Metal- Or Insoluble Component-containing; E.g., Slurry, Grease, Etc. Patents (Class 252/572)
  • Patent number: 5879582
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid of a particulate phase and a continuous phase of a hydrophobic liquid medium, a certain dispersed particulate phase, and a low molecular weight polar material exhibits a broad effective temperature range. The dispersed particulate phase comprises a polar solid material which is capable of exhibiting substantial electrorheological activity only in the presence of a low molecular weight polar material, and an organic semiconductor. The weight ratio of the polar solid material to the organic semiconductor is at least about 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Kathleen O. Havelka, Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5863469
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid comprising a lyotropic liquid crystalline polymer uniformly dissolved in a cyclic ketone solvent or a mixed solvent of a cyclic ketone solvent and at least one electrically insulating solvent selected from a hydrocarbon-based oil, an ester-based oil, and an ether-based oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Haji, Makoto Sasaki, Mitsuo Matsuno
  • Patent number: 5849212
    Abstract: An electroviscous fluid comprising an electrically insulated liquid and solid ectrolyte particles dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Shima, Eiji Hattori, Yasuo Oguri
  • Patent number: 5843331
    Abstract: Electrorheological systems of improved temperature range are obtained by including within the system a solid polymer insoluble in a low molecular weight activating material and in the hydrophobic medium of the fluid. The polymer contains hydrophilic functionality, and in the polymer a portion of the low molecular weight polar activating material is sorbed in an amount which reversibly increases with increasing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Barton J. Schober, Joseph W. Pialet, Robert A. Pollack, Denise R. Clark
  • Patent number: 5807495
    Abstract: Dielectrics represented by (Sr.sub.x Bi.sub.1-x)Bi.sub.2 Ta.sub.2 O.sub.y, wherein 0<x<1, and y represents the total number of oxygen atoms bonded to the respective metals, and thin films thereof, can be prepared by repeating the steps of applying compositions for forming the Sr--Bi--Ta--O-based dielectric thin films on substrates, drying and conducting a first-firing a plurality of times until the desired film thickness is achieved, and then conducting a second-firing for crystallization and compositions for forming Bi-based ferroelectric thin films and target materials for forming Bi-based ferroelectric thin films, both represented by the metal composition ((Sr.sub.a (Ba.sub.b, Pb.sub.c)).sub.x Bi.sub.y (Ta and/or Nb).sub.z wherein 0.4.ltoreq.X<1.0, 1.5.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.3.5, Z=2, 0.7X.ltoreq.a<X, and 0<b+c.ltoreq.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Ogi, Tadashi Yonezawa, Tsutomu Atsuki
  • Patent number: 5750048
    Abstract: An electroviscous fluid comprising an electrically insulating liquid and solid electrolyte particles dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Shima, Eiji Hattori, Yasuo Oguri
  • Patent number: 5746934
    Abstract: A homogeneous electro rheological fluid is provided. The fluid comprises a lyotropic liquid crystalline polymer dissolved in a solvent in low concentrations in a manner in which the fluid does not exhibit a liquid crystalline state. According to the homogeneous electro rheological fluid of the present invention, the problem associated with the precipitation of particles can be circumvented. Moreover, the electro rheological fluid can provide a large difference in torque before and after the application of an electric field; therefore, exhibits good electro rheological properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Takafumi Ishii, Katsuhiko Haji
  • Patent number: 5736064
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid composition wherein inorganic/organic composite particles comprising a core 1 comprising organic polymeric compound and a shell 3 comprising inorganic microparticles 2 which are electrically semiconducting in a semiconducting region in which conductivity is within a range of 10.sup.3-10.sup.-11 .OMEGA..sup.-1 /cm at room temperature, are dispersed in an electrically insulating medium. These inorganic/organic composite particles are produced by means of a method in which the cores 1 and the shells 3 are simultaneously formed, and the surfaces thereof are preferably polished. An electrorheological fluid composition possessing electrorheological effects, having superior storage stability, capable of use over long periods, having little abrasiveness, which is not affected by environmental temperature or humidity, a current value of which is stable, and which has little power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Edamura, Yasufumi Otsubo, Masataka Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 5714084
    Abstract: An electrorheological magnetic fluid including an electrically insulating liquid and fine particles dispersed therein is described, wherein the fine particles include a fine magnetic particle as a core, wherein the fine magnetic particle has a surface which is covered by an electroconductive substance, and the fine magnetic particle with its surface covered by the electroconductive substance is completely coated with a surfactant. A process for producing the electrorheological magnetic fluid is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignees: Toyohisa Fujita, Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd., Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyohisa Fujita, Kenji Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5711897
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid of a particulate phase and a continuous phase of a hydrophobic liquid medium, a certain dispersed particulate phase, and a low molecular weight polar material exhibits a broad effective temperature range. The dispersed particulate phase comprises a polar solid material which is capable of exhibiting substantial electrorheological activity only in the presence of a low molecular weight polar material, and an organic semiconductor. The weight ratio of the polar solid material to the organic semiconductor is at least about 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Kathleen O. Havelka, Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5708129
    Abstract: Described is a method of reducing resin bleed of a cyanate ester-containing die attach adhesive produced by curing a liquid resin system that contains cyanate ester monomer or mixtures that include cyanate ester monomer by adding an additive comprising at least one alkylene aromatic compound and curing the liquid resin system with the alkylene aromatic compound . Also disclosed is a die attach adhesive that comprises a resin system with an alkylene aromatic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey, Inc.
