A minicomputer has a processor and a display unit and a communication unit and a haptic operating device. The haptic operating device has a rotatable rotating unit with a rotational resistance which can be changed by way of a control device. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit and a menu item is selected by rotating the rotating unit. A rotational resistance of the rotating unit is dynamically changed during a rotation of the rotating unit and the rotating unit is latched at a plurality of haptically perceptible latching points during the rotation of the rotating unit.

In one aspect, there is provided a damper control system for a reciprocating pump assembly according to which control signals are sent to electromagnets. In another aspect, there is provided a method of dampening vibrations in a pump drivetrain according to which a beginning of torque variation is detected and at least a portion of the torque variation is negated. In another aspect, signals or data associated with pump characteristics are received from sensors, torque characteristics and damper response voltages per degree of crank angle are calculated, and control signals are sent to electromagnets. In another aspect, a damper system includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a magnetorheological fluid; a flywheel disposed at least partially within the fluid chamber and adapted to be operably coupled to a fluid pump crankshaft; and a magnetic device proximate the flywheel. The magnetic device applies a variable drag force to the flywheel.

A magnetorheological transmission device and a method for influencing the coupling intensity of two components, which can be coupled and whose coupling intensity can be influenced. To influence the coupling intensity, a channel is provided, which contains a magnetorheological medium with magnetically polarizable particles. A magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in the channel in order to influence the magnetorheological medium in the channel. An outer component encloses an inner component. At least one of the two components is mounted via a separate bearing. A distance between the outer and inner components is at least 10 times as great as a typical mean diameter of the magnetically polarizable particles in the magnetorheological medium. The magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit can be applied to the channel in order to selectively chain together the particles and/or release them.

In one aspect, there is provided a damper control system for a reciprocating pump assembly according to which control signals are sent to electromagnets. In another aspect, there is provided a method of dampening vibrations in a pump drivetrain according to which a beginning of torque variation is detected and at least a portion of the torque variation is negated. In another aspect, signals or data associated with pump characteristics are received from sensors, torque characteristics and damper response voltages per degree of crank angle are calculated, and control signals are sent to electromagnets. In another aspect, a damper system includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a magnetorheological fluid; a flywheel disposed at least partially within the fluid chamber and adapted to be operably coupled to a fluid pump crankshaft; and a magnetic device proximate the flywheel. The magnetic device applies a variable drag force to the flywheel.

A magnetorheological transmission device and a method for influencing the coupling intensity of two components, which can be coupled and whose coupling intensity can be influenced. To influence the coupling intensity, a channel is provided, which contains a magnetorheological medium with magnetically polarizable particles. A magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in the channel in order to influence the magnetorheological medium in the channel. An outer component encloses an inner component. At least one of the two components is mounted via a separate bearing. A distance between the outer and inner components at least 10 times as great as a typical mean diameter of the magnetically polarizable particles in the magnetorheological medium. The magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit can be applied to the channel in order to selectively chain together the particles and/or release them.

Vehicles and steering systems for vehicles are provided. An exemplary steering system is provided for an automotive vehicle that includes road wheels and a rack mechanically coupled to the road wheels and laterally displaceable to change an orientation of the road wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel mounted on a steering column and rotatable by a driver for inputting a steering command. The steering system also includes a lower column coupled to the rack. In the steering system, lateral displacement of the rack causes a rotational torque on the lower column. The steering system further includes a magneto-rheological coupling interconnected between the steering column and the lower column. The magneto-rheological coupling selectively communicates a desired portion of the rotational torque on the lower column to the steering column to provide haptic feedback to the steering column.

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.

Apparatus and method for operating vehicles and other technical equipment by way of a haptic operating device having a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item being 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.

Apparatus and method for operating vehicles by way of a haptic operating device having a rotating unit. Selectable menu items are displayed on a display unit, and a menu item being 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.

A magnetorheological transmission device and a method for influencing the coupling intensity of two components, which can be coupled and whose coupling intensity can be influenced. To influence the coupling intensity, a channel is provided, which contains a magnetorheological medium with magnetically polarizable particles. A magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in the channel in order to influence the magnetorheological medium in the channel. An outer component encloses an inner component. At least one of the two components is mounted via a separate bearing. A distance between the outer and inner components at least 10 times as great as a typical mean diameter of the magnetically polarizable particles in the magnetorheological medium. The magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit can be applied to the channel in order to selectively chain together the particles and/or release them.