Abstract: A resonant frequency reciprocating print bar drive mechanism having print bar assembly mass 12 and counterweight 13 held in spaced relationship to each other by first and second leaf springs 16 and 17, which are of equal flexural stiffness. Drive solenoid 14 is mounted between the first and second springs 16 and 17, for inducing reciprocal oscillation between print bar 12 and counterweight 13. The print bar assembly, counterweight and spring assembly is itself suspended as a single unit from perimeter frame 11 by suspension springs 15. Suspension springs 15 have a much lower spring rate than that of leaf springs 16 and 17, and, as a result, the print bar assembly 12 and counterweight 13 will reciprocally oscillate, relative to each other, at a single resonant frequency.

Abstract: An article gripper with a fixed jaw has a movable jaw mounted on reed springs. Deflection of the movable jaw permits the article to enter and exit the gripper. The movable jaw has an inlet cam surface and an outlet cam surface, configured so that a low-level inlet force deflects the jaw and reeds laterally, while a higher-level outlet, or removal, force is directed parallel to the reed springs causing the jaw to behave stiffly and thus resist pullout of the article.

Abstract: A structural pivot 10 includes a first sleeve 18 and a second sleeve 20 which are connected together by a pair of flexures 22 and 24. Each flexure includes a pair of blades 40, 42 and 54, 56. The free ends of the blades are connected to the sleeves 18, 20 while the common cross members 44 and 62 remain spaced from the inner surfaces of the sleeves. During angular rotation of the sleeves, the blades can flex without resulting in a geometric center shift for the pivot.

Abstract: A spring for radially biasing a slidable vane in an air motor vane slot includes two torsion coils, an offset base member connecting the coils and curved arm members extending from the coils. The offset base member reduces stress and allows a higher profile vane to be used. The arc shaped arm members redistribute wear or contact points and also allow a higher profile vane.

Abstract: A spring is constructed as a resilient U-shaped piece comprising a middle portion and leg portions disposed in the same plane, the leg portions including a bearing for taking an external load. The bearings are disposed on the leg portions in such a manner that a line passing through the centers of the bearings is parallel to the middle portion.

Abstract: In order to mount a body on a base by way of a synthetic resin member, a structure is useful in tightening and fixing the synthetic resin member on the body by means of a screw which can be tightened only to a limited degree, so as to avoid its tightening to the screw head thereof. A planar portion with a screw insertion hole formed therethrough is provided at the screwed part of the synthetic resin member. At least one first land to be brought into contact with the screw head and at least one second land to be brought into contact with the body are provided respectively on both surfaces of the planar portion at different locations as seen in a plan view of the planar portion. An interference which is to occur upon tightening the screw is absorbed through an elastic deformation of the planar portion.

Abstract: A spacer adapted for use in an optical system holds lenses in place within a housing. The spacer has a plurality of wire column elements which extend under critical column load between the edges of spaced-apart lens elements. The wires are preformed with a bend which directs any lateral deflection parallel to a surface of the housing and out of the light ray space of the lenses. The ends of the wires are received in holes formed in a pair of spaced-apart, arcuate end members which extend circumferentially along peripheral surfaces of the lenses. The outer surfaces of the end members are shaped to mate with corresponding abutting surfaces of the lenses.

Abstract: A flexible beam arrangement functioning as a valve member guide in a pressure relief valve for maintaining proper alignment of a valve member and a valve seat is disclosed wherein one end of the flexible beam is affixed to a valve housing and the other end thereof is fixed to the valve member so that opening and closing of the valve is associated with a flexing of the beam, however sliding motion of the valve member relative to the guide is eliminated. This assures an accurate reseating of the valve member on the valve seat. In the preferred form the flexible beam is formed as a relatively flat disc with an outer peripheral portion being the one end that is fastened to the housing and a central portion being the other end which is fastened to the valve member. Fastening of the other end to the valve member may be accomplished by a shoulder and snap ring arrangement so that the valve member may rotate about its axis relative to the disc, however, axial valve movement requires flexing of the disc.

