Including Energy Absorbing Means, E.g., Fluid Or Friction Damping Patents (Class 248/636)
  • Publication number: 20090148150
    Abstract: HEAD FOR FILM CAMERAS, of the type that comprises a supporting frame with means for automated and remotely controlled movement about three orthogonal axles aa?, bb?, cc?, said head (1) frames comprising two “U”'s, one of them being secondary (2) and rotating about the TILT axle bb?, and the other being a main “U” (3) and rotating about the PAN axle aa?, said “U” facing one another and being articulatedly joined, the base of said secondary “U” (2) having a swinging crosspiece (4) that on its inner face supports a curve guide (6) for fixing and supporting that film camera, which curve guide (6) provides rotation along the ROLL axle cc?, said head (1) being joined to its support (5) with resilient damping means against undesirable movements and vibrations of said support (5) and in addition to the known movement axles, namely, PAN aa?, TILT bb? and ROLL cc?, said head (1) is provided with an independent correcting axle dd? having means for performing a correcting movement in the opposite direction to the undesir
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Andres Valles Navarro, Alfredo Valles Navarro
  • Patent number: 7520486
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic engine mount having a fastener which protrudes outside from a mount body and is inserted into a fastener insert hole formed in a support structure such as a vehicle frame or the like and then fixed thereto by means of a fastener member. The engine mount comprises a first elastic pad having a first hole through which the fastener can pass and a second elastic pad having a second hole through which the fastener can pass. When installed in the support structure, the first elastic pad is disposed between the support structure and the mount body and the second elastic pad is disposed between the support structure and the fastener member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: DTR Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Sup Kim
  • Patent number: 7510164
    Abstract: A support (10) for a motor, particularly for a motor vehicle heating, ventilation and/or air-conditioning unit blower, includes a more or less cylindrical hollow sleeve (20) intended to accept the motor, and a fixing housing (30) intended to accept the hollow sleeve (20). The support (10) also includes insulating pads (40) and longitudinal strands (60) for absorbing vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Arnaud Geroux, Stephane Talaucher
  • Publication number: 20080296470
    Abstract: A jet pump sensing line support clamp may be used for sensing line repair, replacement, and damage prevention or reduction. The clamp may affix to jet pump sensing line supports and confine the individual jet pump sensing lines. The clamp may provide for further access or securing of the lines in the support through the clamp. Methods of installing the clamp may include attaching and tightening the clamp against the sensing lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Grant C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7458565
    Abstract: A vehicle vibration-proof apparatus for supporting an engine and preventing transmission of vibrations from the engine includes an elastic member for connecting a first mounting member to be mounted to an engine with a second mounting member to be mounted to a vehicle body. The second mounting member includes a resinous bracket, having a tubular part and mounting parts for being mounted to the vehicle body, and a metal reinforcing bracket to be mounted to the tubular part for reinforcing the tubular part. The tubular part has a part, which is not reinforced longitudinally, between the mounting parts and a part thereof to which the metal reinforcing member is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Miyahara
  • Publication number: 20080282954
    Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating the effects of shock loading on occupants, cargo and gear the apparatus located in a watercraft the apparatus having a deck positioned and arranged in said watercraft for supporting thereon said occupants, cargo and gear, a hinge communicating with said deck and said watercraft and supporting the forwardly portion of said deck and permitting said deck to move and rotate about said hinge and prevent said deck from substantial side to side movement, a dampener communicating with said deck and said hull of said watercraft the dampener positioned and arranged to move in response to said moving and rotating deck and said dampener absorbing at least a portion of the energy of said moving deck as said deck moves and rotates, and a spring communicating with said deck and said hull of said watercraft the spring positioned and arranged to support the rearwardly portion on said deck and to move in response to said moving and rotating deck the spring absorbing at lease a portion of the energy
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: William Reason
  • Patent number: 7441376
