Abstract: A pivot mechanism for guiding in rotation comprises a mobile element connected to a fixed element through flexible connections; with the flexible elements being configured to guide the mobile element according to a rotational movement in a plane, around a pivoting axis perpendicular to the plane; with each of the flexible connections comprising an intermediary junction provided with an expansion slot, the expansion slot being configured to expand during the rotation of the mobile element, so that the mobile element can pivot according to a second angular amplitude that is greater than a first angular amplitude achieved without said expansion slot; with the intermediary junctions being connected to one another by a coupling member; each of the coupling members being configured so as to prevent a movement out of the plane and a lateral movement in the plane of the mobile element. The pivot mechanism has a very high rotational amplitude.

Abstract: A monolithic gimbal includes a top body portion having a top surface configured to be mounted to a housing, a middle body portion coupled to the top body portion, and a bottom body portion coupled to the middle body portion. The bottom body portion has a bottom surface configured to be mounted to a device. The monolithic gimbal further includes first flexure blades integrally formed with the top body portion and the middle body portion. The first flexure blades enable rotation of the top body portion and the bottom body portion about a first axis. The monolithic gimbal further includes second flexure blades integrally formed with the middle body portion and the bottom body portion. The second flexure blades enable rotation of the top body portion and the bottom body portion about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A linear element with two stable points, it can be used as trust element allows for change in length. It can transform structure from one shape to another thus allowing for morphable configuration. A new model is presented herein for a linear bi-stable compliant mechanism and design guidelines for its use. The mechanism is based on the crank-slider mechanism. This model takes into account the first mode of buckling and post-buckling behavior of a compliant segment to describe the mechanism's bi-stable behavior. The kinetic and kinematic equations, derived from the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model, were solved numerically and are represented in plots. This representation allows the generation of step-by-step design guidelines. Because different applications may have different input requirements, two different design approaches are described herein with different parameters subsets as inputs.

Abstract: A compliant crank slider with adjustable constant-force output. Constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are used to maintain a constant output reaction force throughout a large range of compressive motion. The invention improves on existing CFM by introducing a second degree of freedom that adjusts the mechanism's output without changing its kinematic structure. This second degree of freedom is the rotation of a compliant beam about its longitudinal axis as it is constrained to the initial plane of bending. In an embodiment, the second degree of freedom is the rotation of both a first compliant beam and a second compliant beam. The resulting change in the constant force mechanism allows for adjustment to a specifiable range of constant-force outputs.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly of a combustion chamber has a supporting structure and heat shield elements arranged on the supporting structure. For fastening, the supporting structure has spring devices fastened therein, into each of which a fastening bolt can be screwed. In order to realize the pre-installation and the later removal of the spring elements contained in the spring device, at a holding sleeve, a contact plate is removably fastened in the holding sleeve on the side facing the heat shield element and a stationary securing plate is arranged on the opposite side.

Abstract: The flexure mount system is disclosed that can accommodate thermal expansion. The flexure mount can include a base, a first flexure mount coupled to the base, a second flexure mount coupled to the base, and a supported structure coupled to the first and second flexure mounts along an axis. The first flexure mount can have a first radial flexure. The second flexure mount can have a second radial flexure and an axial flexure. The first and second radial flexures can be operable to provide radial compliance relative to the axis and the axial flexure can be operable to provide axial compliance parallel to the axis, such that the first flexure mount is radially compliant, and the second flexure mount is radially and axially compliant.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices are described that include a proof mass movably connected to a substrate by accordion springs disposed on opposite sides of the proof mass, with a coupler coupling two of the accordion springs together. The coupler is a bar in some implementations, and may be rigid. The coupler therefore restricts the motion of the accordion springs relative to each other. In this manner, the motion of the proof mass may be restricted to preferred types and frequencies.

Abstract: Flexural pivot structures and methods are provided. A flexural pivot as disclosed allows for rotation of a pivoted member relative to a base member about a central axis, while inhibiting or preventing movement of the pivoted member relative to the base member in any other direction. Base and pivoted sections of the flexural pivot structure are connected to one another by a set of resilient blades or flexural members. A thickness of the blades varies with the distance from the central axis. The components of the flexural pivot can comprise a monolithic structure that is formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A worm drive includes a rotatably mounted worm shaft, and a device for compensating an unwanted axial backlash of the worm shaft. The device for compensating the unwanted axial backlash of the worm shaft includes two pressure bodies between which the worm shaft is clamped in the axial direction by a diaphragm spring device. The diaphragm spring is assigned to one of the pressure bodies.

