Abstract: A head unit system for controlling motion of an object includes an environment sensor and a head unit device that include shear thickening fluid (STF) and a chamber configured to contain the STF. The chamber further includes front and back channels. The head unit device further includes a piston housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment and separating the back channel and the front channel. The piston includes a first piston bypass and a second piston bypasses to control flow of the STF between opposite sides of the piston. The chamber further includes a set of fluid flow sensors and a set of fluid manipulation emitters to control the flow of the STF to cause selection of one of a variety of shear rates for the STF within the chamber to abate an external factor of concern associated with an external environment as sensed by the environment sensor.

Abstract: A highly-efficient new-energy vibration controller integrating passive, semi-active and active control, including a multi-cavity beam, a battery assembly, a wound magnetic device, a damping piezoelectric device and an inertia mass assembly. The wound magnetic device includes a connecting rod, an electromagnetic wire wound on a bottom end of the connecting rod and a magnetic box arranged at a bottom of the inertia mass assembly. A top end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to a bottom of the multi-cavity beam. The bottom end of the connecting rod passes through a center through hole of the inertia mass assembly and arranged in the magnetic box. The magnetic box is provided with a magnetic field. The damping piezoelectric device is sleevedly arranged on an outer wall of the connecting rod. The damping piezoelectric device and the wound magnetic device are both electrically connected to the battery assembly.

Abstract: A mount bush includes: an inner tubular member; an outer tubular member arranged coaxially with the inner tubular member and surrounding an outer periphery of the inner tubular member with a clearance; and an elastic member connecting the inner tubular member with the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member includes: an inner yoke having a coil therein; and an outer yoke coaxially coupled with the inner yoke at a radially outer position than the coil, and the elastic member has a first and second fluid chambers, facing each other across an axis of the inner tubular member and having magnetic fluid encapsulated therein, whose viscosity varies by a magnetic field, wherein the outer yoke has a communication passage communicating the first fluid chamber with the second fluid chamber, and is provided with a permanent magnet to generate a magnetic field in the communication passage.

Abstract: A voltage converter of a high voltage driver generates a high voltage applied to an electrorheological damper. The voltage converter and the electrorheological damper are electrically connected together through a connecting portion. The connecting portion comprises an electrode pin that connects the voltage converter and an electrode cylinder of the electrorheological damper; a ground pin that connects an external cylinder of the electrorheological damper and ground, and a ground detection pin disposed separately from the ground pin and connected to the ground through the external cylinder and the ground pin. When the ground detection pin and the ground are disconnected, the voltage converter discontinues the voltage generation with or without a command (control signal) of a sub-controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint mechanism (100), a method for controlling the joint mechanism (100), a multi-arm device (200) including the joint mechanism (100), and a robot. The joint mechanism (100) comprises: a base (4) having a pivot shaft (41); a swinging arm (1) having a first end (11) mounted on the pivot shall (41); a first driving member (2) and a second driving member (3) mounted on the pivot shall (41) for interacting with the swinging arm (1) through magnetorheological fluid; and a first electromagnetic component (22) and a second electromagnetic component (32), configured to change phase state of the magnetorheological fluid. The first driving member (2) and the second driving member (3) can selectively drive tire swinging arm (1) to rotate along a first direction or a second direction.

Abstract: A foldable display apparatus includes a display area for image display. The foldable display apparatus includes a foldable display panel including a bendable portion in the display area; a first chamber and a second chamber in the display area and connected with each other, an orthographic projection of the first chamber on the foldable display panel at least partially covers the bondable portion; and a variable stiffness material in at least the first chamber thereby providing support for the bendable portion of the foldable display panel in an unfolded configuration, and being at least partially transferred to the second chamber thereby reducing stress in the bondable portion in the foldable display panel in a folded configuration.

