Flexural Support Patents (Class 267/160)
  • Patent number: 6702082
    Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement, especially for connecting a pressure plate to a housing, comprises a plurality of adjacent leaf spring elements, where each leaf spring element has a first attachment area for establishing the connection the pressure plate, a second attachment area for establishing the connection to the housing, and a connecting area extending between the first attachment area and the second attachment area. At least certain areas of at least two of the leaf spring elements are spaced apart between their first attachment area and their second attachment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Matthias Dörfler, Andreas Orlamünder, Andreas Dau, Albert Kammermeier, Hartmut Bach, Cora Carlson, Günther Esly, Reinhard Feldhaus, Ingrid Hoffelner, Christoph Kleuker, Paul Kraus, Bernd Peinemann, Michael Peterseim, Gerhard R{overscore (o)}ll, Ralf Till, Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 6695297
    Abstract: The flexural device-based suspension suspends a movable element with high compliance in a direction of travel and low compliance in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel. The suspension comprises two flexural devices and a constraining element. The two flexural devices are connected to the movable element. Each of the flexural devices includes an elongate floating beam disposed substantially parallel to the direction of travel. The constraining element is for constraining relative motion of the floating beams in the direction of travel and for allowing the floating beams to move freely relative to one another in the orthogonal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Jonah A. Harley
  • Patent number: 6695296
    Abstract: A shock absorption mount has is generally C-shaped and has a top section, a bottom section, and a supporting section. The top section contacts an equipment mounting surface, while the bottom section contacts a foundation. The supporting section includes-an inclining section, an intermediate middle section, and a declining section. Preferably, the inclining section is a linearly inclining section and the declining section is a linearly declining section. The intermediate middle section has a curvilinear shape that has an elliptical inner segment and a circular outer segment. Preferably, the shock absorption mount is constructed of an elastomeric material having a flexural modulus in the range of about 10 and 100 ksi, a breaking strain greater than about 400%, and a yield strain greater than about 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel A. Runge
  • Patent number: 6666611
    Abstract: A three-degree of motion joint comprising a translational joint, a first support member, a first rotational joint, and a second rotational joint. The translational joint allows a first component and a second component to move with respect to each other along the z-axis. The translational joint includes a first translational flexural member that connects a first member and a base member. The first support member is attached to the base member. The first rotational joint allows the first component and the second component to be moved with respect to each other in the &THgr;x direction. The first rotational joint includes a first rotational flexural member that is attached to the first member. The second rotational joint allows the first component and second component to move with respect to each other in the &THgr;y direction. The second rotational joint includes a second rotational flexural member attached to the first support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Alton Hugh Phillips, Douglas Chandler Watson
  • Patent number: 6666612
    Abstract: A pivot has identical first and second members partially engaged in each other and mobile in rotation relative to each other about a common axis, against the action of at least two return leaf springs each having first and second ends anchored in the first and second parts, respectively, by being wedged inside them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignees: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, Be System Etudes Cao Realisations
    Inventors: Eric Pascal Jean Lorigny, Eric Lionel Meizel
  • Patent number: 6664702
    Abstract: Pseudoelastic elements are shaped in order to form springs which exhibit relatively constant force levels over a major fraction of maximum deflection capacity during loading and also during unloading. The shape of sail pseudoelastic elements is chosen to concentrate at least one of flexural and torsional deformations within limited regions. The element may be braced outside said regions in order to further concentrate deformations within said regions. Loading of said pseudoelastic springs thus produces strains within said regions which are largely corresponding to the upper pseudoelastic stress plateau where strain variations cause relatively small changes in stress. Unloading of said pseudoelastic springs also produces strains within said regions which are largely corresponding to the lower stress plateau of the pseudoelastic stress-strain curve where stress is subject to relatively small changes with strain variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: DPD, Inc.
