Patent ID: 6561874
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B24C

Abstract:
A method of making a coherent, substantially rigid fluid jet comprising the steps of:a) providing an electric solenoid; b) disposing axially within the windings of said solenoid at least a portion of a nozzle formed of a ferromagnetic material, said nozzle having a bore and a protuberant tip, said tip being recessed from an axial end of said solenoid to define a free axial space within said solenoid between said tip and said end; c) providing a magnetorheological fluid; d) energizing said solenoid to provide a magnetic field within said solenoid; d) forcing said magnetorheological fluid through said ferromagnetic nozzle; e) ejecting said fluid from said nozzle to form a jet of said fluid in said free space; and f) stiffening said fluid in the presence of said magnetic field to form said coherent, substantially rigid fluid jet, at least a portion of said stiffening occurring in said free space.