Abstract: A mechanical spring with negative spring stiffness adapted for use in an electroacoustic transducer unit for reducing the transducer resonant frequency. The mechanical spring with negative spring stiffness comprises two blade springs having both ends coupled to each other and which, under the influence of a compressive force F which acts in a direction along an imaginary line through both ends of the mechanical spring, are each bent in one of two opposite directions.

Abstract: An optical system supporting device which comprises: a pair of first leaf springs which are in parallel with the optical axis of the optical system, but non-parallel to each other, and each one end thereof is fixed to a main body; a pair of second leaf springs which are perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, are mutually in parallel, and to each one end thereof the optical system is fixed; and an intermediate supporting member to support the other end of each of said first and second leaf springs.

Abstract: A heat sink (60) having one or more cooling fins (64) along a central shaft (66) is securable to an active device substrate (12) by a spring clip (80) whose latch sections (92) are latched under latch projections (44) on side walls (40) of the housing (30) to which the substrate (12) is mounted. The bow-shaped formed wire spring clip (80) has arcuate inner sections (82) disposed against the central shaft (66) of the heat sink (60) and exerts spring force downwardly on a retention fin (68) of the heat sink (60) when latched to the housing (30), which holds the bottom surface (62) of the heat sink (60) against the top substrate surface (22) to create a thermal connection.

Abstract: A suspension system for a bed or bunk which is to rest on a substantially horizontally oriented deck and is particularly adapted for the sleeper compartments of large truck cabs and which substantially reduce the amplitude of vibrations and other disruptive movements of the truck. The system includes a lower support frame which is adapted to be on the deck. An upper support frame for supporting a mattress is positioned above the lower support frame. The two frames are interconnected by at least two torsion spring members wherein the upper support frame is free to move up and down relative to the lower support frame under the influence of the spring action of the torsion spring members. The spring action dampens the transmission of up and down movements from the truck to the upper support frame and the mattress positioned thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel having a central pilot flange sized loosely with respect to a pilot boss on the wheel-carrying hub member but interferingly engageable with circumferentially spaced resiiently deflectable elements projecting from the boss outer surface and operative to substantially center the wheel on the hub.

Abstract: A dumping mechanism for a dumping toy truck with a rear deck is disclosed, which is provided with a covering element for preventing invasion of dust and gravel through a large hole for a lifting rod, as well as a buffering pad for a bearing shaft for the rear deck and a flexible buffer at the lower end of the lifting rod for absorbing any sudden shock or loading applied by an infant.

Abstract: A joint is provided which can serve for connecting two elements, but can also be employed for making a column or pole like structure. The joint consists of two superposed plates or frame shaped bodies which are interconnected by two pairs of crossing rods. The joint serves to connect two modular parts in a chain-like construction.

Abstract: A drive strap utilized for a torque converter of an automotive vehicle accommodating minor misalignment but providing effective transmission of torque. The strap assembly includes thin, flexible straps and very stiff back-stops adjacent one end of each strap to provide a characteristic of increasing axial stiffness as strap deflection increases.

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves toward the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle. A spring urged extension is telescopically received in the end of the molding and defines the molding camming surface. The extension takes up any space between the molding and the end portion of the bumper.

Abstract: A resilient support for receiving a force acting thereon along a certain direction, and wherein the force is opposed by a bearing counterforce acting at least partly along a direction opposite to said certain direction, and which includes a plurality of bar elements, at least two bar elements confronting one another, each of the two confronting bar elements having end regions, and forming a rod pair, a linking bar joining the confronting bar elements at a first set of connecting locations spaced at a distance from any end region of any of the confronting bar elements, two other bar elements, each connecting the end regions off the two confronting bar elements at a second set of connecting locations so as to form a closed structure therewith, the other bar elements forming a bar pair, at least two of the means being resilient in at least one of flexion and torsion, one force acting on a location of at least one of the other bar elements, the other force acting on the linking bar, at least one of the forces act

Abstract: A dynamic load compensation system comprises:(a) a first element to receive predetermined applied loading, and a base spaced longitudinally from that element,(b) structure including articulated members supporting the first element on the base and acting to resist displacement thereof characterized in that the base may move relatively toward and away from the first element while such predetermined loading is applied to the first element,(c) certain of the members extending longitudinally and laterally leftwardly, and others of the members extending longitudinally and laterally rightwardly,(d) first connections including links pivotally interconnecting the certain members, and(e) second connections including links pivotally interconnecting the other members.

