Abstract: A tray stabilizer system for delivery robots includes a base having an upper end and a lower end; a shock absorbing outer shell assembly, the shock absorbing outer shell assembly having an upper end and a lower end and configured to slidingly house in the space inside the base; a shock-absorbing inner shell assembly, the shock absorbing inner shell assembly having an upper end and a lower end and configured to slidingly house in the space inside the shock absorbing outer shell assembly; a suction cup assembly; and a shock absorbent pad. A method of using the tray stabilizer system for delivery robots includes the steps of preparing a surface onto which the tray stabilizer system is mounted; mounting the system to the prepared surface; placing a tray on the shock absorbing upper pad; and placing an item to be delivered onto the tray.

Abstract: An air bearing for calibrating a force measurement device comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, an upper wall, a lower wall, an internal chamber, an object retention opening, and a plurality of air outlets. The inner wall and outer wall each have a cylindrical shape with the outer wall being concentric with the inner wall. The upper wall and lower wall each have an annular shape and are attached to the inner wall and the outer wall. The internal chamber is formed by inner surfaces of the four walls, and is configured to retain compressed air. The object retention opening is formed by an outer surface of the inner wall and is configured to receive and retain an object. The air outlets are positioned along the inner wall and are configured to allow compressed air to flow from the internal chamber to the object retention opening.

Abstract: A stabilizer system for an ejection seat may comprise a collapsible support structure configured to be coupled to a seat back or a seat bucket of the ejection seat, an airfoil coupled to the collapsible support structure, and a deployment system operatively coupled to the collapsible support structure and configured to expand the collapsible support structure.

Abstract: The invention discloses a modular differential compliant displacement reducer with output in same direction or reverse direction of input. The modular differential compliant displacement reducer includes a forward motion module, a reverse motion module and an actuator, and two ends of the forward motion module are respectively connected to one end of the reverse motion module. Differential superposition of displacement is achieved through combination of the forward motion module and the reverse motion module, a large displacement reduction ratio can be obtained, and therefore the resolution ratio and precision of motion are greatly improved. The reducer can be matched with a macro-motion platform, and large-range and ultrahigh-precision motion positioning is achieved.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid system is disclosed and that utilizes a hydraulic motor or gear pump and a magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) brake that is interconnected with an output of the hydraulic motor. The MRF brake may utilize a rotatable rotor that is disposed within a magneto-rheological fluid and that is interconnected with an output (e.g., a rotatable output shaft) of the hydraulic motor. An electrical control signal may be provided to the MRF brake (e.g., to a magnetic coil) to adjust the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid, and thereby a braking torque exerted on the output of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: MEMS devices include a suspended element connected to a fixed part of a substrate by one or more flexures, wherein the one or more flexures are configured to permit movement of the suspended element relative to a fixed part of the substrate. An actuator coupled to the suspended element and a damping structure coupled to the suspended element extends into a gap between the suspended element and the fixed part of the substrate. One or more fluid confinement structures are configured to permit movement of the damping structure within a limited portion of the gap and to confine a viscoelastic fluid to the limited portion of the gap.