    Inventors: My N. Nguyen, Kim-Chi Le
  • Patent number: 5705088
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid comprising an electrically insulating liquid and acid, iodine or alcohol-treated, or iodine-treated and subsequently electrically insulating film-coated, dispersible carbonaceous particles dispersed therein has a high electrorheological effect even without lowering in a high temperature region, though it is a water-free system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Yukio Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Haji
  • Patent number: 5695678
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid which possesses high electrorheological effects, has superior storage stability and longevity, does not damage instrumentation, is unaffected by ambient temperature or humidity, has stable current values, and low power consumption, is disclosed. In the electrorheological fluid, inorganic/organic composite particles comprising a core comprising inorganic polymeric compound, and a shell comprising an inorganic material particle possessing electrorheological properties, are dispersed in an electrically insulating medium. The surfaces of these inorganic/organic composite particles may be polished, and furthermore, the inorganic/organic composite particles are preferably produced by means of a method in which the core and the shell are formed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Edamura, Yasufumi Otsubo, Masataka Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 5693367
    Abstract: A process for producing a powder material for an electro-rheological fluid is provided. The powder material is advantageously used for an electro-rheological fluid having a property, such as viscosity, which changes by application of an electric field. A powder material for an electro-rheological fluid having a uniform distribution of particle diameters and a uniform distribution of electric conductivity can be produced by embrittling a carbonaceous powder material, pulverizing and classifying the embrittled carbonaceous powder material to obtain a carbonaceous powder material having a uniform distribution of particle diameters, and carbonizing the powder material under an atmosphere of an inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Sakurai, Tasuku Saito
  • Patent number: 5683620
    Abstract: A mixture of a carbon-based hydrophobic base fluid, an electrorheologically active solid particle, and an aromatic hydroxy compound substituted with a hydrocarbyl group containing at least about 6 carbon atoms shows good dispersion characteristics and good electrorheological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5679280
    Abstract: A homogeneous electro rheological fluid of the invention comprises a poly(.alpha.-amino acid) or a poly(.gamma.-glutamate), and an electric insulating liquid in a specific amount to. To provide a homogeneous electro rheological fluid of good stability, with long lasting and consistent performance in the presence of a trace of water. The fluid also exerts a good electro rheological effect wherein a hydrocarbon oil or an ester-type oil is used as an electric insulating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Takafumi Ishii, Katsuhiko Haji
  • Patent number: 5672298
    Abstract: An electro-sensitive composition comprising a fluorine compound having a predetermined structure, and an electrically insulating medium capable of dissolving this fluorine compound when a voltage is applied thereto, is disclosed. This electro-sensitive composition has a straight chain or cyclic fluorocarbon, and fluorine compound particles possessing dissociable polarity, dispersed in an electrically insulating medium; by means of the application of a voltage to this electro-sensitive composition, the transparency and viscosity thereof can be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Edamura, Yasufumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 5607617
    Abstract: An electroviscous fluid which consists essentially of a non-conductive liquid and, dispersed therein, anhydrous spherical multilayered particles comprising particles at least whose surfaces are conductive and, formed thereon, a non-conductive layer having a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 .mu.m. The electroviscous fluid is stable at both ambient temperature and elevated temperatures, i.e., up to at least about 200.degree. C. in an applied electric potential with an alternating current or a pulsating direct current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Asahi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Inoue, Yoshio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5603861
    Abstract: An electroviscous fluid wherein an electrically insulating fluid is mixed with silica fine particles having esterified surfaces, and a polyhydric alcohol. Thus, it is possible to provide an electroviscous fluid which is excellent in dispersion stability and shelf stability, free from aggregation of particles even under heating conditions and capable of manifesting high electroviscous effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Tonen Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuharu Umamori, Tetsuo Miyamoto, Makoto Kanbara, Hirotaka Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 5595680
