Abstract: A vibration isolator with a flange that extends from a piston. The piston may be coupled to a housing by a diaphragm. The diaphragm and flange define a balancing chamber that is in fluid communication with a leveling port. The flange is separated from the housing by a gap that provides fluid communication between the balance chamber and an inner chamber within which the piston moves relative to the housing. The piston is coupled to a support plate that is attached to a payload. The leveling port may be coupled to a leveling valve that varies the pressure within the balancing chamber and inner chamber to compensate for a disturbance applied to the isolator. The flange will provide a force that is opposite to the movement of the piston. The counteracting force minimizes oscillations in the isolator caused by releveling the support plate.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device for damping vibrations of a vibrative member of a vehicle, including: a mass member disposed in the vibrative member such that the mass member is non-adhesive to and is displaceable independent of and relative to the vibrative member; the mass member and the vibrative member being brought into impact against with each other at their abutting portions. At least one of the abutting portions of the mass member and the vibrative member is formed of an elastic member adapted to undergo shear deformation in a direction in which the mass member and vibrative member are brought into impact against each other.

Abstract: A shock-isolation structure for supporting a relatively light load on a supporting surface and having a plurality of spring units operable in both tension and compression oriented in a truss configuration with first ends of said spring units connected to the supporting surface for universal movement and with second ends of said spring units connected to the load for universal movement, with each of the spring units including a coil spring, an end cap, and a rod which extends outwardly through the end cap with a clearance fit in a nonextended position, a clevis body on the end of each of the rods, a groove in each of the end caps, and a ridge on each of the clevis bodies for mating engagement when the rod is in the nonextended position to thereby center each of the rods in each of the end caps.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is used for reducing or eliminating torsional vibrations in a vehicle driveline. A hub portion includes an elongated body with a first axial dimension. A disk portion is supported by the hub portion and has a second axial dimension that is smaller than the first axial dimension of the hub portion. The hub portion preferably is secured to rotate with an engine flywheel and the disk portion preferably is adapted to rotate with a transmission input shaft. The disk portion preferably supports a plurality of damping members, which can be positioned at different radial or axial locations depending on the needs of a particular situation.

Abstract: A circular cylindrical container having sealed ends provides a device for dissipating mechanical forces. The container is filled with particulate material and has circular wheel-like structures having rims and spokes located in the interior of the container in which the rim circumferences of the wheel-like structures increase as they are located further and further away from the centroid of the container along the elongated axis of the container toward one of the sealed ends.

Abstract: An active vibration control system for controlling excessive or unwanted vibrations in floors or other structures. The system has three main components: (1) velocity sensor w/signal conditioner; (2) feedback controller; and (3) proof-mass actuator. This system works by creating a feedback loop that generates a control force proportional to the velocity, thus adding damping to the controlled modes of floor vibration. In other words, the feedback loop makes the moving mass of the actuator move to counteract the motion of the floor. The system is optimized such that the motor can be driven with a sinusoidal force where the peak force is at or near the full motor capacity at any frequency without exceeding the stroke while maintaining a simple and cost effective feedback controller. Additionally, a relationship between the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system and actuator is established to provide efficient and stable control.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device comprising: at least one rigid housing member fixedly disposed in a vibrative member; and a plurality of independent mass members disposed non-adhesively and independently in the at least one housing member such that each of the plurality of independent mass members is opposed to the at least one housing member with a given spacing therebetween in a vibration input direction, and is displaceable relative to the at least one housing member. The each independent mass member is independently displaced relative to the at least one housing member so that the independent mass member and the housing member are brought into elastic impact against each other at their respective abutting surfaces which are opposed to each other in the vibration input direction.

Abstract: An inertia damper is capable of exhibiting satisfactory endurance. In the inertia damper, when an inertia weight element directly carrying out a damping action and a gel element are combined together, the gel element is interposedly arranged between the outer periphery of the inertia weight element and the inner surface of a peripheral cover section of a holding member of a mount base. This permits the area of arrangement of the gel element to be increased to significantly reduce loading per unit area of the gel element, thereby improving the endurance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a launch vehicle comprising a shroud (1a, 5a) supporting auxiliary propellers (2, 3) applying in operation excess flow of stresses to the shroud (1a, 5a), said device comprising means for coupling the payload (4) with the launch vehicle shroud. The invention is characterized in that the coupling means are designed to ensure a mechanical coupling between the payload (4) and the shroud along the direction of the launch vehicle longitudinal axis (X), and to cause them to be disengaged along radial and tangential directions. The invention is useful for neutralizing the effects on the payload of excess stresses applied on the launch vehicle shroud by the auxiliary propellers (2, 3).

