Abstract: An active oscillation damper has a balancing mass which is movable relative to an oscillating mechanical structure. The control device then determines a compensation movement for the balancing mass based on a determined three-dimensional absolute motion of the mechanical structure. A balancing drive, arranged on the mechanical structure and acting on the balancing mass, is activated by the control device. The balancing mass is displaced by the balancing drive relative to the mechanical structure commensurate with the determined compensation movement. The measured values supplied to the control device include actual values of the balancing drive and/or a position of the balancing mass relative to the mechanical structure and/or at least one derivative with respect to time of the position of the balancing mass relative to the mechanical structure. The three-dimensional absolute motion of the mechanical structure is determined by the control device from the aforementioned values.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for an automobile is provided, capable of ensuring a high level of reliability while obtaining excellent damping effect with simple configuration. The damping apparatus for an automobile that reduces vibrations of an automobile body may include an actuator that is attached to the automobile body and drives an auxiliary mass; a current detector that detects a current flowing through an armature of the actuator; a section that detects a terminal voltage applied to the actuator; a calculation circuit that calculates an induced voltage of the actuator, and further calculates at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator, based on a current detected by the current detector and the terminal voltage; and a control circuit that drive-controls the actuator based on at least one of the relative velocity, relative displacement, and relative acceleration of the actuator calculated by the calculation circuit.

Abstract: A dynamic vibration absorber for a vehicle suspension system includes a spring elastically supporting a vehicle body on a vehicle frame, the spring including multiple coils, an isolator secured to at least one of the coils, at least a portion of the isolator being elastically displaceable in response to movement of one of the coils, and a mass formed as unit with the isolator portion, and supported on the isolator for elastic movement.

Abstract: A passive structural system includes a structural element which may be subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration in the element. At least one bi-stable sub-structure is coupled to the element. Each bi-stable sub-structure has two stable equilibrium states between which the sub-structure can physically transition when subjected to a sufficient amount of energy which gives rise to vibration in the element, with each bi-stable sub-structure arranged to dissipate at least a portion of the energy and thereby damp the vibration in the structural element when it transitions from one equilibrium state to the other. The passive structural system may also be intentionally mistuned such that when subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration, the vibration energy is substantially confined to localized regions within the system. The bi-stable structures are then located in the localized regions and arranged to dissipate the localized vibration energy.

Abstract: The invention is an energy absorbing system for safeguarding structures from disruptive forces, which may be implemented into structures or devices to provide protection from seismic motion, blasts or other disruptive forces, due to the system's displacement and damping characteristics. The system's performance can be better molded analytically to predict performance of the structure under earthquake and wind motions, for example. By utilizing cost effective materials and a simple design, the present invention provides a more efficient cost-effective system for absorbing unwanted energy, for example, a base isolation system.

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces. The device comprises first and second terminals for connection, in use, to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable (2, 3). Hydraulic means are connected between the terminals and contain a liquid, the hydraulic means configured, in 4 use, to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid (4) flow along at least two flow paths (5, 15, 90). The liquid flow along a first flow path generates a damping force proportional to the velocity of the liquid flow along the first flow path, and the liquid flow along a second flow path generates an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid, the force being substantially proportional to the acceleration of the liquid flow along the second flow path, such that the damping force is equal to the inertial force and controls the mechanical forces at the terminals.

Abstract: A system for isolating vibration among a plurality of instruments on a spacecraft includes at least two platforms, each of which is configured to couple to and isolate vibration for a single one of the plurality of instruments. Each of the at least two platforms is configured to mount to the spacecraft. A device is also provided for isolating vibration for one instrument among a plurality of instruments on a spacecraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of inerters such as those used in vehicle suspension systems to control or counteract dynamic spring forces. The present invention arises from a surprising discovery, based on lab testing of another hydraulic suspension device, that the inertia of the fluid in a feed line has a very significant inertia effect, magnified by the ratio of the piston diameter to the line diameter to the 4th power. As a consequence, sufficient inertial reaction may be provided by the inertance of fluid alone and in the absence of a mechanical flywheel arrangement. Thus according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an inerter (10, 110) which comprises first and second mechanical terminals (11, 12, 116, 140) which are arranged to be movable, one relative to the other, subject to an inertial reaction, wherein at least a portion of the inertial reaction is provided by hydraulic fluid inertance means (36, 152).

