RAMP dampener apparatus for dampening of a spring-loaded sliding door

Abstract

In some examples, a ramp dampener apparatus may include a spring-loaded dampener pivotally mountable to an instrument enclosure of an instrument. The spring- loaded dampener may include a ramp engageable with a roller mountable to a door of the instrument to controllably stop movement of the door.

Description

Docket No. 20250001-02RAMP DAMPENER APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING OF A SPRING-LOADED SLIDING DOORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U. S. Provisional Application Serial No.63 / 777,321, filed March 25, 2025, titled “RAMP DAMPENER APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING OF A SPRING-LOADED SLIDING DOOR”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] An instrument, such as a trace explosives detector or another such device, may include a sliding door that is opened to access or place a sample in the instrument, and closed during sample analysis or when the instrument is not in use. In some cases, the sliding door may be manually closed to seal the sample placed in the instrument during analysis of the sample. The sliding door may be spring-loaded such that once a latch holding the sliding door closed is released, the sliding door automatically slides to a fully open position.Docket No. 20250001-02BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the following figure(s), in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a ramp dampener apparatus for dampening of a spring-loaded sliding door (hereinafter “ramp dampener apparatus”) and a roller construction of the ramp dampener apparatus, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0005] Figure 2 illustrates further details of components of the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0006] Figures 3-5 illustrate a sliding door and roller interaction to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 6 illustrates exertion of an upward radial force on the roller to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figures 7-11 illustrate details of how a curve ramp profile will distribute energy absorption across a span of a ramp to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 12 illustrates multiple springs added to increase the dampening effect to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 13 illustrates how the spring force can be made adjustable by utilizingDocket No. 20250001-02 a screw and nut mechanism to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 14 illustrates another example of a ramp profile for the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; and

[0012] Figure 15 illustrates an example of an instrument that may utilize the ramp dampener apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.Docket No. 20250001-02 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring mainly to examples. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, some methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure.

[0014] Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" are intended to denote at least one of a particular element. As used herein, the term "includes" means includes but not limited to, the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on.

[0015] A ramp dampener apparatus for dampening of a spring-loaded sliding door (hereinafter Tamp dampener apparatus”) and a roller construction of the ramp dampener apparatus are disclosed herein. The ramp dampener apparatus may include a spring- loaded dampener with a curved profile, where the spring-loaded dampener is mounted on an instrument enclosure of an instrument, while a roller is mounted on a sliding door of the instrument. Alternatively, the spring-loaded dampener may be mounted on the sliding door of the instrument and the roller may be mounted on the instrument enclosure of the instrument. When the sliding door is released, for example, due to release of a latch holding the sliding door closed, and automatically pulled open by its spring, the roller of the sliding door may contact the ramp and the ramp may exert an upwards force on the roller (e.g., perpendicular to the door sliding motion) to dampen potential impact of the sliding door against the instrument enclosure. In this manner, the ramp dampenerDocket No. 20250001-02 apparatus may prevent impact of the sliding door against the instrument enclosure.

[0016] With respect to instruments, such as a trace explosives detector or another such device, as disclosed herein, the instrument may include a sliding door that is opened to access or place a sample in the instrument, and closed during sample analysis or when the instrument is not in use. In some cases, the sliding door may be manually closed to seal the sample placed in the instrument during analysis of the sample. The sliding door may be spring-loaded such that once a latch holding the sliding door closed is released, the sliding door automatically slides to a fully open position. Without a damper, the sliding door may abruptly impact a hard stop of the instrument enclosure, which can generate a loud noise and vibrations that may shift the entire instrument. In this regard, it is technically challenging to control stopping of the sliding door that needs to be rapidly slid opened, without the sliding door impacting the instrument enclosure and / or generating noise and vibrations that may interfere with instrument operation.

[0017] In order to address at least the aforementioned technical challenges, the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein effectively dampens the potential impact of the fast-moving sliding door against the instrument enclosure. The ramp dampener apparatus eliminates any loud noise and significantly reduces vibrations caused by the door’s impact against the instrument enclosure, for example, by preventing impact of the door against the instrument enclosure. Additionally, the ramp dampener apparatus creates a repeatable and smooth feel during the automatic opening or release of the sliding door, allowing the sliding door to travel and stop smoothly, as opposed to abruptly impacting the instrument enclosure and vibrating the instrument.

