Abstract: A hollow tubulous composite structure and method for prosthetic limbs is described.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism for a surgical instrument is disclosed. In some implementations, a surgical instrument includes an end effector and a unitary wrist mechanism coupled to the end effector, where the wrist mechanism is formed from a single piece of material. The wrist mechanism provides at least one degree of freedom to the end effector, and includes a plurality of link members linked together as well as one or more flexures, where at least one of the flexures includes a chain of a connected plurality of segments. Each flexure connects associated adjacent link members and enables rotational movement of the associated link members relative to each other to provide an associated degree of freedom to the end effector.

Abstract: An example actuator device for a force sensor is described herein. The device can include a device body, a force concentrator element, an overload protection element, one or more legs, and an attachment layer for attaching the device to a substrate. An example method for assembling a force sensing system is also described herein. Further, an example method for protecting a force sensor from excessive forces or displacement is described herein.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure having high levels of recoverable energy absorption is provided. The honeycomb structure achieves high levels of recoverable energy absorption by incorporating cells that exhibit negative stiffness. In one embodiment, the cells exhibit negative stiffness via curved beam members configured to snap through to a second position upon experiencing a sufficient force. The cells may also be configured to snap back to their original position when the force is removed. Therefore, the honeycomb structure may be capable of repeatedly achieving a high level of recoverable energy absorption.

Abstract: A leaf spring manufactured from composite material has a variable cross sectional area. The leaf spring is manufactured by die forming a core of a constant cross section, then winding fibers onto the core to create a spring with a variable cross section and then cutting the spring to size. A ply lay-up station is shown which winds fiber onto a die formed workpiece as it moves through the station.

Abstract: A leaf spring assembly comprises a leaf spring having an axially extending member, an axis, a key portion disposed at an end thereof, first and second parallel elongate members extending radially from the attachment ring along an axis and include inner facing surfaces opposing one another along the axis to define a receiving slot that is configured to receive the end of the leaf spring. The leaf spring is joined with the leaf spring eye and a key slot, formed adjacent to a terminal end of the receiving slot and comprising an enlarged slot portion defined by a first shoulder formed in an inner facing surface of an elongate member and configured to receive the key portion disposed at the end of the axially extending member.

Abstract: A stabilizer link and a manufacturing method therefor which can ensure strength required in wing plates and a center supporting plate and in a support bar, and which can ensure strength required in ribs. The support bar has a top wing plate, a bottom wing plate, a center supporting plate, and a plurality of ribs. In the wing plates and the center supporting plate, reinforcing fiber is orientated to a longitudinal direction of the support bar. In the rib, the reinforcing fiber is orientated to a perpendicular direction of the support bar. A longitudinal orientation ratio D1 at a longitudinal center portion of the top wing plate and the bottom wing plate, a perpendicular orientation ratio D2 at a perpendicular center portion of the ribs, and a perpendicular orientation ratio D3 at a perpendicular end portion of the ribs satisfy Equation 1.

Abstract: A spring unit includes a composite spring and a metal wire. The composite spring is formed of resin, has a single beam structure, and includes a curved part between its end parts. The metal spring is formed of a metal wire, and includes a curved part between its end parts. The end parts of the composite spring are fixed to the corresponding end parts of the metal spring, so that the composite spring and the metal spring are fixed to be positioned in the same plane. The composite spring and the metal spring engage with each other in an engagement part formed in at least one position between the curved parts and the end parts. The composite spring and the metal spring are separated in a part other than the end parts and the engagement part.

Abstract: This lanyard, which is movable by elasticity between a rest position and a stretched position, comprises a tubular sheath made from non-stretchable material, and a set of elastic threads joined to the sheath. According to the invention, the elastic threads define at least one longitudinal weaving zone in which they are woven on one surface of the sheath only, each weaving zone being proper to form a bending zone of the lanyard, in the rest position, in which the elastic threads are folded onto themselves.

Abstract: A spring including a composite structure including reinforcement fibers in a matrix. The composite structure further includes at least one Bragg cell and at least one optical fiber connected to the Bragg cell.

