Abstract: An elevator system includes a travelling cable connected to an elevator car and to a hoistway wall. The travelling cable includes an electric conductor and/or a data carrier operatively connected at a first end to a feed source and at a second end to service appliances of the elevator car. A protective layer includes an outer diameter and surrounds the electric conductor and/or data carrier. A duct is connected at a first open end to a fluid source and at a second openable end to the elevator car. A sensor system is configured for detecting swaying amplitude of the travelling cable. A microprocessor is associated to the sensor system and to the fluid source. The microprocessor is configured for receiving swaying amplitude data from the sensor system and for operating the fluid source when the swaying amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vibrational dampening element is attached to a component and configured to adjust the amplitude of oscillations of the component. The vibrational dampening element includes a mass. The mass includes a main body and a member extending from the main body. A casing that encapsulates the mass. A fluidic chamber defined between the mass and the casing. A first fluidic portion is disposed between a first side of the mass and the casing. The first fluidic portion includes a first accumulator portion directly neighboring the member. A second fluidic portion is disposed between a second side of the mass and the casing. The second fluidic portion includes a second accumulator portion directly neighboring the member. The first accumulator portion is in fluid communication with the second accumulator portion. The vibrational dampening element further includes a primary passage that extends between the first fluidic portion and the second fluidic portion.

Abstract: A front fork for a vehicle comprises a telescopic fork leg having an outer tube and an inner tube telescopically arranged relative each other. A main piston arrangement in the inner tube regulates a damping fluid for damping movements between two parts of the vehicle. The telescopic fork leg comprises a pressurizing piston arranged in the inner tube and configured to pressurize the damping fluid. The pressurizing piston comprises an axial first end portion facing the main piston arrangement an axial opposite second end portion facing a pressurized volume. A fluid reservoir for holding a pressurized fluid is fluidly coupled to the pressurized volume. The pressurizing piston is coaxially arranged with the main piston arrangement, inside the inner tube. The fluid reservoir is at least partly arranged on an outside of the inner tube. Also, a front fork and a vehicle having fork legs according to above are described.

Abstract: In a vibration propagation suppressing apparatus, each of fluid machine elements includes: a first volume chamber; a second volume chamber coupled to the first volume chamber through an orifice; an intermediate forming the orifice; and a coupling rod. A first end portion of a first volume chamber is connected to an intermediate adjacent thereto, an intermediate of the first volume chamber is connected to the intermediate of the adjacent fluid machine element through intermediation of an elastic body, and the first volume chamber and the second volume chamber are connected to each other so as to be alternately arranged in a vibration propagation direction. A fluid machine element on a first stage has an intermediate connected to the base surface, and each of the plurality of fluid machine elements has dispersion relationships matching with each other, and has a band gap on the dispersion relationships.

Abstract: A frame for dampening vibrations in a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly is provided. The frame includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface and multiple ridges extending from at least one of the first and second surfaces. The ridges define recesses, and at least one of the recesses is configured to accommodate an electronic component of a PCB in the PCB assembly. Also provided is a PCB assembly including a PCB and the frame.

Abstract: A front fork includes a tubular cylinder; a free piston slidably inserted into the cylinder to partition the cylinder into a pressure chamber and a reservoir; a piston slidably inserted into the cylinder to partition the pressure chamber into an extension-side chamber and a contraction-side chamber; a piston rod having one end connected to the piston and the other end side extending oppositely to the free piston side and protruding outward of the cylinder; a passage configured to allow the pressure chamber and the reservoir to communicate with each other; and a check valve provided in the passage and configured to allow only a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An airdrop platform is provided that includes a pallet. Under the pallet are a first outrigger main body and a second outrigger main body. The first outrigger main body and second main body each include at least one outrigger finger. When airdropped, the outrigger main bodies and outrigger fingers are configured to move from under the pallet.

Abstract: A blade or vane arrangement for a turbomachine includes a turbomachine blade or vane and at least one tuning element guide housing with at least one cavity, in which at least one tuning element, which is provided for impact contact with the tuning element guide housing is taken up, the tuning element guide housing being arranged in a recess of the turbomachine blade or vane, wherein the cavity of the tuning element guide housing in which the tuning element is taken up, is closed in a gas-tight manner.

Abstract: A method for stopping a discrete product that is fed by a continuous conveyor along a feed path in a feed direction to a stop location, the method including the steps: initially moving a stop at the stop location from a reset position outside of the feed path into the feed path so that the discrete product contacts the stop and moves the stop in the feed direction by a damping length wherein an impulse of the discrete product is dissipated by a fluid flowing through a throttle element; subsequently removing the stop from the feed path and moving the stop by the damping length against the feed direction back into the reset position; and pivoting the stop from the reset position into the feed path and pivoting the stop from the feed path into the reset position about the feed direction.