    Inventor: Parviz Soroushian
  • Patent number: 6598365
    Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Carl J. Abraham, Henry D. Cross
  • Patent number: 6595503
    Abstract: A cushioning device includes a mounting plate disposed in parallel to a base plate. The mounting plate has a connecting surface facing the base plate, and a mounting surface opposite to the connecting surface and mounted on an object to be cushioned. A cushioning unit is mounted fixedly between the base plate and the mounting plate, and includes an intermediate plate disposed between and parallel to the base and mounting plates, and a plurality of cushioning members, each of which has a first U-shaped strip portion mounted fixedly between the base plate and the intermediate plate, and a second U-shaped strip portion mounted fixedly between the mounting plate and the intermediate plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jian-Rung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6585445
    Abstract: This application describes the design of the split-tube flexure, a unique precision revolute joint that exhibits a considerably larger range of motion and significantly better multi-axis revolute joint characteristics than a conventional flexure. The development of this joint enables the implementation of spatially-loaded revolute joint-based precision machines with well-behaved kinematic and dynamic characteristics and without the backlash and stick-slip behavior that would otherwise prevent precision machine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Michael Goldfarb, John E. Speich
  • Publication number: 20030116899
    Abstract: The present invention provides a head suspension assembly, which cantilevers a read/write magnetic transducer head adjacent the rotating surface of a disk in a disk drive, and the method of constructing the head suspension assembly using adhesives adhesive control and distribution features designed to improve both the performance characteristics and manufacturing yields of head suspension assemblies. Such adhesive control and distribution features in accord with the present invention may include through-hole features and component perimeter overlays that impede the flow of adhesive onto surfaces and component interfaces of the flex suspension assembly where the presence of such adhesives may degrade the suspension assembly's performance attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Mark T. Girard
  • Publication number: 20030116900
    Abstract: The flexural device-based suspension suspends a movable element with high compliance in a direction of travel and low compliance in a direction orthogonal to the direction of travel. The suspension comprises two flexural devices and a constraining element. The two flexural devices are connected to the movable element. Each of the flexural devices includes an elongate floating beam disposed substantially parallel to the direction of travel. The constraining element is for constraining relative motion of the floating beams in the direction of travel and for allowing the floating beams to move freely relative to one another in the orthogonal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Jonah A. Harley
  • Patent number: 6579047
    Abstract: It is provided a support and guide device for small machine tools, in particular for rotating-mass balancing machines, comprising: a base element (2), at least one moving element (3) in engagement with the base element (2), support elements (4) for the moving element (3), and drive members (5) controlling shiftings of the moving element (3), the support elements (4) comprising at least one elastically deformable thin sheet (7) oscillatably supporting the moving element (3), and the drive members (5) being active on the moving element (3) to shaft the latter against the action of the elastically deformable thin sheet (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Balance Systems S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Trionfetti
  • Patent number: 6578835
    Abstract: A cross elastomer mount comprising a body composed of an elastomer and having a plurality of legs, a first platform for supporting a first member and a second platform for supporting a second member, a plurality of rigid platform arms pivotally attached to the platforms, and a plurality of hinges pivotally attaching the rigid platform arms to the legs of the cross elastomer mount whereby the plurality of legs bow or arc under a shock and vibration force to allow the cross elastomer mount to attenuated the forces while providing a tension and shearing resistance to the shocks and vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert James Monson, Scott J. Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20030038415
    Abstract: A sensor isolation system including a sensor, a package for the sensor, and a compliant interposer disposed between the sensor and the package and interconnecting the sensor to the package to isolate the sensor from thermal and mechanical stresses and yet at the same time providing a physical interconnect between the sensor and the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Richard S. Anderson, David S. Hanson, Frederick J. Kasparian, Thomas F. Marinis, Joseph W. Soucy
  • Patent number: 6471435
    Abstract: A flexural joint, in particular a flexural thrust joint suitable for precision stages and application requiring vacuum is disclosed herein. A two degree of freedom joint comprises: two joint elements, each with a load bearing surface; two flexures attached between the elements, such that the flexures are under tension when the joint is subject to a compressive load. The flexures are long and thin, such that they can twist and bend, giving the joint two degrees of freedom. A three degree of freedom joint comprises: a first joint element with a load bearing surface; a second joint element with a second load bearing surface; a third joint element; two first flexures attached between the second and third elements; two second flexures attached between the third and first elements, such that both the first and second flexures are under tension when the joint is subject to a compressive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignees: Multibeam Systems, Inc., Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin E. Lee
  • Patent number: 6471151
