Resilient Shock Or Vibration Absorber Patents (Class 267/136)
  • Patent number: 6394431
    Abstract: The feel bumper includes a plunger disposed for movement by an input device along a predetermined path, and at least one damper element disposed to engage the plunger when in a predetermined initial position along the path corresponding to a desired operating position for exerting a first opposing feedback force against the plunger in opposition to movement thereof along the path in a first direction, the at least one damper element being yieldable to the plunger when moved in the first direction past the predetermined initial position and exerting a second opposing feedback force against the plunger in opposition to the continued movement of the plunger in the first direction through subsequent operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6386526
    Abstract: Wind/rain induced vibrations, as well as vortex shedding vibrations induced in a cable stay or a similar elongated, cylindrical element are dampened and substantially eliminated by applying a plurality of flexible damper bands to the cable at spaced intervals. The damper bands break up the formation of rivulets of water at lower wind speeds. These damper bands can be retrofit to existing cables or can be installed on new cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Texas Tech University
    Inventors: Partha P. Sarkar, R. Scott Phelan, Kishor C. Mehta, Thomas B. Gardner, Zhongshan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20020053763
    Abstract: A vibration isolator includes: an inner cylindrical metal member 10; a stopper member 13 which is fixed at its axial intermediate position and is projected into a vibration input direction; an outer cylindrical metal member 28 arranged outside the inner cylindrical metal member; a rubber elastic member 20 which elastically connects between the inner and outer cylindrical metal members; and a support metal member 30 which is forced into an axial hole of the inner cylindrical metal member and has one end projecting from the inner cylindrical metal member. An axial intermediate portion of the inner cylindrical metal member including a locating portion of the stopper member is a large-diameter portion 11 which is slightly bulged into a diametrical direction and has inner and outer diameters slightly larger than inner and outer diameters of other portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naohito Kuwayama, Noboru Arakawa
  • Patent number: 6374968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a generator of dynamic loads comprising a main mass/spring system composed of a main mass comprising at least one main mass element of mass M2 and of at least one main spring element of stiffness K2. The device is one which comprises an additional mass/spring system, which is coupled to the main mass/spring system and which is composed of an additional mass of mass m3 and of at least one additional spring element of stiffness K3, the assembly exhibiting a first and a second resonant frequency f0 and f2 respectively, and an anti-resonant frequency f1, with f0<f1<f2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Vibrachoc
    Inventor: Mathieu Noe
  • Publication number: 20020043747
    Abstract: An improved efficiency impact absorption device comprises a honeycomb (20) with a number of ribs (11) defining respective outlets (12), with preferably hexagonal section, terminating in holes (13), in the lower part of the honeycomb (20). The honeycomb (20) is injection-moulded in plastic, said plastic being chosen from plastic resin derived from polycarbonate or rubber-filled polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Mario Vismara
  • Publication number: 20020041064
    Abstract: A bushing type mount comprising an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder and a rubber-like elastomer interposed between the both cylinders, the outer cylinder being, at axially one extremity side, bent inwardly to form an inner flange, the inner flange being inclined at an intersecting angle made by its flange plane and the axial line of the inner cylinder of 60 to 85 degree, whereby it is possible to reduce a difference between a compressive deformation strain of the elastomer due to the inner flange and a shearing deformation strain occurring around the inner cylinder inboard of the inner flange and to suppress the occurrence of cracking to the utmost, thus enhancing the durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Syunichi Shinobu, Nobuyuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 6367786
    Abstract: A micromachined resonator mountable to an external support structure has a proof mass coupled to a base structure by a first spring structure, the base structure having a plurality of electrodes, and a second spring structure coupling the base structure to the external support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Roman Gutierrez, Tony K. Tang, Kirill Shcheglov
  • Patent number: 6364077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive mass damper for broadband suppression of vibrations. The mass damper preferably includes a bob supported by nonlinear springs with high secant stiffness and low tangent stiffness. The mass damper is mounted on a machine or other source of vibration. The vibration generated by the machine is transmitted to the mass damper and induces off phase vibration of the bob which suppresses the inducing vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Vistek, Inc.
