By Electrostrictive Or Magnetostrictive Transducer Patents (Class 366/127)
  • Patent number: 8235579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for introducing ultrasound into a flowable medium using a sonotrode, wherein the flowable medium is not in direct contact with the sonotrode. Disclosed is a method comprising the following steps: placing a film (8) on the sonotrode (4) in such a way that the contact force by means of which the film (8) is pressed on the sonotrode (4) is always so great that the film (8) follows the lifting motions of the sonotrode (4) in the corresponding frequency and amplitude; applying ultrasound power through the film (8) into the medium (2) and transmitting the wear phenomena onto the film (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Hielscher GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher, Thomas Hielscher
  • Patent number: 8215826
    Abstract: A method according to Claim 25, wherein essentially homogeneous material mixtures are achieved or maintained in these liquid containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Adi Zuppiger, Roland Fuchs, Urs Knecht
  • Patent number: 8186869
    Abstract: A method or device for integrated dosing and intermixing of small amounts of liquid, has a first liquid conveyed into or onto a first reservoir (3). A second reservoir (1) is entirely filled with a second liquid. The first and second liquids are brought into contact with each other via at least one joining duct structure (5) which has at least one area provided with a smaller cross section than the reservoirs (1,3) in the viewing direction of the connecting line between the two reservoirs (1,3). A laminar flow pattern is created along at least one portion of the joining duct structure (5), with the liquids thoroughly mixed in the second reservoir (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph Gauer
  • Patent number: 8187545
    Abstract: An hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber is provided. The chamber is comprised of two large spherical regions separated by a smaller cylindrical region. Coupling the regions are two transitional sections which are preferably smooth and curved. Although the chamber is preferably fabricated from a machinable material, such as a metal, it can also be fabricated from a fragile material, such as a glass. An acoustic driver assembly is incorporated within the chamber wall at one end of the cavitation chamber. The driver can be threadably coupled to the chamber or attached using an epoxy, diffusion bonding, brazing or welding. O-rings or other seals can be used to seal the driver to the chamber. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flush, recessed, or extended from the internal chamber surface. The head surface of the driver assembly can be flat or shaped. If desired, a second acoustic driver assembly can be incorporated within the chamber wall at the other end of the cavitation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Impulse Devices Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Phillips, Ross Alan Tessien, Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 8143318
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. Specifically, at least one phase is a dispersed phase and one phase in a continuous phase. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the phases within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, David William Koenig, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Shiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 8079748
    Abstract: A liquid agitating device includes a sound wave generator that generates a sound wave; and a transmitting portion that transmits the sound wave generated by the sound wave generator, at least a portion of the transmitting portion being in contact with a liquid, and the transmitting portion emitting the sound wave towards the liquid at the portion in contact with the liquid. The sound wave emitted toward the liquid generates a local flow within the liquid and agitates the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Miyuki Murakami
  • Patent number: 8080202
    Abstract: A vibrator has a large strength of a standing wave even with a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation. A device according to the present invention includes a substrate having a channel groove provided in an upper surface of the substrate, a seal provided above the substrate so as to cover an upper opening of the channel groove, a projection provided on an outer side wall opposite to the channel groove, and a vibrator causing the projection to warp and vibrate in a depth direction of the channel groove. The warping vibration of the projection is amplified due to effect of leverage, and generates a large stress on the outer wall of the channel groove having the projection provided thereon. Consequently, the strength of a standing wave in the channel groove increases even for a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Takahashi, Masaya Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8062904
    Abstract: A method or device for integrated dosing and intermixing of small amounts of liquid, has at least one dosing reservoir (3) connected to a reaction reservoir (1) via at least one joining structure (11) and entirely filled with a first liquid. The at least one joining structure (11) is preferably dimensioned such that surface tension of the first liquid prevents the first liquid from penetrating into the reaction reservoir (1) which is entirely filled with a second liquid contacting the first liquid on the joining structure (11). A flow pattern is created in or on the reaction reservoir (1) to thoroughly mix the two liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph Gauer
  • Patent number: 8057090
    Abstract: A device and related method for mixing a powdered component and a liquid component with minimal user interaction are described. A powdered component and a liquid component are separately fed into a mixing chamber. The powdered component may be released into the liquid component by removing a barrier. Alternatively, the two components are drawn into the mixing chamber from respective sources by a vacuum. The mixture is sonicated at precise vibrational frequencies to control the physical properties of the final blended content. A piston-like device is used to remove the blended content from the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Subrata Saha, Pamela Saha
  • Patent number: 8038337