Abstract: A flexural pivot device and method for producing same, wherein rotational motion of a first tubular member relative to a second tubular member is obtained by: forming flexural members from a shape memory alloy into a first shape in the austenitic phase at a first temperature; cooling the flexural members into the martensitic phase at a second temperature; forming the flexural members into a second shape; installing the flexural members between the first and second tubular members; and recreating the first temperature, thus returning the flexural members to the first shape in the austenitic phase and rotating the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member.

Abstract: A spray boom structure for mounting upon a vehicle which includes a support frame fixed upon the vehicle, a spray boom assembly having a midsection, flat spring means interengaging the frame and midsection for resilient support of the spray boom assembly. The springs are of general S-shaped configuration and shock absorbers disposed at an angle of approximately 40.degree. to 50.degree. to the vertical or mounted for disposition between the frame and midsection for coordinating with the springs for minimizing forceful, normally damaging impact upon the spray boom assembly through vehicle travel over irregular terrain.

Abstract: Compliant soldering pads allow for expansion and contraction between an hermetic chip carriers (HCC) and printed wiring boards (PWB) due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch and prevent solder cracking which in turn causes electrical discontinuities. The pads allow for flexing in three axes.

Abstract: A flexural pivot formed from two members (12, 16) each of which have a large diameter portion (13, 17) extending more than 180.degree. circumferentially around the pivot and a small diameter portion (14, 18) disposed between the circumferentially spaced ends of the large diameter portion (13, 17). Flat springs (21, 22) interconnect the two members (12, 16). The flexural pivot can be of the cantilever type (10) wherein both members (12, 16) have relatively the same shape or of the double ended type (60) wherein the two members (62, 66) have different shapes. In either embodiment, the smaller outer diameter portions of one member fit in the circumferentially defined space between the larger outer diameter portions of the other member. The disclosed construction eliminates the need for a separate supporting sleeve for the flexural pivot (110, 60).

Abstract: A rail vehicle block brake actuator (1) shall be fixedly mounted, but its brake block holder (4) shall brakingly engage an axially movable wheel (25). For this purpose the brake block holder is laterally movably suspended relative to the brake actuator by means of pivotable hangers (5) each consisting of a stack of leaf springs. These leaf springs (5) are preferably prestressed in a direction for compensating for the bias of the taper of the wheel tread, which it is intended to engage, but are held in a straight condition by means of a flat bar (9).

Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibration isolator (1) with two degrees of freedom works according to the nti-resonance principle. The vibration isolator is arranged, for example, between a first body, such as a helicopter frame 13, and a second vibration generating body such as a rotor-transmission unit 12 vibrating at a predominant frequency. A spring arrangement (2) is connected to the attachment points (14, 15) for the first and second bodies. The spring arrangement works in conjunction with a pendulum rod (3) which is attached to the two bodies (12, 13) by spherical pivot bearings (5, 10). The vibration isolator has a compact construction and a low characteristic damping since the spring arrangement includes several relatively small semi-circular or spiral-shaped wound leaf springs (7-1 to 7-4) which extend between an inner ring (4) and an outer ring (6). The pendulum rod is held in a spherical pivot bearing (5) in the inner ring, and a further spherical pivot bearing (10) is connected by a flange (9) to the outer ring.

