Abstract: A controllable hydraulic bearing for damping vibrations in a defined frequency band is proposed, which includes an elastomeric body (1), two chambers which are filled with a magneto-rheological fluid and connected with one another by at least one channel (2), with the chambers having at least partially flexible chamber walls, wherein the buckling spring rate of the chamber walls represents a measure for a pressure change due to the volume displacement between the chambers, and at least one electromagnet which generates a magnetic field in the region of the channel (2). According to the invention, the magnetic field in the region of the channel (2) is an inhomogeneous magnetic field.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: detecting “starter ON” by IG-SW signal (step S12); calculating an moving average value TCRKAVE of crank pulse intervals (steps S13-S17); determining engine starting when the TCRKAVE is less than or equal to a threshold value Tth (step S19); and controlling a vibration isolating support unit M based on a natural vibration frequency of the engine when engine starting is determined (steps S20-S22).

Abstract: In an embodiment, and by way of example only, a vibration isolator is used for coupling between a payload and a base and includes a rod, a magnetic damper, a first spring, and a second spring. The magnetic damper includes a movable section and stationary section. The movable section comprises a conductive material and has an opening through which the rod extends. The stationary section includes a magnet disposed around and spaced apart from the movable section and is coupled to the base. The first spring couples the movable section to the rod. The second spring is coupled to the rod and stationary section. In another embodiment, the vibration isolator also includes a voice coil actuation system.

Abstract: A fluid filled type vibration damping device includes a first mounting member, a second mounting member, a main rubber elastic body, a flexible film, a partition member, a valve, a coil, a control-signals-generating circuit and a power amplifier circuit. The valve enables to switch the second orifice passage between an open state and a closed state. The second orifice passage communicates the pressure-receiving chamber and the equilibrium chamber with each other. The switch of the valve is performed by an electromagnetic force occurring by an electrical connection of the coil. Furthermore the control-signals-generating circuit is formed and disposed separately from the coil. The control-signals-generating circuit produces state switching control signals of the valve.

Abstract: A controllable hydraulic vibration-damping support comprising two strength members interconnected by an elastomer body defining a working hydraulic chamber, an auxiliary hydraulic chamber communicating with the working chamber via a constricted passageway, a pneumatic chamber separated from the auxiliary chamber by a moving wall, an electrically controlled vent device for establishing a connection to the air, which device can be actuated electrically in order to put the pneumatic chamber into communication with the atmosphere, and a check valve allowing air to flow only out from the pneumatic chamber towards the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fixture is isolated from the transmission of vibration emanating from a vibration source by a damper containing magneto-rheological (“MR”) fluid and a plunger mechanically coupling the damper and the fixture. The isolation apparatus is mechanically coupled to the vibration source. The viscosity of the MR fluid contained in the damper is controlled by a magnetic field produced by the vibration of an isolation system responsive to the vibration of the vibration source. The resonant frequency of the isolation system is adjusted to approximate that of the fixture.

Abstract: A system for use in for example the production of semiconductors comprises a chamber (10) having a sealed inner space (11), such as a vacuum chamber. A heavy mass (14), such as a table, is arranged within the vacuum chamber and is supported or carried by one or more vibration dampers or isolators (15). Each vibration isolator comprises a hollow or tubular member (18) having an open inner end portion, which extends into the sealed space of the chamber (10). A support structure (21) is arranged at the inner end of the hollow member for supporting the mass or table (14). The opposite ends of a bellows (24) are sealingly connected to the hollow member (18) and the support structure (21), respectively, so as to seal the inner space (26) of the hollow member (18) from the inner space (11) of the chamber (10).

Abstract: In a variable damper using magneto-rheological fluid that comprises a cylinder (12) filled with the fluid, a piston (16) slidably received in the cylinder and including an inner yoke (32; 62; 126), an outer yoke (31; 64, 65; 140) and a coil (34; 130), a piston rod (13) having an inner end attached to the piston and an outer end extending out of the cylinder and a magnetic valve formed in a gap between the inner and outer yokes, at least one of the outer yoke and inner yoke consisting of at least two parts that are joined to each other in an axial direction. The two piece arrangement of the inner yoke or outer yoke allows the end plates to be omitted because the gap spacer can be installed without requiring end plates, and this contributes to a compact design and a favorable damping property. Also, the manufacturing and servicing of the damper can be simplified. When end plates (134) are used, the freedom in the positioning of the coil is increased.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating a mass from vibration including an actuator 34 operably connected to the mass 32, the actuator 34 being responsive to a combined control signal 46; a position sensor 36 operably connected to measure position of the mass 32, the position sensor 36 generating a position signal 38; a comparator 51 responsive to the position signal 38 and a position setpoint signal 58 to generate a position error signal 50; and a combination controller 40 responsive to the position error signal 50 to generate the combined control signal 46; wherein the combination controller 40 adjusts the combined control signal 46 to change system characteristics when the position error signal 50 is outside an operating range.

