Abstract: A microcapacitor array for providing artificial muscles is described. The microcapacitor array includes a dielectric body with electrode chambers, positive electrodes in positive electrode chambers, the positive electrodes being connected by a first set of channels in the dielectric frame; negative electrodes in negative electrode chambers, the negative electrodes being connected by a second set of channels in the dielectric frame. The first and second set of channels are arranged so that application of a voltage differential between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes generates an attractive force between each set of adjacent positive and negative electrodes.

Abstract: An actuating pillow includes a pillow body and a plurality of artificial muscles arranged within the pillow body. Each of the artificial muscles includes a housing having an electrode region and an adjacent expandable fluid region, an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing, and a dielectric fluid housed within the housing. The plurality of artificial muscles are configured to actuate from a non-actuated state to an actuated state, actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region and increases a height of the pillow body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes membrane compositions and methods for preparing membrane compositions. In particular, the methods employ a layer-by-layer approach to membrane preparation. The membrane compositions provide significantly enhanced membrane performance over existing commercial membranes, particularly in terms of permeability and selectivity.

Abstract: Provided are a lubricating system and a pumping unit including the lubricating system. In addition to the lubricating system, the pumping unit further includes a rack, a transmission wheel located in the rack, and a transmission conveying device cooperated with the transmission wheel. The lubricating system includes an oil pool and a roller lubrication device. A bottom of the transmission wheel is impregnated in the oil pool. The roller lubrication device is in rolling contact with the transmission conveying device. An oil return device is disposed above the oil pool and configured to collect splashing oil driven by the transmission conveying device. After the splashing oil is cleaned twice, the splashing oil flows back into the oil pool.

Abstract: Electrorheological fluid is loaded in a shock absorber (1) as hydraulic fluid (2). The shock absorber (1) controls a generated damping force by causing a potential difference to be generated in an electrode passage (19) and controlling a viscosity of the electrorheological fluid passing through this electrode passage (19). A plurality of partition walls (20) is provided between an inner cylinder (3) and an electrode cylinder (18). By being configured in this manner, the shock absorber (1) forms a plurality of helical flow passages (21) between the inner cylinder (3) and the electrode cylinder (18). In this case, an inclination angle of each of the partition walls (20) is not constant, and each of the partition walls (20) includes a sharply inclined portion (20A) inclined at a large angle on at least an entrance side of an extension-side flow passage (21).

Abstract: An osmotic power generator comprising an active membrane supported in a housing, at least a first chamber portion disposed on a first side of the active membrane for receiving a first electrolyte liquid and a second chamber portion disposed on a second side of the active membrane for receiving a second electrolyte liquid, a generator circuit comprising at least a first electrode electrically coupled to said first chamber, and at least a second electrode electrically coupled to said second chamber, the first and second electrodes configured to be connected together through a generator load receiving electrical power generated by a difference in potential and an ionic current between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water extraction system comprising a flow cell comprising a membrane; said membrane comprising an active layer comprising immobilized aquaporin water channels and a support layer, and said membrane having a feed side and a non-feed side; and an aqueous source solution in fluid communication with the feed side of the membrane.

Abstract: A thrust vector control actuator is provided including a ram first portion, a ram second portion, the ram second portion housed within the ram first portion and defining a damper cavity between the ram first portion and the ram second portion and the ram second portion configured to operably connect to an output link, and a magneto-rheologic fluid located within the damper cavity, the magneto-rheologic fluid configured to rigidly connect the ram first portion and the ram second portion in a first state, the magneto-rheologic fluid being solid in the first state, and a second state wherein the ram second portion is moveable relative to the ram first portion and the magneto-rheologic fluid is at least partially liquefied.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a filter that is modified by a polymer-carbon based nanomaterial nanocomposite intended to significantly enhance the performance of filtration, separation, and remediation of a broad variety of chemicals, heavy metal ions, organic matters, and living organisms. Polymeric materials, such as but not limited to poly-N-vinyl carbazole (PVK), are combined with (1) graphene (G) and/or graphene-like materials based nanomaterials and (2) graphene oxide (GO) chemically modified with a chelating agent such as but not limited to EDTA. The nanocomposite is homogenously deposited on the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: In a chemical liquid supplying apparatus 10a for discharging chemical liquid by expanding and contracting a pump chamber 16 which communicates with a chemical liquid inlet 21 and a chemical liquid outlet 22, the apparatus has a cylinder 12 in which a piston 31 is accommodated and reciprocally movable in an axial direction. A bellows 35 which is elastically deformable in the axial direction is mounted to a cylinder hole 30 between the tip of a connection rod 34 and the cylinder 12. On the inside of the bellows 35, an expanding/contracting chamber 37 is formed as a compartment between the connection rod 34 and the bellows 35, a pressure chamber 38 which communicates with the expanding/contracting chamber 37 is provided on the tip side of the piston 31, and an incompressible indirect medium 39 is enclosed in the expanding/contracting chamber 37 and the pressure chamber 38.