Abstract: Inerters with friction disk assemblies, and aircraft hydraulic systems and aircraft including the same. An inerter comprises an inerter housing containing an inerter fluid, a threaded shaft extending within the inerter housing and fixed relative to the first terminal, and an inerter rod extending at least partially within the inerter housing and fixed relative to the second terminal. The inerter further includes a friction disk assembly that, together with the inerter fluid, is configured to damp a motion of the second terminal relative to the first terminal. The friction disk assembly includes a fixed portion and a rotating portion, and is configured such that rotation of the rotating portion generates a frictional torque that opposes the rotation of the rotating portion. In some examples, the inerter is a component of a hydraulic actuator, an aircraft hydraulic system including the hydraulic actuator, and/or an aircraft including the aircraft hydraulic system.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a device, comprises: A) a base plate provided comprising a plurality of motors; B) a displaceable mounting plate provided with: i) a plurality of bearing assemblies; ii) one or more sensors for measuring the orientation of said mounting plate; and iii) mounting elements for mounting instruments on said mounting plate; C) a plurality of actuators interconnecting between said mounting plate and said base plate, each actuator comprising; a) a shoulder section pivotally coupled to one of said motors of the base plate; b) an arm section coupled to one of said bearing assemblies of said mounting plate; and c) a mediating bearing assembly connecting between said shoulder and arm sections; and D) a processing unit adapted to receive readings from said sensors, to determine a required state of each arm, and to instruct one or more of said motors to rotate.

Abstract: At least one touch sensitive zone detects user touch on or near a display. The touch sensitive zone triggers one or more electrical brake components that control friction of axial rotation about one or more display arm pivot points. At least one display arm pivot point is non-pivotally attached to at least one arm brake component, and at least one axial brake component is held such that it will not rotate about the axial movement of the display arm. At least one of the brake components will require electrical power to activate. At least one electric circuit is used to control power to the brake component. When the brake component is de-energized the display arm can pivot with reduced torsional resistance. When the brake component is energized it creates friction, thus adding torsional resistance to the display arm pivot point.

Abstract: A panel assembly is formed by a plurality of bonds between two sheet materials in a face to face relationship to form a preform. The plurality of bonds define a closed perimeter region between the two sheet materials and an open perimeter region between the two sheet materials. The preform may be formed into a predefined shape. Pressurized fluid is applied through an inlet into the open perimeter region to expand the preform. The pressurized fluid expands the open perimeter region such that the two sheet materials expand in an opposing direction, thereby defining an expanded open perimeter region. The closed perimeter region between the two sheet materials remains vacant of the pressurized fluid such that the closed perimeter region is not expanded. The expanded open perimeter region is filled with a filler material for improving a performance characteristic of the panel assembly, e.g., strength, sound absorption, or stiffness.

Abstract: Controlled energy absorption of seats for impact is described herein. One disclosed example method includes determining a weight of an occupant of a seat of an aircraft, and calculating, using a processor, a stroke load of a seat energy absorber operatively coupled to the seat based on the weight of the occupant. The example method also includes setting the seat energy absorber to the calculated stroke load.

Abstract: A game system includes: a controller; a vibration actuator configured to vibrate with a specified intensity; a player character control unit configured to move a player character within a virtual space on the basis of operation onto the controller; and a vibration control unit configured to determine a contact between the player character and an uninvadable obstacle object, and configured to cause the vibration actuator to vibrate with an intensity corresponding to a traveling direction of the player character with respect to the obstacle object in a case where the operation onto the controller is operation of directing the player character toward the obstacle object. The vibration control unit includes a vibration intensity calculation unit configured to calculate the intensity of vibration and a vibration data generator configured to generate vibration data on the basis of the calculated intensity of vibration.

Abstract: A haptic interface including: a button that can be rotated by a user; an interaction element for interaction with a magneto-rheological fluid, secured to the button; a mechanism for measuring a current position of the button; a brake including a magneto-rheological fluid and a system for generating a magnetic field in the fluid; a rotary electric motor including a shaft secured in rotation to the button; a control unit generating orders for the magnetic field generating system and for the motor; and a mechanism detecting the user's intention for action on the button, the control unit controlling generation of a magnetic field and/or the motor based on the information obtained on the detection mechanism.

Abstract: A control signal is corrected according to the time-varying change of the detection value of a rotational angle, detected in a rotational angle sensor, of a manipulation member so that correction torque that makes the apparent inertia moment of the manipulation member different from intrinsic inertia moment is added to control torque. When the apparent inertia moment of the manipulation member is made different from intrinsic inertia moment, this apparent inertia moment can be made to adapt to the appearance of the texture of the manipulation member. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently reduce inconsistency in manipulation feeling due to the difference between the appearance of the texture of the manipulation member and a load felt in an actual manipulation.

Abstract: A bionic robot and a spine apparatus thereof. Magnetorheological fluids are filled in the cavity, the first tube and the second tube to actuate the first end of the piston rod, so that the piston rod is actuated to move along the axial direction of the cavity. The excitation coil is wound around the first tube. When the controller provides a variable current for the excitation coil, the excitation coil produces a variable magnetic field at the first tube, thereby causing a magnetorheological effect that the magnetorheological fluid is in low liquidity and high viscosity. Then, the transmission speed of the piston rod is changed, which is presented as a damping characteristic, reducing the pause and transition in the spine apparatus, and improving the flexibility and the bionic performance of the robot.

Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle having a wheel that is subject to an external force includes an actuator having an output structure that is connected to the wheel, an energy storage device having a compressible chamber, a valve assembly that is operable to control flow of a working fluid between the actuator and the energy storage device, and a controller that determines whether to permit or resist motion of the output structure in response to the external force. The controller permits motion of the output structure by allowing fluid to flow from the actuator to the energy storage device using the valve assembly, thereby compressing the compressible chamber. The controller resists motion of the output structure by allowing fluid to flow from the energy storage device to the actuator using the valve assembly, thereby expanding the compressible chamber.

Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a housing, a shifter member, a movement restrictor, sensors and a positioning device. The housing has a chamber with magnetorheological fluid and an electromagnetic coil to selectively generate a plurality of levels of magnetic field densities through the magnetorheological fluid. The shifter member moves between at least a park position, a reverse position and a drive position. The movement restrictor is disposed within the chamber of the housing for movement between a first section of the chamber and a second section of the chamber. The magnetorheological fluid provides levels of movement resistance to the movement restrictor. The sensors are positioned to detect changes in position of the shifter member. The positioning device is configured to selectively position the shifter member to any of the park position, the reverse position and the drive position in response to electronic signals received by the positioning device.

Abstract: A wind turbine power generating system, including a wind turbine connected to a speed-increasing gearbox having an output shaft. An electrical generator having an input shaft is also provided. A coupling interconnects the input and output shafts. The coupling includes a high torsional wind-up and/or displacement ability in parallel with a high frictional slip ability, such that during normal operation there is little or no frictional slippage and during a transient torque reversal the loads in the turbine drive system are decreased, thus decreasing the impact loads on the gearbox bearings.

Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a housing, a shaft, a shifter member, a movement restrictor, sensors and a positioning device. The housing a chamber with magnetorheological fluid disposed therein and an electromagnetic coil that selectively generates a magnetic field through the magnetorheological fluid. The shaft is supported within the housing. The shifter member is coupled to the shaft and pivots with the shaft between at least a park position, a reverse position and a drive position. The movement restrictor is within the chamber of the and restrict movement of the shifter member in response to changes in viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid. The sensors are fixed within the housing and detect changes in position of the shifter member. The positioning device is connected to the shaft and/or the shifter member and positions the shifter member to any of the above positions in response to electronic signals received by a controller.

Abstract: A wearable haptic-enabled user interface device comprising a plurality of magnetic elements and at least one electromagnet that are configured to generate a haptic effect at the user interface device by being disposed to generate at least one of an attractive force and a repelling force on each other when the at least one electromagnet is activated. The wearable haptic-enabled user interface device further comprises a processor configured to activate the at least one electromagnet in response to a determination to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: A system for haptic feedback for steering system controls includes a touch sensor input detection module and an actuator haptic response driver module. The touch sensor input detection module acquires a touch sensor input from one or more touch sensors of a steering system and identifies a touch gesture type of the touch sensor input. The actuator haptic response driver module determines a desired haptic feedback associated with the touch gesture type and controls a steering system actuator to produce a haptic response based on the desired haptic feedback.

Abstract: A variable stiffness film, a variable stiffness flexible display, and a manufacturing method thereof may include a lower electrode, a variable fluid, and an upper electrode. A polymer layer may be formed on the lower electrode, and a variable fluid receiving portion is patterned on the polymer layer. A variable stiffness layer is formed by putting a variable fluid in the variable fluid receiving portion. The upper electrode is formed on the variable fluid layer.

Abstract: A performance-variable bushing includes an inner support element and an outer support element. An elastomeric connecting element extends between and operatively connect the inner and outer support elements such that a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween. The elastomeric connecting element can be at least partially formed from one of an electrorheological elastomeric material and a magnetorheological elastomeric material. The performance-variable bushing includes a variation-inducing element operatively associated with the elastomeric connecting element and selectively operable to vary values of one or more physical properties of the elastomeric connecting element. The elastomeric connecting element is configured for use under a pre-load force from pressurized gas within a spring chamber of an associated gas spring and damper assembly. Gas spring and damper assemblies and suspension systems are also included.

