Abstract: A grating (22) of narrow parallel ridges (24) is formed in the surface (26) of a substrate (20) made of a hard material such as silicon dioxide. Metal (40) is deposited onto the grating (22) perpendicular to the ridges (24) at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the surface (26) of the grating such that the metal (40) is deposited onto the top (24a) and one of the sides (24b) of the each of the ridges (24) to form generally L-shaped metal strips (12') thereon. The metal strips (12') are cut at periodic intervals along the ridges (24) to produce anisometric metal needles (12). The substrate (20) is immersed in a dielectric fluid (14), and ultrasonic energy is applied to cause the needles (12) to release from the substrate (20) into suspension in the fluid (14). The L-shape of the needles (12) makes them resistant to bending. The suspension (10) has birefringent properties similar to liquid crystals, but may be electrically switched at much higher speed.

Abstract: An electrorheological fluid 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 dispersing 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).

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for producing a carbonaceous powder which can be used as dielectric fine particles to be dispersed in an insulating oil to produce an electrorheological fluid is provided. The method comprises the steps of subjecting a starting organic material selected from the group consisting of coal, coal tar, coal tar pitch, liquefied coal, coke, petroleum, petroleum tar, petroleum pitch, and resins to a heat treatment at a maximum temperature of 300.degree. to 800.degree. C. to produce carbonaceous material; pulverizing and classifying the material to produce carbonaceous particles having a mean particle size of 0.5 to 40 .mu.m and a maximum particle size of up to 50 .mu.m; and subjecting the particles to an additional treatment at an elevated temperature and/or a reduced pressure, said additional treatment being carried out at a temperature lower than said maximum temperature of the heat treatment. The resulting carbonaceous powder may optionally be subjected to a further pulverization treatment.

Abstract: An electrorheological fluid composition comprising a dispersion of disperse-phase particles formed of a sulfonated polymer possessing aromatic rings substituted with sulfonic acid groups in an electrically non-conducting oil which electrorheological fluid is characterized by the fact that the number of sulfonic acid groups in said sulfonated polymer forming said disperse-phase particles exceeds the number of aromatic rings present in said sulfonated polymer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an electrorheological fluid which comprises nonconductive particulate susceptible to ionic and electronic polarization dispersed in a nonconductive fluid. The nonconductive particulate are a phenoxy organometallic salt. This salt is the reaction product of an esentially stoichiometric amount of phenoxy salt soluble or dispersible in a liquid and a divalent metal salt. The phenoxy salt can be made by reacting diphenol material with active metal or active metal hydroxide.

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.c [A].sup.r.sub.d.B.sub.z.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.c) is always equal to (r.times.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a material having the formula A.sub.1+x Zr.sub.2 Si.sub.x P.sub.3-x O.sub.12, where A is a monovalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Ag and Cu; and x ranges from 0 to 3. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: A grating (22) of narrow parallel ridges (24) is formed in the surface (26) of a substrate (20) made of a hard material such as silicon dioxide. Metal (40) is deposited onto the grating (22) perpendicular to the ridges (24) at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the surface (26) of the grating such that the metal (40) is deposited onto the top (24a) and one of the sides (24b) of the each of the ridges (24) to form generally L-shaped metal strips (12') thereon. The metal strips (12') are cut at periodic intervals along the ridges (24) to produce anisometric metal needles (12). The substrate (20) is immersed in a dielectric fluid (14), and ultrasonic energy is applied to cause the needles (12) to release from the substrate (20) into suspension in the fluid (14). The L-shape of the needles (12) makes them resistant to bending. The suspension ( 10) has birefringent properties similar to liquid crystals, but may be electrically switched at much higher speed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to electroviscous fluids comprising a dispersion in an electrical insulating fluid of microparticles that are comprised of a polyelectrolyte or a mixture of a polyether and a polyelectrolyte wherein said polyelectrolyte consists of a carboxyaryl group-containing organopolysiloxane that has been neutralized by a base containing a monovalent or divalent metal. The electroviscous fluids of this invention provide a high electroviscous effect and good dispersion stability, and they are thermally stable and do not abrade surrounding equipment.

Abstract: An electrorheological material containing a carrier fluid and an ionic dye particle component which is an ionically charged compound based on or derived from a conjugated hydrocarbon compound. A preferred ionically charged compound contains at least one aromatic nucleus that has been sulfonated and/or carboxylated to form a negatively charged system which has, in turn, been offset with a positive ion. The electrorheological material is useful for creating aesthetic visual effects and responds quickly to an electric field.

