Steven J Hooper

US Patent:

44970781, Feb 5, 1985

Filed:

Feb 14, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/466089

Inventors:

Jerald M. Vogel - Ames IA
Steven J. Hooper - Ames IA
Jerry L. Hand - Ames IA

International Classification:

A47C 1916

US Classification:

5118

Abstract:

An apparatus for preventing the transmission of vibrations from one object to another including a first and second frame having a rod attached to one of the frames and the other being slideably mounted to the rod. An air bag or other force transmitting mechanism is attached to one end thereof to one of the frames and abuts the other of the frames. A source of fluid is provided for pushing the first and second frames apart when such fluid is allowed to flow into the force transmitting apparatus. A biasing structure is provided for causing the frames to move closer together when fluid is allowed to escape from the force transmitting apparatus and a valve structure is connected between the fluid supply and force transmitting apparatus for selectively controlling the flow of the fluid between the air bag, a source of pressurized fluid and atmosphere. A third frame, a second rod, a second force transmitting apparatus, biasing apparatus and valve and valve actuating mechanism are also provided for isolating transmissions of force in a similar fashion, but in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the first and second frame referred to immediately above.

US Patent:

57881855, Aug 4, 1998

Filed:

May 17, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/649575

Inventors:

Steven J. Hooper - Wichita KS

Assignee:

Impact Dynamics, Inc. - Wichita KS

International Classification:

B64D 1100

US Classification:

244122R

Abstract:

A seat for use in an aircraft providing improved user lumbar load characteristics during a crash event, the seat having a pair of spaced apart front and rear legs, the front and rear legs each being formed of a metallic curved beam having high plastic and low elastic deformation characteristics. First and second chair beams are connected between the front and rear legs. A seat pan is supported between the chair beams, the seat pan being configured to plastically and telescopically deform downwardly between the front and rear legs during a crash event. An energy absorbing seat cushion is positioned on the seat pan. Drag links limit the forward displacement of the front legs upper ends and thereby the seat pan during a crash event. The plasticity of the chair legs, the seat pan and the seat cushion being selected such that in the event of a crash a substantial portion of the load that would otherwise be imparted to a passenger's lower back is absorbed.