Nonlinear mass damper with active centerband control

A mass damper, comprising:

• a housing adapted for receiving a vibration;
• a mass within the housing;
• a restoring force mechanism coupled to the mass;
• and
• a force applying mechanism coupled to the restoring force mechanism for altering a center frequency of the mass damper.

A method of dampening a vibration, comprising:

• providing a mass within a housing;
• providing a spring having a first end coupled to a surface of the mass;
• and
• applying a force to a second end of the spring to alter compression on the spring and change a center frequency of the dampening.

A method of suppressing a vibration, comprising:

• providing a housing adapted for receiving the vibration;
• providing a mass within the housing such that the mass moves in response to the vibration;
• providing a restoring force mechanism coupled to the mass and acting to return the mass to a neutral position;
• and
• applying a force to the restoring force mechanism to alter a center frequency of the suppression of the vibration.