Abstract: A shock damper includes a damper body installed in the frame of a structure and adapted to absorb earthquake shocks, and braces adapted to support the damper body in the frame of the structure, the damper body having a horizontal top plate, a horizontal bottom plate, and a vertical connecting device connected between the horizontal top plate and the horizontal bottom plate, the connecting device being a shaft formed of any of a variety of cross sections, or a plurality of plates of any of a variety of profiles.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seismic brace for both retrofit and new construction. The brace comprises a central strut of either multi-legged or homogeneous section fabricated from low strength aluminum, whose characteristics maximize the seismic energy absorption for a building installation. This central strut absorbs energy at high weight-specific levels by virtue of the hysteresis in its load-deflection relationship. In order to eliminate the possibility of buckling of the energy absorbing strut when it passes through the compression portion of a load cycle, it is surrounded by a system of spacers and an external sleeve providing very high bending rigidity at low weight. The spacers may be fabricated from low-density foams, pseudo-concrete, fibrous composites, or metals, depending upon the application. The outer sleeve may also be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending upon whether the embodiment calls for the principal bending rigidity to be provided by the spacers or sleeve.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator system that includes a frame in which a shock and vibration sensitive mass is suspended by double acting shock absorbers with vibration isolation capabilities. Wire rope isolators are also mounted between walls of the mass and adjacent walls of the frame so that shock and vibrations moving along the vertical, horizontal and longitudinal axes of the system are effectively attenuated.

Abstract: Viscous damper for a machinery mounting having a dampening member disposed intermediate a top support engagable with at least a portion of a load and a bottom plate disposed beneath the support and spaced therefrom to thereby decrease or deaden vibrations. The damper includes a receptacle for vertical disposition, which is closed at the bottom and opened at the top, and is adaptable for containing a viscous fluid. A plunger of smaller lateral dimensions is arranged concentrically and co-axially within the receptacle, and depends downwardly from the horizontally disposed support, and is of such a longitudinal dimension as to be spaced from the closed bottom of the receptacle so as to be submerged partially in the viscous fluid and is therefore free to move vertically. A perforated plate is affixed at the bottom of the plunger, and provides fluid communication between the receptacle and the plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing an active vibration isolation system (AVIS) is provided. The AVIS includes a pneumatic control system and an electronic control system. The pneumatic control system supports a mass sensitive to vibration and isolates the mass from high frequency external disturbances. The electronic control system isolates the mass from low frequency external disturbances. The pneumatic control system includes a compliance chamber filled with a fluid to pneumatically support the mass, pressure sensor to measure the pressure level in the compliance chamber, and pneumatic actuator to control the pressure level to minimize the effects of pressure variation in the compliance chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus that minimizes shock/vibrational motion in interposer sockets. The ability to control shock/vibration can ensure successful operation and substantially increase socket lifetime. The present invention discloses a device for maintaining a heat sink in a desired relationship to a mounting base while limiting the transmission of shock and vibrational motion to and from the heat sink includes a fastener extending from the mounting base, a spring compressed between the fastener and the heat sink, and a damper compressed between the fastener and the sink wherein the fastener maintains the spring and the damper in a compressed state such that the spring and the damper bear on said heat sink.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic damping device for a steering system of an automotive vehicle, which equipped with a telescopic steering column, including a plurality of mutually independent dynamic dampers, each including a mass member and a spring member for elastically supporting the mass member to the steering column or wheel. At least two of natural frequencies of the plurality of dynamic dampers are tuned to a higher and a lower frequency range in relation to a central value of a range of variation in a natural frequency of the steering wheel due to an expansion or contraction of the telescopic steering column, within the range of vibration in the natural frequency of the steering wheel. Further, a difference between adjacent ones of the natural frequencies of the plurality of dynamic dampers is made held within 10-40% of the central value of the range of vibration in the natural frequency of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A torque receiving member is fixed to a rotary shaft of a compressor. A pulley, which is rotated by an external drive source, is rotatably supported by a housing of the compressor. The pulley is substantially coaxial with the torque receiving member. A rubber damper is located between the pulley and the torque receiving member. The rubber damper absorbs rotational vibration transmitted from the torque receiving member to the pulley. The pulley has a dynamic damper. The dynamic damper includes rollers, which swing like pendulums to reduce rotational vibration of the pulley. Stress produced due to displacement between the axis of the pulley and the torque receiving member is reduced by the rubber damper.

