Abstract: A damper device for a two-wheeled vehicle and a corresponding method are provided wherein a first damper chamber and a second damper chamber are coupled to one another through at least one flow duct. A ferromagnetic fluid is provided in the flow duct. A magnetic device is assigned to the flow duct to allow exposing at least part of the flow duct to a magnetic field. A magnetic field-generating device is provided wherein a permanent changing of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic device can be carried out through magnetic pulses. In this way, the damper only requires energy for adjusting the damping, normal operation may occur without an external energy supply.

Abstract: A fluid brake device includes a case defining a fluid chamber filled with magnetorheological fluid, a brake rotor having a magnetic part received in the fluid chamber, a coil that generates magnetic flux by being supplied with electricity, and a controller that controls electricity supplied to the coil. Magnetic particles are suspended in the magnetorheological fluid, and the magnetic flux passes through the magnetic part. The controller continues supplying the electricity to the coil while the brake rotor has a half rotation from a stop state where the brake rotor is stopped at a startup time at which the brake rotor starts rotating.

Abstract: Embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of fabricating an electromagnetic flow regulator for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid.

Abstract: A damping device for a two-wheeled vehicle having a first and a second damper chamber which are coupled to one another through a flow connection. The flow connection includes at least one flow valve provided with a damping channel. A magneto-rheological fluid is provided in the damping channel of the flow valve wherein the flow valve includes at least one magnetic device such that the damping channel of the flow valve can be exposed to a magnetic field of the magnetic device. The flow valve further includes at least one spring device. The magnetic device of the flow valve is provided on a valve piston and the valve piston is received in a deflection chamber to resiliently deflect counter to a spring force of the spring device such that the magnetic field of the magnetic device effective in the damping channel depends on the resilient deflection of the valve piston.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid damper includes a housing, a magnetically permeable body, a spindle, and a magneto-rheological fluid. Given a plurality of multi-pole two-way magnetic poles and a plurality of multi-pole coils, magnetic lines pass through the magneto-rheological fluid mostly in a direction perpendicular to a gap, such that the magneto-rheological fluid features an enhanced chaining force. Accordingly, the magneto-rheological fluid damper enables an increase in a magnetically permeable area of the magneto-rheological fluid subjected to an applied magnetic field and enhancement of damping force, and is free from a complete system failure.

Abstract: A movement damping apparatus has magnetorheological fluid that is pressed through a flow path forming a bottleneck in order to dampen a movement. The flow path is divided into at least two flow tracks by a partition that forms an additional friction surface.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.

Abstract: A rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber, which enables a longer stroke capability in a more compact configuration than conventional magnetorheological devices, is disclosed. This novel device design is attractive for applications where long stroking capability, high force dynamic range, device size, and device weight are important. The improved magnetorheological energy absorber comprises an internal or external flow valve and a hollow body enclosing fixed and rotary vanes as well as magnetorheological fluid. Fluid flow in the valve is restricted as a solenoid is activated, thus adjusting the capability of the device to react torque. Various flow valve configurations are disclosed, as well as various motion translation mechanisms for translating linear motion to rotary motion for use of the rotary vane magnetorheological energy absorber.

Abstract: An improved vibration dampening system has been developed for handheld electrical power tools. The vibration dampening system includes a material that a controller selectively activates with an electrical current to increase the rigidity of the material and dampen random vibrations detected by the controller. The material is positioned between a foot member that helps support the tool against a work piece and both hand grips for the tool. Thus, the vibration dampening system reduces the impact of random vibrations on both hands of an operator.

Abstract: A movement damping apparatus has a flow path through which a magnetorheological fluid is pressed. A device that generates a variable magnetic field has a core around which a coil is wound as well as pole surfaces in the flow path. The magnetic field acts on the magnetorheological fluid by way of the pole surfaces. The coil is arranged within the flow path along with the core, the axis of the coil extending perpendicular to the direction of flow of the magnetorheological fluid. The flow path has a jacket made of a magnetically conducting material.