Abstract: A vibration dampening mount assembly includes a housing, resilient material, a sleeve and a restricting structure. The resilient material is fixedly attached to an interior surface of the housing and defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The sleeve is disposed within the housing and is centrally attached to the resilient material. The restricting structure between the first chamber and the second chamber includes a first portion attached to the housing and a second portion attached to the sleeve. In response to movement of the sleeve relative to the housing, the second portion of the restricting structure moves relative to the first portion. The first portion and the second portion of the restricting structure define a fluid passageway therebetween. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway changes in response to movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: Cold engine mounts are known to be stiffer than desirable causing vibration from the engine to be more easily transmitted to the engine frame and cabin occupants. A system and method whereby the engine mounts are preheated before engine start is disclosed. In a prior art disclosure, the onboard battery pack is used to preheat. As cold start is the most demanding battery condition, it may be unwise to draw battery current. PHEVs are commonly coupled to an external electrical power supply for overnight charging. If such external power source is available, an indication of imminent engine start can allow engine mount preheat. Such preheat not only prevents much of the engine's vibration to be transmitted to the engine compartment, it also allows operation of fuel economy saving modes such as variable displacement when some of the engine's cylinders are turned off, a condition which exacerbates engine vibration.

Abstract: Microscale and nanoscale tubular structures are provided including rheological fluids in their interior volume and including at least one electroactive component. Multiple tubular structures are provided, including simple hollow tube structures; core/shell structures, wherein the tube includes a tubular outer shell with a core extending axially therein; concentric tube or coaxial tube structures, wherein the tube includes a tubular outer shell and one or more concentric tubes extending axially therein; and core/concentric tube structures, wherein concentric tubes further include a core extending axially therein, thus having a core and two or more tubes surrounding the core. The tubular structures are formed by electrospinning and special spinnerets are provided. The tubular structures form fabrics for beneficial uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a damper. The damper comprises a fluid chamber having a piston dividing the chamber into a compression and rebound sides, a reservoir in fluid communication with the compression side of the chamber, and an isolator disposed between the compression side and the reservoir, whereby the isolator obstructs fluid flow between the compression side and the reservoir. In one embodiment, a bypass provides a fluid path between the compression side and the isolator.

Abstract: A vibration damper for damping spring retraction and extension forces on vehicles includes an inner pressure medium cylinder, in which a piston with a piston rod is axially slidably arranged to divide the inner cylinder into a retraction chamber and an extension chamber in which an electrorheological fluid is contained as a pressure medium. The two chambers are connected through at least one throttle gap between the inner cylinder and an electrode tube arranged coaxially thereto. The electrode tube is surrounded coaxially by an outer tube which forms a gas pressure chamber connected with the retraction chamber through a bottom valve. Axially linear or helical seals are arranged between the inner cylinder and the electrode tube, and divide the throttle gap into at least two valve partial gaps. A throttled non-return valve opens toward the gas pressure chamber between the extension chamber and the gas pressure chamber.

Abstract: A spring-damper system for use in bearings or as a damper, in particular as a spring-damper system in active engine bearings includes a coupling device which can be coupled to a load and to a supporting device at a bearing or damping point, in order to mount the load in such a way that it can vibrate on the supporting device. The coupling device is designed to transmit a load input generated by the load substantially without loss to a spring-damper device and to absorb a reaction thereto by the spring-damper device and to feed said reaction back to the load, in order to counteract the load input in a vibration-damping fashion. In this context, the spring-damper device can be arranged and/or is arranged spatially separate from the bearing or damping point.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to a clutch system for use in controllably transmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. The clutch system has a torque transmission fluid that has a viscosity that changes based on the strength of an electromagnetic field passing through the fluid. A number of sensors are placed at different radial locations on the torque transmission disks to detect the strength of the electromagnetic field. Based on the strength of the electromagnetic field, the amount of torque being transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft can be adjusted. Also disclosed is a distributed actuation architecture that uses this clutch system. The distributed actuation architecture allows for the use of a single drive motor in conjunction with multiple instances of the clutch system to actuate a mechanical linkage, such as a robotic arm.

Abstract: A micro-nano fluid damper includes a sleeve, a piston assembly and a micro-nano fluid. The sleeve has an accommodating space. The piston assembly has a piston head and at least one piston rod. The piston assembly is movably disposed in the accommodating space. The piston rod extends out of the sleeve from a side of the piston head. The micro-nano fluid is filled between the sleeve and the piston assembly, and the micro-nano fluid flows in the accommodating space by the back-and-forth movement of the piston. When a shear strain rate of the micro-nano fluid is greater than 1s?1, an exponent of velocity of the micro-nano fluid damper is less than 1, and the micro-nano fluid has a shear thinning threshold and a shear thickening threshold.