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electric device comprises: a power supply for supplying electric power to an electric device; switch portion connected between the power supply and the electric device for controlling the electric power supplied to the electric device; an LC filter disposed between the switch portion and the electric device; and current detection portion for detecting an electric current supplied to the electric device.

Abstract: A dampening element for a vibration damper and a vibration damper. The dampening element comprises a body part having flow openings, a dampening part arranged to abut against the body part, the dampening part having openings aligning with the flow openings of the body part. In addition, a cover part is arranged against the dampening part, the cover part being movable in relation to the dampening part for changing the cross-sectional flow area of the openings of the dampening part.

Abstract: A fluid filled type engine mount wherein a partition member is furnished with a valve housing zone and a valve body composed of ferromagnetic material is housed displaceably within the valve housing zone. An urging member is provided for urging the valve body towards a displacing end situated towards an equilibrium chamber. A valve member includes a coil disposed about the valve body in the partition member and energizing the coil to urge the valve body towards a pressure receiving chamber in opposition to urging force in order to place a second orifice passage in a cutoff state through by the urging force of the urging member, and in a communicating state through energization of the coil to separate contacting portions of the valve body and a wall of the valve housing zone.

Abstract: A fluid filled type engine mount that includes a movable film that is disposed in a partition member so that a second orifice passage connects a pressure receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber via the movable film. It also includes a valve member that is composed of: a valve body formed of ferromagnetic material; an urging member for exerting urging force on the valve body so that the second orifice passage is placed in a cutoff state by the valve body when the urging member is in an initial state; and a coil disposed in an interior of the partition member. The coil is energized to generate a magnetic field by which the valve body is displaced in order to place the second orifice passage in a communicating state.

Abstract: A hydraulically damping bush bearing is provided with hydraulic area formed from at least two chamber pairs, wherein each chamber pair is formed from at least two separate chambers, which are connected to one another via at least one damping channel. The hydraulically damping bearing with damping in both the axial direction and the radial direction is further improved to the effect that damping or stiffness that can be switched off or on depending on the operating state is also made possible. The hydraulically damping bush bearing (1) chambers (19, 20; 22, 23) of the chamber pairs (21, 24) can be connected via a closable chamber wall opening (40).

Abstract: In an active vibration isolation support system, an actuator case is constituted by a resin member and holds an outer peripheral portion of an actuator in an upper housing and a lower housing which accommodate therein an elastic body, first and second liquid chambers, a movable member, and the actuator. The plastic actuator case is easily broken by an impact applied thereto upon collision, thereby easily breaking the upper housing apart from the lower housing. Therefore, an engine can move with respect to a vehicle body frame, thereby securing a clash stroke. Also, as compared with the case where the actuator case is constituted by an iron-based member, weight of the active vibration isolation support system is reduced.

Abstract: A device for measuring the spring compression position of a motor vehicle, with a number of axle components (3) and a chassis (2) includes spring elements (1) arranged between the axle components (3) and the chassis (2), as well as with at least one magnet array (7) and at least one magnetic field sensor (8). The magnetic field sensor (8) is displaced in relation to the magnet array (7) in the case of a change in the spring compression position of the motor vehicle. The magnet array (7) or the magnetic field sensor (8) is arranged at a point of the spring element (1) that moves in case of a change in the spring compression position in relation to both the chassis (2) and in relation to the axle component (3).

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an embedded position sensor and an embedded speed sensor.

Abstract: A fluid-filled type vibration-damping device having an elastic rubber film partially defining a primary fluid chamber at one surface and partially defining a pressure action chamber. The pressure action chamber varies its pressure under control so that the elastic rubber film changes its elasticity to change damping characteristics of the device. To give sufficient recovery force for the elastic rubber film, the elastic rubber film includes a plurality of thick reinforcing ribs circumferentially spaced apart from one another and extending in a radial direction from an outside peripheral edge over a length not reaching a center so that areas situated between pairs of adjacent reinforcing ribs constitutes thin portions formed by a thin rubber elastic body, while the center portion of the elastic rubber film situated between distal ends constitutes a bowed center portion thinner than the reinforcing ribs and convex towards the pressure action chamber.

