Table, Platform, Or Other Support Patents (Class 73/663)
  • Patent number: 11898944
    Abstract: An oscillating device including a vibrating table, an actuator configured to oscillate the vibrating table in a first direction, a coupling mechanism configured to couple the vibrating table with the actuator in such a manner that the vibrating table is movable relative to the actuator in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a counter balancer attached to the vibrating table and configured to compensate an imbalance of an oscillated portion including at least the vibrating table, the imbalance being caused by attaching the coupling mechanism to the vibrating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: KOKUSAI KEISOKUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sigeru Matsumoto, Hiroshi Miyashita, Kazuhiro Murauchi
  • Patent number: 11460370
    Abstract: A multi-axis vibration test system uses a mounting fixture formed from a solid block of Aluminum alloy, at least 20? per side, and machined to form bearing recesses that receive the pad bearings to overcome the problems of existing systems and deliver the required amplitude of linear displacement over the frequency test band in all three, and possibly six, axes simultaneously and uniformly over the mounting surface(s) for both commercial and the more stringent military standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Connolly, Teri A. Elwood, Edward M. Moore, II, Bryan P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11435264
    Abstract: A probe device includes a probe that detects a state of a rotary shaft, a probe holding member having a first end fixed to a bearing portion, in which the probe is fixed to the first end, a cylindrical guide sleeve inserted into a communication hole of a casing, a second end of the probe holding member being inserted into the cylindrical guide sleeve, and a plurality of elastic support members disposed at an interval in an extending direction of the probe holding member between the second end of the probe holding member and an inner peripheral surface of the guide sleeve, and formed of an elastic material to form an annular shape extending along an outer peripheral surface of the probe holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi Sasaki, Yasuhiko Kawamura
  • Patent number: 11314177
    Abstract: An optical arrangement for use in an optical imaging device includes an optical element unit and a detection device and/or an actuating device. The optical element unit includes at least one optical element. The detection device determines in a plurality of M degrees of freedom in each case a detection value which is representative of a relative position or orientation of an element reference of the optical element in relation to a primary reference of the detection device in the respective degree of freedom. The detection device includes a plurality of N detection units, each of which outputs a detection signal which is representative of a distance and/or a displacement of the detection unit in relation to a secondary reference assigned to the optical element and the respective detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Jens Kugler, Bernhard Geuppert, Alexander Kharitonov
  • Patent number: 11155365
    Abstract: An aircraft management system includes a sensor, a diagnosis executor, and an outputter. The sensor is loaded onto an aircraft. The diagnosis executor diagnoses health of a part of the aircraft on the basis of output from the sensor while the aircraft is flying. The outputter outputs predetermined recommendation information to an outside of the aircraft through wireless communication, in the case where the part satisfies a preset maintenance recommendation condition as a result of the diagnosis of the health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Soejima
  • Patent number: 11150731
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide multiple modes of haptic feedback for an electronic device using a single haptic actuator. Adjusting a parameter (e.g., frequency) of an actuator waveform generated by the single haptic actuator may affect how a mechanical coupling between the haptic actuator and a portion of the electronic device produces a device waveform at that device portion from the actuator waveform. A first mechanical coupling with a first response characteristic (e.g., stiffness or resonance frequency) may be provided between the haptic actuator and a first portion of the electronic device (e.g., a user input component of the electronic device), while a second mechanical coupling with a different second response characteristic may be provided between the haptic actuator and a second portion of the electronic device (e.g., the device housing of the electronic device) to selectively provide localized haptic feedback at the first portion of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Darya Amin-Shahidi, Alex M. Lee
  • Patent number: 11143573
    Abstract: The present application discloses a vibration table, comprising a magnetic circuit device for generating a magnetic field; a moving coil skeleton, disposed in the magnetic circuit device, moving up and down in the magnetic field and having a placement groove; an adapter, disposed in the placement groove; an excitation coil, radially winding along an outer peripheral wall of the moving coil skeleton and located in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic circuit device; wherein, the moving coil skeleton is provided with a cut-off groove. The vibration table provided in the present application uses a metal beryllium as a material for a moving coil skeleton and an accelerometer adapter. The large specific stiffness of the metal beryllium is used to increase the axial natural frequency of the moving coil skeleton, thereby increasing the effective working frequency range of the vibration table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: FATRI UNITED TESTING & CONTROL (QUANZHOU) TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yongzhong Nie, Jianhai Qiu, Wenjian Yang