    Abstract: A base isolation device for a structure capable of efficiently and effectively suppressing the vibration of a structural body in surface outside direction, wherein a tension member having on overall length longer than an interval between support points provided on the structural body at a specified interval is disposed between the support points, one end parts of first link pieces are rotatably connected midway to the tension member directly or through rigid members, one end parts of second link pieces are rotatably connected to the structural body, the other end parts of the first link pieces are rotatably connected to the other end parts of the second link pieces, and an energizing member providing a tension to the tension member by energizing the first link piece and the second link piece and a damping member operated by the rotation of the first link piece and the second link piece are installed between the structural body forming the structure and connection parts between the first link pieces and the se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Nihon University, School Juridical Person
    Inventors: Shinji Ishimaru, Hidenori Ishigaki, Ippei Hata
  • Patent number: 7424989
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for use on a mobile platform including a flight control system, a structure, an aerodynamic surface, and an actuator operatively coupled to the surface to control the surface. The circuit includes a first and a second input, a summing element, and an output. The first input accepts commands from the flight control system while the second input accepts a vibration signal from the structure. The summing element communicates with the inputs and sums the signal and the command. In turn, the summing element controls the actuator with the summed signal and command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dale M. Pitt
  • Patent number: 7423868
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting includes a first buffer fixing piece for arranging a first buffer unit to a first hard disk drive (HDD), a holding frame for holding the first HDD that is integrated with the first buffer fixing piece, and for fixing a control board, a second buffer fixing piece for arranging a second buffer unit to a second HDD, and for arranging the second HDD away from a palm rest, and a holding case that holds the second HDD, and is connected to the holding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Mihara, Takeshi Murakami, Hiroyuki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7422190
    Abstract: The invention proposes a device for damping the vibrations of a cable used in the structure of a construction work, the cable comprising a bundle of metal strands having ends anchored to the work and being surrounded, in at least one region adjacent to an anchored end of the bundle, by a tube connected to the work, the device comprising a collar placed around the bundle of strands and means of absorbing the vibration energy mounted substantially between the collar and the tube, wherein the absorption means comprise at least two piston-type dampers with substantially linear stroke, placed substantially radially relative to the cable and distributed at angles around the cable, each piston-type damper having a first link articulated with the collar and a second link articulated with a support secured to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Messein, Benoit Lecinq
  • Publication number: 20080149805
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration-damping structure for an audio apparatus, accommodating a main transformer, which becomes a vibration source when driven, the vibration-damping structure including: a main chassis to which a signal processing board for processing an audio signal is attached, the first chassis defining a portion of an outer shape of an assembly of the vibration-damping structure; a sub-chassis fastened to an inner surface of the main chassis so as to be partially in contact with the inner surface of the main chassis via a plurality of fastening members; and a component accommodating chassis fastened to an inner surface of the sub-chassis so as to be partially in contact with the inner surface of the sub-chassis via other fastening members, wherein the main transformer is fixed to the component accommodating chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Morohashi, Mamoru Sekiya, Norio Etoh, Norimasa Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20080151421
    Abstract: A cushioning member includes a first plane, an opening opened to the first plane, and an air storage for storing air formed from the opening to an inside of the cushioning member. When a shock load is imposed on the cushioning member, the air in the air storage is compressed, and the first plane is deformed by the pressure of the compressed air to form a gap. A part of the compressed air flows out of the air storage through the gap. This structure provides a high shock-cushioning effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirofumi ASAKURA, Katsutoshi YUASA, Tetsuya KAWAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7315447
    Abstract: A system for mounting a hard disk drive inside an electronic apparatus in such a way that the hard disk drive is isolated from vibration and noise and heat generated by the hard disk dive is radiated to a cover of the electronic apparatus to prevent overheating. A foam heat transmission sheet is placed between the hard disk drive cover and an outer casing that is mounted to the electronic apparatus and far-infrared ray transmitting and receiving sheets are attached to the outside of the outer casing and to the inside of the cover of the electronic apparatus to transmit heat from the hard disk drive to the exterior of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Inoue, Hitoshi Suzuki, Kohtaroh Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7303050