Abstract: A balanced actuating device includes a supporting frame having a support for a load, a guide guiding the support along a drive direction, and a drive moving the support along the guide for a predetermined stroke between a first and a second end position. The drive includes a cylindrical jacket enclosing a first working chamber and housing a drive cylinder exerting a drive force on the support, a compensation cylinder placed externally to the drive cylinder and exerting thereon a compensation force sufficient to balance the external load, and a first supply station of the first chamber (8) with a pressurized fluid exerting one of the forces. The first supply station includes a reservoir containing two different fluids immiscible with each other, a first fluid being supplied into the first working chamber, a second fluid transmitting to the drive cylinder, through the first fluid, the compensation force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to volume and/or shape memory systems for which the volume and/or shape can be adjusted by controlling one or more variables such as applied voltage and temperature. In one embodiment, the volume and/or shape memory systems of the present invention are controlled and/or adjusted by way of a temperature mechanism. In another embodiment, the volume and/or shape memory systems of the present invention are controlled and/or adjusted by way of a voltage mechanism. In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a device that contains, in part, a smart volume and/or shape memory material that exhibits high energy densities, and can provide large displacements over broad temperature and/or voltage ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microactuator using growth and destruction of bubbles including a first chamber provided with a heating plate installed at an exterior of a bottom surface of the first chamber to generate heat, and filled with a first liquid working fluid such that bubbles are caused, by heat, to grow at an interface of a cavity on an inner surface of the first chamber to be heated, a second chamber provided with a heating plate installed at an exterior of a bottom surface of the second chamber to generate heat, and filled with a second liquid working fluid such that bubbles are caused, by heat, to grow at an interface of a cavity on an inner surface of the second chamber to be heated, a connection path to connect the first chamber and the second chamber to each other, the connection path being provided therein with a moving member adapted to isolate the first and second chambers from each other and to move when internal pressure changes according to growth and destruction of the bubbles, a first subline to con

Abstract: In a torque converter for performing torque transmission by circulating a working fluid between a pump impeller and a turbine runner, the working fluid is a magnetic viscous fluid; and in a torque converter housing, outside a circulation path of the working fluid, a yoke member connected to the pump impeller and provided with a coil and a magnetic member connected to the turbine runner are concentrically arranged with a predetermined space therebetween; and a magnetic circuit is established between the yoke member and the magnetic member upon energization of the coil.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a power train comprising a plurality of cells, each cell forming a hydraulic loop; producing a power train cycle comprising a controlled concentration-pressure loop wherein the concentration field: (a) osmotically induces a continuous and constant flow rate of substantially salt-free permeate flux throughout the power train; (b) maintains a salt concentration difference across the semipermeable membrane shared by the adjacent cells in the plurality of cells; (c) defines a salt concentration ratio within each cell that ensures a net positive power generation; and, (d) discharges the concentrated brine at the opposing end cell; and operating the power train under conditions effective to generate net positive power at an efficiency of 35% or more.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air and liquid heat exchange is improved via control of the system operation and/or the properties of the heat-exchange liquid.