Abstract: A damping device includes: a housing; a drive-side actuator that includes a drive-side stator and a drive-side mover and is connected to the housing; a damping-side actuator that includes a damping-side stator and a damping-side mover and is connected to the housing; a first signal calculator that generates a drive signal for the drive-side actuator based on a control command; and a second signal calculator that generates, when the drive-side actuator changes from a large to a small jerk state, a drive signal for the damping-side actuator based on a signal obtained by subtracting a displacement suppression command suppressing a displacement of the damping-side mover from a vibration suppression command reducing or offsetting, by a vibration component of the housing produced by driving of the damping-side actuator, a natural frequency component of the housing produced by driving of the drive-side actuator based on the control command.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, filler material, springs, an insole, and a midsole. The first plate and the second plate are hingedly connected to each other. The filler material is located between the first plate and the second plate. The springs are located within openings in the filler material. The third plate is affixed to a top surface of the first plate. The insole is located above the third plate. The first plate is made of a thermoplastic elastomer, and the third plate is made of carbon fiber. Another shoe includes a midsole, a plate located above the midsole, springs located at least partially within openings in the midsole, and a spring holding unit located below the midsole for holding the springs. The spring holding unit includes spring holding members and branches connecting corresponding spring holding members.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide for improved sensor devices. An example sensor device includes a magnet mounting tube and a magnet supported within the magnet mounting tube. The sensor device includes a sensor mounting tube that receives at least a portion of the magnet mounting tube and supported magnet therein. The sensor device includes a magnetic sensor affixed to the sensor mounting tube. The sensor device includes a spring positioned around the magnet mounting tube and the sensor mounting tube such that the magnet and the magnetic sensor are surrounded by the spring. In an instance in which a load is applied to either a first end or second end of the spring, the magnet mounting tube translates relative the sensor mounting tube so as to induce a change in magnetic flux identified by the magnetic sensor indicative of a weight of the load.

Abstract: Some example systems and methods for retrofitting bulk product dispersal mechanism of aircrafts (e.g., aerial crop dusters, air tankers, airplanes and helicopters) involve replacing one link of the dispersal mechanism's linkage assembly with a powered linear actuator. The linkage assembly connects a manually operated lever in the cockpit to a movable gate at an outlet of a bulk container of the aircraft. The bulk container carries a bulk product, such as dry fertilizer or fire extinguishing liquid. In some examples, the pilot can operate the lever to control the release and aerial dispersion of the bulk material. With the powered linear actuator, however, the lever can be latched at a stationary position, while the powered linear actuator extends or retracts to respectively open or close the gate. In an emergency, a brake on the linear actuator allows the pilot to seamlessly switch from a power mode to a manual mode.

Abstract: A method for reducing vibration of a robot arm includes: a step of mounting at least one inertia actuator and at least one vibration signal capturing unit to a processing end of a robot arm; a step of applying the at least one vibration signal capturing unit to detect a vibration generated at the processing end of the robot arm so as to generate a vibration signal; a step of applying a central processing unit to evaluate the vibration signal and coordinates of the processing end of the robot arm so as to capture at least one set of corresponding control parameters for calculating at least one output force; and, a step of having the inertia actuator to apply the output force to the processing end of the robot arm for counteracting the vibration at the processing end of the robot arm.

Abstract: Compliant mounting systems, devices, and methods for mounting a vehicle engine to a vehicle structure or base include a top mount, a lower mount, a center trunnion mount, and an aft mount which are configured to react forces transmitted by the engine to the vehicle structure. Metallic and elastomeric elements can provide vibrational and force isolation characteristics. Stops (e.g., snubbing elements) allow for a specific range of motion before internal mount structures contact each other to act as a conventional hard mount. Fluid elements and compressible gas-filled spaces/bladders may be incorporated to provide fluid damping behaviors to complement the metallic and elastomeric elements.

Abstract: A damper for an object is placed in a medium subjected to vibrations. The damper has an idle state in the absence of vibrations, a first operating state in case of vibrations of a first type, and a second operating state in case of vibrations of a second type. The level of each vibration of the first type is less than the level of each vibration of the second type. The damper includes an outer support structure, an inner support structure, and at least one pair of membranes formed of a first membrane and a second membrane. Each membrane is formed of a viscoelastic material including fibers aligned substantially in a same direction.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide for improved sensor devices. An example sensor device includes a magnet mounting tube and a magnet supported within the magnet mounting tube. The sensor device includes a sensor mounting tube that receives at least a portion of the magnet mounting tube and supported magnet therein. The sensor device includes a magnetic sensor affixed to the sensor mounting tube. The sensor device includes a spring positioned around the magnet mounting tube and the sensor mounting tube such that the magnet and the magnetic sensor are surrounded by the spring. In an instance in which a load is applied to either a first end or second end of the spring, the magnet mounting tube translates relative the sensor mounting tube so as to induce a change in magnetic flux identified by the magnetic sensor indicative of a weight of the load.