    Abstract: A sound-damping and/or vibration-damping fastening element for elevator guide rails includes an anchor rail connected by a damping medium with a support rail. The anchor rail supports the elevator guide rail and is partially embedded in the damping medium. The anchor rail extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support rail and the anchor rail and the support rail are spaced apart by at least one slot filled by the damping medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio Ag
    Inventor: Martin Rogger
  • Patent number: 7278623
    Abstract: A vibration control unit in which a rolling element having a first curved surface that is a convex surface is interposed between a first and second members, and the rolling element is allowed rolling with respect to the first member in the first curved surface thereof. The rolling element has a second curved surface that faces the first curved surface and is formed of a curved surface center different from that of the first curved surface. As the rolling element, resulting from an additional force applied on the first and second curved surfaces, rolls with respect to the first member, the second member vibrates with a restoring force determined based on an average curvature radius of the first and second curved surfaces of the rolling element and a distance between curved surface centers of the first and second curved surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Tokkyokiki Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Yasuda, Shohei Minbu, Gongyu Pan, Masataka Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7232103
    Abstract: A load-bearing, pressurized-fluid column apparatus and method for supporting a load or mine ceiling with respect to a support surface or mine floor includes an elongated, flexible sleeve and bladder retain a substantially incompressible liquid. The sleeve and bladder have a collapsed and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the sleeve and bladder are not filled, and have a first, shorter length. In the expanded configuration, the sleeve and bladder are filled with the liquid, and have a second, longer length sized to extend to and between the load and the support surface. A valve allows the liquid to be added and prevents escape of the liquid. A base can seal a lower end of the sleeve, and can be disposed on the support surface. A cap can seal an upper end of the sleeve, and can be capable of abutting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Efficient Mining Systems LLC
    Inventor: Roland B. Heath
  • Patent number: 7222823
    Abstract: A payload adapter consists of a body that when hollow includes a plurality of stiffeners—radial and/or circumferential—or alternatively a core for carrying shear loads. The body may include a first annular face sheet, a second annular face sheet and a plurality of stiffeners connecting between the first annular face sheet and the second annular face sheet. The combination of the annular hollow body and the plurality of stiffeners or the same face sheets combined with an in-filled core results in an axial frequency and a lateral (pitch) frequency for the payload adapter that provides superior vibration isolation. Constrained layer damping is incorporated into the design for additional vibration attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: ATA Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gareth Rhys Thomas, Cynthia Marie Fadick
  • Patent number: 7188820
    Abstract: A vibration damping floor structure for reducing vibrations and shocks applied to a building. The vibration damping floor structure includes a frame structure formed by connecting a plurality of frames, a plurality of ball bearing supports formed on predetermined locations of the frame structure, and a plurality of ball bearings formed on each ball bearing support. Each bearing support is structured so that all of the ball bearings can contact the floor by adjusting the height and following the inclination of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Kizai, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Kobayashi, Hironori Ooshima, Hajime Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7187543
    Abstract: A system for dampening vibrations of a plurality of disk drives in such a way that the packaging density of disk drives is optimized. This is achieved by attaching a device for dampening vibrations to a population set of disk drives. The population set of disk drives comprises a plurality of disk drives. The device for dampening vibrations comprises at least one rail assembly. A plurality of isolators is attached to the rail assembly. The isolators are composed of materials that attenuate vibration. The isolators dampen the vibrations of the population set and isolate the population set from external vibrations and shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Copan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Zimlin
  • Patent number: 7164463