  • Patent number: 10942084
    Abstract: A vibration exciter comprises a main body having a relatively large mass; a relatively light-weight dynamic part, to be flexibly supported so as to be movable relative the main body, and driving means for driving the main body and the dynamic part to move relative to each other, or at least generate a force acting between the main body and the dynamic part, under the influence of a control signal. It comprises coupling means for providing a releasable coupling between the main body and the dynamic part, the coupling means comprising at least one coupling element releasably engaging one of the main body and the dynamic part in a coupled condition, the coupling element being arranged on the other one of the main body and the dynamic part so as for the dynamic part to be flexibly supported on the main body in the coupled condition via the coupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Rsonance B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Gerardus Van Der Linden
  • Patent number: 10422717
    Abstract: The three-dimensional standard vibrator based on the aerostatic gas-floating decoupling device contains a base. The base is installed with a X axis vibrator, a X axis return mechanism, a Y axis vibrator, a Y axis return mechanism, a Z axis vibrator, and a three-dimensional vibration platform. The X axis vibrator and the X axis return mechanism are both installed along X axis but separated by the three-dimensional vibration platform. The Y axis vibrator and the Y axis return mechanism are both installed along Y axis but also separated by the three-dimensional vibration platform. There are two aerostatic gas-floating plates corresponding to the vibrator and connecting to the X axis and Y axis vibrators, respectively. Two intervals used to generate gas films are formed between the two aerostatic gas-floating plates and the three-dimensional vibrator, respectively. The X axis and Y axis return mechanisms both consist of a reset spring and an aerostatic gas-floating plate corresponding to the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang University
    Inventors: Wen He, Xufei Zhang, ShuShi Jia, Jie Zhou
  • Patent number: 10324000
    Abstract: A test fixture for securing a test article is disclosed. The test fixture comprises a frame, an upper grip, a lower grip, a tensioner assembly, and a cooling assembly. The frame defines an upper portion and a lower portion, where the lower portion of the frame is configured to be releasably mounted to a vibration device. The upper grip is connected to the upper portion of the frame and the lower grip is connected to the lower portion of the frame. The upper grip is configured to secure an upper portion of the test article along an upper interface, and the lower grip is configured to secure a lower portion of the test article along a lower interface. The tensioner assembly is located at the upper portion of the test fixture. The cooling assembly transports a cooling medium across at least one of the upper interface and the lower interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Mitchell Anderson, Aydin Akdeniz, Blake A. Bertrand, Perry Thomas Horst
  • Patent number: 10281356
    Abstract: An oscillating device comprising: a vibrating table; an X-axis oscillating unit configured to oscillate the vibrating table in an X-axis direction; a Y-axis oscillating unit configured to oscillate the vibrating table in a Y-axis direction; a Z-axis oscillating unit configured to oscillate the vibrating table in a Z-axis direction; a first linear guideway configured to couple the vibrating table and the Z-axis oscillating unit slidably in the X-axis direction; and a second linear guideway configured to couple the vibrating table and the Z-axis oscillating unit slidably in the Y-axis direction, wherein the first linear guideway comprises: a first rail extending in the X-axis direction; and a first carriage configured to engage with the first rail slidably in the X-axis direction, wherein the second linear guideway comprises: a second rail extending in the Y-axis direction; and a second carriage configured to engage with the second rail slidably in the Y-axis direction, wherein the first carriage is provided wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: KOKUSAI KEISOKUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sigeru Matsumoto, Hiroshi Miyashita, Kazuhiro Murauchi, Minoru Endo
  • Patent number: 10267707
    Abstract: A rotatable fixture for use in a vibration or seismic test is capable of shortening the time for dismantling the fixture. The rotatable fixture of the present invention is aimed to obviate the non-universalness of the conventional fixture and remove the drawbacks that the conventional fixture has to be dismantled before rotating to a certain angle for test. The rotatable fixture of the present invention includes a base, a rotating disc, a fastening frame, and fixing plates. The rotatable fixture has a basic natural frequency which is distant from the test frequency band. Meanwhile, the drawbacks that the fixture has to be dismantled during the test process is eliminated by the special connection between the base and the rotating disc. Moreover, due to the versatile design of the fastening frame, the rotatable fixture can allow a variety of devices under test to be secured thereto to attain universalness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Tsu-Jen Wang, Wei-Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 10156495
