Abstract: The present invention provides a panel providing improved noise and vibration attenuation. The panel is formed from a constrained layer viscoelastic laminate material having at least two constraining layers and at least one viscoelastic layer therebetween spanning the entirety of the constraining layers. Included within the viscoelastic layer is an effective amount of filler material operable to increase the static stiffness of the panel. A method of increasing the static stiffness of constrained layer viscoelastic materials is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the braking system of a vehicle and a method to attenuate noise-producing vibrations of components of the braking system by the use of tuned mass dampers of various designs mounted with respect to the brake pads and/or damper plate of a disc brake system. In another embodiment, the tuned mass dampers are attached to the brake shoes and/or drum brake backplate of a drum brake system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration damping structure comprising a core adjacent a first constraining layer. The core comprises a continuous strengthening layer disposed between first and second viscoelastic layers. The first constraining layer rests adjacent the first viscoelastic layer. A second constraining may rest adjacent the second viscoelastic layer, thereby sandwiching the core to vary damping characteristics of the damping structure. The strengthening layer comprises any material significantly stiffer than the viscoelastic material, thereby increasing the overall stiffness of the core. Addition of the strengthening layer substantially increases shearing to significantly increase energy dissipation.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration damping structure having an inner metal skin and an outer metal skin and a damping layer secured between the metal skins, with each of said metal skins having a cut therein. The damping layer is a viscoelastic material which is capable of adhering to the metal skins. The cuts are circular, encompassing and isolating an area wherein the vibration damping structure is connected to another body. The cuts extend through the inner metal skin and the outer metal skin to the damping layer.

Abstract: A channel-shaped support bracket for a disk drive assembly has a base wall, opposed side walls and flanges respectively extending outwardly from the side walls. The bracket is formed of a laminate of a viscoelastic layer sandwiched between two metal layers for vibration damping. The disk drive assembly has a printed circuit board on one side thereof. The flanges have holes for receiving fasteners to mount the bracket on an associated substrate. The disk drive assembly is mounted with the printed circuit board facing the base wall of the bracket. It may be disposed between the side walls, being either mounted on the side walls and spaced from the base wall or mounted against the base wall, or may be mounted on the opposite surface of the base wall. End walls may be provided extending from the base wall in a direction opposite from the direction in which the side walls extend. Fasteners extend through openings in the walls and may be cushioned with rubber grommets.