Including Energy Absorbing Means Or Feature (e.g., Supplemental Vehicle Equipment, Such As Motor Mount, Seat, Etc., Including Additional Fluid Or Friction Energy Absorber) Patents (Class 267/140.11)
  • Publication number: 20140027964
    Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of recovering crush lobes extending from the base sheet. The crush lobes protect an adjacent object by cushioning the blow following repeated impacts in both vehicular and non-vehicular (e.g. helmets) environments. Each crush lobe includes a side wall that is oriented to buckle or bend and then spring back after absorbing energy when impacted. At least one of the base sheet and an end wall of at least one crush lobe optionally includes a number (X) of integrally-formed protruding countermeasures where 0<=X<1000 of lower standing strength than the crush lobes. Methods related to the above are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Gerwolls, Michael A. Rossi, Dane Winbigler, Donald S Smith, Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi
  • Patent number: 8632061
    Abstract: In a so-called motoring state at the time of engine starting before actuating engine, there is a problem that a roll vibration, which is generated when an engine revolution speed Ne is at a predetermined engine revolution speed and vibrates the engine and the vehicle body largely, can not be suppressed. For this reason, the present invention provides an active vibration isolating support apparatus in which the roll vibration can be suppressed in the motoring state at the time of engine starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Hirotomi Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20140015180
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for damping movement of a first mass relative to a second mass by magnetically generating induced current are provided. A magnet is coupled to one mass and a nonferrous metallic member is coupled to another mass that moves relative to the first mass. First and second springs are coupled to opposing ends of the magnet, the magnet being positioned between the springs. A guide member channels the magnet as it moves relative to the nonferrous member, the magnet being slidable along the guide member. The magnet is in close proximity to the nonferrous metallic member as the magnet moves. Upon causing movement of the magnet by either mass, the magnet generates an electrical current in the nonferrous metallic member that induces a counter magnetic field that opposes the magnetic field generated by the current to damp movement of the magnet as it moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Charles F. Pepka
  • Publication number: 20140008850
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. A threaded fitting may be provided on the bottom plate, for attaching the isolator to a supporting structure. A dampener/spring element is positioned between the top and bottom plates. The dampener/spring element may be separate springs and dampeners, such as gas or viscous dampeners. Alternatively, spring loaded shock absorbers, or a resilient material may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20140008851
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. Springs are compressed between the top and bottom plates. Fluid dampeners between the top and bottom plates are connected to a valve that allows dampening to be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8622373
    Abstract: A bearing (1) comprising a block (10) of flexible material, having two end surfaces (11, 12); and a first fixture element (20) and a second fixture element (30) connected at each of the end surfaces (11, 12); wherein at least one rotational damping device (40) is arranged between the first and second fixture elements (20, 30), the bearing thus providing high dampening between structural parts of a structure, such as buildings, bridges, elevated highways, and mechanical systems (machinery).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Damptech A/S
    Inventor: Imad Mualla
  • Patent number: 8622375
    Abstract: A dual frequency damper includes a liquid inertia vibration eliminator (LIVE) portion and a fluid damper portion. LIVE portion and fluid damper portion operate in series and function so that dual frequency damper is optimized in both stiffness and damping at multiple frequencies. LIVE portion acts as a frequency dependent switch to selectively cause low frequency oscillatory forces to be treated primarily by the high spring rate and high damping rate characteristics of the fluid damper portion, and also to select high frequency oscillatory forces to be primarily treated by the low spring rate and low damping rate characteristics of the LIVE unit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bosworth, Mithat Yuce, Frank B. Stamps, Michael R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130340360
    Abstract: A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one elongated-sheet shape first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding ribbed-plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting ribbed-plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding ribbed-plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting ribbed-plate and connected the holding ribbed-plates in a tension condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Chong-Shien TSAI
