Abstract: A viscoelastic substance which is useful in an objective lens driving apparatus has magnetic particles dispersed therein for generating a force for restoring deformation of the viscoelastic substance when an external force acts upon the viscoelastic substance in the presence of an external magnetic field.

Abstract: An elongate chain member having first and second ends is arranged for biased securement relative to the first and second ends for mounting peripherally about a brake rotor during a training procedure to dampen vibrations and audible noise. The invention is arranged to further include vibration dampener blocks within individual links of the chain member.

Abstract: Several improved embodiments of surface effect dampers that produce a damping force including both hysteretic and frictional components. Various improvements include an amplitude sensitive feature or decoupler mechanism to eliminate or greatly reduce the damping for low amplitude input conditions as compared to high amplitude inputs, provisions for increasing the damping force in a non-linear manner, and features for providing significantly greater damping in one direction than the other. Other embodiments include an improved rotational surface effect damper useful for damping rotational motion, and a multiaxial damper which can be used, for example, as a motor mount which has the capability for the piston to tilt relative to the axis of its piston rod, allowing accommodation of torsional rotation of the engine while not compromising vibration isolation.

Abstract: A vibration attenuation device serves to damp in a two-stage manner with a non-linear spring characteristic a pair of relatively movable components, such as the weighing pan and the weighing pan carrier of a scale. First and second stage resilient compressible means extend different distances from one side of a base member for successive activation by the components as they are displaced together, thereby to produce a vibration behavior that approximates the inherent frequency of the weighing scale.

Abstract: A powered hinge powered by a hot wax linear actuator, which can provide for bi-directional rotation of the hinge as the consequence of sequential and intermittent energizing and deenergizing sequence of the actuator.

Abstract: A change of state coupling for controlling the rotation of a rotatable shaft in a housing through the application of heat. A disk is secured for rotation with the portion of the shaft that is located within the housing. Heaters are also located within the housing and a liquid predetermined temperature change of state material is located in the housing around the disk and the heaters. The predetermined temperature change of state material for use in the housing is selected for a melting point that insures that the predetermined temperature change of state material is solid at the temperature to which the housing is usually exposed. However, when heat is applied to the predetermined temperature change of state material by the heaters the normally solid predetermined temperature change of state material becomes liquid and thus permits the rotatable shaft to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: A dual-rate surface effect damper with extended useful life. The dual rate is provided by two cylindrical liners which have different inner diameters which engage a damping piston having protrusions which have an interference fit with the liner. Features which extended life include heat dissipative elements such as internal and external fins, a convective heat transfer path for cooling air through the piston and a lubricant of MoS.sub.2 dispersed in a Teflon.RTM.-filled flurosilicone. Maintaining the temperature of the elastomer below about 200.degree. F. (93.3.degree. C.) is critical to avoiding thermal breakdown. In addition, the elastomer and metallic surfaces can undergo a surface treatment to reduce their tendency to abraid and to cause abrasion, respectively.

Abstract: A reversible impact damper is in series with an additionally provided irreversible deformation damper. The impact damper is a usual solid damper. The deformation damper has a deformation piston bearing against a piston rod of the impact damper on the one hand and on the other hand against crimps, which are formed in the wall of a slide tube displaceable relative to the housing of the impact damper and which are deformable.

Abstract: An energy absorption apparatus disposed between a pair of structures which are movable relative to each other, comprising a first operating member connected to one of the structure, a second operating member connected to the other structure, and a plastic deformation member made of a superplastic material provided between the first and second operating member and subjected to plastic deformation depending on a relative movement between the first and second operating member, and a combining layer provided between the one operating member and the plastic deformation member and having a plastic yield stress larger than the plastic deformation member, the bonding strength between the combining layer and the plastic deformation member being larger than the plasticity yield stress of the plastic deformation member.

