Resilient Shock Or Vibration Absorber Patents (Class 267/136)
  • Patent number: 6726190
    Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat which incorporates a plurality of support rings, suction cups and openings to resist movement of the floor mat and restrain fluid spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Millennium Mat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ian S. Malpass, Jeffrey L. Cofer
  • Publication number: 20040074723
    Abstract: A shock damper includes a damper body installed in the frame of a structure and adapted to absorb earthquake shocks, and braces adapted to support the damper body in the frame of the structure, the damper body having a horizontal top plate, a horizontal bottom plate, and a vertical connecting device connected between the horizontal top plate and the horizontal bottom plate, the connecting device being a shaft formed of any of a variety of cross sections, or a plurality of plates of any of a variety of profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Chong-Shien Tsai, Lap Loi Chung
  • Publication number: 20040075201
    Abstract: Shock-absorber units are disclosed that are especially suitable for use in a vacuum environment. Suitability is manifest by, in the event of damage to or malfunction of the shock-absorber units, their not degrading the vacuum level or contaminating the chamber in which the vacuum is established. An embodiment of a shock-absorber unit is mounted to the inside surface of a wall of the chamber and includes a hydraulic or gas cylinder that is sealed from the chamber by a sheath (e.g., a bellows and/or sealing base). For example, the shock-absorber units are effective for braking the momentum of a runaway stage or other massive, moving object in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Yoda, Hiroaki Narushima
  • Patent number: 6722481
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes a housing member and a pillar-shaped mass member housed within an accommodation space of the housing member with a slight spacing therebetween so that the mass member is freely displaceable within the accommodation space to come into impact on the housing member. A rubber buffer and an abutting rubber member integrally formed with each other and fixed to at least one of axial end portions of the mass member such that the rubber buffer covers an outer circumferential surface of the end portion of the mass member, and the abutting rubber member disposed over an end face of the axial end portion of the mass member. A void is formed between the abutting rubber member and the end portion of the mass member so that the abutting rubber member undergoes shear deformation upon an impact of the mass member on the housing member at the abutting rubber member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Maeno, Koichi Maeda
  • Patent number: 6719108
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Hasegawa, Rentaro Kato
  • Patent number: 6708962
    Abstract: A mount that can be used to connect a vibration-generating substructure to a main structure. The mount uses vibration diverters to couple the vibration-generating substructure to the main structure. 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. A vibration confiner interconnects the actuators. The vibration confiner can include a passive layer damping material for dissipating vibrations. The vibration diverters divert vibrations from the vibration-generating substructure to the vibration confiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Publication number: 20040051219
    Abstract: A method is provided for damping vibrations in a turbine. The method includes performing structural dynamics analysis on the turbine to determine at least one area of high vibrational stress on the turbine, and performing thermal analysis of the turbine to determine at least an approximated maximum operating temperature at the area of high vibrational stress. Additionally, the method includes utilizing hysteresis damping to dampen operational vibrations. The hysteresis damping includes selecting a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a martensitic-to-austenite transformation temperature substantially similar to the approximate maximum operating temperature of the component at the area of high vibrational stress, and disposing the selected SMA on the turbine on the related area of high vibratory stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Yang Sherwin, Donald G. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 6705440
    Abstract: Fluid current 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 active or passive damper bands to the cable at spaced intervals. In underwater currents, the damper bands force or channel the fluid flow over a circular cross-sectional shape, which inhibits lift, and therefore damps the cable stay oscillations. These damper bands can be retrofit to existing cables or can be installed on new cables. Each damper band may include 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Tech University
    Inventors: R. Scott Phelan, Partha P. Sarkar, Kishor C. Mehta, Thomas B. Gardner, Zongshan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20040046294
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus in a positioning apparatus including a stage apparatus is disclosed. The positioning apparatus includes a main body apparatus for mounting the stage apparatus thereto, and a chamber for maintaining a region, in which the stage apparatus is disposed, under a condition of vacuum or purged ambience. The shock absorbing apparatus includes a shock absorber provided at a stroke end of the stage apparatus, and a support member provided separately from the stage apparatus, to which the shock absorber is fixed. In the shock absorbing apparatus of the present invention, the shock absorbing apparatus is fixed to the support member provided separately from the stage apparatus including a driving system, and accordingly an increase in size of the stage apparatus can be prevented, and high-speed and highly-precise positioning of an object to be positioned can be performed in a non-atmospheric ambience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadayuki Kubo, Takeshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20040041315
