The invention relates to a bearing device comprising a first surface and a second surface which are moveable relative to one another, wherein the first and second surfaces are separated by a bearing gap filled with a lubricant, which is a magnetorheological or electrorheological liquid, or a lubricant having a temperature dependent viscosity, or a lubricant having a controllable slip velocity. The bearing device further comprising one or more supply inlets in the first or second surface, and one or more activators embedded in the first surface or second surface and configured to locally increase a viscosity or decrease the slip velocity of the lubricant in at least one obstruction zone, thereby inhibiting a flow of the lubricant in the obstruction zone.

A sealing device employing a magnetic fluid for sealing off a vacuum side and an atmosphere side includes two rolling bearings disposed on both sides of the magnetic fluid seal. The magnetic fluid fills the lubrication part of the rolling bearing disposed toward the vacuum side and a magnet is attached to the outer ring toward the vacuum side of said rolling bearing. A ring-shaped yoke formed from a magnetic material and freely fitting into a rotation shaft is attached to the side of the magnet opposite the outer ring of the rolling bearing.

A variable stiffness bushing includes: inner and outer tubular members; an elastic member connecting these tubular members. At least one pair of circumferentially separated liquid chambers is defined in the elastic member such that first axial ends and second axial ends of the liquid chambers are defined by first and second end walls of the elastic member, respectively. The liquid chambers of each pair communicate with each other by a corresponding communication passage including a circumferential passage provided in one of the tubular members, which includes a coil wound coaxially therewith and a yoke provided with at least one gap constituting the circumferential passage. A magnetic fluid fills the liquid chambers and the communication passage(s). The first and second end walls are configured such that when the tubular members are axially displaced relative to each other, a difference is created between volumes of the liquid chambers of each pair.

A rotationally compliant bearing roller assembly having a roller, at least one bearing member operably coupled to a base configured to support rotational movement about a rotational axis; and a rotary compliant joint interconnecting the at least one bearing member to the roller. The rotary compliant joint having a first compliance in a rotational direction about the rotational axis to permit movement of the roller in the rotational direction relative to the at least one bearing member, such that the first compliance being greater than a friction induced compliance of the at least one bearing member in the rotational direction. The compliant joint having a second compliance in a direction orthogonal to the rotational direction, such that the second compliance being less than the first compliance.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for nested gimbal assemblies. A gimbal system may include a base, a yoke, and a gimbal assembly rotatably connecting the yoke to the base. The gimbal assembly may include a motor, a bearing, and a ferrofluid seal. The motor may be configured to rotate the yoke relative to the base about a rotational axis. The bearing may be seated within the base and permit rotation of the yoke relative to the base about the rotational axis. The ferrofluid seal may be positioned to seal an interface between the yoke and the base. The motor may be positioned within an inner diameter of the bearing. The bearing may be positioned within an inner diameter of the ferrofluid seal.

A steering column may include a steering spindle that is surrounded by a casing tube and is connected to a steering wheel, a guide clamp in which the casing tube is guided displaceably along a longitudinal axis of the steering spindle. The guide clamp may be mounted pivotably about a pivot axis in a holding part that is connectable to a chassis of the motor vehicle. The position of the casing tube may be adjustable relative to the holding part, and a blocking device may be arranged between the casing tube and the holding part. The blocking device may comprise a threaded rod engaged with a spindle nut. The spindle nut may be mounted in a rolling bearing. Rolling bodies of the rolling bearing may be at least partially surrounded by a magnetorheological fluid, and the blocking device may comprise an electromagnet.

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.

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 rotationally compliant bearing roller assembly having a roller, at least one bearing member operably coupled to a base configured to support rotational movement about a rotational axis; and a rotary compliant joint interconnecting the at least one bearing member to the roller. The rotary compliant joint having a first compliance in a rotational direction about the rotational axis to permit movement of the roller in the rotational direction relative to the at least one bearing member, such that the first compliance being greater than a friction induced compliance of the at least one bearing member in the rotational direction. The compliant joint having a second compliance in a direction orthogonal to the rotational direction, such that the second compliance being less than the first compliance.