Abstract: A clamp for a boiling water reactor feedwater sparger is disclosed and claimed. The clamp assembly includes abuse and cooperating bolt, a reaction arm, and a cross pin. With the exception of the cross pin, the parts are pre-assembled and then installed over the sparger pin head. The cross pin is then installed through the clamp base and through the sparger pin. The clamp bolt is then tightened, locking the clamp and sparger pin. The clamp provides an increased surface area that extends 360° around the sparger pin. This increased surface area reduces the likelihood of wear of the clamp or bracket during plant operation, and the clamp restores the position of the sparger pin head relative to the contact surface of the end bracket if the original pin head or bracket is worn.

Abstract: A vibration damping device includes a first cylindrical attachment member (11) which is connected to one of a vibration generating portion and a vibration receiving portion, a second attachment member (12) which is connected to the other thereof, an elastic body (13) which connects both attachment members (11 and 12), and a partition member (17) which divides a liquid chamber (14), in which a liquid (L) is sealed and which is positioned within the first attachment member (11), into a primary liquid chamber (15) having the elastic body (13) as a portion of a wall surface, and into a secondary liquid chamber (16). Limiting passages (21 and 22) which communicate with the primary liquid chamber (15) and the secondary liquid chamber (16) are formed in the partition member (17).

Abstract: A vibration reducing device for a machine tool reduces vibration generated in a tool support body supporting a tool. The vibration reducing device includes an attenuation inducing member and a pressing and fitting mechanism. The attenuation inducing member is brought into contact with the tool support body so as to generate a frictional force in a direction in which it acts as a resistance to the vibration generated in the tool support body. The attenuation inducing member has a rigidity in a direction conforming to a contact surface between the attenuation inducing member and the tool support body, which rigidity is higher than that of the tool support body. The pressing and fitting mechanism fits the attenuation inducing member to the tool support body in a pressed condition.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a cap, a plunger, an annular piston, and a barrier. The inner cylinder is at least partially positioned within the outer cylinder. The cap is coupled to the inner cylinder, and the plunger is received within the inner cylinder. At least a portion of the annular piston and the barrier extend between the inner and outer cylinders. During operation of the damper assembly, the plunger moves relative to the inner cylinder and the annular piston moves relative to the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A damper includes a pressure-sensitive damping control circuit that selectively permits fluid flow from a first chamber to a second chamber. A piston varies a volume of the first chamber. A blow-off piston is movable between a closed position, wherein fluid flow through the control circuit is substantially prevented, and an open position, wherein fluid flow through the control circuit is permitted. The damper also includes a first source of pressure. A fluid pressure created by compression of the damper applies an opening force to the blow-off piston moving the blow-off piston in a direction toward the open position against a resistance force provided by the first source of pressure. The resistance force exceeds the opening force until the pressure created by forces tending to insert the piston rod into the first fluid chamber exceeds the pressure in the first source of pressure by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Custom fitting protective athletic equipment composed of larger compressive chambers to generally surround a body part as well a plurality of smaller compressive chambers, which can be shaped to absorb rotational impact forces, outside the larger compressive chambers. A hard or yielding shell positioned either outside the chambers or between them can provide additional impact dampening and protection. Both the larger and smaller compressible chambers preferably contain compressible fluid, such as air, another gas, gel or liquid. Valves are preferably provided in the chambers so that the fluid can be controlled when an impact is received. A method is also disclosed to use three-dimensional scanning techniques and three-dimensional 3D printer manufacturing techniques to produce the protective athletic equipment of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for modularly adjusting a shock absorber includes a base, a plurality of pins, and a selecting mechanism. The pins are connected to the base. The selecting mechanism can select at least one of the pins to control at least one valve of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A pull shock damper for a bicycle comprising a spring device and a damper device, the spring device comprising a positive spring and a gas-operated negative chamber. The damper device comprises a first oil chamber and a second oil chamber connected therewith. The negative chamber abuts the first oil chamber via a piston. A tubular structure extends from the piston through the negative chamber interior up to the end of the negative chamber. The piston rod of the piston extends through the first oil chamber to the exterior.

