Abstract: A system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device.

Abstract: A system for operating at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus may, in a first mode, vary an amount of torque transmission between a driving member and a driven member in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus. In a second mode, the system may cause torque transmission between the driven member and the driving member by setting a desired remanent magnetization level in a magnetic component of the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating the at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A system for operating at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus may, in a first mode, vary an amount of torque transmission between a driving member and a driven member in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus. In a second mode, the system may cause torque transmission between the driven member and the driving member by setting a desired remanent magnetization level in a magnetic component of the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating the at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input(s) having an input shear surface(s). An output(s) is rotatably mounted about the input for rotating about a common axis with the input, the output(s) having output shear surface(s), the input shear surface and the output shear surface separated annular space(s), with magnetorheological 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. An electromagnet(s) delivers a magnetic field through the magnetorheological fluid, the electromagnet configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field, whereby actuation of the electromagnet results in torque transmission from the input to the output. A member(s) defining at least one of the shear surfaces is made of a low-permeability material.

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: A system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning in the proximity of a joint between two portions, the device comprising a first interface (11) carried by a first of the two portions and a second interface (12) carried by a second of the two portions, the device including at least one connection between the first interface and the second interface, the connection comprising a double cylinder having two chambers that are connected together by a floating piston, the first of the two chambers being connected to the first interface and a second of the two chambers being connected to a drive rather of the double cylinder, said rod being connected to the second interface. The invention also relates to a system including such a device.

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 magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus comprises an input(s) having an input shear surface(s). An output(s) is rotatably mounted about the input for rotating about a common axis with the input, the output(s) having output shear surface(s), the input shear surface and the output shear surface separated annular space(s). with magnetorheological 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. An electromagnet(s) delivers a magnetic field through the magnetorheological fluid, the electromagnet configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field, whereby actuation of the electromagnet results in torque transmission from the input to the output. A member(s) defining at least one of the shear surfaces is made of a low-permeability material.

Abstract: A system comprises magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatuses, each magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus including a first rotor having at least one first shear surface, a second rotor 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, magnetorheological (MR) fluid 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, and coil(s) actuatable to deliver a magnetic field through the MR fluid such that each said magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is actuatable to selectively transmit actuation by controlled slippage of the rotors with respect to one another.

Abstract: A telepresence controller is provided for interaction with a remote telepresence session to control haptic interactions between an end effector and the remote telepresence session. Force sensor(s) monitor force(s) applied to an end effector. Position sensor(s) monitor a position of the end effector. The telepresence controller communicates with the remote telepresence session to exchange position data and force data indicative of concurrent haptic movements of the end effector and an object in the remote telepresence session. Magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus(es) have an input adapted to be connected to a power source and configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) therefrom, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus(es) having an output being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA to the end effector by controlled slippage.

Abstract: A system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device.

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 system for assisting a user in moving a device relative to a structure comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid actuator unit including at least one torque source and at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the at least one torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of assistance force via an output thereof. An interface is configured for coupling the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to the device or surrounding structure. At least one sensor provides information about a movement of the device.

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 control system is provided for controlling movements of an end effector connected to a clutch output of at least one magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus. A clutch driver is configured to drive the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus between a controlled slippage mode, in which slippage between a clutch input and the clutch output of the MR fluid clutch apparatus varies, and a lock mode, in which said slippage between the clutch input and the clutch output is maintained below a given threshold, the clutch output transmitting movement to the end effector. A motor driver is configured to control a motor output of at least one motor, the motor output coupled to the clutch input. A mode selector module is configured to receive signals representative of at least one movement parameter of the end effector, the mode selector module selecting a mode between the controlled slippage mode and the lock mode of the clutch driver based on the signals, and switching the selected mode based on the signals.

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: A braking control apparatus comprises at least one torque source. At least one magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatus having an input coupled to the at least one torque source to receive torque from the torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque via an output thereof. A modulation interface couples the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to a braking power transmission of a brake system. At least one sensor provides information indicative of a braking state of the load. A processing unit receives the information indicative of the braking state of the load and for outputting a signal to control the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting a desired force on the braking power transmission to assist in braking the load. A method for assisting a manually-actuated braking of a vehicle is also provided.

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.