Abstract: A flexural pivot can include a plurality of flexure support members, each flexure support member having a plurality of flexure openings defined at least partially by a cantilevered extension portion. The flexural pivot can also include at least one flexure to rotatably couple the plurality of flexure support members to one another. The at least one flexure can have first and second flexible blades arranged in a cross configuration. The first and second flexible blades can be disposed in the flexure openings of the flexure support members, and the cantilevered extension portions, at least in part, can couple the first and second flexible blades to the flexure support members.

Abstract: A flexural pivot is disclosed. The flexural pivot can include a plurality of flexure support members, each flexure support member having a plurality of flexure openings and a plurality of wells each in fluid communication with a respective flexure opening. The flexural pivot can also include at least one flexure to rotatably couple the plurality of flexure support members to one another. The at least one flexure can have first and second flexible blades arranged in a cross configuration. The first and second flexible blades can be disposed in the flexure openings of the flexure support members, and coupling material deposited in the flexure openings can couple the first and second flexible blades to the flexure support members.

Abstract: A compliant crank slider with adjustable constant-force output. Constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are used to maintain a constant output reaction force throughout a large range of compressive motion. The invention improves on existing CFM by introducing a second degree of freedom that adjusts the mechanism's output without changing its kinematic structure. This second degree of freedom is the rotation of a compliant beam about its longitudinal axis as it is constrained to the initial plane of bending. The resulting change in the beam's stiffness allows for adjustment to a specifiable range of constant-force outputs.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a substrate 16 and a sensor element 20 anchored to the substrate 16, the substrate 16 and sensor element 20 being of dissimilar materials and having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the sensor element 20 and substrate 16 each having a generally planar face arranged substantially parallel to one another, the sensor further comprising a spacer 26, the spacer 26 being located so as to space at least part of the sensor element 20 from at least part of the substrate 16, wherein the spacer 26 is of considerably smaller area than the area of the smaller of face of the substrate 16 and that of the sensor element 20.

Abstract: A linear element with two stable points, it can be used as trust element allows for change in length. It can transform structure from one shape to another thus allowing for morphable configuration. A new model is presented herein for a linear bi-stable compliant mechanism and design guidelines for its use. The mechanism is based on the crank-slider mechanism. This model takes into account the first mode of buckling and post-buckling behavior of a compliant segment to describe the mechanism's bi-stable behavior. The kinetic and kinematic equations, derived from the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model, were solved numerically and are represented in plots. This representation allows the generation of step-by-step design guidelines. Because different applications may have different input requirements, two different design approaches are described herein with different parameters subsets as inputs.

Abstract: A flexure bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of substantially planar radially extending blades coupled between the inner and outer race. The blades have a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the inner and outer races. The inner race, outer race, and blades have substantially the same height. At least one heating element is coupled to the inner race and/or the outer race. The heating element is configured to apply heat to the race that it is coupled to in order to tune the flexure bearing.

Abstract: An adjustable negative stiffness mechanism is disclosed. The adjustable negative stiffness mechanism includes a central shaft, an outer annular member extending around the central shaft, at least two negative stiffness elements extending between the central shaft and the annular member, and an actuator coupled to the negative stiffness elements. Each of the negative stiffness elements has an inner end coupled to the central shaft and an outer end engaging the annular member. The actuator is configured to compress and expand the negative stiffness elements to adjust a negative stiffness mechanical response exhibited by the negative stiffness elements.

Abstract: A compensating oscillation device (2) for a linear piston system (1) is mentioned that comprises a housing (4), at least two coupling elements (10) and a inertial mass (8) that is coupled to the housing (4) by means of each coupling element (9) and is able to be deflected along an axis (7), wherein each coupling element (9) is attached on the housing (4) at at least one respective attachment region (26, 28) and to the inertial mass (8) at at least one respective connection region (18, 20). For this purpose it is provided that on each of the at least two coupling elements (9) the at least one connection region (18) to the inertial mass (8) lies radially closer to the axis (7) than the at least one attachment region (26) to the housing (4), and that in the rest state the inertial mass (8) is disposed between two coupling elements (9) in the axial direction.