Abstract: A housing has an inner area defined by end walls, side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall having a flat inner surface. Inlet and outlet ports open through the flat inner surface. The inlet port is arranged to be connected to a supply source of pneumatic pressure and the outlet ports are arranged to be connected to an actuator. A control member in the housing has a pair of recesses facing the inner surface in association with the inlet and outlet ports. The control member is suspended by a pair of leaf springs which allow a high response of the control member with a low signal pressure. The leaf springs are engineered and tested precisely considering the compression or columnar force acting endwise thereon as a result of the working pressure in the valve. At the same time the leaf springs have lateral deflection sufficient for operation of the control member 54 without buckling.

Abstract: A linear adjusting device, especially for cryogenic temperatures and under vacuum conditions, having an adjusting body being adjustable on a carrier body along a linear adjusting path and supported by more than one bending springs placed between said carrier body and adjusting body and bent to have a U-like shape, the U-legs of each of the U-shaped bending springs extending longitudinally along the adjusting path, and at their free ends, one of the legs of each bending spring is fixed to said carrier body and the other leg to said adjusting body, said bending springs being arranged in at least two groups of bending springs consisting of at least two bending springs spaced apart by a given distance along said adjusting path, the bending springs of at least one of said groups of bending springs are arranged at oblique angles to the bending springs of another group of bending springs, when seen in a cross section perpendicular to said adjusting path (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A hinge apparatus is disclosed, in which at least two flexible strips (1-3) are articulated, each via two articulation grooves (7, 8), to two parts (5, 6) that are movable relative to one another and are substantially cylindrical in embodiment, in such a manner that upon a relative movement of the two parts with respect to one another out of one stable position into the other stable position, the flexible strips are located in a substantially radial plane of the two parts (FIG. 3a).

Abstract: A flexural pivot structure useful in a wire bonding machine bonding head (10) is disclosed and includes first and second leaf spring assemblies (39,41) which provide a pivot axis (PA) displaced from the pivoting structure. Each leaf spring assembly includes leaf spring arms (39a,39b,41a,41b) extending outwardly from a central mounting position (39c,41c) so that each assembly forms a truncated vee. The center portions of the leaf springs are secured to a transducer bridge (25) in which a transducer (59) is mounted. The ends of the leaf springs are secured in a bracket (11) with respect to which the transducer (59) pivots about an axis located at the intersection of converging lines along the leaf springs (39a,39b,41a,41b) of each leaf spring assembly (39,41).

Abstract: Track to provide travel of a welding carriage about a pipe, including a metal band bent to encircle a pipe and being supported by slotted crossbars, the slots of the crossbars providing resiliency to the band so that the band will yield when tightened about the pipe, and so that the pipe may expand and contract under changes in temperature without longitudinal overstressing of the band and the latch connecting the ends of the band. The invention includes locator apparatus for spacing the track from the end of a pipe, including one or more adjustable locking pliers fitted to provide pipe end and track engagements and suitable to serve as a guide for locating the position of the track with respect to the pipe end.

Abstract: An optical system support construction such as in a compact disc player includes a first pair of leaf springs having one ends fixed, a second pair of leaf springs having one ends fixed to free ends of the first pair of leaf springs, and an optical system component such as an objective lens supported on free ends of the second pair of leaf springs. The ratio of the spring constant of the first pair of leaf springs to the spring constant of the second pair of leaf springs is inversely proportional to the square root of the length of the first pair of leaf springs to the length of the second pair of leaf springs.

Abstract: An oscillatory drive mechanism for a member to be driven comprises a flexural element (12) having a first portion (14) rigidly attached to a datum with respect to which the member is to be driven, and a second portion (15) rigidly attached to the member, the first and second portions (14,15) being interconnected by one or more first interconnecting members (17) which in the main determine the spring characteristics of the flexural element (12), and one or more second interconnecting members (18) having a dimension, generally in the direction of drive, less than the corresponding dimension of each first interconnecting member (17) and at least one of the second interconnecting members (18) having drive means (21) attached which, when energized, flexes the associated second interconnecting member, which in turn moves the second portion (15) of the flexural element relative to the first portion (14) so as to oscillate the driven member.