Abstract: An improved electroviscous fluid formulated with discrete fluids of diverse densities, characterized in that settling of aggregate in functional apparatus is diminished. Aggregate particles having a density between the density of two fluids migrate to the boundary layer of the fluids when the fluids are at rest. By appropriately selecting the volume of the fluids in functional apparatus, the electroviscous fluid aggregate is placed in position for more immediate response when the apparatus is activated by electrical energy.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids including vermiculite treated with an amine salt, methods of making the same, propylene carbonate adsorbed on the solid phase, butyl benzoate added for the liquid phase, and methods of using frequency response of electrorheological fluids to vary apparent viscosity and to compensate for temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a beta-alumina material, such as a material having the formula AM.sub.5-11 O.sub.8-17, where A is a monovalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Ag and Te; and M is a trivalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe and Ga. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: A field dependent fluid comprising a liquid phase and an inorganic particulate solid substrate having a coating containing electrically conductive tin oxide on at least a portion thereof, said coated substrate being adapted and structured to provide an electrorheological response to the presence of one or more electrical and/or magnetic fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electroviscous liquids consisting essentially of(I) a polymer or polymer mixture,(II) an electrolyte dissolved in (I),.(III) optionally an additive miscible with the solution of (I) and (II),(IV) optionally a viscosity-increasing additive reacting with (I);(V) a dispersant and(VI) a non-aqueous dispersion medium.

Abstract: An electro-rheological fluid comprising an electrically insulating liquid as the dispersion medium, porous solid particles as the dispersed phase, a dispersant, and a polyhydric alcohol having a boiling point of not lower than 250.degree. C., a melting point of not higher than 15.degree. C. and a viscosity of not higher than 300 cp (as measured at 20.degree. C.), or comprising an electrically insulating liquid as the dispersion medium, porous solid particles as the dispersed phase, a polyhydric alcohol and/or water, and an ashless dispersant.

Abstract: In an electroviscous fluid comprising electrically insulating fluid as the dispersant and porous solid particles as the dispersed phase, at lease one substance selected from acid, salt and base and at least one substance selected from polyhydric alcohol and water, and further containing dispersing agent, antioxidant and/or corrosion inhibitor are added to obtain the better effects such as high responsiveness in wide temperature range up to high temperature, high reproducibility, excellent electroviscous effect and the higher durability.Therefore, the electroviscous fluid by this invention is useful, for example, for the control systems utilizing viscosity change, and it is capable to increase the control accuracy, particularly in the operation at high temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids including vermiculite treated with an amine salt, methods of making the same, propylene carbonate adsorbed on the solid phase, butyl benzoate added for the liquid phase, and methods of using frequency response of electrorheological fluids to vary apparent viscosity and to compensate for temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrorheological fluid which is capable of increasing viscosity under an application of electric potential difference.An electrorheological fluid according to the present invention comprises dielectric particulates dispersed in a highly electrically insulating oily medium, in which the particulates are carbonaceous particulates having an atomic ratio of carbon atoms to hydrogen atoms (C/H) of 1.70-3.50 and an average particle size of from 0.01 to 100 .mu.m, and the oily medium is an electrical insulating oil having a dielectric constant of not less than 3 and a volume resistivity of not less than 10.sup.9 .OMEGA..multidot.cm.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids including vermiculite treated with an amine salt, methods of making the same, propylene carbonate adsorbed on the solid phase, butyl benzoate added for the liquid phase, and methods of using frequency response of electrorheological fluids to vary apparent viscosity and to compensate for temperature.

Abstract: A powder having improved oxidation resistance and controlled electrical properties is obtained by dispersing minute particulates in a matrix phase to form composite particles. The minute particulates may be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly such that the particulates are dense near the surface and sparse near the center of each particle or inversely. The matrix phase has a moderate conductivity of 10.sup.-10 to 10.sup.2 Scm.sup.-1, and the dispersed particulates have a low conductivity of up to 1/10 of that of the matrix phase, typically up to 10.sup.-2 Scm.sup.-1. Alternatively, the matrix phase has a lower conductivity and the dispersed particulates have a moderate conductivity. The powder is dispersed in an insulating oily medium to form an electrorheological fluid.

Abstract: A water washable thermally conductive grease useful for thermal coupling of electronic chips and heat sinks in electronic modules comprises a hydrophilic alkylene oxide modified silicone carrier, and up to 90 weight percent of a microparticulate thermally conductive filler. In a preferred embodiment, the thixotropic dielectric composition further comprises an antioxidant and an ionic surfactant to promote wetting/dispersion of the microparticulate filler. The thermally conductive grease is non-corrosive, resistant to shear induced phase destabilization and capable of being washed from module surfaces with aqueous solutions. Substitution of the present hydrophilic based greases for art-recognized solvent washable greases eliminates use of non-aqueous solvents in electronic module processing/reprocessing operations.

