Ferrofluidics Corporation

Ronald Moskowitz

Kuldip Raj

Frank Bloom

Philip Stahl

James Bonvouloir

Walter R Reed

Hanumaiah L Gowda

Raoul Casciari

Alvan F Chorney

Joseph Moses

James L Kern

Wesley C Howe

Raymond Rodier

A convection-cooled electromagnetic device, such as a transformer, and methods of cooling that utilize a ferrofluid as a cooling medium. The device's leakage magnetic field, which can be augmented by auxiliary magnets, draws the ferrofluid toward the device. As the fluid approaches the device its temperature rises, resulting in loss of magnetic properties and a decrease in density. The ferrofluid rises as its temperature approaches the Curie point, since the gravitational effect of density reduction begins to overcome the weakening magnetic attraction. Movement of hot ferrofluid is strongly assisted by the attraction exerted by the device on cooler, more intensely magnetic ferrofluid, which displaces the hot ferrofluid. The displaced ferrofluid cools as a result of movement from the heat source and through contact with the walls of the housing. Preferably, the Curie temperature of the ferrofluid is close to or slightly higher than the operating temperature of the device.

Ferrofluid-cooled electromagnetic device and improved cooling method

A loudspeaker including one or more secondary magnets positioned proximate to an opening of a gap through which a voice coil moves, to capture escaping ferrofluid and return the fluid to the gap. The secondary magnets have axial poles and are oriented, relative to a speaker magnet, to enhance the radial magnetic flux within the gap and to diminish the flux of a fringe field axially adjacent to the gap. When ferrofluid escapes from the gap, it is captured and held by one of the secondary magnets at a distal edge, which is a position of relatively high flux density within the magnetic field of the secondary magnet. When the amount of fluid held by the secondary magnet forms a sufficiently large miniscus, additional fluid captured by the magnet flows to a second region of relatively high flux density in the field of the secondary magnet and is drawn into the voice coil gap.

Loudspeaker

A differential pressure sensor includes a ferrofluid sensing element, or slug, that changes position in a tapered magnetic field in response to a pressure differential. The ferrofluid slug is contained in a tube and moves within the tapered magnetic field, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The field has a maximum flux density at its center and tapers off in both axial directions from its center. In response to a pressure differential of zero, the slug is centered in the field. In response to a non-zero pressure differential, the slug moves to the position in the field where the net magnetic forces equal the pressure differential. The position of the slug is sensed by sensing elements which produce output signals that vary according to the position of the slug. In a preferred embodiment the sensing elements are pickup coils that are positioned to encompass the range of movement of one end of the slug, or are a pair of pickup coils positioned, respectively, to encompass the range of movement of the two ends of the slug. The ferrofluid slug thus acts as a movable core for the pickup coil(s). As the ferrofluid slug moves, it changes the relative inductances of the pickup coils. The one coil or the pair of coils are connected in a bridge circuit, which produces an output signal that varies according to the changing inductances, and thus, the pressure differential.

Ferrofluid pressure sensor

A long-life, stacked pole-piece magnetic fluid seal for sealing between a housing and magnetically permeable shaft, in one embodiment is comprised of an annular magnet, having poles of opposite polarity on first and second end surfaces thereof, an annular, magnetically permeable primary pole-piece axially abutting the first end surface of the magnet, and one or more annular, magnetically permeable secondary pole-pieces stacked axially adjacent the primary pole-piece and separated therefrom and from each other by one or more annular spacers which define intermediate spaces between the pole-pieces. The pole-pieces are in a closely-spaced, non-contacting relationship with the shaft to define one or more radial gaps which, in conjunction with the intermediate spaces collectively form an annular ring in which a magnetic fluid is disposed and retained. In a second embodiment, the annular magnet is separated from the primary pole piece by a spacer which defines an intermediate space therebetween. The magnet and primary pole-piece are in closely-spaced, non-contacting relationships with the shaft to define first and second gaps respectively, which, in conjunction with the intermediate space, collectively form an annular ring in which a magnetic fluid is disposed and retained.