Abstract: A damping method for a hybrid vehicle in which a power unit consisting of an engine and a motor is supported in a vehicle body frame via an active vibration isolation support system includes: a step of firstly damping vibration of the power unit by the active vibration isolation support system; and a subsequent step of controlling operation of the motor to damp vibration that has not been eliminated by the active vibration isolation support system. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the damping effect from being degraded by interference between the damping control by the active vibration isolation support system and the damping control by the motor, and to reduce the total power consumption by preferentially operating the active vibration isolation support system which has low power consumption, and secondarily operating the motor which has high power consumption.

Abstract: A measuring unit is removably connected to a sample analyzer. The measuring unit includes a first member having a first channel through which a sample is allowed to pass, a second member having a second channel through which the sample is allowed to pass, and a partition member having a through-hole through which the sample is allowed to pass from the first channel to the second channel. The partition member includes a base having the through-hole and a projecting portion which projects from the base around the through-hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly bearing with hydraulic damping, especially for supporting engines and/or gearboxes in motor vehicles. Said bearing comprises a working chamber (10) and a compensation chamber (20) which respectively have partially elastically deformable walls (30, 40) and are separated by a dividing wall (50), but interconnected by means of a damping channel (60) through which a fluid is guided, in addition to another passage opening (14) which can be variably adjusted from outside. According to the invention, a decoupling device for insulating high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations is provided in the dividing wall (50), the other passage opening (14) being arranged upstream or downstream of said decoupling device.

Abstract: An active vibration damper including: an electric-type linear actuator having a stator, a movable member; a coil arranged in one of the stator and the movable member; a mounting member to which the stator is fixed; a mass member incorporating the movable member; an elastic connecting rubber connecting the mass member to the stator, and being disposed such that the linear actuator is disposed on one side thereof so that the mass member is oscillated by means of driving force applied to the movable member of the linear actuator; a cover member firmly fixed to the mounting member for providing a hermetic accommodation space having a first air chamber and a second air chamber formed on both sides of the elastic connecting rubber; and an air channel through which the first and the second air chambers are communicated.

Abstract: An actuator of an active engine vibration isolation support system is driven based on the first, second, third . . . duty groups calculated corresponding to the vibration periods t1, t2, t3 . . . of the engine. When the engine rotational speed varies in the increasing direction and the vibration periods t1, t2, t3 . . . become gradually shorter, parts of the first, second, third . . . duty groups overlap each other, and therefore an electrical current which is supplied to the actuator does not become 0 at the end of the duty groups, leading to a possibility that a peak value of the electrical current gradually increases so that not only the active vibration isolation support system cannot exhibit an effective vibration isolation function, but also the actuator generates heat. Therefore, for example, when the overlapping amount of the first and the second duty groups exceeds a threshold value, a duty ratio of the second duty group is made 0 to stop application of the electrical current to the actuator.

Abstract: A vibration damping apparatus actively damping vibration of a vibration source by adding vibration to the vibration source includes a vibrational state detecting means and a vibrator including a magnetic pole, a coil, and a controlling means, and the vibrator adds vibration to the vibration source by controlling a current-supplied state of the coil to vibrate the coil and the magnetic pole relatively, wherein the controlling means selectively switches a vibration generating mode and a regenerative mode based on the vibrational state of the vibration source, the vibration is added to the vibration source to damp the vibration of the vibration source in the vibration generating mode, and regenerative current is caused by an electro motive force generated at the coil by the vibration of the vibration source to flow into a regenerative resistor in the regenerative mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support bearing (10) with a damping channel linking a working chamber (11) and a compensation chamber (12), said damping channel being provided with a damping channel orifice (14) that can be opened and closed with a plug (15). Until now, high pressing forces were required to keep the damping channel orifice (14) closed with the plug (15) at peak pressures. The object of the invention is to reduce markedly the pressing forces with which the plug (15) must be pressed against the damping channel orifice (14) at peak pressures. In the support bearing (10) of the invention, the plug (15) can be pressed against the damping channel orifice (14) from the direction of the working chamber (11).

