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US 6,308,813 B1Granted
Fluid controlled interlock mechanism and method
AssigneeLord Corporation
InventorJ. David Carlson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interlock mechanism is provided which includes a controllable fluid within a hydraulic link. The controllable fluid, preferably comprising a magnetorheological fluid, is disposed within the interlock mechanism. The viscosity of the fluid can be changed to allow the interlock mechanism to be actuated. A fluid control means, such as a magnet assembly, is used to control the fluid.
Claims25
An interlock mechanism, comprising:
- a first piston at least partially disposed within a first end of a tubular body;
- a second piston at least partially disposed within a second end of the tubular body, wherein the first piston and the second piston define a chamber within the tubular body;
- a valve disposed within the tubular body dividing the chamber into a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion, wherein the valve prevents a field controllable fluid from flowing from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion;
- and
- a bypass channel which provides a path for the field controllable fluid to flow between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion.
2 more elements
An interlock system, comprising:
- a plunger at least partially disposed within one end of a tubular body;
- a first piston axially oriented within the tubular body;
- means for conveying an axially applied force from the plunger to the first piston;
- a second piston axially oriented within the tubular body;
- a valve disposed within the tubular body and defining a first chamber between the first piston and a first end of the valve and a second chamber between the second end of the valve and the second piston, wherein the valve prevents a field controllable fluid from flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber;
- a bypass channel which provides a path for the field controllable fluid to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber, thereby bypassing the valve;
- and,
- a fluid control means in proximity to the bypass channel.
5 more elements
An interlock system comprising:
- a plunger at least partially disposed within one end of a tubular body;
- a first piston axially oriented within the tubular body, the first piston at least partially covered with a porous material coated with a field controllable fluid;
- a compression spring axially oriented within the tubular body, a first end of the compression spring engaging an end of the plunger, a second end of the compression spring engaging a first end of the first piston;
- and,
- a fluid control means disposed within the first piston.
2 more elements
An apparatus for selectively conveying axial motion comprising:
- a housing defining a channel having at least a first end and a second end;
- a first piston assembly at least partially disposed within the first end of the channel and slidably movable along a first axis;
- a second piston assembly at least partially disposed within the second end of the channel and slidably movable along a second axis;
- a valve assembly disposed within the channel and defining a first reservoir and a second reservoir;
- a first fluid communication path between the first reservoir and the second reservoir;
- a second fluid communication path between the first reservoir and the second reservoir;
- a field controllable fluid disposed within at least the first reservoir;
- and
- an assembly for selectively applying a field to the second communication path to change the viscosity of the field controllable fluid in the second fluid communication path.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.