Stacked pole-piece ferrofluid seal apparatus

In a ferrofluid seal which comprises a magnet and at least one pole piece, the pole piece is fabricated from a ferromagnetic material which directly bonds to the magnet face. Since the pole piece material directly bonds to the magnet, no additional adhesive is necessary. Thus, the conventional steps of applying an adhesive and mounting pole pieces on the magnet are eliminated. In addition, voids and bubbles in the adhesive are eliminated, thus, enhancing seal integrity. In one embodiment, the ferromagnetic material is a ferromagnetic epoxy compound comprising a mixture of conventional epoxy materials plus a fine powder of ferromagnetic material such as iron, cobalt, nickel or various metal alloys.

Ferrofluid seal with epoxy pole pieces

A sealed, rolling element bearing includes an inner race attached to a shaft, an outer race attached to a housing, a plurality of rolling elements in an annular region and a pair of shields extending inwardly from the outer race toward the inner race so as to substantially enclose the annular region. The shields have a closely-spaced, noncontacting relationship with the inner race thereby defining gaps. The elements of the bearing are of magnetically permeable material, and the sealed bearing includes means for producing a magnetic field in the gaps and in the regions where the rolling elements contact the races. A ferrofluid is retained by the magnetic field in the gaps for sealing and in the regions of contact between the rolling elements and the races for lubrication. A reservoir of ferrofluid in the regions between the two seals replenishes ferrofluid lost at the sealing and lubrication areas. The magnetic field can be produced by permanent magnetization of the bearing assembly or by axially polarized permanent magnets located on either or both ends of the outer race. Such a bearing may be used with a magnetic or nonmagnetic shaft and permits relative motion between the shaft and the housing. The housing material is of nonmagnetic type when external magnets are used.

Compact ferrofluidic electrically conducting sealed bearing

A ferrofluid seal wherin the amount of ferrofluid which may be used is increased by tapering the gap in which the ferrofluid is retained from one end of the gap to the other. One side of this gap is the magnet and, where used, pole pieces used to generate the magnetic field retaining the sealing ferrofluid, and the other side is a wall forming the opening to be sealed. The tapering of the gap width may be achieved by tapering either side forming the gap or by tapering both sides. The taper is preferably uniform from one end of the gap to the other.

Tapered ferrofluid seal

A multi-stage ferrofluid seal incorporates a ferrofluid reservoir for extending seal life. The reservoir is located between seal stages and contains a quantity of ferrofluid sufficient to replace ferrofluid in the seal stages which is lost due to evaporation or contamination. The seal is designed to withstand a pressure drop between a high pressure area and a low pressure area and the location of the reservoir is selected so that the pressure capacity of the seal stages between the low pressure area and the reservoir is sufficient to withstand the entire pressure drop. The pressure capacity of the seal stages between the high pressure area and the reservoir is less than the entire pressure drop. Failure of the seal stages between the reservoir and low pressure area causes failure of the seal stages between the reservoir and the high pressure area. The total failure of all of the seal stages allows fluid to flow through the seal which fluid sweeps ferrofluid from the reservoir into the seal stages between the reservoir and low pressure area. This latter ferrofluid replenishes the ferrofluid in the failed seal stages and restores pressure capacity of the seal. A preferred embodiment is described which utilizes a single pole piece to define the seal stages and the reservoir.

Long-life multi-stage ferrofluid seals incorporating a ferrofluid

A compact long-life magnetic fluid seal for sealing between a housing and a magnetically permeable rotating shaft includes an annular magnet having a closely-spaced, noncontacting relationship with the shaft to define a first gap and an annular pole piece axially abutting the magnet and having a closely-spaced, noncontacting relationship with the shaft to define a second gap. The first gap has a slightly larger radial dimension than the second gap, and the first and second gaps together define an elongated annular space for retention of a magnetic fluid. The outer edges of the pole piece and magnet inner surfaces can be rounded to limit splashing of the magnetic fliud. In another embodiment, a magnetic fluid seal includes first and second pole pieces axially abutting opposite ends of an annular magnet. The magnet has a slightly larger inside diameter than either of the pole pieces. The pole pieces and the magnet together define an elongated annular gap for retention of magnetic fluid. The seal structure permits introduction of a relatively large volume of magnetic fluid, thereby extending the seal life, while maintaining a short axial dimension.

