Resilient Shock Or Vibration Absorber Patents (Class 267/136)
  • Patent number: 7114711
    Abstract: A method for controlling vibrations includes receiving the vibrations from a vibration-generating substructure at at least two vibration diverters and diverting the vibrations away from each of the vibration diverters, using the respective vibration diverters, to a vibration confiner that interconnects the vibration diverters. The vibration diverters can include passive elements, e.g., plates, ribs, notched plates, plates having wells, etc., active elements, e.g., actuators, sensor/actuators, etc., or a combination of passive and active elements. The vibration confiner can include a passive layer damping material for dissipating vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Patent number: 7111713
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for the absorption of an impact, that system comprises a blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing member. The blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing member provides opposing first and second walls defining a hollow space; according to one embodiment, a plurality of fused and unfused recessed ribs integrally molded between the first and second walls. The fused recessed ribs have a fused recessed rib end. The fused recessed rib ends are integrally fused to either opposite recessed rib ends or the facing opposite wall at a welded surface such that the height of the recessed ribs from the first wall to the welded surface is about approximately 15.0 to 45.0 mm. The recessed ribs are, according to one embodiment, connected by a plurality of straight interlocking ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Tamada, Hiroo Inui, Kiyotaka Urakawa, Kenji Ishii, Tadatoshi Tanji
  • Patent number: 7093806
    Abstract: A method and system for calculating a control function for a structural system (10) that can be used to determine an appropriate control force to apply to an active member (18) within a stationary member (12) on the structural system (10). An active member (18) and a stationary member (12) are defined as a two-mass system in which the active member (18) and the stationary member (12) move in opposite directions. The stationary member (12) is mounted to an isolation subsystem (14) that is composed of six isolators (28) at multiple degrees of freedom. The isolation subsystem (14) is softer than the stationary member (12), active member (18) and a spacecraft surface (16) due to a damping element (32) of the isolation subsystem (16). The isolation subsystem (16) is mounted to the spacecraft (16) and decouples the spacecraft (16) from the stationary member (12) and thus the active member (18). An accurate control force for the active member (18) can be determined based upon the above structure (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Osterberg
  • Patent number: 7086509
    Abstract: A vibration isolator with an adjustable response. A vibration isolator for isolating a vibration source from a support structure include a base in engagement with the support structure and two supports connected to the base. At least one of the supports is slidably connected to the base. A flexible member having a generally elongate shape and an elongate length is supported by the two supports. The flexible member is attachable to the vibration source. Each support slidably engages the flexible member such that the flexible member can move relative to each support with the support that is slidably connected to the base being moveable along the elongate length of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: John Cunningham, Robert E. Roemer
  • Patent number: 7073644
    Abstract: In order to control an internal pressure of an air spring appropriately without being influenced by a change in supply pressure, an anti-vibration system includes an air spring as an actuator for an anti-vibration table, a pressure control valve for controlling the internal pressure of the air spring, a pressure sensor for detecting the air supply pressure to the pressure control valve, a driving system for actuating the pressure control valve in accordance with a detection signal of the pressure sensor, and a variable gain compensation system for performing variable gain compensation to an input signal to the driving system for the pressure control valve, on the basis of the detection signal of the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kato
  • Patent number: 7063192
    Abstract: An active vibration suppression apparatus includes an actuator fixed to a vibration suppression target, an inertial load driven relative to the target by the actuator, and a driving system which drives the actuator based on a first signal corresponding to the vibration, generated or to be generated, of the target. The driving system includes a compensation unit which performs a compensation for the first signal. The compensation, separately or as a composite compensation includes (i) a linear compensation for the first signal to obtain a first compensated signal, and (ii) a nonlinear compensation for the first compensated signal to obtain a second compensated signal. A rate of a change in the second compensated signal to a change in an absolute value of the first compensated signal becoming less with an increase of the absolute value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiko Mayama
  • Patent number: 7051850
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a compact and lightweight hybrid pneumatic-magnetic isolator-actuator capable of large force, substantial stroke and bandwidth actuation with near frictionless operation and vibration isolation with very low break frequency. Pneumatic and magnetic forces are applied to a single carriage comprised primarily of a coaxially arranged air piston and coil. The carriage is driven relative to a frame or housing including an internally mounted cylindrical piston sleeve and magnetic actuator body. A combination of air bearings and air bearing piston construction provide for frictionless motion of the carriage relative to the frame. The pneumatic piston provides the actuation force for both static loads and low frequency dynamic loads. An integrally mounted sensor and control unit determine the pressure error resulting at the pneumatic piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: CSA Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kienholz