Abstract: Damping structural vibrations by applying a multiplicity of discrete untuned passive dampers to a structure. Each passive damper includes a damping element and a damping mass, and the damping element provides damping generally in proportion to the relative velocity occurring between the mass and a point of attachment of the damper to the structure. The damping coefficients of the damping elements are selected so that the dampers increase the effective loss factor of the structure. The passive dampers each have a damping mass which is supported such that the dampers experience an undamped natural frequency below the resonant frequencies and the frequency range of the structure.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body-and-chassis assembly comprising a main portion and a movable body component which is movable relative to the main portion. The toy vehicle further includes a manually operable operating mechanism in the body-and-chassis assembly for moving the movable body component between first and second positions thereof with a relatively slow steady dampened movement which simulates the movement of a body component of a full-sized vehicle.

Abstract: A composite structure of elastic and viscoelastic components in which dynamic loads are effectively damped by transmission through the viscoelastic components. The structure includes a continuous sandwich comprised either of a single elastic layer enclosed by two viscoelastic layers or of a single viscoelastic layer enclosed by two elastic layers such that the sandwich has little stiffness in any intended direction of loading, and two segmented elastic layers having stiffness in a desired loading direction. The segmented layers have alternating segments and gaps and are disposed one on each side of the viscoelastic layer in such a manner that the gaps of one segmented layer overlap the segments of the other segmented layer. Dynamic loads in the loading direction are transmitted back and forth from one segmented layer to the other, through the continuous sandwich layer containing the viscoelastic material, which thereby provides a high degree of damping.

Abstract: Structures subject to seismic or other vibrations, such as structurally flexible elements of electrical and mechanical power plants, are effectively damped to reduce stresses resulting from such vibrations, by a system of auxiliary mass dampers. The dampers are advantageously connected to the regions of greater expected oscillation in response to such vibrations, to reduce structural stresses. A preferred auxiliary mass damper takes the form of a receptacle containing a fluent or granular material such as lead birdshot in mineral oil.

Abstract: A boring bar has a longitudinal axis, with a steel head section having a cutting insert displaced from the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, a cemented carbide section is joined directly thereto. In another embodiment, a intermediate section includes a devibrator body. The respective sections are joined by a centrally positioned drawbar threadedly inserted into the head section for maintaining a compressive force at the specifically configured connection between the axially aligned sections.

Abstract: A vibration damper is used in combination with a ski having an upper surface, a turned up front end, a rear end, and a central ski binding on the upper surface. The damper is between 5 cm and 20 cm long and comprises a viscoelastic sheet flatly engaging the upper surface immediately behind the front end, immediately ahead of the rear end, or immediately ahead of the ski binding and a damper plate with a high modulus of elasticity overlying the viscoelastic sheet. The plate is secured atop the sheet on the upper ski surface. The damper is between 10% and 20% of the length of the ski from the rear end of the ski, between 65% and 75% of the length of the ski from the rear end, and/or between 85% and 97% of the length of the ski from the rear end. A 2 m ski normally has a distance of 180 cm between the rear end of the ski and the start of the front upturned end of the ski.

Abstract: A torque limiter comprises: a bottomed cylinder formed of a magnetic material; an end plate fixedly and coaxially fitted in the open end of the cylinder; a rotary shaft coaxially and rotatably supported in bearings fitted in the bottom wall of the cylinder and the end plate, respectively; two rotors formed of a magnetic material and coaxially secured to the rotary shaft; a permanent magnet disposed between and contiguously to the rotors and coaxially secured to the rotary shaft; an annular core formed of a magnetic material and coaxially fitted in the cylinder contiguously to the end plate; magnetic powder filled in the gap between the core and one of the rotors disposed opposite to the core; and sealing members disposed between the bottom surface of the cylinder and one of the rotors on the side of the bottom surface of the cylinder and between the inner end surface of the end plate and the other rotor on the side of the end plate.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. This shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: Arrangement for damping linear movements intended for use on a safety valve. An arrangement for damping linear movements of the valve spindle (10) of a safety valve of small amplitude and high frequency comprises two counter-rotatable damping parts (18, 36) with intermeshing wall (22, 24, 32) which delimit narrow working gaps (44, 46) containing a high-viscosity silicone grease. The linear intake movement is converted by a threaded drive (12, 40) into a rotary movement during which the silicone grease (47) in the working gaps (44, 46) is subjected to shear forces and eliminates the unwanted energy by virtue of its internal friction.