Abstract: This invention provides a helical spring formed of plastic material, comprising a pair of end coils situated at respective ends of said helical spring; at least one full pitch active coil between said pair of end coils; a pair of transition coils, each transition coil interconnecting an end of a respective end coil to an end of a respective proximate full pitch active coil, and having a varying pitch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for the gun sight of a military vehicle, incorporating a head to which the gun sight is fastened and a foot which is integral with the vehicle, the head being integral with a column with a vertical axis which is introduced into the foot, the column being made integral with the foot by spring means wherein the spring means are constituted in the form of tongues arranged along at least two parallel planes perpendicular to the vertical axis of the support, each plane incorporating at least three tongues evenly spaced angularly around the column and integral with it by a first end and integral with the foot by their second end, these spring means imparting stiffness to the link between the column and the foot that is less along the vertical axis than along the other directions (X, Y) orthogonal to this vertical axis.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include innerspring assemblies or innerspring cores for use with cushioning articles such as mattresses. The innerspring core may have one or more coil springs formed from a high-carbon steel wire alloyed with one or more suitable alloying elements such as titanium and copper and capable of imparting greater strength and durability to the innerspring core.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic spring which enables prevention of breakage caused by compressive stress is provided, including a FRP spring that has a laminated structure having plural fibers which are different from each other in tensile modulus of elasticity and are laminated. An upper surface of the FRP spring is a surface to which a pulsating bending load is applied. An upper side region of each laminated structure is a compressive stress region at which compressive stress is generated. A lower side region of each laminated structure is a tensile stress region at which tensile stress is generated. Distribution of tensile modulus of elasticity of each laminated structure is asymmetric with respect to the neutral axis.

Abstract: A spring made of a fiber composite includes a metal thread which is connected to the spring and has an electrical resistance which changes in dependence on a deformation of the spring. The metal thread can be integrated inside the spring or may also be arranged on an outer side of the spring.

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes mounting members engaged with an isolator member. The isolator member contains a primary loop and a secondary loop, wherein the primary loop is the point of attachment to the mounting members. The secondary loop provides added symmetry between the compression rate and at least one of the roll spring rate and the shear spring rate of the isolator member. Features of the vibration isolator, such as the number of secondary loops, may be varied to achieve an isolator member with particular characteristics required for individual applications.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a vibration damping target has a linear member that includes a plurality of wires, which are held so that each of the plurality of wires is relatively displaced in a state that the wires are in contact with one another, and a cover member that covers a peripheries of the plurality of the wires, wherein the plurality of the wires and part of the cover member are fixed to the vibration damping target, and a region of the linear member that flexes through plastic deformation of the linear member is located near each point where the linear member is fixed to the vibration damping target.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include innerspring assemblies or innerspring cores for use with cushioning articles such as mattresses. The innerspring core may have one or more coil springs formed from a high-carbon steel wire alloyed with one or more suitable alloying elements such as titanium and copper and capable of imparting greater strength and durability to the innerspring core.

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.

Abstract: Composite springs and methods of manufacture are described. The composite springs include a flexible core supporting multiple layers of a cured, resin-impregnated composite fiber wherein resin-impregnated composite fiber is wound or braided over the flexible core and cured on a helical mold to form a spring having a desired helical pitch, diameter and spring rate. The multiple layers of resin-impregnated composite fiber are wound or braided at ±5-90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexible core.

Abstract: A leaf spring for a vehicle suspension is formed from a composite material and includes first and second ends that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. A resilient element is attached to at least one of the first and second ends. The resilient element includes at least one hole that receives a connecting element. The resilient element and the connecting element cooperate to attach the leaf spring to a vehicle structure. In one example, the resilient element comprises a rubber block that is bonded to the leaf spring. In another example, the resilient element comprises a longitudinally orientated bushing that is inserted through a thickness of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A method of using a vibration isolator comprising a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate, and at least one wire cable piece which is connected both to the first mounting plate and to the second mounting plate. The at least one wire cable piece is connected to the two mounting plates in such a way that it extends rectilinearly between the two mounting plates and has a high rigidity in the axial direction as a result of which the resonant frequency is pushed out of the main range of frequency generated by an engine block and further having a low rigidity in the direction of a plane perpendicularly with respect to the axial direction.