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having: a stator and a movable member disposed in a central hole of a coil member of the stator movable in an axial direction; a coupling rod fixed to the movable member; and an elastic stopper having a ring shaped sealing unit at its outer periphery part, a first stopper unit at its center part, a coupling unit that mutually couples the sealing unit and the first stopper unit, and second stopper units located radially between the sealing unit and the first stopper unit at respective circumferential positions. The sealing unit is compressed between the bottom wall of a housing and a lid member to form a sealing mechanism that fluid-tightly close an opening of an adjustment hole. The first stopper unit axially faces the coupling rod bottom with a first separation distance, and the second stopper units axially face the movable member bottom with a second separation distance greater than the first.

Abstract: An active damping apparatus for damping vibration due to driving of a stage and/or counter-mass mounted on an isolation table in an exposure device for the manufacture of semiconductor devices has a setting unit for selecting the stage and/or the counter-mass to drive and setting a control mode according to what is to be driven. The apparatus further has a control input switch that sets up a control loop for inputting control target values for driving the stage and/or the counter-mass to an isolation table controller so as to offset the drive reaction torque generated by the movement of the stage and/or counter-mass.

Abstract: A fluid-filled active damping apparatus having a pressure receiving chamber partially defined by a rubber elastic body connecting a first and second mounting member; an oscillation plate defining a part of the pressure receiving chamber, and supported in a displaceable fashion; an electromagnetic actuator disposed on one side of the oscillation plate remote from the pressure receiving chamber, with its output member connected to the oscillation plate; an equilibrium chamber partially defined by a flexible diaphragm; and an orifice passage connecting the pressure receiving chamber and equilibrium chamber. A rigid annular guide member is disposed about the oscillation plate with a slight gap therebetween, such that these members are mutually displaceable in the axial direction. The guide member is elastically supported by and connected to the second mounting member via an elastic support member.

Abstract: A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolation system for mounting equipment to a base wall uses a semi-active damper in parallel with a spring arrangement to provide optimum isolation with respect to both shock and vibration. The system comprises a load plate configured for attachment of the equipment thereto and a base plate configured for attachment to the base wall. The base plate is substantially parallel to the load plate. The system further comprises a spring arrangement disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The spring arrangement engages the load plate and the base plate to bias the load plate and the base plate in a separated relationship. A semi-active damper is also disposed intermediate the load plate and the base plate. The a semi-active damper is adapted for providing a selectively variable reaction force to the load plate and the base plate responsive to a relative displacement of the load plate with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: An active vibration isolation support system, supplies current to a coil of an actuator according to the vibrational state of an engine, so that the actuator moves out and back a movable member to which an elastic body is connected. The elastic body is then deformed to change the capacity of a liquid chamber, thereby exerting vibration isolation function. Even if the pressure in a sealed internal space of an actuator case is changed due to the moving out and back of the movable member, the current is variably supplied to the coil of the actuator according to such a change in the pressure of the internal space, thereby controlling the thrust of the movable member so as to be constant. Therefore, the movable member is appropriately driven without receiving the influence of the change of the pressure in the sealed internal space of the actuator case, thereby exerting full performance of the active vibration isolation support system.

Abstract: A fluid-filled active damping apparatus having a pressure receiving chamber divided by a partition member into a primary fluid chamber and an auxiliary fluid chamber. The partition member houses a movable plate extending entirely across between opposing faces of upper and lower through holes of the partition member. Elastic projections of the movable plate from its outer peripheral portion are held sandwiched between upper and lower divider plates of the partition member, so that the movable plate is exposed to the primary fluid chamber through the upper through hole and to the auxiliary fluid chamber through the lower through hole. A connecting gap is formed between the upper and lower divider plates and the peripheral portion of the movable plate where the elastic projections have not been formed, to connect the primary and the auxiliary fluid chambers through the through holes and the connecting gap.

Abstract: A fluid filled active vibration damping device wherein a first and a second mounting member are coupled by a rubber elastic body, thereby forming a pressure receiving chamber defined at one part by the rubber elastic body, with a non-compressible fluid sealed therein, and at another part by an excitation plate capable of displacement. An electromagnetic actuating assembly are disposed on the pressure receiving chamber side with the excitation plate therebetween. The excitation plate is oscillated by application of electronical current to a coil member in the electromagnetic actuating assembly. The output member projects out towards the excitation plate from the electromagnetic actuating assembly, and a permanent magnet is disposed in the output member and/or the excitation plate in order to couple the output member and the excitation plate through magnetic force.

