Abstract: A damping apparatus is disclosed having at least one magnet, a conducting member movable relative to the magnet, a cryogenic fluid, and a channel that confines the cryogenic fluid in contact with the conducting member. The cryogenic fluid may maintain the conducting member at cryogenic temperatures, thereby increasing a damping force provided by the conducting member to a payload.

Abstract: A damping apparatus is provided having a payload member, an extension member, and a damping member. The extension member is coupled to the payload member such that when the payload member moves a first distance, the extension member moves a second distance greater than the first distance. The damping member applies a damping force to the extension member when the extension member moves. The application of the damping force to the extension member causes a damping force on the payload member that is greater than the damping force on the extension member. The damping apparatus may utilize permanent magnets and conductive extension members to generate the damping force.

Abstract: A damping apparatus is disclosed having at least one magnet, a conducting member movable relative to the magnet, a cryogenic fluid, and a channel that confines the cryogenic fluid in contact with the conducting member. The cryogenic fluid may maintain the conducting member at cryogenic temperatures, thereby increasing a damping force provided by the conducting member to a payload.

Abstract: A damping apparatus is disclosed including at least one pair of magnets, a conducting member, a magnetic shunt, and a temperature sensing mechanism. The pair of magnets defines a gap therebetween. The magnets generate a magnetic flux circuit having a magnetic flux path within the gap and a magnetic flux return path outside the gap. The conducting member is positioned at least partially within the gap. The magnetic shunt is positioned at least partially within the magnetic flux return path of the magnets. The temperature sensing mechanism is coupled to the magnetic shunt. The temperature sensing mechanism is configured to control a position of the magnetic shunt based on a sensed temperature.

Abstract: A damping apparatus is disclosed having at least one magnet, a conducting member movable relative to the magnet, a cryogenic fluid, and a channel that confines the cryogenic fluid in contact with the conducting member. The cryogenic fluid may maintain the conducting member at cryogenic temperatures, thereby increasing a damping force provided by the conducting member to a payload.

Abstract: A damping apparatus is disclosed comprising at least one pair of magnets and a conducting member. The at least one pair of magnets define a gap therebetween. The conducting member is coupled to a payload and positioned within the gap. The conducting member is configured to vibrate in response to a vibration of the payload. The conducting member comprises a conducting material. Vibration of the conducting member generates eddy currents in the conducting member, and the eddy currents generate a frequency-dependent damping force. The frequency-dependent damping force is adjustable based on the conducting material and a thickness of the conducting member. The conducting material and the thickness are selected to adjust the frequency-dependent damping force.