Abstract: Leaf spring (1) for a wheel suspension on a motor vehicle is produced from a fiber composite material. Leaf spring includes a central longitudinal section (3) and two adjoining axial end sections (10, 11) tapered in relation to the width of the leaf spring. Resin-impregnated unidirectional fibers (23) extend axially, without being cut, between the axial ends (4, 5) of the leaf spring (1). An unfinished leaf spring (2) includes axial end sections (10, 11) with a substantially V-shaped recess or final geometry, thereby forming two legs (8, 9) that extend at angles to the longitudinal extension of the unfinished leaf spring (2), said legs (8, 9) resting closely against each other in the finished leaf spring (1). Individual elongate segments (6; 13, 14) of substantially identical geometry which are separately produced as fiber composite bodies and which are assembled before being cured form the leaf spring (1, 2).

Abstract: A fastener driving device is disclosed. The device includes a housing assembly, and a nose assembly connected to the housing assembly. The device also includes a magazine for carrying a supply of fasteners that are provided to the nose assembly, a fastener driver, and a spring that moves the fastener driver through a drive stroke. The spring includes a composite material. The device also includes a motor for moving the fastener driver through a return stroke.

Abstract: A textile spring that comprises a textile core (2) and a cover over the outer surface of the textile core, such that the cover may be bonded or not bonded to the textile core, and upon application of compression load (4), the cover is compressed against the textile core, and the textile core contracts elastically. The textile spring may be in the form of a sandwich (1) that comprises two flexible face sheets (3), bonded to the upper and lower outer surfaces of the textile spring with a flexible adhesive.

Abstract: A passive isolator mount capable of dissipating shocks and vibrations as either heat or magnetic energy is presented. The passive isolator includes a pair of L-shaped or C-shaped brackets capable of withstanding repeated deflections and strains, energy dissipating layers disposed along each bracket, and a bond layer. The energy dissipating layers are composed of a rare earth element or alloy, a ferromagnetic shape alloy, a magnetic shape memory alloy, a magnetostrictive alloy, a magneto-mechanical alloy, a super-elastic alloy, or a combination thereof. The bond layer is disposed between and adheres one energy dissipating layer along a first bracket to an energy dissipating layer along a second bracket so that the resultant passive isolator is C-shaped. Energy dissipating and bond layers completely bisect the passive isolator either widthwise through the thickness of the L-shaped brackets or lengthwise through the thickness of the C-shaped brackets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a system for damping vibrations, impact and shock where two damping elements (6, 8) are attached to one end of an oblong plate (4) respectively, and connected via a central joining element (7) holding the device exposed to vibrations. The damping elements (6, 8) may be in the form of wire rings.

Abstract: A composite support comprising, a composite tube that is provided with an outer diameter and includes a first fiber layer including a resin and glass fibers that have been wound around a mandrel, a second fiber layer including glass fibers that have been wound around the first fiber layer, and an outermost fiber layer including glass fibers that is located around the second fiber layer, a housing that is at least in part spirally shaped and located around at least a portion of the composite tube, a plurality of fittings, wherein at least one of the fittings includes an aluminum and an anchoring surface, and the anchoring surface is provided with a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the composite tube and secures, at least in part, the fitting to the composite tube, so that, after assembly, the fitting and the composite tube are generally coaxial.

Abstract: A hybrid leaf spring includes an elongated primary leaf having a compression surface, an opposite tension surface, and a first modulus of elasticity. At least one composite material layer is provided having a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity. An adhesive layer is interposed between and bonds the at least one composite material layer to and in substantially parallel relationship with a respective one of the tension and compression surfaces of the elongated primary leaf. A reinforcing layer of natural, synthetic or metallic sheet material extends within the adhesive layer, preferably in spaced relation to opposing surfaces of the primary leaf and the composite material layer to strengthen the bond formed by the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A damping arrangement is proposed with at least two holding devices (10, 11) that are connected to one another via at least one damping element (12) in the form of a plane element made of a wire mesh or wire fabric, said holding devices (10, 11) being secured to at least two different regions of the damping element (12), and said damping element (12) having at least two curvatures in opposite directions between the holding devices (10, 11). A damping arrangement of this type may be produced cost-effectively in an automated process in such a way that elastic stiffnesses and damping characteristics can be adjusted in all spatial directions.