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for configuring a dual isolation system lithography tool is described. An isolated base frame is supported by a non-isolated tool structure. A wafer stage component is supported by the isolated base frame. The wafer stage component provides a mount for a semiconductor wafer. A reticle stage component is supported by the isolated base frame. The reticle stage component provides a mount for a reticle. An isolated bridge provides a mount for a projection optics. The isolated bridge is supported by the isolated base frame. Alternatively, an isolated bridge is supported by a non-isolated base frame. A wafer stage component is supported by the non-isolated base frame. A reticle stage component is supported by the non-isolated base frame. An isolated optical relay is supported by the non-isolated base frame. The isolated optical relay includes one or more individually servo controlled framing blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Galburt, Peter C. Kochersperger
  • Patent number: 7152839
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. A bottom frame is provided for mounting to the vehicle and a middle frame or linking system movably mounts the top frame to the bottom frame. The middle frame includes two pair of scissor arms with rollers at the ends of the scissor arms. The top frame has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. The bottom frame also has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. Included among the roller tracks of the top and bottom frames is a single pair of curvilinear tracks, a pair of pivotal connecting tracks and two pair of linear tracks. A regulator system is also disclosed to regulate the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: National Seating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan E. Mullinix, George Thomas Hardin, Todd Troutt
  • Patent number: 7125211
    Abstract: A machine tool for performing a machine tool function including components adapted to cooperate with each other to execute the machine tool function. The machine tool has a number of constituent parts and a number of sheets of damping material. Each component includes constituent parts with sheets of damping material interposed between the constituent parts. The sheets dampen vibration of the machine tool during performance of the machine tool function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Racer Machinery International Inc.
    Inventor: Don Zoran
  • Patent number: 7114693
    Abstract: A stable platform supports a cell, the stable platform comprises a lower mainframe, an upper mainframe, and a dampener system. The upper mainframe includes a plurality of recesses. Each recess is configured to receive a cell. The dampener system connects the lower mainframe to the upper mainframe. In one embodiment, the dampener system comprises a dampener element, such as sand, to dampen vibrations between the lower mainframe and the lower mainframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. K. Olgado, Timothy J. Franklin, Avi Tepman
  • Patent number: 7107728
    Abstract: The invention provides a stabilizing device for inclusion in a stack of containers in which hazardous waste is held, wherein the stabilizing device comprises a table for supporting a container in the stack, and a base, the table being movable relative to the base so as to aid stability of the stack when the stack is subjected to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels Plc
    Inventor: Andrew Ronald Whitley
  • Patent number: 7095482
    Abstract: A vibration isolator (200) for isolating a first assembly (206) from vibration from a second assembly (208) includes a first system (202) and a second system (204) coupled to the first system (202). In one embodiment, the first system (202) supports the majority of the first assembly (206) relative to the second assembly (208) and the second system (204) adjusts for a change in the location of the center of gravity of the first assembly (206). Further, the second system (204) can be used to compensate for fluctuations in the atmospheric pressure near the vibration isolator (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Alton H. Phillips, Douglas C. Watson, Andrew J. Hazelton
  • Patent number: 7070157
    Abstract: A mount assembly for use in an automotive suspension system, body mount, cradle mount, or other like device. The mount assembly includes a polyurethane elastomer carrier mounted to a frame and having a peripheral outer rim. A microcellular polyurethane insulator is coupled to the frame and extends beyond the peripheral outer rim. The polyurethane elastomer of the carrier has a first modulus of elasticity. The microcellular polyurethane of the insulator has a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity of the carrier such that the mount assembly can provide two distinct rates of elasticity, or stiffness, for adequately isolating both low amplitude, high frequency vibrations and high amplitude, low frequency impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Huprikar, Tom St. Henry
  • Patent number: 7054150