  • Publication number: 20130334749
    Abstract: An energy absorber has at least one hollow core post filled with coolant, two supporting boards, multiple first material layers and second material layers. The supporting boards are mounted respectively on two ends of the at least one hollow core post. The first material layers and second material layers are alternately mounted between the supporting boards. Accordingly, the operation temperature of the energy absorber can be prevented from increasing by the coolant in the core post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chong-Shien TSAI
  • Publication number: 20130318836
    Abstract: Present invention provides a shock absorbing structure for the heel of high-heeled footwear, which comprises A Lower Pedestal with Penetrating Hole that penetrates through the Lower Pedestal's top surface to bottom surface. A Step Edge is formed on the inner surface of said Penetrating Hole in the end close to the top surface of said Lower Pedestal. An Air-Cushion is fixed on the top surface of said Lower Pedestal, which comprises a Straight Hole and several Second Positioning Holes winch are through said Air-Cushion. Said Straight Hole corresponds to said penetrating hole and said Second Positioning Holes correspond to the First Positioning Holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: SHENG CHUNG HUNG, MING TA CHANG
  • Publication number: 20130320604
    Abstract: Provided is a viscous-fluid-enclosing damper which attenuates, by using viscous resistance of a vibration-damping composition, vibrations transmitted between a support and an object to be supported, the support and object being attached to a closed container enclosing the vibration-damping composition of a viscous fluid. The viscous-fluid-enclosing damper alters few vibration-damping properties even when used under high temperatures and/or conditions where the vibrations are repeatedly generated for a prolonged period. Also provided is the vibration-damping composition which is used for the viscous-fluid-enclosing damper. The viscous fluid contains a viscous liquid having dispersed therein at least one type of heat-resistant resin particles and a dripping inhibitor, the particles being selected from polyethylene and nylon having an average molecular weight of from 50×104 to 600×104 and an average particle size of from 10 ?m to 200 ?m and preferably from 10 ?m to 160 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Junji Ohki, Akira Naito
  • Publication number: 20130313765
    Abstract: A new and novel impact energy attenuation material, impact energy attenuation module employing the material and a fit system for optimizing the performance thereof is provided. Non-linear energy attenuating material consisting of a plurality of loose particles is employed for impact energy dissipation. The loose particles are preferably spherical elastomeric balls. An impact energy attenuation module includes a container that holds the loose particles. The impact energy attenuation module can be provided in a wide range of sizes and shapes and the loose particles can be provided in different materials, sizes, density, compaction and hardness to suit with the application at hand. A matrix of impact energy attenuation module are provided about the surface of a shell to provide the required impact energy attenuation. The material, impact energy attenuation module and system of the present invention are well suited for protection of body parts and other cushioning and protection needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: 9LIVES LLC
    Inventors: Erik Christian Anderson, Henry Lee Turlington, JR., Wilhelm Oehl, Timothy Matthew Kobe, Richard Mark Greenwald
  • Publication number: 20130300042
    Abstract: A spring and damper system, in particular for an assembly mount in a motor vehicle, includes a spring/damper element arranged between two mutually, relatively displaceable vehicle masses, wherein the spring/damper element includes a damper device and a positioning spring element, which are directly or indirectly coupled with one another and are connected in series and which are supported on or attached to a respective vehicle mass. A progressive spring element forms an additional component of the spring/damper element, wherein the progressive spring element is arranged on a side of the positioning spring element facing away from the damper device and is directly or indirectly connected to the damper device or to the vehicle mass facing the positioning spring element. The progressive spring element has a defined gap spacing representing a spring deflection in a defined rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Stephan Lamers, Thomas Conrad
  • Patent number: 8579311
    Abstract: A damper mass damper assembly includes a rod, and a casing disposed annularly about the rod and defining a primary fluid chamber therebetween. The rod includes an annular wall that defines a first and a second expansion chamber disposed at a first and a second end of the rod respectively. The rod further defines a first and a second expansion port connecting the first and the second expansion chambers respectively with the primary fluid chamber in fluid communication. As fluid within the primary fluid chamber expands from heating, the fluid may weep into the first and/or second expansion chambers through the first and/or second expansion ports respectively to maintain the integrity of a first and second cap bearing seal, which seal the fluid within the primary fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Albert H. Butlin, Jr., Vincent A. Bommarito, James F. Collins