Abstract: A stator assembly includes a first stator vane sub-assembly with a first platform and a first airfoil extending from the first platform, and a second stator vane sub-assembly with a second platform and a second airfoil extending from the second platform. A gap is defined circumferentially between the first stator vane sub-assembly and the second stator vane sub-assembly. The stator assembly also includes a shroud structure, a first chamber defined between the first platform and the shroud structure, a second chamber defined between the second platform and the shroud structure, and a damper spring seal structure. Also included is a plate having a first portion within the first chamber and a second portion within the second chamber, such that the plate extends from the first chamber across the gap to the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the technical field of fitness equipment, in particular to the independent suspension vibration damping mechanism of running platform of a treadmill. It solves the problem that the shock effect of the existing treadmill is poor and so on. It includes the chassis and the runway frame. The front end of mentioned runway frame is suspended on the chassis by means of a suspension structure and when the runway frame is subjected to a downward force and forcing the front end of the runway frame to descend, the suspension structure can assist the front end of the runway frame to rise and reset. The independent suspension vibration damping mechanism of running platform of the treadmill has the advantages: simple structure, good stability, good shock absorption effect, providing shock absorption buffer to multiple locations of the treadmill, long span life, and high mechanical strength.

Abstract: A stator damper is disclosed. The stator damper has a body section and a damper finger. The body section rests against a stator assembly and a portion of each damper finger rests against a compressor casing. The stator damper is radially compressed between the stator assembly and the compressor casing. Thus, the stator damper exerts a radial force against the stator assembly. In this manner, relative motion of the stator assembly is damped.

Abstract: Negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be incorporated with structural devices that are used on spacecraft that provide thermal coupling between a vibrating source and a vibration-sensitive object. Negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be associated with a flexible conductive link (FCL) or “thermal strap” or “cold strap” to reduce the positive stiffness of the FCL. The negative-stiffness-producing mechanisms can be loaded so as to create negative stiffness that will reduce or negate the natural positive stiffness inherent with the FCL. The FCL will still be able to provide maximum thermal conductance while achieving low or near-zero stiffness to maximize structural decoupling.

Abstract: Systems that provide an active adjustment of mirrors and specifically of secondary mirrors, and that provide active adjustment of secondary mirrors in six degrees of freedom, and that can carry the additional load during launch.

Abstract: An active vibration isolation device includes: a housing fixed to a vibration isolation target; a movable shaft elastically supported by the housing displaceably in an axial direction; a yoke having an umbrella-shaped part provided consecutively and coaxially with the movable shaft and a circular cylindrical part provided consecutively with an outer circumference of the umbrella-shaped part and coaxially with the movable shaft; a ring-shaped coil fixed between the movable shaft and the cylindrical part; and first and second permanent magnets in a ring shape attached to the yoke. The first permanent magnet is smaller in diameter than the coil and is disposed inside the coil in a radial direction of the coil. The second permanent magnet is larger in diameter than the coil and is disposed outside the coil in the radial direction so that part thereof is made to face an inside of the yoke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device of at least one reactor module to a test bench comprising at least one suspension arm, at least one upstream fixing assembly adapted to be fixed to a ceiling or wall of the test bench, at least one downstream fixing assembly adapted to be fixed to a reactor module, said suspension arm extending between two attachment ends adapted to be respectively fixed to the upstream fixing assembly and to the downstream fixing assembly, characterized in that said arm has a flexible median area whereof at least one cross-section dimension is less than the same cross-section dimension at the level of the attachment ends, the downstream casing comprising a fall-protection device.

Abstract: A combustor seal structure includes a first recess portion and a second recess portion that are provided on opposing faces in adjacent flange portions of a transition piece; a seal member body disposed across the first recess portion and the second recess portion; a first projection portion and a second projection portion 64 that are provided at each end portion in the width direction of the seal member body and are capable of being in contact with a first seal face of the first recess portion and a second seal face of the second recess portion; a first spring member whose base end portion is connected to one end portion in the width direction of the seal member body and whose distal end portion extends to the other end portion and is capable of being in contact with a second pressing face.

Abstract: A flat wire, gap-type, single turn wave spring made using a coiling manufacturing process. The portions of the spring adjacent the gap are made flat so that they can glide smoothly along a mating surface without causing damage to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: A spindle drive has a spindle nut (1) and a threaded spindle (2) mounted in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable manner on a reference body (3) by way of a linear guide, wherein the axis (9) of the threaded spindle (2) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the linear guide, and wherein the linear guide has a groove (4) and a guide element (5) engaging in the groove and comprises an elastic region (5b, 5b?, 5b?), the width of which perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the linear guide is greater than the maximum groove width in the region used for the linear guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue testing an article includes a base having a platform for receiving an article to be tested, a shaft extending toward said platform for applying a force to said article, a coupling assembly connected to said shaft, said coupling assembly comprising a joint that pivots about an axis, and flex pivots disposed to be aligned with said axis about which said joint pivots.

