Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input rotor adapted to be coupled to a power input, the input rotor having a first set of at least one input shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface. An output rotor is rotatably mounted about the input rotor for rotating about a common axis with the input rotor, the output rotor having a first set of at least one output shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface, the first sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a first annular space and forming a first transmission set, the second sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a second annular space and forming a second transmission set. Magnetorheological fluid is in each of the annular spaces, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises a stator having at least an annular wall; a first rotor rotatably mounted to the stator, the first rotor having at least one first shear surface; a second rotor rotatably mounted to the stator for rotating about a common axis with the first rotor, the second rotor having at least one second shear surface opposite the at least one first shear surface, the shear surfaces separated by at least one annular space. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is in an MR fluid chamber including the at least one annular space, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the rotors when subjected to a magnetic field. An inner magnetic core and an outer magnetic core with an annular cavity therebetween receive the annular wall of the stator, the inner magnetic core and the outer magnetic core connected to at least one of the rotors to rotate therewith so as to be rotatably mounted to the stator.

Abstract: An active suspension system comprises at least one biasing device configured to support a body from a structure, and at least one motor. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus(es) is coupled to the at least one motor to receive torque from the motor, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque. A mechanism is between the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus and the body to convert the torque received from the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus into a force on the body. Sensor(s) provide information indicative of a state of the body or structure. A controller receives the information indicative of the state of the body or structure and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the body to control movement of the body according to a desired movement behavior.

Abstract: A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool manipulator, comprising a base, mountable on an operation table. A caliper is supported by the base and a tool holder is mounted on the caliper. An actuator positionable below a patient supporting surface of the operation table receives positioning commands for moving a tool in at least three degrees of freedom. The tool manipulator can be made part of a system for positioning a needle for diagnosis or treatment of the prostate of a patient. The system also comprises a power source connected to the actuator and a controller controlling the provision of the positioning commands to the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to high g-field combustion methods and integrated processes requiring high-energy efficiency and low NOx emissions to maximize fuel productivity and integrated process production output. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the combustor having a g-field greater than 100,000 g's in an isothermal configuration by achieving concurrent combustion and expansion with the high g-field combustor in a rim-rotor turbomachine.

Abstract: A combustion systems and components for rotary ramjet engines. An injection system, optionally stratified for ease of engine startup, provides an air and fuel mixture to a combustion chamber. An ignition system ignites the mixture. A flameholding system may be positioned for communication with the combustion chamber to force an ignited flow of the air and fuel mixture toward a center of rotation within the ramjet engine. The ramjet engine may have a diverging stator for improved exhaust efficiency. The ignition may take place in the engine air intake. Alternatively, the ignition may take place within the combustion chamber using a dual-hub electrically charged system. An impulse turbine may use recirculation of injected fuel to cool a rim-rotor and/or to reduce windage on the rim-rotor. A sealing system may reduce gas leaks from a fuel conduit into the engine air intake.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a rotor assembly having a concentric arrangement comprising a rotating turbine portion, a cooling channel and an annular reinforcement wall. The concentric arrangement is configured to rotate around a common axis. Also introduced is a rotary engine comprising the rotor assembly, in which the cooling channel further functions as a rotating compressor portion. The rotary engine also comprises a stator assembly that itself comprises a static turbine portion positioned upstream of the rotating turbine portion, a static compressor portion positioned downstream of the rotating compressor portion, and a combustion chamber positioned downstream of the static compressor portion and upstream of the static turbine portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member such that the driven member moves in a first direction. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A spring is in mechanical communication with the output member and configured to apply a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of a magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid. The magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of the magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.

