Abstract: A speed dependent response control balancing device of the present invention provides control of vibrations in a rotatable member such as a rotatable basket of a washing machine. The balancing device has two compartments including an annular ball race and a reservoir. A plurality of balls are positioned within the annular ball race and move within the ball race to counteract the imbalance of the basket. A varying amount of viscous fluid is delivered from the reservoir into the ball race depending on a rotational speed of the balancing device. Accordingly, the reaction or "quickness" of the response of the balls within the ball race changes with the rotational speed of the balancing device to provide quick response during a start-up period and slower response at high rotational speeds.

Abstract: A torsional and translational vibration removing device or balancer includes the combination of at least one annular torsional vibration damping mass and a plurality of translational vibration compensating masses. The annular torsional vibration damping mass can be positioned within an annular groove in a housing so as to be capable of freely rotating during rotation of the balancer. The annular torsional vibration damping mass can also be provided with an annular groove that receives the translational vibration compensating masses. The compensating masses are free to rotate within the annular groove in the torsional vibration damping mass so that during rotation of the balancer, the compensating masses move within the annular groove of the damping mass to assume a position which reduces translational vibration while the torsional vibration damping mass rotates to reduce torsional vibration.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus has a first circular race rotatable about a first axis. A first plurality of weights are movable within the first race. A locking member maintains the weights in a first position within the race until when a first predetermined angular velocity is reached and releases the weights when a second predetermined angular velocity is reached.

Abstract: A balancing arrangement for removing imbalance in a rotatable element includes a plurality of annular races provided in an enclosing structure and a plurality of movable weights disposed in each of the races for movement within the races during rotation of the rotating member. A fluid is also disposed in each of the races. The plurality of races can include a first race having a particular cross-sectional shape and a second race having a different cross-sectional shape so that shear forces exerted on the weights in each race during rotation of the rotating member are different. The balancing arrangement can also be constructed so that the weight of the weights in one of the races is different from the weight of the weights in the other race. In addition, more than two races can be employed and the races can be disposed in a common plane or in axially displaced positions with respect to one another.

Abstract: A guide member is located circumferentially around a rotating member. A plurality of movable weights are mounted on and guided by the guide member. The guide member may have the shape of an I-beam.

Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first race. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights. A locking apparatus locks and releases the weights at predetermined angular velocities. Fluids of different viscosities and race configurations are additionally used to vary weight dynamics.

Abstract: Method of removing imbalance from a rotating body. A plurality of weights movable in a first race are maintained in a first position relative to the race at a first predetermined rotation speed. The weights are maintained in said position until a second predetermined rotation speed is reached at which time the weights are released.

Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first groove. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights.

Abstract: Apparatus to remove imbalance from a rotating member. A first pathway has a width and is positioned concentric to an axis with a circumference having a first radius. A second pathway is positioned concentric to the axis with a circumference having a second radius and is axially displaced from the first pathway. The second distance is greater than the first distance. Movable weights are positioned in each of the first and second pathways.

Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first race. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights.

Abstract: A shaft has counterbalancing apparatus located therein. The shaft has an outer diameter and two races formed in the shaft. The races are coaxial with the axis of the shaft and forced one inside the other. The outside one of the races is inside the outer diameter of the shaft. Movable weights are positioned in each of the races.

Abstract: A counterbalancing apparatus for dynamically balancing an out of balance rotating member. A first series of weights having identical size and weight are mounted to freely move within a first groove or race when the apparatus is rotating after being mounted to a shaft or other rotatable member. A second series of weights having identical size and weight are similarly mounted to freely move within a second groove or race located inside of the first groove. The first series of weights is different in size and weight from the second series of weights.