Table, Platform, Or Other Support Patents (Class 73/663)
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Patent number: 6718270Abstract: A vibration testing device includes a computer system having: a measurement processing block for inputting an output of the monitoring sensor and processing the output; a model substituting block for modeling characteristics of the test piece, calculating a response quantity corresponding to a drive condition of an actuator, and inputting the calculation result to a numerical simulation block and the parameter changing block; the parameter changing block for comparing the calculation result of the model substituting block with the processing result of the measurement processing block, and changing the parameter; the numerical simulation block for calculating a vibration response in accordance with a previously input structure numerical model; and a waveform generating block for calculating a time function of a deformation to be applied to the test piece, and outputting the time block to the actuator controlling device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiko Horiuchi, Takao Konno
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Patent number: 6698293Abstract: The invention relates to a drive tester and transmission tester, preferably for carrying out acoustic, oscillation and functional tests, comprising a clamping device for clamping a specimen to be tested, preferably a transmission (90), a drive component or a driven component, e.g. an electric drive, a drive/transmission-integral solution or a transmission component, a driving device (44), at least one driven device (26), and a framework. The transmission tester according to the invention is wherein the framework is provided as frame modules independent of each other, wherein clamping device, driving device (44) and driven device (26) are each allocated to a frame module (20) for configuring a function module (central body module (18), driving module (12), driven module (14)).Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: teamtechnik Maschinen und Anlagen GmbHInventors: Hubert Reinisch, Karl Baur
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Patent number: 6697746Abstract: A control system for a failure mode testing system is described. The control system employs at least one control algorithm that enables the testing system to be operated at optimal pressure and frequency levels in order to generate a desired system response, such as a desired energy level and desired slope of the fast Fourier transform of the system response. Also described are a pressure dither system and a frequency ringing system for enhancing the operation of the actuator cylinders of the failure mode testing system. All three of the systems can be incorporated, either singularly or in combination, into a computer software program that can be employed to operate and control the failure mode testing system.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Entela, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J. Porter, Mark Allen Smith
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Publication number: 20030200811Abstract: A vibration test machine comprises a stationary outer frame, a shake table in the form of a mass to which vibration energy is transmitted inside the outer frame, a driven preload piston supported by the outer frame and coupled to one side of the shake table, a passive preload piston supported by the outer frame and coupled to the shake table on a side opposite from the driven preload piston, and an external force generator external to the outer frame and coupled to the driven piston for inducing high frequency vibrational energy to the driven piston which, in turn, transmits that vibration energy to the shake table. In one embodiment, a multiple degree of freedom shaker comprises multiple exterior force generators each coupled to a corresponding driven preload piston having a related passive preload piston on a opposite side of the shake table.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: William B. Woyski, Douglas A. Lund
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Patent number: 6637271Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for identifying and eliminating vibration in a hydraulic clutch actuator. The vibration is identified by using transducers to characterize the vibrational characteristics of a power train of a vehicle. That characterization is used to program a shaker on a test bed to replicate the vibrations on the vehicle in a hydraulic clutch actuator. Different hydraulic dampers may be employed to eliminate the vibration. The preferred apparatus of the present invention includes a two piece hydraulic damper which may be opened as to insert different diaphragms for testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Automotive Products (USA) Inc.Inventors: Arlan Vennefron, Jiamu Hu
