Pneumatic random vibration generator

An apparatus for generating random vibration, comprising:

• a housing defining a bore closed at a first end;
• piston means for reciprocating within said bore;
• programmer means, disposed in said bore between said piston means and said first end of said bore, for transmitting randomly applied impulsive energy from said piston means to said housing, said programmer means being freely movable between said piston means and said first end;
• and
• means for propelling said piston means towards said programmer means.

A vibration table for randomly vibrating a component, comprising:

• a mounting plate configured to have the component mounted thereon;
• means for generating vibration and imparting said vibration to said mounting plate, said means for generating vibration comprising:
• a housing defining a bore closed at a first end,
• a piston slidably disposed in said bore,
• a programmer disposed in said bore between said piston and said first end of said bore, said programmer being freely movable between said piston and said first end, and
• means for propelling said piston toward said first end of said bore causing said piston to strike said programmer and said programmer to strike said housing at said first end of said bore.

A random vibration generator for use in mechanical vibration applications, comprising:

• a housing defining a cylinder closed at a first end;
• a piston slidably disposed in said cylinder;
• a programmer disposed in said cylinder between said piston and said first end of said cylinder, said programmer being freely movable between said piston and said first end;
• and
• means for propelling said piston toward said first end of said cylinder causing said piston to strike said programmer and said programmer to strike said housing at said first end of said cylinder.