Electronic device support containing rheological material with controllable viscosity
US6434237B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/6075
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Flexible supports for enhancing hands-free operation of telecommunications devices such as radiotelephones are provided. An elongate member containing Theological material is flexible in the absence of an electromagnetic energy field and becomes rigid in the presence of an electromagnetic energy field. When electrical current flow is induced through one or more internal electrical conductors, the Theological material viscosity increases from that of a fluid to that of a solid. Accordingly, in the absence of electrical current flow, the elongate member can be positioned to any of a plurality of positions. When electrical current flow is present, the elongate member becomes rigid and, thus, resistive to movement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.