Vibration isolator with adjustable response

A vibration isolator for use in a system with a vibration source and a support structure for the vibration source, the vibration isolator comprising:

• a base in engagement with the support structure;
• two supports slidably connected to the base;
• and
• a flexible member supported by the two supports, the member being attachable to the vibration source and having a generally elongate shape and an elongate length;
• wherein each support slidably engages the flexible member such that each support is movable along the elongate length of the flexible member.

A vibration isolator for use in a system with a vibration source and a support structure for the vibration source, the vibration isolator comprising:

• a base in engagement with the support structure;
• two supports slidably connected to the base;
• a flexible member supported by the two supports, the member being attachable to the vibration source and having a generally elongate shape and an elongate length, the member defining a first longitudinal axis when the member is in a rest position, the member being attachable to a vibration source at an attachment position centrally located along the elongate length of the member;
• means for moving the supports;
• two end stops attached to the base at positions adjacent the ends of the flexible member to limit the movement of the flexible member in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis;
• and
• lateral stops to prevent lateral movement of the flexible member in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis;
• wherein each support slidably engages the flexible member such that each support is movable along the elongate length of the flexible member and wherein the supports are positioned on opposite sides of the attachment position of the flexible member at substantially equal distances from the attachment position of the flexible member.

A vibration isolator for use in system with an isolated surface and a vibrating substrate, the vibration isolator comprising:

• a base in communication with the vibrating substrate;
• two supports slidably connected to the base;
• a flexible member supported by the two supports and having a generally elongate shape and an elongate length;
• and
• a surface attached to the flexible member;
• wherein each support slidably engages the flexible member such that each support is movable along the elongate length of the flexible member.

A vibration isolator for use in a system with an isolated surface and a vibrating substrate, said vibration isolator comprising:

• a base in communication with a vibrating substrate;
• two supports connected to the base, at least one of the supports being slidably connected to the base;
• a flexible member supported by the two supports, and
• a surface connected to the midportion of the flexible member;
• wherein the flexible member and the supports cooperate to allow oscillation of the flexible member at a predetermined frequency in response to vibration transmitted from the substrate through the supports.