1626results about "Liquid springs" patented technology

A movable data center is disclosed that comprises a portable container in which an operable computer system is assembled. A data link, power supply link and cooling system are provided through ports on the exterior of the container. The computer system is assembled to a rack that is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mechanism.

An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and / or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.

A gas turbine engine assembly includes a gas turbine engine mounted on a three-point mounting frame. The three-point mounting frame includes an engine support structure having first and second beams in a V-configuration, and a secondary support structure that is positioned about the engine support structure and has a rectangular footprint. The frame may include a Y-configuration that includes the V-configuration, and may be implemented in a machine mounting system, such as in a marine vessel.

A control system for a resilient support mechanism such as a suspension mechanism of a wheeled vehicle including a damper disposed between an unsprung mass member and a sprung mass member of the vehicle, wherein a damping coefficient of the damper is divided into a linear portion and a nonlinear portion, and wherein the nonlinear portion of the damping coefficient is defined as a control input u and applied with a frequency weight Wu(s), while a vertical velocity of the sprung mass member, a relative velocity of the sprung mass member to the unsprung mass member and a vertical acceleration of the sprung mass member are defined as an evaluation output zp and applied with a frequency weight Ws(s). In the control system, a nonlinear Hinfin control theory is applied to a generalized plant to obtain a positive definite symmetric solution P and to calculate a target damping force based on the positive definite symmetric solution P and a state amount such as the vertical velocity of the sprung mass member, a relative displacement of the sprung mass member to the unsprung mass member or the like.

A movable data center is disclosed that comprises a portable container in which an operable computer system is assembled. A data link, power supply link and cooling system are provided through ports on the exterior of the container. The computer system is assembled to a rack that is secured to the container with a shock absorbing mechanism.

Cushioning elements having a top cushioning surface and a bottom base surface include an elastomeric cushion member and a stabilizing material. The elastomeric cushion member includes a first plurality of interconnected buckling walls having a first mean height and a second plurality of buckling walls having a second mean height. Each buckling wall of the second plurality intersects and connects to at least two buckling walls of the first plurality. A surface of the stabilizing material on a side thereof opposite the elastomeric cushion member defines the bottom base surface of the cushioning element. The first ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls and the first ends of the second plurality of buckling walls define the top cushioning surface of the cushioning element. Methods of forming cushioning elements include securing a stabilizing material to ends of the first plurality of interconnected buckling walls.

An electromagnetic shock absorber including: (a) a wheel-side member; (b) a body-side member movable relative to the wheel-side member; and (c) a damping force generator with an electromagnetic motor including stationary and movable elements movable relative to each other. The damping force generator can generate, based on a force generated by the motor, a damping force acting against a relative movement of the wheel-side member and the body-side member. The motor has an axis extending in a both-members-relative-movement direction as a direction of the above-described relative movement. The stationary element is supported by the wheel-side member via an elastic body, to be movable relative to the wheel-side member in the both-members-relative-movement direction. The electromagnetic motor allows relative movement of the stationary element and the movable element upon movement of the stationary element relative to the wheel-side member.

An impact absorbing, modular helmet that prevents or reduces injury to the user and other parties in a collision is described. The helmet has layers on the outer side of the hard casing that increase the time of impact and thereby reduces the intensity of the impact forces to reduce their injury potential. The layers may be made up of uniformly consistent impact absorbing polymer material, a polymer layer filled with air or a polymer honeycombed structure. These impact-absorbing layers may also be made and used as an independent, detachable, external protective cover that may be attached universally over hard casing helmets.

An active suspension for a driver seat of a bus or a heavy vehicle which comprises an electric actuator allowing the exertion of the force between the floor of the vehicle and the bottom of the seat. The adjustment of the height of the seat is accomplished by an electric actuator or by an independent mechanical system. A controller generates a control force calculated from measurements obtained by sensors located at different locations on the suspension. Forces exerted by the electric actuator can be relieved by passive element placed in parallel which cannot assume by themselves the role of a suspension for a given application.