[0018] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, theDocket No. 20250001-02 spring-loaded dampener may include a curved ramp profile that effectively dampens potential impact against the instrument enclosure by evenly distributing energy absorption across a stroke that represents pivoting of the spring-loaded dampener, to thus eliminate concentrated impact at the point of initial engagement.

[0019] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the dampening effect may be customized by adjusting the spring and / or ramp profile of the spring-loaded dampener. The design of the spring-loaded dampener offers significant flexibility in tailoring the dampening effect, even mid-stroke, as the ramp profile can feature different curves and / or gradients at various segments to meet diverse application needs.

[0020] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, utilization of the spring-loaded dampener does not affect the feel of door closing. In this regard, the smoothness of the ramp and roller engagement surfaces of the spring-loaded dampener provide for smooth and repeatable closing of the door.

[0021] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the spring-loaded dampener and roller combination allows for the door to travel freely until the roller engages with the ramp of the spring-loaded dampener.

[0022] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the construction of the spring-loaded dampener and roller combination are relatively compact in that the roller may be mounted on the sliding door (or the instrument enclosure), while the relatively slim spring-loaded dampener may be mounted on the instrument enclosure (or the sliding door).Docket No. 20250001-02

[0023] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp and roller combination may utilize rolling contact and motion with force acting perpendicular to the impact and sliding motion, as opposed to direct impact that may result in higher wear.

[0024] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the indirect force of the roller against the spring-loaded dampener acting perpendicular to the sliding motion of the door prevents recoil of the sliding door movement.

[0025] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the spring-loaded dampener and roller combination provides for highly reliable and repeatable stopping of the door. In this regard, the roller may be formed of a polymer- based material such as IGUS IGLIDUR J, and the spring of the spring-loaded dampener may include a high cycle rate (e.g., 1 million cycles) to thus provide for extended use throughout the lifecycle of the instrument.

[0026] According to examples disclosed herein, a ramp dampener apparatus may include a spring-loaded dampener pivotally mountable to an instrument enclosure of an instrument. The spring-loaded dampener may include a ramp engageable with a roller mountable to a door of the instrument to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0027] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp dampener apparatus may further include a spring mountable to the instrument enclosure to bias the spring-loaded dampener to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0028] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp dampener apparatus may further include a screw axially movably mountable to theDocket No. 20250001-02 instrument enclosure to increase or decrease compression of the spring to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0029] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the spring-loaded dampener may include a first ramp portion defined by a first radius and a second ramp portion defined by a second radius, where the first radius may be larger than the second radius.

[0030] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the first ramp portion may be longer than the second ramp portion.

[0031] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the roller may be formed of a polymer-based material such as IGUS IGLIDUR J.

[0032] According to examples disclosed herein, an instrument may include an instrument enclosure, and a door slidably mounted to the instrument enclosure. A spring- loaded dampener may be pivotally mounted to the instrument enclosure and include a ramp engageable with a roller mounted to the door to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0033] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp dampener apparatus may further include a spring mounted to the instrument enclosure to bias the spring-loaded dampener to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0034] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp dampener apparatus may further include a screw axially movably mounted to the instrument enclosure to increase or decrease compression of the spring to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring to controllably stop movement of the door.Docket No. 20250001-02

[0035] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the spring-loaded dampener may include a first ramp portion defined by a first radius and a second ramp portion defined by a second radius, where the first radius is larger than the second radius.

[0036] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the first ramp portion may be longer than the second ramp portion.

[0037] According to examples disclosed herein, a ramp dampener apparatus may include a spring-loaded dampener being pivotable and including a ramp engageable with a roller to controllably stop movement of a door of an instrument.

[0038] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp dampener apparatus may further include a spring to bias the spring-loaded dampener to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0039] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the ramp dampener apparatus may further include a screw axially movable to increase or decrease compression of the spring to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring to controllably stop movement of the door.

[0040] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the spring-loaded dampener may include a first ramp portion defined by a first radius and a second ramp portion defined by a second radius. Further, the first radius may be larger than the second radius.

