Magnetorheological fluid devices

Claim 1

A magnetorheological fluid mount for damping vibration between a first member generating vibrating energy and a second supporting member comprising: a) a housing attachable to one of said first and second members; b) an attachment collar attachable to another one of said first and second members; c) an elastomeric element bonded to said housing and to said attachment collar and at least partially forming a first fluid chamber, said first fluid chamber containing a substantial amount of magnetorheological fluid; d) an elastomeric bladder element at least partially forming a second fluid chamber, said second fluid chamber containing a substantial amount of magnetorheological fluid; e) an intermediate passageway interconnecting said first and second fluid chambers, said intermediate passageway extending generally axially through a laterally extending baffle-plate housing and permitting significant amounts of magneto-rheological fluid to flow between said first and second fluid chambers and being equipped with valve means; f) a magnetic coil forming part of said valve means being contained within and extending about a peripheral portion of said baffle-plate housing and controlling the flow of said magnetorheological fluid through said passageway; and g) means to increase contact of said magnetorheological fluid with said magnetic coil to enhance flow control including a baffle plate stationarily mounted within said baffle-plate housing extending laterally across said intermediate passageway thereby forcing said magnetorheological fluid to flow outwardly toward said magnetic coil.