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:
Apr. 29, 2008
Filed:
Apr. 04, 2005
Faramarz Gordaninejad, Reno, NV (US);
Xiaojie Wang, Reno, NV (US);
Gregory Hitchcock, Reno, NV (US);
Barkan M. Kavlicoglu, Reno, NV (US);
Krishna Kiran Bangrakulur, Kalamazoo, MI (US);
Faramarz Gordaninejad, Reno, NV (US);
Xiaojie Wang, Reno, NV (US);
Gregory Hitchcock, Reno, NV (US);
Barkan M. Kavlicoglu, Reno, NV (US);
Krishna Kiran Bangrakulur, Kalamazoo, MI (US);
University of Nevada, Reno, NV (US);
Abstract
Variably controllable motion-damping devices are disclosed that utilize a magneto-rheological fluid (MRF). One configuration of such a device includes a first valving region and a second valving region connected to the first valving region. Between the first and second valving regions is a plate having a first surface adjacent the first valving region and a second surface adjacent the second valving region. At least one of the first and second surfaces is treated to impart a significantly increased shear yield stress to columnized MRF particles passing over the surface, compared to an otherwise similar untreated surface. An MRF is contained in the first and second valving regions such that the MRF can flow through the first and second valving regions. Motion of a first object relative to a second object is damped by causing flow of MRF through the first and second valving regions. A magnet produces a magnetic field within at least one of the valving regions. MRF flow is constrained by the magnetic field and the treated surface sufficiently to damp the relative motion.