    Abstract: Non-aqueous electrorheological fluids are described which comprise a major amount of a hydrophobic liquid phase and a minor amount of a dispersed particulate phase of a polyaniline prepared by polymerizing aniline in the presence of an oxidizing agent and from about 0.1 to about 1.6 moles of an acid per mole of aniline to form an acid salt of polyaniline, and thereafter treating the acid salt with a base. The polyanilines may be prepared from aniline or from mixtures of aniline and other monomers such as pyrroles, vinyl pyridines, vinyl pyrrolidones, thiophenes, vinylidene halides, phenothiazines, imidazolines, N-phenyl-p-phenylene diamines or mixtures thereof. The electrorheological fluids prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including flotational coupling devices such as clutches for automobiles or industrial motors, transmissions, brakes or tension control devices; and linear damping devices such as shock absorbers, engine mounts and hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Bryant, Kasturi Lal, Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5573711
    Abstract: A dielectric suspension for use in an electrophoretic image display, electrostatic printing or the like, comprising a suspension medium including a dense fluorinated solvent and a less dense hydrocarbon solvent, a plurality of pigment particles dispersed in the suspension medium, a fluid dye dissolved in the suspension medium for providing a contrast with the pigment particles, and a charge control agent adsorbed on the pigment particles for preventing the pigment particles from agglomerating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Copytele, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Hsin Hou, Frederic E. Schubert, George Semertzidis
  • Patent number: 5558803
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid comprising dielectric particles and an insulating liquid and characterized by exhibiting a viscosity of not more than 0.2 Pa.cndot.s at a shear rate of 33/s when measured at 25.degree. C. in the absence of supply of an electric field and a structural viscosity satisfying the condition of the formula (1):0.01 Pa.cndot.s.ltoreq..eta..sub.1 -.eta..sub.2 .ltoreq.0.5 Pa.cndot.s (1)wherein .eta..sub.1 is a viscosity in at a shear rate of 3.3/s when measured at 25.degree. C. in the absence of supply of an electric field and .eta..sub.2 is a viscosity in at a shear rate of 33/s when measured at 25.degree. C. in the absence of supply of an electric field. This electrorheological fluid generates a large shear stress, exhibits an excellent current property and an excellent durability, and excels particularly in dispersion stability, redispersibility and fluidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuho Okada, Yoshinobu Asako, Kiyomi Arimatsu, Minoru Kobayashi, Satoru Ono, Ryuji Aizawa
  • Patent number: 5558811
    Abstract: A mixture of a carbon-based hydrophobic base fluid, an electrorheologically active solid particle, and an aromatic hydroxy compound substituted with a hydrocarbyl group containing at least about 6 carbon atoms shows good dispersion characteristics and good electrorheological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5552076
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid that includes a dispersed particulate phase of anhydrous amorphous ceramic particles. The anhydrous amorphous ceramic particles can be of a very precisely tailored composition that is unavailable in crystalline form, for obtaining enhanced electrorheological response. The amorphous particles are substantially free of water when used, and have reduced tendency to absorb water in use. Accordingly, the electrorheological fluid containing anhydrous amorphous electrorheologically responsive ceramic particles has wide applicability for use, and enhanced durability in such use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Daniel R. Gamota, Brian L. Mueller, Frank E. Filisko
  • Patent number: 5539173
    Abstract: An EDM fluid comprising in mixture, a liquid dielectric and a powder, including polycrystalline silicon and a small amount of inorganic oxide, provided for forming a smooth workpiece surface having a carbon-iron-silicon alloy. The powder is preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 5.0 wt. % of the liquid dielectric. The inorganic oxide may include silicon oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. Further, a concentrate made by kneading the powder with an oil comprising mainly an aromatic hydrocarbon having a density of more than 0.93 g/milliliter at 15.degree. C. added to the dielectric, whereby the powder is dispersed uniformly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Sodick Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5536426
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid comprising an electrically insulating liquid and acid, iodine or alcohol-treated, or iodine-treated and subsequently electrically insulating film-coated, dispersible carbonaceous particles dispersed therein has a high electrorheological effect even without lowering in a high temperature region, though it is a water-free system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Yukio Kobayashi, Katsuhiko Haji
  • Patent number: 5518664
