Abstract: A vibration-isolating mount for heavy machinery, such as bus engines, large electrical motors, and similar rotating machinery, comprising a first soft urethane body having fan annular shoulder which rests on the surface of the vehicle frame and a cylindrical neck which has an axial length that extends into a hole in the frame. The mount also has a second soft urethane body having an annular shoulder which rests on the opposite surface of the frame and a cylindrical neck which has an axial length that extends into the hole from the opposite surface of the frame. The axial length of the neck of the first body is substantially less than the axial length of the neck of the second body with a total length of the first neck and the second neck being equal to the axial length of the hole in the frame. The mount additionally has a hard urethane sleeve for adding rigidity to the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A rubber-metal bearing element 1 comprises two parallel washers 2, 3 interconnected by a rubber block 4, from which extend threaded bolts, 5, 6 for screwing the bearing elements to the parts 9, 10 to be joined. To prevent the threaded bolt from being entrained by the nut 12 with the latter is tightened, the washer 3 is concave inwards so that only its circumference is in contact with the part 10. The friction torque between the washer 3 and the part 10 is greater than between the nut 12 and the threaded bolt 6. The nut 12 can therefore be tightened, without entraining the threaded bolt, until the washer 3 is flattened against the part 10.

Abstract: A shock and vibration mount including a mounting bolt, a first elastomer member, a support bracket, and a second elastomer member. The first elastomer member is interposed between the bottom surface of a mechanism which vibrates and the top surface of the support bracket. The second elastomer member is interposed between the under-surface of the mounting bolt head and the bottom surface of the support bracket. The first and second elastomer members and the support bracket do not normally contact the mounting bolt shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiator mounting for motor vehicles, in which the radiator rests against a respective corresponding support fixed to a vehicle by at least one bearing support fixed to the radiator. The radiator is supported elastically and adjustably via at least one further bearing fixed to the vehicle. The bearing fixed to the radiator consists of a hollow mounting pin which can be inserted into an opening of the bearing fixed to the vehicle and receives a mounting element which bears a compensating plate held such that its position can be varied relative to said element.

Abstract: A cylindrical vibration damping bushing is provided which has an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder coaxially disposed within the outer cylinder, and having a radially outwardly expanded portion in its axially central portion, a pair of vibration damping rubber members press-fitted between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder from both ends of the outer cylinder, and a pair of inserts, each being made of a resin material having good slidability and embedded in an inside end portion of each vibration damping rubber member so that an inside end surface thereof abut on each other. Each insert has a concave surface having a configuration conforming to that of the spherical outer surface of the expanded portion of the inner cylinder to enable the inserts to be slid on the spherical outer surface of the expanded portion.

Abstract: The foot bearing the seat surface of a seat is divided at a distance of 20-30 cm from the seat surface. Between the mutually facing end faces of the two foot parts (5a,5b) a rubber cushion (9) is arranged, the circumferential area of which is widened to form a brake ring (11). The elastic restoring force, working counter to the inclination of the seat, of this cushion is reinforced by two further cushions (16,17) arranged within the foot parts (5a,5b). By means of the suitable arrangement of sliding elements with low friction (T1-T3), the mutual rotation between the two foot parts (5a,5b) is ensured.Thanks to this construction, the seat surface can be swiveled in a tumbling manner in such a way that every point of said seat surface moves on an imaginary spherical surface and thanks to the mentioned elastic restoring force, the seat part always returns automatically to its initial position.

Abstract: A resilient motor mount suitable for use as a vibrational insulating motor mount. The mount connects a motor to a support structure by using a support fixture and a motor stud separated by a flexible member. A plurality of portions of the flexible member surround the support fixture and motor stud to lessen vibrational transfer from the motor to the structure fixture and to lessen metal fatigue caused by metal to metal contact.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for absorbing low frequency vibrational energy as proed by a source and isolating a base member therefrom, the mounting assembly including a central metallic ring, non-metallic foam rings located on both sides of the central metallic ring in concentric relation with respect thereto, and inner and outer metallic ring members engaging said foam rings in concentric relation, the foam rings defining a spongy mass that effectively absorbs the low frequency vibrational energy emanating from the source.