Abstract: Controllable electrorheological fluid composite structure elements incorporate electrorheological fluids as a structural component between opposing fluid containment layers to form at least a portion of any variety of extended mechanical systems such as plates, panels, beams and bars or structures including these elements. The electrorheological fluid is operatively contained in a region between the containment layers and has complex shear and tensile modulus properties which vary with the electric field applied thereto. A variable power source is utilized to create an electric potential between the layers of the structure element to create the electric field. An alternative power source may include the use of a piezoelectric material layer. In order to maintain the insulation and spacing between the containment layers, a fabric or separating layer having an open mesh is provided which permits the transportation of electrorheological fluid in the region between the layers.

Abstract: A ceramic filter including a plurality of ceramic plates contacted by metal plates and enclosed within a housing includes a Teflon membrane having a plurality of bubbles or dimples therein. A curved spring plate is positioned between a wall of the housing and one of the metal plates. The shock absorbing membrane is positioned between the spring plate and the wall of the housing, and the bubbles thereof extend through openings in the spring plate. When the filter is subjected to a force substantially perpendicular to the ceramic plates, the bubbles in the shock absorber cause the edges of the metal plate to deflect upwards and thus support the adjacent ceramic plate so as to avoid shattering or cracking.

Abstract: The method of increasing the dampening and attenuation of machinery produced vibrations by interposing between the vibrating machinery and its supporting surface a composite particle pad having elastic and resilient granules or strands of rubber or rubber-like particles of natural, synthetic or elastomeric material bound together to thereby create various sized links of such particles with voids randomly spaced within such particle pad.

Abstract: A vibration damper for the hollow drive shaft of an automotive vehicle has a liner press fitted into the bore of the drive shaft and a resilient, deformable, elastic, highly frictional retaining strip which forcibly bears against the surface of the bore and fixes the liner in place within the shaft.

Abstract: A modular element as a component of a damping member for support heads of motion picture or television cameras. The element includes a first annular portion that can be made integral with the rotor, and a second annular portion complementary to the first and that can be made integral with the stator of the support head. The first annular portion has on its inside surface a series of continuous concentric overhanging surfaces alternating with a series of complementary cavities, and the second annular portion has on its inside surface a series of continuous concentric overhanging surfaces as well as a a series of cavities complementary to such surfaces. The overhanging surfaces of the first and second portions engage respectively with the cavities alternating in a comb-like arrangement, and a continuous hollow space is provided between the two series of cavities and the two series of surfaces for the circulation of damping fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nutation damper having a hollow ring-shaped container installed concentrically to the axis of spin of a spinning body, with a viscous fluid sealed inside, and partially filling the container so as to leave a gap. The volume of the viscous fluid is determined as less than or equal to 1/2 of the volume enclosed by the outer wall of the container. It can provide a nutation damper of simple construction which can damp nutation arising in high-speed spinning bodies and allow these spinning bodies to spin stably.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a casing containing compressible fluid and a piston head with structure for providing fluid amplification during normal piston head movement, the piston head having a central bore therein for slidably mounting the piston head for axial movement on the piston rod and being biased against a holding member by Bellville washers, a valve on the holding member obstructing conduits between the piston rod and the piston head when the piston head is biased against the holding member, the conduits being uncovered by the valve to permit flow therethrough from one side of the piston head to the other when the pressure in the shock absorber in the area of the holding member exceeds a predetermined value, the conduits between the piston head and piston rod being of a shape to provide a second stage of fluid amplified flow.