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Patent number: 6629042Abstract: The present invention discloses a testing system and a testing method for a structure which tests a structure made of a test piece structure and a numerical model virtually connected to the structure. A simulated structure including a frame, an actuator and a reaction force measuring device is mounted on a foundation on which a shaking table is also mounted. Only the test piece structure is mounted on the shaking table. The motion of the shaking table 5 which is generated at the time of shaking the test piece structure using the shaking table and the actuator is measured by a shaking table motion measuring device, while the reaction force generated by the test piece structure is measured by a reaction force measuring device. Using these measured values and the numerical model stored in a digital computer, the motion of the test piece structure after a predetermined period for the motion of the simulated structure is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Yamagishi, Toshihiko Horiuchi, Masahiko Inoue, Kazuhiro Umekita, Yasuyuki Momoi
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Patent number: 6619127Abstract: A support system for ground vibration testing of a large flexible structure. The system includes a plurality of light weight lifting mechanisms that impart an upward force sufficient to lift the flexible structure off the ground. The system also includes a plurality of lift beams coupled to the lifting mechanisms in a pendulous manner. Each lift beam attaches to the flexible structure at one of a plurality of designated jack points, and lifts the flexible structure off the ground when the upward force is imparted by the lifting mechanisms. Thus, the flexible structure is thereby pendulously suspending above the ground such that rigid body mode test data is decoupled from first flexible mode test data.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark E. Miller, John J. Valko
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Patent number: 6598480Abstract: A main computer for performing numerical simulation and a sub-computer for controlling each shaking machine are provided. Data transfer between the main computer and sub-computer is performed by communications. The main computer is provided with a model substituting function of modeling a specimen to be shaken, a parameter modification function of sequentially modifying parameters of a model in accordance with the vibration test result, and an abnormality inspection function of judging an abnormality of each shaking system and if an abnormality is detected, substituting the measured value of a reaction force with an output of the model substituting function. It is possible to make an experiment of evaluating the strength and reliability of a massive structure, for example, relative to an earthquake and to make a vibration test at a high precision and with an economical cost.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiko Horiuchi, Masaki Kurihara, Tomoyuki Hamada, Takao Konno
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Publication number: 20030126929Abstract: A support system for ground vibration testing of a large flexible structure. The system includes a plurality of light weight lifting mechanisms that impart an upward force sufficient to lift the flexible structure off the ground. The system also includes a plurality of lift beams coupled to the lifting mechanisms in a pendulous manner. Each lift beam attaches to the flexible structure at one of a plurality of designated jack points, and lifts the flexible structure off the ground when the upward force is imparted by the lifting mechanisms. Thus, the flexible structure is thereby pendulously suspending above the ground such that rigid body mode test data is decoupled from first flexible mode test data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Mark E. Miller, John J. Valko
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Patent number: 6575620Abstract: A method and device for visually detecting crack length of a temperature sensitive paint coated test structure during excitation of the test structure. The method and device of the invention capitalizes on surface temperature changes of the test structure as structural fatigue increases. Test structure surface temperature changes are realized in corresponding fluorescence intensity changes in the temperature sensitive paint and recorded with a CCD camera. Improvements over conventional structural fatigue systems include the ability to detect fatigue during flight testing, to record fatigue without stopping the electrodynamic excitation and the ability to detect crack onset and crack length resulting in more accurate cycles-to-fatigue analysis.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: David Banaszak, Gary Dale, Jeffrey D. Jordan, A. Neal Watkins
