Abstract: A tuned mass damper for attenuating vibrations in a selected plane of a mechanical structure, by magnetically induced eddy current damping. A moving damper mass is coupled to a vibrating mass through one or more flexures that confine relative movement of the damper mass substantially to the selected plane. A magnet structure is rigidly attached to either the vibrating mass or the damper mass, and a conductor plate is attached to the other of these masses. Movement of the damper mass relative to the vibrating mass induces eddy currents in the conductor plate and thereby generates a damping force that attenuates vibration in the selected plane.

Abstract: A passive magnetic damper suitable for use as a vibration isolator coupled between two masses, one of which is subject to vibration. The damper includes at least two pairs of rare earth permanent magnets configured to provide a narrow, generally planar gap, and backing plates positioned to complete a magnetic circuit passing through the magnets and the gap. A flat conductor plate is positioned to be freely movable in the gap. Any time-varying force on the conductor plate results in the generation of eddy currents in the plate, and these in turn generate a mechanical force on the plate, which resists the time-varying force and produces a damping effect. With careful selection of materials for the magnets, the backing plates and the conductive plate, the damper is effective over a wide temperature range that includes cryogenic temperatures, and is operable over a wide range of damping levels.

Abstract: A positioning boom disposed between a space-based observatory platform and its instrument payload provides thermal and dynamic isolation as well as fine pointing and momentum control. The inventive system isolates a sensitive payload from a warm, dynamically noisy spacecraft, which includes a sunshield. Isolation is required in terms of dynamics and heat flow, both in terms of the absolute level and its variance (thermal isolation). The present invention provides intrinsic control over momentum buildup (which is due to the separation of the center of pressure from the center of mass). The space-based platform also provides a view (field of regard) to at least half the sky (in the anti-sun direction).