    Inventor: Zoltan A. Kemeny
  • Publication number: 20020036370
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a liquid sealed type vibration isolator capable of positioning a partition excellently with the construction of the partition simplified, and maintaining stable damping characteristics of an orifice. To meet the requirements, an outer circumferential portion of the partition forming the orifice is made so that the outer circumferential portion defines at least a part of one or two sides of a cross section of the orifice, and a positioning device formed of a partition press fitting or inserting structure with respect to a groove, or a partition engaging structure is provided in a joint portion between the partition and the other orifice forming member with the construction of the partition simplified, whereby it is rendered possible to improve the accuracy of the partition and obtain a desired cross section of the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Takaoka, Yukio Takashima, Tsutomu Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20020036369
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air suspension piston, with the air suspension piston being tube shaped and being made of aluminium. The air suspension piston is formed by a longitudinal-seam welded tube made from an aluminium alloy, and the tube has been longitudinal-seam welded without any weld metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Thorsten Schulze, Franz Steimmel, Michael Opitz, Berthold Aumuller, Klaus Dotzler
  • Publication number: 20020036372
    Abstract: A damping actuator includes: an inner shaft member; an outer sleeve member disposed in a coaxial relationship with each other with a radial spacing therebetween such that the outer sleeve member being movable relative to the inner shaft member; a coil and an inner yoke disposed coaxially with and fixedly mounted to the inner shaft member so as to give inner magnetic pole portions; and a permanent magnet and an outer yoke fixedly mounted to the outer sleeve member so as to give outer magnetic pole portions. The outer magnetic pole portions are opposed to the inner magnetic poles in a radial direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the inner shaft member with a radial gap therebetween, and are offset from the plurality of inner magnetic poles in the axial direction. The coil is energized for generating magnetic axial driving force acting between said inner and outer magnetic poles so that the inner and outer magnetic poles are moved relative to each other in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Goto, Yoshihiko Hagino
  • Patent number: 6361030
    Abstract: An antivibration mount to damp vibration in a main vibration direction, comprises first and second rigid strength members interconnected by an elastomer body. The first strength member includes first and second fingers which are substantially perpendicular to the main vibration direction and which extend outwards in opposite directions. The second rigid strength member includes first and second folded tabs which are perpendicular to the fingers and pierced by windows, the two fingers of the first rigid strength member passing through the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hutchinson SA
    Inventors: Timothy Rogge, Robert Goudie
  • Publication number: 20020030313
    Abstract: A vibration isolation device comprising a housing with a housing wall that defines a housing chamber, a first spring pack, a second spring pack, and a surface effect damper located between the first and second spring packs. The first and second spring packs and damper being located in the housing chamber. The isolation device further comprises a fuse mechanism which causes the device to act as a hard mount before the fuse is actuated and as a soft mount after the fuse is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Paul T. Herbst
  • Patent number: 6354575
    Abstract: An omnidirectional vibration damping system comprising a pair of dampers of identical make mounted between a carrier rigidly carrying an electronic instrument or like object of protection and a rigid support therefore, the dampers being positioned in axial alignment with each other in positions of symmetry with respect to the center of mass of the object. The carriers have webs laid parallel to a pair of opposed bearing surfaces of the support, each web having formed thereon a hollow boss extending at right angles therefrom. Each damper has a nut extending with clearance through the hollow boss of one carrier and having one end held fast against the bearing surface of the support by receiving a bolt from outside the support. Formed on the other end of the nut is a flange laid parallel to the bearing surface and farther away therefrom than the carrier web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6347892
    Abstract: A body mounted camera support system for isolating the camera from body motion includes two arms linked together. Each of the arms is a four bar linkage with two tension cartridges each extending between two adjacent ones of the links. Two of the links are extended to form the body of the arm. These links are tubular in cross section and receive the tension cartridge. A single pin, in association with a yoke at one open end of the tubular link, locks the cartridge in place. Each tension cartridge includes a draw bar and a canister with a compression spring operatively positioned therebetween. The spring is adjusted to include shims which bias the bowing of the spring under initial compression load. A PTFE coating on the canister and on the coil spring further reduces friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: George Paddock II, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Paddock, Gregory L. Richards, Mitchell C. Barham, Christopher C. Haarhoff
  • Patent number: 6343782
