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.

Abstract: Electrically controlled combined valve/cylinder apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a cylindrical body and spaced first and second end walls closing the body. A cylinder is positioned inside the body and a piston is positioned inside the cylinder for reciprocal movement. A control ram connected to the piston extends through an aperture in the first end wall so that the piston is movable between a first position adjacent the first end wall in which the ram is extended and a second postion in which the piston is located adjacent the second end wall so that the ram is retracted. The apparatus further includes a cylindrical control sleeve positioned between and spaced from both the body and the cylinder. An inlet port tube is provided for supplying an electro-rheological fluid to the body while an outlet port tube is provided for discharging the fluid from the body.

Abstract: A combined wheel/brake apparatus employing an electro-rheological fluid. The apparatus includes a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle and a first array of spaced, electrically conductive vanes extending in a first direction with the vanes non-rotatably held by the axle. The apparatus also includes a second array of spaced, electrically and thermally conductive vanes extending in a direction opposite the first direction, with the second and first arrays interdigitated but not contacting. An electro-rheological fluid is in the spaces between the vanes. At least some of the second vanes have a coolant passageway and the apparatus further includes a secondary coolant supply for these passageways. The coolant passageways are isolated from the electro-rheological fluid so that application of an electrical potential across the two array vanes causes an increase in the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid to develop a braking force, with heat occasioned by the braking being transmitted to the secondary coolant.