Abstract: An actuator cell includes a supply chamber containing fluid, and an expansion chamber for receiving fluid from the supply chamber, and being expandable to deform a predetermined area of the actuator cell. The actuator cell further includes a channel providing a fluid flow passage between the supply and expansion chambers, and a compliant material substantially surrounding the supply chamber, the expansion chamber and/or the channel. An electric circuit applies an electric field adjacent the supply and expansion chambers, and thereby causes fluid flow from the supply to the expansion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of aquaporin containing membranes in the production of salinity power. The membranes are preferably lipid bilayers incorporating reconstituted aquaporin channels, e.g. entrapped between porous support materials, or alternatively enclosing a highly hydrophobic porous support material. Also disclosed is a salinity power plant.

Abstract: A system for producing energy includes a solvent chamber, a pressure chamber and a semi-permeable barrier separating the solvent chamber from the pressure chamber. The solvent chamber for holds a solvent, and the pressure chamber hold a solute solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent. The semi-permeable barrier is permeable to solvent molecules and impermeable to solute molecules. Solvent molecules effuse across the semi-permeable barrier into the solute solution of the closed pressure chamber to increase the pressure of the pressure chamber, thereby generating energy in the form of hydrostatic pressure. A conversion device may convert the increased pressure in the pressure chamber to energy. The solute solution may be expelled and recycled after use.

Abstract: The metallurgical powder composition suspensions of the present invention include a magnetic powder having an outer oxide layer suspended in a carrier fluid. Magnetic powders include iron-based powders, such as for example, powders of iron pre-alloyed with other elements. Alloying materials include columbium, silicon, calcium, manganese, magnesium, carbon, boron, aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, chromium, copper, nickel, gold, vanadium, phosphorus, or combinations thereof. Carrier fluids include silicon-based fluids and/or oils, such as hydrocarbon oils. The outer oxide layer includes alloy materials that are reacted/complexed with oxygen. Magnetic powders exhibit low rates of oxidation over a broad temperature range. Articles incorporating metallurgical powder composition suspensions include dampeners having a chamber, a piston that reciprocates in the chamber, and a source of magnetism operatively connected to the chamber.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pump interconnected with a power steering gear and a fluid coupling that operatively connects a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle with the hydraulic pump. The power steering system also includes an electronic controller operable to provide a variable control signal based on received input and a power electronic converter that energizes the fluid coupling in response to the control signal to vary torque transmitted via said fluid coupling.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pump connected to a power steering gear of the vehicle and a fluid coupling interconnecting a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle with the hydraulic pump. The power steering system also includes an electronic controller operable to provide a variable control signal based on received input and an amplifier to receive the variable control signal and energize the fluid coupling in response thereto to vary torque transmitted via the fluid coupling.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a magneto-rheological fluid damper is provided that exhibits good sealing properties at elevated temperatures. The piston assembly comprises a piston rod having an axial bore therethrough, a piston core coupled to a distal end of the piston rod for movement thererwith, an electrical terminal located on the piston core, a conductor, a sealing member and a support member. The conductor is coupled to the terminal to form an electrical connection and passes through the bore in the piston rod. The sealing member is adjacent to the distal end of the piston rod for preventing the penetration of fluid into the bore. The support member is located and sized to block an opening into the bore to prevent the sealing member from being forced through the opening when the piston assembly is subjected to pressure.

Abstract: A high-performance piston core including a first piston cylinder and a second piston cylinder, with a piston center longitudinally disposed between and magnetically coupling the first piston cylinder and the second piston cylinder. The piston center is made of high-performance magnetic material, such as Cobalt steel (CoFe), Silicon steel (SiFe), Vanadium/Cobalt steel (Permendur), alloys thereof, or the like. The high-performance magnetic materials exhibit high magnetic permeability and reduce the magnetic reluctance of flux bottlenecks. In addition, high-performance magnetic materials typically saturate at a higher flux density than the conventional magnetic materials. The first piston cylinder and the second piston cylinder can be made of conventional magnetic material, such as low-carbon steel. The first piston cylinder can include a ring disposed about an end, where the end is longitudinally attached and magnetically coupled to the piston center.

Abstract: A magneto-electrohydraulic power steering system for a vehicle includes a magneto-electrohydraulic power steering pump interconnecting a power steering gear of the vehicle and a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle. The magneto-electrohydraulic power steering system also includes a controller operatively connected to the magneto-electrohydraulic power steering pump to generate a current signal to vary a speed of the magneto-electrohydraulic power steering pump.