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Patent number: 6568272Abstract: The supporting apparatus is disposed between a fixed portion and a moving portion facing the fixed portion at a predetermined distance, and supports the moving portion which vibrates while maintaining parallelism to the fixed portion. The moving portion and the fixed portion are respectively provided with receiving members 2F, 2M facing each other. The receiving members 2F, 2M sandwich, under pressure, a rocking member 4 which limits a movement of the moving portion in crosswise directions Y vertical to vibrating directions R of the moving portion while rocking about Its axis accompanying the vibration of the moving portion in the vibrating directions (R).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: IMV CorporationInventors: Takehiro Fukushima, Masakazu Shirahoshi, Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Katsuhiko Nakamura
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HALT/HASS fixturing table for generating secondary vibration using moving balls and multi-axes rails
Publication number: 20030089175Abstract: The present invention provides a HALT/HASS fixturing table for generating secondary vibration using moving balls and multi-axes rails comprising a lower panel having on the top surface thereof a plurality of horizontal rails and vertical rails formed in the shape of grooves, moving balls inserted in the horizontal rails and the vertical rails of the lower panel to move in the horizontal and the vertical rails, a buffering member placed on the lower panel, and a upper panel placed on the buffering member, a specimen for the HALT/HASS test being attached to the upper panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Chung Shick Hwang -
Patent number: 6553839Abstract: A method for stimulating a sensor and measuring it's output over a frequency ranges starting at a frequency f1 and ending at a frequency f2 is disclosed, which can include the following steps: (a) placing an assembled sensor on a shaker table; (b) setting the shaker table at a specified frequency and exciting the sensor by moving the sensor up and down at an amplitude at least approximately equal to a reference “g” level of acceleration; (c) measuring the sensor's output and recording the measured output as a first value; (d) incrementally changing an excitation frequency of the shaker table and adjusting the amplitude to achieve the reference “g” level; (e) measuring the sensor's output and recording the measured output as a second value; and (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) for one or more discrete frequencies within the frequency range to provide a frequency response curve for the sensor over the frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Swantech, L.L.C.Inventor: David B. Board
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Patent number: 6543289Abstract: A small-sized rotational vibration testing apparatus having a wide band of measuring frequencies and capable of directly driving a rotary table (1) to oscillate or vibrate in a rotational direction under the action of torque generated by a vibration applying mechanism. The rotary table (1) is rotatably mounted on a base (2), and a plurality of coil frames (14) each having a coil (13) attached thereto are mounted on a flange (1c) of the rotary table (1) at an equal circumferential pitch or interval about its axis of rotation. A plurality of magnetic circuits (12) are fixedly secured to the base (2) in such a manner that the center of each coil (13) is positioned at the center of an associated magnetic circuit (12).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Akihide Jinzenji, Keiji Aruga
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Publication number: 20030057346Abstract: A method relying on the time response includes acquiring the time response waveforms of all the acceleration sensors obtained when a table for vibration isolating is excited by a pseudo impulse (step S802), making the frequency analysis for the time response waveforms (step S803), calculating a mode matrix &phgr; (step S804), and implementing the mode matrix &phgr; in a non-interacting control system for each vibration mode (step S805). A method relying on the frequency response includes acquiring the frequency responses to all the acceleration sensors, displaying the acquired frequency responses in a Nyquist diagram, obtaining a parameter (&phgr;) fitted to each Nyquist circle, and implementing the obtained parameter &phgr; in a non-interacting control system for each vibration mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Shinji Wakui
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Patent number: 6530279Abstract: A first circuit board includes a first plurality of holes to receive an electronic module and to provide an electrical circuit environment to test the electronic module. A second circuit board includes a second plurality of holes cooperatively arranged with the first plurality of holes. The second circuit board is slidably coupled to the first circuit board and slides between an insertion position in which the first and second pluralities of holes are aligned to receive the electronic module and a holding position in which the first and second pluralities of holes are offset to hold the electronic module. A biasing member urges the second circuit board toward the holding position.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Screening Systems, Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Weinmann, Jr.
