Importance

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Abstract

A variable mechanical vibrator includes a first eccentric weight fixed to a rotatably mounted shaft. A second eccentric weight is rotatably mounted on the shaft, and the two weights are rotated together under control of mating engagement abutments, one carried by the shaft and one carried by or comprising a surface of the second eccentric weight. In one embodiment, first and second prime movers are used to rotate the shaft and the second eccentric weight, respectively; and when primary rotation of the shaft is effected by the first prime mover, the first and second eccentric weights are diametrically oppositely aligned with respect to one another on the shaft providing a balanced operation. In this mode of operation, the abutment carried by the shaft drives the abutment on the second weight to rotate such weight set with the shaft. A second mode of operation is effected under control of the second prime mover which rotates the second eccentric weight to a point where the engagement abutments engage one another in a position where the second eccentric weight and the first eccentric weight are substantially aligned with one another on the shaft to create an unbalanced condition. In this mode, the abutment on the second eccentric weight drives an abutment affixed to the shaft to rotate the shaft with the second weight. Another embodiment uses only a single prime mover, and changes in the relative positions of the two weights are effected by static and rotational inertia as the prime mover is speeded up and slowed down.

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First Claim