In one aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a nozzle, a deflector that receives fluid flow from the nozzle, and a friction brake assembly that controls rotation of a deflector. The friction brake assembly is releasably connected to the frame in order to enhance serviceability of the sprinkler. In another aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a frame, a deflector rotatably connected to the frame, a nozzle, and a nozzle socket of the frame. The nozzle and nozzle socket have interlocking portions that releasably connect the nozzle to the frame. The nozzle may be easily removed for servicing. Further, the nozzle socket can be configured to receive a plurality of nozzles having different flow characteristics. A nozzle can be selected and utilized with the sprinkler according to the desired application for the sprinkler.

In one aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a nozzle, a deflector that receives fluid flow from the nozzle, and a friction brake assembly that controls rotation of a deflector. The friction brake assembly is releasably connected to the frame in order to enhance serviceability of the sprinkler. In another aspect, a sprinkler is provided having a frame, a deflector rotatably connected to the frame, a nozzle, and a nozzle socket of the frame. The nozzle and nozzle socket have interlocking portions that releasably connect the nozzle to the frame. The nozzle may be easily removed for servicing. Further, the nozzle socket can be configured to receive a plurality of nozzles having different flow characteristics. A nozzle can be selected and utilized with the sprinkler according to the desired application for the sprinkler.

Integrated stator disk devices, systems, and methods for torque generation are provided. The resistive torque-generating device can include an integrated stator disk system including at least one metallic stator disk having a planar disk body, and at least one rotor disposed adjacent to the at least one metallic stator disk such that there are at least two shear areas formed by the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor; and magneto-rheological material disposed between portions of the at least one metallic stator disk and the at least one rotor. In some embodiments, the rotor(s) is/are a bent rotor(s), thereby providing for increased torque generation while fitting within tight space constraints.

A magnetically-responsive device (100) having a magnetic seal (160,170) to retain magnetically responsive material within a defined space (150) is provided. The magnetically-responsive device (100) has a shaft (110), a rotor (130), a magnetic field generator (145), a magnetically-responsive medium and a magnetic seal (160,170). The seal (160,170) is preferably a non-contact seal (160,170) that does not deteriorate over time and generates little to no resistance.

A magnetically-responsive device (100) having a magnetic seal (160,170) to retain magnetically responsive material within a defined space (150) is provided. The magnetically-responsive device (100) has a shaft (110), a rotor (130), a magnetic field generator (145), a magnetically-responsive medium and a magnetic seal (160,170). The seal (160,170) is preferably a non-contact seal (160,170) that does not deteriorate over time and generates little to no resistance.

A haptic operating device having a magnetorheological braking device, a fixed holder, and two braking components. One braking component is non-rotatably connected to the fixed holder. Both braking components are continuously rotatable relative to one another about a rotation axis. A first braking component extends along a rotation axis and comprises a magnetically conductive core. The second braking component comprises a hollow casing part extending around the first braking component. At least one circumferential braking gap filled with a magnetorheological medium is between the first and second braking components. An electrical coil, surrounding the core and around the rotation axis, is between the casing part and the core. Two different radial braking gap portions and a disk contour are formed at a first braking gap portion between the casing part and the core, and a plurality of rolling bodies are arranged as magnetic field concentrators at the periphery of the core in a second braking gap portion.

Systems and a method for braking an object are provided. An example method, includes determining the expected speed of the object, monitoring the expected speed of the object, and determining if the actual speed of the object is within a preset tolerance of the expected speed. If the speed is not within the preset tolerance of the expected speed, a magnetorheological brake is activated to slow the object.

A method and apparatus for an automobile's magneto-rheological brake (MRB) are disclosed which include: a shaft connected to a stationary housing, a magneto-rheological fluid chamber positioned inside the stationary housing, a rotary disc connected to and rotate with the shaft, a plurality of magnetic coils wound directly onto a lateral side of the MRB chamber.

Electronic devices, such as consumer electronics devices and control systems in vehicles are controlled by way of a haptic operating device with a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item is selected by rotating the rotating unit. The rotating unit latches at a number of haptically perceptible latching points during rotation. The number and rotational position of the haptically perceptible latching points is dynamically changed in accordance with a specific menu item selected by the user.

Electronic devices, such as consumer electronics devices and constrol systems in vehicles are controlled by way of a haptic operating device with a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item is selected by rotating the rotating unit. The rotating unit latches at a number of haptically perceptible latching points during rotation. The number and rotational position of the haptically perceptible latching points is dynamically changed in accordance with a specific menu item selected by the user.