    Abstract: A vibration canceller having an inertial mass that is nonpositively joined to at least one spring element. The spring element is made exclusively of elastomeric material, is configured in substantially rod-shaped fashion, and is equipped on at least one of its end faces with a plug-shaped enlargement, the enlargement being arranged, under elastic preload, in a congruently configured opening of the inertial mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Herwig Hönlinger, Günter Zeis
  • Patent number: 6340153
    Abstract: A shock and acoustic mount for reducing transmission of forces between two relatively moveable members such as a mounted component and a supporting structure, providing a compressible fluid spring with large allowable relative movement of the mounted component and support structure. The mount comprises a casing, a piston shell with one end disposed in the casing and another end extending outside of the casing, and a piston housed in the piston shell, all relatively moveable in response to external axial forces. In one embodiment, the mount is filled with a compressible fluid, such as air, providing an air spring. The piston is sealingly bonded to the inner surface of the piston shell, the bond accommodating acoustic and vibration forces by deformation of the bond material. An annular seal between the piston shell and the casing accommodates large and shock forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Miesner
  • Publication number: 20020003327
    Abstract: A magnetic spring device and a vibration damping apparatus, which are simpler and cheaper to manufacture, are disclosed. The magnetic spring device includes a plurality of stationary magnets, which are spaced apart to define a space between them, and a magnetic movable element, which is fit in the space. The magnetic poles of the stationary magnets are opposite to each other. The movable element is moved by the magnetic force generated by the stationary magnets in a parallel direction with the magnetic field. The properly positioned stationary magnets and movable element form a magnetic spring device, which together with additional properly positioned magnets alone may be used as a vibration damping apparatus. Also, when the magnetic spring device is combined with a cushioning member such as a metal spring, rubber or the like to form a vibration damping apparatus, the total elastic constant of the vibration damping apparatus may be near zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshimi Enoki, Shigeki Wagata, Hiroki Oshimo, Etsunori Fujita, Hiroki Honda, Hideyuki Yamane
  • Patent number: 6334608
    Abstract: The device includes a first member surrounding and secured to a section of a cable, a second member connected to an element to which a portion of the cable is attached, and arranged around said first member, a resilient or viscoelastic ring engaging the first member and the second member, and a flexible container housed in a ring-shaped compartment between the two members and filled with a viscous substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Freyssinet International (STUP)
    Inventor: Jérôme Stubler
  • Publication number: 20010054785
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of dissipating inter floor seismic energy within buildings and other large structures which are subject mechanical deformation in response to seismic activity, wind shear, vibration, and so forth. The present invention provides displacement amplification methods and apparatus which increase the dissipation of seismic energy that is coupled from the building under deformation to a seismic damper. By way of example, the displacement amplifier is exemplified in a number of embodiments that utilize mechanical lever arms, gear sets, and combination amplifier/dampers to amplify energy dissipation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Stefano Berton
  • Patent number: 6332603
    Abstract: Assembly mounts are stochastically or periodically detuned by changing their spring rate in order to prevent the transient effect of stuttering vibration of the drive assembly of a motor vehicle. The adjustment of the spring rate by at least a factor of 5 takes place for a time period which corresponds to no more than one fifth of the vibration duration of the stuttering movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Rotsch, Rainer Pollhammer, Norbert Peters, Felix Schramm, Thomas Kafer, Steffen Löschner, Horst Flechtner, Hans Heltmann, William Mark Horne
  • Patent number: 6325363
    Abstract: A vibration isolator on which a stretcher is to be placed is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the vibration isolator. The locking mechanism is mounted on a movable frame of the vibration isolator, and includes a stationary portion and a movable portion mounted on the stationary portion so as to undergo a rocking motion at least in a vertical direction. The locking mechanism also includes first and second lock pins movable between a locking position and a locking release position, a link mechanism connected to the first and second lock pins, and an operation knob for operating the first and second lock pins via the link mechanism. When the operation knob is moved from the locking release position to the locking position, the link mechanism moves the first and second lock pins toward each other to sandwich a portion of the stationary portion therebetween, thereby locking the movable portion with respect to the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6327024
    Abstract: A vibration isolation apparatus for preventing shaking and vibration of a stage of an exposure apparatus or the like uses a vibration isolation mount formed of a spring buffer system employing a spring member and a fluid buffer system employing a viscous fluid as a vibration isolation base which is disposed between a base member on which an exposure unit is mounted and an installation surface on which the base member is installed so as to support the base member. The coefficient of viscous drag of the viscous fluid is varied to vary a damping coefficient which depends on the coefficient of viscous drag thereby to vary rigidity of the vibration isolation mount, whereby vibration transmitted from an external source and vibration associated with a stage movement are damped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Hayashi, Hideaki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6322060
