Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of accessories associated with a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having the accessories coupled to an engine crankshaft by an electromagnetic coupling device with a flowable magnetic material disposed between a driving member and a driven member include selectively supplying power to the electromagnetic coupling device in response to at least one operating condition to simultaneously engage or disengage the plurality of engine accessories. Embodiments include a magnetic particle clutch or magnetorheological fluid clutch connected to an engine crankshaft and a plurality of engine accessories that may include an air conditioning compressor, water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and/or supercharger, for example.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch (110) for an air conditioning compressor includes a generally cylindrical pulley (111) rotatably mounted on a comressor housing (116) and having an annular friction surface (120a, 120b) in a cavity (120). A driven member (112) is mounted on a compressor shaft (113) and has a leg (118, 119) with an annular friction surface (118a, 118b, 119a, 119b) positioned radially adjacent the cavity friction surface to form an annular space (120c, 120f) therebetween. A quantity of flowable magnetic material (127) is provided in the annular space and a magnetic coil (124) is fixed on the housing adjacent thereto. When electrical power is applied to the magnetic coil (124), magnetic flux is generated in the annular space (120c, 120f) polarizing the magnetic material and frictionally coupling the friction surfaces to cause the pulley (111) to rotate the driven member (112).

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch (10) for an air conditioning compressor includes a generally cylindrical pulley (11) rotatably mounted on a compressor housing (16) and having an annular friction surface (21b), a driven member (12) mounted on a compressor shaft (13) and having an annular friction surface (21a) positioned radially adjacent the first friction surface to form an annular space (21c) therebetween. A quantity of flowable magnetic material (27) is provided in the annular space (21c) and a magnetic coil (34) is fixed on the housing adjacent thereto. A control (40,46,46′) connected to the magnetic coil (34) supplies electrical power from a power supply (47) to energize the magnetic coil and create magnetic flux in the annular space (21c) polarizing the magnetic material and frictionally coupling the first and second friction surfaces (21a,21b) to cause the pulley (11) to rotate the driven member (12).

Abstract: This invention is directed to an ER elastomer composition comprising natural rubber and polarizable particles dispersed therein, which elastomer can undergo changes in Youngs modulus when subjected to an electric field and having a Youngs modulus of at least about 2 Mpa when not subject to an electric field, wherein the ratio of the electrical conductivity of the particles to the electrical conductivity of the natural rubber is between about 10.sup.4 and 10.sup.10. The invention also include variable stiffness mounts, such as engine mounts, made from the composition.

Abstract: A method of providing electronic shielding comprising providing a layer of a polyaniline composition on the object to be shielded, whereby the entrance and egress of electromagnetic radiation is prevented. Also presented herein is a method of changing the absorption by a polyaniline composition of electromagnetic radiation by modifying the chemical structure and crystallinographic order of the polyaniline composition, wherein said composition comprises a composition of the formula ##STR1## where y can be equal to or greater than zero, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of --H, --OCH.sub.3, --F, --Cl, --Br, --I, --NR.sup.3.sub.2, --NHCOR.sup.3, --OH, --O, --SR.sup.3, --OR.sup.3, --OCOR.sup.3, --NO.sub.2, --COOH, --COOR.sup.3, --R.sup.3 SO.sub.3 H, --COR.sup.3, --CHO, and --CN, where R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition having a magnetizable carrier medium loaded with magnetizable particles to provide a magnetorheological fluid exhibiting enhanced rheological properties. Also disclosed is a magnetic-particle damper utilizing the magnetorheological fluid composition.

Abstract: A method of providing electronic shielding comprising providing a layer of a polyaniline composition on the object to be shielded, whereby the entrance and egress of electromagnetic radiation is prevented. Also presented herein is a method of changing the absorption by a polyaniline composition of electromagnetic radiation by modifying the chemical structure and crystallinographic order of the polyaniline composition, wherein said composition comprises a composition of the formula ##STR1## where y can be equal to or greater than zero, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of --H, --OCH.sub.3, --F, --Cl, --Br, --I, --NR.sup.3.sub.2, --NHCOR.sup.3, --OH, --O, --SR.sup.3, --OR.sup.3, --OCOR.sup.3, --NO.sub.2, --COOH, --COOR.sup.3, --R.sup.3 SO.sub.3 H, --COR.sup.3, --CHO, and --CN, where R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl group.

Abstract: A ferrofluid controlled switch for a light pipe has a light pipe having a first index of refraction, a fluid responsive to a magnetic field having a second index of refraction, and an enclosure concentrically located around at least a portion of the light pipe for retaining the fluid such that the fluid is capable of assuming two configurations, one adjacent to the light pipe and one separate from the light pipe. A controllable magnetic field device such as a permanent magnet or wire coils are used to transfer the magnetically responsive fluid between said two configurations to reduce the output of the light pipe when the fluid is adjacent to the light pipe.

Abstract: An electrophoretic light switch is provided for controlling light in a light pipe having a transparent inner conductor, an outer conductor and a solution containing charged particles. Light is absorbed by the solution when the particles are attracted to the inner conductor causing the light intensity in the light pipe to be reduced.

Abstract: A method is provided for absorbing electromagnetic radiation using a polyaniline composition, wherein the radiation is infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, radar, or microwave radiation. Also provided is a method for reducing the detectability by radar of an object by increasing the absorption of radar waves and thereby decrease the reflection of the radar waves by applying to the object a polyaniline composition or a partially protonated salt thereof.

Abstract: A composition for absorbing electromagnetic radiation (such as microwave, infrared, visible light radiation ultraviolet radiation), wherein said electromagnetic radiation possesses a wavelength generally in the range of from about 1000 Angstroms to about 50 meters, wherein said composition comprises a polyaniline composition of the formula ##STR1## where y can be equal to or greater than zero and R' and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of --H, --OCH.sub.3, --CH.sub.3, --F, --Cl, --Br, --I, --NR.sup.3.sub.2, --NHCOR.sub.3, --OH, --O, --SR.sup.3, --OR.sup.3, --OCOR.sup.3, --NO.sub.2, --COOH, --COOR.sup.3, --COR.sup.3, --CHO, and --CN, where R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.a alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group.

Abstract: A composition for absorbing electromagnetic radiation, wherein said electromagnetic radiation possesses a wavelength generally in the range of from about 1000 Angstroms to about 50 meters, wherein said composition comprises a polyaniline composition of the formula ##STR1## where y can be equal to or greater than zero, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from the group containing of H, --OCH.sub.3, --CH.sub.3, --F, --Cl, --Br, --I, NR.sup.3 .sub.2, --NHCOR.sup.3, --OH, --O.sup.-, SR.sup.3, --OCOR.sup.3, --NO.sub.2, --COOH, --COOR.sup.3, --COR.sup.3, --CHO, and --CN, where R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group.

Abstract: An erasable optical information storage apparatus is disclosed and the process for making such an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes the photoabsorption and electrochemical absorption characteristics of the polyaniline class to polymers to provide an easily accessible and erasable information storage unit.

Abstract: A process to produce oriented, crystalline polyaniline films using simultaneous heat treatment and stressing of polyaniline films. Films stressed while being held at elevated temperatures (T.gtoreq.110.degree. C.), showed anisotropic x-ray, IR and visible optical response.