Abstract: A hybrid leaf spring includes an elongated primary leaf having a compression surface, an opposite tension surface, and a first modulus of elasticity. At least one composite material layer is provided having a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity. An adhesive layer is interposed between and bonds the at least one composite material layer to and in substantially parallel relationship with a respective one of the tension and compression surfaces of the elongated primary leaf. A reinforcing layer of natural, synthetic or metallic sheet material extends within the adhesive layer, preferably in spaced relation to opposing surfaces of the primary leaf and the composite material layer to strengthen the bond formed by the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A quartz coil spring which has a spiral coil formed of a quartz band. A mandrel bar having a length greater than the predetermined overall length of the coil spring is coaxially disposed in a preliminarily prepared quartz tube. Thermoplastic wax is charged into a space between the mandrel bar and the inner wall of the quartz tube and solidified, the space being filled with the wax filler. The quartz tube is rotated together with the wax filler around the axis by rotatively driving the mandrel bar. The quartz tube being rotated is spirally cut with a predetermined width from the outer peripheral surface by a rotatry cutter disc, thereby forming a spiral coil body. The wax filler is melted for removal by thermal treatment, whereby the spiral coil is released from the mandrel bar. The released spiral coil is immersed in a bath containing fluorinated acid and etched until a predetermined band thickness is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact energy absorption member that is characterized by comprising a long member of fiber reinforced resin having a lengthwise direction and a thickness direction, wherein the ratio of the thickness t (mm) of the long member to the length L (mm) thereof is within the range of 1/11000 to 6/1000 as well as the direction of an external force is substantially in agreement with the thickness direction of the impact member. The member of the present invention sufficiently absorbs impact energy from a moving body when collision occurs and greatly increases safety to collision of transportation equipment, for example, a motor car and the like as well as is light in weight and compact, whereby the member can improve resistance against environment and saves energy. Further, when this member is applied to a house and a building against which the transportation equipment may collide, it can reduce the loss of social properties.

Abstract: A transverse leaf spring structure and a manufacturing method for a composite transverse leaf spring is disclosed. The leaf spring is formed using a pre-formed tubular fiberglass fabric comprising longitudinally aligned and braided fiberglass fibers. The fabric is installed over an interior form, such as one or more inflatable bladders, and positioned within a forming mold. After resin is applied and cured to an appropriate stiffness within the mold, the mold is removed. The interior form is then removed from the composite leaf spring.

Abstract: A filament based energy absorbing system for absorbing a force applied to a base structure. The filament based energy absorbing system comprising a backing member having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface. A first plurality of energy absorbing filaments being rigidly attached to the top surface of the planar backing member, and the first plurality of filaments extending away from the top surface for absorbing an applied force.

Abstract: A fiberglass composite monoleaf bow spring for use in a vehicle chassis system capable of multi-linear response when compressed. The fiberglass composite monoleaf bow spring extends longitudinally below a vehicle frame and is secured at each end of the vehicle frame typically using a pair of pinned end attachments and is secured in the middle to an axle. The spring has a central upwardly curved region introduced between two downwardly curved regions that are introduced between two more upwardly curved regions. The spring can be made using either a pre-preg process or three-dimensional weaving process. By varying the curvature either the upwardly curved regions or downwardly curved regions, or by varying the length and width of the bow spring, the rate of displacement along each portion of the multi-linear deflection response curve may be controlled.

Abstract: A vibration reducing device for bicycles that includes a sulfurated synthetic rubber shrinkable knotted tube. The tube has at least one spherical knot and a net reinforcing layer formed in a circumferential wall. An air valve is used to control air pressure in the device.