Abstract: A user input activation method comprising operating in a deactivated mode in which a controller refrains from accepting input from a user input device, detecting a first presence condition at a first predetermined location, and detecting a second presence condition at a second predetermined location. The method further comprises changing, when the first presence condition and the second presence condition simultaneously exist, from operating in the deactivated mode to operating in an activated mode in which input from the user input device is accepted by the controller, and refraining from changing while the first presence condition and the second presence condition fail to simultaneously exist, and remaining in the activated mode while the first presence condition continues to exist.

Abstract: A shock damper is disclosed. The shock damper may have a variable shear control apparatus through which a shear-thickening fluid may flow. In this manner, the shock damper may compress at different rates for different applied impulse forces, in response to the changing viscosity of the shear-thickening fluid.

Abstract: A tie bar assembly includes front and rear units each including inner inserts interconnected with outer inserts with webs of elastomeric material. A pole sub-assembly is disposed between the units. The pole sub-assembly and the units define front and rear fluid chambers containing a magneto-rheological fluid. Fluid orifices are disposed through the pole sub-assembly for flow of the magneto-rheological fluid between fluid chambers. An electromagnet coil generates an electromagnetic field to affect viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid. A connecting rod connects inner inserts and is slidably disposed through the pole sub-assembly for causing movement of the magneto-rheological fluid between fluid chambers. A displacement sensor detects movement to generate a signal to the electromagnet coil. Front and rear travel cushions are each disposed on the inner inserts for limiting the movement of the inner inserts toward the pole sub-assembly.

Abstract: A steering damper control apparatus includes an MR damper having an adjustable steering damping force, a suspension pressure sensor that detects a pressure of a front suspension, a command value output unit that determines a damping force command value according to a pressure change rate of the front suspension based on a detection result of the suspension pressure sensor, and a damper driver that causes the MR damper to generate a damping force corresponding to the damping force command value. At a point of time when steering becomes easily shakable, the damping force corresponding to the damping force command value is generated to prevent shaking of the steering beforehand.

Abstract: A direct drive wind turbine has a a rotor and a generator. The rotor includes a hub and a plurality of blades rotatably mounted on a frame. The generator includes a generator rotor and a generator stator. There are one or more dampers arranged between the rotor and the generator rotor and extending at least partially in an axial direction.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing that forms a fluidly sealed cavity for receiving a fluid therein. The fluid is configured to change fluid properties as electrical energy is induced. An electrical subsystem provides electrical energy to the fluid, which is monitored with a control subsystem. The method includes inducing the fluid with electrical energy to change the dampening effects of the damper in real time.

Abstract: Wear bands for heavy duty struts are disclosed. The wear bands include multiple layers such as a base metal layer sandwiched between an outer layer and an intermediate layer along with a solid lubricant layer disposed opposite the intermediate layer from the base metal layer. The outer layer engages an interior surface of the strut housing, which slidably accommodates a rod. The solid lubricant layer, which is the innermost layer, engages an outer surface of the rod so that the wear band is sandwiched between the rod and the housing and provides a solid lubricant layer for engaging the sliding rod.

Abstract: A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on operator input are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so is the stiffness and damping of the controllable mount. Depending on various factors, the operator may want a particular level of feedback. For example, when fine grading, the operator may want to feel every vibration and thus the controllable mounts should be as stiff as possible. The present disclosure therefore provides the operator with the ability to select the desired level of feedback.

Abstract: An actively controlled colloidal damper having controllable damping characteristics. The damper has a cylinder (2); a piston (4) reciprocatably guided and supported by the cylinder (2) and forming a closed space (3) in cooperation with the cylinder (2); a porous body (8) having a large number of fine holes and received in the closed space (3); operation liquid (7) received in the closed space (3) together with the porous body (8), flowing into the fine holes in the porous body (8) when the pressure in the closed space (3) is increased, and flowing out of the fine holes when the pressure in the closed space (3) is decreased, and pressure regulation means, such as a servo value (6) and a pump device (10), for regulating the pressure in the closed space (3).