Abstract: Actuators and methods useful in the operation aircraft flight control surfaces are disclosed. Some of the actuators and methods disclosed may be useful in the operation flight control surfaces when a fault condition such as a jam associated with an actuator is detected. An exemplary electromechanical actuator disclosed comprises: a motor; a first screw configured for translation movement relative to a structure of the aircraft when driven by the motor; a second screw mounted in series with the first screw; and a fuse element coupling the first screw and the second screw together to permit translation movement of the second screw together with the first screw. The fuse element may permit at least partial disengagement of the second screw from the first screw to permit translation of the second screw relative to the first screw. The fuse element may also allow an active flutter damping of the flight control surface. The fuse element may comprise magneto-rheological fluid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to rotary turbomachinery methods and integrated processes requiring high-energy efficiency. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to rim-rotor configurations enabling long-term survival under conditions of either high temperature or oxidation resistance or saturated fluid abrasion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for actuating flight control surfaces (16A-C) of fixed-wing aircraft are disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus disclosed includes a common movable driving member (20) for actuating a plurality of flight control surfaces; a first power transfer device (24A) configured to variably adjust power transfer from the common movable driving member to a first of the plurality of flight control surfaces; and a second power transfer device (24B) configured to variably adjust power transfer from the common movable driving member to a second of the plurality of flight control surfaces. The power transferred to the second flight control surface may be adjusted independently of the power transferred to the first flight control surface. Apparatus and methods for actuating flight control surfaces using magneto-rheological fluid or electro-rheological fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input rotor adapted to be coupled to a power input, the input rotor having a first set of at least one input shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface. An output rotor is rotatably mounted about the input rotor for rotating about a common axis with the input rotor, the output rotor having a first set of at least one output shear surface, and a second set of at least one output shear surface, the first sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a first annular space and forming a first transmission set, the second sets of the input rotor and the output rotor separated by at least a second annular space and forming a second transmission set. Magnetorheological fluid is in each of the annular spaces, the MR fluid configured to generate a variable amount of torque transmission between the sets of input rotor and output rotor when subjected to a magnetic field.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation. The device comprises a frame and a supporting member connected to the frame and adapted for supporting at least a portion of the object. The device for orienting an object comprises a plurality of fluid actuated devices for displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame. Each of the fluid actuated devices is actuatable between a first position wherein the device has a first length and a second position wherein the device has a second length. The device for orienting comprises an actuation mechanism comprising a plurality of actuating valves for actuating the corresponding fluid actuated device; wherein an actuation of at least one of the fluid actuated devices enables to displace the supporting member with respect to the frame, thereby orienting the object according to the given spatial orientation.

Abstract: A combustion systems and components for rotary ramjet engines. An injection system, optionally stratified for ease of engine startup, provides an air and fuel mixture to a combustion chamber. An ignition system ignites the mixture. A flameholding system may be positioned for communication with the combustion chamber to force an ignited flow of the air and fuel mixture toward a center of rotation within the ramjet engine. The ramjet engine may have a diverging stator for improved exhaust efficiency. The ignition may take place in the engine air intake. Alternatively, the ignition may take place within the combustion chamber using a dual-hub electrically charged system. An impulse turbine may use recirculation of injected fuel to cool a rim-rotor and/or to reduce windage on the rim-rotor. A sealing system may reduce gas leaks from a fuel conduit into the engine air intake.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a rotor assembly having a concentric arrangement comprising a rotating turbine portion, a cooling channel and an annular reinforcement wall. The concentric arrangement is configured to rotate around a common axis. Also introduced is a rotary engine comprising the rotor assembly, in which the cooling channel further functions as a rotating compressor portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed an integrated device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation comprising a frame and a supporting member connected thereto and adapted for supporting a portion of the object. The integrated device comprises a plurality of fluid actuated devices integrally molded and joined together through a joining portion to form an integral unit for displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame. Each fluid actuated device is actuatable between a first position wherein the device has a first length and a second position wherein the device has a second length. The integrated device comprises an actuation mechanism for actuating each fluid actuated device between the first position and the second position to enable displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame, thereby orienting the object according to the given spatial orientation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation. The device comprises a frame and a supporting member connected to the frame and adapted for supporting at least a portion of the object. The device for orienting an object comprises a plurality of fluid actuated devices for displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame. Each of the fluid actuated devices is actuatable between a first position wherein the device has a first length and a second position wherein the device has a second length. The device for orienting comprises an actuation mechanism comprising a plurality of actuating valves for actuating the corresponding fluid actuated device; wherein an actuation of at least one of the fluid actuated devices enables to displace the supporting member with respect to the frame, thereby orienting the object according to the given spatial orientation.

Abstract: An engine for providing rotary power about an output shaft with a high power-to-weight ratio includes a plurality of flow guiding blades mounted on the inner surface of an annular thruster base. The flow guiding blades cooperate with the peripheral surface of a rotor for forming a plurality of ramjet-like thrusters. The configuration of the flow guiding blades allows for optimization of the number of thrusters. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotating components is compensated by an annular reinforcement wall made with high strength materials allowing for downsizing of the rotor and associated components.