Passive balance system for machines

A passive balance system for counterbalancing vibrations of a machine having reciprocating components that cause vibration, comprising:

• a support member adapted to be fixedly carried by the machine;
• a flexure assembly in the form of at least one flat spring including radially spaced connections along a central portion and an outer peripheral portion, respectively, the central portion being fixedly mounted to the support member;
• and
• a counterbalance mass fixedly carried by the flexure assembly along the outer peripheral portion;
• the flexure assembly supporting the counterbalance mass for movement in substantial alignment with a desired rectilinear component of vibration of the machine to counterbalance vibrations emanating therefrom.

A vibration counterbalanced machine, comprising:

• a housing member supporting a working member in substantially periodic and oscillating relation within the machine;
• a support member fixedly carried by the housing member of the machine;
• and
• a flexure assembly in the form of at least one flat spring including connections along a central portion, the central portion being fixedly mounted to the support member, an outer peripheral portion of the flat spring providing at least in part a movable vibration dampening mass;
• the flexure assembly presenting the vibration dampening mass for movement in substantial alignment with a desired rectilinear component of vibration of the machine to counterbalance vibrations emanating therefrom.