced by progressively decreasing both the length and thickness of each layer of resilient material with increasing radii, so that a substantially equal strain is carried across each layer of resilient material in response to each torsional load and the shape factor of each of the layers of resilient material remains substantially constant or increases with increasing radii.

Abstract: A housing member for a transmission in a vehicle has an axially extending columnar portion having a non-circular cross-section. A rear mount is fitted on the columnar portion. The rear mount is kept from slipping off the columnar portion by a first lock washer fastened to the end of the columnar portion. The lock washer includes a first annular piece fitted on the columnar portion and a second annular piece having a diameter larger than that of the columnar portion. A second lock washer is arranged for preventing a bolt for fastening from loosening. The second lock washer has at least two tabs respectively engaging the bolt head and the first lock washer.

Abstract: In order to achieve the necessary flexible curve according to the natural curve of the human spine in the field of back supports, the back support, attached relatively rigidly in its lower section to the seat, is constructed increasingly more flexibly towards the top. So that the desired course of the spine-like curve can also be achieved at the upper end of the shoulder pad connected to the back rest when the chair is "loaded", a spring member which becomes progressively "harder" is mounted in the connecting element between the end of the back rest and the shoulder pad.

Abstract: The body structure 12 of a rear engine riding mower 11 is resiliently mounted on a main frame structure 13 by four cushion mounts 14. The engine 48 and steering shaft are mounted on the main frame structure 13 and the operator's seat 53 is supported on the body structure 12. Each of the mounts 14 is provided with a restrainer in the form of an inverted cup 69 which serves to stiffen the mount when the body structure 12 shifts horizontally (see FIG. 6) relative to the main frame structure 13 and when unusual vertical loading (see FIG. 7) is imposed on the mount.

Abstract: A vibration isolator consisting essentially of a microcellular polyurethane elastomer having a bulk density of 0.3-0.9 g/cm.sup.3, said polyurethane elastomer obtained by reacting in the presence of water as the blowing agent (a) an organic polyisocyanate, (b) a polyether polyol having an average number of functional groups of 2.5-3.5 and a number average molecular weight of 4500-8500, and (c) a chain extender, in such a ratio that the NCO index is 90-110 and the concentration of the chain extender, based on the total weight of the three components (a), (b) and (c), is (0.4-2.0).times.10.sup.-3 equivalent/gram.

Abstract: A support assembly for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. This assembly comprises a U-shaped channel bracket adapted to be mounted on the body of the vehicle. A strip bracket is adapted to be fixed at one end portion to the exhaust system and inserted at its other end portion parallel to and between the opposite side walls of the U-shaped channel bracket so as to form two spaces between the other end portion of the strip bracket and each of the side walls of the U-shaped channel bracket. Two vibration absorbing members are inserted into the spaces, respectively, and firmly joined to the side walls of the U-shaped channel bracket and the other end portion of the strip bracket to prevent the transmission of vibration of the exhaust system to the vehicle body. There is a spacing between the other end portion of the strip bracket and the bottom of the U-shaped channel bracket thereby preventing the transmission of vertical vibrations from the strip bracket to the U-shaped channel bracket.

Abstract: Rubber compositions having excellent vibration isolating properties at a high hardness are produced by compounding 100 parts by weight of at least one of natural rubbers, diene rubbers and diene copolymeric rubbers or a rubber blend of these rubbers and a halogenated butyl rubber, 0.5-35 parts by weight of an oil modified phenol resin, a modified ratio of which is 20% or more, and 2-30 parts by weight based on said resin, of a hardening agent for the phenol resin and hardening the resulting mixture. The use of such rubber compositions is possible to make a rubber mounting to be a small size.

Abstract: A clamp for an elongated cylindrical workpiece such as a hose or pipe, comprises two, substantially identical, clamp members each having a semi-cylindrical recess formed therein. A cylindrical elastic insert is fitted around the workpiece and then inserted into the circular recess formed when the two clamp members are fastened one to the other. In the axial direction, the elastic insert has an elevated central region which engages a similar, depressed central region in the cylindrical recess formed by two clamp members. The height of the depressed region is less than the height of the elevated region; thus, while the workpiece is totally restrained from axial motion, in the region where the workpiece enters or exits the clamp, a limited amount of bending is permitted, thus avoiding stress and possible damage to the workpiece.

Abstract: A sub-frame supporting device in which a sub-frame adapted to support an engine, wheels and the like is supported from the body of a vehicle through an elastic support member. The supporting device comprises a pair of upper and lower holding plates oppositely disposed, a spacer pipe connecting the holding plates, a fastener for fastening the holding plates to a vehicle body and an elastic support member. A flange of the sub-frame is held between the elastic support member and a damper rib, and gaps are formed adjacent the upper and lower surfaces of the elastic support member. The rigidity of the elastic support member is set so as to be decreased with respect to vertical shearing force and increased with respect to lateral compressive force.

