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 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.