  • 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: 7040467
    Abstract: A friction damper a housing including a cavity formed therein; a first member disposed in said cavity and movable in the cavity; a second member disposed in the cavity; an intermediate member between the first and second members, the first member being in frictional engagement with the intermediate member; and at least one magnetic field generator mounted to magnetically couple the first and second members thereby maintaining the first member in frictional engagement with the intermediate member and wherein the first member is movable against the intermediate member to generate a damping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: J. David Carlson
  • Patent number: 7013206
    Abstract: One or several vibration dampers of a vehicle suspension have a damping force arrangement wherein a control signal is computed within the actuating range in accordance with a standard control method for adjusting the damper characteristic. The drive of a damper adjustable in accordance with this invention is so improved that body movements (notwithstanding a harder adjusted damping for critical driving situations) are substantially suppressed as early as possible. In specific driving situations, the adjusting range of the damper force is changed in that the upper limit of the adjusting range is raised or lowered and/or the lower limit of the adjusting range is raised or lowered. A soft damper setting takes place preferably in dependence upon signals which announce or display a change of the vehicle longitudinal deceleration or vehicle transverse acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignees: Continental Aktiengesellschaft, ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Alexander Stiller, Stefan Sommer, Jörg Grotendorst, Eberhard Hees, Thomas Kutsche, Wolfgang Schumacher, Christian Maurischat
  • Patent number: 7000910
    Abstract: A suspension unit includes a lower frame and an upper frame vertically movably mounted on the lower frame via a link mechanism. The suspension unit also includes a magneto-spring unit for resiliently supporting the upper frame relative to the link mechanism. The amount of motion of the magneto-spring unit is smaller than that of the suspension unit, making it possible to provide a relatively compact suspension unit having a large stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Oshimo
  • Patent number: 6991077
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes: a damper mass having a housing member with an accommodation space, an independent mass member housed within the accommodation space with a slight spacing therebetween so that the independent mass member is independent of the housing member and is freely displaceable within the accommodation space of the housing member to come into impact on the housing member via an elastic member; and a metallic spring member to be fixed at a plurality of fixing portions thereof on the vibrative member for elastically supporting the damping mass vibrative member, such that the housing member of the damper mass is fixed to a portion of the metallic spring member through which a principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member extends, and that a center of gravity of the damper mass is located on the principal elastic axis of the metallic spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Maeno, Katsuhiko Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6974006
    Abstract: A multi-sensor, multi-actuator control system for controlling vibration in a mechanical structure. The system employs feedforward and feedback control strategies in tandem. Outputs from adaptive feedforward and modal feedback control loops are added to each other. The control system may be dynamically adapted to the changing physical characteristics of the controlled structure. For example, the plant transfer function estimates for the feedforward unit and the gain for the feedback unit may be calculated as functions of sensed physical parameters (location, mass, etc.), and the plant transfer function estimates may be dynamically modified to reflect time-varying feedback control gains. If desired, the control system may be used to cancel low frequency vibrations (<20 Hz) in industrial processes. The actuators may be formed of electromagnets, fixed armatures and interposed flux sensors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the robust actuators are sealed so as to be impervious to fluids and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: VSSL Commercial, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Ruckman, John M. Holford
  • Patent number: 6953109
    Abstract: A vibration isolator (200) for isolating a first assembly (202) from vibration from a second assembly (204) includes a housing (206) that is secured to the second assembly (204) and a pendulum assembly (208). The pendulum assembly (208) includes one or more pistons (226) and a connector assembly (224). The piston (226) is coupled to the first assembly (202). The connector assembly (224) couples the piston (226) to the housing (206) and allows the piston (226) to swing laterally relative to the housing (206). The vibration isolator (200) can also include a pendulum support (264) and/or a mover (580) that moves the piston (226) and assists in supporting the load of the first assembly (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas C. Watson, Alton H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6938889
    Abstract: A shock absorbing and magnetic levitating cushion used as a supporting pedestal for an audio-video equipment, the cushion including a housing, two mutually excluded annular magnets, a magnetic conductive member and a cover. The housing has two annular magnets mutually excluded and opposite to each other, and has a magnetic conductive member filled with material of high specific weight. The housing is covered with a cover. According to the principle of mutual exclusion between two poles of two magnets of identical polarity, the two annular magnets undergo a magnetic-levitating phenomenon and are provided therebetween with a space for movement, and the magnetic levitating cushion gets an effect of shock isolation and shock absorbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Pao-An Chuang
