Abstract: A housing for a magnetofluidic sensor where the sensor has a plurality of drive magnet assemblies, magnetic fluid and an inertial body. The housing has a plurality of ports for securing respective drive magnet assemblies, such that a portion of each drive magnet assembly is positioned within the housing proximate the magnetic fluid. Each drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid for acting upon the inertial body. Each drive magnet assembly also includes a sensing element for sensing movement of the inertial body within the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A method of measuring acceleration includes suspending an inertial body using a magnetic fluid; generating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid; modulating the magnetic field to counteract a change in position of the inertial body relative to sources of the magnetic field due to acceleration; and calculating the acceleration based on the modulation. The calculating step derives the acceleration based on an amount of current through drive coils required for the modulation. The acceleration includes linear acceleration and/or angular acceleration. The drive coils include permanent magnets, electromagnets, or a combination of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Sensing coils can be used for detecting the displacement of the inertial body. Each sensing coil can be positioned substantially within a corresponding drive coil. The inertial body can be non-magnetic, weakly magnetic, or have a ferromagnetic coating.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an acceleration sensor includes suspending an inertial body using a magnetic fluid; generating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid; modulating the magnetic field to cause a displacement of the inertial body; measuring a response of the inertial body to the modulation; and calibrating the acceleration sensor in real time based on the measurement. Current can be driven through a plurality of magnets for generating the magnetic field so as to create the modulation. Sensing coils can be used for detecting the response of the inertial body. The modulation can be periodic, an impulse or some other aperiodic function.

Abstract: A housing for a magnetofluidic sensor where the sensor has a plurality of drive magnet assemblies, magnetic fluid and an inertial body. The housing has a plurality of ports for securing respective drive magnet assemblies, such that a portion of each drive magnet assembly is positioned within the housing proximate the magnetic fluid. Each drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid for acting upon the inertial body. Each drive magnet assembly also includes a sensing element for sensing movement of the inertial body within the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a magnetized fluid and an inertial body within the magnetized fluid. A signal converter provides angular acceleration information based on behavior of the inertial body. The computer input device can be attached to a Virtual Reality Suit, or can be used to control computer-generated graphical objects. The inertial body can be non-magnetic. The body can be solid or hollow. Electromagnets and/or permanent magnets can be used for magnetizing the fluid. Magnetic coils sense the changes in the magnetic flux lines. Signals from the magnetic coils are used by the signal converter to calculate the angular acceleration. A housing encloses the magnetized fluid and the inertial body.

Abstract: A location tracking device utilizing an acceleration sensor is described. The acceleration sensor includes an inertial body in magnetic fluid that is contained in a closed volume vessel. The tracking device may be used for tracking objects, people, animals, and the like. The tracking device may be utilized as a back-up system to a GPS system such that when signal from a GPS receiver are unavailable, the location tracking device may provide positional information about the location of the object.