    Abstract: A vibration generator includes a region including a first base plate structural element and a second base plate structural element. A first flow-passage-forming element is provided between the first base plate structural element and the second base plate structural element. The first flow-passage-forming element includes a first vertical flow passage and a horizontal flow passage. The first vertical flow passage supplies oil to a bottom face of the first base plate structural element and a bottom face of the second base plate structural element. The horizontal flow passage supplies oil to one of the side faces of the first base plate structural element and one of the side faces of the second base plate structural element opposite this one of the side faces of the first base plate structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: IMV CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenao Aoki, Katsuhiko Nakamura, Kazushi Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 9851058
    Abstract: Various embodiments may relate to a lighting module, including a first printed circuit board, on which at least one light source is arranged, a covering element, which at least partially covers the first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board, on which at least one electronic component is arranged, wherein the second printed circuit board is fastened to the covering element and is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Preuschl, Guenter Hoetzl, Peter Sachsenweger
  • Patent number: 9651449
    Abstract: A movement simulator [100] has at least three translational degrees of freedom and has at least three actuator assemblies [106, 108, 110] each of which having a four bar parallelogram/trapezoidal link arrangement. A stiffener [214] is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Moog BV
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Warmerdam, Jan Hordijk, Hanjo Hoogendoorn
  • Patent number: 9638602
    Abstract: A system includes a vibration test system and a test fixture. The vibration test system includes a slip table, and the vibration test system is configured to vibrate the slip table. The slip table includes an electromagnet. The test fixture is configured to receive at least one article to be subjected to vibration testing. At least part of the test fixture is configured to be magnetically attracted to the electromagnet in order to secure the test fixture to the electromagnet. The system may also include a material handling robot configured to lift and move the test fixture and multiple testing stations configured to perform tests on the at least one article, where the material handling robot is configured to move the test fixture to and from each of the testing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Joshua M. Gibson, Nicholas C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9449123
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of modelling a root-mean-square stress in a structure induced by a random load. The method comprises determining a modal correction factor based on data representing the eigensolution for the structure in free vibration. The modal correction factor characterizes the proportion of the random load, which is attributable to the root-mean-square response of the structure. Once the modal correction factor has been calculated, it is applied to data representing a stress in the structure due to a forced vibration to thereby determine the root-mean-square stress induced by the random load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Hoi Yiu
  • Patent number: 9010188
    Abstract: An acceleration device includes an actuator configured to displace a mass in a reciprocating motion at a desired frequency, a mount configured to hold a device, such as an accelerometer device, and at least one spring connecting the mount to the mass. The actuator is used to apply a force to achieve resonance. The actuator may comprise a voice coil motor, wherein the voice coil motor includes a permanent magnet and an armature and wherein said armature comprises part of said mass. The actuator applies a periodic force to the mass. The periodic force may be a sinusoidal force. Preferably, the applied force is aligned with a resulting velocity of the mass. The mount may include a test socket to which the device is electrically connected. The spring may comprises one or more flexure elements. The acceleration device may be used with a handler device to connect and disconnect the device to and from the mount. Optionally, the handler device includes an environmental chamber surrounding the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Ihor Tustaniwskyj, Alexander Josef Waldauf, James Wittman Babcock
  • Publication number: 20150090038
    Abstract: A vibration testing device with a platform, a vibration assembly, a housing and a cooling system is provided. The platform is adapted to hold a test object. The vibration assembly is adapted to force a vibration to the platform. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end opposite the inlet end. The housing is disposed under the platform and covers the vibration assembly. The cooling system with a fan and an atomizing assembly, and is disposed on the housing. The fan is adapted to generate an airflow. The atomizing assembly is adapted to generate atomized water. The airflow with the atomized water passes through the inlet end, the interior of the housing and the outlet end sequentially to reduce the working temperature of the vibration assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kun-Ta LEE
  • Publication number: 20150068313
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for constraining an object includes a first clamping surface configured to apply a first holding force to a first surface of the object; a second clamping surface configured to apply a second holding force to a second surface of the object; and an actuator configured to selectively move the second clamping surface relative to the first clamping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael CONE, Darien Brookfield CRANE, James WAGNER
  • Patent number: 8950264