  • Patent number: 6935471
    Abstract: The invention provides a dynamic beater comprising a spring-mass unit, said unit having a mass M and a stiffness K actuated by a drive motor and presenting a device for coupling to a host structure for damping, the beater presenting a first acceleration sensor secured to said mass and delivering a first signal s1, and a second acceleration sensor for mounting on the host structure and delivering a second signal s2, and also having a power amplifier supplying an output signal for controlling the drive motor in response to an input signal E which is a function of a difference between the signals from the first and second acceleration sensors after passing at least one of said signals through at least one lowpass filter and/or phase delay type filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Mathieu Noe
  • Patent number: 6935206
    Abstract: A method of producing an optimized structure design incorporating vibration confinement is provided. The method includes providing structural specifications and vibration confinement specifications for the structure. The method includes selecting a confinement region. Optimizing the design of the structure incorporating the confinement region in response to the structural specifications and confinement specifications is included in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Alleai
  • Patent number: 6923299
    Abstract: A variable spring member includes a containment housing defining an inner chamber with alternating layers of compressible medium and electro-reactive medium. Adjacent each layer of electro-reactive medium is a coil assembly controlled by a controller. A sealed plate disposed between alternating layers of compressible medium and electro-reactive medium disperses a load exerted on the variable spring member assembly and prevents intermixing of compressible medium with the electro-reactive medium. Actuation of the coil assembly changes physical characteristics and compressibility of the layer of electro-reactive medium to vary spring rate and stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Barbison, Kevin H. Erickson, Arnett R. Weber, Ronald W. Farewell, Richard Coury, Thomas R. King, Stephen H. Bell, Nelson C. Goncalves
  • Patent number: 6920967
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and reducing excessive amplitude of oscillation of a free piston slidably mounted in a housing. The housing has a vibration absorber, including a mass mounted through a spring to the housing. The mass reciprocates relative to the housing along a path in a phase relationship to the piston. A sensor is mounted near the mass for detecting the amplitude of oscillation of the mass. A controller is connected to the sensor for reducing the amplitude of oscillation of the piston when the amplitude of oscillation of the mass reaches a predetermined maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventor: James Gary Wood
  • Patent number: 6916017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damper device for damping vibration, the device comprising an energy converter device mounted on a baseplate for fixing to a structure, the energy converter device presenting a moving portion suspended by at least one spring. The moving portion presents at least one flat centering spring extending between an inside region having a first diameter and an outside region having a second diameter, said centering spring presenting at least two cutouts, each being in the form of a branch having at least one segment turning its concave side towards the outside of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Mathieu Noe
  • 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: 6907969
    Abstract: A damper main body of a dynamic damper comprises a long flat mounting plate portion, a rod-like central supporting metal member which is erected vertically in the center of a top face of the mounting plate portion, constituting a supporting member together with the mounting plate portion, cylindrical rubber bushings placed on the central supporting metal member in succession from its bottom side, a coil member, a magnet portion, a yoke and a cylindrical case mounted over the yoke. Grommets, which are cylindrical supporting portions made of rubber elastic bodies, are inserted into mounting holes in side plate portions of the mounting plate portion. The damper main body is fixed on a mating plate member through the compressed grommets such that it is floated over the mating plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Atsushi Muramatsu
  • 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: 6889965
    Abstract: The invention provides a weight-reducing bearing assembly for rotary aircraft. An opposed tapered conical elastomeric flap bearing assembly for rotary aircraft includes an outer housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is configured to mechanically connect the bearing assembly to the attachment sections of the hub center body. The inner surface is configured to receive a pair of opposed taper conical bearing elements. An inboard bearing element and an outboard bearing element are located within the outer housing. The bearing elements are arranged in an opposed manner. An axial pre-load can be applied to the opposed bearing assembly wherein the resulting force couple bearing pre-load path is maintained entirely within the bearing assembly. Consequently, the weight of the main rotor hub is reduced increasing the efficiency of rotary flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Loftus, Neal M. Muylaert
  • Patent number: 6881963