    Abstract: A mounting for a disk drive unit includes a carrier for carrying a disk drive unit during required movement of the disk drive unit. The carrier defines a space into which the disk drive unit can be inserted, and the carrier is adapted to be inserted with the disk drive unit into a receiving frame for operational use. At least two resilient devices are mounted on the carrier for securing the disk drive unit in the receiving frame when the carrier is inserted into the frame, at least one resilient device being mounted on each side of the carrier to allow movement of the device as a whole relative to the carrier, and the resilient device is arranged to secure the disk drive unit in the receiving frame by acting between the disk drive unit and the receiving frame. A method of handling the disk drive unit includes placing the disk drive unit into the carrier engaging a robotic device with a coupling structure projecting from the front of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventors: David J. Orriss, Andrew W. Atkins
  • Patent number: 7044457
    Abstract: A mount with replaceable load bearing and rebound members is provided. The mount comprises a housing that defines a first chamber and a second chamber; a load bearing member removably located in said first chamber, said load bearing member comprising a load bearing member contact portion; a rebound member removably located in said second chamber, said rebound member having a rebound member contact portion, the contact portions of the load bearing member and rebound member being in abutment when the members are removably located in the chambers; and means for coupling said load bearing member and rebound member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Bucksbee
  • Patent number: 6992450
    Abstract: The invention provides an active mass damper by use of which a machining apparatus can be downsized. The active mass damper includes a support unit for supporting a weight movably and horizontally, a motor for driving the weight, and a controller for controlling the motor. A torque command signal to be given to a motor of an X-table and a torque command signal to be given to a motor of a Z-table are put into the controller of the active mass damper so that the motor for driving the weight can be driven by feed-forward control using the torque command signals and feedback control based on the displacement of the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Via Mechanics Ltd.
    Inventors: Kichio Nakajima, Akira Busujima, Yasushi Ito, Nobuhiko Suzuki, Toru Yuki
  • Patent number: 6966535
    Abstract: A table assembly that includes a snubber coupled to both a table and a vibration isolator. The snubber limits relative movement between the table and vibration isolator so that the isolator can more quickly damp movement by the table. The snubber reduces the settling time of the table when subjected to shock and/or vibration loads. The snubber may include one or more rollers coupled to an elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: Vyacheslav M. Ryaboy, Worthington B. Houghton, Jr., Herman B. Keil
  • Patent number: 6962460
    Abstract: A protective device for a mailbox or sign is discussed. The protective device has a main panel coupled to support pipes via a plurality of impact absorption mechanisms. The impact absorption mechanisms are t-bar shaped supports coupled to a back side of the main panel. The t-bar shaped support houses a spring at one end with a rod that has a stop slot and a stop screw. The protective device may also have an optional photoelectric cell light that illuminates a message, poster, sign, or any phrase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Pratt
  • Patent number: 6911117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping vibration in a paper machine. The apparatus having a dynamic damper which includes a weight suspended by a spring. The spring constant of the spring is changed by means of a control device in order to tune the natural frequency of the dynamic damper. The dynamic damper is tuned to a frequency that is substantially equal to a multiple of the rotational frequency of the roll in the paper machine that is being damped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jouko Karhunen, Arto Puranen, Jorma Köliö, Esa Lehtovirta, Erkki Hietamäki
  • 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: 6899439
    Abstract: The regulating mechanism comprises a base member (2), which can be coupled to the mounting (1), and a cover (3), in which a mirror mounting plate (31), provided with a mirror glass (35), is assembled. The mounting (1), and/or the cover (3), are provided with positioning means (9, 26; 37, 38; 42) of the mirror mounting plate (31), enabling said plate (31) to be positioned in any of the positions habitually used, either manually or through a mechanical or electrical control device. The base member (2) and the cover (3) or the base member (2) and the mirror mounting plate (31) have respective and complementary dampening means which comprise, in the base member (2), dampening means (32), and in the cover (3), or in the mirror mounting plate (31), a dampening extension (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fico Mirrors, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Mendoza Vicioso
  • Patent number: 6878873
    Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel B. Fryberger, Jr., Brian M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6866236