Abstract: A linear force transducer includes an inclined plate mounted in a chute to be impacted by a flow of granular material, the plate being supported by one or more leaf springs from the chute. An actuator rod is mounted to the plate and extends to a servo mechanism which generates a force to resist deflection of the plate, the actuator rod being supported by a pair of spaced leaf springs. The servo mechanism includes an electromagnetic force generator to apply a force to the actuator rod, with an electronic circuit to produce an electrical current in response to a force applied to the inclined plate to energize the electromagnetic force generator.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2-D) suspension system consists of series of rhomboidal parallel leaf springs (RPLSs) each of which comprises plural leaf springs apart from one another and at least two rigid walls for fixing both ends of the leaf springs at the same fixing angle selected not to be a right angle and to be different from fixing angles of other rhomboidal parallel leaf springs. Plural rhomboidal parallel leaf springs are linked in series by connecting the rigid walls in such a way that faces of all the leaf springs are perpendicular to an imaginary plane. The 2-D suspension system suspends a movable body which is allowed translation in a plane only and which is restricted in other motions. The mass of the rigid body connecting two RPLSs is so small that the resonance of the rigid body hardly interferes with the motion of the movable body. The 2-D suspension system can hold the movable body at both sides thereof in symmetry.

Abstract: First and second structures are hingedly connected by the engagement of a hinge pin (24) by a hinge knuckle (22). Knuckle (22) is rigidly mounted on the first structure. Pin (24) is attached to a carrier that is slidably mounted on the second structure. A spring, preferably a plurality of stacks of Belleville springs, is positioned between the carrier and the second structure. The slidable mount allows the two structures to move translationally relative to each other to prevent excessive hinge loads. The spring controls such movement and biases the hinge pin, and therefore the hinge axis, into a center position.

Abstract: The frame for the seating surface is constructed elastically deformable under load for the purpose of providing a comfortable seating piece of furniture. The seating surface itself is flexible. The frame includes steel tubes, and the seating surface is made of a stainless steel woven mat, which is fastened to the longitudinal frame tubes, while the front and rear transverse pieces of the frame are bent downwardly and inwardly out of the seating plane, so that an elastic deformability is provided under the weight of a seated person without permanent deformation of the stainless steel mat.

Abstract: A convoluted flexible support structure is provided which is capable of supplying a lateral to axial spring rate in excess of 1,000 to 1. A support member in the form of a steel disc having a specified number of rather large radius, concentric convolutions and a thickness in the range of from about 0.01 to 0.02 inch has an axial stiffness of about 50 pounds/inch while the lateral stiffness is about 100,000 pounds/inch. The support member may be used to support a vibration device where the lateral motion of the vibrator must be highly restricted while providing relatively free axial displacement of about .+-.0.25 inch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost flexural mechanism upon which tracking mirrors and the like used in optical systems may be mounted. The flexural mechanism is made from a single sheet of metal by placing a desired shape or pattern in the metal. The resulting shape is then formed into a base, mounting surface, and flex arms. The mechanism is stiff in directions other than rotation, has low noise, has low thermal sensitivity, and can be made in any practical size. The flexural mechanism can be designed to place the pivot axis at the center of gravity of the mass being rotated, even when the center of gravity is outside the flexural mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a wire tensioning member for providing spring tension in a fence wire. There is provided a spring steel member of a resiliently deformable compound curvature, with the wire being attachable to one end, and the other end being provided with an engaging portion or shaft engageable in a recess provided on a fence post or other fixed ground anchor. The particular application is to provide resilience in light gauge (i.e. between 12-22 gauge) high tensile wire used in electric fencing systems. The resilience of the wire tensioning member also enables it to be used as a conventional gate handle, and furthermore enables the fence to be tensioned to provide overhead or pinned gates in any desired part of the fence for animals or vehicles to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center position and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: A symmetrical three-degree of freedom compliant structure specifically adapted for use in robotic manipulators interposed between a movable robotic arm and the gripper fingers. The structure is uniquely adapted to serve as both a force sensing device and as an expendable mechanical link or fuse which will break due to sudden extreme forces being applied to said fingers and which is easily replaceable. The structure which comprises three separate elements resolves forces into three orthogonal components; X, Y, and Z. There is no mechanical coupling between the individual elements making up the overall compliant structure. Further, due to a multiple flexible web construction of each element, when an orthogonal force is applied to any one of the elements, the two primary planar regions of the element remain parallel. Thus, no rotational component is introduced into the structure.

