I have seen a few innovative applications for the rotary viscous dampers. A pair of products that caught my eye were spinpod and bubblepod.  They were excellent applications for the rotary viscous dampers.  They clearly demonstrate that  rotary viscous dampers can be driven by gravity, power springs, torsion springs and motors. It seems precision motion control can benefit by the use of Mechanical Motion Technologies products. We specialize in rotary dampers and friction hinges that need to fit in tight volume limited applications. Contact us at www.mmtech.us with your new product application or redesign and I am sure you will be satisfied with our service.