Abstract: Structures subject to seismic or other vibrations, such as structurally flexible elements of electrical and mechanical power plants, are effectively damped to reduce stresses resulting from such vibrations, by a system of auxiliary mass dampers. The dampers are advantageously connected to the regions of greater expected oscillation in response to such vibrations, to reduce structural stresses. A preferred auxiliary mass damper takes the form of a receptacle containing a fluent or granular material such as lead birdshot in mineral oil.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. In addition, another shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: A torque limiter comprises: a bottomed cylinder formed of a magnetic material; an end plate fixedly and coaxially fitted in the open end of the cylinder; a rotary shaft coaxially and rotatably supported in bearings fitted in the bottom wall of the cylinder and the end plate, respectively; two rotors formed of a magnetic material and coaxially secured to the rotary shaft; a permanent magnet disposed between and contiguously to the rotors and coaxially secured to the rotary shaft; and an annular core formed of a magnetic material and coaxially fitted in the cylinder contiguously to the end plate; magnetic powder filled an axially in extending gap between the core and one of the rotors disposed opposite to the core; and sealing members disposed between the bottom wall of the cylinder and one of the rotors on the side of the bottom. surface of the cylinder and between the inner end wall of the end plate and the other rotor on the side of the end plate.

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping the vibration of a reinforced skin structure (e.g., the fuselage of an aircraft) over a wide frequency range (wideband) in order to reduce the vibration and transmitted noise, and improve the sonic fatigue life, of the structure is disclosed. Wide range damping is accomplished by viscoelastically attaching constraining elements, which can be continuous or segmented, to the skin and to the reinforcing members that support the skin. The viscoelastic attachment between the constraining elements and the reinforcing members directly damp the vibrations of the reinforcing members; and, the viscoelastic attachment between the constraining elements and the skin directly damp the vibrations of the skin.

Abstract: There is disclosed an index device in which a cover member is axially attached to a receptacle so as to be openable and closable, and a multiplicity of cards are accommodated therebetween so as to be superposed on each other. This indexing device is arranged such that: a rotation resisting member including viscous substance for moderating the resilient repulsion forces when the cover member is unfolded from the receptacle is provided between the receptacle and the cover member; the rotation resisting member has a rotor which rotates within hermetically sealed casings attached to the receptacle and filled with the viscous substance; and notches are formed in a peripheral portion of the rotor.

Abstract: In vehicles, it is usual that vibrations and noise occurring in the vehicle engine and transmission are propagated to the gear change lever via a transmission rod. To surmount these problems, an improved transmission rod consists of two axially separated parts, which are connected to each other via an articulation allowing transfer of both angular and axial movement between the rod parts. A spring element is arranged in a radial direction on each side of the articulation. The spring elements are in mutual co-action via a stiff connection which surrounds the spring elements and the articulation and is separated from the transmission rod parts by the spring elements.

Abstract: A face shock absorber with a top and a bottom adapter, between which there is mounted a housing, and in it there are disposed a spindle and active elements disposed inside a chamber enclosed by a top and a bottom disk, the housing and the spindle, and underneath the bottom disk there are disposed springs. The top adapter is embraced by a two-stepped nut with external thread, screwed up to the housing, and through the two-stepped nut there pass keys. The working chamber is divided by intermediate sleeves into sections, in each of which there are disposed spherical heads, shaped in the external surface of the spindle. The active elements disposed inside the working chamber are balls. The springs are limited in their bottom end by a ring-shaped nut, and it is possible to use springs of the slotted type.

Abstract: An active two-chamber engine mount with hydraulic damping includes rubber-elastic peripheral walls, a rigid intermediate plate disposed within the peripheral walls defining two chambers interconnected by a channel formed in the intermediate plate, one of the chambers being an engine-side chamber bordered by one of the peripheral walls acting as a support spring exercising a spring deflection, mutually parallel and overlapping electrodes defining the channel, an electro-viscous fluid filling the chambers, a device for applying an electric field to the electrodes controlling viscosity of the fluid, and a device for varying the length of the channel and the degree of overlap of the electrodes in dependence on the spring deflection of the support spring.

