Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration damper for suspended cables, particularly for electric conductors of overhead high voltage lines, comprising a messenger cable fixed by its central part to a clamp of connection to the conductor, and two counterweights fixed to the messenger cable. Each of the counterweights is formed of a bar element, having a constant section throughout most of its length and being obtained by cutting to size a bar of indefinite length.

Abstract: A device for suppressing wind induced motions in aerial cables and a method of installing the same. The device comprises a cylindrical rod of substantial length having a generally straight center section terminating in helically configured cable gripping sections. Adjacent one end is a non-gripping support helix. The support helix functions to provide support to one end of the device while the device is slid to a position on the cable where the helically configured gripping section at the opposite end can be wrapped to the aerial cable.

Abstract: A high voltage thyristor valve of the air insulation type erected upright on a valve hall is disclosed, which comprises a thyristor valve body erected in the valve hall and a plurality of reinforcing means stretched between the thyristor valve body and inner walls of the valve hall, each of the reinforcing means including a wire rope and an insulator.

Abstract: A device for damping vibrations of an overhead conductor, the device including a member adapted to be clamped to the conductor. The member has a clamping portion for engaging the conductor and an arm portion extending from the clamping portion. Opposed sides of the arm portion have rounded depressions provided therein. Spherical elastomer damping elements have portions located respectively in the depressions, and an integrally formed rib that joins the spheres together in pairs. A weight member is disposed adjacent the opposed sides of the arm portion, the weight member having opposed depressions for holding portions of the damping elements that are opposite the portions located in the depressions of the arm portion.

Abstract: An articulated spacer damper for transmission line cables is disclosed comprising a frame, a plurality of intermediate arms each resiliently pivotally connected at one end to the frame and at its other end to the proximal end of a clamping arm, the distal end of which is provided with clamping means for respectively grasping individual conductors. Each of the pivotal connections includes a pair of spaced resilient energy absorbing elements having non-circular cross section which are interposed between the respective components and lockingly engaged with recesses formed in each component. The components are clamped together by a locking bolt extending through the elements and defining an axis of hinged part rotation while holding the elements in compression.

Abstract: An aerodynamic damper for reducing wind-induced motion, especially galloping, of electrical transmission and distribution lines comprises a structure that in cross-section has a vane that is secured to the conductor by two arms. Each of the arms is formed on the inside partly by an arc of a circle substantially equal in radius to the radius of the circle enclosing the conductor. This arc extends for about 45 degrees on each of the arms. The remaining part, for approximately 90 degrees, of each of the arms is formed by an arc of a circle of a radius smaller than that of the conductor and centered below and off the centerline of the conductor. Each of the arms is terminated by a lip which is thicker than the adjacent portion of the arm. In a preferred embodiment the damper is formed by extending the cross section linearly along the conductor for a distance of the order of four feet. In an alternate embodiment, the damper is formed by winding the cross-section in a helix about the conductor.

Abstract: A device is provided for spacing apart and damping bundled conductors in an electric line. The device comprises a support, a plurality of arms each carrying a clamp adapted to clamp about and hold one sub-conductor in the bundle of conductors and at least one flexible joint for each arm provided on said support and adapted to flexibly secure a respective arm to said support. Each joint includes at least one frame integral with and secured to said support and located in a plane relative to the plane of the support, a core positioned within the frame to which a respective arm is attached, and at least two elastic elements provided between the core and the frame for retaining the core elastically within the frame. The frame may be located in the plane of the support or in an inclined plane relative to the plane of the support. Additionally, two or more frames may be provided for each arm, each located in a plane coincident with or parallel to the plane of the support.

Abstract: A new and improved Stockbridge type damper is disclosed. The improvement includes means for preventing the damper's weights or inertia members from excessive motion so as to minimize the possibility of damper failure.