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Patent number: 6502464Abstract: The present energy redistribution system for a vibrating system is operable to redistribute energy from axes and frequencies of high acceleration to axes and frequencies of low acceleration. The present energy redistribution system for a vibrating system enables one to balance the vibration spectra and over all levels between axes. In addition, the energy redistribution system for a vibrating system can be used to enhance the low frequency content of the spectra by redistributing energy from the existing vibrations in the high frequency region of the spectrum. The energy redistribution is accomplished by placing a shaped object into an enclosure, termed an equalizing module, which is attached to the vibrating system. The location of the equalizing module affects the frequency and direction from which energy is removed as the shaped object responds to the vibration present at the location of mounting of the equalizing module.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
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Patent number: 6484580Abstract: A method and system for testing a test object, such as a satellite, is disclosed. High energy acoustic testing is performed on the object by assembling an acoustical system about the test object rather than transporting the test object to a specially configured acoustic chamber. The acoustic system of the present invention preferably provides and directs acoustic energy directly to the surfaces of the test object rather than providing the test object in a high energy acoustic environment where a substantial amount of the acoustic energy is randomly directed within a chamber having the test object. Additionally, the present invention further provides for mechanical vibration tests concurrently or serially with acoustic testing, wherein the object is not required to be transported.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: James H. Eagen, Michael Vujcich, Terry D. Scharton
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Patent number: 6474167Abstract: A shaker system (10) that employs a mechanical amplifier (40) for increasing the shaking capacity of the shaker (14). The mechanical amplifier (40) includes a spring (54) positioned within a support column (42) where the spring (54) is attached to an interface ring (24) supporting the load (26) to be tested at one end and the ground at an opposite end. The spring (54) can take on different configurations, and in one embodiment is a sinusoidal spring (54) having half-circle sections (60) of a predetermined radius to satisfy the resonant frequency requirements for a particular load. The resonant frequency of the spring (54) causes the shaking to be amplified, meeting the testing requirements.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: David A. Priem
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Patent number: 6463805Abstract: In an apparatus comprising an inspection jig 10 including a sample mounting portion 11 for mounting a sample 1, a vibrator 22 for applying vibration to the sample 1 and a sound collector 20 for collecting a vibration sound when the vibration is applied to the sample 1 by the vibrator 22, and a sound detector 30 for conducting frequency analysis of the vibration sound collected by the sound collector 20, the defects of the sample are determined by sampling and analyzing the vibration sound when the vibration is applied to the sample 1 by the vibrator 22 on the time series.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeo Nishizono
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Publication number: 20020139169Abstract: An automatic integrated mechanical and electrical angular motion detector test system includes a test fixture for holding an angular motion detector to be mechanically and electrically tested; a handler subsystem for feeding an angular motion detector to the test fixture; a motor having a rotatable shaft attached to the test fixture for rotating it and the angular motion detector it holds; and an electrical tester for testing the angular motion detector while it is rotating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Richard A. Lueth, Brian G. Beucler, Robert E. Malone, Robert P. O'Reilly, Christopher F. Hanle
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Patent number: 6446508Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for testing a product in various climatic conditions. The testing apparatus includes a testing cabinet defining a first testing chamber for receiving the product therein and a vibration chamber. A vibration table is positioned within the testing apparatus and has an upper surface communicating with the testing chamber and a lower surface. A plurality of vibrators are operatively connected to the lower surface of the vibration table and are disposed in the vibration chamber. A climate control structure communicates with the vibration chamber for controlling the environment thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.Inventors: Clinton A. Peterson, Christopher J. Essenburg
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Patent number: 6443013Abstract: A rotational vibration testing device, including a rotating table, for testing both rotary shock and rotary vibration when used in conjunction with a pivoting shaker. The rotating table is mounted on a hub rotationally supported between two compression rings via tapered annular roller bearings preloaded in opposition. A motion arm connects to a radial arm on the side of the hub. The other end of the motion arm mounts to a height adjuster, which bolts to an electrodynamic shaker or other force generator. When the motion arm moves fore and aft, the linear acceleration is converted to rotational acceleration based on the radius from the stinger to the center of rotation. A nylon or equivalent median between the motion arm and the hub allows for sufficient flex without fore and aft play. The large tapered roller bearings preloaded in opposition eliminate z-axis acceleration and allow for greater payload testing.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric Alan Smith, Frank Kwong