Abstract: Provided are a display panel, a display device, and a method for configuring a display panel. The display panel includes a display function layer, a support layer and a storage structure, where the support layer is disposed on one side of the display function layer and is in contact with the display function layer; the support layer includes a first cavity and is connected to the storage structure; and the storage structure is provided with a storage unit and is capable of moving a phase changing material from the storage unit into the first cavity or moving the phase changing material from the first cavity into the storage unit. A heater and a cooler are applied to switch the phase changing material between the solid and the liquid phases.

Abstract: A vibrating machine including a first machine part that vibrates in operation, a second machine part connected to an installation area of the vibrating machine, and a vibratory drive. A resilient bearing is arranged between the machine parts and has at least one air spring per support point and at least one compressed air reservoir fluidically connected to the air spring. A throttle is switched intermediate the air spring and the compressed air reservoir. The first machine part bearing has a resonant or natural frequency lower than an operating frequency of the vibrating machine. The bearing system has a frequency-dependent lower stiffness level with high damping at low frequencies, an upper stiffness level with low damping at higher frequencies, and a transition zone at an intermediate transitional frequency. The throttle is dimensioned such that the transitional frequency is close to, preferably slightly above, the resonant or natural frequency.

Abstract: An elevatable supporting device for bearing a display is provided. The elevatable supporting device comprises an upright, an energy storage element, and a bearing module. The upright includes a first surface and a second surface which is non-parallel to the first surface. The energy storage element abuts against the first surface and the second surface and includes a first arm providing a first resistance and a second arm providing a second resistance. A first included angle is defined between the first arm and the second arm. When the energy storage element moves from the highest position to the lowest position, the first included angle decreases so that one of the first resistance and the second resistance may increase in order to maintain a total effective resistance along the first axis. Accordingly, the display may be able to stop at any position between the highest position and the lowest position.

Abstract: A vibration-proof mount which is interposed between a vibration device including a vibration source and an elastic member disposed on a foundation surface includes an upper base plate including a first mounting portion where the vibration device is mounted, a lower base pate arranged below the upper base plate and supporting the upper base plate, and a plurality of connecting members connecting the upper base plate and the lower base plate, the plurality of connecting members including at least two or more first connecting members disposed between the first mounting portion and the lower base plate at intervals from one another. The first mounting portion is configured to have higher rigidity than the lower base plate.

Abstract: A method and system to isolate vibrations, including a first pair of fluid chambers disposed to isolate first vibrations between a first body and a second body, wherein the first vibrations are parallel to a first axis, wherein the first body is a propeller hub, a rotor hub, a pylon attachment, or an engine, and wherein the second body is a propeller shaft, a rotor mast, or a body attachment; a second pair of fluid chambers disposed to isolate second vibrations between the first and second bodies, wherein the second vibrations are parallel to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; first and second inertia tracks disposed to place the first and second pairs of chambers in fluid communication, respectively; and a plurality of elastic energy storage devices coupled to the first body and the second body and disposed to isolate vibrations between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A pedestal for an Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system, comprising: a frame; at least one antenna disposed in or coupled to the frame; and a mechanism directly coupled to the frame so as to mechanically support the pedestal in a vertical position when in use. The mechanism configured to allow the frame to transition from the vertical positon to an angled position when a force is applied to the frame by an external object, and automatically return to the vertical position when the force is no longer being applied to the frame by the external object.

Abstract: A heater unit includes a heater case and a high-voltage component disposed on a mount surface of the heater case. A protector is disposed in front of the heater unit. The protector includes a protection cover and a protection member disposed laterally of the high-voltage component. The protection member includes a side surface (support wall) disposed along a forward-rearward direction; that is, an assumed collision direction. The leading edge of the side surface protrudes further than the high-voltage component. The length of the side surface in the forward-rearward direction is longer than the length from a position on the heater case with which the side surface comes into contact in a collision to a front surface of the high-voltage component.