Abstract: A tension loaded energy dissipating support member includes multiple successively longer metal straps all connected at each end to an end connector with the longer straps, and preferably the shortest strap, bowing outward laterally such that as the tensile load increases, the straps, beginning with the shortest, successively plastically deform to dissipate shock energy. The initial bowing, type of material, and relative dimensions of the straps can be varied to obtain the desired load supporting and energy dissipating characteristics.

Abstract: A vibration damper for a road planer and the like with a main frame and a sub-frame movably connected thereto. A prime mover and a tool are mounted on the sub-frame, which includes frame members forming compartments adapted to receive lead shot particles therein. The particles absorb vibrational energy from the prime mover and the tool. A method of damping vibration is disclosed wherein vibrational energy is transmitted to the lead shot particles which vibrate and generate heat. The heat is dissipated through the frame members to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vibration isolating and damping suspension strut for vehicle undercarriages comprising an elongated cylinder and piston structure wherein the cylinder is divided into opposed chambers which are in communication with each other by passages formed in the piston and in a flow restricting shuttle valve mounted on the piston rod. When the strut undergoes a retraction stroke of the piston to absorb loads silicone fluid is compressed in the opposed chambers and transferred from the chamber opposite the piston rod to the rod side chamber through passages in the piston only. When the strut rebounds or extends its piston rod fluid is forced to flow through passages in the shuttle valve member and the piston flow passages at a more restricted rate. The piston flow passages and the shuttle valve are arranged to direct fluid flow toward the outer cylinder borewall to improve heat transfer to the exterior of the strut and minimize heating of the fluid contained in the cylinder chambers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a damped elastic stop device, associated with two parts mobile with respect to each other in a determined direction. One part bears two circular bosses, over the periphery of which pass two loops of yarn or cable made of fibers of polyamide or aramid resin, attached to a central block connected to the other part. The device acts both as a spring, thanks to the elasticity of the yarn of the loops, and as a damper, thanks to the friction of the yarn of the loops sliding on the periphery of the bosses.

Abstract: A vibration damped apparatus comprising a damping mass which is mechanically coupled to a member subject to vibration. The damping mass is formed from a elastic material throughout which a plurality of sub-masses are distributed. The sub-masses are relatively positioned so that the damping mass has different moduli of elasticity in tension and compression, so as to quickly dampen a broad frequency range of vibrations in the vibrating member. In a preferred embodiment, the vibrating member is a tubular post upon which vibration-sensitive optical components are mounted, the damping mass being disposed within a cavity in the post to damp vibrations of the post and optical components thereon.

Abstract: According to the invention a follower member is mounted on the door adjacent the door mounted roller and extends into the body mounted track further than the roller. A spring-like leaf is mounted in the track along at least a portion of the path of travel of the follower member along the track during the back and forth movement of the door. The leaf projects into the path of the follower member to interfere therewith so that the leaf is flexed and thereby impedes travel of the door along the track. A block of elastic material is mounted in a space between the track and the leaf to yieldably support the leaf against the flexure by the follower member during the back and forth movement of the door. The elasticity of the block of elastic material may vary along its length and determines the extent to which the movement of the door is impeded by the engagement of the follower member with the leaf.

Abstract: An energy absorber system utilizing a pair of housings having facing cavities and with a hollow deformable torsion member interconnecting the housings. One portion of the torsion member is received in the cavity of one housing and another portion of the torsion member is received in the cavity of the other housing. The housing cavities have cross-sectional conformations which receive the torsion member in such a manner that relative rotation therebetween is prevented. Rotation of one housing relative to the other deforms the torsion member elastically and/or plastically. Such deformation absorbs the energy of forces tending to rotate the housings.