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Patent number: 6422083Abstract: The tuned energy redistribution system is used to precisely control the amplitude of vibrations in a vibrating system. The vibrating system typically has a resonant frequency or other vibration frequency modes that are either undesirable or of excessive amplitude. The present tuned energy redistribution system functions to redistribute the vibrational energy from these undesirable frequencies to other selected frequencies, such as by spreading the vibration frequencies out over a wide band of frequencies. The tuned energy redistribution comprises vibration input elements and/or vibration shaping elements that collectively function to enable the user to program the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations that are produced by the vibrating system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
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Publication number: 20020092354Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for testing a product in various climatic conditions. The testing apparatus includes a testing cabinet defining a first testing chamber for receiving the product therein and a vibration chamber. A vibration table is positioned within the testing apparatus and has an upper surface communicating with the testing chamber and a lower surface. A plurality of vibrators are operatively connected to the lower surface of the vibration table and are disposed in the vibration chamber. A climate control structure communicates with the vibration chamber for controlling the environment thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Clinton A. Peterson, Christopher J. Essenburg
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Patent number: 6412348Abstract: A floorboard 5 is supported on bridge gate shaped piers 2 so as to move horizontally by rollers 4 provided at the corners of the floorboard. Rubber members 7 installed between the floorboard 5 and the piers 2 restoring force to restitute elastically the floorboard to a neutral position when the floorboard moves horizontally. A shaker 8, which is fixed on the floorboard 5, excites the floorboard linearly and reciprocally by a weight 12 movable along a ball screen shaft 11 with a motor 10. The inertia force of the floorboard 5 generates, in a real-size and real-time scale, vibration for a main structure to which a vibration-controlling damper 15 is installed. The vibration of the floorboard 5 is inputted to the damper 15 and the dynamic response of the damper is observed by a computer 14.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Kyoto UniversityInventors: Hirokazu Iemura, Akira Igarashi
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Patent number: 6397153Abstract: The present invention discloses a testing system and a testing method for a structure which tests a structure made of a test piece structure and a numerical model virtually connected to the structure. A simulated structure including a frame, an actuator and a reaction force measuring device is mounted on a foundation on which a shaking table is also mounted. Only the test piece structure is mounted on the shaking table. The motion of the shaking table 5 which is generated at the time of shaking the test piece structure using the shaking table and the actuator is measured by a shaking table motion measuring device, while the reaction force generated by the test piece structure is measured by a reaction force measuring device. Using these measured values and the numerical model stored in a digital computer, the motion of the test piece structure after a predetermined period for the motion of the simulated structure is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Yamagishi, Toshihiko Horiuchi, Masahiko Inoue, Kazuhiro Umekita, Yasuyuki Momoi
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Patent number: 6378371Abstract: A brush seal segment is mounted within a pressure vessel and against an arcuate surface of an element to provide a seal between regions on opposite sides of the seal at different pressures. By vibrating the vessel through a range of frequencies, natural frequencies of the brush seal under pressure loading can be ascertained. Additionally, by adjusting interference between the arcuate surface and the bristle tips, natural frequencies of the brush seal under various interference loadings can likewise be ascertained. The pressure vessel has mounts for attaching the vessel to a shaker table to facilitate vibrating the vessel through the range of frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Mehmet Demiroglu, Hamid Reza Sarshar, Osman Saim Dinc
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Patent number: 6363789Abstract: A method is provided for testing structural-acoustic systems using a shaker table. The method includes subjecting a panel structure design to a computational acoustic load and a computational vibration load. The method then computes the ratio of the panel structure maximum response to the acoustic load to the panel structure maximum response to the vibration load. The ratio of these two maximum responses provides a conversion factor for linking an acoustic environment to a vibration environment. Using the conversion factor, the method converts a sonic pressure load for the panel structure to a vibration load. The vibration load is then applied to a panel structure using a shaker table.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mostafa Rassaian, Jung-Chaun Lee, Gerould K. Young, Alan Edqar Landmann