  • Patent number: 8579267
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle oscillation device with a lower part (1) and an upper part (2, 2a, 2b) positioned higher and spring-mounted in relation to the lower part (1) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and/or vehicle width direction (22) by a spring device (7, 7a, 7b, 8; 18), wherein the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and/or the vehicle width direction (22) constitute spring travel directions (9, 11), wherein at least one damper (3, 3a; 4, 4a) is arranged which extends with its longitudinal extension in a plane defined by the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and the vehicle width direction (22), is mounted on the lower part (1) pivotably about an axis (17, 24) oriented perpendicular to the plane, and is connected with a first end (5, 5a; 6, 6a; 16) to the upper part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8567771
    Abstract: A drive unit in a motor vehicle is mounted with two elastic motor mounts, of which each in each case couples an engine support, connected rigidly to the drive unit, elastically to a body structure of the motor vehicle, and with a torque support which is arranged above the two motor mounts transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and which is coupled at one end to the drive unit and is coupled at another end to the body structure and is configured such that the two ends are connected, damped elastically, to one another. There is also provided a damping support arranged at a lower level than the torque support transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and which is coupled at one end to the drive unit and is coupled at another end to the body structure. The damping support is configured such that transverse vibrations of the drive unit are damped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Kappich, Horst Grossmann
  • Publication number: 20130249152
    Abstract: The invention provides a damping mechanism which comprises a damper; and a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism comprises a coupling member which is pivotally attached to the damper and has a pivot bearing for pivotally connecting the coupling member to a structure when in use; and a fitting which can be engaged with the coupling member to couple the fitting with the damper and disengaged with the coupling member to decouple the fitting from the damper. More, the coupling member has a pair of parallel planar faces which taper outwardly from the pivot bearing to a convex curved edge, an upper edge and a lower edge; and a first and a second recess formed in the convex curved edge, a rib between the first and the second recesses and, a third recess formed in the lower edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Karounen VEERABADRAN
  • Patent number: 8534600
    Abstract: An aircraft vehicular assembly is provided that includes a nonelastomeric outer tubular member having an inner axial center bore with a tubular cylindrical frictional interface contiguous smooth inner surface segment, and a nonelastomeric inner member having an outer bonding surface segment. The nonelastomeric inner member is rotationally received in the outer member inner axial center bore with the nonelastomeric inner strut member rotatable within said outer member. The assembly includes an elastomer encompassing the nonelastomeric inner strut member outer bonding surface segment. The elastomer has an inner bonding surface segment and an outer grooved elastomer surface, the inner bonding surface segment is bonded to the nonelastomeric inner member outer bonding surface segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Bachmeyer, Douglas A. Swanson, Bryan J. Pittman, Scott K. Thompson, Doug A. Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20130214464
    Abstract: A device used for providing dynamic isolation and damping of dynamic vibrations, in a passive way, originated in the launch vehicle of a space shuttle and reaching the payload or satellite. The device comprises a plurality of identical elementary unit elements, such that the device is designed in a modular way, allowing the individual modularity of each of the elementary unit elements. Each of the elementary unit elements is tailored and designed individually, and the complete device can be designed for each particular application and payload needed as a function of each of the elementary unit elements allowing an easy design and lower costs, for a wide range of payload applications. Each elementary unit element comprises a spring component and a damping component, such that the functionalities provided for each component are separated and can be individually tailored, thus providing a device having a wider range of adaptation capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: EADS CASA ESPACIO S.L.
    Inventor: EADS CASA ESPACIO S.L.
