Abstract: In an embodiment, and by way of example only, a vibration isolator is used for coupling between a payload and a base and includes a rod, a magnetic damper, a first spring, and a second spring. The magnetic damper includes a movable section and stationary section. The movable section comprises a conductive material and has an opening through which the rod extends. The stationary section includes a magnet disposed around and spaced apart from the movable section and is coupled to the base. The first spring couples the movable section to the rod. The second spring is coupled to the rod and stationary section. In another embodiment, the vibration isolator also includes a voice coil actuation system.

Abstract: A distributed network vibration isolation system includes several vibration isolation nodes distributed throughout a structure. The nodes wirelessly intercommunicate and include a passive structural isolation device and an active structural isolation device. The nodes work together via wireless communication to isolate a payload from a disturbance source.

Abstract: Fluid amplifiers and vibration damping and isolation systems are provided. A fluid amplifier includes a housing assembly, a piezo-electric element, two amplification stages, and a rod. The piezo-electric element is disposed within the housing assembly and is capable of being energized to lengthen axially to provide an input stroke at an initial magnitude. The first amplification stage is disposed within the housing assembly adjacent to the piezo-electric element and is adapted to amplify the input stroke from the piezo-electric element to a first magnitude. The second amplification stage is disposed in series with the first amplification stage and is adapted to increase the input stroke from the first magnitude to a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude to yield an amplified input stroke. The rod extends through the second amplification stage and is coupled thereto to transmit the amplified input stroke having the second magnitude.

Abstract: Fluid amplifiers and vibration damping and isolation systems are provided. A fluid amplifier includes a housing assembly, a piezo-electric element, two amplification stages, and a rod. The piezo-electric element is disposed within the housing assembly and is capable of being energized to lengthen axially to provide an input stroke at an initial magnitude. The first amplification stage is disposed within the housing assembly adjacent to the piezo-electric element and is adapted to amplify the input stroke from the piezo-electric element to a first magnitude. The second amplification stage is disposed in series with the first amplification stage and is adapted to increase the input stroke from the first magnitude to a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude to yield an amplified input stroke. The rod extends through the second amplification stage and is coupled thereto to transmit the amplified input stroke having the second magnitude.

Abstract: In an embodiment, and by way of example only, a vibration isolator is used for coupling between a payload and a base and includes a rod, a magnetic damper, a first spring, and a second spring. The magnetic damper includes a movable section and stationary section. The movable section comprises a conductive material and has an opening through which the rod extends. The stationary section includes a magnet disposed around and spaced apart from the movable section and is coupled to the base. The first spring couples the movable section to the rod. The second spring is coupled to the rod and stationary section. In another embodiment, the vibration isolator also includes a voice coil actuation system.