    Abstract: A jig device usable with a flat display panel which includes a frame including a base frame having an opening and a vertical frame which extends vertically along a perimeter of the base frame and a supporting frame coupled to the base frame within the frame, on which the flat display panel is disposed, wherein the supporting frame includes fixing portions provided at corners thereof to support respective corners of the flat display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Woo Nam, Byung Joo Paek, Dong Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20150007662
    Abstract: A fixture for securing at least one test printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) including a PCB having semiconductor devices mounted thereon during vibration or mechanical shock testing. A top plate includes top features including a continuous top outer ring, at least one inner top aperture within the top outer ring, and a plurality of outer top apertures positioned beyond the top outer ring including a top probe access aperture and a threaded aperture. A bottom plate includes bottom features including a bottom continuous outer ring, at least one inner bottom aperture, and plurality of outer bottom apertures including a bottom probe access aperture and table mounting aperture. The threaded apertures accept a fastener that clamps the top plate to the bottom plate for the outer rings to secure a full periphery of the PCB between the top plate and bottom plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: ANTHONY B. MURPHY, GUANGNENG ZHANG, MASOOD MURTUZA
  • Patent number: 8909498
    Abstract: A method and system for testing and calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is a test system for an electronic device having an accelerometer with three mutually orthogonal sensing axes, the test system comprising: a test fixture having: a nest defining a cavity for receiving an electronic device; wherein the nest is configured so that, when the test fixture is substantially horizontal, a two-dimensional sensing plane defined by two of the sensing axes of the accelerometer is substantially horizontal and the third sensing axis is perpendicular to the two-dimensional sensing plane and substantially parallel to the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Marc Adam Kennedy, Arkady Ivannikov, Aleksandar Papo
  • Patent number: 8893552
    Abstract: A vibration table having an upper surface defining a plane and on which test products are mounted by bolts that engage spaced internally threaded openings in the upper surface. The vibration table has mounted vibrators for generating vibrations in x-, y- and z-axes lying in the plane of the upper surface. Variation in the magnitude of the vibrations generated in the x-, y- and z-axes over the surface of the table are minimized by providing an upper surface that is circular in the plane of the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hanse Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Hanse
  • Patent number: 8881593
    Abstract: A vibration test fixture includes a shaker and a slip plate coupled with the shaker. A mounting plate may be coupled with the slip plate and a cylindrical bridge may be coupled with the mounting plate. A sensor may be coupled with the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Paco Gregor Flores
  • Publication number: 20140318258
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for a soil box experiment applying vertical vibration. The apparatus for the soil box experiment applying the vertical vibration includes: a soil box for realizing a slope on which landslide occurs, the soil box being inclinedly disposed and having an opened upper portion to accommodate soil therein, a base member disposed under the soil box to support the soil box, and a vibration unit disposed on the base member to vertically vibrate the soil box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Jung-Hae CHOI, Byung-Gon CHAE
  • Patent number: 8839675
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting an aircraft may include a plurality of lifting mechanisms mounted on a supporting surface. Each lifting mechanism may be configured to impart an upward force on a component of the aircraft for lifting the aircraft off the supporting surface. The apparatus may include a beam structure configured to be mounted to the lifting mechanisms. The apparatus may also include a lifting beam suspended from the beam structure. A measurement device may be mounted to the lifting beam and may be configured to engage a jack point associated with the component to determine a weight of the aircraft when the aircraft is lifted off the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Miller, George V. Davis
  • Patent number: 8789423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an object. A testing unit comprises a base structure, a contact structure, and piezoelectric transducers. The piezoelectric transducers are located between the base structure and the contact structure. A preload is present on the piezoelectric transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James P. Rogers, Abbas Mandvi, Chi Chin Lee, Chhour M. Thong, Anthony Charles Buono
  • Publication number: 20140202251
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing a test specimen, the apparatus comprising a first fixture comprising a first mounting filament tensionably secured thereto, a second fixture comprising a second mounting filament tensionably secured thereto, and a vibratory energy source adapted to apply vibrational energy to the test specimen. In use the test specimen is mounted to the first and second mounting filaments so that each of the first and second mounting filaments is aligned with a nodal line on the test specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Pierpaolo MURTAS, John Frank NEALE
  • Publication number: 20140202252