Abstract: An electroviscous fluid comprising an electrical insulating liquid and fine particles dispersed therein, wherein the fine particles are spherical particles containing an electrolytic solution, obtained by hydrolysis and polycondensation of a metal alkoxide or its derivative.

Abstract: A phase changing composition for making articles that can be influenced as o shape and cure time by the application of an electric field. Also disclosed are apparatus and processes for using the material. The composition is characterized in that under the influence of an electrostatic field, the cure time of the composition is significantly shorter.

Abstract: A water washable thermally conductive grease useful for thermal coupling of electronic chips and heat sinks in electronic modules comprises a hydrophilic liquid polymer carrier, an antioxidant, and up to 90 weight percent of a microparticulate thermally conductive filler. In a preferred embodiment, the thixotropic dielectric composition further comprises an ionic surfactant to promote wetting/dispersion of the microparticulate filler. The thermally conductive grease is non-corrosive, resistant to shear induced phase destabilization and capable of being washed from module surfaces with aqueous solutions. Substitution of the present hydrophilic based greases for art-recognized solvent washable greases eliminates use of non-aqueous solvents in electronic module processing/reprocessing operations.

Abstract: An electroviscous fluid comprising:1 to 60% by weight of a dispersed phase comprising a fine powder of a silicone resin containing a hydrocarbon group substituted with an amino group or an ammonium group, the fine powder containing 0.1 to 20% by weight of water and having an average particle size of 0.05 to 100 .mu.m; and40 to 99% by weight of a liquid phase comprising an electrically insulating oil having a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of 0.65 to 500 cSt.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a beta-alumina material, such as a material having the formula AM.sub.5-11 O.sub.8-17, where A is a monovalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Ag and Te; and M is a trivalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe and Ga. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: Active analcime having a chemical composition comprising 60 to 95% by weight of SiO.sub.2, 0.3 to 20% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 0.02 to 11% by weight of Na.sub.2 O based on the three components, an X-ray diffraction pattern inherent to analcime and a moisture adsorption of 5 to 30% by weight as determined under conditions of a relative humidity of 90%, an ambient temperature of 25.degree. C. and a standing time of 24 hours, wherein individual particles have a tetracosahedral or angle-rounded tetracosahedral particulate shape and the primary particle size of 0.1 to 50 .mu.m as determined according to the electron microscope method. This active analcime is obtained by acid-treating a zeolite by using an acid in an amount of 0.1 to 1.2 molar equivalents per mole of the sum of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Na.sub.2 O components in the zeolite so that the crystal structure of analcime is left.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a material having the formula Na.sub.3 PO.sub.4. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a material having the formula A.sub.x (L.sub.x/2 Sn.sub.1-(x/2))O.sub.4, where A is a monovalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Na and K; and x ranges from 0 to 1; and L is a divalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca and Zn. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having zeolite particles and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The liquid phase includes an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a material having the formula A.sub.5 MSi.sub.4 O.sub.12, where A is a monovalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, and Ag; and M is a trivalent ion, such as a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Sc, Fe, Y, In, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be Zr(HPO.sub.4).sub.2.

Abstract: Electrorheological fluids display swift and reversible increase in apparent viscosity under application of an electrical potential difference to the fluid, and are composed generally of electrical insulating oily medium and dielectric fine-particles dispersed therein.It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrorheological fluid capable of exhibiting enhanced electrorheological effect with smaller electric power consumption.Electrorheological fluid according to the present invention comprises particulates having a specific gravity of not smaller than 1.2 and water content of not larger than 4 wt. % dispersed in an electrical insulating oily medium havingf P.dbd.N bonds in the molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids having ceramic particles of high ion conductivity and a nonconducting or dielectric fluid. The high ion conductive particle may be a material having the formula Li.sub.y Si.sub.1-x Al.sub.x O.sub.4, where A is a material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of Ge, P, and Ti, x ranges from 0 to 1, and y ranges from about 3 to about 4. The liquid phase may include a silicone fluid or mineral oil. In the case of a mineral oil, the oil may also include an amine-terminated polyester to improve stability of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids including vermiculite treated with an amine salt, methods of making the same, propylene carbonate adsorbed on the solid phase, butyl benzoate added for the liquid phase, and methods of using frequency response of electrorheological fluids to vary apparent viscosity and to compensate for temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids including vermiculite treated with an amine salt, methods of making the same, propylene carbonate adsorbed on the solid phase, butyl benzoate added for the liquid phase, and methods of using frequency response of electrorheological fluids to vary apparent viscosity and to compensate for temperature.