Abstract: A suspension fork for a bicycle has a tube system with an inner tube and an outer tube that are movable relative to one another. A damper system with a field-sensitive damping fluid is provided within the tube system. The damper device has a damper chamber that is partitioned to form a first chamber and a second chamber by a movable piston attached to a piston rod. A first throttle valve with a first field generating device and a second throttle valve with a second field generating device enable influencing the first and second throttle valves. First and second switching valves are provided. The first and second throttle valves and the first and second switching valves are interconnected such that in the compression stage there is flow only through the first throttle valve while in the rebound stage the first and second throttle valves are connected in series.

Abstract: A damper device for a bicycle suspension fork has a magneto-rheological damping medium. A piston partitions a damper chamber into first and second chambers that are connected via a return duct, an adjustable throttle valve, and a transfer duct. A field-generating device generates a magnetic field in a damping duct of the throttle valve. A one-way circuit is provided for the damping medium, with two one-way valves disposed to cause a same direction of circulation of the damping fluid both when the piston rod plunges into and retracts from the damper chamber. A first one-way valves in the piston allows a flow of the damping medium from the second into the first chamber. A second one-way valve in the transfer duct allows a damping medium flow from the transfer duct into the second chamber. The adjustable throttle valve control the plunge and the retraction of the piston rod.

Abstract: An haptic interface including a knob manipulated by a user, a rotation shaft with a longitudinal axis to which the knob is fixed in rotation, an interaction element with a magneto-rheological fluid in rotation with the shaft, the fluid, a system for generating a magnetic field in the fluid, and a control unit capable of generating orders to the system for generating the magnetic field to modify the magnetic field. The system includes a coil type mechanism generating a variable magnetic field, and a permanent magnet type mechanism generating a permanent magnetic field.

Abstract: A damper includes a housing that forms a fluidly sealed cavity for receiving a fluid therein. The fluid is configured to change fluid properties as electrical energy is induced. An electrical subsystem provides electrical energy to the fluid, which is monitored with a control subsystem. The method includes inducing the fluid with electrical energy to change the dampening effects of the damper in real time.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a bicycle or another, at least partly muscle-powered, vehicle has a damper device with a damper housing in which a first and a second damper chamber are separated from one another via at least one damper piston. A piston rod connected with the damper piston extends from the damper piston through the second damper chamber out of the damper housing. The first damper chamber is in communication with the second damper chamber via a flow duct that leads through the piston rod out of the damper housing toward at least one throttling device. The flow duct, at the throttling device, has a damping duct provided with a field-sensitive rheological fluid which, by way of a field generating device disposed at the throttling device, can be exposed to a field of a predetermined strength to influence the pass-through flow of the field-sensitive rheological fluid through the throttling device.

Abstract: An apparatus of a damper (46) for a bicycle comprising a housing defining a chamber, and a piston, movable in the chamber along a first direction. The apparatus further comprises a controllable means to vary the resistance to movement of the piston in the chamber, a sensor (62), and a controller (58) including a timer. Said sensor measures at least one dynamic quantity and produces an output signal based thereon. Said output signal is received by the controller, and said controller controls said controllable means based on said dynamic quantity as a function of time to control the level of damping. The invention further provides means for manually adjusting the level of rebound damping.

Abstract: A valve is particularly suited for a movement damping apparatus. The valve has a field-generating device, such as a magnet unit, and a fluid that is subjected to the field, such as a magnetorheological fluid, is pressed through a flow path forming a bottleneck. At the bottleneck the fluid is subject to the field and it changes its flow characteristics in response to the field. The flow path is divided into at least two flow tracks by a partition that forms one or more additional friction surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.

Abstract: A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on machine operation are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so are the damping and stiffness properties of the controllable mount. With other operations such as roading or working on a flat surface, the feedback afforded by the mounts is not as important as operator comfort, in which case the current applied to the coils can be lowered and thus the mount can be made more relaxed. The machine of the present disclosure identifies the machine operation being performed through sensors, predictive algorithms, implement position, and operator input and sets the current and properties of the controllable mounts accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attenuating translational vibration in a steering system. The apparatus can include a housing having a fluid chamber, a recess and a mounting bracket that couples the housing to a hand wheel of the steering system. The fluid chamber can be in communication with the recess. The apparatus can include a mass disposed in the recess of the housing, which can have a fixed stiffness. The apparatus can include a damping fluid disposed in the housing so as to flow between the fluid chamber and the recess. The mass can be movable in the damping fluid, and the damping fluid can have a variable stiffness. The apparatus can further include a control module that determines a translational vibration experienced at the hand wheel and outputs a signal to vary the stiffness of the damping fluid in response to the translational vibration in substantially real-time.