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling motion of an object includes a first actuator for moving the object, an elastic-motion measuring unit for measuring elastic motion of the object, and a control unit for controlling the first actuator based on a result of measurement of the elastic-motion measuring unit. Another apparatus for controlling motion of an object includes a first actuator for moving the object, a second actuator for suppressing elastic motion of the object, and a control unit for controlling the second actuator based on a result of predicting the elastic motion of the object caused by the first actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • 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: 6874748
    Abstract: An active vibration control system for controlling excessive or unwanted vibrations in floors or other structures. The system has three main components: (1) velocity sensor w/signal conditioner; (2) feedback controller; and (3) proof-mass actuator. This system works by creating a feedback loop that generates a control force proportional to the velocity, thus adding damping to the controlled modes of floor vibration. In other words, the feedback loop makes the moving mass of the actuator move to counteract the motion of the floor. The system is optimized such that the motor can be driven with a sinusoidal force where the peak force is at or near the full motor capacity at any frequency without exceeding the stroke while maintaining a simple and cost effective feedback controller. Additionally, a relationship between the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system and actuator is established to provide efficient and stable control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Linda M. Hanagan
  • Patent number: 6867949
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a push-pin assembly for use with a positioning arm of a disk drive servo writer. The push-pin assembly promotes vibrational damping between the push-pin assembly and the actuator arm. Push-pin assemblies of the invention generally include a contact pin having a shaft and a contact head. The push-pin assembly also includes a body having a contact pin receptacle recessed into an end so that at least a portion of the contact pin shaft can be disposed in the receptacle. The contact head is thus disposed beyond the end of the body which includes the contact pin receptacle. The push-pin assembly additionally includes a vibration damper disposed between at least a portion of the contact pin shaft and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Maxtor Corporation
    Inventors: Lin Guo, David M. Tung, Xiaoping Hu, Wei Guo, William M. Marvin, Jr., Mark S. Seymour
  • Patent number: 6851529
    Abstract: An isolation strut and strut support system for supporting a load and capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode comprising an air suspension spring connected to a load bearing shaft; a hydraulic damping element having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a piston connected to the load bearing shaft. A hydraulic line has a valve therein, one end of the hydraulic line connected to the first chamber and the other end of the hydraulic line connected to the second chamber. A vibration detector is coupled to the valve for actuating the valve upon the occurrence of vibration of an abnormal quality; whereby, in a first mode of operation the load is rigidly attached to the ground via a load path through the hydraulic damping element and in a second mode the load is isolated by the air suspension spring and damped by the hydraulic damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Jones, James H. Boyd, Dale T. Ruebsamen
  • Publication number: 20040256185
    Abstract: A variable spring member includes a containment housing defining an inner chamber with alternating layers of compressible medium and electro-reactive medium. Adjacent each layer of electro-reactive medium is a coil assembly controlled by a controller. A sealed plate disposed between alternating layers of compressible medium and electro-reactive medium disperses a load exerted on the variable spring member assembly and prevents intermixing of compressible medium with the electro-reactive medium. Actuation of the coil assembly changes physical characteristics and compressibility of the layer of electro-reactive medium to vary spring rate and stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: James M. Barbison, Kevin H. Erickson, Arnett R. Weber, Ronald W. Farewell, Richard Coury, Thomas R. King, Stephen H. Bell, Nelson C. Goncalves
  • Publication number: 20040245688
    Abstract: A method for controlling vibrations includes receiving the vibrations from a vibration-generating substructure at at least two vibration diverters and diverting the vibrations away from each of the vibration diverters, using the respective vibration diverters, to a vibration confiner that interconnects the vibration diverters. The vibration diverters can include passive elements, e.g., plates, ribs, notched plates, plates having wells, etc., active elements, e.g., actuators, sensor/actuators, etc., or a combination of passive and active elements. The vibration confiner can include a passive layer damping material for dissipating vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Patent number: 6817352
    Abstract: A dynamic stabilizer comprising an elastomerically cushioned weight coaxially and movably mounted on an elastomerically cushioned support rod. In the preferred embodiment, the stabilizer includes a support rod, end caps, a vibration-absorbing mechanism, and a weight. The support rod is a generally cylindrical, elongated rigid member. The end caps are removably attached to each end of the support rod along the longitudinal central axis of the support rod. A threaded shaft, coaxial with the longitudinal central axis of the support rod, projects from the free end of one end cap to permit the stabilizer to removably attach to a threaded aperture in the forward face of a bow, or to a threaded aperture in a shock dampener or other archery bow accessory. The free end of the other end cap includes a threaded aperture, also coaxial with the longitudinal central axis of the support rod, to permit the removable attachment of other bow accessories to the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Charles A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6805337
