Washing machine having a controllable field responsive damper
US6151930A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F9/535
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A controllable medium device for resisting movement (rotary, linear, or sliding) between two relatively moveable members includes a first member and a second member coupled for relative movement having a working space between them, and a controllable medium retaining structure, for example, an absorbent matrix, to hold a controllable medium only in the working space. A field generating coil is mounted to one of the first and second members to generate a field acting on the first and second members and the controllable medium in the working space. The rheology change in the medium produced by the field results in resistance to relative movement of the first and second members. A device according to the invention may be used in apparatus, such as washing machines, exercise equipment, air supported tables, and a range of other apparatuses that would benefit from controlled damping or braking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.