Patent ID: 7334670

Claim:
A magnetorheological (MR) fluid coupling for vectoring torque with respect to a shaft capable of rotary motion, the coupling comprising: a stator; a rotor having a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator, the rotor configured for physical communication with the shaft, the stator and rotor defining an annular space therebetween and being directly coupled via a MR fluid disposed within the annular space located directly between the rotor and the stator, the annular space comprising at least two annular spaces disposed on opposing sides of the rotor and wherein the two annular spaces are in fluid communication with each other and with a reservoir that contains a MR fluid; and a magnetic field generator in field communication with the MR fluid and disposed to produce a substantially radially directed magnetic field across the annular space; wherein the rotor is rotationally responsive to the application of a magnetic field at the MR fluid.