    Abstract: A vibrator-mounted holder is attached to a casing of a vibration generator which moves a vibrator to generate a vibration when used. The vibrator-mounted holder includes a vibrator, a vibrator retention unit retaining the vibrator, a fixing unit fixed to a casing, and an arm. The vibrator includes a magnet having a plate shape parallel to a horizontal surface and a yoke arranged on the magnet. The arm connects the fixing unit to the vibrator retention unit, and supports the vibrator retention unit in a manner that the vibrator retention unit is displaceable with respect to the fixing unit. The yoke has a projecting portion which is projected downward and fixed to the vibrator retention unit. The arm is connected to a portion, at which the projecting portion is arranged, within the vibrator retention units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio UMEHARA
  • Patent number: 8707755
    Abstract: A reference vibrator 10 of the present invention includes: a vibrator body 11 configured to mount to a mount 4 in an unbalance measurement device 1 to which a rotary product is mounted at the time of unbalance measurement, in a same mounting state as the rotary product; a vibration generator 12 fixed to the vibrator body 11 and that applies vibrations to the vibrator body 11; and a control unit 13 that controls the vibration generator 12. Because vibration is caused by the vibration generator 12 fixed to the vibrator body 11, repeatability of vibration force is high. This makes it possible to apply vibrations for repeatability check to the unbalance measurement device 1 with an accurate vibration force. Thus, variations in vibration force can be eliminated, and the repeatability of the unbalance measurement device 1 can be properly checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Tezuka, Naomichi Omori, Hiroshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8688408
    Abstract: A method is provided to measure an aircraft under simulated flight-loads while the aircraft is not in flight. Simulated flight-loads may be applied to the aircraft, while the aircraft is not in flight, in order to substantially simulate flight pressure distribution loads the aircraft would experience during flight. A position of one or more portions of the aircraft may be measured, while the aircraft is under the simulated flight-loads, to determine an effect of the simulated flight-loads on the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bob J Marsh, Kinson VanScotter
  • Patent number: 8677827
    Abstract: An apparatus (500) for fatigue testing elongate test articles (404) including wind turbine blades through forced or resonant excitation of the base (406) of the test articles (404). The apparatus (500) includes a testing platform or foundation (402). A blade support (410) is provided for retaining or supporting a base (406) of an elongate test article (404), and the blade support (410) is pivotally mounted on the testing platform (402) with at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the testing platform (402). An excitation input assembly (540) is interconnected with the blade support (410) and includes first and second actuators (444, 446, 541) that act to concurrently apply forces or loads to the blade support (410). The actuator forces are cyclically applied in first and second transverse directions. The test article (404) responds to shaking of its base (406) by oscillating in two, transverse directions (505, 507).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Cotrell, Robert Thresher, Scott Lambert, Scott Hughes, Jay Johnson
  • Patent number: 8667843
    Abstract: A resonance testing apparatus has a plurality of arms for supporting a workpiece. At least one of said arms incorporates an articulation assembly having: a strut, a joint element which is movable in response to movement of the strut, and a clamp arrangement for clamping the joint element. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is movable and a second condition in which the clamp arrangement acts on the joint element to damp or restrict movement of the strut. The assembly includes a seating for the joint element, and a biasing arrangement for the seating. The assembly has a first condition in which the joint element is arranged on the seating and is movable on the seating and a second condition in which the biasing arrangement acts on the seating to damp or restrict movement of the joint element on the seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Allen Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon Johnson, Graham Morley
  • Patent number: 8616063
    Abstract: A multiple chamber test system is provided. The multiple chamber test system includes a plurality of test chambers that each include a vibration table. In addition, each of the test chambers is provided with thermally controlled air from a common source. An output plenum for providing thermally controlled air to the test chambers may include a flow control device, to provide the same or similar thermal conditions in each of the test chambers. Where pneumatic actuators are used to impart movement to the vibration tables, the exhaust air from the actuators can be prevented from mixing with the thermally controlled chamber air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Qualmark Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Provost, Matthew Giaraffa, Wendell K R Hutchings
  • Patent number: 8607636
    Abstract: A triaxial vibration composite testing apparatus including a working tabletop, wherein the second axial vibration transmission mechanism in the horizontal X axial direction and the third axial vibration transmission mechanism in the horizontal Y axial direction are both cross linear guide pairs; the first axial vibration transmission mechanism in the perpendicular Z axial direction includes an upper and a lower clamps and a central panel, the upper and the lower clamps being horizontally opposite to each other up and down, the central panel being positioned between the upper and the lower clamps, the upper and the lower clamps oppositely clamping the central panel; a gap fit between the lower surface of the upper clamp and the upper surface of the central panel forms an upper fit plane, and a gap fit between the upper surface of the lower clamp and the lower surface of the central panel a lower fit plane; and the high pressure oil is pumped into the upper fit plane gap and the lower fit plane gap to form a hy