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Publication number: 20020026834Abstract: The supporting apparatus is disposed between a fixed portion and a moving portion facing the fixed portion at a predetermined distance, and supports the moving portion which vibrates while maintaining parallelism to the fixed portion. The moving portion and the fixed portion are respectively provided with receiving members 2F, 2M facing each other. The receiving members 2F, 2M sandwich, under pressure, a rocking member 4 which limits a movement of the moving portion in crosswise directions Y vertical to vibrating directions R of the moving portion while rocking about its axis accompanying the vibration of the moving portion in the vibrating directions (R).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventors: Takehiro Fukushima, Masakazu Shirahoshi, Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Katsuhiko Nakamura
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Patent number: 6341258Abstract: A shaking response is estimated with high precision by performing a shaking test f or combining and estimating a shaking characteristic of a partial structure of an object under test obtained through a shaking test and a shaking response of the whole structure which is numerically modeled. In a shaking test apparatus and method, a structure under test comprises a partial structure and a numerical model which is virtually connected to the partial structure. First, a vibration model corresponding to the partial structure is assumed, the numerical model and the vibration model are combined to construct an overall-system model, and then the vibration response of the overall-system model is calculated. On the basis of the calculation result and the signal input from a waveform oscillator, the partial structure is shaken by using a shaker.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Inoue, Toshihiko Horiuchi, Yasuyuki Momoi, Takao Konno, Wataru Yamagishi
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Patent number: 6257067Abstract: A method, apparatus, for subjecting a test object to vibrational energy testing is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotatable joint such as a hydrostatic ball joint for transmitting energy from a force generator to the test object, and a support structure, coupled to the test object and the rotatable joint, for flexibly restraining the test object from rotating about the center of rotation of the rotatable joint. In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a support member and at least one suspension device disposed between the support member and a ground datum. In another embodiment, the suspension device applies a suspension force to the support member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a vector from the center of rotation to the suspending force. In this embodiment the suspension devices are subjected primarily to compression and tension forces.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventors: Mark E. Ankrom, Scott B. Pano, Lawrence C. Vicari
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Patent number: 6247366Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing the design of a product or component by subjecting the product or component to multiple stimuli, such as temperature, vibration, pressure, ultraviolet radiation, chemical exposure, humidity, mechanical cycling, and mechanical loading, is described. Also described is a method for determining design maturity, technological limits, technological design maturity, predicted technological design maturity, and system target limits of products, components, and systems, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventor: Alexander J. Porter
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Patent number: 6233530Abstract: A control system for a failure mode testing system is described. The control system employs at least one control algorithm that enables the testing system to be operated at optimal pressure and frequency levels in order to generate a desired system response, such as a desired energy level and desired slope of the fast Fourier transform of the system response. Also described are a pressure dither system and a frequency ringing system for enhancing the operation of the actuator cylinders of the failure mode testing system. All three of the systems can be incorporated, either singularly or in combination, into a computer software program that can be employed to operate and control the failure mode testing system.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Entela, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J. Porter, Mark Allen Smith
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Patent number: 6220100Abstract: A vibration table includes a base, a plurality of springs, and a platform supported by the springs on the base. The platform includes spaced-apart first and second sides and at least one reinforcing member extending transversely across the second side. The first side of the platform defines a mounting or support surface for mounting articles on the vibration table. The second side includes a plurality of reinforcing members. The platform is vibrated by a plurality of vibration assemblies which are mounted to the reinforcing members whereby the reinforcing member distributes vibration from the vibration assemblies uniformly across the platform. At least one of the reinforcing members includes a mounting surface which extends generally orthogonal to the second side of the platform.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: EnvirotronicsInventors: Charles F. Felkins, Gregory M. Gilles, Dwayne D. Botruff, Gregory J. Langfeldt