Abstract: A MagnetoRheological Fluid Elastic (MRFE) lag damper system for adaptive lead-lag damping of helicopter main rotors. Embodiments include snubber dampers especially for hingeless helicopter rotors, and concentric bearing dampers. The snubber lag dampers include a flexible snubber body defining a cavity, a flexible or rigid interior (e.g., center) wall subdividing the cavity, and a flow valve in the interior wall or external to the cavity. The flexible snubber body may comprise elastomeric materials and metal rings stacked together to create a sealed MR fluid cavity. The shear deformation of the snubber body induces MR fluid flow through the valve, controlled by a magnetic field in the valve. An MRFE concentric bearing damper is also disclosed, comprising a pair of concentric tubes with elastomeric material injected and cured in an annular gap between the two tubes, and an MR fluid reservoir with piston-mounted MR valve housed inside the innermost tube.

Abstract: A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.

Abstract: A damper which uses a magnetic viscous fluid, includes a cylinder, a bobbin which is housed in the cylinder and on which a coil generating a magnetic field is wound, a yoke which is housed in the cylinder and provided on an end of the bobbin, and a shaft which is inserted into the cylinder so as to extend through the bobbin and the yoke and so as to be axially reciprocable relative to the bobbin and the yoke. The magnetic viscous fluid fills a space defined between the bobbin and the yoke in the cylinder. The coil, the bobbin and the yoke are fixed together by a resin.

Abstract: An energy absorbing element contains a free-flowing medium. The medium is expressed from the element, upon the occurrence of an impact, through at least one opening. The medium is enclosed in a capsule that bursts on impact.

Abstract: A sealing structure has a permanent magnet and a magnetic-flux guiding member for guiding magnetic flux of the permanent magnet to a brake shaft of a brake rotating member. The magnetic-flux guiding member surrounds an outer periphery of the brake shaft so as to form a sealing gap around the brake shaft. The sealing gap is communicated to a fluid chamber, in which magnetic viscous fluid is filled. A fluid sealing member is provided at the brake shaft at a housing outer side of the magnetic-flux guiding member to form an intermediate fluid chamber, in which an intermediate fluid made of non-magnetic liquid is filled.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid brake includes a housing, a non-magnetically permeable separating ring, a plurality of magnetically permeable blocks, a plurality of magnetically permeable bars, an axle, an upper magnetically permeable block, a lower magnetically permeable block, and a magneto-rheological fluid. The magneto-rheological fluid is surrounded by a plurality of coils and a plurality of pole coils for increasing the area of magnetic permeability of the magneto-rheological fluid subjected to an applied magnetic field. Accordingly, the magneto-rheological fluid brake demonstrates an enhanced braking force and is free from a complete failure of the braking force.

Abstract: A structure of an orifice plate for an engine mount filled with a magnetorheological (“MR”) fluid may include a core of which a center part may be formed at the center thereof and a blade part may be formed with a plurality of blades protruding in a radial direction from an outer periphery of the center part, and a coil assembly enclosing the outer periphery of the center part and wired up, wherein a gap may be formed between the blades so as to allow the MR fluid to flow between the blades and the coil assembly applied with current magnetizes adjacent blades to have different polarities.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine having a suspension supporting a water tub in a vibration isolated manner and including a cylinder, a magnetic field generator fixed in the cylinder, a pair of magnetic members located at both axial sides of the field generator respectively, a smart fluid including a magneto-rheological fluid retained on an inner surface of the generator, a sealing member which is fixed in the cylinder so as to be located below the generator to prevent leakage of the smart fluid so that the smart fluid is retained, and a shaft which is supported so as to be axially reciprocable relatively along the generator, magnetic members, smart fluid, and sealing member such that reciprocation of the shaft does not substantially displace the smart fluid. The generator generates a magnetic circuit including the cylinder and the shaft.

Abstract: A damper obtaining damping force by the frictional resistance imparted by the viscosity of the magnetic viscous fluid is disclosed. The damper is provided with a seal not only on one (lower side) of the axial outer sides of the yoke but also on the other (upper side) of the axial outer sides of the yoke to trap the magnetic viscous fluid within the magnetic viscous fluid filling portion at both axial outer sides of magnetic viscous fluid filling portion.