    Abstract: The reel spring for use in a magnetic tape cassette comprises a fixing portion which is fixed to a boss of a cassette case by means of a boss hole, an arm portion which forces a reel in an axial direction of rotation and a bending portion provided between the fixing portion and the arm portion in an L-like shape. The ratio of a length of the fixing portion of the reel spring to a height of the boss is 4.0 or more. The length of the fixing portion is longer than that of the arm portion by 1 mm to 5 mm. The magnetic tape cassette employs the reel spring which is capable of enhancing production efficiency in fabricating the magnetic tape cassette while maintaining a specified force of the reel spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Kita, Tatsuya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6471552
    Abstract: This spring is made from a metal leaf. On one edge it has at least one tab bent toward the terminal block and intended to sit beside the bonding leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Entrelec S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Bechaz, Philippe Dubech
  • Patent number: 6464215
    Abstract: A device for damping vibration in mounting vibration-prone devices, such as fans or other devices with moving parts. A fan may be mounted at the center of a spiral spring to prevent transmission of vibrations including sounds from the fan to a surrounding structure, such as a cell phone powered by a metal-air battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: John Douglas Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 6427552
    Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10). The rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12) having a chamber (18). A portion of the chamber (18) is a relief pocket (22). A pinion gear (26) is rotatably mounted in the chamber (18) of the housing (12). A rack bar (38) is movable relative to the pinion gear (26). The rack bar (38) is at least partially disposed in the chamber (18) of the housing (12) and has teeth (44) in meshing engagement with the pinion gear (26). A spring (60) is disposed in the chamber (18) of the housing (12) for supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (38) relative to the pinion gear (26). The spring (60) extends across an opening to the relief pocket (22). The spring (60) extends into the relief pocket (22) as a load applied to the spring (60) from the rack bar (38) increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Sahr
  • Patent number: 6427990
    Abstract: A spring configuration of an individual-segment underspring configuration for furniture including a mattress. The spring configuration is formed of individual spring elements, each containing a supporting plate; a baseplate; a latch holder having latches; and at least one spring body connected between the supporting plate and the baseplate. The spring body has a first center, a second center spaced apart from the first center, a central axis, and cushioning arms disposed in one of a straight plane and a curved plane and extending radially outward in one of a straight manner and a curved manner from the first center and the central axis. The cushioning arms have outer ends with latching devices in a region of the second center, and, in each case in a state in which the cushioning arms are bent over in a manner of a basket in one direction toward the central axis and the second center, the latching devices of the cushioning arms engaging in and securing to the latches of the latch holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Siegbert Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20020079632
    Abstract: A modular shock isolator and method of isolation of components of a system with multiple modular shock isolators arranged to provide different damping and vibration characteristics than an individual modular shock isolator. In one mode, a modular shock isolator having a base with legs extending from each side of the base with each of the legs having a foot that extends outward from the legs with the modular shock isolator either individually mounted to isolate a component or a plurality of modular shock isolators are be ganged, or stacked together to change the shock isolation characteristics of the shock mount formed from the multiple modular shock isolators. A layer of damping material can be sandwiched between layers of elastomers to dampen the natural spring-back of the materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Trevor J. McCollough, Robert James Monson
  • Patent number: 6398444
    Abstract: A coupling including a ring member attached to a housing, the ring member having a through-hole and a ring axis; a body connected to the ring member by a pair of yielding but axially inextensible members preventing rotation of the body about the ring axis and preventing movement of the body in the direction of the axes of the inextensible members; and flexure plates which allow displacement of the ring member with respect to the housing in the direction of the axes of the inextensible members to thereby allow the body five degrees of freedom of movement with respect to the housing but not rotation about the ring axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Gordon O. Salmela
  • Patent number: 6371463
    Abstract: Pseudoelastic elements are subjected to pre-strains and restrained in order to form springs which exhibit relatively constant force levels over a major fraction of maximum deflection capacity during loading and also during unloading. Pre-straining of pseudoelastic elements subjects them to strains which approach or reach the upper stress plateau of the pseudoelastic stress-strain curve. Loading of said pseudoelastic springs thus produces strains largely corresponding to the upper pseudoelastic stress plateau where strain variations cause relatively small changes in stress. Unloading of said pseudoelastic springs also produces strains largely corresponding to the lower stress plateau of the pseudoelastic stress-strain curve where stress is subject to relatively small changes with strain variations. Said psueodoelastic springs can be used in brush holders which can benefit from a relatively constant level of force as deflections occur due to brush wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: DPD, Inc.