[0041] According to examples of the ramp dampener apparatus disclosed herein, the first ramp portion may be longer than the second ramp portion.Docket No. 20250001-02

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a ramp dampener apparatus for dampening of a spring-loaded sliding door (hereinafter “ramp dampener apparatus 100”) and a roller construction of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, the ramp dampener apparatus 100 may include a spring- loaded dampener 102 pivotally mountable to an instrument enclosure 1500 of an instrument 1502 (e.g., see Figure 15). The spring-loaded dampener 102 may include a ramp 104 engageable with a roller 106 mounted to a door 108 of the instrument 1502 to controllably stop movement of the door 108. In the example of Figure 1, the door 108 may slide on shafts 110-1 and 110-2 that are mounted to the instrument 1502. The spring- loaded dampener 102 may be mounted to the instrument 1502 via a dampener bracket 112. Further, the roller 106 may be mounted to the door 108 via a roller bracket 114.

[0044] Alternatively, instead of the spring-loaded dampener 102 pivotally mountable to the instrument enclosure 1500, the spring-loaded dampener 102 may be pivotally mountable to the door 108. Further, instead of the roller 106 mounted to the door 108, the roller 106 may be mounted to the instrument enclosure 1500.

[0045] A spring 116 may be mounted to the instrument enclosure 1500 to bias the spring-loaded dampener 102 to controllably stop movement of the door 108. Alternatively, if the spring-loaded dampener 102 is mounted to the door 108, instead of the spring 116 being mounted to the instrument enclosure 1500, the spring 116 may mounted to the door 108.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates further details of components of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.Docket No. 20250001-02

[0047] Referring to Figure 2, assembled and exploded views of the ramp dampener apparatus 100 are shown, respectively, at 200 and 202. With reference to the exploded view 202, the ramp dampener apparatus 100 may include further components such as a shoulder screw 204, a washer 206, a bushing 208, a metal washer 210, and a lock nut 212. The washer 206 and bushing 208 may be formed of a low-friction material. These components may be assembled to mount the spring-loaded dampener 102 to the dampener bracket 112.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the roller 106, the washer 206, and the bushing 208 may be formed of a polymer-based material such as IGUS IGLIDUR J (or another such material) due to its low friction, high wear resistance, and maintenance-free properties. The ramp 104 may be formed of aluminum or another such material for its greater strength, ensuring that wear occurs on the roller 106 instead.

[0049] Figures 3-5 illustrate a sliding door and roller interaction to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to Figure 3, at 300 (e.g., Position-0), the door 108 may be fully closed. At Position-0, the spring 116 may be fully extended, and the roller 106 remains fully disengaged from the ramp 104. Further, at Position-0, the door 108 may be latched shut (e.g., by a latch mechanism (not shown)).

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, at 400 (e.g., Position-1), the door 108 may be opened, for example, by releasing the latch mechanism (not shown) and automatically travel from Position-0 to Position-1 by means of spring assist or another type of assist (e.g., a torsion spring mechanism 1512 as shown in Figure 15). At Position-1, the roller 106 may engageDocket No. 20250001-02 the ramp 104 as shown, and the spring 116 may begin to compress to thus allow the spring-loaded dampener 102 to pivot clockwise in the orientation of Figure 4. In this regard, the roller 106 may engage a first portion 700 (e.g., see Figure 7) of the ramp 104 to begin to controllably stop sliding movement of the door 108.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5, at 500 (e.g., Position-2), the door 108 may be fully opened after continuing to automatically travel from Position-1 to Position-2 by means of spring assist or another type of assist. At Position-2, the roller 106 may fully compress the spring 116 to fuliy pivot the spring-loaded dampener 102 clockwise in the orientation of Figure 5. In this regard, the roller 106 may finish engagement with the first portion 700 (e.g., see Figure 7) of the ramp 104, and further engage the second portion 702 (e.g., see Figure 7) of the ramp 104 to fully controllably stop movement of the door 108.

[0053] With continued reference to Figures 4 and 5, engagement of the roller 106 with the first portion 700 (e.g., see Figure 7) of the ramp 104, and further with the second portion 702 (e.g., see Figure 7) of the ramp 104 may fully compress the spring 116 and absorb the pivoting energy of the spring-loaded dampener 102 to fully controllably stop movement of the door 108.