Abstract: An improved disk drive unit is provided for use in microcomputers such as personal computers and the like. The disk drive unit includes a substantially sealed disk drive housing and related circuit board with drive electronics carried by a common rigid chassis. A power connector plug is securely mounted onto the chassis at a rear margin thereof and cooperates with one or more interface connectors to permit simple slide fit installation of the disk drive unit into a computer system cabinet, such as a central processor unit for a computer. In addition, the disk drive unit includes improved shock mounts for supporting the sealed disk drive housing from the rigid chassis. The disk drive unit further includes a floating bushing arrangement for interconnecting the circuit board to the disk drive housing in a manner substantially isolating thermal expansion characteristics of the circuit board from the remainder of the disk drive unit.

Abstract: A composite structure of elastic and viscoelastic components in which dynamic loads are effectively damped by transmission through the viscoelastic components. The structure includes a continuous sandwich comprised either of a single elastic layer enclosed by two viscoelastic layers or of a single viscoelastic layer enclosed by two elastic layers such that the sandwich has little stiffness in any intended direction of loading, and two segmented elastic layers having stiffness in a desired loading direction. The segmented layers have alternating segments and gaps and are disposed one on each side of the viscoelastic layer in such a manner that the gaps of one segmented layer overlap the segments of the other segmented layer. Dynamic loads in the loading direction are transmitted back and forth from one segmented layer to the other, through the continuous sandwich layer containing the viscoelastic material, which thereby provides a high degree of damping.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for the support of a swinging body. The bearing arrangement in which the swinging body is provided with a rotatable bearing shaft. The bearing shaft is supported in the bearing assemblies having deformable bearing bodies. The bearing bodies are provided with external conical surfaces that engage internal conical surfaces of associated bearing shells.

Abstract: An elastomeric clamp for securing an associated tubular member to another object and for isolating and dampening vibration comprises upper and lower elastomeric portions. The upper and lower elastomeric portions are joined at one end by an elastomeric hinge and near the other end by a closure means. An associated tubular member is compressively received within the opposing faces of the upper and lower elastomeric portions. The compressive force provided by the closure means deforms the elastomeric upper and lower portions about the tubular member, providing improved vibration isolation through the elastomeric nature of the upper and lower portions and hinge.

Abstract: A top cap and housing cooperate to create an internal void wherein is located two elastomeric springs, one on top of the other. Two different solid stop systems are incorporated into the top and housing. An interlocking system also movably secures the top cap and housing such that the two thermoplastic elastomeric springs can be subjected to a preload. The thermoplastic elastomeric springs are designed and housed so that through a cycle from free height to solid height they are folded and flexed rather than compressed.

Abstract: A resilient mounting intended primarily to withstand compressive loading is of a tubular and interleaved construction comprising a pair of end plates and an intermediate annular plate which serves to stiffen a tubular elastomeric body provided between the end plates. A buffer member is secured to one of the end plates and extends longitudinally within the tubular body to lie normally free from contact with the tubular body. A protective cushioning layer provided between the buffer member and internal edge of the intermediate plate prevents direct contact between the buffer member and intermediate plate under transverse load.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for coupling a compressor to an automobile engine including a mounting bracket, at least one flange projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the compressor and a fastener for fastening each flange to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a vibration absorbing coupling mechanism for coupling each fastener to the mounting bracket and absorbing vibration generated by the compressor. The vibration absorbing coupling mechanism comprises at least one vibration absorbing unit having its longitudinal axis in substanially parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the compressor, while being in substantially perpendicular alignment with the center line of at least one of the fasteners.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed, which connects a compressor of an automotive air conditioning system to an automobile engine through a mounting bracket. A bolt-nut mechanism connects the bracket to a flange portion projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the compressor. The bolt penetrates holes formed through the bracket and flange portions and an axial vibration absorbing unit disposed in either one of the holes. The absorbing unit includes an elastic member to absorb the axial vibration of the compressor. Coupling members connect between the mounting bracket and the compressor and are axially movable but not radially movable.