    Abstract: The present invention comprises improved electroset materials and processes. Electroset materials with electrically programmable electric and mechanical properties comprise electrically polarizable particles immersed within the suspended within castable dielectric fluids. The polarizable particles may comprise ions or, alternatively, electrically conductive or semiconductive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Ronald P. Reitz
  • Patent number: 5510058
    Abstract: An electro-sensitive composition comprising a fluorine compound having a predetermined structure, and an electrically insulating medium capable of dissolving this fluorine compound when a voltage is applied thereto, is disclosed. This electro-sensitive composition has a straight chain or cyclic fluorocarbon, and fluorine compound particles possessing dissociable polarity, dispersed in an electrically insulating medium; by means of the application of a voltage to this electro-sensitive composition, the transparency and viscosity thereof can be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Edamura, Yasufumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 5507967
    Abstract: An electrorheological magnetic fluid including an electrically insulating liquid and fine particles dispersed therein is described, wherein the fine particles include a fine magnetic particle as a core, wherein the fine magnetic particle has a surface which is covered by an electroconductive substance, and the fine magnetic particle with its surface covered by the electroconductive substance is completely coated with a surfactant. A process for producing the electrorheological magnetic fluid is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignees: Toyohisa Fujita, Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd., Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyohisa Fujita, Kenji Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5505871
    Abstract: An electrorheological(ER) composite material with solid, elastomeric characteristics in the form of an elastomer matrix encompassing an ER fluid. This ER composite material changes certain of its physical properties in response to an imposed electric field (as do known ER fluids), but it has the advantage of maintaining a defined spatial volume without the need of sophisticated seals. It also provides desirable design features inherent in an elastic solid having the specific capability of being molded in conjunction with a containment surface to which it strongly adhesively bonds. Certain physical properties of these ER composite materials and their physical response to the application of an electric field may be varied by varying the properties and/or the proportions of the ER fluid component and the resin prepolymer component which are employed in formulating the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: C. Ross Harder, Paul W. Trester
  • Patent number: 5503763
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrorheological liquid Which consists of an organic polymer as the polarizable disperse phase, an electrically non-conductive, non-aqueous continuous phase and a dispersing agent, and in which the disperse organic polymer has an average particle diameter of between 0.2 and 30 .mu.m and a relative half width value of the particle diameter distribution of below 0.8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Podszun, Robert Bloodworth, Gunter Oppermann
  • Patent number: 5501809
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid is prepared from a hydrophobic liquid medium and a dispersed particulate phase of (i) a polar solid material which is capable of exhibiting electrorheological activity in the presence of a low molecular weight polar material and (ii) a non-cellulosic polymeric material having a solubility parameter of about 15 to about 50 (MPa).sup.1/2 and exhibiting substantially no electrorheological activity in the absence of a low molecular weight polar material. The fluid optionally contains a low molecular weight polar activator. The fluid has good electrorheological performance over a broad temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Barton J. Schober, Carlos A. Piedrahita, Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5496484
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electroviscous fluid comprising an electrical insulating liquid and particles dispersed therein, said particles being composed of semiconducting particles having a weight average particle size of 1 to 100 .mu.m and dielectric particles having a weight average particle size of 1 to 3 .mu.m, the weight average particle size of the dielectric particles being not more than 30% of that of the semiconducting particles, the amount of the dielectric particles being 5 to 40 vol % based on the total particles, and the amount of the particles in the whole fluid being 10 to 60 vol %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Shima, Yukio Chida, Iwao Yamamoto, Kenji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5496483
    Abstract: Disclosed are electroviscous liquid essentially containingA) A linear and/or branched, eventually functionalized, polyether or the monomers thereof, the conversion product of such polyether resp. such monomer with mono- or oligo functional compounds and eventually additional additives, andB) a dispersing agent, andC) a non-aqueous dispersion-medium.In an embodiment a cavity contains the electroviscous liquid and has parts movable with relation to each other and electrode means for generating an electrical field within the cavitywherein applying the electrical field increases the viscosity of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Bayer AG