Abstract: A control assembly for controlling a component, such as a bicycle shock absorber including a first actuator carried by the shock absorber. The first actuator has a fulcrum body supported in the shock absorber and a control arm displacing the fulcrum body. The first actuator pivots on the fulcrum body to operatively control a first characteristic of the shock absorber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.

Abstract: A wire or optical fiber cable configured for electronic devices, including at least one wire or optical fiber; at least one inner layer surrounding a portion of the at least one wire or optical fiber; at least one outer layer surrounding a portion of the at least one inner layer; at least one internal sipe separating at least a part of one outer layer and at least a part of one inner layer and a Faraday cage. The internal sipe is formed by at least a portion of an inner surface of the outer layer and at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner layer; and the inner and outer surface portions forming the internal sipe oppose each other and can move relative to each other in a sliding motion.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a cylinder to which a clamp-shaped attachment part is fastened, wherein the attachment part has a tubular body which contacts an outer lateral surface of the cylinder and has at both ends thereof radial tabs which are spaced apart in circumferential direction and by which a pre-loading in circumferential direction is introduced in the tubular body by clamping devices, wherein the tubular body has an elongation portion oriented in circumferential direction of the lateral surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A shock absorber is attached coaxially with a reciprocating rod driven by a reciprocating unit for absorbing an impact force without bending the reciprocating rod. The shock absorber has a hollow rod provided with a through hole. The hollow rod is mounted within an outer cylindrical body. An accommodating space is formed between the hollow rod and the outer cylindrical body. A spring force toward one end portion side of the hollow rod is applied to the outer cylindrical body by a compression coil spring. An annular piston provided in the hollow rod partitions the accommodating space into two liquid chambers. When the impact force is applied to the hollow rod, the liquid flows from one liquid chamber to another liquid chamber through a gap, whereby a resistance force is applied to the hollow rod.

Abstract: A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device.

Abstract: Piston-in-cylinder type shock absorbers are disclosed that are compressible to less than half of their extended length, thereby eliminating the current need for automotive suspensions to accommodate unwieldy shock absorbers that, even when fully compressed, must be longer than the amount of permitted axial suspension travel at the shock absorber's connection point. Since the disclosed shock absorbers are super-compressible, they are also super-extendable, which is extendable beyond double their compressed length. In some embodiments, this super-compressibility and super-extendibility are rendered possible by the use of a rigidly interleaved, oppositely-oriented, axially-balanced, free-floating bank of gas-charged cylinders.

Abstract: A structural member includes a box structure that encloses a beam, which may be a split beam or a split segmented beam. The structural member includes a pressure mechanism that varies a pressure force or a friction force between the beam and the box structure. Movement of the parts within the box structure, against the force of the pressure mechanism, as the structural member flexes, dissipates energy and adds to the damping of the structural member.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper is described. The vehicle suspension damper includes: a pilot valve assembly; a primary valve; and an adjuster, wherein the pilot valve assembly meters fluid to the primary valve, and the adjuster moves the primary valve.

Abstract: A damper with a vehicle height adjusting function includes a damper body and a vehicle height adjusting mechanism adapted to adjust an axial length of the damper body. The damper body includes a cylinder, a head member having an annular shape and closing one end of the cylinder, a piston rod axially supported on an inner periphery of the head member and inserted in the cylinder so as to be movable in an axial direction, and a piston retained by the piston rod and partitioning an inside of the cylinder into two pressure chambers. The vehicle height adjusting mechanism includes a partition wall member defining a jack chamber in one of the pressure chambers and being capable of extending and contracting in the axial direction, and a pump supplying/discharging a working fluid into/from the jack chamber.

Abstract: The inventive viscous damping tube stabilizer includes modules or capsules containing a viscous material. Adjacent capsules are linked end to end by a flexible cable, allowing the device o pass through curves such as the U-bend regions of steam generator tubes. The weight of the entire assembly will keep it essentially connected to the tube inner diameter such that any tube vibration is transmitted to the stabilizer. The viscous material may only partially fill the capsules such that even under small motion the material can slip and slide past each other, and/or bump into walls, each microscopically absorbing some of the tube energy. By creating multiple cells inside the capsule, the capsule then have good operating characteristics no matter to what angle the individual capsule is oriented as it rests on the full U-bend. The viscous material may completely fill the capsules, which also have a perforated member positioned therein.

Abstract: Vehicle wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the vehicle wheels rotate or to slow down the vehicle wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the vehicle wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated.

