Abstract: A shock sensor, comprising: a housing, wherein the housing is cylindrical, wherein the housing comprises: a first end; a second end; a central bore that traverses a length of the housing; and an internal cavity; a coil, wherein the coil is disposed about the central bore; at least two magnets, wherein the at least two magnets are disposed about the central bore; a spring, wherein the spring is a compression spring, wherein the spring is disposed within the housing, wherein the spring comprises a first end and a second end; and a metallic member, wherein the metallic member is disposed at the second end of the spring.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting position and/or movement in space and/or for detecting fluid-properties comprising at least one transmitter and at least one receiver which are enclosed by a fluid, characterized in that the at least one transmitter generates cyclic fluid density fluctuations and the at least one receiver detects the change in transit time and/or the phase shift and/or the frequency change and/or the amplitude change.

Abstract: A method of measuring acceleration includes suspending an inertial body using a magnetic fluid; generating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid; modulating the magnetic field to counteract a change in position of the inertial body relative to sources of the magnetic field due to acceleration; and calculating the acceleration based on the modulation. The calculating step derives the acceleration based on an amount of current through drive coils required for the modulation. The acceleration includes linear acceleration and/or angular acceleration. The drive coils include permanent magnets, electromagnets, or a combination of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. Sensing coils can be used for detecting the displacement of the inertial body. Each sensing coil can be positioned substantially within a corresponding drive coil. The inertial body can be non-magnetic, weakly magnetic, or have a ferromagnetic coating.

Abstract: A location tracking device utilizing an acceleration sensor is described. The acceleration sensor includes an inertial body in magnetic fluid that is contained in a closed volume vessel. The tracking device may be used for tracking objects, people, animals, and the like. The tracking device may be utilized as a back-up system to a GPS system such that when signal from a GPS receiver are unavailable, the location tracking device may provide positional information about the location of the object.

Abstract: A housing for a magnetofluidic sensor where the sensor has a plurality of drive magnet assemblies, magnetic fluid and an inertial body. The housing has a plurality of ports for securing respective drive magnet assemblies, such that a portion of each drive magnet assembly is positioned within the housing proximate the magnetic fluid. Each drive magnet assembly includes a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field within the magnetic fluid for acting upon the inertial body. Each drive magnet assembly also includes a sensing element for sensing movement of the inertial body within the magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A computer input device and method used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field sources are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer. Changes in Q-factors and inductance of electromagnetic coils aligned on the X, Y, and Z-axis of the sensor are used to compute linear and angular acceleration components of any movement involving the sensor which permits three-dimensional coordinates to be provided in real-time.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling handling characteristics of a tire. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a tire having controllable handling characteristics.

Abstract: A ferrofluidic electromagnetic power supply firmly attached to an agitating object, such as the interior of a vehicular tire generates electric current in an electrical coil deposited between and firmly attached to an hermetically sealed housing made of non-magnetic material partially filled with ferrofluid and a permanent magnet axially polarized. The ferrofluid and the permanent magnet form a magnetic circuit extending from the ferrofluid through the coil to the permanent magnet and back to the ferrofluid. Agitation of the power supply will cause dislocation of the magnetized ferrofluid within the sealed housing causing induction in the electrical coil.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A velocity sensor is disclosed comprising a housing, a ferromagnetic fluid which substantially fills the housing, and a magnetic proof mass suspended in the ferromagnetic fluid. The magnetic proof mass has a cylindrical center portion and end portions which taper from the central portion to the poles of the proof mass.

Abstract: A sensor for measurement of yawing motion, pitching or rolling motion, particularly as suited for use in motor vehicle control systems, contains an annular hollow object (1, 2, 4) in which a magnetic fluid (MF) is located. The magnetic fluid is set into rotation by an electromagnetic field and serves as the rotating mass of the sensor. The measuring signal is obtained by measuring the forces (F) acting on the rotating mass or by generating compensation fields.