    Abstract: A payload isolation system for isolating a payload from a base structure upon which the payload is supported. The payload isolation system includes: a motion constraint for maintaining a parallel relationship between the payload and the base structure; and a support for providing vertical and/or lateral support of the payload relative to the base structure such that the transmission of vertical and/or lateral vibration between the payload and the base structure are suppressed. The support means preferably exhibits nonlinear elastic characteristics in response to an effective weight of the payload. The non-linear elastic characteristics preferably include a substantially rigid characteristic at low and high levels of deformation and a compliant characteristic at intermediate levels of deformation. In yet another preferred implementation, the motion constraint means are mechanical linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: OmniTek Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Ronald Rothchild, Farshad Khorrami
  • Publication number: 20040201147
    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: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel P. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040195741
    Abstract: The force protector for a structure has a plurality of surfaces adjacent a structure to be protected from an external force encountering the structure. At least one of said surfaces has spring means positioned intermediate said one surface and said structure. Two of said plurality of surfaces arranged sloping from opposite ends of said one surface in order to deflect at least partially such an external force, and these springs will absorb at least partially said force. It is this combination of the sloping surfaces and the resilient means that provide a maximum protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Loran Michael Jones
  • Publication number: 20040178550
    Abstract: Disclosed is a finned vibration damper to damp vibrations in an object, especially in an archery bow. The invention is comprised of a base and a plurality of fins extending up from the base. The vibration damper is made of an elastic, rubbery material, such as an elastomer or elastic polymer. The base of the damper has a bottom surface which can be attached to an object by glue or an adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the damper has interlocking extensions that allow the damper to be wrapped around and object so that extensions overlap and interlock. In another disclosed embodiment, the damper is a ring with fins extending radially out from a ring base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Lee Donovan
  • Patent number: 6782981
    Abstract: An antivibration apparatus for limiting vibrations of a virbrating element, comprising a mass, two elastic members connected to the mass, and a support member including a metal sheet plate having a central portion and two lateral wings, the lateral wings being fixed respectively to the elastic members and converging slantwise toward the central portion, away from the mass, and the central portion being adapted to be fixed to the vibrating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Paulstra CRC
    Inventor: Franck Larmande
  • Patent number: 6773000
    Abstract: A vibration isolation spring mount is disclosed. A compression coil spring is inserted between an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve and a pair of pads are disposed on the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. Outwardly extending blades disposed on the open end of the inner sleeve are inserted into the spaces defined by inwardly extending teeth disposed on the open end of the outer sleeve, then the blades are rotated relative to the teeth until the teeth and the blades impingingly engage due to the compressed compression coil spring biasing the teeth against the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Tozen Sangyo Co., LTD
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Oyama
  • Publication number: 20040150144
    Abstract: An inertial sensor system has a base, an inertial sensor, and an isolator mount. The isolator mount fastens the inertial sensor to the base, and the isolator mount includes a bolt and first and second vibration absorbing members. The bolt is inserted through the inertial sensor and the base, the first vibration absorbing member is between the bolt and the inertial sensor, and the second vibration absorbing member is between the inertial sensor and the base. The isolator mount isolates the inertial sensor from vibration, shock, and/or acoustic noise transmitted from a host system through the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Goepfert, Todd L. Braman, Dale J. Hagenson
  • 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: 6758312
    Abstract: An active system for isolating vibrations includes: at least one first vibratio-isolating device, arranged between a load and a sstanding surface, for at least partially decoupling the static and dynamic forces acting between the load and the standing surface, the first vibration-isolating device includes a passively isolating coupling element for mechanically decoupling the static and dynamic forces including a natural frequency; at least one second vibration-isolating device, assigned to the load, for imparting control forces to the load for actively damping the substantially decoupled dynamic forces, the second fibratio-isolating device including a coupling element for dynamically coupling said second vibration-isolating device to the load and the first isolating device<the coupling element including a natural frequency; means for tuning the control forces of the second vibratio-isolating device and the natural frequencies, wherein the control forces of the second vibration-isolating device and the natu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Heiland
  • Publication number: 20040124572
