Electro-rheological transducer
AssigneeNational Research Development Corporation
InventorJames E. Stangroom
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A transducer with which mechanical rotary motion can be interconverted with the flow of an electro-rheological fluid. Two, electrically conductive, movable, conveying surfaces are partly disposed in parallel confrontation thereby defining a fluid transfer path. A fluid transfer port is located at each end of the fluid transfer path through which electro-rheological fluid can enter and leave the transducer. The conveying surfaces are electrically connected to a voltage source and movable by means of a rotor to which they are connected. On application of a voltage difference between the conveying surfaces the electro-rheological fluid gells after which rotation of the rotor will urge the fluid along the transfer path and vice-versa.
Claims5
A transducer for use with an electro-rheological fluid characterised in that there is included--
- at least two electrically conductive, movable conveying surfaces mutually disposed, in part, in parallel confrontation and defining therebetween a fluid transfer path;
- a rotor connected to move with at least one of the conveying surfaces;
- two fluid transfer ports each in fluid communication with a respective end of the fluid transfer path;
- and
- an electrical connection means whereby control voltages are applicable to each of the two conveying surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.