Abstract: An anti-vibratory device for attaching a hermetic compressor chamber to a base, comprises a first part located inside the chamber, consisting of several springs placed between the compressor and studs fixed to the bottom of the chamber, and a second part consisting of a block of elastic material, with means of fixing this to the chamber and the base. The underside of each stud is provided with a threaded recessed hole accessible from outside the chamber and each block of elastic material is fixed to the base and corresponding stud, and thereby to the chamber, by means of a screw into this hole.

Abstract: A suspension spring system includes a housing, a suspension spring located in the housing and a bistable control spring located in the housing. A load supporting member is positioned at least partially within the housing and is movable with respect to the housing. The control spring is radially compressed within the housing so that the control spring is prestressed. The control spring is shiftable between two stable final positions and is, thus, able to influence and control the spring characteristics of the suspension spring.

Abstract: A load bearing connective damper for service in tensile, compression, and torsion as a shock and vibration isolation mounting device. Dampers are constructed using a multidimensionally braided textile shape and a viscoelastic material disposed in the interstrand spaces of the textile shape.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism which directly connects a compressor of an automotive air conditioning system to an automobile engine. A flange portion projects from an outer peripheral surface of the compressor and bolt-nut mechanisms connect the flange portion of the compressor to the automobile engine. The flange portion has at least one first hole having a vibration absorbing coupling mechanism disposed therein. The coupling mechanism includes at least one cylindrical bushing which is fixedly disposed within the first hole and includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder and a vibroisolating rubber member which is fixedly disposed between the outer and inner cylinders by adhesion. At least two attaching members having cylindrical portions with holes for receiving a bolt-nut mechanism, are provided with bars which are securedly inserted into the bushing inner cylinder.

Abstract: A variable strength spring includes a tubular body, at whose inner surface is coaxially provided a concave contact seat, a ring made of elastomeric material rigidly engaged in the tubular body and a connection tang rigidly engaged in the elastic ring. The elastic ring has a radial groove that defines, on the longitudinal length of the ring, a first portion rigidly engaged inside the tubular body opposite the contact seat, and a second portion slidably engaged in the tubular body. On the outer circumferential end of the second portion is situated a rigid rabbet edge positioned opposite to a stopping seat inside the tubular body.

Abstract: A spring element for a shock isolating mount is adapted for multiple assembling and disassembling. The spring element comprises an annular segment having holding tabs extending radially inwardly from one end thereof; and aligning tabs which are shorter and wider than the holding tabs, and which extend radially inwardly from the same end of the annular segment.

Abstract: A high-capacity elastomeric combination journal-thrust bearing comprises at least one encapsulated lobe. The encapsulated lobe comprises an outer tubular member having a first ring joined along substantially all of its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the outer tubular member at a first end and having a second ring joined along substantially all of its outer periphery to the inner periphery of the outer tubular member at a second end. The encapsulated lobe further comprises an inner tubular member having the same longitudinal axis of the outer tubular member, and having a third ring joined along substantially all of its inner periphery to the outer periphery of the inner tubular member, spaced between the first and second rings. An elastomer separates and joins the rings to each other and to the tubular members, and the tubular members to each other. As the radial distance from the longitudinal axis increases, the thickness of the elastomer increases.

Abstract: A structure 10 is resiliently clamped and supported on stud 12. A cylindrical core 38 of the spring sleeve is compressed by nut 34 against a stop 32. The supported structure is biased against the stop 32 by a plurality of spring fingers 40 located at the lower end of the core.

Abstract: A radiator restraining assembly which permits limited flexing of the radiator while retaining it in its desired position. The radiator restraining assembly generally comprises a ring mounted to the radiator, a resilient bushing within the ring, and a fastener inserted into the bushing. The fastener includes a bearing portion which engages a washer element that is positioned between the bearing portion and the bushing. The restraining assembly holds the radiator in a desired position while allowing flexing of the unit about the axis of the fastener. Moreover, the construction provides longevity to the flexing and shock absorbing characteristics of the assembly.