Abstract: An oscillation damper (3) which is designed for being mounted on a housing (2) of a hand-held power tool (1) and includes an oscillating damping mass (4); and at least one spring (5) located completely, with respect to its axial length, within the damping mass (4) for axially compressively preloading the damping mass (4) against the housing (2) of the power tool (1).

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a submersible pump motor has a bearing body, having a hub, an outer portion, and a plurality of wing portions. The wing portions are spaced apart to form a plurality of cavities in the bearing body. A mass damper is mounted to the hub. The mass damper has an upper portion, a lower portion and mass damper prongs connecting the upper and lower portion. The mass damper prongs are disposed in the cavities, and act to reduce the amplitude of the vibrating frequency of the motor shaft.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a vibration control apparatus that can be installed in a small pace and can be produced at low cost, as well as a wind turbine generator equipped with the vibration control apparatus and a vibration control method. The vibration control apparatus 7 includes a first vibration system 10 of inverted-pendulum type, second vibration systems 20 of inverted-pendulum type which are provided on both sides of the first vibration system 10, a restraining unit 30 which restrains a first weight 11 of the first vibration system 10 and a second weight 21 of the second vibration system 20 and a damper which damps vibration of the first weight 11 and the second weight 21. The vibration control apparatus 7 is installed on an upper floor 8a of a plurality of floors 8.

Abstract: A damping device for a selector shaft, having a damper weight with a damper unit, and having a guide device. The guide device guides the damper weight in a circumferential direction about the pivoting axis of the selector shaft. The damper weight is guided in the circumferential direction so that it is damped by the damper unit. The guide device also guides and/or holds the damper weight rigidly and/or without damping in the radial direction with respect to the pivoting axis. The damper unit is arranged off-center, asymmetrically and/or eccentrically with respect to the pivoting axis, and/or the damper weight and the damper unit form a damping absorber device arranged outside the force transmission path for the shifting and/or selection movement of the selector shaft.

Abstract: A servo system is provided for controlling movement of a flexible structure having multiple masses and elements. Each element couples a respective two of the masses and functions as a spring when the flexible structure is subject to a linear or rotational input at or above a frequency at which the respective element exhibits flexure. The servo system includes multiple sensors, where each sensor is disposed relative to a respective one of the masses to sense a respective acceleration. A motor having a torque input may operatively be configured to output one of a linear or rotational force on the first mass based on a torque signal present on the torque input. A servo controller that receives each sensed acceleration from each sensor may generate a compensation feedback signal based on a sum of sensed accelerations. The torque signal may be output to the motor based on the compensation feedback signal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for mounting and/or isolating members within housings. In described embodiments, a compressible shape memory polymer is used to provide this isolation. Particular embodiments are described wherein exemplary electronic circuit boards are disposed within carrier housings along with one or more protective spacers formed of shape memory polymer.

Abstract: An active dynamic vibration absorber 1 includes a weight 2; a frame 3 which is adjacent to the weight 2 in such a manner as to surround the weight 2 with clearances X1 and Y1; a holding mechanism 4 which is interposed between the weight 2 and the frame 3 and holds the weight 2 movably in an X direction with respect to the frame 3, while holding the weight 2 immovably in a Y direction and a vertical direction V; a detecting means 5 for detecting the relative vibration of a predetermined value in the X direction of the weight 2 with respect to the frame 3; and a moving means 6 for relatively moving the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 on the basis of a detection signal from the detecting means 5 such that the relative movement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is allowed, while the vibrational displacement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is reduced.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly for exercise devices includes a flywheel. A first disc and a second disc sequentially received in the flywheel and securely attached to each other. A control plate is rotatably sandwiched between the first disc and the second disc. Multiple magnetic devices are respectively and radially connected to the control plate. A shaft centrally extends through the first disc, the second disc and the flywheel, and laterally mounted onto the second disc, wherein the flywheel is rotatable relative to the first disc, the control plate with the magnetic devices and the second disc. A drive device is laterally mounted onto the second disc for driving the control plate and adjusting the damping to the flywheel when the control plate is rotated relative to the first disc and the second disc due to the operation from the drive device.