  • Patent number: 8499907
    Abstract: A tunable vibration isolator with active tuning elements having a housing, fluid chamber, and at least one tuning port. A piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chambers and the tuning ports. The tunable vibration isolator may employ either a solid tuning mass approach or a liquid tuning mass approach. The active vibration elements are preferably solid-state actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps, Taeoh Lee, David E. Heverly, Jr., Robert J. Pascal
  • Patent number: 8489289
    Abstract: Disclosed is a converter (200) for signals between a safety device (300) and a universal safety control device (100) for a vehicle. At the converter (200) the safety control device (100) can be connected at a control device interface (200.1) and at least one type of safety devices (300.2) can be connected at at least one safety device interface (200.2) and wherein the converter (200) converts a signal of the safety control device (100) into a signal, which is suitable for the respectively connected type of safety device (300.2), to the respective safety device interface (200.2). It is proposed to embody the converter (200) such that it detects a condition at the safety device interface (200.2), in particular a diagnostics condition signal and converts it into a condition accordingly predefined at the control device interface (200.1), preferably in a manner which does not require an adaptation of the control device or of its software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Mueller
  • Patent number: 8485506
    Abstract: This vibration isolating apparatus (1) includes a cylindrical first mounting component (6), a second mounting component (7), a rubber elastic body (8), a diaphragm (5), and a partitioning component (4). The partitioning component (4) is formed entirely from an elastic body, and on the first mounting component (6) there are provided a protruding portion (60) and a first cylindrical portion (62), and a toroidal rigid component (50) is fitted on an inner side of the first cylindrical portion (62), and in the rigid component (50) there are provided a second cylindrical portion (53) and a supporting portion (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Naohisa Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8485302
    Abstract: A holding device, for the holding of a component part of an exhaust system on a peripheral structure, more preferably of a vehicle equipped with the exhaust system, has a first connecting point for fastening the holding device to the component part of the exhaust system and a second connecting point for fastening the holding device to the structure. A coupling device is arranged between the connecting points which makes possible reversible relative movements between the connecting points. For improved holding function, the coupling device is configured such that in at least in one active direction the coupling device has a speed-dependent or frequency-dependent stiffness. The coupling device has a lower stiffness with slower or low-frequency relative movements than with faster or high-frequency relative movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: J. Eberspaecher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nording, Joachim Hildebrand, Arnulf Spieth
  • Patent number: 8485491
    Abstract: Anti-vibration mount comprising first and second mounting members connected to each other by an elastomer body. The first mounting member comprises a head integral with the elastomer body and a connector rigidly fixed to the head by a connection permitting a degree of relative positioning tolerance between the head and the connector in a first direction. The head comprises a deformable stop that is interposed between the second mounting member and the connector, the deformable stop being capable of not obstructing the relative positioning tolerance between the head and the connector, and of abutting against the second mounting member by pressing against the connector in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Hervé Visage, Christophe Jules, Pascal Richard
  • Patent number: 8474799
    Abstract: A fluid filled type vibration damping device including: a partition member having a communication passage connecting a pressure receiving and equilibrium chambers; an obstructing rubber elastic plate juxtaposed against the communication passage from a pressure receiving chamber side, adapted to obstruct the communication passage, and arranged to be exposed to pressure of the pressure receiving and the equilibrium chamber at both faces; and a constraining member provided for retaining an outer peripheral section of the obstructing rubber elastic plate in contact against the partition member at multiple locations. The constraining member provides an opening/closing control member operated to induce the obstructing rubber elastic plate to push against the partition member and close off the communication passage, and to induce elastic deformation of the obstructing rubber elastic plate to be separated from the partition member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wakako Michiyama, Kei Okumura
  • Patent number: 8454002
    Abstract: A fluid filled vibration damping device having an orifice passage formed in a partition member to connect a pressure receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber, wherein a first end section of the orifice passage extends in along a plane of the partition member, and a communication hole is formed to bend at a right angle from the first end of the orifice passage and open towards the pressure receiving chamber to form a dead water region by orthogonal wall faces of a terminal end face and a bottom face of the orifice passage in a connecting corner section of the orifice passage with the communication hole. A shunt hole of smaller cross-sectional area than the orifice passage and the communication hole is formed in a bottom wall so that the pressure receiving chamber and the equilibrium chamber communicate through the shunt hole in the dead water region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Nishi, Tetsuya Miyahara
  • Patent number: 8448927
