Patent ID: 7422093
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A magneto-rheological coupling comprising: an input assembly coaxially disposed and spaced from an output member such that at least one working gap is defined between said input assembly and said output member; a magneto-rheological fluid at least partially disposed within said at least one working gap, said magneto-rheological fluid having a variable viscosity characteristic in the presence of a variable magnetic field; wherein said output member has a generally cylindrical drum portion having a low magnetic permeability region, said low magnetic permeability region having a plurality of passages defined therein; and wherein said passages allow said magneto-rheological fluid to pass therethrough wherein said output member has a hub portion extending generally radially from said drum portion, said hub portion defining a plurality of apertures extending to said magnetic drum portion, wherein said apertures allow said magneto-rheological fluid to pass therethrough.