Abstract: A device for damping vibrations of an overhead conductor, the device including a member adapted to be clamped to the conductor. The member has a clamping portion for engaging the conductor and an arm portion extending from the clamping portion. Opposed sides of the arm portion have rounded depressions provided therein. Spherical elastomer damping elements have portions located respectively in the depressions. A weight member is disposed adjacent the opposed sides of the arm portion, the weight member having opposed depressions for holding portions of the damping elements that are opposite the portions located in the depressions of the arm portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a damping spacer for bundle conductors of high-voltage electric lines, which comprises a stiff central body (1), at least two connecting clamps (3) each for anchoring to a respective conductor of the bundle, each clamp having a rigid extension (2), and at least one springing hinge element for connecting the extension (2) to the stiff body (1). Rigid arms (4), carrying at their ends inertial masses (5), are fixedly connected to the central body (1), said masses being so arranged that their barycenters are far from the barycenter of the central body (1), beyond the axes of said springing hinges.

Abstract: A device for damping vibration of a structure subject to vibration, the device including a member for clamping to the structure and having a portion engaging elastomer means for dissipating the energy of vibration. The elastomer means comprises two elastomer pads or structures concentrated at diametrically opposed locations on a circle of effort, and an inertial weight engaging and suspended by the elastomer structures. The weight is located on opposed sides of the clamping member such that the elastomer structures are sandwiched between the weight and clamping member.

Abstract: A damping spacer having substantially all metallic components thereof made from wrought materials is disclosed. The spacer has a stamped wrought metal frame and a plurality of extruded metal conductor clamp arms which are secured to the frame in a manner that dampens conductor vibrations. Each clamp arm extends outwardly from the frame and is secured to the frame by an extruded metal pivot pin which is affixed to the frame. Each pivot pin has a noncircular cross-sectional shank which extends through a noncircular opening provided in each clamp arm. An elastomer damping collar is inserted on each pivot pin shank so as to also extend through the respective clamp arm opening. The internal and external surfaces of each collar are sized and configured to intimately mate with the noncircular cross-sectional shank of the respective pivot pin and noncircular opening of the respective clamp arm. As such, rotational movement between the pins and the arms caused by conductor vibration is effectively dampened.

Abstract: A damping spacer for overhead conductors comprises at least two rigid spacing arms, with each arm having means for clamping the same to a respective conductor. Each arm is provided with an integral hub structure for holding a composite elastomer damping element, the hub structures and damping element being mechanically held together by a pin means extending through the hub structures and damping element. The damping element is comprised of an inner structure made of a relatively soft elastomer material and an outer structure made of a relatively hard elastomer material. The soft elastomer is effective to dampen low amplitude, high frequency aeolian vibration, while the relatively hard elastomer is effective to dampen high energy, wake-induced oscillations in a conductor bundle. The hard material also serves as a stop mechanism to limit relative motion of the arms and hub structures. This provides protection for the soft elastomer and prevents clashing of the metal parts of the spacer.

Abstract: A transmission line assembly including a mechanism for reducing vibrations and a method of making the same is provided which includes an outer tubular sheath having an inner surface forming an inner diameter, an inner tubular wall member firmly frictionally fixed to the inner surface of the outer tubular sheath, a transmission line disposed within the inner tubular wall for transmitting energy, a plurality of radially contracted tubular sections having axial lengths at regularly spaced axial intervals formed in the inner tubular wall member and contiguously surrounding the transmission line for protecting, centering and supporting the transmission line within the outer tubular sheath and a plurality of radially enlarged sections formed in the inner tubular wall member having axial lengths greater than the axial lengths of the radially contracted tubular sections and having outer diameters radially compressed by the outer tubular sheath.

Abstract: A pendulum type vibration absorber tester/adjuster, which enables vibration absorbers to be set to a desired damping in the factory. The test/adjustment is effected by mathematically determining the pendulum weight and arm length, setting the pendulum into motion and recording the motion on a chart recorder, and adjusting the damping of the absorber until a predetermined decrement is obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to electric heaters of the type consisting of a flat convoluted loop or coil adapted to be arranged in an opening in a cooktop and, more particularly, to a support system wherein means are provided for cushioning vibrations resulting from relative movement between the convoluted heater and the support system.

Abstract: A vibration absorber for attachment to a single conductor suspended transmission line to suppress vertical aeolian vibrations. A clamp arm has one end attached to a suspended cable and another end rotatably coupled to a housing having a weight extending therefrom through two frictionally-engaged elements which provide coulomb friction when the clamp arm is caused to rotate relative to the housing as a result of said vibrations. A separate resilient member couples the clamp arm to the housing to restore the initial orientation of the clamp arm.

