Abstract: A handling apparatus for conducting in-field operations such as removing and/or installing wear parts on earth working equipment along a controlled path. The apparatus can include a crane, a joint having three axes of articulation and a tool.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is introduced to provide a new and robust alternative design for linear magnetorheological (MR) brakes, i.e. MR-brakes. The novel embodiments herein combines a serpentine flux path concept to eliminate conventional piston-cylinder arrangements and as a beneficial result when coupled with the linear brake embodiment disclosed herein, significantly reduce off-state friction and facilitates such devices to provide longer stroke length (i.e., infinite stroke lengths) beyond that as provided in conventional systems. The present linear brake embodiments disclosed herein thus provides, for example, for a ratio of the off-state friction force to the maximum force output at about 3% compared to 10% up to about 27% for similar conventional/commercial brake mechanisms. At the same time, the compactness is beneficially improved be being about half the size of a commercially available product.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_Patent_2939952_Fig5.gif.

Abstract: Embodiments of magnetorheological systems, devices, and associated methods of control are described below are described herein. In one embodiment, a magnetorheological device includes an magnetorheological fluid, a shaft proximate and mechanically coupled to the magnetorheological fluid, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic flux through the magnetorheological fluid along a magnetic flux path. The magnetorheological device also includes a sensor positioned in the magnetic flux path and configured to measure a current value of magnetic inductance of the magnetic flux flowing through the magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is introduced to provide a new and robust alternative design for linear magnetorheological (MR) brakes, i.e. MR-brakes. The novel embodiments herein combines a serpentine flux path concept to eliminate conventional piston-cylinder arrangements and as a beneficial result when coupled with the linear brake embodiment disclosed herein, significantly reduce off-state friction and facilitates such devices to provide longer stroke length (i.e., infinite stroke lengths) beyond that as provided in conventional systems. The present linear brake embodiments disclosed herein thus provides, for example, for a ratio of the off-state friction force to the maximum force output at about 3% compared to 10% up to about 27% for similar conventional/commercial brake mechanisms. At the same time, the compactness is beneficially improved be being about half the size of a commercially available product.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_Patent_2939952_Fig5.

Abstract: Embodiments of magnetorheological systems, devices, and associated methods of control are described below are described herein. In one embodiment, a magnetorheological device includes an magnetorheological fluid, a shaft proximate and mechanically coupled to the magnetorheological fluid, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic flux through the magnetorheological fluid along a magnetic flux path. The magnetorheological device also includes a sensor positioned in the magnetic flux path and configured to measure a current value of magnetic inductance of the magnetic flux flowing through the magnetorheological fluid.