    Abstract: An anti-vibration apparatus for actively damping vibrations of an object by generating control forces for reducing the vibrations includes a first actuator for generating a first control force, and a second actuator which generates a second control force and is driven on a driving principle different from that for the first actuator. The first actuator generates forces in the vertical and horizontal directions. The second actuator generates a force in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Mayama, Yukio Takabayashi, Shinji Wakui
  • Publication number: 20010040324
    Abstract: An anti-vibration apparatus for actively damping an object vibrations by generating control forces for reducing the vibrations includes a first actuator for generating a first control force, and a second actuator which generates a second control force and is driven on a driving principle different from that for the first actuator. The first actuator generates forces in the vertical and horizontal directions. The second actuator generates a force in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
    Inventors: TAKEHIKO MAYAMA, YUKIO TAKABAYASHI, SHINJI WAKUI
  • Patent number: 6311945
    Abstract: A passive vibration isolation device includes a support frame, an instrument support platform and a plurality of vibration isolators. The support frame is adapted to rest on a support surface. The instrument support platform is adapted to support an instrument thereon. The vibration isolators are spaced apart from one another and disposed between and interconnect the support frame and the instrument support platform such that the instrument support platform is suspended by the vibration isolators in a position spaced from the support frame and above the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ted Pella, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D'Angelo
  • Publication number: 20010035600
    Abstract: In a seat suspension system, a method for adjusting the gain applied to a control signal to accommodate for large variations in rider weight and input severity and thereby provide rider comfort over a wider range of conditions than is possible with fixed gains or tunings. The method of the present invention is adaptable to changes in system operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. St. Clair
  • Patent number: 6305674
    Abstract: A spring articulation structure particularly for play, fitness training and sports instruments, said structure comprising a core element (1) supported in between two rubber rings (2) and provided with a shaft element (5) fitted in said core element; a shell compactly surrounding the core element and the rubber rings and attached to a bottom plate (9), the top part (3′) of said shell being in the middle provided with a aperture (8) with a downwardly narrowing conical surface (7) for the shaft element (5); and a cylindrical element (4) resting on top of the top part (3′) of the shell and surrounding the shaft element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lappset Group Oy
    Inventor: Markku Koivurova
  • Patent number: 6299150
    Abstract: A spring element is made of a spring material and is formed into a generally elliptical shape. Two mounting pins extend in a normal direction through parallel relatively short segments of said elliptically-shaped spring element. The mounting pins are substantially aligned with the shorter of the two axis of the elliptically-shaped spring element so as to extend both inwardly and outwardly of said elliptically-shaped spring element. An elastomeric coating is applied around substantially all of the spring elements and a pair of blocks, each of which surrounds one of the mounting pins receives one of the mounting pins. A number of spring elements are joined together by two parallel, spaced-apart coupling links which contain cavities therein to receive one of the blocks of each of the spring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Noel L. Allen, Allen L. Arndt, Scott M. Ralston
  • Patent number: 6299149
    Abstract: A spring rate-switchable engine bearing with a supporting bearing element and a supporting element is presented, which has at least two spring elements arranged in parallel or in series between the supporting bearing element and the supporting element. One ofthe spring elements can be blocked by a switching device, in which the switching device has a double toggle mechanism. Extraordinarily high axial forces in the range of >10 kN can be transmitted due to this design according to the present invention in the blocked state of the spring element, and an especially compact design is also obtained due to this design at the same time. Moreover, a lightweight and small motor operator drive can be directly integrated in the engine bearing according to the present invention due to the extraordinarily high power amplification of the double toggle mechanism being used without additional supplementary components being necessary outside the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Hubert Siemer
  • Patent number: 6298963
    Abstract: The inventive passive damping system features the unique harmonization of: (i) a constrained-layer damping subsystem (wherein an elastomer serves as constrained damping material); (ii) an entrained damping subsystem (wherein a particulate serves as entrained damping material); and, (iii) a tuned damping subsystem (wherein modal properties of certain inventive components have been selectively varied in accordance with anticipated resonance frequencies). The invention's effectiveness is aggregative; the total loss factor for the inventive damping system equals the sum of the individual loss factors for the damping subsystems. Consequently, the invention affords a high loss factor in a broad frequency range. Especially in applications involving control of extremely high vibrations, the inventive damping methodology is more efficient and economical than are common damping methodologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael Kim