Abstract: A damper for a linear element of a motor vehicle drivetrain such as a cable, a transmission oil fill tube or an engine oil dipstick tube constitutes a loose fitting sleeve or annulus disposed about the linear component. The damper may be positioned on a substantially vertical tube by a stop which may be any device such as a sleeve of material having an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the damper that is clamped or secured to the tube. Alternatively, the damper may be of sufficient length that one end may be clamped to the tube while the other end, which loosely fits on the tube, acts as a damper. The damper may be fabricated of a material such as closed cell foam or other relatively lightweight, resilient and compressible material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to arrangements and methods for vibration isolation of a payload from a body. An arrangement for vibration isolation of a payload from a body having vibrations includes a sensor for measuring vibrations, and an actuator for generating a compensation force on the payload, at least on the basis of the measurement of the sensor. At least one balancing mass is arranged in the reaction path of a reaction force associated with the compensation force, and the sensor is mounted on the body.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved vibration control. Vibration control features reduce or eliminate motion of the truck in one or more of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination with the vibration control, stability control to further stabilize the motion of the truck.

Abstract: A tuned mass damper is provided for use with a structure that vibrates at a first axial surge mode and a second axial surge mode, when exposed to a predetermined frequency range. The tuned mass damper includes a housing, an endcap, two masses, and two springs. The first and second masses are disposed in a housing cavity. The first tuned mass damper spring is disposed in the cavity coupling the first mass and the endcap. The second tuned mass damper spring is disposed in the cavity coupling the first and second masses. The tuned mass damper has first and second resonant frequencies in the predetermined frequency range to damp the first and second axial surge modes, respectively. The second mass resonates at an amplitude that is greater than an amplitude at which the first mass resonates, when the two masses are subjected to the second axial surge mode.

Abstract: A vibration suppressing device and a vibration suppressing method that are capable of obtaining an accurate optimum rotation speed and shortening a time period from generation of chatter vibration to calculation of the optimum rotation speed are provided. The vibration suppressing device includes: vibration sensors for detecting time-domain vibrational accelerations of a rotary shaft in rotation; and a control device for calculating a chatter frequency and a frequency-domain vibrational acceleration of the rotary shaft at the chatter frequency on the basis of the time-domain vibrational accelerations detected by the vibration sensors, and when the calculated frequency-domain vibrational acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold value, calculating an optimum rotation speed on the basis of a predetermined parameter, and rotating the rotary shaft at the calculated optimum rotation speed.

Abstract: An active damping system to dampen a vibration of at least a part of the structure, including a device to determine a position quantity of the structure and an actuator to exert a force on the structure in dependency of the determined position quantity, wherein the device is a calculation device configured to calculate the position quantity of the structure on the basis of actuator signals.

Abstract: A vibration-damping sheet includes a resin layer having a glass transition temperature of more than 100° C. and 140° C. or less, and a constraining layer laminated on the resin layer.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly that may be attached and moved about a payload or optical mount surface of an optical structure such as an optical table. The vibration damper assembly may include a sensor and an actuator that may be disposed within a housing. In some embodiments, the vibration damper assembly or components thereof may be incorporated into an optical structure in the form of an optical component to be disposed or mounted on an optical mount surface of an optical structure such as an optical table. Embodiments of the vibration damper system may include a controller in communication with the damper assembly Embodiments of the controller may use adaptive tuning, auto-ranging selection of gain factors and other features in order to optimize damping performance.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a drive carrier that has a damping material positioned between an inertia weight and the drive carrier. In certain embodiments, a method includes attaching a damping material to a drive carrier and attaching a mass to the damping material.

