Abstract: The present invention provides novel configurations for the electrodes in a range of applications for ER fluids. The electrodes are configured so that they generate an electrical field a significant portion of which extends parallel to any anticipated applied force of direction of likely distortion that may act to disrupt the agglomeration of ER particles. By so arranging the electric field to be parallel to such a force there is a strong binding force that acts to counter and tendency for the particles to be disrupted.

Abstract: There is described an electrorheological fluid comprising coated nanoparticle suspended in an electrically insulated hydrophobic liquid. The core particles consist of TiO2 or metal salts of the form M1xM22-2xTiO(C2O4)2 where M1 is selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca and wherein M2 is selected from the group consisting of Rb, Li, Na and K. The particle shell is made of highly polar molecules selected from the group consisting of thiourea and urea.

Abstract: There is described an electrorheological fluid comprising coated nanoparticle suspended in an electrically insulated hydrophobic liquid. The core particles consist of TiO2 or metal salts of the form M1xM22-2xTiO(C2O4)2 where M1 is selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca and wherein M2 is selected from the group consisting of Rb, Li, Na and K. The particle shell is made of highly polar molecules selected from the group consisting of thiourea and urea.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel configurations for the electrodes in a range of applications for ER fluids. The electrodes are configured so that they generate an electrical field a significant portion of which extends parallel to any anticipated applied force of direction of likely distortion that may act to disrupt the agglomeration of ER particles. By so arranging the electric field to be parallel to such a force there is a strong binding force that acts to counter and tendency for the particles to be disrupted.

Abstract: An electrorheological clutch comprises drive and driven members that selectively engage by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid (ER) provided between the driven and driven members. The drive and driven members are formed with axially-oriented surfaces that define between then axially-oriented spaces for the ER fluid so as to minimize problems with settlement of the ER particles.

Abstract: An electrorheological clutch comprises drive and driven members that selectively engage by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid (ER) provided between the driven and driven members. The drive and driven members are formed with axially-oriented surfaces that define between then axially-oriented spaces for the ER fluid so as to minimise problems with settlement of the ER particles.

Abstract: A “paper look-alike” display comprises pixels formed of dielectric particles suspended in a non-conducting liquid. By applying a voltage to electrodes the particles may be switched between positions in which they are stored in vertical columns normal to the surface of the pixel and have no effect on the colour of the pixel, and a position in which they occupy a major part of the surface area of the pixel and influence the colour of the pixel accordingly.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electromagnetic relay comprising a stationary first member and a second member adapted to move towards and away from the first member such that when the second member move towards the first member an electrical contact is closed. Spring means biases the members apart, and permanent magnet means are provided for generating a force of attraction between the members, and selectively operable means is provided for generating an electromagnetic force. The permanent magnet means has a strength such that when the first and second members are apart the permanent magnet means is insufficient to overcome the spring means, but when the members are brought together the permanent magnet means is able to hold the members together against the spring means.