Abstract: A cable clamp embodies a body having a cable receiving groove therein and a keeper mounted for movement to selected positions over the cable receiving groove. A resilient member between the body and the keeper urges the keeper to a position which permits a cable to be inserted or removed. Clamping members are carried by the body in parallel relation to the groove, with one clamping member being connected to the body in a manner which permits it to be tilted and moved selectively to a released position and a connected position relative to side portions of the keeper adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A vibration absorber for attachment to suspended cables such as electrical transmission lines, to suppress vertical aeolian vibrations as well as horizontal subconductor oscillations. A clamp arm has one end attached to a suspended cable and another end rotatably coupled to a frame through two frictionally-engaged elements which provide coulomb friction when the clamp arm is caused to rotate relative to the frame as a result of said vibrations or oscillations. A separate resilient member couples the clamp arm to the frame to restore the initial orientation of the clamp arm.

Abstract: Spacer-damper, to be installed on wires of aerial electrical lines, comprising a central body having as many arms hinged thereon as the wires associated with the spacer, with a vise at the end of each arm designed for engagement on the respective wire, in which the central body has at the base a sloping plane shaping from center to the sides designed to create on the spacer an effect of negative lift, while each vise at the wire embracing zone has a bearing divided into two halves, for allowing the free rotation of the wire about its own axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to electric heaters of the type consisting of a flat convoluted loop or coil adapted to be arranged in an opening in a cooktop and, more particularly, to a support system wherein means are provided for cushioning vibrations resulting from relative movement between the convoluted heater and the support system.

Abstract: A vibration absorber for attachment to suspended cables such as electrical transmission lines, to suppress vertical aeolian vibrations as well as horizontal sub-conductor oscillations. A clamp arm has one end attached to a suspended cable and a fulcrum adjacent the other end. The fulcrum is rotatably coupled to a frame, and the end of the clamp arm adjacent the fulcrum is coupled to the frame through the air cylinder damping element which forces air through a small orifice to provide viscous damping when the clamp arm is caused to rotate relative to the frame as a result of said vibrations or oscillations. A pair of torsion springs or non-rotatably mounted resilient washers acts to restore the initial orientation of the clamp arm.

Abstract: A vibration absorber for attachment to suspended cables such as electrical transmission lines, to suppress vertical aeolian vibrations as well as horizontal subconductor oscillations. A clamp arm has one end attached to a suspended cable and a fulcrum adjacent the other end. The fulcrum is rotatably coupled to a frame, and the end of the clamp arm adjacent the fulcrum is coupled to the frame through two bellows elements which force air through small orifices to provide viscous friction when the clamp arm is caused to rotate relative to the frame as a result of said vibrations or oscillations. Each bellows includes a resilient pleated portion which acts to restore the initial orientation of the clamp arm.

Abstract: In a vibration absorber for use with aerially suspended conductors and cables, there is described an improved vibration absorber wherein wind or turbulence induced vibrations resulting in travelling waves on conductors and cables are absorbed so as to prevent damage to or failure of conductors and related hardware due to fatigue. Known devices, particularly dampers and spacer dampers, attempt to control merely the amplitude of the waves produced on the conductor and are therefore ineffective in preventing the formation of such waves and the damage that may result. In this invention, a vibration absorber comprises a piston and cylinder device whereby a travelling wave displaces the piston or the cylinder relative to one another causing a fluid contained within the cylinder to be displaced through an orifice in the piston. The absorbing system thus defined has a mechanical dissipative impedance of value R to inhibit the reflection of a wave propagated on the conductor whereby the wave is absorbed.

Abstract: A static electrical converter, preferably for high voltage, has at least one valve assembly each having a single valve or a plurality of electrically series-connected valves. The valve assembly is provided with suspension members at its upper end, so that the valve assembly can be suspended from a supporting structure.