Abstract: A centrifugal-pendulum vibration absorbing device, including a member attached coaxially with a rotary element; and mass bodies swingably coupled to the support member and disposed adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction. The mass bodies are configured such that when a first mass body, which is one of two mass bodies disposed adjacent to each other, and a second mass body, which is the other of the two mass bodies, move with respect to the support member so as to approach each other, the first mass body and the second mass body overlap each other as seen from an axial direction of the rotary element.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for automatically adjusting the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device in response to a disruptive force. By configuring an energy absorbing device for automatic response tuning, utilizing a controller coupled to one or more sensors for processing a determination primarily based on sensing data, the natural period of an overall structure may be adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased) so that the acceleration response of the structure is decreased upon being subjected to a disruptive force, for example, high winds, a blast from an explosion, or a seismic force caused by an earthquake.

Abstract: Improvements in a braking system for a zip line are presented. Braking occurs when a zip line rider makes contact with a braking carriage that slides along the zip line. The braking carriage pulls on a rope. The rope pulls on a length of chain in a chain reservoir to slide and lift the claim through the chain reservoir. The chain reservoir is an elongated tube that is mounted at an angle. As the zip liner moves further into the landing platform they lift a continuing greater amount of chain from the chain reservoir. The angle of the chain reservoir, coefficient of friction between the chain and the chain reservoir affects the pull-back. After the zip liner comes to a complete stop they remove the carriage from the zip line and gravity returns the brake mechanism. Minimum pull-back makes removal of the cable trolley easier.

Abstract: A hexapod system for aligning an optical element in semiconductor clean rooms or in a vacuum, particularly in an illumination device for a microlithographic EUV projection exposure apparatus, comprises six hexapod supporting structures (42, 44, 46, 94; 42?, 44?, 46?, 94?, 106). Using a set of at least two replaceable spacer elements (94; 94?) having a different extent in at least one direction, at least one of the six supporting structures (42, 44, 46, 94; 42?, 44?, 46?, 94?, 106) can be adjusted. The latter is adapted so that a spacer element (94; 94?) can be removed or a spacer element (94; 94?) can be added while the coupling of the first coupling end (46; 46?) to the carrying structure (38; 38?) and the coupling of the second coupling end (54a; 54?) to the optical element (34; 34?) are maintained.

Abstract: A vibration dampener, including, a first beam comprising a first mounting end portion and a first peripheral end portion, wherein the first peripheral end portion comprises a tunable mass, and the first beam is configured to vibrate in tune with a vibrational frequency of a structure supporting the first beam at the first mounting end portion, a second beam comprising a second mounting end portion and a second peripheral end portion, wherein the second peripheral end portion comprises a ring disposed about the first beam, and a viscoelastic material disposed between the first beam and the ring, wherein the viscoelastic material is configured to dampen vibrational energy as the first beam vibrates toward the ring until the viscoelastic material becomes compressed between the first beam and the ring during the course of the impact.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system to project a patterned radiation beam onto a substrate, and a damping system to dampen a vibration of at least part of the projection system, the damping system including an interface damping mass and an active damping subsystem to dampen a vibration of at least part of the interface damping mass, the interface damping mass connected to the projection system, and the active damping subsystem connected to the interface damping mass, the active damping subsystem including a sensor to measure a position quantity of the interface damping mass and an actuator to exert a force on the interface damping mass based on a signal provided by the sensor. The damping system further includes an interface damping device connected to the interface damping mass and configured to damp a movement of the interface damping mass at an eigenfrequency of the interface damping mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating active damping in a hybrid vehicle powertrain. The method includes: monitoring the damping command sent to the active damping system; determining a mean reference point, which may be a filtered value of the damping torque command; determining if the unfiltered damping torque command value switches from one side to the other of the mean reference point; if a switch is detected, determining if the size of the switch exceeds a predetermined minimum; if it does, then increasing a total number of switches; determining if the total number of switches exceeds a switch threshold; if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold, determining if the current damping torque exceeds a damping torque threshold; and decreasing the damping torque if the total number of switches exceeds the switch threshold and the current damping torque exceeds the damping torque threshold.