Abstract: Vibration damping device for vehicles includes: a rigid housing member having an accommodation space and fixed to a vibrative member; and an independent mass member having a rigid mass body and an elastic body layer bonded on the outer surface of the rigid mass body. The independent mass member is non-adhesively disposed in the accommodation space such that an outer surface of the independent mass member is opposed to the inner surface of the housing member with a predetermined gap distance therebetween, to thereby permit displacement of the independent mass member relative to the housing member. The independent mass member and the housing member is brought into elastic impact against each other, upon application of a vibrational load, at respective abutting surfaces thereof which are opposed to each other in a vibrational input direction.

Abstract: A mass damper (12) is attached to a machine tool (11) to suppress the vibration and oscillations induced by the machine tool. The mass damper uses a sensor (50) or transducer (70) to sense changes in vibration frequency or other physical action and control an actuator (56) to move a piston assembly (60). The piston assembly operates to increase or decrease compression on a spring (38) attached to a bob or moveable mass (18) within a housing (13) of the mass damper. The bob oscillates in opposite phase with the vibration induced by the machine tool to counteract the undesired vibration. The compression spring acts as a restoring force to bring the bob back to its neutral position. The change in compression on the restoring spring effectively changes the center frequency of the mass damper to keep the frequency response of the machine tool within the bandwidth of the mass damper.

Abstract: Fluid current induced vibrations, as well as vortex shedding vibrations induced in a cable stay or a similar elongated, cylindrical element are dampened and substantially eliminated by applying a plurality of flexible active or passive damper bands to the cable at spaced intervals. In underwater currents, the damper bands force or channel the fluid flow over a circular cross-sectional shape, which inhibits lift, and therefore damps the cable stay oscillations. These damper bands can be retrofit to existing cables or can be installed on new cables. Each damper band may include a shiftable mass and an energizing device for facilitating assisted shifting of the mass. A control assembly can actuate all or selected ones of the energizing devices in response to sensed magnitudes of cable stay vibration.

Abstract: A vibration isolator with an adjustable response. A vibration isolator for isolating a vibration source from a support structure include a base in engagement with the support structure and two supports connected to the base. At least one of the supports is slidably connected to the base. A flexible member having a generally elongate shape and an elongate length is supported by the two supports. The flexible member is attachable to the vibration source. Each support slidably engages the flexible member such that the flexible member can move relative to each support with the support that is slidably connected to the base being moveable along the elongate length of the flexible member. The vibration isolator preferably further comprises means for moving the slidably connected supports along the elongate length of the flexible member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic damper for use in a steering system of an automotive vehicle, including a mounting member connectable to a steering column or a steering wheel of the steering system; and a plurality of secondary vibration systems independent of each other, each including a mass member and a spring member for elastically supporting the mass member to the mounting member. One of the plurality of secondary vibration systems has a natural frequency that is tuned to an idling vibration frequency band ranging from about 20 Hz to about 30 Hz, and another one of the plurality of secondary vibration systems has a natural frequency that is tuned to a natural frequency band of the steering system, which is larger than 30 Hz.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration-damping device comprising an abutting member adapted to be fixedly disposed in a vibrative member and an independent mass member disposed relative to the abutting member such that the independent mass member is displaceable relative to the abutting member while being independent of the abutting member without being adhesive to the abutting member. The independent mass member having an abutting surface that comes into abutting contact directly and elastically with an abutting surface of the abutting member, in which at least one of the abutting surfaces of the abutting member and the independent mass member is provided with a flock coating.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for damping vibrations in a vibrating system including a piston which is reciprocally movable in a fluid filled chamber, piston movement in either direction of movement being resisted by fluid pressure in the chamber behind the piston, which resistance provides damping forces which act to oppose piston movement, the piston being connected to one component of the vibrating system and the chamber being connected to a second component of the vibrating system, characterised in that structure is provided to relieve the fluid pressure behind the piston to allow substantially unopposed piston movement in the chamber without damping forces being provided, during piston movements which occur in response to vibrations in the vibrating system at frequencies other than a fundamental frequency which the damping apparatus primarily is intended to damp.