Abstract: A damping spacer for two parallel overhead conductors in which two rigid spacing members are provided with integral hub structures disposed on opposed sides of a disc-like inertial weight structure. The structures have circular, integral raised wall portions and recesses. The thickness of the wall portions is less than the width of the recesses, and the wall portions are opposed and radially offset, such than when the recesses and raised wall portions of the hub and disc structures are placed together in mating relationship, and with the arms of the hub structures located in a position to be clamped to two overhead conductors, the recesses in the hub and disc structures permit the wall portions of the structures to move in the recesses, the wall portions of the respective structures serving to limit relative movement of the spacing members. The weight or mass of the disc structure is off-centered in the direction of one of the overhead conductors.

Abstract: A high-voltage installation comprises a support structure including a supporting member from which at least one electrical high-voltage apparatus, for example a transformer or inductor, is suspended. The apparatus is suspended from the supporting member by at least one electrically-insulating suspension member, for example an insulator chain, which includes resilient means allowing relative movement between the apparatus and the supporting member.

Abstract: An improved multiple-mode damper for damping Aeolian vibrations of electrical cables is provided which employs a single mass and two resilient support members that are respectively connected between separate points of the mass and separate points of the cable. One resilient support member is located at or near the center of the mass and the other at a point remote therefrom. The resilient support members are composed of spring components and elastomer components that act in parallel. The elastomer material has a Shore hardness of at least 30 and a damping coefficient that is at least 10% of the critical value. The stiffness of the elastomer component is at least 10% of the stiffness of the spring and it is preferably greater than that of the spring.

Abstract: A spacer damper for transmission line cables is disclosed comprising a substantially planar frame and a plurality of clamping arms each resiliently pivotally connected at its proximal end to the frame and provided at its distal end with clamping means for respectively grasping individual conductors. The frame is of rigid one-piece construction and provided at each region of pivotal connection with a recessed portion into which at least the proximal end of the arm extends so as to lie substantially in the plane of the frame. A locking bolt fixed with respect to the frame and extending through the recessed portion and through the proximal end of the arm is provided to define an axis of hinged part rotation for the arm. Each arm is resiliently pivotally connected to the frame by a pair of spaced resilient energy absorbing elements located on either side of the arm to be traversed by the bolt and lockingly engaged with recesses formed in the arm.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a vibration isolator connector which is useful in providing an electrical connection between a fixed apparatus and a suspended slender liner body which is subject to vertical vibration. The vibration isolator connector comprises a weight provided with connecting means for connecting an electrical conductor to said weight; and electrically conductive resilient suspension means connected to said weight for resiliently suspending said weight from a linear body and forming an electrical connection between said linear body and said connecting means on said weight.

Abstract: A damping spacer for parallel overhead conductors in which at least two rigid spacing members are provided with integral hub structures having circular, integral raised wall portions and recesses. The thickness of the wall portions is considerably smaller than the width of the recesses, and the wall portions are opposed and radially offset, such that when the recesses and raised wall portions of the hub structures are placed together in mating relationship, and with the arms thereof located in a position to be clamped to two overhead conductors, the recesses in the hub structures permit the wall portions of the hub structures to move in the recesses, the wall portions of the respective hub structures serving to limit relative movement of the spacing members.

Abstract: Electrical resistance heating elements made of graphite and disposed in a ceramic tube are protected against breakage during shipment by cardboard inserts which are telescoped over the heating elements and into the tube. When the heating elements are first energized, the inserts burn away into harmless ash which falls to the bottom of the tube.

Abstract: A device for damping aeolian vibrations in a single overhead conductor. The device includes an inertial weight suspended from three or more separate resilient members equally and radially spaced in a plane perpendicular to a vertical axis passing through the center of the weight, and a conductor clamping means which also provides support means for said radially disposed resilient members.

Abstract: An oscillation dampening system composed of masses, in which a spring and dampeners are clamped together and coupled to a railroad track to prevent the formation of ripples on the track. The system is tuned to the characteristic frequency of the railroad track and is coupled thereto to reduce the maximum amplitude of oscillation at the characteristic frequency and to shift the occurrence of other amplitudes of oscillation to frequencies away from the characteristic frequency and to reduce the amplitudes of oscillation at the shifted frequency. The maximum of the shifted amplitudes of oscillation is reduced by ten percent from the maximum at the characteristic frequency.