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Suzhou Sushi Testing Instrument Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanzhen Wu, Qionghua Zhong
  • Patent number: 8606376
    Abstract: A method of actuating a system comprising a movable component and an actuator configured to move the movable component comprises providing a control signal representative of a desired motion of the movable component. The control signal is supplied to one or more resonators. Each of the one or more resonators has a mode of oscillation representative of at least one elastic mode of oscillation of the system. The control signal is modified by subtracting from the control signal a signal representative of a response of the one or more resonators to the control signal. The actuator is operated in accordance with the modified control signal. Thus, undesirable elastic oscillations of the system which might occur if the system were operated with the original control system can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Mitutoyo Corporation, Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Endvertreten Durch den Präsidenten der Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt
    Inventors: Hartmut Illers, Kazuhiko Hidaka, Akinori Saito, Hans-Ulrich Danzebrink
  • Patent number: 8601878
    Abstract: A system (1100) for fatigue testing wind turbine blades (1102) through forced or resonant excitation of the base (1104) of a blade (1102). The system (1100) includes a test stand (1112) and a restoring spring assembly (1120) mounted on the test stand (1112). The restoring spring assembly (1120) includes a primary spring element (1124) that extends outward from the test stand (1112) to a blade mounting plate (1130) configured to receive a base (1104) of blade (1102). During fatigue testing, a supported base (1104) of a blade (1102) may be pivotally mounted to the test stand (1112) via the restoring spring assembly (1120). The system (1100) may include an excitation input assembly (1140) that is interconnected with the blade mounting plate (1130) to selectively apply flapwise, edgewise, and/or pitch excitation forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Cotrell, Scott Hughes, Sandy Butterfield, Scott Lambert
  • Publication number: 20130305828
    Abstract: In operating a vibration testing system, a table is provided with a plurality of distinct regions, and each of the plurality of distinct regions is provided with at least one vibrator of the plurality of vibrators and at least one accelerometer of the plurality of accelerometers. Target vibration strengths are set for each region, and the vibrators are operated. Local vibration strength is measured at each distinct region with the corresponding accelerometer(s) of the plurality of accelerometers. A signal corresponding to each of the measured local vibration strengths is provided to a controller. An individual vibrator control signal is calculated for each distinct region based on the corresponding measured local vibration strength and the corresponding target vibration strength. The individual control signals are provided from the controller to control the vibrator(s) of each distinct region to achieve the target vibration strength at each of the distinct table regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: VENTUREDYNE, LTD.
    Inventors: John Alderson, Joseph D. Wetzel
  • Publication number: 20130276543
    Abstract: An excitation system includes a pair of piezoelectric elements configured to apply respective excitation forces to a test structure, a clamp including an adjustable arm, the adjustable arm being configured to capture the test structure between the pair of piezoelectric elements, a controller coupled to the pair of piezoelectric elements and configured to generate a respective excitation control signal for each piezoelectric element, each excitation control signal being configured such that the respective excitation forces are matched to one another, and a pair of sensor film structures to generate respective output signals indicative of the excitation forces applied to the test structure, each sensor film structure being disposed between a respective one of the pair of piezoelectric elements and the test structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventor: Bogdan I. Epureanu
  • Patent number: 8544332
    Abstract: An exemplary vibration testing device includes two mounting bases, a vibration generator located between the mounting bases, two pivot shafts, a supporting platform, two supporting elements and a control system. Each supporting element is telescopically extendable and retractable. The control system includes a lift control unit for controlling telescopic movement of the supporting elements, a first rotary control unit for controlling a rotationally movement of the vibration generator about the pivot shafts, and a second rotary control unit for controlling rotatable movement of the supporting elements about the pivot shafts. The control system is configured for controlling the vibration testing device to move between a first testing status in which vertical vibration forces are generated by the vibration generator and applied to the supporting platform and a second testing status in which horizontal vibration forces are generated by the vibration generator and applied to the supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien-Huan Chiu
  • Patent number: 8485039