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. A bottom frame is provided for mounting to the vehicle and a middle frame or linking system movably mounts the top frame to the bottom frame. The middle frame includes two pair of scissor arms with rollers at the ends of the scissor arms. The top frame has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. The bottom frame also has four corners with roller tracks at each corner. Included among the roller tracks of the top and bottom frames is a single pair of curvilinear tracks, a pair of pivotal connecting tracks and two pair of linear tracks. A regulator system is also disclosed to regulate the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: National Seating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan E. Mullinix, George Thomas Hardin, C. Todd Troutt
  • Patent number: 6862849
    Abstract: A bi-directional sliding pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by sliding pendulum movements, each system comprising a lower sliding plate forming a sliding path in a first direction, an upper sliding plate forming a sliding path in a second direction, and a sliding assembly for reducing the seismic force of the structure by performing a pendulum motion by sliding along the lower and upper sliding plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jae Kwan Kim
  • Patent number: 6859258
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for configuring a dual isolation system lithography tool is described. An isolated base frame is supported by a non-isolated tool structure. A wafer stage component is supported by the isolated base frame. The wafer stage component provides a mount for a semiconductor wafer. A reticle stage component is supported by the isolated base frame. The reticle stage component provides a mount for a reticle. An isolated bridge provides a mount for a projection optics. The isolated bridge is supported by the isolated base frame. Alternatively, an isolated bridge is supported by a non-isolated base frame. A wafer stage component is supported by the non-isolated base frame. A reticle stage component is supported by the non-isolated base frame. An isolated optical relay is supported by the non-isolated base frame. The isolated optical relay includes one or more individually servo controlled framing blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Galburt, Peter C. Kochersperger
  • 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: 6830793
    Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F Hawkins, John W. Murdock
  • Patent number: 6820380
    Abstract: An improvement in the structure of an anti-shock device utilized for buildings, important structures and bridge structures that are made of a base, a carrier, a slide block, and a plurality of springs. A slip concavity of a sunken round curved recess is respectively formed in the base top surface and in the carrier bottom surface, and an upper slide block member and a lower slide block member are situated between the two slip concavities. One contact surface between the two slide block members and slip concavities is of a curved contour and the other surfaces are indented seating recesses. A spheroid coupling bearing is nested between the two seating recesses and the upper and lower slide block members are held together by the springs. As so assembled, the anti-shock device base is fastened under the columns of a building structure such that the building achieves the objectives of exceptional shock eliminating capability and greater building structure safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 6822855
    Abstract: A console-type ruggedized computer system has a console with components, and an image producing apparatus for displaying images based upon electronic signals received from the components of the console. The computer system further includes at least one shock absorber coupling the image producing apparatus to the console. The (at least one) shock absorber is capable of attenuating shock to the image producing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Intergraph Hardware Technologies Company
    Inventors: Homer M. Pressley, Jr., Charles A. Abare, Emanuel J. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6810582
    Abstract: A component incorporation and liquid filling device of a liquid filled vibration isolating mount uses a relatively small liquid bath disposed above a fixedly held, upwardly facing body component, and when moved downwardly, an opening portion provided on a bottom portion thereof is assembled in a sealed state. Liquid supplied onto the bottom portion flows into the body component and is stored on the top of the bottom portion. Components are assembled to the body component in the liquid, and the liquid contained. The seal member is fitted to the opening portion by screwing means from the lower surface side. A notch for a screwing operation is provided on the upper surface of an outer circumferential body of the seal member whereby the screwing operation can be implemented from the upper surface side, thereby facilitating replacement of the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tsujimoto, Tsuyoshi Inada, Akio Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6762514
    Abstract: A high voltage DC power supplier includes: a transformer driven by a switching device, transforming an input voltage to a certain level of high voltage, and outputting the transformed high voltage; a diode and a capacitor for rectifying and smoothing the high voltage outputted from the transformer, and supplying the smoothed voltage to an ER fluid application unit; a discharge circuit for forcibly discharging the output voltage when an output voltage of the capacitor descends; and a controller for controlling a turn-on operation of the switching device on the basis of a difference value between the output voltage and a reference voltage so that the output voltage can follow a target voltage, and outputting a control signal for driving the discharge circuit to the discharge circuit when it reaches a discharge period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Moon Suk Suh, Min Jae Shin, Kyo Jun Choi, In Sik Han, Sun Kyu Jeong, Se Kyu Chung, Tae Whee Joung, Hwa Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 6760219
