Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for mitigating chatter vibrations in machine tools or components thereof. Chatter therein is suppressed by periodically or continuously varying the stiffness of the cutting tool (or some component of the cutting tool), and hence the resonant frequency of the cutting tool (or some component thereof). The varying of resonant frequency of the cutting tool can be accomplished by modulating the stiffness of the cutting tool, the cutting tool holder, or any other component of the support for the cutting tool. By periodically altering the impedance of the cutting tool assembly, chatter is mitigated. In one embodiment, a cyclic electric (or magnetic) field is applied to the spindle quill which contains an electro-rheological (or magneto-rheological) fluid. The variable yield stress in the fluid affects the coupling of the spindle to the machine tool structure, changing the natural frequency of oscillation.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for mitigating chatter vibrations in machine tools or components thereof. Chatter therein is suppressed by periodically or continuously varying the stiffness of the cutting tool (or some component of the cutting tool), and hence the resonant frequency of the cutting tool (or some component thereof). The varying of resonant frequency of the cutting tool can be accomplished by modulating the stiffness of the cutting tool, the cutting tool holder, or any other component of the support for the cutting tool. By periodically altering the impedance of the cutting tool assembly, chatter is mitigated. In one embodiment, a cyclic electric (or magnetic) field is applied to the spindle quill which contains an electro-rheological (or magneto-rheological) fluid. The variable yield stress in the fluid affects the coupling of the spindle to the machine tool structure, changing the natural frequency of oscillation.

Abstract: A method for releasing molecules (guest molecules) from the matrix formed by the structure of another molecule (host molecule) in a controllable manner has been invented. This method has many applications in science and industry. In addition, applications based on such molecular systems may revolutionize significant areas of medicine, in particular the treatment of cancer and of viral infection. Similar effects can also be obtained by controlled fragmentation of a source molecule, where the molecular fragments form the active principle.

Abstract: Electrically controlled polymeric gel actuators or synthetic muscles capable of undergoing substantial expansion and contraction when subjected to changing pH environments, temperature, or solvent. The actuators employ compliant containers for the gels and their solvents. The gels employed may be cylindrical electromechanical gel fibers such as polyacrylamide fibers or a mixture of poly vinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid arranged in a parallel aggregate and contained in an electrolytic solvent bath such as salt water. The invention includes smart, electrically activated devices exploiting this phenomenon. These devices are capable of being manipulated via active computer control as large displacement actuators for use in adaptive structure such as robots.

Abstract: A downhole tool carries an inflatable packer by means of which radial pressure may be applied to the surrounding formation. Transducers within the packer measure the radial direction and extent of formation displacements responsive to such pressure. In this way one can determine the directions of maximum and minimum horizontal in-situ formation stress.

Abstract: Electrical current is caused to flow between an electrode well located in an aquafer above viscous hydrocarbon-bearing formation and an electrode well located in an aquafer below the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The electrical current thereby tends to spread out in a broad plate-like configuration from each electrode well. This increases the area of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation through which current is flowed, thereby extending the region which is heated by electrical dissapation. The nature of the aquafers and their location eases and resolves much of the adverse vaporization and pressure buildup that occurs in other systems. This also allows water to be readily injected to into or produced from the electrode wells to further control vaporization and pressure buildup without adversely affecting gravity drainage, other drive mechanisms or injection programs operating within the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. In addition, this enables the electrode wells to be used in a more continuous manner.

Abstract: An electrode well is described which utilizes a hydraulic fracture filled with conductive proppant as an electrode of extended contact with a formation. A highly conductive section of cement liner around the casing delivers current to the proppant particles.