Abstract: A device for use in the control of mechanical forces. The device comprises first and second terminals for connection, in use, to components in a system for controlling mechanical forces and independently moveable (2, 3). Hydraulic means are connected between the terminals and contain a liquid, the hydraulic means configured, in 4 use, to produce upon relative movement of the terminals, a liquid (4) flow along at least two flow paths (5, 15, 90). The liquid flow along a first flow path generates a damping force proportional to the velocity of the liquid flow along the first flow path, and the liquid flow along a second flow path generates an inertial force due to the mass of the liquid, the force being substantially proportional to the acceleration of the liquid flow along the second flow path, such that the damping force is equal to the inertial force and controls the mechanical forces at the terminals.

Abstract: A fluid damper includes a fluid filled chamber, the fluid comprising a variable rheological fluid, and a barrier separating the chamber into a first and second side. The barrier includes at least one fluid flow path therethrough, and the barrier further includes at least one seal assembly for selectively sealing the fluid path in a first direction. The seal assembly includes a sealing member that has at least one non-metallic sealing surface.

Abstract: A fluid brake device has a brake shaft which penetrates a case. The case provides a fluid chamber for a magneto-rheological fluid. A magnetic seal has a magnetic seal sleeve which holds a small amount of the magneto-rheological fluid by magnetic flux. In addition to the magnetic seal, an axially pumping element is provided on an axial outside of the magnetic seal. The axially pumping element is provided by a shaft helical groove formed on an opposing wall of the brake shaft and/or a case helical groove formed on a surrounding wall. As the brake shaft rotates, the helical groove pushes the magneto-rheological fluid back to the magnetic seal. A combination of the magnetic seal and the axially pumping element may reduce leakage of the magneto-rheological fluid.

Abstract: A fluid brake device has a rotor having a brake shaft penetrating a case to come into contact with magnetic viscosity fluid. A sealing sleeve is arranged to surround the brake shaft, and a seal gap is defined between the sealing sleeve and the brake shaft and communicates with a fluid chamber. The sealing sleeve has a flux guide that guides magnetic flux to the brake shaft through the seal gap. The brake shaft has a magnetic shaft extending in an axis direction, and a regulation layer that regulates the magnetic flux from passing by covering an outer circumference surface of the magnetic shaft. The brake shaft has an exposing part opposing to the magnetic flux guide, and the exposing part of the brake shaft is exposed from the regulation layer.

Abstract: A valve for a magnetorheological fluid is formed with a duct through which the magnetorheological fluid can flow and which can be exposed to a variable magnetic field such that the flow resistance of the duct can be set using the magnetic field in the duct. The magnetic field can be lastingly generated using a magnet device that is made at least in part of magnetically hard material. The magnetization of the magnet device can be lastingly modified by a magnetic pulse of a magnetic field generation device in order to lastingly change the magnetic field in the duct and thus the flow resistance of the duct. A valve of the invention requires energy only to change settings while a specific setting can be lastingly maintained without supplying energy.