Abstract: A clamping bushing which, due to the particular eccentric geometry and composite materials used to manufacture the same, comprising elastomers (14, 15) and metal sheets (10, 11), is suitable for the reduction of principally vertically acting vibrations and structure-borne sound which can arise in machines/gearboxes and, in particular, in wind turbines.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a rotational spring is provided with adjustable stiffness and includes at least one beam arranged about an axis between an input tuning port and an output port, wherein the input tuning port is configured to change an effective bending length of at least one beam so as to change a shear stiffness with respect to the input tuning port and the output port.

Abstract: A spring element (1) having a pair of sleeves formed of two sleeves (5, 7) is disclosed. Each sleeve (5, 7) of the pair of sleeves is formed of a closed band. The two oppositely disposed sleeves (5, 7) are connected to each other by a connecting piece (9) at one point of their circumference, respectively. On each sleeve (5, 7), a projection (11a, 11b) directed towards the opposite sleeve (7, 5) is provided, spaced apart from the connecting piece (9). In this way, a receiving space (13) defined by the connecting piece (9) and the projections (11a, 11b) is formed between the sleeves (5, 7). A spring comprises a rod-shaped central bar (21) and such a spring element (1). The spring element (1) is slid onto the central bar (21) such that a portion of the central bar (21) is held in the receiving space (13) of the spring element (1) and can be removed without damage from the receiving space (13) of the spring element (1).

Abstract: A structure for seismic isolation 10 provided on a structure plane 17 including a pair of left and right columns 5, 5 spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and a pair of upper and lower beams 7A, 7B spaced apart in a vertical direction, wherein the structure for seismic isolation comprises: a seismic isolation device 11 provided in a middle of each of the column 5, 5 to be displaced toward the beam 7A; and a horizontal rigid bearing element that is provided between an area in which the seismic isolation device 11 is provided and the beam 7B and that includes a connection beam 13 connecting the pair of columns 5, 5 and vertical braces 15L, 15R.

Abstract: A sheet cushioning member includes front links coupled to a front torsion bar and rear links coupled to a rear torsion bar are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other in a front and rear direction of a seat, and when a predetermined load or larger is applied, the front links and the rear links rotate in opposite directions, and dampers are disposed to extend between lower portions of the front links and the rear links. When a predetermined load fluctuation or larger occurs, the dampers expand or contract to exhibit a damping force, and a load fluctuation smaller than this does not cause the dampers to expand or contract and is alleviated by elasticity of the front torsion bar and the rear torsion bar. An impact absorbing characteristic is thereby improved with a simple structure.

Abstract: A configurable shock pallet accommodates different types of rack-mounted information handling systems (IHSes) having different weight profiles. A bottom structure has a pair of parallel apertures to receive forklift tines. A top deck receives a rack-mounted IHS of a selected weight profile for shipping. A horizontal array of pad locations is designated between the bottom structure and the top deck. Dampening inserts are assigned to respective pad locations of the horizontal array from dampening inserts of different densities. Attaching components secure the top deck to the bottom structure, separated by the dampening inserts to provide appropriate shock protection for the weight and weight distribution of the IHS. A shock pallet configuring system can receive a weight profile and indicate on an output interface the assigned pad configuration to manually or automatically assemble the configured shock pallet.

Abstract: A multiplexing communication system is capable of maintaining an appropriate response speed of a control with respect to an electromagnetic motor based on an encoder signal during multiplexing and transmission of the encoder signal. A transmission data composition processing section of a multiplex communication device multiplexes encoder signals ENCD1 to ENCD8 output from a linear scale and a rotary encoder into frame data FRMD and transmits the data. The transmission data composition processing section sets the encoder signals ENCD1 to ENCD8 to bit positions of the frame data FRMD respectively corresponding to the linear scale and the rotary encoder. At the bit positions where the encoder signals ENCD1 to ENCD8 are set, the encoder signal ENCD and information showing the presence or absence of the data of the encoder signal ENCD are alternately set for each cycle of transmission of the frame data FRMD.