    Inventors: Udo Herrmann, Gu/ nter Oppermann, Gu/ nther Penners, Roland Flindt, Hans-Horst Steinbach
  • Patent number: 5480573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrorheological fluid comprising solid particles, an alkylmethylsiloxane compound, and an organofluoro compound. Preferred solid particles include zeolite and sulfate ionomers of aminofunctional siloxanes. The ER fluids of the present invention are characterized by improved dispersion stability, enhanced lubricity, and high yield stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Loren D. Durfee, Randall G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5474697
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid comprising an electrically insulating liquid and oxidation-treated carbonaceous particles dispersed therein and an electrorheological fluid comprising an electrically insulating liquid and a carbonaceous particles having a shape anisotropy, 0.02 to 10,000 .mu.m in length, 0.01 to 500 .mu.m in diameter and 2 to 1,000,000 in aspect ratio have a high electrorheological effect, less current passage and no short circuit, though it is a water-free system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Hisatake Sato, Osamu Kato
  • Patent number: 5470498
    Abstract: Electrorheological fluids which exhibit good high temperature performance are made using as the disperse phase a salt of a polymer of an alkenyl substituted aromatic comonomer such as styrene and a maleic acid comonomer or derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pialet, Kasturi Lal, Charles P. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5462687
    Abstract: In an electroviscous liquid comprising a non-aqueous liquid as a dispersion medium, a dispersed particulate polymer and a dispersant, the improvement wherein the polymer contains polyether and (meth)acrylate units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Podszun, Robert Bloodworth, Gunter Oppermann
  • Patent number: 5449053
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vibration dampener comprising a body for disposition tween two relatively movable members, the body being formed from a carrier of a gel material and particles having electrorheological properties embedded in the carrier with the particles electrically aligned and pseudo-bonded. Upon a displacement force being applied to the body, as by one of the members, the particles resist motion relative to other of the particles. There is further disclosed a method for making the aforesaid vibration dampener wherein the dampener has a current passed through it while the carrier cures into a gel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Wendell C. Maciejewski
  • Patent number: 5445760
    Abstract: An electrorheological fluid having good shear stress and improved (reduced) conductivity comprises a hydrophobic liquid phase and, dispersed therein, electrorheologically active particles of a core particle with a coating of at least one polysaccharide which is dispersible in a protic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Pollack
  • Patent number: 5445759
    Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having spherical, or near-spherical, fullerene-type particles and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bob R. Powell
  • Patent number: 5437806
    Abstract: Non-aqueous electrorheological fluids are described which comprise a major amount of a hydrophobic liquid phase and a minor amount of a dispersed particulate phase of a polyaniline prepared by polymerizing aniline in the presence of an oxidizing agent and from about 0.1 to about 1.6 moles of an acid per mole of aniline to form an acid salt of polyaniline, and thereafter treating the acid salt with a base. The polyanilines may be prepared from aniline or from mixtures of aniline and other monomers such as pyrroles, vinyl pyridines, vinyl pyrrolidones, thiophenes, vinylidene halides, phenothiazines, imidazolines, N-phenyl-p-phenylene diamines or mixtures thereof. The electrorheological fluids prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including flotational coupling devices such as clutches for automobiles or industrial motors, transmissions, brakes or tension control devices; and linear damping devices such as shock absorbers, engine mounts and hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Bryant, Kasturi Lal, Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5435932
    Abstract: Non-aqueous electrorheological fluids are described which comprise a major amount of a hydrophobic liquid phase and a minor amount of a dispersed particulate phase comprising conductive polymers selected from the group consisting of polypyrroles, polyphenylenes, polyacetylenes, polyvinylpyridines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly(substituted anilines), polyvinylidene halides, polyphenothiazines and polyimidazoles. The electrorheological fluids prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including flotational coupling devices such as clutches for automobiles or industrial motors, transmissions, brakes or tension control devices; and linear damping devices such as shock absorbers, engine mounts and hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Bryant, Kasturi Lal, Joseph W. Pialet