    Inventor: Parviz Sorovshian
  • Patent number: 6357733
    Abstract: An elastic spring element includes a fiber-reinforced ceramic that is resistant to temperatures greater than 1,000° C. The fibers are in the form of endless fibers and the elastic spring element has a corrugated geometric shape. The elastic spring elements may be used for sealing a control surface against hypersonic flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Georg Wulz, Wilfried Becker, Helmut Knabe
  • Patent number: 6342138
    Abstract: An electroplating rack includes a cathode flight bar from which depends an insulated rack bar over an acid bath. A clamp is fixed to the rack bar, and has a bridge electrically connected to the flight bar through a conducting core inside the insulated rack bar. The clamp has a main body made of plastic, which includes a slot in which protrudes the bridge. An electrically conducting spring clip is installed in the slot, and is formed of two arms continuously biased into a spreaded, opened condition in the slot. A screw carried by the main body, when rotated in a first direction, can force the spring clip into a closed condition, in which it can hold an article to be electroplated between its two arms, and in which one of the spring clip arms is forced against the bridge member. Thus, electrical current can pass through the rack flight bar and conducting core, then through the bridge member, the spring clip and finally into the article to be electroplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: M & B Plating Racks Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Brown
  • Patent number: 6305676
    Abstract: A buckling device of a scanning head is installed at an initial position of an optic module of the scanner. A slot is formed on the casing of a scanner for being positioned and inserted by a swingable piece. Two lateral surfaces of the swingable piece are pivotally installed to a pair of shaft grooves on the casing by respective projecting shafts. The swingable piece has an upper stopper for being inserted into an engaging hole of the optic module. The swingable piece is installed with a lower stopper and a sliding groove is installed on the casing. A gate is installed in the sliding groove. A hooking piece protrudes from one end of the sliding groove for hooking one end of the spring at one side of the gate; another end of the spring is connected to a hook portion at an end surface of the sliding rod passing through another end of the gate. A transverse piece and a straight piece are installed on the sliding rod. The straight piece is buckled to a resisting surface at a bottom of the optic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng Yeh Peng
  • Patent number: 6298795
    Abstract: A mounting device for supporting the movable part of a cooling or heating grate, while permitting the movable part to oscillate in the feed direction. The mounting device comprises a plurality of leaf springs connected by transmission members. The upper and lower ends of the leaf springs are alternately attached to transmission members to form symmetrical N-shaped assemblies in which lateral movement is permitted by equal deflections of the leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Ulrich Suer
  • Patent number: 6267363
    Abstract: A flexible pivot with internal pivoting axis comprises two stages that are symmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the pivoting axis and separated by an external circular recess containing the median plane, each stage comprising an outer annular interface connected by a plurality of radial, flexible guiding arms to a common intermediate cylinder having an axis that is the same as the internal pivoting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventors: Pierre-Marcel Genequand, Philippe Schwab
  • Patent number: 6254070
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel shock-absorbing mount (20) to protect shock sensitive equipment mounted thereon. It has a configuration of a C shape but contains various angles therein to increase the utility and agility of the shock absorbing mount (20). These angles are specifically derived to allow the shock-absorbing mount (20) to fully absorb extreme shock energy without transferring it to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
    Inventor: Samuel A. Runge
  • Patent number: 6250618
    Abstract: A curved wave shim is formed from a flat elongated wire strip which follows a sinusoidal wave path that includes a series of waves spaced about the curved wave shim path, each wave having a shoulder portion which bears against generally parallel surfaces of the working elements positioned on a shaft or in a cylinder bore. The shim fits in a rectangular groove formed either on a shaft or in a cylinder bore, the axial height of the groove being slightly greater than the distance between successive wave crests and troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Smalley Steel Ring Company
    Inventor: Michael Greenhill
  • Patent number: 6222734
    Abstract: A heat sink may be spring strapped onto a socketed processor using clips that engage the spring strap and that are pre-positioned on the circuit board. The clips may be C-shaped and may include an upper spring arm portion, a vertical portion, and a base which may be surface mounted to the circuit board. The upper spring arm of the C-shaped clip then releasably engages the spring strap to clamp the heat sink firmly onto the socketed processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Bookhardt, Shawn S. McEuen
