Abstract: The present technology relates to improved device and methods of use of insulator-based dielectrophoresis. This device provides a multi-length scale element that provides enhanced resolution and separation. The device provides improved particle streamlines, trapping efficiency, and induces laterally similar environments. Also provided are methods of using the device.

Abstract: A method and device for trimming components may include mounting a component in a fixture and providing a cutting tool having a cutting portion, wherein the cutting tool is displaceable in at least three axes relative to the fixture. Gas may be supplied through a supply tube to the cutting portion of the cutting tool and the supply tube may be cooled to a first temperature. The component may be cut with the cutting tool while supplying gas to the component.

Abstract: A system, machine and method of forming a composite structure. The composite may be placed between a first mold half and a second mold half and heated at a first temperature, T1, and held at a first pressure, P1, wherein the first pressure is applied to the structure through the first and second mold halves. In addition, the composite may be cooled at a second temperature, T2, and held at a second pressure, P2, wherein the second pressure is applied to the composite through the first and second mold halves, wherein T1>T2 and P1<P2. The composite may also be removed from the first and second mold halves, wherein the composite has a near-net shape.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor for use as part of a drill string in a borehole has an acoustic transducer which vibrates the drill bit in contact with the rock at the end of the borehole to generate acoustic signals in the rock. These acoustic signals propogate through the rocks ahead of the drill bit and are reflected and scattered to return to an acoustic sensor contained within the drill string.

Abstract: A sonar beam steering arrangement in which a circular array of electroacoustic transducers are sampled in sequence, the samples being digitized and stored serially in a shift register. The register is several cycles long so that samples from all of the `illuminated` transducers can be stored simultaneously. The various stages have resistance tappings of different values such that a linear broadside array is simulated for a particular transducer at a particular stage in the shift register cycle. As the samples progress through the register each transducer in turn acquires this simulated broadside array and thus provides a narrow beam 360.degree. scan. Interpolation between adjacent transducer `dead-ahead` direction is obtained by (e.g.) triplicating the shift register and adjusting the weightings slightly from each register to the next.