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Mathieu Noe
  • Publication number: 20040040809
    Abstract: Device for dampening vibrations of a vibration surface (21) of the frequency tuned resonance dampening kind consisting of one or several elastic dampening elements (1-4) and a vibration body (5) supported by the dampening elements which together are tuned to dampen the vibrations of said surface within a selected frequency range. First mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between said dampening elements (1-4) and the vibration surface (21) and second mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between the dampening elements and the vibration body. The form grip organs in addition have a recess with gripping surfaces (25-30, 33-35) for transferring vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Bengt-Goran Gustavsson
  • Publication number: 20040041319
    Abstract: A shock absorbing structure for a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of shock-absorbing main bodies which are made of a resin and which are spaced apart from each other with a predetermined spacing distance therebetween; and at least one connecting body each connecting adjacent ones of said main bodies; wherein each of said at least one connecting body includes at least one first connecting member and at least one second connecting member which are made of a synthetic resin material having flexibility, each of said at least one first connecting member and each of said at least one second connecting member connecting said adjacent ones of said main bodies, such that said each first connecting member and said each second connecting member corresponding to said each first connecting member are spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting a direction in which said plurality of main bodies are spaced apart from each other; and wherein at least one of said at least one first connecting member and said at
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicants: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd., Wakamiya Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takane Suzuki, Kazuyuki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20040041316
    Abstract: A method and a damping device for absorbing an undesired vibration, in particular, a tremor or an oscillation, in which a base is decoupled from the vibration by a positioning actuator. A control unit registers a relative displacement of the foot and a mass caused by the vibration as a deflection of a spring element that links the foot to the mass. There is thus no need for a reference system that acts independently of the vibration to control the positioning actuator, allowing the damping device to be produced at relatively low cost. The time-delayed transfer from the spring element to the mass is also exploited to counteract the vibration before it has an undesired effect on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Hofschulte, Norbert Scherm
  • Patent number: 6688439
    Abstract: A vibration damping system (8) wherein the system (8) comprises a magnetism generating medium (12) and a magnetism energy dissipating medium (16) whereby, in use, vibration of the magnetism generating medium (12) generates a magnetic field, the magnetism generating medium (12) and the magnetism energy dissipating medium (16) being so disposed with respect to each other that the magnetic field is then dissipated by the magnetism energy dissipating medium (16) thereby damping the vibrations of the magnetism generating medium (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Bishakh Bhattacharya, Jem Rongong, Geoffrey R Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6688587
    Abstract: A method is provided for adapting or adjusting a machine support where the weight of the machine is accommodated exclusively by a main support. For a differentiated adaptation of the machine support to secondary forces, such as oscillating inertial forces, at least one auxiliary module, which is free of the weight of the machine, is connected in parallel to the main support in such a way that as a consequence of the spring rigidity of the auxiliary module, a spring system combination of the main support and of the auxiliary module corresponds to prescribed characteristics of dampening and inherent frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Man Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20040012133
    Abstract: A device for damping jerks in a rope (2) comprises a ring (3) made of a resilient material, into the hole (4) of which a loop (2a) of the rope is to be introduced in order to be arranged on the ring in such manner that the ring is elastically deformed when a pulling force is exerted on the rope. The ring (3) has a projection (5), which is formed in one piece with the ring and protrudes from the outside of the ring. The projection is arranged to hook the rope loop introduced into the hole (4) of the ring onto its portion closest to the ring (3) to cause a turning-inside-out-like, elastic deformation of the ring (3) when a pulling force is exerted on the rope (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: David Sandahl, Martin Skold
  • Patent number: 6676116