  • Patent number: 6205873
    Abstract: A linkage couples a pair of rotatable shafts so that the rotation of one the shafts causes rotation of the other said shaft about the some axis. The linkage includes a pair of thin flexure strips disposed in parallel between the pair of parallel rotatable shafts One end of the pair of flexure strips is coupled to one of the rotatable shafts and the other end of the pair of flexure strips is coupled to the other rotatable shaft. The pair of thin flexure strips is coupled to the shafts so that the rotation of one of the shafts will cause the flexure strips to rotate the other of the shafts. The rotatable shafts rotate around parallel axes. The flexure strips flex and bend together as the rotatable shafts rotate. The rotational motion transmitted by the flexure strips has the same axis as the rotation axis of the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Michael N. Tranquilla
  • Patent number: 6189875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device with an X-beam (6) and two parallel Y-beams (2,3) in the shape of an H. On each Y-beam a motor driven carriage (4,5) is provided. Between these carriages an X-beam is coupled. On the X-beam a carriage (9) with a positioning head (10) is provided. The coupling (7) between one end of the X-beam and the carriage (4) on the first Y-beam (2) comprises two leaf springs (19,20) perpendicular to each other, the intersecting line of said leaf springs forming an imaginary rotation axis (28) of the coupling. The coupling (8) between the other end of the X-beam and the carriage (5) on the other, second Y-beam (3) comprises one leaf spring (29) oriented in the Y-direction and having a relatively great stiffness in the Y-direction and a relative small stiffness in the X-direction. Advantage of these couplings: no play, frictionless, possibility of small angle correction for the positioning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Josephus M. M. Van Gastel
  • Patent number: 6146044
    Abstract: A rotary flexure is designed to exhibit very high radial and axial stiffness and to exhibit virtually no movement in its center of rotation. The flexure, which is formed from a single billet of material, includes an outer ring from which three thin flexure blades extend. The flexure blades extend toward the centerpoint of the rotary flexure, where they join to form a centerpiece. Three lobes also join at the centerpiece, one between each pair of flexure blades. The lobes extend toward the outer ring, and are free to rotate about the pivot axis with respect to the outer ring and the flexure blades. During rotation, the pivot axis exhibits virtually no movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Robert John Calvet
  • Patent number: 6076795
    Abstract: In known retaining devices for electric motors, rotationally flexible retaining elements on the order of leaf springs are provided between a receiving housing and the electric motor and serve to decouple noise of the electric motor. The novel retaining device for an electric motor includes retaining elements that extend axially between a receiving housing and the motor housing. These retaining elements enable low-frequency decoupling below the frequencies to be decoupled; on the occurrence of natural resonance when the electric motor is turned on and off or there are shocks from outside, the torsional motion of the retaining elements is limited by stop elements. The retaining device is especially well suited to electric motors of blowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Scheidel, Peter Froehlich, Christof Bernauer, Thomas Bertolini, Christoph Eitel, Josef Foerstera, Peter Nolting, Reuben Agnon, Otto Brass, Alfred Maier
  • Patent number: 6059481
    Abstract: A device for the guidance, in rectilinear translation in a given direction, of an object that is mobile in relation to a fixed object, comprises a first parallelogram, called an intermediate parallelogram, and a second parallelogram, called a guidance parallelogram, opposite the first parallelogram. The guidance device comprises a motion reduction lever that is fixed at a first end to the fixed base by a first flexible reduction band; at a second end to the rigid guidance element by a second flexible reduction band; in its middle to the intermediate rigid element by a third flexible reduction band. The disclosed device can be applied to objects in rectilinear translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre-Marcel Genequand
  • Patent number: 6050556
    Abstract: A flexure bearing unit in a linear drive compressor that supports a piston on a yoke for reciprocating movement within a housing includes a plurality of flat discs each provided with a central opening through which extends the piston and a plurality of outer openings receiving parts of the yoke. The flexure bearing is provided with a plurality of first supports each disposed between adjacent flat discs at the outer peripheral portions of the flat discs for supporting opposite sides of the flat discs at the outer peripheral portions of the flat discs. The flexure bearing is also provided with a plurality of second supports each provided between adjacent flat discs at the inner peripheral portions of the flat discs for supporting opposite sides of the flat discs at the inner peripheral portions of the flat discs. The flat discs each include a plurality of spirally extending slits which each possess oppositely located ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Masuda, Nobuo Okumura
