Abstract: A shaft coupling apparatus, a rotary fluid damper, and a deployable device are provided herein. In an embodiment, the shaft coupling apparatus includes a chamber having a non-magnetic diaphragm delimiting at least a portion of the chamber. A first shaft is disposed in the chamber and is rotatable about a first axis. A second shaft is disposed outside of the chamber and is rotatable about the first axis. The diaphragm is disposed between the first and second shafts and separates the first and second shafts from direct physical contact. A magnetic coupling mechanism includes a first magnetic coupler attached to the first shaft and a second magnetic coupler attached to the second shaft, with the first and second magnetic couplers separated by the diaphragm. Magnetic coupling forces are generated between the first and second magnetic couplers to transfer rotational energy from the first magnetic coupler to the second magnetic coupler.

Abstract: A shaft coupling apparatus, a rotary fluid damper, and a deployable device are provided herein. In an embodiment, the shaft coupling apparatus includes a chamber having a non-magnetic diaphragm delimiting at least a portion of the chamber. A first shaft is disposed in the chamber and is rotatable about a first axis. A second shaft is disposed outside of the chamber and is rotatable about the first axis. The diaphragm is disposed between the first and second shafts and separates the first and second shafts from direct physical contact. A magnetic coupling mechanism includes a first magnetic coupler attached to the first shaft and a second magnetic coupler attached to the second shaft, with the first and second magnetic couplers separated by the diaphragm. Magnetic coupling forces are generated between the first and second magnetic couplers to transfer rotational energy from the first magnetic coupler to the second magnetic coupler.

Abstract: A magnetic latch includes a stator having first and second permanent magnets disposed on either side of a center portion. Each of the first and second permanent magnets has at least two associated poles. A rotor has at least one magnetic region. The rotor is configured for rotation about an axis of the stator between a first latched position and a second latched position.

Abstract: A bi-stable magnetic switch assembly comprises a stator having an axis and first and second magnetic portions angularly disposed there around, and a rotor having at least one magnetic region attracted to the first and second portions. The rotor is configured for rotation about the axis between (1) a first latched position wherein the region resides proximate to, but is spaced apart from, the first portion; and (2) a second latched position wherein the region resides proximate to, but is spaced apart from, the second portion. A spring biases the rotor to a position where the region resides intermediate the first and second portions. A coil, which is associated with at least one of the first portion, the second portion, and the region, may be energized to reduce the force of attraction between the region and the first and second portions when in the first and second latched positions, respectively.

Abstract: A vibration and isolation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid, a first fluid containment chamber, a second fluid containment chamber, and a damping path connecting the first fluid containment chamber and the second fluid containment chamber. The ratio of the cross sectional area of the first fluid containment chamber and the second fluid containment chamber to the cross sectional area of a damping path produces an effective mass of fluid for vibration isolation.

Abstract: A magnetic bi-stable latch with an upper stator and a lower stator, a rotor between the upper stator and lower stator and adapted for rotation between a first latched position and a second latched position. Each of the stators is a magnetic assembly having at least two inner poles and two outer poles of magnetic material, and at least one stator further having a coil disposed in relation to the inner pole and the outer pole to form an electromagnet. The stators are positioned such that the outer poles of the upper stator align with the inner poles of the lower stator and the inner poles of the upper stator align with the outer poles of the lower stator. The rotor has permanent magnets mounted thereon such that in the first latched position the permanent magnets are aligned with poles of the upper and lower stators.