Abstract: An electrorheological fluid e.g. for selectively coupling clutch members consists of silicone oil containing 30 volume % of dispersed polyaniline. The polyaniline is acidically oxidised aniline subsequently treated with base.

Abstract: Electrorheological fluids display swift and reversible increase in apparent viscosity under application of an electrical potential difference to the fluid, and are composed generally of electrical insulating oily medium and dielectric fine-particles dispersed therein.At the initial stage of development, electrorheological fluids are prepared by dispersing water-carrying hydrophilic particulates in an electrical insulating oily medium. However, there are such defects as a restriction on usable temperatures so as to avoid evaporation or freezing of the water, an extreme increase in the electric current flow as the temperature raises, inferior stability caused by transfer of water etc.It is an object of the persent invention is to provide nonaqueous type electrorheological fluids having improved electrorheological property.The electrorheological fluid of the present invention is a nonaqueous type electrorheological fluid which comprises organic or inorganic particulates containing not more than 1 wt.

Abstract: The electroviscous fluid is a suspension composed of a finely divided dielectric solid dispersed in an electrically nonconductive oil. The viscosity of the fluid increases swiftly and reversibly under an influence of electric field applied thereto and the fluid turns to a state of plastic or solid when the influence is sufficiently strong.The electroviscous fluid of the present invention comprises 1-60% by weight of a dispersed phase of carbonaceous particulates having average particle size of 0.01-100 micrometer, and 99-40% by weight of a continuous liquid phase of an electric insulating oil having a viscosity of 0.65-500 centistokes at room temperature.The electroviscous fluid exhibits an excellent electroviscous effect even at a high temperature with a low electric power consumption together with maintaining the improved electroviscous effect for a long period of time.

Abstract: The electroviscous fluid is a suspension composed of a finely divided dielectric solid dispersed in an electrically nonconductive oil. Viscosity of the fluid increases swiftly and reversibly under an influence of electric field applied thereto and the fluid turns to a state of plastic or solid when the influence is sufficiently strong.The electroviscous fluid of the present invention comprises(A) 1-60% by weight of a dispersed phase composed of hygroscopic inorganic particles having an average particle size of 0.01-20 micrometer and regulated to a water content of 0.1-10% by weight and adsorbing a high boiling point liquid polar compound, and(B) 99-40% by weight of a liquid phase of an electric insulating oil having a viscosity 0.65-500 centistokes at room temperature.The electroviscous fluid exhibits an excellent electroviscous effect for a long period of time with a low electric power consumption together with a quick response at the application and cancellation of an electric potential difference.

Abstract: A transparent electrorheological fluid having a fluid component, a particle component, and an activator wherein the index of refraction mismatch between the fluid component and the particle component is less than about 0.02 and wherein the conductivity of the particle component is at least about three times greater than the conductivity of the fluid component and is in the range of from about 1.times.10.sup.-5 s/m to about 1.times.10.sup.-9 s/m.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrorheological fluids which display improved stability against sedimentation, reduced current density and good electrorheological responses. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, these electrorheological fluids are prepared from monomers which are polymerized by dispersion polymerization in a low conductivity medium which also serves as the dispersion medium for the fluid.

Abstract: An electrorheological fluid including a discrete phase of the reaction product of a polymeric or monomeric crown ether and a quaternary amine, which forms non-abrasive, low density organic fibrils, in a high dielectric strength, low dielectric constant continuous phase fluid. The crown ethers are selected from both oxygen-based and sulfur-based crown ethers.

Abstract: An electrorheological fluid wherein the discrete phase comprises a layered mixed metal hydroxide of the formulae:Li.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+na) A.sub.a.sup.n andMg.sub.x Al.sub.y (OH).sub.zand the continuous phase is a low dielectric fluid. The layered mixed metal hydroxides may be functionalized with an aliphatic carboxylic acid or with the reaction product of a clay and an amine salt to provide a more dispersible particulate phase. The electrorheological fluids have improved thermal stability and provide a strong response to low electric field strengths while requiring a low concentration of layered mixed metal hydroxide component.

Abstract: An electrorheological material containing a carrier fluid, an anionic surfactant particle component, and an activator. The non-abrasive anionic surfactant acts as both a particle component and a surfactant and the electrorheological material is miscible with water and will not mar the surface of objects utilized in an electrorheological device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrorheological (ER) fluid composition comprising a suspension of a solid silicone ionomer in an electrically non-conducting liquid wherein the silicone ionomer is a reaction product of (I) an amine functional diorganopolysiloxane having a degree of polymerization of less than about 10,000 in which at least about 3 mole percent of the silicon atoms have attached thereto, through silicon-carbon bonds, an amine functional organic group bearing at least one --NHR" group, in which R" is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and (II) an acid.