Abstract: A vibration damping actuator including: a cup-shaped housing; an output member disposed spaced apart from an opening end of the housing; a guide rod disposed on the output member and positioned inserted into a guide hole; a coil member provided to one of the housing and the output member; an armature disposed on an other of the housing and the output member, the armature being adapted to exert actuating force on the output member; an annular fixing member arranged about the output member; a support rubber plate disposed between the annular fixing member and the output member; and a positioning projection formed at an inside peripheral edge of the fixing member by projecting the inside peripheral edge of the fixing member in cylindrical configuration in an axial direction towards an inside of the housing. The positioning projection is disposed at a location situated inward by a predetermined distance from the opening of the housing for positioning the fixing member relative to the housing.

Abstract: A magnetorheological-fluid hydraulic mount includes a hydraulic-mount partition plate assembly, a hydraulic-mount decoupler, an electric coil, and a flexible membrane assembly. The partition plate assembly has first and second sides, has a non-magnetorheological-fluid first orifice, and has a magnetorheological-fluid second orifice. The first orifice has a first terminus positioned at the first side and a second terminus positioned at the second side. The second orifice has a first end positioned at the first side and has a second end positioned at the second side. The hydraulic-mount decoupler is operatively connected to the first orifice. The electric coil is disposed to magnetically influence the second orifice.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological (MR) damper including a piston guided in a cylinder that is filled with a magneto-rheological fluid, its work volume being formed oblique relative to the piston axis between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: An active type vibration isolating support system includes: an elastic body for elastically supporting a vibratory body; a liquid chamber to be defined by the elastic body; a movable member for changing capacity of the liquid chamber; and an actuator for driving the movable member. The actuator has: a fixed core; a movable core coupled to the movable member for being arranged opposite to the fixed core via an air gap; and a coil for generating an electromagnetic attracting force between the fixed and movable cores. The movable member and the movable core are coupled together through coupling units capable of adjusting the air gap. Thus, without preparing several types of coupling members, it is possible to obtain a desired vibration isolating characteristic by freely adjusting the air gap between the fixed core and the movable core.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount is provided having a body with first and second fluid chambers and a decoupler subassembly interposed between to partially define the first and second fluid chambers. The decoupler subassembly comprises first and second flexible decoupler members operatively sealed together to form a third fluid chamber. The first and second chambers may be substantially filled with a magneto-rheological fluid. The third chamber may be filled with a standard hydraulic fluid, like glycol.

Abstract: A hydraulic vibration-damping support comprising two strength members interconnected by an elastomer body that defines a hydraulic working chamber filled with liquid, which chamber communicates via two passageways with two hydraulic chambers surrounding each other and defined by two juxtaposed pouches formed in a common flexible wall. One of the pouches is surrounded by a pneumatic chamber that can be subjected to suction, and one of the constricted passageways is defined by a tube that projects into said pouch.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount having first and second fluid tracks, and a decoupler functioning as an air spring with two remotely selectable settings. The settings allow tailoring of the air spring characteristics to provide mount damping for differing engine operating states, such as engine idle. A solenoid is used to select a smaller or larger air volume to control the characteristics of the air spring and, in turn, the dynamic response of the hydraulic mount. An integral controller provides switched operation of the solenoid and compensates for variations in temperature and input voltage, as well as minimizing electrical noise generated by the solenoid when it is energized.

Abstract: A fluid filled engine mount including: a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber connected via a first orifice passage tuned to excite resonance of fluid flowing therethrough to engine shakes; a partition rubber plate partially defining a pressure receiving chamber and tuned to perform absorption of a fluid pressure fluctuation in the pressure-receiving chamber to booming noises; an oscillating chamber connected to the pressure receiving chamber via a second orifice passage tuned to excite resonance of the fluid flowing therethrough to idling vibrations; an oscillating rubber elastic plate having an expansion spring smaller than that of the partition rubber plate and defining the oscillating chamber; a working air chamber applied with air pressure fluctuation with a frequency corresponding to the idling vibration during idling, and to make the working air chamber atmospheric pressure during running.