    Abstract: A vibration isolator is provided that includes a plurality of elastomeric members. The vibration isolator also includes first and second supports. The first and second supports cooperate with the plurality of elastomeric members to isolate and damp vibration between the first and second supports. The first support defines a first raised portion. The second support is spaced from the first support and defines a second raised portion facing the first support. The first and second raised portions are structured to cooperate so as to define a recess therebetween adapted to at least partially receive at least one elastomeric member. The vibration isolator also includes at least one fastener that is structured to mount the at least one elastomeric member between the first and second supports such that the elastomeric member(s) isolates and damps vibration transmitted between the first and second supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Adam C. Smith, Michael L. Hand, Jonathan E. Bosley
  • Patent number: 6672434
    Abstract: A method and a device for influencing the transfer of vibrations of a vibration generator to an object connected to it, in particular of engine vibrations to the body of a motor vehicle. At least one piezo element is arranged as an actuator in the region of an intermediate element connecting the vibration generator to the object. Primary vibrations are transferred between the vibration generator and the object via the intermediate element. The actuator is induced in a controlled manner to undergo secondary vibrations. The total energy and/or the composition of the frequencies of the vibrations transferred via the intermediate element are changed by the actuator, and the remaining residual vibration is measured and used for controlling the secondary vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Juergen Schnur, Silvia Tomaschko
  • Patent number: 6672573
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stefano Berton
  • Patent number: 6671124
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolation system for an article comprising a set of elastomers circumferentially positioned in a shear mode around a member carried by the article to simultaneously support the article and to isolate the article from shock and vibration by dissipation of energy through an internal shear action within the set of elastomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Dennis Guion, David Roy Wagner, Denis Allen LaCroix
  • Publication number: 20030234476
    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 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Enoki, Shigeki Wagata, Hiroki Oshimo, Etsunori Fujita, Hiroki Honda, Hideyuki Yamane
  • Patent number: 6655668
    Abstract: A device for the control of vibrations comprises a retainer resting on a base and a plurality of bearings disposed within the retainer. The bearings are arranged in a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is disposed on the first layer. The first layer comprises three or more bearings and the second layer comprising one or more bearings. Each bearing in the first layer is constrained on its bottom only by a substantially flat portion of the base, on its side by the retainer and is in contact with at least two adjacent bearings in the first layer. The bearings in the first layer support the bearing in the second layer. The retainer has a surface which is in substantially tangential contact with the bearings in the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Paul J. Wakeen, Larry W. Jacoby
  • Publication number: 20030218283
    Abstract: A damped micromechanical device useful for adjusting optical components, positioning transducers, and sensing motion. The micromechanical device includes a top cap that helps create an area of restricted fluid flow to increase mechanical damping of the device and minimize the response of the structure to mechanical perturbations. The micromechanical device is constructed to cause piston-like Poiseuille flow through controlled gaps within the actuator. By controlling the gap dimensions, the amount of damping can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin Y. Yasumura, John D. Grade, John H. Jerman
  • Publication number: 20030197316
    Abstract: A microphone isolation system. The system includes an isolation member, a support member, and at least two compliant members. The at least two compliant members mechanically support the isolation member and isolate the isolation member from vibrations. The at least two compliant members can also isolate the support member from any vibratory excitation source coupled to and/or supported by the isolation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Baumhauer, Robert Spaller, Thao D. Hovanky, Larry Allen Marcus, Peter Chu, Denton L. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20030183995
    Abstract: A vibration isolator is provided that includes a plurality of elastomeric members. The vibration isolator also includes first and second supports. The first and second supports cooperate with the plurality of elastomeric members to isolate and damp vibration between the first and second supports. The first support defines a first raised portion. The second support is spaced from the first support and defines a second raised portion facing the first support. The first and second raised portions are structured to cooperate so as to define a recess therebetween adapted to at least partially receive at least one elastomeric member. The vibration isolator also includes at least one fastener that is structured to mount the at least one elastomeric member between the first and second supports such that the elastomeric member(s) isolates and damps vibration transmitted between the first and second supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Adam C. Smith, Michael L. Hand, Jonathan E. Bosley
  • Patent number: 6626411
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: Worthington Bowie Houghton, Jr., Eric Anderson, Jack Marcinkowski, Vyacheslav Ryaboy
  • Publication number: 20030173724
