U.S. patents available from 1976 to present.
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Two-way magnetorheological fluid valve assembly and devices utilizing same

Patent 6095486 Issued on August 1, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date: Icon_subject March 5, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Patent References

2661596

2667237

2752149

2820471

2846028

3059915

3174587

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3819060

Kinetic energy absorbing value assembly
Patent #: 3968862
Issued on: 07/13/1976
Inventor: Gorges ,   et al.

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Inventors

Assignee

Application

No. 811896 filed on 03/05/1997

US Classes:

251/129.01, ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED VALVE137/909, MAGNETIC FLUID VALVE188/267Using magnetic flux

Examiners

Primary: Lee, Kevin

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

  • 44 33 056 A1 DE. 03/13/1996
  • 60-113711 JP. 06/13/1985
  • 62-106136 JP. 05/13/1987
  • 2 123 922 GB. 02/13/1984
  • 2 267 947 GB. 12/13/1993
  • WO 94/10693 WO. 05/13/1994
  • WO 94/10692 WO. 05/13/1994
  • WO 94/10694 WO. 05/13/1994
  • WO 98/00653 WO. 01/13/1998

International Classes

F16K 031/02
F16F 009/53

Abstract

A controllable valve assembly (18) applicable in Magnetorheological (MR) fluid devices (20), such as MR mounts and MR dampers. The valve assembly (18) includes a valve body (32) having a magnetic circuit (40) contained therein which carries magnetic flux Φ, a controllable passageway (42) within the magnetic circuit (40), a MR (magnetically controlled) fluid (44) including soft-magnetic particles in a liquid carrier contained in the controllable passageway (42), a magnetic flux generator, such as a wound wire coil (46), generating magnetic flux Φ which is directed through the MR fluid (44) in the controllable passageway (42) thereby generating "rheology" changes causing restriction in flow of MR fluid (44) therethrough. In one aspect, a one-way check valve (34) is operative with a passive passageway (36) which is arranged in parallel relationship to the controllable passageway (42) provides "asymmetric" damping across the controllable valve (18) creating higher pressure differentials in a first direction and a lower in a second direction without "rapidly switching" the current to the coil (46). In another aspect, "asymmetric" damping is provided by a "changeable gap" formed by a moveable wall portion of the controllable passageway (42). In a third aspect, a first controllable passageway provides controllable flow in a first direction and a second controllable passageway provides controllable flow in a second direction, thereby provide "asymmetry." In a fourth aspect, "asymmetry" is provides by a "variable magnetic short" which changes magnetic circuit reluctance dependent on flow direction.

Other References

  • Duclos; "Design of Devices Using Electrorheological Fluids"; Aug. 8-11, 1988; SAE Technical Paper No. 881134
  • Miller, et al.; "The Design and Development of a Semi-Active Suspension for a Military Tank"; Aug. 8-11, 1988; SAE Technical Paper No. 881133, p. 2
  • Kordonsky; "Adaptive Structures Based on Magnetorheological Fluids"; 1992; pp. 13-27
  • Carlson, et al., "Commercial Magneto-Rheological Fluid Devices"; Lord Corporation Brochure No. LL-8001, p.
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