    Abstract: An item assembly and a shock attenuation method for protecting an item comprising providing an item internal to an assembly and encasing the item in a fluid material such that the material and the item are approximately in hydrostatic balance upon an impact event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David Falabella, Eric E. Roach, Bhikhabhai L. Patel
  • Patent number: 8452552
    Abstract: A method for checking a vibration damper of a motor vehicle in the installed state includes setting start values of the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA for a wheel of a motor vehicle; inducing a vertical vibration of the motor vehicle with the aid of a defined excitation sRreal; determining the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel; optically detecting the positions of the wheel and the body shell of the motor vehicle at a plurality of detection instants during the vibration; minimizing the error function formed from the deviations between the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel and the observed body vibration excursion sAreal at the detection instants, and determining the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA therefrom; and determining the damping measure ? of the vibration damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Nobis, Daniel Wegener, Steffen Abraham
  • Patent number: 8439334
    Abstract: Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration with a first spring-mounted part and a second spring-mounted part, wherein the first spring-mounted part and the second spring-mounted part can oscillate relative to each in at least one vibration direction and at least one of the spring-mounted parts can be exposed to a return force on a vibration movement. A control unit is arranged with at least one travel linkage which is connected with at least one of the spring-mounted parts and in which is arranged displaceably at least one guide element connected with a spring element generating the return force and/or the other spring-mounted part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Johann Deml, Andreas Vogl, Alexander Lorey
  • Patent number: 8434770
    Abstract: A transverse link (1) has a main body (2), which has at least one first fixing region (4) for pivotal attachment to a vehicle frame element. The first fixing region (4) has a journal (9) surrounded by a bearing bush (23). A stop region (19) is arranged proximate the first fixing region (4). The stop region is interrupted when viewed in the circumferential direction, resulting in the formation of diametrically opposite thickened portions (21, 22), which are arranged between the main body (2) and the journal (9) and are embodied in such a way that only forces acting in the lateral and vertical vehicle directions are absorbed when the main body (2) is twisted out of the neutral position thereof, about a vertical axis (Y) of a second fixing region (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Gerhards, Michael Johannes Franzten, Marc Simon, Wolfgang David, Martina Beyer, Karsten Sander, Frank Scheper, Karsten Klostermeier, Jen Wohlers, Andreas Rodenberg
  • Patent number: 8434713
    Abstract: An aircraft front nose landing gear having both elastomeric and nonelastomeric elements is provided along with a method of making the same. The aircraft front nose landing gear includes the ability to reduce/inhibit oscillating shimmy rotation vibrations. The method further provides for making a landing gear with a shimmy damper for further reducing oscillating rotations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Bachmeyer, Doug A. Hodgson
  • Patent number: 8424832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive, multi-axis suspension support system providing both coarse and fine suspension to a payload. Coarse suspension control is provided to maintain the payload within a coarse range of position. Fine suspension control is provided by monitoring and analyzing vibration characteristics in both time and frequency domains to determine the required amount of damper resistance to be exerted by a magnetorheological (MR) device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Elliptical Mobile Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Jody G. Robbins, William E. Woodbury, II, Scott A. Boster, Mark J. Miskill
  • Patent number: 8418999
    Abstract: A vibration damping system (10) includes a laminated body (16) formed by alternately laminating rigid hard plates (12) and viscoelastic soft plates (14). At both ends in the laminating direction, the laminated body (16) is connected to a vibration generation section and a vibration receiving section, respectively. The soft plate (14) arranged in a region subjected to a higher isostatic stress is made thicker than the soft plates (14) arranged in other regions. Even when the vibration damping system (10) is applied with vibration having a large amplitude and prying deformation is thereby caused, the soft members (14) are prevented from isostatic fracture to provide a significantly improved durability of the vibration damping system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi Kawada
  • Patent number: 8387958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration isolator for use in a vacuum in which mechanical and electrical modules are arranged within a fluid-tight chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Heiland
  • Patent number: 8349154
    Abstract: The invention relates to modified electrodes for ER fluids prepared by adding a rough, wear-resisting, and low conductive modified layer on the surface of metallic electrodes. The material for the modified layer can be at least one from diamond, alumina, titanium dioxide, carborundum, titanium nitride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, adhesive, and adhesive film. Through the addition of the modified layer, the adhesion of the ER fluid to electrodes is increased so that the shear stress measured near the plates is close to the intrinsic value, which makes the ER fluid applicable, while reducing the leakage current and increasing the breakdown voltage of the ER fluid equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Kunquan Lu, Rong Shen, Xuezhao Wang
  • Patent number: 8342285