Abstract: The use of an electro-sensitive movable fluid, that is, a micromotor, a linear motor, a micropump and a method of using the micropump, a microactuator, and an apparatus which these devices are applied to, and a method and apparatus of controlling flow properties of a fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable adjustment and damping device comprising at least one pressure chamber (4) filled with hydraulic fluid, a fluid container (11), a pump (5) connecting the pressure chamber to the fluid container, a compensating volume (8) and a return line (13) with a passthrough valve (7). An electro-rheological fluid or magneto-rheological fluid is used as a hydraulic fluid (6) which exerts pressure upon a piston (3) that juts out into the pressure chamber or on a membrane (17), the intensity thereof being controlled by the passthrough valve.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump with three coaxial cylindrical components; a high-modulus rod contained within a piezoelectric tube, which in turn is contained within a cylindrical pressure casing, which may the casing of a hydraulic cylinder. The casing is filled with ERF. The piezoelectric tube has a plurality of electrode bands attached to its outer surface and is coated on its interior with an electrically conductive material. The electrodes are voltage-activated to cause certain portions of the tube to expand and others to contract, resulting in peristaltic action. The applied voltage also causes the ERF to form a gel state both inside and outside of the piezoelectric tube.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic device comprises at least one and preferably two vane wheels in a housing cover which are rotatable with respect to one another about an axis of rotation (A) and a work fluid arranged in the housing cover which can be driven to movement by the at least one vane wheel. The work fluid is electrically conductive and a magnetic device is provided for generating a magnetic field in the area of the work fluid circulation. Further, a electric device is provided for generating an electric current flow through the work fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-operated linear actuator in which the working liquid is Electro-Rheological (ER) fluid in which there is a single flow path between an inlet and an outlet of an associated pump in which there are two or more pistons and fluid chambers delineated by these pistons, which fluid chambers are connected in series by stationary ER valves distinct from the pistons such that the pressure as determined by each of the ER valves is applied to one or more of the chamber(s), wherein one or both of the ER valves are divided into two or more sections in order to minimize the length, and maximize the cross-sectional area, of the inactive connecting passages.

Abstract: An adjustable valve including a passageway, a field responsive fluid within the passageway, and flow adjustment of the fluid through the passageway. In another aspect, the valve is in a vibration damper. In yet another aspect, the damper includes a body, a piston, first and second chambers, a damping valve, a piston rod, an auxiliary chamber, a passageway interconnecting to the auxiliary chamber, a field responsive fluid, a field responsive fluid valve for controlling flow to the auxiliary chamber, and pressurization means. Preferably included is a cavity partition having field responsive fluid disposed on one side and non-field responsive fluid disposed on the other. This allows a reduction of MR fluid allowing use of lighter-weight, less-expensive, hydraulic fluids for flow through the piston's damping valve. In another aspect, the damper includes mechanical adjustment device for manually adjusting a damping level.

Abstract: An adjustable magneto-rheological fluid device includes a movable piston adjacent a first chamber containing a first hydraulic fluid for moving the piston. The first hydraulic fluid interacts with a flexible magneto-rheological compartment containing a magneto-rheological fluid that flows between a first magneto-rheological fluid chamber and a second magneto-rheological fluid chamber. By controlling the flow of the magneto-rheological fluid, the device controls the first hydraulic fluid in the first chamber to bias the piston in a first direction. Additionally, the magneto-rheological fluid device may include a second chamber, containing a second hydraulic fluid, spaced apart from the first chamber on the opposite side of the piston. The second hydraulic fluid interacts with the flexible magneto-rheological compartment allowing the device to control the second hydraulic fluid to bias the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A suck back valve is equipped with a displacement speed regulating device made up of an ER (Electro-rheological) fluid filled in a chamber and whose viscosity changes in correspondence with the size of an external electric field, a coil member which generates the external electric field in response to an applied voltage, and a constriction which regulates a flow amount of the ER fluid between an upper-side chamber and a lower-side chamber of the chamber.