Abstract: A structure protected against flow-induced oscillations by carrying a shroud around at least part of its periphery, the shroud comprising peripherally-spaced members of slatted shape. This shape, and some dimensional limits, are necessary to create the right type of flow in the passage between the shroud and the structure. The invention covers structures shrouded around their entire periphery, and incompletely-shrouded structures: the performance of the latter can be particularly advantageous when the direction of flow relative to the structure is predictable. Where an installation comprises several structures, the invention may also be used to control the wake from the more upstream, thus diminishing buffetting of the more downstream.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spacer-damper of the type for separating bundled subconductors of a power transmission line and for damping vibrations generated in those subconductors. The spacer-damper comprises a metallic frame around which a plurality of arms are mounted, each arm having one extremity designed so as to receive one of the subconductors and another extermity connected to the frame by means of a joint. Each joint includes a ring fitting in a cheek, four shoulders radially and symmetrically mounted on the inner wall of the ring, four pairs of elastomers inside each ring and making a right angle with respect to one anther, the elastomer of each pair being spaced from one another by one of the shoulders, and a central pivot inserted between the pairs of elastomers and inside the ring. The ring and the cheek constituting each joint are maintained together by means of tenon-mortise joints and a set of bolts and nuts.

Abstract: New and improved vibration damper, primarily for power cables, is disclosed and comprises two damper elements having interfaces of vibrational energy absorbing materials in the nature of rubber, and two rigid absorber arm and weight assemblies pivotally connected thereto. In use, vibrational energy is transmitted from the cable by, and under the vibrational energy absorbing restraint of, the interfaces to the absorber arm and weight assemblies for damping of the same. The absorber arms are of unequal length to provide two natural frequencies for the damper, and the vibration weights are readily removable for replacement by weights of different mass to adapt the same basic vibration damper to a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A vibration damper comprising a resilient messenger cable having a clamp intermediate its ends for securing it to a conductor. The cable has a weight secured to each end thereof, the center of gravity of each of the weights being disposed away from the axis of the cable. Each of the weights comprises an enlarged head portion attached to the ends of the cable, an arm extending from the head portion in a generally inward direction and a further mass supported at the distal end of the arm, the further mass being smaller in size and weight than the head portion. The size and placement of the further mass produces substantial local flexing of the messenger cable adjacent the innermost point of contact of the cable with the weight when the weight oscillates about its center of gravity.

Abstract: A vibration damper for cables utilizing the frictional properties of a close-wound spiral spring, that is, a spring wound in spiral form from a flat strip and having contacting faces. Vibrational energy is dissipated in the spiral spring by the lateral motion of the turns of the spring relative to one another. Typically, two spiral springs are contained in a housing suspended from a cable conductor. The housing of the device including such supplementary weight as required by the design forms an inertial mass which tends to remain fixed in space. During vibration of the cable, the turns of the spring are forced to move up and down against each other and the frictional resistance to their motion dissipates the vibrational energy in the cable, thereby reducing the vibration amplitude to a safe low level.

Abstract: A vibration damper attachable to a pole structure and comprised of a plurality of individual vibration damping discs or weights mounted for controlled and limited movement within a housing together with rods insertable in an improved fashion through openings in the discs and separator washers for vertically stacking the discs along with separator washers within the housing.

Abstract: A device for spacing individual conductors of an overhead transmission line having a hub provided with at least two cavities each opening onto the periphery of the hub, at least two arms each having a conductor clamp at one end and a knob at the other end, the knob being received with clearance within a cavity to permit limited articulation of each arm with respect to the hub, and an elastomeric bush mechanism substantially encircling the arm in the clearance gap between the knob and the cavity wall, the cross-section of each half of the bush on opposing sides of a maximum diameter portion of the knob having been deformed by compression during assembly of the device such that the edge or side portions of the deformed cross-sections include elastomeric material displaced from the central portions of the uncompressed cross-sections.

Abstract: A device for damping vibration, such as aeolian, of a suspended conductor. The device comprises at least one helical spring, at least a portion of the turns of which are close wound, and means for attaching the spring to a conductor in spaced relation thereto. At least one inertial weight is mounted on or attached to the spring so that the weight can be resiliently suspended from the conductor by the spring and attaching means. The inertial weight is effective to relatively translate and thereby provide sliding friction between the close wound turns of the spring in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spring when an associated conductor undergoes vibration above a given magnitude, and to bend the helical spring such that adjacent close wound turns of the spring separate from and impact against each other, the sliding friction and impacts between the turns of the spring being effective to dissipate the energy of the vibration of the conductor in the form of heat.