Abstract: Resilient mounting apparatuses are useful for isolating the engine generated vibrations and noise from the frame. The mushroom style resilient mounting apparatuses are generally over designed and add to the cost without any additional benefits. The subject resilient mounting apparatus includes a rebound pad designed to provide high fatigue capacity yet low initial stiffness in a small space and to permit the use of simple manufacturing processes to make it. The primary support includes a skirt which cooperates with the rebound pad to keep foreign material from migrating into an annular space. Thus the subject resilient mounting apparatus meets the functional requirements while avoiding the manufacturing complexity or the extra cost of unneeded material.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing a control relay in sound isolation to the vehicle chassis to prevent the energizing and de-energizing noise of the relay from being transmitted through the vehicle chassis. The assembly includes a pair of absorbing members which receive a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle chassis and which are seated within a retaining sleeve of the relay housing. The absorbing members prevent contact between the mounting bracket and the relay housing and absorb the noise of the relay to prevent transmission to the vehicle chassis. An abutment flange and a retaining clip on the mounting bracket disposed on opposite sides of the retaining sleeve cooperate with a dividing wall in the retaining sleeve to prevent axial movement of the mounting bracket and absorber members relative to the control relay.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed, which connects a compressor of an automotive air conditioning system to an automobile engine through a mounting bracket. A bolt-nut mechanism connects the bracket to a flange portion projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the compressor. The bolt penetrates holes formed through the bracket and flange portions and an axial vibration absorbing unit disposed in either one of the holes. The absorbing unit includes an elastic member to absorb the axial vibration of the compressor. Coupling members connect between the mounting bracket and the compressor and are axially movable but not radially movable.

Abstract: A dynamic absorber for a motor vehicle comprises the engine, radiator, air conditioning condenser and electric radiator fan all supported on a module support to form a module. The module is mounted on the vehicle body with elastic mounts with the center of gravity of the module located approximately at the anti-node of the vehicle body. Both the module and the idle speed of the engine are tuned to the first major beaming mode of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A low frequency structureborne vibration isolation mount includes an annu disk pad of vibration damping material which is sandwiched and bonded between two similar light but rugged annular disks. The annular disk pad and the two annular disks have equal number of matching and corresponding holes along the circumferences thereof. The sizes of the holes are so chosen that one of the annular disks can be secured to the moving piece of equipment and isolated from everything else and the other annular disk can be secured to the stationary piece of equipment. The vibrations of the moving piece of equipment are thus isolated from everything else.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for use in a suspension of an automotive vehicle. The bushing assembly is comprised of inner and outer cylinder members which are coaxial and spaced from each other. An elastic member and a rigid sleeve member are disposed between the inner and outer cylinder members. A sliding member is disposed between the inner cylinder member and the rigid sleeve member in order to reduce torsion spring effect of the elastic member. The sliding member is prevented from its axial displacement upon contacting with a radially outwardly extending retainer section formed in the inner cylinder member. Additionally, a generally cap-shaped seal rubber is provided to accomplish seal between the end section of the rigid sleeve member and the end section of the inner cylinder member.

Abstract: A power unit mounting structure through which a power unit of an automotive vehicle is supported to a vehicle body. The power unit mounting structure consists of a vehicle body side mount bracket bolted at its one end section to the vehicle body, and a power unit side mount bracket securely connected at its one end section to a transmission case of the power unit. The other end sections of the vehicle body side and power unit side mount brackets are elastically connected through an insulator member with each other. The insulator member is securely disposed inside a rigid support member secured to the other end section of the vehicle body side mount bracket. The insulator member is located lower in level than a joint portion of the vehicle body side mount bracket with the vehicle body. Additionally, a support member is disposed between the insulator support member and a center frame member securely connected to the vehicle body at the joint portion, thereby reinforcing the vehicle body side mount bracket.

Abstract: A wrecking implement for attachment to the lift mechanisms of a loader machine comprises a generally rectangular plate having a mounting tube projecting therefrom. A boom having a hammer head carried on its distal end is telescopingly received within the mounting tube such that it extends outwardly of the plate and loader machine. Resilient pads are interposed between the boom and mounting tube and the boom has a metal tubular sleeve transversely through one end thereof which is secured to the mounting tube by passing a bolt through the metal tubular sleeve facilitating limited pivotable movement of the boom relative to the mounting tube and plate. A resilient tubular sleeve is positioned between the bolt and the metal tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a vibratory body on a support includes an elongated mounting member having an elasticity. The mounting member is resiliently connected to the support and also to the vibratory body. The connection of the mounting member to the support is located at a position at which the phase of bounce-mode vibrations of the mounting member is opposite in sign to that of two-node-mode transverse vibrations of the mounting member.