Abstract: A magnetorheolgical (MR) damper includes a piston assembly having a primary channel disposed along a longitudinal axis and contained in a cylinder. MR fluid is also contained in the cylinder. The piston assembly having a primary channel, or primary channel MR piston assembly, includes a piston body having a first end axially spaced from a second end and defining a hole therethrough. The primary channel is defined in an outer body surface of the piston body from the hole at the second end to a coil groove in the outer body surface about the axis. A secondary channel is defined in the outer body surface from the coil groove towards the first end to improve MR damper force performance at low primary channel MR piston assembly velocities.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder, at least two magnetic blocks, and a connection rod. The cylinder includes a first end, an opposite second end defining a slide hole, and absorption particles are filled in the slide hole. The at least two magnetic blocks are fit in the slide hole and the proximate end surfaces of two adjacent magnetic block have the same magnetism. The connection rod includes a flange portion and a rod portion. The flange portion defines a receiving hole for receiving one of the at least two magnetic blocks.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid damper includes a damper body having a reservoir for a magneto-rheological fluid, a piston rod, a piston rod guide disposed within the damper body, where the piston rod guide has a passage therein for receiving the piston rod. The magneto-rheological fluid damper further includes at least a first piston rod seal and at least a second piston rod seal arranged to seal between the piston rod guide and the piston rod. The magneto-rheological fluid damper further includes a fluid chamber defined between the piston rod guide and the piston rod, the fluid chamber being in communication with the reservoir. The magneto-rheological fluid damper further includes a piston rod guide filter arranged in a communication path between the fluid chamber and the reservoir to filter particulates out of the magneto-rheological fluid entering the fluid chamber. The magneto-rheological fluid damper further includes an accumulator arranged between the piston rod guide and the damper body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a damper, a source of magnetic field coupled to the damper, a colloidal ferro-fluidic damping medium disposed in the damper, a sensor installed on the host structure to measure vibrations, and a vibration control circuit. The output of the sensor is fed back to the control circuit, which outputs a command signal to the source of the magnetic field applied to the damper to change the magnetic field in the damper as well as its damping curve so that the dynamic performance of the host structure installed with the damper is changed automatically to yield maximum vibration mitigation.

Abstract: A magnetorheological damper device is provided having a high-bandwidth and high-control ratio, which enhances the performance of the damper. The damper generally includes a cylindrically shaped housing; a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the cylindrically shaped housing; a piston assembly disposed within the cylindrically shaped housing in sliding engagement with the cylindrically shaped housing defining a first chamber. The first chamber is in communication with a second chamber, through a magnetorheological valve assembly which comprises of a plurality of cylindrically shaped fluid passageways extending from the first chamber to the second chamber, and an electromagnet; and a power supply in electrical communication with the electromagnet.

Abstract: A fluid brake device has a case defining a fluid chamber. Magneto-rheological fluid is contained in the fluid chamber. A brake member is rotatably supported on the case and receives a braking torque according to the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid. The device has a movable member driven by a thermo-sensitive wax so that a volume of the fluid chamber is increased as the temperature in the fluid chamber is increased. The movable member is driven to maintain a pressure in the fluid chamber within an allowable range when the temperature in the fluid chamber is changed.

Abstract: A semi-active device capable of generating a resistive force against movements of a mobile element (2) of longitudinal axis (X) capable of moving in translation along its axis (X) and in rotation about said axis (X) in a housing(4), said housing (4) delimiting with the mobile element (2) a sealed annular space (8), said annular space being filled with magneto-rheological fluid, the device also comprising means for generating a magnetic field in said annular space (8) comprising four electromagnets each comprising a coil (30) and a core (32), the cores (30) directly forming the housing (4).

Abstract: A composite cable and method provides for control of the cable, and particularly its vibration modes, in response to a wide range of resonant and non-resonant energy input. The cable comprises a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF) in a cavity of a flexible tube. The NNF is characterized by viscosity that varies with shear stress. A load applies shear stress to the NNF changing its viscosity to dampen motion of the cable. The cable may comprise inner and outer tubes that are separated by a NNF. The inner tube may be filled with the same or different NNF, a Newtonian fluid or void. A magnetic field magnetic field may be applied to further control the viscosity of the NNF. The magnetic field may be controlled in response to a sensed condition of the cable indicative of shear stress in the NNF to provide either positive or negative feedback.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device, in particular a device for single-use occupant protection in vehicles, has a container with a magneto-rheological medium which is forced on impact through a restriction with at least one outlet channel. The flow resistance of the outlet channel may be influenced by a device for generation of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid-based device including an MR piston assembly. The MR piston assembly includes a ferromagnetic MR piston core and an electric coil. The MR piston core has a central longitudinal axis and has an outer circumferential surface substantially coaxially aligned with the central longitudinal axis. The electric coil is positioned in the MR piston core and is substantially coaxially aligned with the central longitudinal axis. A portion, or at least a portion, of the electric coil is buried in the MR piston core under the outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid brake includes a housing, a non-magnetically permeable separating ring, a plurality of magnetically permeable blocks, a plurality of magnetically permeable bars, an axle, an upper magnetically permeable block, a lower magnetically permeable block, and a magneto-rheological fluid. The magneto-rheological fluid is surrounded by a plurality of coils and a plurality of pole coils for increasing the area of magnetic permeability of the magneto-rheological fluid subjected to an applied magnetic field. Accordingly, the magneto-rheological fluid brake demonstrates an enhanced braking force and is free from a complete failure of the braking force.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological fluid damper includes a housing, a magnetically permeable body, a spindle, and a magneto-rheological fluid. Given a plurality of multi-pole two-way magnetic poles and a plurality of multi-pole coils, magnetic lines pass through the magneto-rheological fluid mostly in a direction perpendicular to a gap, such that the magneto-rheological fluid features an enhanced chaining force. Accordingly, the magneto-rheological fluid damper enables an increase in a magnetically permeable area of the magneto-rheological fluid subjected to an applied magnetic field and enhancement of damping force, and is free from a complete system failure.