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing transmission of force from a base structure to a supported structure. The method includes mounting a plurality of dampers between the base structure and the supported structure. Each damper includes a single damping element having at least two contact arms affixed to either the base structure or the supported structure. Damping of forces is achieved by each damper in multiple orthogonal directions. The base structure is mounted to a transportation vehicle. The supported structure includes equipment mounted on a floating platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Sujay Jayakumaran
  • Publication number: 20030168295
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system, with an actuator having two nested, relatively movable members defining an interior portion, and a magnetostrictive member coupled to both nested members and within the interior portion. A variable-strength magnetic field is applied to the magnetostrictive member, for controlling the elongation of the magnetostrictive member, to thereby control the relative positions of the two nested members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Zhixiu Han, Anil Mavanur, Chandrashekhar H. Joshi
  • Publication number: 20030168788
    Abstract: A vibrator comprises at least two leaf springs, both ends of which are connected to a base and a supporting member, one of the two ends of each leaf spring is secured to the base or the supporting member, while the other end is connected by hinge. Said device will make oscillatory vibration when external force is applied to the supporting member. Since one end of the leaf springs is connected by hinge, the vibrator can have larger vibration amplitude and better submission strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: David Tak-Wei Hon
  • Publication number: 20030159898
    Abstract: This invention provides a dynamic damper 10, in which convex portions 21 protruded in the direction of the inside diameter are provided at a plurality of positions along the circumference of the outer pipe 20 and an elastic body 40 is held between the convex portion 21 and the outer circumference of the weight 30. A stopper portion 32 capable of engaging the convex portion 21 of the outer pipe 20 in the axial direction of the pipe is provided on the weight 30. An insertion guide face 23 provided at an end portion in the axial direction of the convex portion 21 of the outer pipe 20, and the convex portion 21 of the outer pipe 20 makes the insertion guide face 23 slide against the stopper portion 32 of the weight 30 to enlarge the diameter of the convex portion elastically to surpass the stopper portion 32 so that it fits to the outer circumference of the weight 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Kazunobu Haneishi, Katsuhide Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030160369
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20030146554
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kato
  • Patent number: 6599640
    Abstract: A vibration damper of composite type including a vulcanized-rubber body formed of a vulcanized rubber material and a polyamide-resin member formed of a polyamide resin material. The vulcanized-rubber body and the polyamide-resin member are integrally bonded together, and the exposed surface of at least the polyamide-resin member is covered by a coating layer formed of an elastic material with a predetermined thickness. Also disclosed is a method suitable for producing the vibration damper, wherein a solution of an unvulcanized rubber material or a thermoplastic elastomer is applied to the exposed surface of at least the polyamide-resin member, and is subjected to a vulcanizing or drying operation to form the coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichiro Suzuki, Kazutaka Katayama, Yasuhito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6598717
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for surface damping augmentation. The apparatus of the present invention includes a viscoelastic material, a hybrid constraining layer mechanically connected to the viscoelastic material and having an active material and a passive material, and the active material mechanically connected to the passive material. The method provides for selecting an active constraining material, selecting a passive constraining material, forming a hybrid constraining layer from the active constraining material and the passive constraining material, and mechanically connecting the hybrid constraining layer to a viscoelastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kon-Well Wang, Yanning Liu
  • Patent number: 6595501
    Abstract: A damper for isolation of vibration includes: three ball bearings; a bearing support member having a sloping top side portion adapted to gently maintain the three ball bearings in spaced position when rollingly carried thereon; and, an equipment support member having a sloping bottom side portion seated on, and carried by a top side portion of the three ball bearings. When vibration moves the roller support member, the ball bearings roll and the equipment support member carried thereon remains relatively stable. The damper may be carried on a suspended carriage having: an upright tube having an open top portion and three spaced openings therearound; bolts positioned above the spaced openings; an inner suspended member having three outwardly projecting legs positioned to project through the openings in the upright tube; and, three bands each interconnecting the bolts and the projecting legs thereby suspending the carriage within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Paul B. Van Slyke
  • Publication number: 20030127782
    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 aluminum alloy, and the tube has been longitudinal-seam welded without any weld metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: VAW Alutubes GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Schulze, Franz Steimmel, Michael Opitz, Frank Wahner