[0054] Figure 6 illustrates exertion of an upward radial force on the roller to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to Figures 3-6, and particularly Figure 6, at Position-1 of Figure 4 shown similarly in Figure 6, simultaneously, an upward radial force P may be exerted on the roller 106. The upward radial force P may create a force on the sliding door 108 that is perpendicular to its sliding motion, and generates friction Frbetween the slidingDocket No. 20250001-02 elements of the door, specifically the shafts 110-1 and 110-2 and the corresponding bushings (not shown) at attachment points 600 and 602 of the door 108.

[0056] The spring compression and the induced friction may together absorb the kinetic energy of the sliding door and dampen its impact over the course of the ramp profile of the ramp 104. These aspects may be expressed by the following Equations:-***£ kinetic spring "** friction- S-mt / - -F %(Pp)s2 2^kinetic -™ kinetic energy o f sliding door opening^sprinn ™ energy absorbed by spring^friccinn “ energy absorbed by frictionm mass of doorv - velocity of sliding doork ■■■■■■■ spring constantx = spring displacementP — force on rollerp ~ coefficient of friction of door sliding elements - distance travelled by doord roller distance from ram pivotFr ~ friction forceFs == spring forceDocket No. 20250001-02

[0057] With respect to the ramp profile of the ramp 104, if a straight ramp profile is used (e.g., no radius for the first portion 700 (e.g., see Figure 7) of the ramp 104), most of the sliding door kinetic energy may be absorbed and concentrated near the initial engagement around Position-1. This may cause ineffective dampening, as the impact of the roller 106 on the ramp 104 may still be relatively high at the initial engagement position.

[0058] Figures 7-11 illustrate details of how a curve ramp profile will distribute energy absorption across a span of the ramp 104 to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figure 7, a curve ramp profile as shown will distribute the energy absorption across the span of the ramp 104. For example, the spring-loaded dampener 102 may include the first portion 700 (e.g., between points 0-5) defined by a first radius R1, and the second portion 702 (e.g., from point 5 onwards) defined by a second radius R2, where the first radius R1 is larger than the second radius R2. Further, the first ramp portion may be longer than the second ramp portion.

[0060] For a particular example of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, R1 may be specified as 260mm, R2 may be specified as 15mm, the distance D ma y be specified as 100mm, and the height H may be specified as 20mm. These values may be varied, for example, to + 20% of the specified values, or higher based on the particulars of an application of the ramp dampener apparatus 100.

[0061] As shown at 704, plotting the curve profile with a straight profile would give the height ratios at their respective position. Further, using this ratio configuration, the curve profile may be scaled for different applications to provide similar effect. Moreover, theDocket No. 20250001-02 ratios may be varied, for example, to + 20% of the specified values, or higher based on the particulars of an application of the ramp dampener apparatus 100.

[0062] The utilization of the curved profile ramp (e.g., at 700) eliminates concentrated energy absorption at a single point. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the energy absorbed at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 shows a steady increase of total energy absorbed as the roller 106 travels across the curved span of the ramp 104.

[0063] Compared to the curved profile ramp of Figure 7, Figure 9 shows a straight profile ramp 900. In this regard, as shown in Figure 10, the energy absorbed at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 shows sharp changes for the total energy absorbed as the roller 106 travels across the straight span of the ramp.

[0064] Referring to Figure 11, total energy absorbed at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Figure 7 is shown at 1100 and 1102 fora curved profile ramp (e.g., Figure 7) and a straight profile ramp (e.g., Figure 9), respectively. In this regard, the total energy absorbed for the curved profile ramp at 1100 is 625.51 Nmm, and for the straight profile ramp at 1102 is 1157.15 Nmm. At 1100, the total energy absorbed by each position is gradually increased from points 1 to 5, and hence this provides a gradual / smooth dampening effect. At 1102 however, the total energy absorbed by point 1 is relatively high compared to other positions, which implies that the dampening effect will be less gradual and may cause jerking as most of the energy absorbed is concentrated at point 1.

[0065] Figure 12 illustrates multiple springs added to increase the dampening effect to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.Docket No. 20250001-02

[0066] The ramp dampener apparatus 100 may be configured as needed to customize the dampening effect. For exampie, multiple springs, such as springs 1200 and 1202, may be utilized to increase the dampening effect. Alternatively or additionally, as disclosed herein, the ramp curved profile may be modified to create different dampening effects. In some cases, the ramp curved profile may include more than two curved portions (e.g., portions with radius R1, R2,... RN).