Abstract: A suspension unit, for example for a track-laying vehicle, comprises an oil-filled cylinder within which a piston, connected to a piston rod, is provided. The cylinder 4 is oil-filled, and communicates with an upper region of a spring chamber, the lower region 46 of which contains gas under pressure. The piston rod has a hollow interior filled with gas under pressure. The piston is connected by a connecting rod to a secondary piston which is slidable within the piston rod. On rebound the piston rod and the piston move relatively to each other between a retracted end position and an extended end position. During this movement and the return movement, oil is transferred, by way of apertures between damping chambers which serve to damp the relative movement of the piston and the piston rod so avoiding shock loading at the end positions of the movement.

Abstract: A damping device for a hatch in a military vehicle used during its closing and opening, said hatch being integral with hinges hinged with respect to an interface, wherein said device comprises a tubular body integral with the hinges and hinged between two bearings integral with the interface, said body enclosing two fixed damping means between which a rod is positioned, said rod being mobile in translation to activate one of the damping means during the opening of the hatch and the other damping means during the closing of the hatch.

Abstract: A fluid composition comprises a base stock and a polymer. The base stock comprises a glycol, such as ethylene glycol. The polymer comprises the reaction product of a hydroxyl functional initiator, such as a diol, and alkylene oxides. The alkylene oxides are selected from the group of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and butylene oxide (BO). In certain embodiments, the alkylene oxides comprise EO and PO. The fluid composition provides a four-ball wear test scar of less than about 1 millimeter, generally under the following test conditions: 60 minutes run, 55° C., 1800 rpm, and 40 kg load. In other embodiments, the fluid composition comprises the polymer and is substantially free of the base stock. The fluid composition is useful for vibration dampening and can be used in vibration dampeners. The vibration dampener is useful for dampening vibrations between the two rigid components of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan section. A turbine section is coupled to the fan section via a geared architecture. The geared architecture includes a torque frame and a flex support spaced apart from one another at a location. A gear train is supported by the torque frame. A damper is provided between the torque frame and the flex support at the location.

Abstract: An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.

Abstract: A suspension actuator (1) for positioning a movably mounted component of a motor vehicle suspension, including a first actuator component (4), which is to be connected to the movably mounted component, and a second actuator component (3), which is to be connected to a fixed suspension component, wherein both actuator components can be axially adjusted relative to one another via a ball-type linear drive (5), which includes a threaded spindle (6) and a nut (7) running thereon. Either the nut can be driven via a drive motor (10) for the axial adjustment of the threaded spindle or the spindle can be driven via a drive motor for axial adjustment of the nut.

Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.

Abstract: Devices with one or more internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, to provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability. An internal sipe is formed by at least a portion of two opposing internal surfaces that can move relative to each other in a sliding sideways motion. Siped devices can be used in most existing products, including footwear; orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding and cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and other structural or support elements in mechanical, architectural, or other products.

Abstract: Devices with one or more internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, to provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability. An internal sipe is formed by at least a portion of two opposing internal surfaces that can move relative to each other in a sliding sideways motion. Siped devices can be used in most existing products, including footwear; orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding and cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and other structural or support elements in mechanical, architectural, or other products.

Abstract: Suspension protection devices and methods involve a suspension mount engagement member configured to contact a suspension mount of a vehicle, a tire engagement member configured to contact a tire of the vehicle, and a rebounding assembly coupled between the suspension mount engagement member and the tire engagement member. The rebounding assembly can include a support, a first rebounding member, and a second rebounding member, wherein the first rebounding member is more compressible than the second rebounding member.

Abstract: There is provided a device for absorbing impact applied to a moving body that can exhibit high impact absorption performance in various collision aspects when a moving body collides with an obstacle or the like. A bladder 10 is provided on the back surface of a front portion of a high-strength frame 2 of an airplane M1. The bladder 10 includes first and second sealing members 11 and 12 that are formed of elastic bag bodies in which a lubricant is sealed. When an obstacle X collides with the bladder 10, the lubricant S generates pressure, which is substantially uniform and perpendicular to boundary surfaces of the first and second sealing members 11 and 12, on the basis of Pascal's principle, and transmits the pressure. Accordingly, when the airplane M1 collides with the obstacle X, high impact absorption performance is exhibited in various collision aspects.