    Abstract: A hydraulic device disposed in a torque strut so as to provide a fully decoupled hydraulic torque strut. A main rubber element vibrates in response to powertrain pitch torque. At high vibration amplitude, high hydraulic damping is provided via a pumping chamber, an inertia track and a bellowed compensation chamber, wherein a decoupler system hydraulically connected to the pumping chamber is passively disabled. At low vibration amplitude, minimal hydraulic damping is provided via the decoupler system which is connected by a decoupler track to the compensation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ping Lee, Daniel G. Gannon
  • Patent number: 8342489
    Abstract: A handlebar vibration damping assembly (HVDA) (10) that is used in combination with a conventional two-wheeled vehicle's handlebar (80) assembly having a right grip (82), a left grip (84) and a center section (86). The HVDA (10) is comprised of a weight (12) having a first end (14), a second end (16), an outer surface (18) and a cavity (20) that extends into the second end (16). A spring (22) has a first end (24) and a second end (26), with the first end (24) inserted into the cavity (20) on the weight's second end (16). In order to maintain the HVDA (10) within the handlebar, a bolt (32) having a head (34) and a tip (36) along with an insert (38) having a bore (40), an insert nut (44) and a second nut (48) are utilized. The second end (26) of the spring (22) extends into the insert bore (40). Once the HVDA (10) is securely placed within the handlebar (80) the weight (12) can vibrate in any excitable direction 90-degrees of the centerline of the handlebar and can oscillate at different frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Donald G. Richardson, Brian C. Falter
  • Patent number: 8333368
    Abstract: A hydraulically damped mounting device has first and second anchor parts connected by a first deformable wall, and a working chamber for hydraulic fluid partially bounded by the first deformable wall. The working chamber is connected to a composition chamber for the hydraulic fluid by a first passageway, the composition chamber being partially bounded by a second deformable wall. There is also an auxiliary chamber partially bounded by a third deformable wall connected to the working chamber by a second passageway. The mounting device then has a vacuum chamber connectable to a vacuum source for varying the pressure in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: DTR VMS Limited
    Inventor: Michael Paul Rooke
  • Publication number: 20120313306
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device includes: an elastic body connecting a tubular first mounting member and a second mounting member; and a partition member (8) partitioning a fluid chamber within the first mounting member, the fluid chamber being filled with fluid, into a primary fluid chamber on one side and an auxiliary fluid camber on another side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Ueki, Motohiro Yanagida
  • Publication number: 20120299228
    Abstract: In an antivibration device (1), a partition plate (45) includes a main partition plate (46) made of an elastic material interposed between a protruding portion (60) and a support portion (54), and a reinforcement member (47) which is buried in the main partition plate (46) and is configured of a hard body that is harder than the main partition plate (46). The main partition plate (46) divides a main liquid chamber (9A) and a sub-liquid chamber (9B), and blocks the opening end of the hard member (50). A space surrounded by the hard member (50) and the main partition plate (46) constitutes a restriction passage (10). In the main partition plate (46), a communication portion (42) that penetrates therethrough in an axial direction and causes the main liquid chamber (9A) and the restriction passage (10) to communicate is formed. The reinforcement member (47) is disposed to surround the peripheral edge of the communication portion (42) in the main partition plate (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naohisa Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20120292837
    Abstract: A hydraulic mount includes a support bearing and a seat. At least a first and a second partial spring element are each formed from an elastomeric material and connected to each other via an intermediate ring. The spring elements support the support bearing and the seat on each other and have essentially a truncated cone-like shape. An expansion chamber and a compensation chamber are each filled with a first damping fluid. The chambers are physically separated from each other, in an axial direction, by a partition and are connected to each other, in a manner that allows passage of liquid, by a first damper configured to dampen vibrations introduced in the axial direction. A second damper is disposed in the expansion chamber and configured to dampen vibrations introduced in a radial direction. The intermediate ring and the second damper transition from one to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Werner Hettler, Herbert Otto Guthier
  • Patent number: 8302946
    Abstract: In a vibration proofing apparatus, two second pressure receiving liquid chambers are arranged between an outer tube and a mounting attachment, and are configured to communicate with an auxiliary liquid chamber through two second orifices when an auxiliary vibration along an auxiliary amplitude direction orthogonal to an axial direction is input to the mounting attachment, a rubber elastic body is elastically deformed along an auxiliary amplitude direction, and expands and contracts an internal volume of the second pressure receiving liquid chambers. At this time, since a resonance phenomenon is generated in the liquid circulating between the second pressure receiving liquid chambers and the auxiliary liquid chamber through the second orifices in synchronization with the input auxiliary vibration, a low-frequency vibration input along the auxiliary amplitude direction due to a pressure change, and a viscous resistance generated together with the resonance phenomenon of the liquid is effectively absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Yoshitaka Otsubo
  • Patent number: 8297601