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for absorbing impact energy to a vehicle. The system provides first and second blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing members, each of the energy absorbing member having opposing first wall and a second walls, at least one rib disposed within each energy absorbing member, that rib being integrally molded from at least the first wall. Also provided is a joint whereby the rib attaches to the second wall such that the first and second energy absorbing members absorb an impact energy. The first and second energy absorbing members are aligned such that the impact energy is distributed between the energy absorbing members and is absorbed by the energy absorbing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Teruo Tamada, Hiroo Inui, Kiyotaka Urakawa, Kenji Ishii, Tadatoshi Tanji
  • Publication number: 20040119213
    Abstract: An isolator apparatus is described to attenuate or isolate vibration. The isolator apparatus includes a fluid isolator assembly including a flexible diaphragm and a pressure chamber having a flow passage opened to the pressure chamber to provide a fluid spring. A floating isolator body including an elastomeric damping element is floatably interfaced with the flexible diaphragm of the fluid isolator assembly to isolate vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: John Frederick Runyon
  • Patent number: 6754571
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling engine vibration mounted within a vehicle including at least one hydraulic mount, each mount including a fluid chamber. A pair of accelerometers sense relative acceleration across the mount between the engine and the frame and generate a relative acceleration signal. A control unit is electrically connected to the accelerometers. The control unit is adapted to generate an electronic control signal in response to the relative acceleration signal. The control device is responsive to the electric control signal for controlling the damping force of the hydraulic mount. A control algorithm calibrates the control unit such that maximum vibration damping occurs at and around the engine resonance bounce frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad V. Gade, Sanjiv G. Tewani, Thomas A. Baudendistel
  • Patent number: 6752250
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolation system for mounting equipment to a base wall uses a semi-active damper in parallel with a spring arrangement to provide optimum isolation with respect to both shock and vibration. The system comprises a load plate configured for attachment of the equipment thereto and a base plate configured for attachment to the base wall. The base plate is substantially parallel to the load plate with a spring arrangement disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The spring arrangement engages the load plate and the base plate to bias the load plate and the base plate in a separated relationship. The system also comprises a damping arrangement disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The damping arrangement is adapted for providing a selectively variable reaction force to the load plate and the base plate responsive to a relative displacement of the load plate with respect to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Tanner
  • Patent number: 6746005
    Abstract: A “passive-active” mount includes an emanator-securement plate, a foundation-securement plate, at least one elastomeric “streamlined resilient element,” and at least one collocated motion sensor-vibratory actuator pair. The mount brings to bear, sequentially and complementarily, passive vibration control followed by active vibration as control. The passive vibration control is effectuated by one or more “streamlined resilient elements,” each attributed with a “constant natural frequency” (CNF) property whereby such element is naturally predisposed to passively reducing vibration at a particular frequency band regardless of the extent of the loading, within certain limits, to which such element is being subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jen-Houne Hannsen Su, Robert Joseph Gallant
  • Patent number: 6742393
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to constitute a high-accuracy position control system even for a low-rigidity object to be controlled. To achieve this object, a vibration control apparatus includes a measurement device which measures the elastic vibration of an object to be controlled, a driving device which applies a force to the object, and a compensation device which determines a force to be generated by the driving device. The measurement device measures at least a position component out of the position, speed, and acceleration components of the elastic vibration. The compensation device controls the elastic vibration of the object on the basis of position information measured by the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • Patent number: 6742776
    Abstract: A shock mount to support the static weight of a housing while at the same time effectively attenuating shock or vibration imparted to the housing with the shock mount having a shock isolator for supporting the weight of the display and a bezel extending around the display with the bezel comprising a second shock an d vibration isolator that coacts with the first shock set of shock isolators to further attenuate shock and vibration forces to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Julia Ann Neuman
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040084818
    Abstract: A fluid-elastomeric damper assembly operable for damping relative motion between a first structure and a second structure including a housing structure grounded to the first structure and a plurality of elastomer seals coupled to the housing structure, the housing structure and the plurality of elastomer seals defining a fluid-elastomeric chamber operable for containing a fluid. The fluid-elastomeric damper assembly also including one or more piston structures disposed within the housing structure and the fluid-elastomeric chamber, the one or more piston structures grounded to the first structure and driven by the second structure, and the one or more piston structures each including a first substantially fluid-filled chamber and a second substantially-fluid-filled chamber in communication via an orifice, the first substantially fluid-filled chamber and the second substantially fluid-filled chamber also in communication with the fluid-elastomeric chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald D. Russell