Oscillating Device For Generating Seismic Loads And Compacting Soil

Abstract

A mobile oscillator device that employs two counter-rotating masses that generate a large impact force at multiple frequencies without generating forces in other undesired directions.

1 . A device for producing a repetitive force comprising:
 an input shaft;   a wheel connected to the input shaft; and   two counter-rotating masses attached to the wheel.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the input shaft is driven by a motor. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the input shaft is connected to the wheel by a chain or belt. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the chain or belt rotates a layshaft that is connected to a clutch. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the clutch is configured to engage a traction gearset attached to the wheel. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the two counter-rotating masses rotate about an axis of the wheel. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the two counter-rotating masses are asymmetric. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the two counter-rotating masses are coplanar. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a force that is normal to a suspension arm of the device is produced during rotation of the two counter rotating masses. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises ballast. 
     
     
         11 . A method for generating seismic loads comprising:
 providing a wheel having a suspension arm connected to a vehicle; and   generating a force normal to the suspension arm.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the step of generating a force normal to the suspension arm comprises rotating two counter-rotating masses about an axis of the wheel. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of rotating two counter-rotating masses about an axis of the wheel comprises rotating two coplanar counter-rotating masses. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of rotating two counter-rotating masses about an axis of the wheel comprises rotating two asymmetric counter-rotating masses. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of rotating two counter-rotating masses about an axis of the wheel comprises driving a counter-rotational gearset with a layshaft reversibly connected to the counter-rotational gearset and a traction gearset. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the step of generating a force normal to the suspension arm comprises rotating two counter-rotating masses about an axes other than an axis of the wheel. 
     
     
         17 . A device for generating seismic loads comprising:
 an input shaft driving a layshaft, the lay shaft reversibly engaged to a traction gearset and a counter-rotational gearset;   two counter rotating masses attached to the counter-rotational gearset; and   a wheel attached to the traction gearset.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the two counter-rotating masses are coplanar. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the two counter-rotating masses are asymmetric. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17  wherein rotation of the two counter-rotating masses results in a force normal to a suspension arm connecting the wheel to a vehicle. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the two counter-rotating masses rotate about an axis of the wheel.