Abstract: A monotube shock absorber assembly includes a housing (20), a gas cup (32) slidably disposed in the interior (28) of the housing (20), and a piston (42) slidably disposed in the interior (28) of the housing (20) to define an oil compression chamber (48) between the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). A cushion (58) engages one of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32) and extends axially into the oil compression chamber (48) for intermittent contact with the other of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). The cushion (58) is a resilient material and deforms in response to the cushion (58) contacting the other of the piston (42) and the gas cup (32). In a preferred embodiment, the cushion (58) defines a central opening (60) for decreasing the axial stiffness of the cushion (58) and engages the gas cup (32) for intermittent contact with the piston (42).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an energy-absorbing device comprising a first layer; a second layer; the second layer being opposedly disposed to the first layer and in slideablecommunication with the first layer; the first layer and the second layer enclosing a space therebetween; the space being filled with a fluid that has a power law exponent ? of at least about 1.3 when measured in half cell split Hopkinson bar using Equation (3) below: ? ? w ? ma ? ? x = ? ? [ U h ] n = ? ? ? . n ( 3 ) where |?w|max is a maximum shear stress, ? is a shear strain rate, U is a characteristic velocity of the striker wall, h is a thickness of the space, n is a power law dimensional factor that represents an energy dissipating property of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for continuously variably adjusting a damping force that includes: a cylinder; a piston rod that is inserted into the cylinder and moves back and forth; a piston valve that is coupled to a bottom portion of the piston rod and moves back and forth in the cylinder according to the movement of the piston rod; a MR fluid that fills the cylinder and moves between a tension space over the piston valve and a compression space below the piston valve; and a volume compensation means that is located in the cylinder and compensates for a volume change of an inner space of the cylinder due to the movement of the piston rod, the volume compensation means including: a floating plunger that is configured to be below the piston valve and capable of moving up and down; a coil spring that is coupled to a bottom surface of the floating plunger and supports the floating plunger; and a support cup that is fixed onto the cylinder, coupled to a bottom portion of the coil spring to support the coil spring, and

Abstract: A variable damping-force damper includes a cylinder tube filled with magnetic particles (MRF), a piston that is slidably disposed within the cylinder tube, a piston rod connected with the piston and is disposed so as to protrude out of one end of the cylinder tube and a rod guide that closes one end of the cylinder tube and slidably supports the piston rod. The cylinder tube has a Ni plating film whose Vickers hardness is 800 VHN or more on its inner peripheral surface and the piston slides relative to the Ni plating film. The rod guide has a structure having a predetermined base material portion and a fluorine resin contained Ni plating film that is treated by heat and is provided on the surface of the base material portion. The piston rod slides relative to the fluorine resin contained Ni plating film.

Abstract: A vehicle has a multi-gap magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch connecting rotatable input and output members, and includes a drum connected to the output member and a rotor connected to the input member. The drum contains a magnetically-permeable stator and a magnetic core, while the rotor has a magnetically-permeable member extending axially into the drum to define an outer working gap in conjunction with the stator and an inner working gap in conjunction with the magnetic core. MR fluid fills the working gaps, and a magnetic field generator or electromagnet induces a magnetic field when electrical current is passed through a field coil therein to change an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid. The inner and outer working gaps have a predetermined inner to outer gap thickness ratio balancing the slip power dissipation per unit volume in each of the working gaps.