Abstract: An emergency descent device includes a fluid-filled chamber with telescopic vanes of variable vane surface for self-adjusting the retarding force of the fluid, and an annular friction member in the chamber for simultaneous rotation with the vane members when the centrifugal force of the vane members is increased and the vane members extend radially outward to reach and engage with the annular friction member.

Abstract: A fluid levitated generally convex support member particularly useful in supporting a pallet, plate or belt such that the pallet, plate or belt load may be moved in an air powered track system, the system including at least one concave track with means for supporting and guiding the convex member and the pallet, plate or belt thereabove on a thin film of pressurized air jetting from nozzles in the track. The support member includes a generally tubular, flexible and partly deformable outer member and means for internally stressing the outer member so that under load there will be controlled deformation thereof. The deformed member will be closely complementary to the track surface to maximize load carrying capacity while minimizing fluid support power requirements and the detrimental effect of track deformities.

Abstract: A spring according to this invention has a core of an elastically deformable but substantially incompressible material and having two axially spaced end surfaces operatively engageable with objects to be relatively resiliently mounted. Thus when the two bodies engaging the end surfaces move toward each other the core swells radially. An annular belt formed of an elastic synthetic resin snugly surrounds the core between its ends. The belt can be lapped or can be a single unitary ring. It may also be formed of a plurality of independent layers having ends provided with a heat-shrunk clip for securing the ends together. To soften the initial spring characteristic the belt is corrugated and has peaks engaging the core and valleys normally not engaging the core. The corrugations may run longitudinally or transversely.

Abstract: A reaction base for supporting a mechanical vibrator used to shake test components, the base having parallel spaced beams clamped between top and bottom plates. End plates enclose the spaces between the beams, the spaces being filled with dry particulate matter. Inflatable bladders in each space are inflated after assembly of the base to compress the particulate matter against the confining surfaces of the beams, end plates, and top and bottom plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the speed of a box within a housing being moved to its open position comprises using a first arm having one end thereof pivotally attached to the housing and a second arm having one end thereof pivotally attached to the box, with the respective other ends attached pivotally to each other, coupling a rotary damper means to one of the pivotally attached portions of the first and second arms, and actuating the rotary damper means in moving the box from its accommodated position to its open position to afford a damping force to the movement of the box to its open position.

Abstract: A suspension element for the exhaust system components of an internal combustion engine incorporates interengaging resilient rings. However, these rings are not in direct contact with one another. Instead, they extend about an elastic, air-filled spherical member. This spherical member provides for the vibrations generated by the exhaust system being effectively attenuated by the suspension element before being transmitted to the floor of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Flexible vibration damping units, and vibratile products including flexible vibration damping units as components thereof, are provided wherein, in the vibration damping unit, at least one laminar group of flexible strip portions of a flexible framework is included having flexible longitudinally free-ended strip portions in the group firmly secured in the framework to one of the flexible strip portions in the group so as to have the strip portions in the group flex, and relatively move longitudinally with reference to one another, when the framework is flexed, this with the vibration damping unit further being characterized by including visco-elastic means, preferably of a visco-elastic adhesive kind, between the interfacially opposed flexible strip portions in the laminar group and engaging the flexible strip portions in that group so as to damp the longitudinal relative movements of the flexible strip portions in the group when the framework is flexed.

Abstract: A displacement control device for damping relative movement between a structure and a support for the structure, and for absorbing energy when the relative movement exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A shock absorber including a casing housing an elongated elastomeric member within a chamber, the elastomeric member being distorted from its original cylindrical shape into an undulating shape by being held between a piston and an end wall of the chamber, the undulating shape causing substantial axially extending axially spaced portions to be maintained in frictional engagement with the walls of the casing, said frictional engagement providing a damping force as the piston enters the chamber to further distort the elastomeric member. A shock absorber of the general type set forth above wherein a plurality of helically intertwined elongated elastomeric members are located within the casing, rather than a single elongated elastomeric member.