Abstract: The friction damper includes a hollow cylindrical member having an axially movable non-rotational member within the cylindrical member. A spring is disposed between the movable and cylindrical members. A rotating member lies within the cylindrical member in opposition to the movable member. A frictional resisting element resists relative rotation of the rotating member and the cylindrical member and causes the movable member to move axially away from the rotating member against the bias of the spring to increase the spring force of the spring and the frictional resisting force.

Abstract: A system for the mitigation of cable stay vibrations, typically induced by wind and rain, utilizes a plurality of active damper bands positioned along the cable stay. Each damper band includes a shiftable mass and an energizing device for facilitating assisted shifting of the mass. A control assembly can actuate all or selected ones of the energizing devices in response to sensed magnitudes of cable stay vibration.

Abstract: Vibration damping systems for use in conjunction with rotating hollow bodies are provided. The vibration damping systems include a tubular outer shaft having a proximal and a distal end and defining a lumen therethrough, a tubular inner shaft having a proximal and a distal end wherein the inner shaft is configured and dimensioned to be received within the lumen of the outer shaft and a plurality of toroidal vibration damping elements disposed between the proximal and the distal ends of the outer and inner shafts. At least one vibration damping element is affixed between the proximal and the distal end of the outer and inner shaft and each end most vibration nodal point of a series of nodal points located along a length of the outer and inner shafts. At least one vibration damping element is affixed between adjacent vibration nodal points of the series of nodal points along the length of the outer and the inner shafts.

Abstract: A multi-sensor, multi-actuator control system for controlling vibration in a mechanical structure. The system employs feedforward and feedback control strategies in tandem. Outputs from adaptive feedforward and modal feedback control loops are added to each other. The control system may be dynamically adapted to the changing physical characteristics of the controlled structure. For example, the plant transfer function estimates for the feedforward unit and the gain for the feedback unit may be calculated as functions of sensed physical parameters (location, mass, etc.), and the plant transfer function estimates may be dynamically modified to reflect time-varying feedback control gains. If desired, the control system may be used to cancel low frequency vibrations (<20 Hz) in industrial processes. The actuators may be formed of electromagnets, fixed armatures and interposed flux sensors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the robust actuators are sealed so as to be impervious to fluids and dust.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed for an active vibration and noise control system in an aircraft. The actuator is configured to attach a vibrating component, such as a gearbox mounting foot, to an aircraft support structure. The actuator is actuated by the control system to control the transmission of vibratory loads from the gearbox foot. The actuator includes a housing and a mounting member. The housing mounts to the aircraft. The mounting member attaches to the vibrating component within the aircraft. A piston arrangement is attached to the housing and includes a sleeve located within the housing, and a piston slidably disposed within the sleeve. A bearing assembly engages the mounting member with the piston. The bearing assembly includes a first bearing located between the mounting member and an inner bearing member. The first bearing is adapted to transmit axial motions between the mounting member and the piston.

Abstract: There are disclosed a vibration isolating apparatus and a vibration eliminating method imposed less restrictions on the positioning of components, such as active actuators, forming part of the vibration isolating apparatus. The vibration isolating apparatus can be implemented with a relatively simple controller (such as an analog circuit) and can limit the interference of control forces to a practically ignorable degree. The vibration isolating apparatus has a table for mounting thereon a device vulnerable to vibrations, a plurality of sensors 15-20 for detecting motions of the table and a plurality of active actuators 11-14 for controlling positions of the table.

Abstract: An adaptive controller is used to adaptively generate vibration cancellation signals driving a controlled device which effects an associated vibration and noise-producing plant. The adaptive controller has multiple control paths to generate the control signal. In a vibration attenuation control path(s), an adaptive control signal is generated by plant compensation and adaptive filtering techniques to cancel vibrations. In a position control, saturation prevention path, the available operational extents of the controlled device are monitored and compensation signals are generated which direct the movement of the controlled device in such a manner as to prevent the controlled device from reaching the extents of control. The control signals from the multiple paths are then combined and transmitted to the controlled device which alters in some fashion the noise and vibration being generated or transmitted by the associated vibrating plant.

