Abstract: A method of polishing an object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating a polishing zone within a magnetorheological fluid; determining the characteristics of the contact between the object and the polishing zone necessary to polish the object; controlling the consistency of the fluid in the polishing zone; bringing the object into contact with the polishing zone of the fluid; and moving at least one of said object and said fluid with respect to the other. Also disclosed is a polishing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a magnetorheological fluid, a means for inducing a magnetic field, and a means for displacing the object to be polished or the means for inducing a magnetic field relative to one another.

Abstract: Method and apparatus using magnetorheological fluid for finishing a non-image-forming edge of an optical element to a very high degree of smoothness and for removing microscopic fissures from such edges, the method comprising positioning an optical element near a continuous carrier surface such that a converging gap is defined between an edge of the optical element and the carrier surface, the element being disposed such that image-forming refractive and reflective surfaces thereof do not create a gap with the carrier surface; applying a magnetic field substantially at the gap; introducing a magnetorheological fluid onto the carrier surface; driving the magnetorheological fluid through the gap to cause a flow of magnetic field-stiffened magnetorheological fluid through this gap to create a work zone and to form a transient finishing tool for removing material from the edge of the optical element; and moving the optical element relative to the work zone to expose different portions of the edge to the fluid for

Abstract: A method of polishing an object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating a polishing zone within a magnetorheological fluid; determining the characteristics of the contact between the object and the polishing zone necessary to polish the object; controlling the consistency of the fluid in the polishing zone; bringing the object into contact with the polishing zone of the fluid; and moving at least one of said object and said fluid with respect to the other. Also disclosed is a polishing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a magnetorheological fluid, a means for inducing a magnetic field, and a means for displacing the object to be polished or the means for inducing a magnetic field relative to one another.

Abstract: A valve used to control the flow of a magnetorheological fluid, in which the mechanical properties of the magnetorheological fluid are varied by applying a magnetic field, is described. The valve can comprise a magnetoconducting body with a magnetic core that houses an induction coil winding, and an hydraulic channel located between the outside of the core and the inside of the body connected to a fluid inlet port and an outlet port, in which magnetorheological fluid flows from the inlet port through the hydraulic line to the outlet port. Devices employing magnetorheological valves are also described.

Abstract: A method of polishing an object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating a polishing zone within a magnetorheological fluid; determining the characteristics of the contact between the object and the polishing zone necessary to polish the object; controlling the consistency of the fluid in the polishing zone; bringing the object into contact with the polishing zone of the fluid; and moving at least one of said object and said fluid with respect to the other. Also disclosed is a polishing device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a magnetorheological fluid, a means for inducing a magnetic field, and a means for displacing the object to be polished or the means for inducing a magnetic field relative to one another.

Abstract: A valve used to control the flow of a magnetorheological fluid, in which the mechanical properties of the magnetorheological fluid are varied by applying a magnetic field, is described. The valve can comprise a magnetoconducting body with a magnetic core that houses an induction coil winding, and an hydraulic channel located between the outside of the core and the inside of the body connected to a fluid inlet port and an outlet port, in which magnetorheological fluid flows from the inlet port through the hydraulic line to the outlet port. Devices employing magnetorheological valves are also described.