Abstract: An improved shock isolating mount is designed for securing a body part of vehicle to a support. The shock mount comprises a two-part spool that includes: a spacer formed from an annular flange integral with a tube, the tube projecting through apertures in mating elastically resilient bodies and a support part of a vehicle body part disposed between them; a thimble, formed from a flange integral with a tube designed such that the thimble tube can telescope into the spacer tube. The thimble tube is formed into a polygon shape at the tube shoulder adjacent the thimble flange and the spacer tube is formed in a matching polygon shape such that the thimble tube shoulder can mate with the spacer tube to prevent relative rotation of the thimble and spacer. The thimble tube has an enlarged end which is engaged by a plurality of inward protrusions mounted in the spacer tube to prevent the spacer and thimble assembly from accidental disengagement.

Abstract: An engine mounting device resiliently supports an engine on a frame including a first plate member for connection to the frame. A second plate member is U-shaped and has flanges at each end of the U-shaped portion for connection to the first plate member and the frame. A tubular member is disposed between and spaced from the first plate member and the second plate member. A resilient member interconnects the tubular member and the first and second plate members for resiliently supporting the tubular member between the first and second plate members. The first plate member includes a plurality of raised ribs laterally spaced one from the other and forms an arch-shaped opening for receiving a first end of the resilient member to prevent lateral movement of the resilient member. The resilient member has a second end arcuate and complimentary to the U-shaped portion of the second plate member to prevent lateral and radial movement of the resilient member.

Abstract: An improved shock isolating mount is designed for securing a body part of a vehicle to a support. The shock mount comprises a two-part spool that includes: a spacer formed from an annular flange integral with a tube, the tube projecting through apertures in mating elastically resilient bodies and a mounting part of a vehicle body part disposed between them; a thimble, formed from a flange integral with a tube designed such that the thimble tube can telescope into the spacer tube. The thimble tube is formed into a polygon shape at the tube shoulder adjacent the thimble flange and the spacer tube is formed in a matching polygon shape such that the thimble tube shoulder can mate with the spacer tube. The thimble tube has an enlarged end which is engaged by a plurality of inward protrusions mounted in the spacer tube to prevent the spacer and thimble assembly from accidental disengagement.

Abstract: A flexible mount for resiliently securing a first member to a second member so that the first member can be deflected relative to the second member in response to an applied force and so that the first member returns to an equilibrium position when the applied force is removed includes an elongate stud having a center axis and a nut threadably engaged on one end of the stud for securing same to the second member and a body of elastomeric material encapsulating and joined to the other end of the elongate stud. The body of elastomeric material includes a body center axis disposed at a small angle with respect to the stud center axis and a tab for securing the first member to the body.

Abstract: A shock and vibration mount for mounting a supported device to a supporting device comprises a first electric member between two rigid members such as to be strained only in compression under loads along a first orthogonal axis, and to be strained only in shear under loads along a second orthogonal axis; and a second elastic member between one of the mentioned two rigid members and a third rigid member disposed in series with the first elastic member such as to be strained only in shear under loads along the first orthogonal axis and to be strained only in compression under loads along the second orthogonal axis. Both elastic members are of elastomeric material having a low shear modulus as compared to the compression modulus so as to exhibit relatively low deflection under compression and relatively high deflection under shear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in a mount structure where a shift lever retainer for spherically supporting a shift lever is mounted through a vibration damping member to a transmission case by a bolt, a vibration damping structure comprising a stopper means for preventing horizontal and vertical deformations of the vibration damping member greater than a predetermined amount. With this arrangement, there is no possibility that rigid feeling in operating of the shift lever is decreased, that is, shift feeling is deteriorated. Further, vibration of the shift lever and associated noise may be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A mounting device is disclosed for mounting a drive unit in a motor vehicle having a pin that is rotationally symmetrical and seats in an elastomeric portion of a damping block so as to be capable of rotation about an axis longitudinal of the drive unit.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a hollow cylindrical member which is formed of an elastic material and to one end of which a fixture is secured a plug-like member which is formed of an elastic material, which has a flanged head portion with another fixture secured thereto, a neck portion to be inserted into the cylindrical member and which is disposed away from the cylindrical member in the axial direction such as to form spaces and an elastic connecting member for integrally connecting the cylindrical member and the plug-like member.