Abstract: A combination linear bearing and force-generating mechanism comprising an outer frame attached to a first set of cams and an inner shaft attached to a second set of cams. Flexible pendulums connect and wrap around the first and second set of cams, the flexible pendulum being formed and constrained thereby to produce non-arcuate, linear mobility to the inner shaft.

Abstract: A brake hanger comprises upper and lower U-shaped lugs of substantially rigid material spaced from each other by a pair of laterally spaced leaf springs which are rigidly secured to the lugs respectively at their opposite ends. The upper lug is adapted to be journaled on a fixed pivot pin secured to the frame of a railway truck, and the lower lug is adapted for journaling connections to a plurality of elements, including a connection to a brake head and a connection to a brake cylinder. The lugs provide rigidity for alignment of their pivots, while the spring rated connection between the plugs provides for substantial lateral movement of the lower lug relative to the upper lug without deforming the parts of the hanger beyond their elastic limits, and without substantially altering braking performance by maintaining side thrust of a wheel flange against a brake shoe carried by the hanger at a minimum.

Abstract: A vibration damping element, particularly for electrical and/or electronic components, such as printed circuits, integrated circuits or internal connection (IC) bases, relay bases, and the like. The damping element has at least one fastening part, intended for the damping element and arranged on a damping member made of vibration damping material, and also has at least one support surface and holder or support for the components to be damped. The support surface is formed by a portion of the surface of the damping member, on which the structural components to be damped are directly supported. The holder for the structural components to be damped is formed by a part of the damping member itself.

Abstract: An improved flexure spring assembly for a ring laser gyro dither mechanism using flexure springs between a hub and a rim with each spring driven by four piezoelectric crystal wafers, each spring having a reduced cross-sectional area, moment of inertia, and resistance to bending at its radially outward point of attachment to the rim.

Abstract: An improved suspension for an axially oscillating bar. The suspension is a trifurcated spring, the bar being attached to the central section of the spring. The spring may be mounted to act as a multiple cantilever spring. Preferably, two matching springs are used to suspend the bar.

Abstract: A flexural pivot for transferring an input force through a lever to develop an output force. The flexural pivot has a housing with a horizontal support and a vertical support. A first rectangular bar has a first end attached to the horizontal support and a second end attached to the lever. A second rectangular bar has a first end attached to the vertical support and a second end attached to the lever. The second ends of the first and second rectangular bars are attached to the lever to establish a fulcrum. The first bar holds the fulcrum in a substantially fixed horizontal position and the second bar holds the fulcrum in a substantially fixed vertical position whenever an input force is applied to the lever while allowing the lever to pivot about the fulcrum as a function of the twisting moment in the first and second bars.

Abstract: A double acting damper for use in rotary drilling includes a splined tubular telescopic joint and employs plural paralleled stacks of double acting series stacked roller Belleville spring washers in an annular pocket between the inner and outer tubular members of the joint. The springs, spline and telescopic bearings are in an oil filled volume sealed from the outside by a pressure seal at the lower end of the damper and a floating seal at the upper end. Electric and magnetic means are provided to check on the condition and quantity of the lubricant.

Abstract: An isolator designed to prevent transmission of shock and vibration from one structure to another, comprising a device structured to provide orthogonal excursion in three directions and comprising a plurality of nested, concentrically-arranged component structures, each of which is structured to permit orthogonal excursion and a connector element for securing structures in nested parallel relation so that the composite resistance to displacement is the sum of the resistances of the individual components. The component structure may decrease in size from the outside to the inside or be all of the same size.