  • Patent number: 6590639
    Abstract: An active vibration isolation system includes a pneumatic control system and an electronic control system. The pneumatic control system supports a mass sensitive to vibration and isolates the mass from high frequency external disturbances. The electronic control system isolates the mass from low frequency external disturbances. The pneumatic control system includes a compliance chamber filled with a fluid to pneumatically support the mass, apparatus for directly measuring a pressure level in the compliance chamber, and apparatus for controlling the pressure level to minimize the effects of pressure variation in the compliance chamber. The measuring apparatus includes an instrument to measure an absolute pressure level of the compliance chamber or an instrument to measure a differential pressure level between the compliance chamber and a reference chamber having a predetermined pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Bausan Yuan, Michael Binnard, Martin Lee
  • Patent number: 6585241
    Abstract: A device for the vibration-absorbing mounting of a compressed-air generator including a first spring element which is mounted on a mounting support. A second spring element is provided on which the compressed-air generator is arranged. One of the two spring elements has a spring rigidity in essentially the vertical direction that is maximally half its spring rigidity in essentially the horizontal direction. The second spring element is arranged in series with the first-spring element. The inventive device reduces the acceleration measured at the bottom of the understructure to values which are at least 30% of the values known from the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hartl, Frank Meyer, Robert Frank, Markus Ehinger
  • Patent number: 6585240
    Abstract: A vibration relief apparatus capable of reducing a frequency at a resonance point, to thereby reduce vibration transmissibility, resulting in improving a feeling in riding in a vehicle during traveling thereof. A suspension unit which is a vibration relief apparatus of the present invention includes coil springs and a torsion bar substantially horizontally arranged with respect to an X-link. The coil springs constitutes a first spring mechanism having negative spring characteristics and the torsion bar constitutes a second spring mechanism having positive spring characteristics. Such configuration permits a spring system constituted by the first and second spring mechanisms to have a spring constant about an equilibrium point set to be about 0. This permits a phase delay to be produced in a low-frequency region, so that the vibration relief apparatus may exhibit enhances vibration absorbing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yasuhide Takata
  • Patent number: 6578682
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact vibration isolation system for mounting an inertial sensor assembly (ISA) to an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) housing. The housing is mounted to a support that is subjected to shock and vibration. The vibration isolator assembly includes a ring shaped elastomeric member laminated between a ring shaped inner member and a ring shaped outer member. The inner member is securely mounted to the ISA, and the outer member is mounted to a support of the IMU housing. Because of the compact size of this system, the IMU housing contains and protects the elastomeric member from potential contamination and damage, as well as eliminates the need for delicate mechanical and electrical interfaces. The elastomeric member of the system isolates the ISA from shock, vibration, and acoustic energy that may otherwise be transmitted from the support to the ISA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Todd L. Braman, Mark J. Riesgraf, Dale J. Hagenson
  • Patent number: 6578835
    Abstract: A cross elastomer mount comprising a body composed of an elastomer and having a plurality of legs, a first platform for supporting a first member and a second platform for supporting a second member, a plurality of rigid platform arms pivotally attached to the platforms, and a plurality of hinges pivotally attaching the rigid platform arms to the legs of the cross elastomer mount whereby the plurality of legs bow or arc under a shock and vibration force to allow the cross elastomer mount to attenuated the forces while providing a tension and shearing resistance to the shocks and vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Scott J. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 6578836
    Abstract: A shock absorber for an automobile which exhibits a vibration damping effect in a wide range of a frequency, while suppressing generation of frictional noise. The shock absorber for the automobile has a buffer member interposed between parts. The buffer member has a laminated structure including a plurality of vibration damping layers each having a peak of loss tangent tan&dgr; in a range of a frequency which is different from others and surface layers made of thermoplastic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Kogure, Tatsuo Suzuki, Shinji Seimiya
  • Publication number: 20030107162
    Abstract: A damper for isolation of vibration includes: three ball bearings; a bearing support member having a sloping top side portion adapted to gently maintain the three ball bearings in spaced position when rollingly carried thereon; 5 and, an equipment support member having a sloping bottom side portion seated on, and carried by a top side portion of the three ball bearings. When vibration moves the roller support member, the ball bearings roll and the equipment support member carried thereon remains relatively stable. 10 The damper may be carried on a suspended carriage having: an upright tube having an open top portion and three spaced openings therearound; band suspension means positioned above the spaced openings; an inner suspended member having three outwardly projecting legs positioned to project through the openings in the upright tube; and, three bands each interconnecting the band suspension means and the projecting legs thereby suspending the carriage within the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Paul B. Van Siyke
