The objective of this study is to mitigate, or even completely eliminate, the limit cycle oscillations in mechanical systems using a passive nonlinear absorber, termed the nonlinear tuned vibration absorber (NLTVA). An unconventional aspect of the NLTVA is that the mathematical form of its restoring force is not imposed a priori, as it is the case for most existing nonlinear absorbers. The NLTV...

For diagnosing the hand-arm vibration syndrome, peripheral circulation and sensory tests immersing one hand in cold water at 10 degrees C for 10 min have been performed widely in Japan. The authors investigated the effects of room temperature, seasonal condition and food intake on the test results, especially finger skin temperature. Six healthy males were examined repeatedly under six differen...

BACKGROUND Raynaud's phenomenon, a common manifestation of the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), is typically diagnosed by a subjective history provided by employees. AIM This study evaluates the validity of the subjective history of Raynaud's phenomenon provided by individuals applying for compensation for HAVS. METHODS Thirty-six workers with a history of occupational hand-arm vibration...

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is an occupational disease affecting 50% of riveting hammer operators after 10 years of work. Current international standards (ISO 5349) seeking to protect workers from occupational vibration are not effectively predicting HAVS onset. Scarce research has been done which investigates the long term effects of riveting hammer vibration exposure and nerve regenera...

Anyone seeking to control the risks from vibration transmitted to the hands and arms may contemplate the use of anti-vibration gloves. To make an informed decision about any type of personal protective equipment, it is necessary to have performance data that allow the degree of protection to be estimated. The information provided with an anti-vibration glove may not be easy to understand withou...

Introduction: This study aims to determine the amount of hand-arm vibration transmitted from heavy electric destruction tools and the effect of using chisel with different lengths and shapes when demolishing concrete surfaces. Material and Methods: To evaluate the magnitude of hand-arm vibration on the left and right handles of two powerful electric demolition hammers commonly applied in Irani...

In this paper, a low cost 3x3 coupler Mach-Zehnder interferometric optical fibre vibration sensor is proposed. Unlike traditional Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a strain free reference arm, two parallel optical fibres with different strain transfer sensitivity is adopted. With proper demodulation algorithm, the time rate of change of the strain can be computed from the light signal of the out...

BACKGROUND Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a well-known disease among workers using hand-held vibrating tools. These patients experience major symptoms from their upper limbs. However, there are few studies on disability in this patient group. In this study we wanted to describe the disability of HAVS patients. METHODS All HAVS patients diagnosed at Haukeland University Hospital in Berg...

BACKGROUND It is important to determine how hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a common occupational condition, affects quality of life (QOL). AIMS To measure the physical (SF12-P) and mental (SF12-M) components of QOL in workers with HAVS, using the SF12 questionnaire, and to determine the effect of the vascular, sensorineural and musculoskeletal components of HAVS on QOL. METHODS Subject...

In this paper, the dynamics and control of a novel mobile robot on the International Space Station (ISS) are discussed. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is developing a robotic system which has an extendable arm and several tethers to support Extravehicular Activity (EVA) performed by astronauts. The robotic arm is build from a light material and can be extended longer. The vibrati...