Abstract: An electro-rheological controlled shock absorber for use on motor vehicles is disclosed. The shock absorber employs a fluid filled cylinder, a piston member traveling in the cylinder, and an electro-rheological valve controlling the passage of fluid through the cylinder. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electro-rheological valve is placed in a by-pass passage to control the flow of fluid therethrough. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electro-rheological valve is placed in the piston to control the flow of fluid. The present invention is well adapted for use with all forms of shock absorbers.

Abstract: A general electro-rheological valve is disclosed used in controlling the flow of fluids in a variety of applications. The valve comprises an inlet in communication with a fluid source, an outlet for transporting the fluid out of said valve, and an oscillating valve member for opening and closing off said inlet. The valve member has a cavity containing an electro-rheological fluid, a perforated electrode member emersed in the electro-rheological fluid within the cavity, and means for electrifying the perforated electrode member such that the electro-rheological fluid within the electrode solidifies, thereby locking the position of the valve member relative to the electrode. In this manner, the valve member, which oscillates with respect to the perforated electrode member, can be frozen in an open, closed, or intermediate position with respect to the inlet. The valve member thereby controls the level of fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: An electro-rheological valve controller. The invention comprises a generally cylindrical casing holding an electro-rheological fluid; a reciprocating tappet attached at one end of the cylindrical casing, said tappet contacting cam means for thrusting said tappet into said casing toward a reciprocating valve lift member; a plunger member coupled to said tappet, said plunger being perforated to permit the flow of electro-rheological fluid therethrough; a reciprocating valve lift member situated within said casing and separated from said perforated plunger member by a biasing spring and said electro-rheological fluid, said lift member communicating with a valve to be lifted; and electrode means coupled to said perforated member for generating an electric field within said perforated member such that said electro-rheological fluid within said perforated member solidifies, whereby said plunger applies a compressive fluid force against said reciprocating lift member thereby lifting said valve to be lifted.

Abstract: A fuel injector controlled by electro-rheological valving is disclosed. The present invention comprises a cylindrical casing having a compression chamber for holding a metered quantity of fuel and a nozzle for injecting said fuel into an engine; a fuel inlet for supplying a metered quantity of fuel to said compression chamber; an outlet coupled to said compression chamber for permitting fuel to exit said chamber to be recirculated back to said inlet; reciprocating plunger means for driving compression fluid into said nozzle and outlet; and electro-rheological valve means for controlling the flow of fuel through said outlet whereby the amount of fuel injected into said nozzle is precisely metered.

Abstract: An electro-rheological shock absorber. The invention comprises a generally cylindrical inner casing holding an electro-rheological fluid; a reciprocating arm means attached at one end of the cylindrical casing; a dampening plunger member coupled to said arm and extending into said electro-rheological fluid, said dampening plunger being perforated to permit the flow of electro-rheological fluid therethrough; and electrode means coupled to said perforated member for generating an electric field within said perforated member such that said electro-rheological fluid within said perforated member solidifies, whereby said plunger applies a compressive fluid force against said fluid so as to provide a dampening force. In an alternative embodiment, the unique electrode configuration of the present invention are utilized in a shock absorber having a by-pass conduit.

Abstract: An electro-rheological valve controller. The invention comprises a generally cylindrical casing holding an electro-rheological fluid; a reciprocating tappet attached at one end of the cylindrical casing, said tappet contacting cam means for thrusting said tappet into said casing toward a reciprocating valve lift member; a plunger member coupled to said tappet, said plunger being perforated to permit the flow of electro-rheological fluid therethrough; a reciprocating valve lift member situated within said casing and separated from said perforated plunger member by a biasing spring and said elecro-rheological fluid, said lift member communicating with a valve to be lifted; and electrode means coupled to said perforated member for generating an elecric field within said perforated member such that said electro-rheological fluid within said perforated member solidifies, whereby said plunger applies a compressive fluid force against said reciprocatring lift member thereby lifting said valve to be lifted.