Abstract: A damping device for damping a relative movement of device parts of a device for pivoting and/or displacing a furniture part guided movably on a furniture body is proposed, the damping device comprising a damper housing with an inner volume and an inner part accommodated in the inner volume, the damper housing and the inner part executing a relative movement during a damping action, so that, during the relative movement, wall portions delimiting the inner volume and an at least essentially cylindrical portion of the inner part can be moved past and opposite one another. According to the invention, the wall portions have an essentially hollow-cylindrical basic shape, guide means portions projecting in regions into the hollow-cylindrical basic shape, which guide means portions are in bearing contact against the cylindrical portion of the inner part during the relative movement.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motorcycle, comprising a motorcycle main frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension system. The air-bag suspension system includes at least one air-bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air-bag is housed within a housing assembly and is secured at one end to a piston located within the housing assembly and at its other end to an upper plate or end cap of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to a shock absorber, and the shock absorber is attached at its forward end to the cross member plate of the motorcycle main frame and is pivotally attached at its rearward end to the lower transverse cross member of the swing arm.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a cap, a plunger, an annular piston, and a barrier. The inner cylinder is at least partially positioned within the outer cylinder. The cap is coupled to the inner cylinder, and the plunger is received within the inner cylinder. At least a portion of the annular piston and the barrier extend between the inner and outer cylinders. During operation of the damper assembly, the plunger moves relative to the inner cylinder and the annular piston moves relative to the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A fluid shear actuated brake mechanism includes an outer hub secured to a hoist frame, a main brake disc stack engaged between the outer hub and a hoist drum shaft, an actuator hub helically engaged with the outer hub, and an actuator disc stack engaged between the actuator hub and the shaft. The main disc stack and the actuator disc stack are immersed in a fluid. Rotation of the shaft in a load lowering direction generates fluid shear in the actuator disc stack which rotates the actuator hub in a lowering direction and advances it toward the main disc stack, compressing it and the actuator disc stack. Rotation of the shaft in an opposite load lift direction retract the actuator hub from the main disc stack.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a latch, a pawl coated with a semi-rigid overmold material, wherein the pawl is configured to hold the latch closed and is actuated to release the latch, and a pawl isolation member operably coupled to an outer surface of the pawl, wherein the pawl isolation disk absorbs energy during operation of the latching assembly.

Abstract: Dissipative structures include at least one panel and a cell structure disposed adjacent to the at least one panel having interconnected cells. A deformable material, which may comprise at least one hydrogel, is disposed within at least one interconnected cell proximate to the at least one panel. Dissipative structures may also include a cell structure having interconnected cells formed by wall elements. The wall elements may include a mesh formed by overlapping fibers having apertures formed therebetween. The apertures may form passageways between the interconnected cells. Methods of dissipating a force include disposing at least one hydrogel in a cell structure proximate to at least one panel, applying a force to the at least one panel, and forcing at least a portion of the at least one hydrogel through apertures formed in the cell structure.

Abstract: An actuator system for determining a relative height differential between a housing of an actuator assembly and a body of the actuator assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a suspension wherein the housing is coupled to a first portion of the suspension, and the body is coupled to a second portion of the suspension. The system comprises a sensor coupled to the inside of the housing, and a target coupled to the outside of the body, the sensor and the target cooperating to form a magnetic field that varies in a manner indicative of the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A shock absorbing system for impact energy dissipation employs compressible members each having an internal void containing a first working fluid. At least one accumulator is connected to the compressible members through a fluid conduit such that the first working fluid is transferred from the compressible member to the accumulator responsive to compression induced by an impact. A pad and a liner intermediately constrain the compressible members. Resilient structural members are placed intermediate the compressible members to deform responsive to compression of the foot bed induced by foot strike provide both energy dissipation and resilient recovery of the compression cylinders to their uncompressed state.

Abstract: A vibration damper, comprising a damping medium-filled cylinder, in which a piston rod is guided with freedom of axial movement, where, inside a working space in the cylinder, a stop spring in the form of a circular ring is located, which, after the piston rod has reached a defined stroke position, is compressed between a stop surface on the piston rod side and an end surface forming an axial boundary of the working space, and where the stop spring also forms a boundary of a radially inner space, which is connected to the working space outside the stop spring by means of at least one radial channel. The stop surface on the piston rod side and/or the axially limiting end surface is formed by a rigid body and is provided with at least one radial channel, which extends from the radially inner space to the radially outer working space, “inner” and “outer” being defined with respect to the stop spring.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having a plurality of constant stiffness members. The plurality of constant stiffness members are movably adhered together through a friction force generated by a normal force. Vibration generators are operatively coupled to the plurality of constant stiffness members. The vibration generators can vibrate at a plurality of frequencies. The friction is responsive to the plurality of frequencies whereby providing a change in stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The variable stiffness structure may have different shapes, for example, beam, rod, plate, or cylindrical. The vibration generators may be ultrasonic resonators in some embodiments.