Abstract: A suspension system for a muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicle having a damper device with a first damper chamber and a second damper chamber coupled with one another via a controllable damping valve. A sensor captures data about at least one current state. An electronic control device and a storage device are provided for controlling the damper device. At least one damping characteristic of the damper device can be influenced by a signal from the control device. The damping valve has a field generating device assigned to it which serves to generate and control a field strength in a damping channel of the damping valve. A field-sensitive rheological medium is provided in the damping channel for controlling the damping characteristic of the damper device in dependence on the sensor data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetorheological force transmission device which comprises at least two solid body parts adapted to be moved in a substantially translational manner against each other, and an MRF gap, which is at least partially fillable and/or filled with a magnetorheological material 2MRF, the MRF gap being arranged at least partially inside one of or both of the two parts and/or being arranged at least partially in-between the two parts, and which is characterized in that the magnetic circuit system of the magnetorheological force transmission device being designed and/or disposed to generate a magnetic flux within at least part of the MRF gap comprises at least one electromagnet, at least one permanent magnet and at least one magnetic-field-balancing insert and/or magnetic isolator.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) piston ring includes an MR-piston-ring body disposable within a cylinder of an MR damper along a central longitudinal axis. The MR-piston-ring body has a radially inner surface defining a boundary of a longitudinally-extending MR passageway. The MR-piston-ring body includes a surface portion which is slidingly engagable with the cylinder and which has first and second longitudinal ends. The surface portion includes at least one surface groove each defining a secondary MR passageway and extending between the first and the second longitudinal ends. The surface groove is substantially straight and tilted with respect to a line drawn on the surface portion parallel to the central longitudinal axis. An MR damper including the MR piston ring is also described.

Abstract: A damping control device includes a lower core, a nonmagnetic orifice, an upper core, and a membrane made of an elastic material to shield a lower end of the lower core, and in which the lower core and the upper core are magnetized when a current is applied to the coil, and a predetermined amount of the MR fluid is filled therein, such that the MR fluid flows between the pressure applying plate and the upper plate according to an elastic compression of the membrane.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for that allow for varying stiffness of a system by applying a low magnetic field to magnetorheological (MR) fluid in the system. The method and system include exposed patterns on facing surfaces of sliding structures. The facing patterns contain MR fluid. When a low to moderate magnetic field is applied to the MR fluid, the patterns are magnetically attracted to MR domains confined to the opposing surface, thus requiring additional force to slide the structures past each other.

Abstract: An actuator system for determining a relative height differential between a housing of an actuator assembly and a body of the actuator assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a suspension wherein the housing is coupled to a first portion of the suspension, and the body is coupled to a second portion of the suspension. The system comprises a sensor coupled to the inside of the housing, and a target coupled to the outside of the body, the sensor and the target cooperating to form a magnetic field that varies in a manner indicative of the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A damper device for a two-wheeled vehicle and a corresponding method are provided wherein a first damper chamber and a second damper chamber are coupled to one another through at least one flow duct. A ferromagnetic fluid is provided in the flow duct. A magnetic device is assigned to the flow duct to allow exposing at least part of the flow duct to a magnetic field. A magnetic field-generating device is provided wherein a permanent changing of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic device can be carried out through magnetic pulses. In this way, the damper only requires energy for adjusting the damping, normal operation may occur without an external energy supply.

Abstract: A conically-shaped, magneto-rheologically responsive shock and vibratory isolator. The isolator includes a conically-shaped magneto-rheological elastomer component attached to opposing faces of a first and second mounting plate. Within the magneto-rheological elastomer component is a magneto-rheologically responsive fluid contained within an elastomer jacket. By its conical shape and magneto-rheological elastomeric composition, the isolator is capable of both adjusting its response to shock and vibratory disturbances of varying frequency, while maintaining an identical response along any axis (isoelasticity).