Abstract: The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode).

Abstract: In one general aspect, a shaftless external propulsion system as described herein provides a sleeve configured to be externally mounted over a hull of a marine vehicle. In addition, the shaftless propulsion system provides a rotor and a first stator mounted on the sleeve. The rotor includes a rotor hub that cooperates with a rotor bearing to enable the rotor to rotate about the sleeve, the rotor further comprising rotor blades attached to the rotor hub. The rotor and the first stator are disposed between a collar located at a first end of the sleeve and a collar hub located at an opposite end of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode).

Abstract: The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode).

Abstract: A dual energy dependent electroviscous fluid which becomes electroviscous upon the application of both electric potential and a second form of energy such as light or pressure. Dual energy dependent fluids support a dipole sufficient for the fluids to become significantly electroviscous only upon exposure of the aggregate to the second form of energy simultaneous with the electric potential.

Abstract: The invention features utilization of a single electrical power supply for ntermittently electrifying one or more regions of an electrosettable compositional entity during the cure of that entity, thereby controllably altering one or more physical characteristics of each electrified region. A constant voltage-and-current power output is applied to each region; the amount of electric power which is applied to a region during an electrification period varies in accordance with the time duration of that period. The practitioner time-schedules the inventive intermittence in terms of duration, number, frequency and sequence of the regional electrification periods.

Abstract: A process for fabrication of composite articles using electroset materials. Conductive substrates are formed defining the shape of the product to be formed. Electroset material is placed between the substrates and the substrates energized by high voltage. Fluid between the conductive portions of the substrates is under the Winslow effect whereas fluid between nonconductive portions of the substrate is not so affected. The fluid between conductive portions is retained by the Winslow effect and cured.

Abstract: The present invention comprises improved electroset materials and processes. Electroset materials with electrically programmable electric and mechanical properties comprise electrically polarizable particles immersed within the suspended within castable dielectric fluids. The polarizable particles may comprise ions or, alternatively, electrically conductive or semiconductive particles.

Abstract: An improved electroviscous fluid formulated with discrete fluids of diverse densities, characterized in that settling of aggregate in functional apparatus is diminished. Aggregate particles having a density between the density of two fluids migrate to the boundary layer of the fluids when the fluids are at rest. By appropriately selecting the volume of the fluids in functional apparatus, the electroviscous fluid aggregate is placed in position for more immediate response when the apparatus is activated by electrical energy.

Abstract: A process for subjecting an electroset material to an evacuated environment rior to electrosetting results in a material with anisotropic density programmability. Articles can be fabricated with an anisotropic void distribution therein.

Abstract: Electrorheological solids are compositions which undergo phase change from olid phase to fluid or gel phase when activated by electric field. Objects comprising electrorheological solid compositions can be electrically repaired by electrically inducing solid to fluid phase change. Furthermore, while in fluid phase, the object shape can be altered to render a new object.

Abstract: A phase changing composition for making articles that can be influenced as o shape and cure time by the application of an electric field. Also disclosed are apparatus and processes for using the material. The composition is characterized in that under the influence of an electrostatic field, the cure time of the composition is significantly shorter.

Abstract: The present invention comprises electrorheological fluids and processes. lying an electric field to an electrorheological fluid composition electrically controls chemical reactions therein. The chemical reactions may comprise those wherein the acidity of the composition is changed. Other chemical reactions may comprise those wherein the phase of the composition is changed.

Abstract: A sound absorbing muffler constuction is provided. The muffler includes a s conduit having an unobstructed gas flow path and a plurality of perforations passing through its walls along a portion thereof. A sound attenuator body encases the perforated portion of the gas conduit such that a sound absorbing space is formed between the outer wall of the gas conduit and the inner wall of the sound attenuator body. A plurality of parabolically shaped baffles are located in the sound absorbing space. Each baffle is radically disposed and axially extended along the direction of the gas flow. The baffles direction the propagation of acoustic energy entering the sound absorbing space such that the energy traverses a substantially longer path than if no baffles were present. Thus, the acoustic energy is subject to a greater amount of possible attenuation within the sound absorbing space.

Abstract: An acoustic energy absorbing baffle comprising a fluid containment means having an acoustic window means, a viscous fluid contained within said fluid containment, a porous material comprising strands of wire and being immersed within said viscous fluid means, a compliant mass means and means for holding said compliant mass means in close proximity of said porous material means such that the motion of said compliant mass means is imparted to said porous material. Incident acoustical energy is transmitted through the acoustic window and translated into energy absorbing motion of the porous material by acoustical excitation of the compliant mass means.

Abstract: Apparatus are described for converting thermal energy into electrical energy wherein the electrical energy conversion is accomplished by the use of materials having thermally dependent magnetic susceptibilities. In some embodiments one of the electrodes of the apparatus may be an electrode of an electrochemical storage cell.

Abstract: A rechargable electrochemical cell has a negative electrode; a positive electrode spaced therefrom; an electrolyte solution in which portions of said negative and said positive electrodes are immersed; a flexible housing means whereby said electrodes and electrolyte solution are housed; a means whereby said flexible housing may be crimped or bent such that said crimping or bending restricts or prevents altogether the free flow of electrolytic ions from said negative electrode to said positive electrode or from said positive electrode to said negative electrode; a third electrode means on one side of the portion of said flexible housing which may be bent or crimped but spaced therefrom, said third electrode means being spaced proximate to but electrically insulated from said electrolyte solution; and a fourth electrode means on the side of the bendable portion of said flexible housing which is opposite that side occupied by said third electrode means, said fourth electrode means being spaced proximate to but e

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell device provides fluctuating voltage and current to a load to be driven. A plurality of the electrochemical storage cell devices may, when initially charged up, be used to provide alternating current and alternating voltage to a load to be driven. The alternating current and voltage are produced by the selective control of ion passage within the electrochemical storage cell.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus for use as a capacitor, solar cell, switching device, wave-shaper and the like. The apparatus comprises a first electrode, a first dielectric positioned proximate one side of the first electrode, a second electrode positioned proximate the first dielectric, a second dielectric positioned proximate one side of the second electrode, a third electrode positioned proximate the second dielectric and generally facing said one side of the second electrode, a third dielectric positioned proximate the non-facing side of the third electrode, a fourth electrode positioned proximate the third dielectric, means for connecting the first and fourth electrodes to a control circuit whereby an electrical potential is established between the first and fourth electrodes, and means for connecting the second and third electrodes to an external circuit whereby upon operation of the external circuit the second and third electrodes are connected in circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for directly converting solar energy into electrical energy for utilization in driving any desired load. The apparatus comprises an electron emitting means, a collecting means, a first electrode means positioned proximate the emitting means and spaced therefrom and positioned on the opposite side of the emitting means from the collecting means, a second electrode means positioned proximate the collecting means and spaced therefrom and positioned on one side of the collecting means away from the emitting means, control means for selectively charging and discharging the first and second electrode means, and means for electrically connecting the emitting means and collecting means in circuit with the load to be driven.