Abstract: Undesirable vibrations are controlled in a mechanical structure by confining the vibrations to one or more specified areas of the structure and then dissipating the confined energy by damping. Vibration confinement is achieved using a confinement device which effectively applies both translational and torsional forces to the structure. The strength of the translational and torsional forces, and the position of the confinement device are chosen to select a vibrational energy confinement region. Damping elements are concentrated in the vibration confinement region to dissipate the confined vibrational energy. Judicious selection of the confinement region permits the structure to avoid the transfer of vibrational energy to particularly sensitive portions of the structure, or to direct vibrational energy to a portion of the structure. Optimization procedures are presented for designing structures having optimized placement and selection of the vibration confinement device and damping devices.

Abstract: A tunable vibration isolator with active tuning elements having a housing which defines fluid chambers. A piston is disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chambers. A passage having a predetermined diameter extends through the piston to permit the vibration isolation fluid to flow from one fluid chamber to the other. The tunable vibration isolator may employ either a solid tuning mass approach or a liquid tuning mass approach. In either case, active tuning elements, or actuators, are disposed in the fluid chambers to selectively tune the vibration isolator.

Abstract: A constant volume damper which has a very constant damping constant over a considerable range of frequencies by including check valves that prevent cavitation as a piston moves in a chamber. The damper is also sealed for use in space application and is temperature compensated.

Abstract: A hybrid active vibration isolation device has an intermediate plate inserted between a vibration damping subject and a setting surface on which the vibration damping subject is set, and laminated rubber and electromagnetic motors are interposed between the vibration damping subject and intermediate plate. A piezoelectric element is interposed between the intermediate plate and setting surface. In order to detect vibrations of the vibration damping subject, intermediate plate, and setting surface, velocity sensors are provided to them. The active vibration isolation device has a feedback mechanism for controlling the electromagnetic motors on the basis of signals from the velocity sensors provided to the vibration damping subject and setting surface, and controlling the piezoelectric element on the basis of a signal from the velocity sensor set on the intermediate plate.

Abstract: An inertia damper capable of exhibiting satisfactory endurance. In the inertia damper, when an inertia weight element directly carrying out a damping action and a gel element are combined together, the gel element is interposedly arranged between the outer periphery of the inertia weight element and the inner surface of a peripheral cover section of a holding member of a mount base. This permits the area of arrangement of the gel element to be increased to significantly reduce loading per unit area of the gel element, to thereby improve the endurance.

Abstract: A micromachined resonator mountable to an external support structure has a proof mass coupled to a base structure by a first spring structure, the base structure having a plurality of electrodes, and a second spring structure coupling the base structure to the external support structure.

Abstract: A vibration damping apparatus including an annular housing, a cavity between an internal diameter and an external diameter of the housing, and a substantially solid vibration damping material disposed in the cavity. The vibration damping material has a density that is greater than a density of the housing material. In one embodiment of the invention, the internal diameter and the external diameter of the housing are selected so as to maximize an amount of vibration damping material with respect to a selected tensile strength for the housing. In another embodiment of the invention, the internal diameter and the external diameter of the housing are selected so as to maximize an amount of vibration damping material with respect to a selected bending strength for the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive mass damper for broadband suppression of vibrations. The mass damper preferably includes a bob supported by nonlinear springs with high secant stiffness and low tangent stiffness. The mass damper is mounted on a machine or other source of vibration. The vibration generated by the machine is transmitted to the mass damper and induces off phase vibration of the bob which suppresses the inducing vibration.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a drive system of a motor vehicle includes a base body rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) and a deflection mass arrangement arranged in the base body having at least one deflection mass and a deflection path associated with the at least one deflection mass and along which the at least one deflection mass is movable during rotation of the base body about the axis of rotation. The deflection path has a vertex area and deflection areas emanating from the vertex area in opposite directions. The deflection areas proceed from the vertex area in substantially opposite axial directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing harmonics and vibrations of a rotatable base piece, such as a brake rotor to be resurfaced or refinished, is provided. A plurality of interconnected chain links are included. The plurality of chain links are sized for maximum contact with the rotatable base piece. The plurality of chain links are interconnected to form a belt assembly open at the ends. One or more demountably selectively attachable connectors for securing the belt assembly to the rotatable base piece also are included. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more demountably selectively attachable connectors is a spring member. Each spring member includes a nonidentical length arm extending monolithically from the ends of the spring member. In addition, a semi-circular hook members is provided on one end of the nonidentical length arm. No other mechanical structural elements are included.