  • Patent number: 6298842
    Abstract: Devices for modifying the pattern of vibrations set up in a bow when an arrow is released. These devices have an integral head and stem and are fabricated from an elastomeric material. Versions suitable for attachment to bow with solid and split limbs are disclosed as are models designed for attachment to a bow stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Steven C. Sims
  • Publication number: 20010026037
    Abstract: A system for the mitigation of cable stay vibrations, typically induced by wind and rain, utilizes a plurality of active damper bands positioned along the cable stay. Each damper band includes a shiftable mass and an energizing device for facilitating assisted shifting of the mass. A control assembly can actuate all or selected ones of the energizing devices in response to sensed magnitudes of cable stay vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: R. Scott Phelan, Partha P. Sarkar, Kishor C. Mehta, Thomas B. Gardner, Zhongshan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20010026039
    Abstract: Vibration damping device for vehicles includes: a rigid housing member having an accommodation space and fixed to a vibrative member; and an independent mass member having a rigid mass body and an elastic body layer bonded on the outer surface of the rigid mass body. The independent mass member is non-adhesively disposed in the accommodation space such that an outer surface of the independent mass member is opposed to the inner surface of the housing member with a predetermined gap distance therebetween, to thereby permit displacement of the independent mass member relative to the housing member. The independent mass member and the housing member is brought into elastic impact against each other at respective abutting surfaces thereof in at least one vibrational input direction. The elastic body layer has a spherical outer surface so as to facilitate bouncing displacement of the independent mass member within the accommodation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Koichi Hasegawa, Rentaro Kato
  • Patent number: 6296093
    Abstract: A vibration-damped machine and method including beam being capable of gross movements in space relative to a stationary frame, means including a motor for causing the beam's gross movements; the gross movements tending to induce vibration into the beam, sensors for providing a signal representative of the induced beam vibration, an linear-acting inertial actuator mounted to the beam, and control means for receiving the signal and generating an output signal to actively drive the linear-acting inertial actuator at the appropriate phase, frequency and magnitude to damp induced beam vibrations. Embodiments of the vibration-damped machine are illustrated for a gantry robot, a horizontal machining center, an adhesive dispenser and a pivoting robot. The linear-acting inertial actuator is preferably controlled according to an inertial damping control method where the actuator is forced to behave as a damper attached to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Lord Corportion
    Inventors: Mark A. Norris, Andrew D. Meyers, Donald L. Margolis
  • Patent number: 6290217
    Abstract: A wire rope isolator having a pair of opposed mounting blocks, each having parallel holes formed therein so that the holes in one block are perpendicular to holes in the second block. One block contains two parallel holes passing through the block while the second contains three parallel holes, one of which passes through the block and the remaining holes being blind holes passing inwardly from opposite sides of the block. One end of the rope is secured in one blind hole and the rope is threaded through the block in a clover leaf pattern and the opposite end secured in the other blind hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Enidine Incorporated
    Inventors: Stefan Schneider, Kenneth A. Dickerson, Michael Latvis
  • Patent number: 6286644
    Abstract: An active vibration isolator includes a vibration isolation platform on which an object to be isolated from vibration is mounted, an air-spring actuator which supports the vibration isolation platform, the air-spring actuator including a valve, which is subjected to feedback drive, a vibration measurement device which measures vibration of the vibration isolation platform and outputs acceleration and velocity signals, a position measurement device which measures position of the vibration isolation platform and first, second and third feedback loops. The first feedback loop feeds back an output of a force measurement device, which measures a working force applied by the air-spring actuator to the vibration isolation platform, thereby controlling the working force supplied by the air-spring actuator. The second feedback loop has a PI compensator and signals of the vibration measurement device are fed back to an input side of the compensator, for producing damping and spring effects which act upon the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Wakui
  • Patent number: 6286225