Abstract: A yarn or fiber is incorporated into the jacket of a long suspended small ameter cable for reducing low velocity current cable strumming in water. The yarn or fiber comprises at least one-quarter of the strands of a braided cable. A nap or mossy cable effect is produced when the jacket is brushed.

Abstract: A dynamic damper device includes a damping rod traversing several parallel hoisting ropes for an elevator car adjacent to the car and projecting beyond the outermost ropes. All the ropes are fixed to the damping rod by means of two opposite push plates, and fastening bolts. The rod has one of the projecting end portions longer than the other of the projecting end portions and is provided at the extremity with an additional weight. Thus the device has the center of gravity offset from the mid-point between the outermost ropes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a new and inexpensive apparatus for inhibiting vibrations of existing or to be installed antennas such as are provided for use with VHF, UHF, FM and the like. These antennas include a longitudinal metal rail or spine from which transverse tubular elements extend. Usually these elements are pivotally held on one end of this spine. In and with a snapping action these elements are swung into extending position and are secured in detents formed in the spine. When in the desired transverse orientation the tubular elements are secured on this spine member. High winds as they pass by or buffet the mounted antenna tend to vibrate these elements. When the duration of vibration is prolonged one or more of the elements often break off. The loss of one or more elements affects the efficiency and effectiveness of this antenna. Replacement of these missing or broken elements is often difficult and expensive.

Abstract: A transmisson line system having improved stability from wake-induced oscillations in a bundle of subconductors wherein longitudinally spaced transmission line towers support a span of subconductors therebetween, and the subconductors are connected in bundled relation by a plurality of spacer members disposed in longitudinally spaced relation along the length of the bundle defining adjacent subspans of distinctly different, predetermined length therebetween.

Abstract: A damping spacer for overhead conductors, the damping spacer comprising a body member and at least two members for clamping to the overhead conductors. The clamping members are pivotally attached to the body member at two spaced apart locations thereon and on opposed sides of the body member, and a resilient damping means resiliently connects the clamping members to each other without the use of a bolt or pin, the damping means having a longitudinal axis that extends perpendicularly to and through the body member.

Abstract: An ultra light weight, frameless damping spacer for spacing at least two parallel, overhead conductors, the damping spacer comprising at least two rigid spacer arms and conductor clamping members, with the clamping members being respectively located at one end of the spacer arms, and integral housings respectively located at the other ends of the arms. Each housing is provided with an opening and a resilient damping member wholly contained within the opening and housing. The spacer arms are disposed and held together by a rigid pin extending through each housing and through an opening in each arm aligned with the housings.

Abstract: Improved multiple mode dampers for damping Aeolian vibrations of electrical cables are provided which employ a single mass and two resilient support members that are respectively connected between separate points of the mass and separate points of the cable. The modes of vibration of the damper are made interdependent by utilizing springs having different moments of stiffness with respect to the center of gravity of the mass. The mass is made of concrete. The improvement comprises the use of springs which are independently connected to the cable at different points permitting the spreading of the springs which can be accomplished economically and yet permit an increase of the rotational torque exerted on the damper by the cable. This facilitates concentration of damper vibration resonance frequencies at critical wind speeds which would ordinarily induce great dynamic mechanical stress in electrical cables.

Abstract: A line having a central load-supporting member is provided with a stabilizing system to counteract instabilities caused by currents in a fluid surrounding the line. The stabilizing system comprises a single start helical formation projecting radially from the central member.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to lines or cables which, in use, are subjected to the forces of a fluid current. A particularly important example of lines is a deep-sea mooring line as used, for example, to retain a buoy at a predetermined depth and location in the ocean.Such lines are subject to a current-induced vibration (often referred to as "strumming" which reduces the lifetime of the line and which can cause other problems in various line applications (e.g., interference with the effective operation of a hydrophone array secured to the line). Although various arrangements have been proposed for reducing strumming, each of these has suffered from one or more of various drawbacks.