Abstract: A rack guide unit includes a closure member, a rack guide, and an urging unit. The closure member is secured to an external opening end of an accommodation portion of a housing. The rack guide is accommodated in the accommodation portion so as to be movable in an advancing/withdrawing direction and supports the rack shaft so that the rack shaft is slidable in an axial direction. The urging unit is arranged between the closure member and the rack guide. The urging unit includes a stack of a plurality of coned disc springs urging the rack guide toward the rack shaft and arranged in an identical orientation, and an auxiliary coned disc spring that serves as a holding member holding the stack.

Abstract: A connecting device for a magnetic system of an imaging system includes a holding element for connection of the connecting device to a power supply connection of the magnetic system, and a connecting element for connection of the connecting device to a power supply cable for operation of the magnetic system. The connecting device also includes an oscillation damping device having a spring element. The oscillation damping device is operable to dampen oscillations of the magnetic system that act on the connecting device by way of the holding element, with respect to the connecting element.

Abstract: A shock mount assembly for a sensor protector apparatus is provided. The shock mount assembly comprises a support structure having a geometric configuration, with the support structure including at least one side wall having an outer edge section that defines a periphery of the support structure, and at least one mounting surface substantially perpendicular to the side wall. The mounting surface is configured for coupling at least one electronic device to the support structure. A shock absorber is mounted to at least a portion of the outer edge section, with the shock absorber substantially surrounding the periphery of the support structure. The shock mount assembly is configured for a non-isolated system, and is configured to protect the electronic device during vibration or shock events.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method, system and apparatus for resisting and restraining potentially destructive movement within a building structure while introducing little or no obstruction with respect to how a building structure is designed and how it is intended to function.

Abstract: End members (204) for a gas spring assembly (200) include an end member body (226) that is formed from a polymeric material. The end member body (226) includes an end wall (234) and a bumper mount (258) that is integrally formed with at least the end wall (234) from the polymeric material of the end member body (226). The bumper mount (258) projects axially from the end wall (234) in a first direction. The end member (204) includes a central support post (256) that extends from the end wall (234) in a direction opposite the bumper mount (258). The end member (204) also includes an insert (272) that is at least partially embedded within at least one of the bumper mount (258) and the central support post wall (256). Gas spring assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

Abstract: A novel probabilistic method for analyzing high cycle fatigue (HCF) in a design of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The method may comprise identifying a component of the gas turbine engine for high cycle fatigue analysis, inputting parametric data of the component over a predetermined parameter space into at least one computer processor, using the at least one computer processor to build a plurality of flexible models of the component based on the parametric data of the component over the predetermined parameter space, using the at least one computer processor to build a plurality of emulators of the component based on the plurality of flexible models, and using the at least one computer processor to predict a probability of HCF based at least in part on the parametric data of the component over the predetermined parameter space and the plurality of emulators.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a contact glass provided at an upper surface of a main body of the apparatus to set a manuscript thereon, an image sensor being positioned below the contact glass and having a reading surface on contact glass side for reading an image from the manuscript on the contact glass, a carriage supporting the image sensor accommodated in a sensor container formed to have a recess open to the contact glass side, a rail member slidably supporting the carriage, and a biasing member biasing the image sensor to the contact glass side via a biased portion adjacent to the reading surface of the image sensor. An upper end of the biasing member is positioned below the contact glass and above the lower surface of the image sensor.

Abstract: A jounce bumper is used in a suspension system of a vehicle. The jounce bumper comprises an outer member comprising a base portion and a sidewall extending from said base portion. The sidewall of the outer member is flexible relative to the base portion. The base portion and the sidewall define a cavity such that the outer member has a cup-shaped configuration. A bumper is at least partially seated within the cavity of the outer member. The bumper is compressible into the cavity of the outer member such that the bumper expands against the sidewall of the outer member, which forces the sidewall of the outer member to flex and expand radially outward. An isolation layer is disposed on the base of the outer member outside of the cavity and separates the outer member from either the strut assembly or the frame member.