    Abstract: A multiple chamber test system is provided. The multiple chamber test system includes a plurality of test chambers that each include a vibration table. In addition, each of the test chambers is provided with thermally controlled air from a common source. An output plenum for providing thermally controlled air to the test chambers may include a flow control device, to provide the same or similar thermal conditions in each of the test chambers. Where pneumatic actuators are used to impart movement to the vibration tables, the exhaust air from the actuators can be prevented from mixing with the thermally controlled chamber air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Qualmark Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Provost, Matthew Giaraffa, Wendell K R Hutchings
  • Patent number: 8453512
    Abstract: A shaker for enabling the testing of gyros and/or other devices for performance under realistic 6DOF motions. The shaker may be implemented as a hexapod, comprising a plate and six individually, simultaneously, and real-time controllable strut assemblies that are capable of extending and contracting linearly. The strut assemblies may comprise high-precision, linear electromagnetic actuators. The strut assemblies may also comprise high-precision non-contact sensors to sense the extension/contraction of the strut assemblies along their stroke length. In addition, the strut assemblies may comprise, at each end thereof, stiff, bendable flexures to attain the repeatable and linear motion required. The controller preferably has a control bandwidth of 1000 Hz or more, so that the motion of the plate can be precisely controlled to realize realistic 6DOF motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Felix T. Sasso, Walter H. Chung, John A. L. Shishido
  • Publication number: 20130125658
    Abstract: A semiconductor test apparatus is provided. The semiconductor test apparatus includes a plate on which a custom tray is mounted, a carrier connected to the plate to transfer the plate, and a vibrator vibrating the plate while the plate is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Sang-Jun Lee, Young-Gil Lee
  • Publication number: 20130104662
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an object. A testing unit comprises a base structure, a contact structure, and piezoelectric transducers. The piezoelectric transducers are located between the base structure and the contact structure. A preload is present on the piezoelectric transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: James P. Rogers, Abbas Mandvi, Chi Chin Lee, Chhour M. Thong, Anthony Charles Buono
  • Patent number: 8429975
    Abstract: A system for simulating a pyrotechnic shock may include an electrical power amplifier, a shaker, and a resonance beam. The electrical power amplifier may be configured to amplify a transient signal waveform representing a desired shock response spectrum (SRS). The shaker may be configured to generate a shock pulse in response to the amplified signal waveform. The resonance beam may be mounted to the shaker and may be configured to magnify the shock pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chi Chin Lee, Chhour Meng Thong, Mitchell Eugene West, Raymond R. Slonena, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8408066
    Abstract: A shaker assembly for vibration testing includes first and second shakers, where the first shaker includes a piezo-electric material for generating vibration. A support structure permits a test object to be supported for vibration of the test object by both shakers. An input permits an external vibration controller to control vibration of the shakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. Romero, Richard A. Jepsen, Danny Lynn Gregory
  • Publication number: 20130042691
    Abstract: A vibration table having an upper surface defining a plane and on which test products are mounted by bolts that engage spaced internally threaded openings in the upper surface. The vibration table has mounted vibrators for generating vibrations in x-, y- and z-axes lying in the plane of the upper surface. Variation in the magnitude of the vibrations generated in the x-, y- and z-axes over the surface of the table are minimized by providing an upper surface that is circular in the plane of the upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HANSE ENVIRONMENTAL
    Inventor: John K. Hanse
  • Patent number: 8365598
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for quality testing sheet metal parts, particularly deep-drawn parts. The device has a pulse generator (20) that excites the sheet metal part (2) to oscillate, a sound sensor (19) that picks up the sound profile, and an evaluation unit that compares the recorded sound profile with a reference curve and generates a signal with which the sheet metal parts are classified. To increase the suitability of a generic device or generic method for use in an automated production system, a testing device (4) is integrated into a press line in a clock cycle controlled fashion. Sheet metal parts whose recorded sound profile does not lie in a tolerance range of the reference curve can be eliminated by a sorting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, KWD Automobiltechnik Karosseriewerke Dresden GmbH, Medav GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Menten, Bernd Schneegast, Christian Licht, Hans-Stefan Heimberger, Timo Uhlig, Andreas Eichler, Horst Jonuscheit
  • Patent number: 8291767
    Abstract: A vibration testing device to test vibration strength and frequency generated by an electronic device, includes a base, a vibration contact member, a transmission member, and a resilient member attached to the transmission member. The base includes a receiving space to receive the electronic device and a receiving hole in communication with the receiving space. The transmission member extends through the receiving hole and is rigidly attached to the vibration contact member. During testing, the electronic device directly abuts an end portion of the transmission member so that the vibration strength and frequency generated by the electronic device are directly transmitted to the vibration contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Chien Lee, Po-Yu Lin, Ting-Hung Su