    Abstract: A mechanism capable of achieving an arbitrarily specified spatial compliant behavior is presented. The mechanism is a parallel connection of multiple individual elastic components that connect a support body to a single compliantly floated body. Each elastic component is, in itself, a low friction 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) mechanism that provides compliant constraint along and/or about a single axis. The elastic components are of three functional types: 1) a “line spring” which resists only translation along its axis, 2) a “torsional spring” which resists only rotation about its axis, and 3) a “screw spring” which resists a specified combination of translation along and rotation about its axis. Through proper selection of the connection geometry, spring constant, and functional type of each elastic component, a spatial compliant mechanism capable of passive force guidance is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph M. Schimmels, Shuguang Huang
  • Patent number: 6279704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reducing vibration generated on the structure (2) of a rotary-wing aircraft, particularly a helicopter. According to the invention, the device (1A) comprises at least one flapping mass (3) connected to the structure (2), at least one controllable actuating device (5A) capable of causing the flapping mass (3) to flap, and a control unit (UC1) intended to control the actuating device (5A) in such a way that it causes the flapping mass (3) to flap at a frequency and at an amplitude which allows the vibrations to be reduced and minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Thomas Pierre Louis Manfredotti
  • Patent number: 6274211
    Abstract: The deformable element for absorbing kinetic energy is a plastic pipe section (1) having interior surfaces at opposite ends thereof. The plastic pipe section (1) initially deforms elastically under an applied axial force (F) and, when a yield stress limit is exceeded by the applied axial force (F), the plastic pipe section (1) deforms or collapses with an approximately equal deforming force over a work stroke until adopting a physically deformed shape in which the interior surfaces at the opposite ends contact each other. The device for absorbing kinetic energy is also described including several plastic pipe sections stacked in a column with an intermediate plate between each adjacent pair of pipe sections. The plastic pipe sections and engaged around a tubular round body for support and guidance. An inner screw bolt can also be provided for pre-tensioning the plastic pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Ringfeder VGB GmbH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Detzner
  • Publication number: 20010009264
    Abstract: A vibration isolator for isolating a load from a floor. The vibration isolator may have an active isolator assembly that isolates the load in a first direction and a passive isolator assembly that isolates the member in a second direction or directions. The active isolator assembly may include a single actuator that is coaxially aligned with a sensor. The sensor and actuator can be connected to a controller which together provide active isolation of the load. The passive isolator assembly may include a pendulum that is coupled to a dashpot. Providing a system with just one actuator significantly reduces the cost of the vibration isolator with respect to isolators of the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Worthington Bowie Houghton, Eric Anderson, Jack Marcinkowski, Vyacheslav Rayaboy
  • Publication number: 20010008325
    Abstract: Pressure vessel which is filled with at least one medium which is pre-stressed by a mass of gas enclosed in a deformable enveloping body, in particular for the volume equalization in a vibration damper, comprising a wall in which a pressurized gas is enclosed. The wall is at least partially formed from a gas-tight barrier layer and the enveloping body has sections which are aligned at an angle to one another in the circumferential direction, the wall having an impressed transition between the sections, which are aligned at an angle to one another. The wall may additionally be designed with an expansion profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Dieter Lutz
  • Patent number: 6260676
    Abstract: A magnetic particle damper apparatus is provided for damping motion between two relatively movable members. The damper apparatus comprises first and second conductor members each attachable to one of the relatively movable members. The conductor members are disposed with confronting surfaces having a gap therebetween filled with a quantity of magnetic particles. A magnetic element is attached to one of the conductor members, producing magnetic flux which is substantially confined to a magnetic flux path defined by relatively magnetically permeable regions and relatively magnetically non-permeable regions of the conductor members to flow across the gap and through the magnetic particles. The magnetic field causes the magnetic particles along the flux path to adhere to one another and to the confronting surfaces of the conductor members producing a force opposing relative motion between said movable members and dissipating energy when the conductor members move relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter TEXTRON Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok K. Agnihotri, Stanley G. Sadler
  • Patent number: 6254069
    Abstract: An active vibration damping system for damping vibration of a subject member, comprising: a fluid-filled vibration damping device having an elastic body partially defining a primary fluid chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid whose pressure is variable with the elastic deformation of the elastic body, an oscillating plate partially defining an auxiliary fluid chamber filled with the non-compressible fluid whose pressure is variable with the oscillation of the oscillating plate, and a drive means for generating a driving force for oscillating the oscillating plate; and a control device applying an electric drive pulse signal to the drive means and having a pulse signal generator for generating a control pulse signal whose frequency corresponds to that of the subject member's vibration, a phase modulator for modulating a phase of the control pulse signal depending upon a condition of the subject member's vibration, and a driving force regulator for adjusting a waveform of the control pulse sign