  • Patent number: 6572086
    Abstract: A portable cushion protector which is easily attachable to and detachable from the rear portions of an automobile and which protects its rear bumper from scratches and other damage while it is parked. The cushion protector has supporting mechanisms which may be advantageously attached to the automobile trunk for holding the cushion securely in place upon the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Junior Kelly
  • Patent number: 6568666
    Abstract: A vibration isolator with a flange that extends from a piston. The piston may be coupled to a housing by a diaphragm. The diaphragm and flange define a balancing chamber that is in fluid communication with a leveling port. The flange is separated from the housing by a gap that provides fluid communication between the balance chamber and an inner chamber within which the piston moves relative to the housing. The piston is coupled to a support plate that is attached to a payload. The leveling port may be coupled to a leveling valve that varies the pressure within the balancing chamber and inner chamber to compensate for a disturbance applied to the isolator. The flange will provide a force that is opposite to the movement of the piston. The counteracting force minimizes oscillations in the isolator caused by releveling the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventor: Worthington B. Houghton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030090645
    Abstract: Deviation signals (Ex, Ey, Ez, E&thgr;x, E&thgr;y, and E&thgr;z) are sent to PI compensators (7) for respective motion modes. Position control is done by the operation of each PI compensator (7) so as to eliminate the deviation signal. Gain compensators (4) regarding the stiffness receive velocity signals (Vx, Vy, Vz, V&thgr;x, V&thgr;y, and V&thgr;z), and apply the skyhook stiffness for the respective motion modes. A motion mode distribution calculating unit (8) regarding an air spring converts the sum of a sign-inverted output from each gain compensator (4) and an output from a corresponding PI compensator (7) into a driving signal for each air valve (AV). Power amplifiers (10) drive the air valves (AV) in accordance with outputs from the motion mode distribution calculating unit (8). The air valves (AV) control the internal pressures of air springs (SU).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kato
  • Patent number: 6557675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus that minimizes shock/vibrational motion in interposer sockets. The ability to control shock/vibration can ensure successful operation and substantially increase socket lifetime. The present invention discloses a device for maintaining a heat sink in a desired relationship to a mounting base while limiting the transmission of shock and vibrational motion to and from the heat sink includes a fastener extending from the mounting base, a spring compressed between the fastener and the heat sink, and a damper compressed between the fastener and the sink wherein the fastener maintains the spring and the damper in a compressed state such that the spring and the damper bear on said heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Iannuzzelli
  • Patent number: 6554112
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device for damping vibrations of a vibrative member of a vehicle, including: a mass member disposed in the vibrative member such that the mass member is non-adhesive to and is displaceable independent of and relative to the vibrative member; the mass member and the vibrative member being brought into impact against with each other at their abutting portions. At least one of the abutting portions of the mass member and the vibrative member is formed of an elastic member adapted to undergo shear deformation in a direction in which the mass member and vibrative member are brought into impact against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rentaro Kato, Koichi Hasegawa, Hajime Maeno, Masaaki Hamada, Yuushi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6547053
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is used for reducing or eliminating torsional vibrations in a vehicle driveline. A hub portion includes an elongated body with a first axial dimension. A disk portion is supported by the hub portion and has a second axial dimension that is smaller than the first axial dimension of the hub portion. The hub portion preferably is secured to rotate with an engine flywheel and the disk portion preferably is adapted to rotate with a transmission input shaft. The disk portion preferably supports a plurality of damping members, which can be positioned at different radial or axial locations depending on the needs of a particular situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC
    Inventor: Shan Shih
  • Patent number: 6543755
    Abstract: A shock isolator for use in a compressive mode comprising a pyramid-shaped elastomer having a cavity therein with the pyramid-shaped elastomer having a base supporting a set of triangular shaped sidewalls that each terminate at a pyramid-shaped apex to create a one-piece elastomer mount so that a force applied to the pyramid apex is transmitted to the base through an offset axis while shock and vibration forces are attenuated by the shear resistance of the shock isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Trevor J. McCollough