Abstract: A twin mass flywheel (10) in which first (11) and second (12) flywheel masses can rotate relative to each other about an axis (C) under the control of one or more connection means (50, 31, 41) whose center of gravity moves radially with respect to the rotation axis as the flywheel masses rotate relative to each other. The centripetal loads acting on the connection means (50, 31, 41) as the twin mass flywheel rotates, tend to bias the first and second flywheel masses towards a pre-determined relative rotational position to provide speed sensitive damping of the relative rotation. The connection means may take the form of a mass (50) which moves along a first track (31) associated with the first flywheel mass (11) and a torque transmitting connection acting between the mass (50) and the second flywheel mass (12) in the form of a second track (41) also followed by the mass (50). Numerous other forms of connection means are also disclosed some of which us links (570) in place of one of the tracks.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, which may be in the form of a twin mass flywheel, and which has an input member (11) designed to rotate generally in a first plane (A1), an output member (12) designed to rotate generally in a second plane (A2), relative rotation of the input and output members being possible against the action of a link-type damper (40). The damper is arranged to allow the first and second planes in which the input and output members rotate to tilt relative to each other during use of the damper to relieve internal stresses. This ability to tilt may be provided by self-aligning main bearings (50) or by the use of self-aligning pivot bearings (65) in the link-type damper.

Abstract: A damping device (10) includes co-axially arranged first and second parts (11, 12) which can rotate relative to each other by a limited amount about an axis (15) of the damping device. The device also includes at least one linkage device (40A) comprising an anchor link (43) pivotally connected via a first pivot (44) to the first part (11) and having a torque transmitting connection (41A) with the second part (12). The linkage device (40A) acting to resist relative rotation of the first and second pars (11, 12). There is also provided a resilient means in the form of coil spring (66A) which acts generally circumferentially between the linkage device (40A) and the first part (11) to resist relative rotation of the first and second parts (11, 12).