A magnetic squeeze film damper system comprises a bearing assembly having an outer race with a first outer surface and a first inner surface and a bearing located along the first inner surface. The system further comprises a squeeze film damper housing having a second outer surface and a second inner surface that is contiguous with the first outer surface. A channel having a forward end and an aft end is defined within the housing along the second inner surface, the channel bordered by the first outer surface. The system further includes a first seal gland located along the forward end of the channel and a second seal gland located along the aft end of the channel. Both seal glands comprise a reservoir for holding a magneto-rheological fluid, the reservoir encased in an elastomer. At least one electromagnet is arranged in close proximity to each of the seal glands.

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.

A magnetic squeeze film damper system comprises a bearing assembly having an outer race with a first outer surface and a first inner surface and a bearing located along the first inner surface. The system further comprises a squeeze film damper housing having a second outer surface and a second inner surface that is contiguous with the first outer surface. A channel having a forward end and an aft end is defined within the housing along the second inner surface, the channel bordered by the first outer surface. The system further includes a first seal gland located along the forward end of the channel and a second seal gland located along the aft end of the channel. Both seal glands comprise a reservoir for holding a magneto-rheological fluid, the reservoir encased in an elastomer. At least one electromagnet is arranged in close proximity to each of the seal glands.

One object is to provide a magnetic fluid sealing device in which a magnetic fluid retained between a polar plate and a drive portion can be effectively prevented from spilling, so as to retain waterproofness for a long period. A magnetic fluid sealing device of the present invention includes a ring-shaped polar plate encircling a drive portion and retaining a magnet; and a magnetic fluid retained in a gap between the drive portion and the polar plate by a magnetic force of the magnet. The polar plate has a spill preventing portion provided thereon, the spill preventing portion having a projecting wall that is disposed distant from an end surface of the polar plate retaining the magnetic fluid, so as to prevent spill of the magnetic fluid.

One object is to provide a magnetic fluid sealing device in which a magnetic fluid retained between a polar plate and a drive portion can be effectively prevented from spilling, so as to retain waterproofness for a long period. A magnetic fluid sealing device of the present invention includes a ring-shaped polar plate encircling a drive portion and retaining a magnet and a magnetic fluid retained in a gap between the drive portion and the polar plate by a magnetic force of the magnet. The polar plate has a spill preventing portion provided thereon, the spill preventing portion having a projecting wall that is disposed distant from an end surface of the polar plate retaining the magnetic fluid, so as to prevent spill of the magnetic fluid.

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.

A propeller shaft with a variable stiffness bushing is disclosed. The propeller shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft, each of the first shaft and the second shaft having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first shaft coupled to the first end of the second shaft with a joint and a variable stiffness bushing assembly coupled to one of the first and the second shafts near the joint, the variable stiffness bushing assembly having a bearing, a bearing support encircling the bearing, a chamber formed in the bearing support, and at least one electric field generator, wherein the chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid.

A magnetic squeeze film damper system comprises a bearing assembly having an outer race with a first outer surface and a first inner surface and a bearing located along the first inner surface. The system further comprises a squeeze film damper housing having a second outer surface and a second inner surface that is contiguous with the first outer surface. A channel having a forward end and an aft end is defined within the housing along the second inner surface, the channel bordered by the first outer surface. The system further includes a first seal gland located along the forward end of the channel and a second seal gland located along the aft end of the channel. Both seal glands comprise a reservoir for holding a magneto-rheological fluid, the reservoir encased in an elastomer. At least one electromagnet is arranged in close proximity to each of the seal glands.

Systems, devices, uses and methods relating to magnetorhological materials including carbon nanotubes, such as single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, are disclosed. Uses of magnetorheological materials such as in motion damping/vibration isolation are also disclosed.