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Patent number: 6189385Abstract: A shaking table has a control unit for controlling the shaking table so that a target waveform signal is reproduced with at least an acceleration measuring signal as a feedback signal. The control unit is adapted for effecting control by employing the force applied to the shaking table from a specimen under test loaded on the shaking table as the feedback signal. As a control error deriving from the force is canceled, highly accurate acceleration reproducibility is attainable even in the case of a non-linear specimen under test whose dynamic characteristics fluctuate with time.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiko Horiuchi, Takao Konno
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Patent number: 6128960Abstract: A test fixture for the vibration testing of pole-mounted apparatus includes a short length of pole hingedly supported on a vibration shake table, with the apparatus undergoing testing being secured to the pole. The end of the pole opposite its hinged mounting is coupled via a spring assembly to a rigid member secured to the shake table. Adjusting the spring constants "tunes" the response of the pole section to simulate a full size pole.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. DiEdwardo, Philip B. Grimado, Lee S. Scafati
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Patent number: 6112596Abstract: A shaker table assembly for a test chamber is provided. The test chamber has side walls defining an enclosure with the enclosure receiving a product to be tested. The shaker table assembly comprises a table top plate having a first side and a second side with the product being releasably secured to the first side of the table top plate. An insulation layer is provided having a first side and a second side with the first side of the insulation layer being secured to the second side of the table top plate. An understructure support member is provided having a first side and a second side with the first side of the understructure support member being secured to the second side of the insulation layer. At least one vibrator assembly is mounted to the second side of the understructure support member.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: QualMark CorporationInventor: John C. Hess
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Patent number: 6105433Abstract: A shaker table assembly for a test chamber is provided. The shaker table assembly comprises a table mechanism having a first side for mounting a product to be tested and a second side substantially opposite the first side. A first vibration mechanism is mounted to the second side of the table mechanism and a second vibration mechanism is mounted to the second side of the table mechanism wherein the first vibration mechanism is constructed differently from the second vibration mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Qualmark CorporationInventor: John C. Hess
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Patent number: 6085593Abstract: The present invention relates to a testing apparatus for testing vibration damping elements of moving blades, with a mounting means to be attached to an oscillating apparatus, whereby a damping element to be tested is to be arranged between the mounting means and the blades, and at least one extendable body that can be charged with pressure is arranged between the mounting means and the damping element.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: MTU Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbHInventors: Pierluigi Pileri, Herbert Hoffelner
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Patent number: 6062086Abstract: An interposer device for adjusting and controlling the shock response of a shaker table assembly is provided. The shaker table assembly has a mounting table and at least one vibrator assembly. The interposer device comprises a substantially planar plate mounted between the mounting table and the vibrator assembly with the planar plate having a predetermined desired spring constant.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: QualMark CorporationInventor: John C. Hess
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Patent number: 6044709Abstract: A vibrator has (a) a housing including a wall forming a cavity, (b) a sleeve in the cavity, and (c) a piston received in the sleeve for reciprocating movement therein. In the improvement, the cavity has a boundary surface inside the housing and the vibrator includes an impact block interposed between the boundary surface and the sleeve. Such impact block is positionally retained in the cavity by the boundary surface and the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.Inventors: Mark W. Briggs, Joseph D. Wetzel
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Patent number: 6035715Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for optimizing the design of products, such as but not limited to mechanical products, by simultaneously subjecting the products to multiple stimuli, such as but not limited to temperature, vibration, pressure, ultraviolet radiation, chemical exposure, humidity, mechanical cycling, and mechanical loading.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Entela, Inc,Inventor: Alexander J. Porter
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Patent number: 5979242Abstract: The multi-level vibration test system has controllable vibration attributes that enable the test engineer to precisely implement a vibration environment that is applicable to a wide range of applications and performance characteristics. The multi-level vibration test system comprises a plurality of shaker modules that are interconnected by coupling modules and optionally includes vibration input elements and/or vibration shaping elements that collectively function to enable the user to program the frequency and magnitudes that are produced by the multi-level vibration system. This novel architecture as well as the numerous implementation variations that are possible using this architecture, enable the test engineer to precisely control the vibration frequencies and magnitudes that are produced.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Hobbs Engineering CorporationInventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