Abstract: A wire rope vibration isolator employing a wire cable passed in a continuous loop through lateral hollow, cylindrical members, holes, channels or the like, formed therethrough in one or more mounting blocks or entrapment members. The mounting blocks manipulate the wire cable into a geometric shape, such as a coil or helix, that is capable of imparting elastic, spring-like qualities in the wire rope. The geometric shape of the wire rope is maintained and secured by driving dowel pins of sufficient length through the outer surface of the mounting block into the lateral hole contained therein to stake the wire rope into locking contact with the mounting block. The dowel pins are composed of material that has a harder consistency than the material composing the mounting block and wire rope. The ends of the dowel pins not engaging the wire rope are pressed flush to the top surface of the mounting block.

Abstract: A filament based energy absorbing system for absorbing a force applied to a base structure. The filament based energy absorbing system comprising a backing member having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface. A first plurality of energy absorbing filaments being rigidly attached to the top surface of the planar backing member, and the first plurality of filaments extending away from the top surface for absorbing an applied force.

Abstract: A method of increasing lateral stiffness in fiberglass composite leaf springs used in suspension systems. The increase in lateral stiffness is accomplished by introducing two carbon fiber inserts to the longitudinal side regions of a fiberglass composite spring. The amount of volume of carbon fiber inserts is preferably between 10-20% by volume of the total volume of the spring and is a function of the strain characteristics required within the suspension system. The composite leaf spring secures the weight advantages of fiberglass springs as compared with traditional steel leaf springs and improves lateral stiffness that promotes improved handling as well as increased efficiency in the packaging of suspension and fuel storage systems. These new composite springs can be molded from layering preprag tape containing fiberglass, carbon fiber and resin, or from a 3D weaving process.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a shock absorber which can reduce damage to the member to collide therewith. The invention provides a shock absorber comprising a cushion structure of three-dimensional spring construction, which has a large void provided by a random curl or loop formed by hot extruding a thermoplastic resin to form a continuous strip and curling or looping the strip in a molten state to bring adjoining strip sections into interlocking contact with each other. In the invention, the cushion structure may be obtained by stacking a plurality of cushion structure members, each having high cushion performance and buckling resistance and a certain thickness, one upon another parallel in a thickness direction or rolling up one side of a cushion member with a given thickness. Then, the cushion structure is embedded in a foamed and hardened filler containing a hydratable, hydraulic binder while a part of the cushion structure is exposed on an shock-receiving surface.

Abstract: A wire rope isolator having a pair of opposed mounting blocks, each having parallel holes formed therein so that the holes in one block are perpendicular to holes in the second block. One block contains two parallel holes passing through the block while the second contains three parallel holes, one of which passes through the block and the remaining holes being blind holes passing inwardly from opposite sides of the block. One end of the rope is secured in one blind hole and the rope is threaded through the block in a clover leaf pattern and the opposite end secured in the other blind hole.

Abstract: A wire rope isolator includes a wire rope and a pair of mounting blocks. The mounting blocks comprise of a pair of cylindrical elongated end flanges that are connected tangentially to each other by a web that has a thickness that is less than the diameter of the flanges thereby allowing the lower section of each flange to extend downward from each web. A hole passes axially through each flange. Wire rope is passed through each flange hole so that the lower surface of each web faces that of the other web and the pair of flanges of one mounting block are offset 90° to the pair of flanges of the opposing mounting block. Four U-shaped half loops of wire rope, with sufficient slack to impart elastic qualities to the wire rope, are formed. The U-shaped half loops extend outward at angles of about 45° from the mounting blocks in a cloverleaf formation.

Abstract: A fiber preform is made from a fiber block by forming at least one cut in the block, so as to make a gap between two portions of the preform corresponding to segments of a spring that is to be made, and the preform is densified by a material for constituting the matrix of the thermostructural composite material. The gap between two portions of the preform is provided either by removing material, preferably after the preform has been consolidated, or else by forming a slot and then spacing apart the lips of the slot and holding the preform in the spaced-apart state.