Abstract: A shock and acoustic mount for reducing transmission of forces between two relatively moveable members such as a mounted component and a supporting structure, providing a compressible fluid spring with large allowable relative movement of the mounted component and support structure. The mount comprises a casing, a piston shell with one end disposed in the casing and another end extending outside of the casing, and a piston housed in the piston shell, all relatively moveable in response to external axial forces. In one embodiment, the mount is filled with a compressible fluid, such as air, providing an air spring. The piston is sealingly bonded to the inner surface of the piston shell, the bond accommodating acoustic and vibration forces by deformation of the bond material. An annular seal between the piston shell and the casing accommodates large and shock forces.

Abstract: Assembly mounts are stochastically or periodically detuned by changing their spring rate in order to prevent the transient effect of stuttering vibration of the drive assembly of a motor vehicle. The adjustment of the spring rate by at least a factor of 5 takes place for a time period which corresponds to no more than one fifth of the vibration duration of the stuttering movement.

Abstract: The storage device reduces vibration accompanied by high-speed rotation of a storage media, and raises reliability as well. In a stationary position of amass object, each magnetic pole of the movable portion magnet is disposed so that their position is provided in opposite relation to each magnetic pole of a fixed portion magnet, and each magnetic pole of a movable portion magnet and the fixed portion magnet is opposite a different magnetic pole with respect to each other. An attraction force:F1 and a repulsion force:F2 between facing (or confronting) magnetic pole can be used efficiently, and a large vibration energy or inertia force can be obtained by a small-sized magnet.

Abstract: An anti-vibration apparatus for actively damping vibrations of an object by generating control forces for reducing the vibrations includes a first actuator for generating a first control force, and a second actuator which generates a second control force and is driven on a driving principle different from that for the first actuator. The first actuator generates forces in the vertical and horizontal directions. The second actuator generates a force in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method are provided to reduce the interlaminar shear loading in the retention area of composite springs used in a vibration isolator for use with a helicopter main rotor. The composite springs, which are made of a graphite laminate, are weakest when subject to inter-laminate shear. The shear forces are highest during bending and twisting about the longitudinal axis of the laminate composite. The invention consists of several techniques to minimize the inter-laminate shear. The first is the use of nylon mounting pads which are attached to the ends of the graphite laminate spring arm at the locations where mounting to the inner and outer hubs is to take place. In particular, it has been found that the nylon spacer must be recessed back from the perimeter edges of the graphite spring arm the same distance which is approximately equal to the width of the graphite spring arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing harmonics and vibrations of a rotating base piece. The apparatus includes a plurality of chain links. The plurality of chain links are interconnected to form a belt assembly open at the ends. The belt assembly has a leading end and a following end. The chain links are interconnected between the leading end and the following end. An apparatus for reducing harmonics and vibrations of a rotating base piece also includes a spring member. The spring member is connectable to the leading end and the following end of the belt. The belt may be attached to a rotating base piece for reducing harmonics and vibrations of a rotating base piece during rotation of the rotating base piece.

Abstract: A vibration-damping device comprising: at least one rigid housing member fixedly disposed in a vibrative member; and a plurality of independent mass members disposed non-adhesively and independently in the at least one housing member such that each of the plurality of independent mass members is opposed to the at least one housing member with a given spacing therebetween in a vibration input direction, and is displaceable relative to the at least one housing member. The each independent mass member is independently displaced relative to the at least one housing member so that the independent mass member and the housing member are brought into elastic impact against each other at their respective abutting surfaces which are opposed to each other in the vibration input direction.

Abstract: A spring element is made of a spring material and is formed into a generally elliptical shape. Two mounting pins extend in a normal direction through parallel relatively short segments of said elliptically-shaped spring element. The mounting pins are substantially aligned with the shorter of the two axis of the elliptically-shaped spring element so as to extend both inwardly and outwardly of said elliptically-shaped spring element. An elastomeric coating is applied around substantially all of the spring elements and a pair of blocks, each of which surrounds one of the mounting pins receives one of the mounting pins. A number of spring elements are joined together by two parallel, spaced-apart coupling links which contain cavities therein to receive one of the blocks of each of the spring elements.

Abstract: A system for the mitigation of cable stay vibrations, typically induced by wind and rain, utilizes a plurality of active damper bands positioned along the cable stay. Each damper band includes a shiftable mass and an energizing device for facilitating assisted shifting of the mass. A control assembly can actuate all or selected ones of the energizing devices in response to sensed magnitudes of cable stay vibration.