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Patent number: 5969256Abstract: A modular vibration system which utilizes interchangeable modules to adapt to any of a wide range of applications and performance characteristics. The vibration system comprises a shaker module, a coupling module, and a fixture module. The shaker module includes features for mounting actuators, which provide multiaxial shaking motions, to the shaker module. The fixture module provides for attaching and holding specimens under test. The coupling module, preferably made of a visco-elastic material, couples the fixture module to the shaker module. The fixture module and the coupling module are easily separable from the shaker module. This configuration permits tuning the vibration system, over a wide range of multimodal coupling characteristics between the shaker module and the fixture module, for a specific application by interchanging fixture modules and coupling modules. The coupling characteristics can range from very flexible to very stiff and from underdamped to overdamped.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1996Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
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Patent number: 5965820Abstract: In a plating apparatus 10, a known control signal for detection is supplied from a computer 50 to a motor 13 in advance; the motor 13 is rotated at a variable speed within a predetermined range; and the displacement of a basket 18 is detected by a displacement sensor 30 to obtain displacement characteristics data. Next, the computer 50 controls the rotating operation of the motor 13 through a motor controller 60 to put the basket 18 in a desired optimum state of vibration using the obtained displacement characteristics data and data of an optimum amplitude for the plating process obtained in advance.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mamoru Ogawa
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Patent number: 5948987Abstract: A rotational shock fixture, energized by an impulsive driver, applies a rotary shock to a device undergoing test. A rotatable device-mounting-plate, enclosed within a rigid box, receives the device. A pair of diametrically opposed bearings support the box within a frame for movement about a rotation axis. A brake, coupled to the rotatable device-mounting-plate abruptly stops the rotatable device-mounting-plate from whirling about the rotation axis thereby applying the rotary shock to the device. Optional coil springs, stretching between the box and the frame, establish a rest orientation for the box with respect to the frame, and dampens oscillations of the box.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventor: Hong S. Liu
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Patent number: 5895858Abstract: An automatic and integrated mechanical and electrical accelerometer test system including a test fixture for holding the accelerometers to be mechanically and electrically tested; a handler subsystem for automatically feeding the accelerometers to the test fixture; a shaker subsystem for mechanically testing the accelerometers, the shaker subsystem linked to the test fixture, the shaker subsystem automatically vibrating the test fixture; and a tester for electrically testing the accelerometers while the accelerometers are vibrating.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert Malone, Brian Johnson, Brian Beucler, Robert O'Reilly, Normand Boucher, Sarkis Ourfalian
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Patent number: 5836202Abstract: A shaker table (10) for testing and quality control of devices attached to the table is shown. The mounting table has pneumatic exciters attached (50) thereto. The exciters (50) are attached to the mounting table (20) with a mounting bolt (128) and spacers (132, 132') that comprise an insulating material to inhibit thermal transfer between the device and the exciters (50) and between the mounting table (20) and the exciters (50). The mounting table (20) provides uniform distribution of forces applied by the pneumatic exciters (50). The forces are evenly distributed in all directions from the impact of the exciters on the mounting table. The mounting table (20) is supported on a foundation (2) by adjustable supports (4). The exciters are supplied with pressurized air from a source (12) through an airline (14).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Qualmark CorporationInventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
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Patent number: 5804732Abstract: A vibrator table apparatus includes a primary table member driven by at least two vibrators. The vibrator long axes are spaced from and angular to one another. The table member has a number of cylindrical holes formed through it. That is, the holes and "through-holes" and extend between the upper and lower surfaces of the table member. The total of the areas of the holes is in the range of 40% to 60% of the area defined by the perimeter edge of the table member and, most preferably, is about 50% of such area. The upper surface of the table member has a number of sockets formed in it for receiving respective standoff studs. A product support platform is coupled to the standoff studs and is in a spaced relationship to the upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Venturedyne, Ltd.Inventors: Joseph D. Wetzel, Mark W. Briggs