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material adapted to reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a material adapted to dissipate and evenly distribute transmitted vibrations. The material is particularly suited for impact and/or heavy load vibration resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Matscitechno Licensing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Vito, Carmen N. DiMario, Thomas Falone
  • Publication number: 20120246788
    Abstract: A panel apparatus for positioning between a human body and a region of body armor absorbs impact energy associated with a projectile or other object impacting the body armor. The panel is also operable to absorb overpressure energy associated with a blast wave from an explosive device such as an improvised explosive device or a bomb. The panel may be secured to an interior of conventional tactical body armor, body armor carriers, or the like. The panel includes a multilayer construction and includes an inflatable primary gas chamber and a separate non-inflatable secondary gas chamber in some embodiments. The primary and secondary gas chambers are stacked in substantially parallel planes and are oriented substantially parallel to the body armor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Harrell, Charles M. Letterman, Scott F. Leftwich
  • Publication number: 20120248668
    Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration-damping device of multidirectional vibration-damping type including: a first mounting member; a second mounting member; a main rubber elastic body connecting the two mounting members; a pressure-receiving fluid chamber; an equilibrium fluid chamber; a first orifice passage interconnecting the two fluid chambers; a plurality of outer peripheral fluid chambers situated on an outer peripheral side of the main rubber elastic body; a second orifice passage interconnecting the outer peripheral fluid chambers; and an intermediate sleeve affixed to the main rubber elastic body. The intermediate sleeve and the second mounting member each include a step portion at an axially medial section thereof, and are mated and fixed to each other at opposite sides of the corresponding step portion. The two step portions are opposed to each other in an axial direction so that the second orifice passage is formed between axially opposed faces of the step portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi UMEMURA
  • Patent number: 8269438
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a motor of an air conditioner are disclosed. A method for driving a motor of an air conditioner includes driving the motor in response to a predetermined speed command, sequentially detecting first and second mechanical angles in response to the speed command or a reference speed being spaced apart from the speed command by a predetermined range, calculating a maximum speed mechanical angle corresponding to a maximum speed ripple of the motor on the basis of the detected first and second mechanical angles, and compensating for load torque of the motor on the basis of the calculated the maximum speed mechanical angle. As a result, the speed ripple is decreased during the constant speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youngho Hong, Yangkwang Choi, Wonseok Kim
  • Patent number: 8267383
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to facilitate measurement of forces acting on locations connecting a subframe portion and a body portion of a vehicle, such devices and methods include mount devices having an inner member, an outer member, at least one sensor, a sleeve and an annular member. The sensor is disposed within an annular chamber formed between the inner member and the outer member. The sensor is attached to at least one of the inner member and the outer member. The sensor is configured to measure force exerted on the mount device during use of a vehicle. Vehicles including these mount devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
  • Patent number: 8246023
    Abstract: A vibration damper, particularly for supporting compressors, pumps, electric motors and the like, comprising a flat body from which at least two engagement tabs protrude on each of the two faces and at least two elastically deformable contact and shock-absorbing portions protrude on at least one of the faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Mollificio Cappeller S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alessandro Cappeller
  • Patent number: 8231116
    Abstract: A fluid filled type vibration damping device wherein an outer tubular mounting member is externally fitted onto the collar sleeve at an externally fitted section formed by a tapered tube portion of the outer tubular mounting member, by means of a diameter reduction process. A mating projection projecting diametrically inward is formed on an inside peripheral face of the outer tubular mounting member, while a seal rubber layer having a thickness greater than a projecting height of the mating projection is formed covering the inside peripheral face of the outer tubular mounting member with the mating projection covered by the seal rubber layer. A location and projecting height of the mating projection are arranged so as to prevent an entry of another outer tubular mounting member into a large-diameter opening of the tapered tube portion during pre-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Nishi
  • Publication number: 20120181734
    Abstract: A module flexible ligament damper includes an cylindrical inner structure with a central axis and an outer cylindrical surface. An outer casing with an inner cylindrical surface is positioned around the inner structure. A modular ligament with an inner flange and an outer flange connected by a web is positioned between the inner structure and the casing. The inner flange is connected to the inner structure and the outer flange is connected to the casing to support the inner structure within the casing, and to permit free orbital movement of the inner structure on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the inner structure. In one embodiment, the web is straight but does not intersect the axis of the inner structure for flexing in a radial direction. In other embodiments, the web is curved for radial flexing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: WAUKESHA BEARINGS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fouad Y. Zeidan