Abstract: The present shock absorbing layer for a helmet includes a base plate and a plurality of spaced apart, independently and elastically collapsible, shock absorbing members. These hollow shock absorbing members define a closed perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base plate to an open top end sized to cause negligible reduction of fluid flow exiting the shock absorbing member. The closed perimeter wall includes a first portion with opposed inner and outer surfaces each having the shape of a frustum, and a second portion with opposed inner and outer surfaces each also having the shape of a frustum. These inner surfaces are interconnected through relatively radially wider ends of their respective frustums to define an inner angle therebetween of less than 180 degrees. These outer surfaces are interconnected through relatively radially wider ends of their respective frustums to define an outer angle therebetween of greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A hybrid stabilizer isolates a payload from vibrations across six degrees of freedom using an underdamped passive stabilizer in series with an active stabilizer that is mounted to the foundation, thereby improving isolation. In a first aspect, the passive stabilizer is one or more underdamped springs that reduce high frequency vibrations and in some embodiments the passive stabilizer is tuned to a resonant frequency at most half the control loop frequency of the active stabilizer. The active stabilizer is a six-axis motion platform that reduces or eliminates low frequency vibrations, particularly around the resonant frequency of the passive stabilizer. In a second aspect, the hybrid stabilizer isolates one or more cameras and is mounted to a vehicle, reducing motion blur and improving camera tracking, thereby enhancing the quality of images captured by the cameras.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle having a damper and a first and second springs mounted coaxially around the damper and a preload adjuster for partially compressing at least one of the springs independently of the compression stroke. In one embodiment the preload adjuster is remotely controllable. In another embodiment the shock absorber includes an additional mechanism for preloading at least one of the springs.

Abstract: A vibration isolator can include an upper housing defining an upper fluid chamber; a lower housing defining a lower fluid chamber; a piston resiliently coupled to the upper housing with an upper elastomer member, the piston being resiliently coupled to the lower housing with a lower elastomer member; a tuning passage associated with the piston; and a tuning fluid disposed within the upper fluid chamber, the lower fluid chamber, and the tuning passage, the tuning fluid comprising a polytungstate.

Abstract: A replacement vibration absorbing device for replacing a wear wrap on a flexbeam includes a sleeve having a plurality of layers of vibration absorbing material, wherein an edge of the sleeve is cut so that the sleeve may be installed around a generally central portion of a flexbeam.

Abstract: A height adjustable seat tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the inner tube and a valve unit in the inner tube extends through the end cap and co-movable linearly with the inner tube. An inlet valve is connected to the inner tube. An oil tube is connected between the inlet valve and the valve unit. A first oil room is defined between the oil tube and the valve unit. An oil storage member is connected between a connection member and the end cap. A first air room is defined between the inlet valve, the oil storage member and the inner tube. A second oil room is defined between the oil tube, the oil storage member and the end cap. An oil path is in communication between the first and second oil rooms.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the length of a flexible link according to the pulling force exerted on the link, the continuous link passing through the device between two substantially opposite input/output ends of the device. The device includes elements for producing at least one link loop whose extent can vary according to the pulling force, at least one return element tending to increase the extent of the loop up to a predefined maximum in the absence of pulling force on the link and which corresponds to a reduction of the apparent length of the link on which the device is placed, the pulling force of the link resulting in a reduction of the extent of the loop up to a predefined minimum and which corresponds to an elongation of the apparent length of the link on which the device is placed. Devices with S loop or omega loop are described together with a comfort unit for a strap harness.