Abstract: A vibration control apparatus of a wind turbine generator that can be installed in a small space inside a tower, without a weight increase of the tower, and that can change the natural frequency thereof is provided. Included is a swinging rod extending in the vertical direction and suspended from beams provided on an upper part of the tower via a first universal joint; a flange part extending outward from the upper end outer surface of the swinging rod in the radial direction along the circumferential direction; a pendulum including a bob attached to the swinging rod and capable of moving up and down in the vertical direction; and a plurality of attenuation devices each of whose upper end is attached to the beams with a second universal joint and whose lower end is attached to the flange part with a third universal joint.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for automatically adjusting the resonance frequency of an energy absorbing device in response to a disruptive force. By configuring an energy absorbing device for automatic response tuning, utilizing a controller coupled to one or more sensors for processing a determination primarily based on sensing data, the natural period of an overall structure may be adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased) so that the acceleration response of the structure is decreased upon being subjected to a disruptive force, for example, high winds, a blast from an explosion, or a seismic force caused by an earthquake.

Abstract: A portable device includes a curved base housing a motion sensor, a pendulum, and a motor. The pendulum slides inside the curved base in response to the tilting of the portable device to prevent the portable device from falling over. The motor may generate a torque to tilt the portable device. The motion sensor may detect a tilt angle of the portable device.

Abstract: Actuator arrangement with an actuator (8), a reference mass (22), a spring (24) and a first sensor (26; 42, 43; 32, 36). The actuator (8) applies a force between a first object (2) and to a second object (16; 54). The reference mass (22) is, in use, supported by a third object (16; 56) by means of the spring (24). The first sensor (26; 42, 43; 32, 36) generates a first distance signal that depends on a first distance (z2; z5, z6; z3, z4) between the reference mass (22) and the first object (2) and is applied to a controller (6) to actuate the actuator (8).

Abstract: In a control device for controlling a variable damper of a vehicle suspension system, when a stroke speed of the damper is within a range including a zero stroke speed, the target damping force is determined as a force opposing a current movement of the damper without regards to the direction of the target damping force determined by a target damping force determining unit. Thereby, even when the wheels move vertically at short intervals, the control value is prevented from changing rapidly, and this allows a damping force of an appropriate level to be achieved in a stable manner at all times. Also, the target damping force when a stroke speed of the damper is within a range including a zero stroke speed may be selected to be a relatively high value or low value so that a desired vehicle behavior may be achieved.

Abstract: A storage device test slot includes a housing. The housing defines a test compartment for receiving a storage device for testing. One or more tuned mass dampers are connected to the housing. The one or more tuned mass dampers are configured to inhibit vibration of the housing at one or more predetermined frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for damping the vibration of a structure (1), the device being provided with a main mass (12) and an auxiliary mass (20) mounted on a support (11) that is suitable for having one end held fixedly in said structure (1), said auxiliary mass (20) including a threaded member (21) arranged around a drive screw (40) inside a casing (30) fastened to said main mass (12). The device includes manual drive means (50) engaging said drive screw (40) to move said auxiliary mass (20) along said drive screw (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100, 110) for reducing vibrations and/or oscillations in flat components (201, 202) of vehicles, comprising a carrier (101, 111), a damping means (102, 112) disposed on the carrier (101, 111) for reducing the vibrations and/or oscillations, wherein a plurality of damping means (102, 112) are provided on the carrier (101, 111) in order to capture a plurality of vibration and/or oscillation zones of the flat components (201, 202).

Abstract: An exemplary device that is useful for controlling vibrations of an elevator load bearing member includes a guide. A mass is moveable relative to the guide responsive to vibration of the load bearing member to introduce a force to counter the vibration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for damping vibrations within a physical object that is subject to vibration, such as for example, a railroad car running board. In one version, an enclosure is substantially filled with a granulated visco-elastic material, such as for example, granulated rubber, that is fixedly attached to the physical object.