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Muramatsu, Yoshihiko Hagino, Hiroyuki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6254068
    Abstract: A shock absorbing support arrangement for a vibration feeder, which includes an upright support fixedly mounted on a bottom plate to hold a bearing, a carrier board slidably coupled to the upright support and supported on the bearing, two shock absorbing sliding mechanisms respectively mounted on the upright support at different elevations to hold the carrier board there between, enabling the carrier board to be smoothly oscillated upon operation of the vibration feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Meng-Chun Chen, Chih-Chien Lin, Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 6250441
    Abstract: A viscous shear-type damper is provided with a casing including an upper cover which is horizontally movable and a container portion having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped accommodating space which is covered by the upper cover; an engaging block provided in the accommodating space in such a manner as to be suspended from a lower surface of the upper cover; a plurality of movable resistance plates which are arranged horizontally one above another in the accommodating space of the container portion while maintaining fixed intervals therebetween and engaging with the engaging block; a plurality of fixed resistance plates which are arranged horizontally and fixed to the casing and which are each interposed between adjacent ones of the movable resistance plates while maintaining a very small gap therewith; a viscous material filled in the accommodating space of the container portion to fill the gap between adjacent ones of the movable resistance plates and the fixed resistance plates; and rectifying sections
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventor: Ikuo Shimoda
  • Patent number: 6250435
    Abstract: An actuation device for machine elements having wear-induced play, especially for brakes in rail vehicles, has an actuating piston-cylinder unit which generates actuation force and has a piston rod. The piston rod cooperates with a readjusting device which compensates for play caused by wear and which supplies the actuation force to the machine element to be actuated such that wear play is compensated. The readjusting device comprises a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit which carries out the wear play readjustment through the extension of an adjusting piston. To actuate the adjusting piston, a sensor element detects the wear-induced play and, when a threshold amount of wear-induced play is reached, opens a valve which admits a hydraulic medium to the readjusting piston-cylinder unit by utilizing the operating pressure of the actuating piston-cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Torsten Dellmann, Axel Kemner, Harald Neumann, Arne Heymer
  • Patent number: 6247684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antivibration device intended to reduce the transmission of vibration between two bodies (2, 3). According to the invention, the antivibration device comprises an elastic annular element (4) which is connected to two bodies (2, 3) so as to serve as a connection between them and which is capable of being deformed under the action of vibration generated in at least one of the bodies, and a resonator (5) connected, via at least two leaves (6, 7) which are flexible in terms of bending and rigid in terms of tension and in terms of compression, to the internal face (8) of the annular element (4) so as to be set in oscillating rotation when the annular element (4) is deformed, by the action of vibration so that, by this oscillating rotation, the resonator (5) generates an antivibration inertia force which opposes the vibration and thus reduces its transmission from one body to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Thomas Pierre Louis Manfredotti
  • Patent number: 6244579
    Abstract: A wire rope isolator includes a wire rope and a pair of mounting blocks. The mounting blocks comprise of a pair of cylindrical elongated end flanges that are connected tangentially to each other by a web that has a thickness that is less than the diameter of the flanges thereby allowing the lower section of each flange to extend downward from each web. A hole passes axially through each flange. Wire rope is passed through each flange hole so that the lower surface of each web faces that of the other web and the pair of flanges of one mounting block are offset 90° to the pair of flanges of the opposing mounting block. Four U-shaped half loops of wire rope, with sufficient slack to impart elastic qualities to the wire rope, are formed. The U-shaped half loops extend outward at angles of about 45° from the mounting blocks in a cloverleaf formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Enidine, Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Paul Latvis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6244577
    Abstract: A double acting shock isolator that includes a cylindrical housing having a radially expanded chamber therein. The housing is closed at one end and open at the other end and a connector is mounted at the closed end. A stack of friction rings are mounted in a preloaded condition between the ends of the expanded chamber and a rod passes into the open end of the housing and through the stack. A pair of spaced apart raised flanges are mounted upon the rod that engages either end of the stack. A second connector is mounted upon the distal end of the rod outside of the housing so that the stack of friction rings is further compressed uniformly when either a tensile force or a compressive force is applied to the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Enidine Incorporated
    Inventor: Brian Charles Bucholtz