    Abstract: A method for treating extremely small particles of recycled polyethylene terephthalate comprises providing a quantity of RPET particles having an average mean particle size ranging from about 0.0005 inch to about 0.05 inch in diameter, heating the RPET particles to a temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the RPET particles to adhere to one another, and forming the adhered RPET particles into pellets, said pellets having substantially the same average surface-to-volume ratio as the bulk, un-adhered RPET particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rathgeber, Matthias Wassermeier
  • Patent number: 7980752
    Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted contactless stirring of liquids in a resonator cell by microparticles is achieved by repeated creating and destruction of nodal patterns associated with standing waves of various resonance frequencies causing continuous movements of microparticles inside the cell. Swept-frequency sonication technique includes using constant or variable rate of frequency change as well as a stepwise change of frequency of the transducer within a predefined range. Other useful provisions include initial detection of the set of resonance frequencies and periodic refreshing of that set. Control systems are described including means to automatically detect the resonance frequencies and maintain the operation of the transducer thereon. Advantageous designs of the apparatus are described for use in microstirring, mixing of liquids using magnetic microbeads, microbubbles, microtiter plates, microarray plates, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Artann Laboratories Inc
    Inventor: Armen P. Sarvazyan
  • Patent number: 7981368
    Abstract: Acoustic energy is used to control motion in a fluid. According to one embodiment, the invention directs acoustic energy at selected naturally occurring nucleation features to control motion in the fluid. In another embodiment, the invention provides focussed or unfocussed acoustic energy to selectively placed nucleation features to control fluid motion. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an acoustic source, a controller for controlling operation of the acoustic source, and one or more nucleation features located proximate to or in the fluid to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7955557
    Abstract: Multiple piezoelectric elements 35 are arranged in a row along the top of liquid level in the reaction vessel 11. An ultrasonic reflecting material 38 is installed on the bottom of the portion of the heat insulating bath 12 where heat insulating medium 13 is stored. A lateral ultrasonic wave 9b is generated on the lower side is generated by actuation of the piezoelectric element 35. Wave 9b is reflected by the ultrasonic reflecting material 38. As a lower ultrasonic wave 8 advances along the wall surface of the reaction vessel, it collides with the specimen liquid level, thereby causing a portion of the liquid level closer to the piezoelectric element 35 to be raised. When the lateral ultrasonic wave 9a is applied to this portion, it reaches the inclined portion of the raised liquid level of the specimen. Swirling flow by agitation 36 is produced by the acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic wave. The specimen and reagent are mixed and agitated by this swirling flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigenori Watari, Hajime Katou, Katsuhiro Kambara, Hiroyasu Uchida, Takeshi Shibuya
  • Patent number: 7942568
    Abstract: An active micromixer uses a surface acoustic wave, preferably a Rayleigh wave, propagating on a piezoelectric substrate to induce acoustic streaming in a fluid in a microfluidic channel. The surface acoustic wave can be generated by applying an RF excitation signal to at least one interdigital transducer on the piezoelectric substrate. The active micromixer can rapidly mix quiescent fluids or laminar streams in low Reynolds number flows. The active micromixer has no moving parts (other than the SAW transducer) and is, therefore, more reliable, less damaging to sensitive fluids, and less susceptible to fouling and channel clogging than other types of active and passive micromixers. The active micromixer is adaptable to a wide range of geometries, can be easily fabricated, and can be integrated in a microfluidic system, reducing dead volume. Finally, the active micromixer has on-demand on/off mixing capability and can be operated at low power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Darren W. Branch, Grant D. Meyer, Harold G. Craighead
  • Patent number: 7896539
    Abstract: Ultrasound methods and apparatus for mixing two or more different liquids are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and apparatus may mix varied components including drugs, polymers, and coatings for application to a variety of medical apparatus surfaces. The apparatus and technique can generate a proper mixture which is uninterruptedly/continuously delivered to the surface of the medical apparatus. The apparatus may include specific ultrasound transducer/tip configurations which may allow for the mixing of different liquids in a mixing camera located inside of the vibrating tip. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may mix different drugs, applying them to stent surface using different effects like ultrasound cavitation and radiation forces. Furthermore, the disclosed methods and apparatus may generate a mixture and may deliver a targeted, gentle, highly controllable dispensation of continuous liquid spray which can reduce the loss of expensive pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz P. Babaev
  • Patent number: 7841762
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vessel 10 for storing a liquid mixture 11 containing a liquid fuel 2 and an incompatible liquid 4 such as water or for allowing the liquid mixture 11 to flow therethrough, a vibrator 13 having at least one portion making contact with the liquid mixture in the vessel, a vibration generator 20 for vibrating the vibrator at high frequency, and a reflector 14 spaced from the vibrator 13 at a small distance. The incompatible liquid 4 is dispersed in and mixed with the fuel 2 by vibrating the vibrator at high frequency, whereby an emulsion fuel 12 having an ultra fine particle size and high mixture density is produced. According to the above configuration, cavitation can be extremely efficiently generated. The following technique is disclosed: a technique for producing various types of liquid mixture having an ultra fine particle size using the cavitation efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Oogawara, Goichi Hirota, Katsuji Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20100238760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constant load shear cell and a method for constant loading of a magnetorheological fluid in a constant load shear cell. The constant load shear cell comprises a rotatable shaft (1), to which a rotor plate (2) is fixed. A first gap (5), for accommodating a magnetorheological fluid, is formed between a first side (3) of the rotor plate (2) and a first shear surface (4). A second gap (8), for accommodating the magnetorheological fluid, is formed between a second side (6) of the rotor plate (2) facing away from the first and a second shear surface (7). The constant load shear cell further comprises at least one magnet (9) for generating a magnetic field in the first and second gaps (5, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE Patents, Trademark and Licenses