Abstract: A flexure support apparatus for providing multiple axes support to reciprocating members for an energy conversion process includes a base having a sleeved opening disposed therethrough a central portion of the base and a plurality of apertures also disposed therethrough the base that are positioned outside of the sleeved opening, also included in a plurality of flexible finger assemblies that are positioned in an offset manner on opposing sides of the base. Further included is a pair of piston assemblies that are disposed within opposing ends of the sleeved opening being supported by the plurality of flexible finger assemblies, wherein the piston assemblies move in opposing and equal amounts in reciprocating movement within the sleeved opening being supported and controlled by the plurality of flexible finger assemblies, thus the pair of piston assemblies are able to do compressive work on a fluid within the sleeve without bearings or seals.

Abstract: A vibration control apparatus includes a first spring mechanism to support a first object as part of a first system. To control vibration of the first object, a first actuator applies a force to the first object via a command value generated by a first computing based on an output of a detection system. The detection system includes a second spring mechanism to support a second object as part of a second system. A third spring mechanism supports a third object as part of a third system. The first displacement detector detects displacement of the third object relative to the second object. The third object is prevented from being displaced relative to the second object. A second natural frequency of the second system is higher than a first natural frequency of the first system, and a third natural frequency of a third system is higher than the first natural frequency.

Abstract: An actuator includes an effective stiffness. The effective stiffness is based at least in part on non-linear deflection characteristics of buckling. A method of varying an effective stiffness of an actuator includes providing an actuator and varying an effective stiffness of the actuator based at least in part on non-linear deflection characteristics of buckling. Another method of varying an effective stiffness of an actuator includes applying a load to a member. The load causes the member to buckle, and the buckling produces non-linear deflection of the member. The method further includes varying an effective stiffness of an actuator based at least in part on the non-linear deflection of the member.

Abstract: An aircraft comprising a mechanical connection device including a body that extends along a longitudinal axis. The body comprises two opposite end portions disposed along the longitudinal axis and adapted to receive external axial loads in compression and in tension, a spring member that is adapted to be compressed axially, and a mechanism which, in the event of external axial loads in compression or in tension on the end portions, is able to transmit to the spring member compression forces oriented in opposite directions according to whether the external axial loads are in compression or in tension. This device forms a flexible connection that accommodates equally well external loads in compression and in tension.

Abstract: A damping arrangement for damping the opening noise between the frame part and armature part of a machinery brake of an elevator hoisting machine, the machinery brake being opened with an electromagnet, includes a number of channels machined around a magnetizing coil in the frame part of the machinery brake and channels corresponding to them machined in the armature part, into which channels at least one damping element is fixed by means of fixings. The machinery brake of an elevator hoisting machine includes a frame part, an armature part that is movable with respect to the frame part and is installed at the end of the air gap from the frame part, the armature part being moved by means of an electromagnet that is in the frame part towards the frame part for opening the machinery brake and by means of one or more work springs acting between the frame part and the armature part for closing the machinery brake, and a damping arrangement for damping the opening noise between the frame part and armature part.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a handheld working tool comprising a motor part (10), a handle part (20) comprising a handle grip (21), and at least one first type antivibration element (30) arranged between said motor part (10) and said handle part (20), and which element (30) is adapted to isolate the handle part (20) from vibrations in the motor part (10). The working tool (1) is characterized in that it further comprises at least one second type antivibration element (40) arranged adjacent to the first type antivibration element (30). The at least one second type antivibration element (40) is adapted to, when in an active state, prevent vibrations in the motor part (10) from being transferred to the handle grip (21). The second antivibration element (40) is in the active state when the handle grip (21) is loaded during operation of the working tool (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for absorbing shock, particularly repetitive shocks, comprises a frame and a shock-absorbing component comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA). In one type of apparatus, one or more SMA rings (65) are mounted on brackets (64) on a frame (62, 63) so that shock received by the frame from one direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a first direction, and shock received by the frame from the opposite direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction. In other types of apparatus, SMA shock-absorbing components (16, 27, 37, 46, 89) are mounted in a frame (11, 12,13,14,15,17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 34, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47) so that the way in which the shock-absorbing component is deformed is independent of the direction of the shock received by the frame.