Vibration damper for optical tables and other structures

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a table with an integral damping element.

#2. Background Information

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a table of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a damper of the table;

#FIG. 3 is a perspective of the table having a torsional movement;

#In the general the present invention includes a table that includes a damper attached to a first table element and a second table element. The damper can dampen flexural loads introduced to the table by either shock or vibration. Flexural loads include shear, bending and torsional loads. The damper may include a damping layer that is attached to a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may be cantilevered from the first table elements. The second plate may be cantilevered from the second table elements.

#Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a table 10 of the present invention. The table 10 may be supported from a floor 12 by a plurality of legs 14. The legs 14 may be coupled to active or passive vibration control modules 16.

#The table 10 may include a plurality of threaded apertures 18. Devices such as optical mounts 20 may be attached to the table 10 at the apertures 18. Although an optical test bench is shown and described, it is to be understood that the table 10 can be used for other applications.