Abstract: Elastic rubber engine mounts with hydraulic damping are provided, especially for engine suspensions in motor vehicles. The mounts comprise two separated liquid-filled chambers, defined in part by elastic rubber-like peripheral walls adheringly connected with end walls and with a centrally disposed supporting element for connection to an engine supporting frame. The liquid chambers are separated by an elastic rubber-like partition connected with the supporting element, and flow connection between the two chambers is provided by perforations or choke openings in the partition. The rigid end walls of the two chambers are ridgidly interconnected. Arrangements are provided for minimizing or avoiding hydraulic damping of oscillations of low amplitude and high frequency, while providing hydraulic damping for oscillations of large amplitude and low frequency.

Abstract: A lamp comprising socket mounting assembly which includes a retainer engaging the interior of said hollow portion of said housing. The retainer has an opening therein and a shock absorbing mount member extends through the opening. The member is made of resilient material and has spaced annular flanges extending along opposite sides of the retainer. One of the flanges has circumferentially spaced integral protuberances extending axially and engaging one surface of the retainer for holding the opposite surface of the retainer against the opposite flange. The shock mounting member has an axially extending opening therein. A socket retainer has a planar surface engaging the end of the shock mounting member. The socket retainer has portions thereof crimped into engagement with the periphery of the shock mounting member. A socket member has an end with a reduced diameter extending through the opening in the socket retainer and the end is crimped outwardly.

Abstract: A vibration and dust isolation system for use in isolating first and second spaced elements (20,22) which together form at least a part of the structure (14) to be sealed. A resilient strip (30) is interposed between the elements and a fastener (26) secures the elements in sandwiching relation to the strip. The improved strip is generally planar with a considerable majority (40) of the strip having a first thickness less than the spacing between the first and second element, an edge (42,56) having a second thickness somewhat greater than the spacing, and a load bearing portion (38) having a thickness somewhat greater than the spacing and comprising a considerable minority of the total surface of the strip. The load bearing portion is the predominant part of the strip contacting both elements.

Abstract: An anchor bolt assembly is provided and comprises an anchor bolt having a threaded end and an anchor end wherein the anchor end is embedded in a suitable base material while the threaded end protrudes upwardly and outwardly from the base material. A tubular resilient sleeve is positioned annularly around the anchor bolt between its ends so that the sleeve is disposed between the base material and a portion of the anchor bolt. The resilient sleeve permits radial displacement of the anchor bolt relative to the base material while maintaining firm engagement between the anchor bolt and the base material.

Abstract: A support arrangement is used for elastically mounting a monolithic ceramic honeycomb structure within a housing in an exhaust gas pipe and consists of a holding angle and a molded part formed of a soft, flexible material. The holding angle is rigidly secured to the inner surface of the housing with one of its legs extending along the wall of the housing and the other extending radially inwardly from the inner housing surface. The molded part is rigidly secured to the inner end of the other leg of the holding angle and extends from its point of rigid securement in generally the same direction as but spaced inwardly from the one leg of the holding angle. At its end opposite the end secured to the holding angle, the molded part is bent radially outwardly into sliding contact with the inwardly facing surface of the holding angle. The combination of the holding angle and molded part form a cavity which may be filled with a heat-resistant material.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a front mounted, transverse engine includes an exhaust pipe and tailpipe assembly having an interposed low profile gas converter therebetween supported by a pair of pedestal type suspension assemblies and a converter support bar directed transversely below the converter and wherein each of the suspension assemblies includes a resiliently yieldable insulator of elastomeric material vertically compressed by the supported exhaust system and including a cylindrical hollow end slidably fitted over a converter bar end to vertically support the bar on a vehicle frame and further including a thin web segment that readily bends on either side of the at rest vertical axis of the insulator to accommodate fore and aft engine induced roll movements while serving to isolate inherent exhaust noise transmission from the exhaust system to the vehicle frame or body.

Abstract: The device comprises two armatures one of which is for connection to a support and the other is for connection to a suspended element. A block of elastic material is interposed between, and defines with, the two armatures a closed enclosure. A partition wall provided with at least one calibrated orifice is mounted by the periphery thereof on a first of the armatures and divides the enclosure into two chambers. A liquid fills one of the chambers and at least a part of the other chamber. The partition wall has a part which is movable with respect to the first armature in a direction perpendicular to the mean plane of the partition wall. The first armature has a stop for limiting the extent of the movement of the partition wall.

Abstract: A coupling system provides a controlled decoupling of interconnected component sections of a marine platform structure less rigid under seismic shock while maintaining sufficient overall ridigity to resist the action of swell. The coupling system comprises rigid interconnecting linkage parts, such as steel supports, and flexible interconnecting members, such as "Neoprene" supports, incorporated in the structure. The rigid linkage parts have a structural ridigity sufficient to maintain the overall rigidity of the platform but are effective to break following a seismic shock. The flexible interconnecting members are held in reserve and arranged to back up the rigid integrating parts. The flexible members have structural characteristics effective to maintain the controlled decoupling of the component sections when the steel supports deform or break. The coupling system providing the controlled decoupling is located at an upper level of the structure, preferably above water level, for ease of repair.

Abstract: A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (72) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing .[.surface.]. .Iadd.surfaces (58,60) .Iaddend.contact a face (68) and outer surface (66) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).