Abstract: An axial damper for elements having a cylindrical, rectangular or squared section, includes two identical fixing clamps, each fixing clamp including an upper part and a lower part connected to each other by a clamping device to be wound around the elements. At least two rafter-tie-rods are each connected at two ends thereof to the clamps. The rafter-tie-rods are placed equidistant from each other in the case of more than two rafter-tie-rods. The damper also includes two damping systems, each including two or more blocks of elastomeric material, with a pre-compressed elastic element interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A vibration damping apparatus for a saddle riding type vehicle that easily secures stiffness of a vehicle body frame, simplifies structure, and improves a degree of freedom in layout. The vibration damping apparatus includes at least a pair of mutually facing surfaces disposed on the vehicle body frame, the surfaces not being relatively displaceable while the vehicle is stationary, and being relatively displaceable while the vehicle is running. A damping member is fixed to each of the surfaces and is disposed therebetween. The damping member is not subject to load while the vehicle is stationary. One of the surfaces is disposed on a side of a first main frame of a pair of left and right main frames and the other of the surfaces is disposed on a side of a second main frame.

Abstract: A vibration damping device including a hollow housing having a fastening frame and a housing main body attached to the fastening frame for providing the hollow housing enclosing a mass member. With the housing main body inserted between top and base plate portions through an opening in the fastening frame, an urging force of a first spring projection is directed against the housing main body from one of the top base plate portions towards the other thereby holding the housing main body pressed against the other of the top and base plate portions, while an urging force of a second spring projection is directed against the housing main body towards the opening side from a back plate portion causing the housing main body to become engaged by a catch projection, for attaching the housing main body to the fastening frame and preventing it from slipping out through the opening of the fastening frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine tower suspension arrangement comprising magnetic attachment means adapted to magnetically secure the suspension arrangement to an inner surface portion of the wind turbine tower. The suspension arrangement further comprises guiding means adapted to guide an element suspended in a substantially longitudinal direction of the wind turbine tower, the guiding means being connected to the magnetic attachments means. Moreover, the present invention relates to the method for applying a wind turbine tower suspension arrangement.

Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) for absorbing torsional vibration created by operation of an engine includes a plurality of pendulums moveable with respect to a rotatable shaft. The pendulums are connected to the rotatable shaft by a plurality of pins that extend through apertures in the pendulum. The pendulums each move along a path defined by various drive line or powertrain parameters and characteristics. The path is implemented by contouring an active section of the apertures that engage the pins.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting system for a vibrational element. The vibrational element has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an axial displacement node. The mounting system includes an isolation member which has an isolation surface, an isolating body, and an engaging portion. The engaging portion is immovably secured to the isolation member and extends radially inward from the isolation body at a point radially opposite the isolation surface. The engaging portion is disposed so as to engage the outer surface of the vibrational element. Radial displacements of the vibration element are substantially decoupled from the isolation surface through the engaging portion.

Abstract: A rotational vibration isolator for a sensor is disclosed. The isolator comprises a first enclosure surrounding the sensor and a second enclosure surrounding the first enclosure, with a spherical gap between the enclosures. A fluid is supplied into this gap, the density of the fluid being sufficient to support the first enclosure in a condition of neutral buoyancy. The first and second enclosures are connected by springs of low spring constant.

Abstract: An antiseismic support pad having a base for supporting and holding the pad on a support surface, at least one spherical rolling element mounted to rotate freely about a center of rotation in a bearing secured to the support base, and a support plate resting on the spherical rolling element via a concave bearing surface, the pad being characterized by the fact that the support base comprises a soleplate secured to at least one bearing, configured to rest freely on the support surface and to hold the pad in place on the support surface without a fastener, and that the support pad includes an arrangement configured to suspend the support base from the support plate and move the base resiliently in radial directions about a support plate axis that is substantially perpendicular to the soleplate, the arrangement connected firstly to the support plate and secondly to the support base comprising the soleplate and the bearing.