Patent ID: 7424930
Filing Date: 2008-09-16
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
1. An improvement in a device in which oscillatory movement of a rolling member along a bearing surface on a bearing block in directions away from and toward an equilibrium position dissipates vibratory energy applied to the device, the improvement comprising: a magnetically-attracted structure in one of the rolling member and the bearing block; and at least one magnet located relative to the magnetically-attracted structure and placed relative to the equilibrium position at a location which enables oscillatory movement of the rolling member by rolling of the rolling member along the bearing surface in the directions away from and toward the equilibrium position, while biasing the rolling member toward the equilibrium position to damp the oscillatory movement by magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetically-attracted structure and thereby enhance dissipation of vibratory energy applied to the devices; the rolling member including an engagement surface for engaging the bearing surface, the engagement surface having a center of rotation, an engagement location for engaging the bearing surface when the rolling member is in the equilibrium position, and an axis extending between the center of rotation and the engagement location; and the magnet being located on a line aligned coextensive with the axis when the rolling member is in the equilibrium position such that upon oscillatory movement of the rolling member away from the equilibrium position, the axis will depart from the line and the magnet will bias the axis toward alignment coextensive with the line.