  • Patent number: 6049976
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing raised contacts on the surface of an electronic component includes bonding one end of a wire to an area, such as a terminal, of the electronic component, and shaping the wire into a wire stem configuration (including straight, bent two-dimensionally, bent three-dimensionally). A coating, having one or more layers, is deposited on the wire stem to (i) impart resilient mechanical characteristics to the shaped wire stem and (ii) more securely attach ("anchor") the wire stem to the terminal. Gold is one of several materials described that may be selected for the wire stem. A variety of materials for the coating, and their mechanical properties, are described. The wire stems may be shaped as loops, for example originating and terminating on the same terminal of the electronic component, and overcoated with solder. The use of a barrier layer to prevent unwanted reactions between the wire stem and its environment (e.g., with a solder overcoat) is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventor: Igor Y. Khandros
  • Patent number: 5996434
    Abstract: A pressure head (10) for contacting pressure areas through relative movement in the vertical Z-direction includes a frame (20), a pair of horn assemblies (12) each including a horn (100) for contacting a workpiece (230), the horn (100) supported by a gimbal (40) connected to the frame (20) and a pair of pressure assemblies 15, each including a pressure cylinder (310) for applying a force to its horn (100). The gimbal (40) has only a single outer torsion member (50) and supports the horn (100) such that the horn (100) can rotate about orthogonal X and Y rotation axes and can translate in the Z-direction relative to frame (20). Each gimbal (40) having only a single outer torsion member (50) allows a pair of gimbals (40) to support horns (100) in close proximity for operation on two proximal work areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5917701
    Abstract: A fastener for mounting a heat sink to a circuit board. The heat sink has a lower surface, at least one groove in the lower surface defining first and second surfaces extending substantially normal to the lower surface, and a lock recess on each of the first and second surfaces. The circuit board has a plurality of openings in a mounting surface thereof The fastener includes a body having a main portion. A spring clip extends in a first direction from the main portion into the groove and is biased to engage the first and second surfaces of the heat sink. A plurality of latches on the spring clip engage the lock recesses when the spring clip engages the first and second surfaces of the heat sink. A plurality of anchor lugs extend in a second direction from the main portion, opposite the first direction, to be received in respective openings in the board to rigidly attach the fastener to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Artesyn Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry B. Solberg
  • Patent number: 5827155
    Abstract: A treadmill including an adjustable spring structure for providing resiliency or a cushioning effect to a user. The adjustable spring structure includes a longitudinally extending leaf spring secured at one end to a crossmember extending between the side rails of the treadmill frame, the free end of the leaf spring having secured thereto a downwardly extending foot. The flex of the leaf spring, and thus the resiliency or cushioning afforded the user, are adjustable via longitudinal movement of a laterally extending adjustment bar disposed between the leaf spring and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon F. Jensen, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 5813649
    Abstract: A constant-load deformable bracket for protecting the occupants of vehicles and/or objects from injury or damage resulting from vertical acceleration or deceleration. The constant-load deformable bracket starts to deform when the magnitude of the vertical force on the bracket reaches a predetermined value. In vehicle applications, the deformable bracket is installed between a seat and its platform. The deformable bracket may also be used in a storage container to protect goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Simula, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie D. Peterson, Charles N. Whitaker, John A. DiPalma
  • Patent number: 5785303
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring core of leaf springs for mattresses and seat cushions. According to the invention, the spring core comprises at least two plates opposite each other, having a multiplicity of spring elements broken out of holes. Preferably, the spring elements of the opposite plates are mirror-images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Franz Kutschi
  • Patent number: 5764498