  • Patent number: 5435931
    Abstract: An enhanced ER fluid is disclosed. Polypeptides such as proteins are added to ER fluids. The ER response, particularly increased viscosity in response to an electric potential difference applied to the fluid, is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Sangtae Kim, Daniel J. Klingenberg
  • Patent number: 5427706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroviscous fluid comprising the dispersion in an electrical insulating fluid of an organopolysiloxane having at least one metal sulfonate group in its molecule. The electroviscous fluid of the present invention can further comprise a polyether. The electroviscous fluid of the present invention does not wear or abrade surrounding equipment, is thermally stable, and that has a large electroviscous effect (yield value) and an excellent dispersion stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Dow Corning Toray Silicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kobayashi, Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5417874
    Abstract: An electrorheological material comprising a carrier fluid and an atomically, polarizable particle component. The atomically polarizable particle component has a crystalline lattice structure which allows atoms to shift position with respect to each other in response to the application of an electric field. The electrorheological materials are subjected to an alternating current electric field at a frequency of at least 500 Hz. The materials exhibit substantial electrorheological activity over a broad temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: J. David Carlson, Keith D. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5403518
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoretic suspension comprising a suspension medium including tetrachloroethylene, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene and an aromatic solvent including either a mixture of phenyl xylyl ethanes or a mixture of mono and di-benzyl toluene. The suspension further comprises a plurality of pigment particles dispersed in the suspension medium; a fluid dye dissolved in the suspension medium for providing a contrast with the pigment particles; and a charge control agent adsorbed on the pigment particles for preventing the pigment particles from agglomerating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Copytele, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic E. Schubert
  • Patent number: 5391314
    Abstract: An electroviscous fluid composition comprising a dispersion medium of two nonmiscible components (A) and (B) as below, the volum ratio of (A)/(B) being in the ratio 99/1-1/99, and a dispersoid (C) as below; wherein the true specific gravity of the dispersoid (C) is greater than the specific gravity of said component (A) and less than the specific gravity of said component (B);Component (A):A silicone oil of general formula (I):R.sub.a SiO.sub.(4-a)/2(wherein R, which may be similar or dissimilar, are monovalent hydrocarbon groups with 1-18 carbon atoms and "a" lies in the range 1.8<a<3.0.) having a viscosity of 1-1,000 centistokes at 25.degree. C. and a specific gravity of 0.8-1.5,Component (B):A synthetic fluorinated oil having a viscosity of 1-1,000 centistokes at 25.degree. C. and a specific gravity greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Minemura, Satoshi Kuwata
  • Patent number: 5380450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrorheological fluid composition comprising a dispersion of a plurality of solid particles in an electrically non-conducting liquid, the improvement comprising using as said solid particles a composition having the general formula:[(M).sup.p (H.sub.2 O).sub.x (OH).sub.y ].sup.q.sub.cd [A].sub.r.sub.d .multidot.B.sub.z .multidot.nH.sub.2 Owherein M is a metal cation or a mixture of metal cations at various ratios; p is the total valence of M and has a value of greater than zero; x is zero or has a value greater than zero, y is zero or has a value greater than zero, with the proviso that only one of x or y can be zero at any given time; q has a value of p minus y with the proviso that q has a value of at least one; c has a value of greater than zero; A is an anion or a mixture of anions at various ratios; r is the total valence of A with the proviso that r has a value of at least one; d has a value of greater than zero with the proviso that (q.times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Lori J. Conway, Donald A. Kadlec, Joan Sudbury-Holtschlag
  • Patent number: RE35773
    Abstract: An electroreheological field comprising a dielectric particle as the dispersed phase, an insulating oil as the dispersing medium, and an additive, the additive being substantially insoluble in the dipersing medium, and being a composite containing a polysiloxane-containing structural unit (A), and at least one dispersed phase absorbing chain-containing structural unit (B) selected from the group consisting of an alkylene oxide chain-containing structural unit (B-1), a nitrogen atom chain-containing structural unit (B-2), and a long hydrocarbon chain-containing structural unit (B-3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuho Okada, Yoshinobu Asako, Kiyomi Arimatsu, Minoru Kobayashi, Satoru Ono, Ryuji Aizawa