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disc drive system which includes cushioning material positioned between the interior of disc drive housing and a disc drive. Such a system advantageously provides a removable disc drive system which isolates shocks from the disc drive. The disc drive system includes a housing bottom, a mounting plate coupled to the housing bottom, and a disc drive coupled to the mounting plate via cushioning pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles D. Hood, III, Scott Bradley Koester
  • Patent number: 6752359
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for flexibly fastening a thermally stressed component (2), especially in an internal combustion engine, with a fastening member (12) for receiving the component (2). In order ensure both a secure fastening of the component (2) and a compensation of longitudinal expansions of the component (2) it is provided that the fastening member (12) comprises at least one clamp bracket (4), with at least one rollable intermediate member (5) being disposed between the clamp bracket (4) and the component (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Nagenkögl, Ewald Hundsberger, Rudolf Enzendorfer
  • Patent number: 6749924
    Abstract: A stack of sheet elastomers, each having multiple holes therein, dissipates shock forces applied to it. The elastomeric sheets are formed with identical holes each of which have a periphery that is symmetrical around the centers of the holes that extend over a shock dissipation area of the device. The sheets are stacked so that one, or more continuous material passageways are formed through the stack that extend from one support surface to a parallel support surface. This allows for the elastomer material of these passageways to transmit sheer shock forces when a compressive force is applied normal to the support surfaces. Elastomeric, or other material of a composition different, preferably elastomeric, from the material of the stacked sheets, may be filled into holes of the sheets to adjust the characteristics of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Monson, Trevor J. McCollough, Wesley E. Revely
  • Patent number: 6739153
    Abstract: An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams defining a space into which the optical breadboard is received and laterally enclosed. By laterally enclosing the optical breadboard with the cross-beam frame elements, side protection for the optical breadboard is provided, thus protecting it from lateral impacts against which conventional damping mounts are not effective. In addition, since the cross-beams are part of the frame structure, they provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting optical and other components at the very edge of the workstation outside the optical breadboard area. Anchor points in the cross-beams are provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Melles Griot Limited
    Inventors: Philip Andrew Davies, Anil M Patel, Malcolm Sargeant, Brian Watson, Tony Wills
  • Publication number: 20040089988
    Abstract: The motion damper includes a damper wall, damper stages, and a damper head. The damper wall and damper stages are successively smaller in size and have a nested relationship. The damper wall and damper stages are each flexibly attached to an adjacent damper stage or the damper wall such that the damper stages may deploy in a telescopic fashion away from the damper wall. The damper head is attached to a smallest damper stage. As a result, the damper stages change in position relative to the damper wall and relative to each other to absorb the kinetic energy of objects attached to the damper head and damper wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: John Scott, John Macari, Brent Parks
  • Patent number: H2229
    Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating the effects of shock loading on occupants, cargo and gear the apparatus located in a watercraft the apparatus having a deck positioned and arranged in said watercraft for supporting thereon said occupants, cargo and gear, a hinge communicating with said deck and said watercraft and supporting the forwardly portion of said deck and permitting said deck to move and rotate about said hinge and prevent said deck from substantial side to side movement, a dampener communicating with said deck and said hull of said watercraft the dampener positioned and arranged to move in response to said moving and rotating deck and said dampener absorbing at least a portion of the energy of said moving deck as said deck moves and rotates, and a spring communicating with said deck and said hull of said watercraft the spring positioned and arranged to support the rearwardly portion on said deck and to move in response to said moving and rotating deck the spring absorbing at lease a portion of the energy
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William Reason