    Inventors: Martin Laun, Jürgen Pfister, Rene Lochtman, Günter Oetter, Claus Gabriel, Peter Schuler
  • Patent number: 7785868
    Abstract: A standalone bench top laboratory instrument designed to disrupt, or lyse, cells, spores and tissue samples using ultrasonic energy. The lysing device is programmable, allowing the user control over the sample volume, sonication power level, and lysing duration in order to optimize lysing protocols for specific targets. Once a lysing protocol is entered, the device automatically lyses the sample according to the entered lysing protocol. The lysing device also provides a cooling feature, enabled by a heat exchanging sub-assembly, to prevent the sample from exceeding a maximum set temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Microfluidic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Yuan, Allen Northrup, Farzad Pourahmadi
  • Patent number: 7785869
    Abstract: A sonication apparatus is directed to a microfluidic-based system to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The microfluidic-based system includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and microfluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Microfluidic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip I. Belgrader, Bob Yuan
  • Patent number: 7780921
    Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of uranium from a body of material is provided. The apparatus has at least one ultrasonic extractor, having a bottom and a top. The at least one ultrasonic extractor is configured to accept solids at the bottom and acid at the top, and has a mixing screw and at least one source of ultrasonic energy. The mixing screw is configured to transport the solids in a direction countercurrent to the acid in the at least one ultrasonic extractor; and the source of ultrasonic energy is configured to impart ultrasonic energy into the solids and the acid, as the solids and the acid traverse the at least one ultrasonic extractor countercurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Areva NP Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thaddeus Kimura
  • Patent number: 7757561
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automated compound management and sample preparation using acoustic energy. In some embodiments, acoustic energy may be transmitted through a medium and a solid or semi-solid layer that is disposed adjacent to the vessel. Both the medium and the solid or semi-solid layer may couple acoustic energy from an acoustic energy source to a focal zone in close proximity to the sample in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison, Douglas A. Yates
  • Publication number: 20100163207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the electromagnetic stirring of electrically conductive fluids by using a magnetic field RMF rotating in the horizontal plane, and a magnetic field WMF traveling in a vertical direction thereto. The object consists in avoiding asymmetric flow structures in containers filled with melts, in particular at the beginning and during the course of the solidification. Moreover, the aim is to achieve an effective mixing of the fluid and/or a controlled solidification of metallic alloys by avoiding the formation of separation zones in the solidification structure. The solution consists in the fact that both the rotating magnetic field RMF and the traveling magnetic field WMF are switched on discontinuously in the form of temporally restricted and adjustable periods and alternately in time one after another via associated induction coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicants: FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM DRESDEN-ROSSENDORF E. V., TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DRESDEN
    Inventors: Petr A. Nikrityuk, Sven Eckert, Dirk Räbiger, Bernd Willers, Kerstin Eckert, Roger Grundmann, Gunter Gerbeth
  • Patent number: 7731412
    Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Protasis Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Sparey-Taylor, David Strand, David Barrow
  • Patent number: 7712353
    Abstract: In a system and process for ultrasonically treating a liquid having a thermal conductivity, an elongate treatment chamber housing has an inlet and an outlet such that liquid flows longitudinally through an interior space of the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. At least part of the interior space of the chamber housing is filled with a bed of particles having a thermal conductivity substantially greater than that of the liquid whereby a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the particles to the thermal conductivity of the liquid is in the range of about 2:1 to about 400:1. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to generate mechanical ultrasonic vibration within the housing in direct contact with the liquid flowing therein as the liquid flows through the bed of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Jr., Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 7703698
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid flows longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the liquid being treated in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Steve Roffers, Thomas David Ehlert, John Glen Ahles, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Patrick Sean McNichols, Earl C. McCraw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7687026
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7686500
    Abstract: Acoustic energy is used to control motion in a fluid. According to one embodiment, the invention directs acoustic energy at selected naturally occurring nucleation features to control motion in the fluid. In another embodiment, the invention provides focussed or unfocussed acoustic energy to selectively placed nucleation features to control fluid motion. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an acoustic source, a controller for controlling operation of the acoustic source, and one or more nucleation features located proximate to or in the fluid to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7687039