Compact long-life magnetic fluid seal

A bearing and magnetic fluid seal assembly includes a shaft mounted by axially spaced-apart bearings for rotation relative to a housing. A magnetic fluid seal includes an annular magnet axially positioned between the bearings in the space that is wasted and not utilized for any purpose, and a thin, disk-like annular polepiece positioned between one of the bearings and the environment to be protected by the seal. Magnetic flux from the magnet is conducted by a magnetically permeable housing or shaft to an annular gap between the outside diameter of the polepiece and the housing. A magnetic fluid is retained in the gap by the magnetic flux, thereby providing an exclusion seal. Embodiments utilizing radially and axially polarized magets are provided. A magnetic fluid seal can be provided at each end of the assembly. The bearings supporting the shaft can be magnetically permeable or nonmagnetic. The seal(s) can be electrically conducting or nonconducting depending upon the type of ferrofluid used.

Compact magnetic fluid low pressure seal

A bearing and magnetic fluid seal assembly includes a shaft mounted by axially spaced-apart bearings for rotation relative to a housing. A magnetic fluid seal includes an annular magnet axially positioned between the bearings in the space that is wasted and not utilized for any purpose, and a thin, disk-like annular polepiece positioned between one of the bearings and the environment to be protected by the seal. Magnetic flux from the magnet is conducted by a magnetically permeable housing or shaft to an annular gap between the inside diameter of the polepiece and the shaft. A magnetic fluid is retained in the gap by the magnetic flux, thereby providing an exclusion seal. Embodiments utilizing radially and axially polarized magnets are provided. A magnetic fluid seal can be provided at each end of the assembly. The bearings supporting the shaft can be magnetically permeable or nonmagnetic. The seal(s) can be electrically conducting or nonconducting depending upon the type of ferrofluid used.

A single-stage, ferrofluid magnetic seal apparatus and method which comprises: an annular, permanent-magnet ring element adapted to surround a shaft to be sealed, which shaft extends between first low-pressure and second high-pressure; first and second pole pieces in a magnetic-flux relationship with the permanent magnet, and having one and the other ends, the other end extending into a close, noncontacting relationship with the surface of the shaft, to define a radial gap therebetween; a plurality of stages formed in the radial gap under the other end of the second pole piece, which pole piece is placed toward the high-pressure side the environment, and the radial gap under the first pole piece, placed toward the low-pressure side of the environment, being shallow and generally less than about 2 mils; and ferrofluid in the radial gap under the other end of the second pole piece which forms a plurality of separate O-ring ferrofluid seals of defined pressure capacity, thereby providing a single-stage, ferrofluid magnetic seal apparatus and method, which seal apparatus has a reduced tendency to permit unpredictable air bursts, when installed about the rotary shaft between first and second pressure environments.

Nonbursting magnetic liquid seals for high vacuum applications

A nonbursting ferrofluid seal apparatus and system which comprises an annular permanent magnet and annular first and second pole pieces, one end of the pole pieces defining a single-stage ferrofluid seal under one end of one pole piece and a multiple-stage ferrofluid seal under the one end of the other pole piece with the surface of the shaft element with which the seal is employed, the first and second pole pieces and the magnet defining therebetween an interstage volume between the single-stage ferrofluid seal and the multiple-stage ferrofluid seal, and conduit means extending into the interstage volume, and means to maintain a desired pressure in the stage volume, to maintain the first-stage ferrofluid seal in a stable, nonbursting condition, when the seal apparatus is employed between high- and low-pressure environments.

Nonbursting multiple-stage ferrofluid seal and system

A self-activating ferrofluid-seal apparatus for a memory-disc-drive shaft, which seal apparatus comprises a ring magnet and a pair of pole pieces which form a cavity therebetween, a closed loop of a plastic tubular container with ferrofluid positioned within the cavity, and a penetration clamp to penetrate the plastic container prior to installation of the shaft element.

Growing community of inventors

Hollis, NH, United States of America

Ronald Moskowitz