    Abstract: An electronics assembly is described which allows three-dimensional movement of a printed wiring board (PWB) relative to an attached electronics subassembly. The subassembly is attached to the PWB by a coupling device which is capable of resilient deflection responsive to mechanical agitation while maintaining effective electrical and thermal communication between the subassembly and the PWB. The coupling device includes contact surfaces which enhance the reliability of the overall electronics assembly by minimizing the potential for detachment of the subassembly from the PWB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Lance L. Sundstrom
  • Patent number: 5747140
    Abstract: A completely vented upholstered body of grid plates with a wave profile includes solid portions of the grid which pass through the wave extrema of its wave contour. Many of the solid portions of the grid preferably are disposed transversely to at least one wave propagation direction and, in each case, continuously over a large portion of a wavelength, at a distance from one another. There is only a limited, specified bending deformation, during which the solid portions of the grid can be deformed largely independently of one another as if they were individual spiral springs. As a result, the upholstered body has a high point elasticity despite the plate construction. By adroit dimensioning of the course of the wave thickness, an advantageous diffusion of stresses can be achieved without stress peaks. Moreover, the work of deformation is absorbed uniformly in the upholstered material. This results in a long service life of the upholstered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Siegfried Heerklotz
  • Patent number: 5731955
    Abstract: A spring clip assembly having integral backbone with a plurality of the spring clip members extending from the backbone, each spring clip member having a tapered loop. The loop tapers to an inwardly facing end. If desired, a special insertion tool can be used to provide for a zero insertion force assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jon Gordon Bartanen, Michael John Luettgen
  • Patent number: 5663486
    Abstract: A mechanical linear guide for making a body move in an axial direction, comprising a system which is preferably made up of reinforced leaf springs and/or hole-type hinges, and which is rotationally symmetrical about an axial direction and mirror-symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The system is connected to a fixed base at six points (A, D, I, L, M, P), and a body (18) is suspended between two points (F, G) in such a way that it can carry out only movement in the axial direction, and not in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno
    Inventors: Bernardus Carolus Braam, Jan Hopman, Marinus Pieter Koster
  • Patent number: 5649454
    Abstract: A compliant mechanism is configured to generate a substantially constant output force in response to an input in the form of a linear displacement. The compliant mechanism is a slider mechanism whose members and their interconnects cooperate to generate a biasing force that causes the slider mechanism to generate a substantially constant output force that is substantially parallel to the linear path of a reciprocable member in response to the displacement of the reciprocable member along the linear path. To achieve the above functional characteristics, the slider mechanism is composed of structural elements, one or more of which is compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ashok Midha, Morgan Daniel Murphy, Larry L. Howell
  • Patent number: 5620169
    Abstract: A rotary mount flexural pivot is disclosed which is integrally formed from a single piece of feed stock and which uses no mechanical connections. Two hollow cylindrical mounts are axially aligned and at least two flexural members are disposed on the interior of these two mounts, are integrally interconnected with each of these two mounts, and cross to define an intersection. These two flexural members are integrally interconnected with each other along the entire extent of this intersection. The mounts therefore move relative to each other by a relative rotation about the flexural member intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Dan A. Payne
  • Patent number: 5581442
    Abstract: A spring clip for clamping a heat sink module to an electronic module which has a pair of opposite side edge surfaces and a pair of spaced projections which extend from each side edge surface. The spring clip includes an elongated generally horizontal middle segment, a pair of end segments at opposite ends of the middle segment which extend in a first direction at an upward angle and a finger tab segment which is connected to the middle segment and which extends at an upward angle in a second direction which is opposite the first direction. A spring clip and heat sink assembly is formed by attaching a pair of spring clips to opposite ends of the heat sink for application to an electronic module. A heat dissipating assembly is formed by applying the spring clip and heat sink assembly to an electronic module which has a pair of projections extending from opposite edge surfaces of the electronic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Wakefield Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Morosas