Abstract: In an actuator drive control device for an active vibration isolation support system, accumulated time of eight time intervals tn of crank pulses which are outputted at every 15 degrees of a crank angle in a vibration period corresponding to 120 degrees of the crank angle, and average accumulated time shown by a straight line connecting a start point and an end point of the line of the accumulated time are calculated. Eight deviations ?tn are calculated by subtracting the average accumulated time from the accumulated time. A variation waveform of the deviations ?tn corresponds to a variation waveform of the time interval tn of the crank pulses attributable only to the engine vibration with the influence of a variation in the engine rotational speed Ne being eliminated.

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the drive of an actuator of an active vibration isolation support system is provided in which one cycle of the actuator moving a movable member out and back is divided into a plurality of micro time regions, a voltage applied to the actuator is duty-controlled in each micro time region, and the duty ratio in at least the last micro time region is set to 0%. As a result, the current passing through the actuator can be made 0 in the final stage of the out and back movement cycle before the movable member moves back to the original position. This can minimize the current passing when the movable member moves back to its original position at the end of the cycle, thus suppressing the needless generation of heat in a coil of the actuator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the electrical resistance of the coil which would otherwise hinder the achievement of a required value of current, and to prevent thermal damage to equipment surrounding the coil.

Abstract: In a controllable damping force shock absorber, a piston member connected to a piston rod is disposed in a cylinder in which a magnetic fluid is contained. A disc valve having an extension-stroke pressure-receiving portion and a compression-stroke pressure-receiving portion is provided in the piston member, and a pilot chamber is formed on a rear side of the disc valve. A coil is provided adjacent to passages communicated with the pilot chamber. By energizing the coil, a magnetic field that acts on the magnetic fluid flowing through the passages is generated, changing the viscosity of the magnetic fluid to control a damping force. A valve-opening pressure of the disc valve is controlled according to the pressure in the pilot chamber, such a way that the magnetic fluid exposed to the magnetic field can flow at a low flow rate, thus achieving low power consumption.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a fixed core supported by a bottom wall of a housing, a movable core arranged opposite to the fixed core via an air gap to drive the movable member, and coil assembly supported by the housing to surround both the cores, wherein the movable member and the movable core are connected by connecting means for adjusting the air gap between the fixed core and the movable core, and wherein an adjustment operating hole through which the connecting means is adjusted is provided on the fixed core so as to be opened outside the bottom wall of the housing. Thus, it is possible to freely adjust the air gap between the fixed core and the movable core without preparing several types of connecting members.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a compact and lightweight hybrid pneumatic-magnetic isolator-actuator capable of large force, substantial stroke and bandwidth actuation with near frictionless operation and vibration isolation with very low break frequency. Pneumatic and magnetic forces are applied to a single carriage comprised primarily of a coaxially arranged air piston and coil. The carriage is driven relative to a frame or housing including an internally mounted cylindrical piston sleeve and magnetic actuator body. A combination of air bearings and air bearing piston construction provide for frictionless motion of the carriage relative to the frame. The pneumatic piston provides the actuation force for both static loads and low frequency dynamic loads. An integrally mounted sensor and control unit determine the pressure error resulting at the pneumatic piston.

Abstract: Controlled oscillating damper, comprising: a housing (12) provided with a cavity (14), an oscillating element (18) moving sealingly within the cavity (14), in which the housing (12) and the oscillating element (18) have respective walls defining at least one chamber (44) filled with magneto-rheological or electro-rheological damping fluid, and at least one electrically controlled excitation device (46) equipped with at least one fluid passage (52) which a fluid flow gets through during the motion of the oscillating element (18). The excitation device (46) is stationary with respect to the housing (12) and is arranged so as to divide the damping chamber (44) into two sections of variable volume (44a, 44b) communicating one with the other through the passage (52).

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a compact and lightweight hybrid pneumatic-magnetic isolator-actuator capable of large force, substantial stroke and bandwidth actuation with near frictionless operation and vibration isolation with very low break frequency. Pneumatic and magnetic forces are applied to a single carriage comprised primarily of a coaxially arranged air piston and coil. The carriage is driven relative to a frame or housing including an internally mounted cylindrical piston sleeve and magnetic actuator body. A combination of air bearings and air bearing piston construction provide for frictionless motion of the carriage relative to the frame. The pneumatic piston provides the actuation force for both static loads and low frequency dynamic loads. An integrally mounted sensor and control unit determine the pressure error resulting at the pneumatic piston.