Abstract: A shock mount for mounting an electrical apparatus to a chassis includes a resilient buffer mounted to the apparatus and to the end of an L-shaped arm. The L-shaped arm is joined to and integral with the chassis and is arranged to support bending and torsional loads to absorb mechanical shock.

Abstract: A marine propulsion installation comprising a propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller and being adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, an engine drivingly connected to the propeller, an engine support fixedly connected to the engine and having a slot open at one end, a support member adapted to be mounted on the hull of the boat, a resilient mounting assembly connected to the support member, a bolt connected to the mounting assembly and received in the slot, and a washer operative between the bolt and the engine support for preventing removal of the bolt from the slot.

Abstract: A radiator supporting device interposed between a lower end of a radiator and a bracket of a body of a vehicle, comprising an upper flange, a lower flange, a skirt portion and an intermediate portion. Between the upper and lower flanges is formed a gap for preventing interference of both flanges. The outside diameter of the upper flange is smaller than that of the lower flange, and the outside diameter of the skirt portion is smaller than that of the upper flange. By this construction, it is made possible to attain a uniform load applied to the radiator supporting device, ensuring a large deformation of the radiator supporting device and a sure bearing of load by the bracket of the body.

Abstract: A motor mount for a motorcycle motor has one end attached to the motorcycle frame and the other to the motor. Intermediate the ends is a socket having a reciprocal piston therein. The piston is held within the socket by a threaded plug having an opening therein to allow the extension of a piston rod to engage one of the motor mount ends. The opposite end of the motor mount is attached to one end of the socket. Each end of the piston within the socket is abutted by an elastomeric member for purposes of dampening vibration and minimizing wear on the ends of the mount.

Abstract: A device for rapidly mounting a plate (P) on a chassis (C) comprises flexible displaceable arms (4), formed by a single piece of moulded synthetic resin (1). The piece has a lateral opening for inserting a damping element (5) of rubber. The assembly can no longer be dismounted when a connecting piece (6) of suitable diameter is inserted.

Abstract: A cushion isolator comprising a base body, a drum vertically disposed on the base body, a supporting plate disposed on the upper flange of the drum, a valve disposed in the inlet of the passage, a first fixing plate securing the drum on the base body and a second fixing plate securing the drum on the base body, whereby the cushion isolator can absorb the shock of a running machine.

Abstract: A resilient mounting for a radiator assembly in an automotive vehicle including rigid upper and lower support members, comprising a lower support provided on the lower support member and including at least one cushioning member for the support of the radiator assembly from below, at least one generally cylindrical protuberance formed on the radiator assembly at a location opposite to the lower support, at least one generally elongated plate secured to the upper support member and having a mounting hole defined therein, and at least one elastic mount comprised of a generally cylindrical hollow body and a pliable mounting flange protruding radially outwardly from the hollow body. The elastic mount is mounted on the plate with the outer periphery of the mounting flange engaged to the peripheral lip region of the plate which defines the mounting hole, while the protuberance is resiliently received in the hollow body.

Abstract: A one-piece integral resilient grommet of elastomeric material is disclosed for isolating the vibration and noise which is propagated from a fractional horsepower motor. The resilient grommet has a central sleeve portion of resilient deformable material having a cylindrical axial opening. A pair of vibration dampening members are integrally formed on the center sleeve portion and have axially spaced apart end walls that extend radially from the central sleeve portion to define an annular recess for mounting the housing of the fractional horsepower motor. The grommet is attached to a support wall structure by a fastener that extends through the cylindrical axial opening and is brought into threaded engagement with the wall. To dampen the vibration wave propagation in the axial direction and isolate the noise of the motor from the support wall, the pair of vibration dampening members are each formed with a set of radially directed ribs which are angularly offset from each other.