[0067] Figure 13 illustrates how the spring force can be made adjustable by utilizing a screw and nut mechanism to illustrate operation of the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to Figure 13, the ramp dampener apparatus 100 may include a screw 1300 axially movably mounted to the instrument enclosure 1500 to increase or decrease compression of the spring 116 to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring 116 to controllably stop movement of the door 108. In this regard, a nut 1302 may be rotatably attached to the screw to axially translate relative to the screw to increase or decrease the compression of the spring 116 to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring 116 to controllably stop movement of the door 108.

[0069] Figure 14 illustrates another example of a ramp profile for the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 14, as shown at 1400, the ramp curve profile may be modified to create different dampening effects. For example, a curve profile (A) offers a gradual dampening effect, while the dampening effect becomes stiffer as the ramp profile gets closer to a straight profile (B). As shown at 1402, the ramp profile may also be divided into varying gradients. For example, the end profile C offers a stiff hard stop effectDocket No. 20250001-02 at the end of the ramp, while end profile D offers a more gradual stop.

[0071] Figure 15 illustrates an example of an instrument that may utilize the ramp dampener apparatus 100, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to Figure 15, the door 108 at a closed position is shown, for example, at 1504 and 1508, respectively, in a front view and a rear view of the instrument 1502, and at an open position is shown, for example, at 1506 and 1510, respectively, in a front view and a rear view of the instrument 1502. The door 108 may be opened, for example, by releasing a latch mechanism (not shown) and automatically open by means of spring assist or another type of assist (e.g., the torsion spring mechanism 1512). Further, as disclosed herein, opening of the door 108 may be dampened by the ramp dampener apparatus 100 until the door 108 is fully open.

[0073] What has been described and illustrated herein is an example along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the following claims -and their equivalents -in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

Docket No. 20250001-02 What is claimed is:

1. A ramp dampener apparatus comprising:a spring-loaded dampener pivotally mountable to an instrument enclosure of an instrument, wherein the spring-loaded dampener includes a ramp engageable with a roller mountable to a door of the instrument to controllably stop movement of the door.

2. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:a spring mountable to the instrument enclosure to bias the spring-loaded dampener to controllably stop movement of the door.

3. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:a screw axially movably mountable to the instrument enclosure to increase or decrease compression of the spring to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring to controllably stop movement of the door.

4. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 1:wherein the spring-loaded dampener includes a first ramp portion defined by a first radius and a second ramp portion defined by a second radius, andwherein the first radius is larger than the second radius.Docket No. 20250001-025. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first ramp portion is longer than the second ramp portion.

6. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roller is formed of a polymer-based material.

7. An instrument comprising:an instrument enclosure;a door slidably mounted to the instrument enclosure; anda spring-loaded dampener pivotally mounted to the instrument enclosure and including a ramp engageable with a roller mounted to the door to controllably stop movement of the door.

8. The instrument according to claim 7, further comprising:a spring mounted to the instrument enclosure to bias the spring-loaded dampener to controllably stop movement of the door.

9. The instrument according to claim 8, further comprising:a screw axially movably mounted to the instrument enclosure to increase orDocket No. 20250001-02 decrease compression of the spring to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring to controllably stop movement of the door.

10. The instrument according to claim 7:wherein the spring-loaded dampener includes a first ramp portion defined by a first radius and a second ramp portion defined by a second radius, andwherein the first radius is larger than the second radius.

11. The instrument according to claim 10, wherein the first ramp portion is longer than the second ramp portion.

12. The instrument according to claim 7, wherein the roller is formed of a polymer-based material.

13. A ramp dampener apparatus comprising:a spring-loaded dampener being pivotable and including a ramp engageable with a roller to controllably stop movement of a door of an instrument.

14. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising:a spring to bias the spring-loaded dampener to controllably stop movement of theDocket No. 20250001-02 door.

15. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:a screw axially movable to increase or decrease compression of the spring to respectively increase or decrease dampening of the spring to controllably stop movement of the door.

16. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 13:wherein the spring-loaded dampener includes a first ramp portion defined by a first radius and a second ramp portion defined by a second radius, andwherein the first radius is larger than the second radius.

17. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first ramp portion is longer than the second ramp portion.

18. The ramp dampener apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the roller is formed of a polymer-based material.

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