Abstract: An apparatus for controlling lateral movement of a laterally translating component includes a first fixed housing that remains in a fixed position with respect to a central axis and a second housing interfaced with the laterally translating component that moves linearly along the central axis. The first fixed housing and the second housing together define a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber for containing fluid interconnected by a fluid channel. The second housing moves linearly between a first position along the central axis that defines a first size for the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber and a second position along the central axis that defines a second size for the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber to control flow of the fluid through the channel. The first size is larger than the second size.

Abstract: A tapered magnetorheological (MR) valve includes a first fixed housing that remains in a fixed position along a central axis of the tapered MR valve. The first fixed housing defines a first surface of a MR fluid channel that is at an angle with respect to the central axis of the tapered MR valve. A second housing moves linearly along the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The second housing defines a second surface of the MR fluid channel that is at the angle with respect to the central axis of the tapered MR valve. The first fixed housing and the second housing together define a first MR fluid chamber and a second MR fluid chamber interconnected by the MR fluid channel. The second housing moves linearly between a first position and a second position along the central axis of the tapered MR valve.