A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly having a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of said strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pockets, each of the pockets containing at least one spring encased in a fabric pocket. An inflatable member is sandwiched between a lower scrim sheet and some strings of springs. When inflated, the inflatable member preloads select areas of the product.

Level adjustment device for vehicles with air springs 8a through 8d, by which a vehicle body is furnished with suspension on at least one vehicle axle, which includes the following:a source of compressed air 2, which, for the purpose of filling air springs 8a through 8d, can be connected to air springs 8a through 8d via an air dryer 4, the air dryer 4, for the purpose of filling the air springs, is connected on one side to air springs 8a through 8d through a check valve 6 that is open to air springs 8a through 8d, each air spring 8a through 8d, for the purpose of emptying them, can be connected through the air dryer 4 and through a pneumatically controlled first distribution valve 10 to the atmosphere, wherein the pneumatic control input 38 of this distribution valve 10 is then impinged through a second controllable distribution valve 12 with the pressure in air springs 8a through 8d against a restoring force 50 acting on the pneumatic control input 38, the pneumatic control input 38 of the pneumatically controlled first distribution valve 10, for the purpose of ending the emptying process, can be connected to the atmosphere, wherein the air dryer 4 is connected on the other side to air springs 8a through 8d through a pneumatically controlled third distribution valve 14, wherein the pneumatic control input 44 of this distribution valve is then impinged with the pressure of air springs 8a through 8d against a restoring force 52 acting on the pneumatic control input 44.

A shock absorber apparatus includes a response adjustment mechanism connected in fluid transmission relation between a first cylinder and a second cylinder that is configured to provide three or more adjustments for tuning the response of the shock absorber system. The shock absorber may also include a damping valve assembly which may include a step washer positioned concentrically around a piston rod, and in stacking relation, and may be further positioned proximate to a piston. The damping valve assembly may also include a pressure plate positioned concentrically around the step washer in sliding relation, and a plate spring positioned concentrically around the rod so that the plate spring is borne by the step washer and a portion of the plate spring is held in tension by the pressure plate.

A method and apparatus for construction of a protective head covering, such as a helmet, to be worn by individuals engaged in activity that may, without the apparatus, cause concussive brain injury. The helmet, which is comparable in weight and envelope to conventional helmets, can be constructed from commercially available materials. The design features a dual shell concept where outer shell deflection under load triggers the primary attenuation mechanism. A second more rigid inner shell defines a space where one or more compartmentalized sealed elastomer energy absorbing cells are located. These cells contain a gas and / or liquid agent designed to adaptively convert potentially injurious normal impact force energy to energy that is channeled between the shells and therefore harmless to the wearer. A portion of this converted energy will be stored and then utilized to automatically re-set the apparatus for the next impact event.

A gas damper includes a gas pressurized working chamber and valving within the piston to control flow of the gas through the piston. A system is in communication with the working chamber to control the gas pressure within the working chamber in order to control the damping characteristics of the damper. An electronic control unit is utilized to control the opening and closing of the valving within the piston to also control the damping characteristics of the damper.

PCT No. PCT / FR95 / 01609 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 6, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 6, 1997 PCT Filed Dec. 6, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96 / 18040 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 13, 1996The invention relates to a heterogeneous structure for energy accumulation-dissipation (10), the structure being constituted by a porous capillary solid matrix (11) of open capillary porosity and of controlled topology, with capillary passages (12) of varying section and / or mutually interconnected to form labyrinths, and by a liquid (13) surrounding the porous capillary matrix and defining a liquid / solid separation surface, with the matrix (11) being lyophobic relative to said liquid. The area of the separation surface then varies isothermally and reversibly as a function of the external pressure to which the heterogeneous structure (10) is subjected.

An air spring assembly includes a primary airbag mounted to a piston air bag such that the piston airbag provides a rolling surface for the primary airbag. A change in the piston airbag pressure changes the effective rate of the primary air spring. A relatively small change in the piston airbag volume provides a change in the spring rate of air spring assembly as the diameter of the rolloff surface is selectively modified.

A gas damper includes a gas pressurized working chamber and valving within the piston to control flow of the gas through the piston. A system is in communication with the working chamber to control the gas pressure within the working chamber in order to control the damping characteristics of the damper. An electronic control unit is utilized to control the opening and closing of the valving within the piston to also control the damping characteristics of the damper.