Abstract: A method and construction for providing thermal management and vibration isolation to a component that requires a controlled temperature during operation. The component (e.g., a hard disk drive) is mounted within an enclosure such that the component is substantially isolated from mechanical vibrations, and the isolation mechanism further provides a thermal path from the component to the enclosure. An elastomeric article which supports the component may be attached to the interior of the enclosure, the elastomeric article being loaded with thermally conductive fillers (fibers or non-directional particulates molded within the elastomer material). Alternatively, a wire rope which supports the component may be attached to the interior of the enclosure, the wire rope having at least one support strand and at least one heat transfer strand that has a higher thermal conductivity than the support strand.

Abstract: A concrete rod-like member having a seismic control structure which utilizes structural features of the rod-like structure efficiently without paying high cost and is capable of protecting a body potion of the rod-like member (including a building carried on piles when the rod-like member is used as the piles) against rupture even when subjected to the level 2 load. A piled ring assembly composed of a plurality of annular plates placed one upon another and tied together in a direction of piling is disposed around the periphery of a longitudinal portion of a body of the concrete rod-like member such that a central axis of the piled ring assembly is coincident with a longitudinal central axis of the rod-like member body. The longitudinal portion of the rod-like member body including the ring assembly forms a frail portion of the rod-like member. The rod-like member may include two or more of the frail portion.

Abstract: A circular multi-wave composite compression spring (10) is formed from a carbon fiber (58) reinforced laminate. The circular compression spring (10) is comprised of unidirectional graphite fibers (58) encased in a polymeric resin of generally rectangular cross-section such that adjacent crests (14) and troughs (16) of the waves in adjacent turns (12) of the spring (10) contact each other along a radial line generally extending from the longitudinal axis (30) of the spring (10). The line contact provides for increased fatigue life and more stable loading of the spring (10) under compression. The carbon fiber reinforced laminate provides comparable strength characteristics similarly configured springs fabricated from conventional materials while providing significantly reduced weight. Furthermore, the composite spring (10) offers increased performance parameters such as increased linearity response over a wider spring deflection range and with insignificant hysteresis.

Abstract: Leaf spring, in particular for a suspension of a vehicle, of the multiple-leaf type, and preferably of the double-leaf type: a first, upper leaf is provided at respective ends with corresponding eyelets for attachment to a vehicle, and is made of metal material, for example of steel, whereas a second leaf which is connected to a lower surface of the first leaf, is made of composite material, for example of plastic reinforced with fiber glass. The attachment eyelets, which are produced by plastic deformation of the ends of the first leaf, are disposed entirely on one side of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the first leaf, on the side opposite the second leaf; the second leaf extends longitudinally with its own respective end edges at least as far as the geometric centers of the eyelets. Between the leaves, in the vicinity of the eyelets and partially below the latter, there are interposed two friction buffers with a predetermined thickness, which are coupled to the lower leaf by means of a coupling tooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin-made spring which, although the spring is made of a resin only, has a strength similar to that of a metal-made spring, and in which the strength is hardly reduced with time and can be maintained to a desired degree for a long term, and also to a bellows type constant volume pump which uses such a resin-made spring. The resin-made spring of the present invention has a configuration in which a strip-like PTFE-made sheet is bent in a zigzag manner in a longitudinal direction of the sheet to thereby provide a predetermined swelling curvature R, side faces of bent portions of the predetermined curvature are in close proximity to or in contact with each other, and the bent portions of the predetermined curvature are elastically expandable and contractible by means of heat holding and cooling. Such a PTFE-made spring is used as a spring for a check valve on the side of a tip end portion of a discharge hole of a bellows type constant volume pump.

Abstract: A helical spring is formed by winding a fiber bundle onto a core at a predetermined wind angle and then winding the wound core onto a grooved mold. The fibers have a thermosetting material thereon which is cured as the wound core advances along the groove by heating of the mold, the mold rotated to achieve this advance. A frictional engagement at the delivery end is set up between the wound core and the groove to pull and stretch the wound core and to thereby optimally orient the fibers before setting.