The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 27, 2007
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2003
Michael D Gandrud, Ames, IA (US);
Michael D Gandrud, Ames, IA (US);
Sauer-Danfoss Inc., Ames, IA (US);
Abstract
A positive displacement piston unit is provided that utilizes a magnetorheological (MR) or electrorheological (ER) fluid as the transmission fluid. Each cylinder of the invention has an intake port connected to the suction port of the hydrostatic pump and an output port connected to the pressure port. Flow of the transmission fluid through the cylinder is controlled by an electromagnet or electrode located in close proximity to the intake and output ports of the cylinder. By energizing the electromagnet or electrode, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can be increased such that the portion of the fluid immediately near the electromagnet or electrode substantially solidifies. The solidified portion of the transmission fluid disables fluid through the particular passage, thereby restricting flow of the transmission fluid to the cylinder. As such, the present invention does not require the use of mechanical cylinder valves to control the flow of the transmission fluid.