Abstract: A device is described for generating operating states characterized by dirences in height in actuators arranged in a matrix. In order to enable operating states which are characterized by differences in height to be produced in mechanical actuators in close matrix-type arrangement which are controllable selectively and independently from one another in a simple manner in a suitable device a reservoir filled with electroviscous liquid has an over-pressure chamber and a negative-pressure chamber and these chambers are connected via separate control ducts with hydraulic cylinders of the actuators, the connection to the two chambers of the reservoir being opened or blocked alternatively by the two control ducts of an actuator via a first electrode and a second electrode and a controllable center electrode common to both. The pressure variation formed in this way changes the vertical adjustment of a mechanical pin via an elastomer diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure generation and responsive mechanism is provided wherein several blade members bodily movable with a first member is received within a space formed in a second member. The second member provides a first flat end surface in friction engagement with the blade members, and an actuation piston, by itself or in cooperation with the second member, provides a second flat end surface in friction engagement with the other ends of the blade members. Silicon oil is filled within several space sections defined by the first and second flat end surfaces and the blade members. When the first member is moved relative to the second member, the blade members compulsorily displaces the silicon oil within the several space sections against friction resistance with the first and second flat end surfaces. Thus, a pressure is generated within each of the several space sections to actuate the actuation piston.

Abstract: Electrically controlled combined valve/cylinder apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a cylindrical body and spaced first and second end walls closing the body. A cylinder is positioned inside the body and a piston is positioned inside the cylinder for reciprocal movement. A control ram connected to the piston extends through an aperture in the first end wall so that the piston is movable between a first position adjacent the first end wall in which the ram is extended and a second postion in which the piston is located adjacent the second end wall so that the ram is retracted. The apparatus further includes a cylindrical control sleeve positioned between and spaced from both the body and the cylinder. An inlet port tube is provided for supplying an electro-rheological fluid to the body while an outlet port tube is provided for discharging the fluid from the body.

Abstract: Liquid in a closed tank is forced and displaced out the bottom thereof by compressed air and gravity. The liquid flows to a riser and to the top of a penstock where it falls freely to a turbine in an airtight housing. The fallen liquid is displaced by trapped air pressure into a second tank which is being evacuated of air. When the second tank is full of liquid, valves reverse the air pressure between the two tanks and the operation continues. The turbine may be used to directly power various types of machinery or to produce electricity by driving a generator.

Abstract: Liquid is continuously endowed with mechanical energy by continuously osmosing it across an osmotic membrane across which is maintained a substantial pressure difference of osmotic pressures. Continuity is insured by continuously flowing hypotonic liquid against and away from the hypotonic surface of the membrane, continuously flowing hypertonic liquid against and away from the hypertonic surface of the membrane, and continuously flowing permeate essentially limitlessly away from the hypertonic surface. The substantial osmotic pressure difference across the membrane is maintained, in part, by keeping the hypertonic liquid at or near saturation.

Abstract: The hoist drum of a mobile crane employs a controllable kinetics torque converter for transmitting power from a prime mover to the hoist drum. Apparatus and method are provided for controllably varying the density of the working fluid in the torque converter to regulate the capacity thereof and for keeping the variable density working fluid above a predetermined pressure level so as to prevent unwanted cavitation. The apparatus comprises means for supplying to the torque converter a working fluid comprising a mixture of liquid and gas, means for maintaining the fluid above a predetermined pressure level to inhibit cavitation in the working fluid, and means for selectively varying the density of the working fluid to selectively vary the capacity of the torque converter by varying the volumetric proportions between the liquid and the gas.

Abstract: An electro-rheological fluid damped actuator having an actuator housing w a moveable element such as a piston and rod assembly disposed within the housing. The actuator further comprises a hydraulic circuit with an electro-rheological fluid disposed in the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit and rheological fluid provides an active and variable damping force on the moveable element. The damping force is controlled by the output of an electrical circuit which creates an electric field within the hydraulic circuit. The electric field will cause the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid which is exposed to the electric field to increase or decrease in accordance with the magnitude of the electric field. The increase in viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid as it flows through the actuator provides an active damping force on the actuator which allows a more precise control of the output motions of the actuator.