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.

Abstract: The first corner portion elastically deforms in application of load such that the angle of the first corner portion changes depending on the pressing force from the first member. In this case, the first corner portion can move toward the outside of the inner periphery portion of the main body portion while the angle changes. The second corner portion has the same function as that of the first corner portion, and it can move toward the outside of the outer periphery portion of the main body portion while the angle changes depending on the pressing force from the second member in the elastic deformation of the second corner portion. As a result, the spring can prevent generation of hysteresis in load characteristics without increasing the number of parts, and enables height adjustment of the spring.

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: An animal carrier gate anti-rattle device comprises an elastic elongated member having a front surface and a back surface. The elastic elongated member comprises: a proximal section defining a hook that forms an opening facing the front surface; a distal section; and a first bent section between the proximal section and the distal section, where the first bent section has a bend angle of less than 120 degrees relative to the back surface.

Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor having a substrate and a plurality of movable substructures that are mounted over a surface of the substrate, the movable substructures being coupled to a shared, in particular, central spring element, means being provided for exciting the movable substructures into a coupled oscillation in a plane that extends parallel to the surface of the substrate, the movable substructures having Coriolis elements, means being provided for detecting deflections of the Coriolis elements induced by a Coriolis force, a first Coriolis element being provided for detecting a yaw rate about a first axis, a second Coriolis element being provided for detecting a yaw rate about a second axis, the second axis being oriented perpendicularly to the first axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a mounting system adapted to attenuate a shock load imparted by a structure to an object being supported by the structure. In one exemplary embodiment the mounting system comprises a mounting plate with a perimeter portion, a central boss, and an array of at least two symmetrically arranged perforations extending through the mounting plate between the perimeter portion and the central boss. The perforations are arranged so as to cooperatively define at least two deformable links that interconnect the central boss with the perimeter portion of the mounting plate, wherein the deformable links are adapted to attenuate the shock load through plastic deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device for vehicle seats and/or vehicle cabins for applying a spring force to a vibratory motion of a first component relative to a second component, preferably in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle, wherein at least one elongate spring member extending at least in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle is connected in at least one end region to the first component and in the central region thereof to the second component, wherein the elongate spring member is made from a flexible elastomer material that is formed to be rod-shaped.

Abstract: A bicycle seat support that resiliently supports a bicycle seat and comprises an upper engagement member adapted to support a bicycle seat, a lower engagement member adapted to engage a bicycle frame, and a compliant support assembly coupling the upper engagement member to the lower engagement member. The compliant support assembly includes a first cantilevered beam cantilevered to the lower engagement member, and a second cantilevered beam cantilevered to the first cantilevered beam. The first and second cantilevered beams define a gap, and a resilient member is positioned in the gap. Preferably, the cantilevered beams include convex surfaces, and the resilient member includes concave surfaces shaped to receive the convex surfaces. The resilient member can include a body portion and a strut (e.g., two struts). The resilient member can also include a side surface and a recess in the side surface (e.g., extending all the way through the resilient member).

Abstract: A rotary supporting member supports a parallel member rotatably with respect to an upper beam. A first brace connects an opposite-end side of the parallel member with an opposite-end side of a lower beam. A second brace connects another opposite-end side of the parallel member with another opposite-end side of the lower beam. An intersection position of the first brace with the second brace is positioned more adjacent to a side of the upper beam than where an intermediate position between the upper beam and the lower beam is present. Damper members dispose respectively so as to be interposed between the parallel member and the upper beam, connecting the parallel member with the upper beam, and being disposed to make a pair at least on both sides each of which is separated away from the rotary supporting member to interpose the rotary supporting member therebetween.

Abstract: This compound linear flexure bearing incorporates a simple but unique flexure arrangement which inherently allows stable long travel operation. The flexure arrangement passively constrains all degrees of freedom except translation along the bearing axis while also compensating for flexure foreshortening. This design permits large displacement, low operating stress, low operating force, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The linear flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics. Specific applications include but are not limited to wafer and reticle positioning stages used in microlithography systems, optic translation and scanning mechanisms used in tactical and spaceborne systems, as well as flip-in mechanisms used in multiple field of view optical systems.

Abstract: A handheld power tool with a shiftable mechanism, which is adjustable between two operating positions, has a coupling spring that is coupled with an adjustable shifting member of the mechanism. The coupling spring is embodied as a metastable spring.

