Auto-adjust apparatus for a vibration isolation system

Abstract

An auto-adjust apparatus adjusts a vibration isolator to help accommodate varying weight loads and other effects which can cause the isolator to go out of adjustment, such as variations caused by changes in ambient temperature and creep of the isolator's main support spring. A small secondary spring is positioned in parallel with the main support spring of the isolator and is precompressed such that its compression increases the load on the main support spring by a small amount. An increase in the compression of this secondary spring will cause an increase in the load on the main support spring. Similarly, a decrease in the compression on this secondary spring will cause a decrease in the load on the main support spring. Sensors for sensing a deviation in the equilibrium position of the object relative to the base from its optimum equilibrium position are provided and generate an electrical signal indicating such deviations. A control system for correcting the deviation of the equilibrium position of the object from the optimum equilibrium position adjusts the compression on the secondary spring as may be required.