A crank of a shock absorber for a bicycle has two ends respectively pivotally connected with a bicycle frame and a rear shock absorber, having a round hole and a disc fitted in the round hole, a rear bearing hole, a narrow groove communicating with the round hole and the rear bearing hole, a nut at one side of the groove and a bolt extending from outside through the groove to screw with the nut, the disc having an eccentric hole; a rear shock absorber has a pivot base to face the eccentric hole for a micro-adjusting rod to extend therein stably. Then the micro-adjusting rod is rotated for an angle to alter the angle of the shock absorber relative to the bicycle frame, so a user can adjust elastic force of the shock absorber according to the capability, the body weight and road conditions.

An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and / or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.

An active vibration isolating support device for preventing the direct transmission of vibrations from an engine to a vehicle body frame includes an electromagnetic actuator for driving a movable member in a reciprocating fashion to change the capacity of a first liquid chamber. A shaft portion of an armature driven by a coil is supported by a bearing so that it moves along an axis, whereby the size of an air gap can be maintained as small as possible, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the coil. In addition, a connecting rod for connecting the movable member with the armature is supported so as to sway relative to a coil spring and a saucer spring, whereby the vibration of the movable member is prevented from being transmitted to the shaft portion of the armature.

A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.

A temperature responsive valve assembly for a gas spring includes a valve body, a seal, a bi-metal valve and a locking member. The valve body includes a flexible radial member defined along the outer periphery of the valve body. Each radial member includes a radially inward extending tab which engages the outer diameter of the locking member. The construction allows the temperature responsive valve assembly to be essentially “snapped” together. The locking member further includes axial spring feet which provide axial pressure upon the bi-metal valve to maintain engagement with the valve seat.

A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.

A tunable vibration isolation device comprising a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE), and methods of using such a device, are provided. By manipulating a magnetic field within the MRE the device's stiffness is controlled. The vibration isolator can be constructed to provide shock absorption in one, two and three dimensions. Coupling the tunable device to a sensor feedback and a control system provides fast and accurate vibration isolation and energy dissipation for shock events in a variety of applications.

A vehicle suspension system including: (a) a suspension spring interconnecting a vehicle body and a wheel; (b) an actuator having an electric motor, such that the actuator is capable of generating, based on a force of the electric motor, an actuator force forcing the body and the wheel toward and away from each other, and causing the generated actuator force to act as a damping force against displacement of the body and the wheel; and (c) a control device for controlling the actuator force generated by the actuator, by controlling operation of the electric motor. The control device is capable of establishing a constant-force generating state in which the actuator force is constantly generated as a constant actuator force by the actuator with supply of an electric power thereto from a battery as an electric power source of the electric motor such that the generated constant actuator force acts in a rebound direction or a bound direction. The control device controls the constant-force generating state, based on a charge state of the battery.

Methods and apparatus for a damper adjustment assembly that comprises an adjuster having a first detent at a first axial location, and a second detent at a second axial location. The assembly may further comprise a housing having a keeper for engaging the first and second detents. The method may comprise rotating the adjuster within the housing, and engaging the keeper with the first detent at the first axial location. The method may further comprise further rotating the damping adjuster within the housing and engaging the keeper with the second detent at the second axial location on the adjuster.

A system for use in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the Kinetic Energy generated and experienced while aircraft are executing either normal, overweight or hard landing events. Pressure sensors and motion sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record the impact loads and aircraft touch-down vertical velocities experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft landing gear initially comes into contact with the ground. Velocity adjustments are made to correct for errors caused by landing gear per-charge pressure and landing gear strut seal friction. The system also measures the landing loads experienced by each landing gear strut during the landing event and determines if aircraft limitations have been exceeded.

A tunable vibration isolator with active tuning elements having a housing, fluid chamber, and at least one tuning port. A piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chambers and the tuning ports. The tunable vibration isolator may employ either a solid tuning mass approach or a liquid tuning mass approach. The active vibration elements are preferably solid-state actuators.