Abstract: A sprung mass damping control system of a vehicle, which suppresses sprung mass vibration generated in a vehicle body by adjusting a driving control amount of a drive source (the second motor-generator), includes a spring vibration control amount calculating device that sets a sprung mass damping control amount for suppressing the sprung mass vibration, a drive source control device (a motor-generator control device) that executes sprung mass damping control by controlling the driving control amount of the drive source to realize the sprung mass damping control amount, and a sprung mass damping control amount adjusting apparatus (a sprung mass damping control amount responsiveness compensating portion) that adjusts the phase of a sprung mass damping control signal related to the sprung mass damping control amount according to the situation. A vehicle is provided with this sprung mass damping control system.

Abstract: A spring system comprising flat plate-springs with one end mounted rigidly to an un-spring first base and the opposite end mounted rigidly to a sprung second base. The spring system is fitted with cams as strain-control surfaces, mounted tangent to the plate springs and spaced progressively from the said plate-springs beginning at the tangency. The strain-control cams are movable to provide for adjustable spring rates, actively repositioned upon demand therein providing an adaptive active spring-rate system or suspension.

Abstract: A multi-stage flexural pivot includes a first support member, a second support member, a coupler, and a plurality of flexures, each flexure having first and second flexible members arranged substantially perpendicular to one another and laterally offset from one another. A first flexure of the plurality of flexures is coupled between the first support member and the coupler to form a first stage and provide for relative rotational movement between the first support member and the coupler. A second flexure of the plurality of flexures is coupled between the second support member and the coupler to form a second stage and provide for relative rotational movement between the second support member and the coupler. Relative rotational movement between the first support member and the second support member is a sum of the relative rotational movements of the first stage and the second stage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-stage spring system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a multi-stage spring system includes a spring assembly having at least one resilient element, wherein the spring assembly has a first spring constant when deflected up to a first distance, a greater, second spring constant when deflected beyond the first distance and up to a second distance, and a greater, third spring constant when deflected beyond the second distance and up to a third distance, and wherein the spring assembly stores mechanical energy when deflected towards a contact surface that biases the spring assembly away from the contact surface when released.

Abstract: A spring includes a first, inner, continuous frame, a second, continuous frame enveloping said first frame, said first and second frames made in a flexible material of high yield stress, said first and second frame having a common frame portion constituting a minor proportion of said first frame compared to the remainder of said first frame, said first and second frames being plane arranged generally in a common plane in their unloaded state and arranged for being deformed generally in said common plane.

Abstract: Flexure bearing systems and configurations guide translational motion along a single-axis in micro and macro applications such as micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices including sensors and actuators like electrostatic comb-drive actuators. The flexure bearing systems and configurations described herein provide an improved constraint against movement (i.e., stiffness) of the primary mover in non-motion axes such as a bearing axis.

Abstract: A complex wave spring, or Beer Spring™, for electrically coupling opposed electrical contact surfaces or generating a relatively constant force. The spring includes a first wave portion shaped to define a first upward undulation and a first downward undulation, and a second wave portion fixedly arranged relative to the first wave portion. The second wave portion is shaped to define a second upward undulation proximate to the first downward undulation, and a second downward undulation proximate to the first upward undulation. The spring may be formed of electrically conductive material suitable for electrically coupling electrical contact surfaces when the spring is in contact between the surfaces. The complex spring provides unusually constant spring forces over a relatively wide range of compression distances.

Abstract: A tubular spring having a longitudinal slot that is attached between a movable member and a fixed attachment device. A recliner hinge assembly for a vehicle seat that includes an inboard recliner and an outboard recliner connected by a connecting rod. A split tube having a longitudinally extending slot is assembled over the connecting rod. The split tube biases the seat back toward a neutral position when the seat back is shifted to a position that is angularly offset from the neutral position.

Abstract: A nodal-mounted spring arrangement for an electronic toothbrush includes a V-shaped spring member secured at both ends so that it can operate in out-of-phase torsion mode along the axial dimension thereof. A mounting plate is connected between a node point along the V-shaped spring member and the housing of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes opposing slots on opposite sides of the node point, the slots extending in an axial direction, creating an integrated torsion bar node spring, while reducing stress in the vicinity of the nodal point.

Abstract: This compound linear flexure bearing incorporates a simple but unique flexure arrangement which inherently allows stable long travel operation. The flexure arrangement passively constrains all degrees of freedom except translation along the bearing axis while also compensating for flexure foreshortening. This design permits large displacement, low operating stress, low operating force, and high stiffness in the five noncompliant degrees of freedom. The linear flexure bearing described herein has applications in precision mechanics, particularly opto-mechanics.