Abstract: A high performance rare earth-transition metal magnetostrictive material with increased impurities having the formula (Rx1Rx2 . . . Rx11)1(My1My2 . . . My6)z is provided. Each R is selected from the group of elements consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium and yttrium, where 0≦x1≦1, 0≦x2≦1 . . . 0≦x11≦1 and where x1+x2+ . . . +x11=1. Each M is selected from the group of elements consisting of iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, aluminum and silicon, where 0≦y1≦1, 0≦y2≦1 . . . 0≦y6≦1, where y1+y2+ . . . +y6=1 and where 1.8≦z≦2.1. The material has oxygen impurities, nitrogen impurities and carbon impurities. The oxygen impurities having an atomic percent ranging from 6,011 to 34,000 parts per million. The nitrogen impurities having an atomic percent ranging from 575 to 4,400 parts per million.

Abstract: An apparatus for use down a bore hole to reduce the viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the bore hole. The apparatus includes a housing having a size for disposition in the bore hole. At least one ultrasonic transducer is carried by the housing. The ultrasonic transducer preferably has an active element changeable from a first shape to a second shape in the presence of an electromagnetic field. An electromagnetic field is provided through at least a portion of the active element to change the shape of the active element. An acoustic element is coupled to the active element for providing ultrasonic energy to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the bore hole. A method for reducing the viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in a bore hole is additionally provided.

Abstract: An integrated multi-mode transducer for use with a member to control movement of the member. The transducer includes an active element adaptable to engage the member. The active element is changeable from a first shape to a second shape in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Apparatus including a controller is provided for producing an electromagnetic field which extends through at least a portion of the active element to change the shape of the active element and thus exert a force on the member, for sensing movement of the member and for damping movement of the member. A method for using the transducer is provided.

Abstract: A pressure wave generator for use down a bore hole having fluid therein adjacent a hydrocarbon-containing formation. The generator includes an elastomeric member sized for disposition in the bore hole. A periodic compressive force is exerted on the elastomeric member in a first direction so as to cause the elastomeric member to expand in a second direction and thus produce pressure waves in the fluid to increase the effective permeability of the hydrocarbon-containing formation. A method for using the generator is provided.

Abstract: A wire clamper for a bonding apparatus includes a pair of clamper arms having tip portions, respectively. The tip portions clamp or release a wire therebetween when at least one of the clamper arms is operated. The wire clamper further includes a giant-magnetostrictive actuator having a giant-magnetostrictive alloy and a coil wound around the giant-magnetostrictive alloy for generating a magnetic field. The giant-magnetostrictive alloy is displaced according to the magnetic field generated by the coil so as to operate at least one of the clamper arms.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive clamping device which includes first and second arm members having respective first and second end portions. The first and second arm members are interconnected to permit relative movement between the first and second end portions between a first position in which the first and second end portions are spaced apart and a second position in which the first and second end portions are spaced closer together. An actuator is included for causing relative movement between the first and second arm members from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a drive element made from a magnetostrictive material. An electromagnetic field extends through at least a portion of the drive element. The drive element is changeable between a first shape when in the absence of the electromagnetic field and a second shape when in the presence of the electromagnetic field.