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison, Robert McKnight, Douglas A. Yates
  • Patent number: 7678306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Longo
  • Publication number: 20100008178
    Abstract: A method and device for mixing beverages and dissolving solids comprising a casing with at least one opening for positioning a beverage container, a signal generator housed within said casing, for generating electrical signals, at least one transducer housed within said casing and coupled with said signal generator, for producing mechanical vibrations from a signal generated by said signal generator, wherein said mechanical vibrations vibrate a beverage container positioned on said casing causing acoustic vibrations within the beverage inside the beverage container, said acoustic vibrations causing beverages and solids within the beverage container to mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Dale Fahrion
  • Patent number: 7622510
    Abstract: A method and a device for making a dispersion or an emulsion (41) from at least two fluids known to be unmiscible, the fluids constituting a dispersed phase (40) and a dispersing phase (44), the dispersed phase (40) being driven through a porous body (24) into the dispersing phase (44). The invention is characterized in that the porous body (24) is vibrated by a mechanical, electrical or magnetic excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Christophe Arnaud
  • Patent number: 7611840
    Abstract: A device for sample tissue disruption and/or cell lysis comprising: a piezoelectric material; and at least a second material in contact with the piezoelectric material; and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material. The device may be made by assembling at least three layers and membranes for the valves and pumps. The piezoelectric material is actuated by an external voltage source to generate cavitation, which disrupts tissue and/or lyses cells, in particular by a modulated alternative external voltage. The invention further provides a method of disrupting tissue and/or lysing cells in a device. Also provided is a piezoelectric device comprising a piezoelectric material in contact with a second material, and wherein the second material has an uneven surface on an opposite side to that in contact with the piezoelectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Guolin Xu, Pei-Lin Mao, Yuan Hong Yu, Eng Hock Francis Tay
  • Publication number: 20090166177
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. Specifically, at least one phase is a dispersed phase and one phase in a continuous phase. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the phases within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, David William Koenig, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Shiming Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20090129197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the induction stirring of liquid metal in the bath of a reverberatory furnace by the action of a traveling magnetic field whose frequency ranges from 50 to 60 Hz. The inventive method consists in producing a magnetic field action on a molten metal at a height of (0.1-0.5)H from the furnace bottom, wherein H is the bath depth, and, in a horizontal direction, along the plane of a chamber (3) bottom which is located behind of the furnace wall. The inventive device in embodied in the form of a module which comprises a load-gripping unit for lifting and displacing a load, a flange and parts for fixing said module to the wall of the furnace bath. The module consists of a frame (12) provided with a unit (2), which is arranged therein and is made of a material resistant to the molten metal action, and with the inductor (1) of the traveling magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: SIA Gors
    Inventor: Eduard Isidorov
  • Patent number: 7527772
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to remove uranium from a body of material wherein the method includes the steps of depositing the body of solid material in an ultrasonic extractor and depositing an amount of acid in the ultrasonic extractor. The method also provides for the steps of heating a jacket of the ultrasonic extractor, transporting the body of solid material in the ultrasonic extractor and the amount of acid such that the body of solid material and the acid contact each other inside the heated ultrasonic extractor while the ultrasonic extractor provides ultrasonic energy to both the body of solid material and the amount of acid, wherein the amount of acid strips uranium from the body of solid material. The method further provides for collecting the amount of acid and the body of solid material in the ultrasonic extractor in different positions, transporting the amount of acid with the stripped uranium to an extraction mixer settler, and settling uranium product from the extraction mixer settler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: AREVA NP Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thaddeus Kimura
  • Patent number: 7521023
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20090095685
    Abstract: A treatment system including a vibratory mixer is disclosed. The vibratory mixer comprises a vibrating element to facilitate the dissolution of a treating agent that facilitates separation of solids from liquids in water and wastewater streams. Vibratory mixing energy that effects mixing is generated by utilizing magnetostrictive or piezoelectric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Morrison, Jeffrey Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7510322
    Abstract: A cavitation chamber separated into three volumes by a pair of gas-tight and liquid-tight seals, each seal formed by the combination of a rigid acoustic reflector and a flexible member, is provided. During chamber operation, only one of the three volumes contains cavitation fluid, the other two chamber volumes remaining devoid of cavitation fluid. The cavitation system also includes a cavitation fluid reservoir coupled to the cavitation chamber by a conduit, a valve allowing the cavitation chamber to be isolated from the cavitation fluid reservoir. A second conduit couples the two unfilled chamber volumes to a region above the liquid free surface within the cavitation fluid reservoir. A second valve allows the two unfilled chamber volumes to either be coupled to the cavitation fluid reservoir by the second conduit, or be coupled to a third conduit, the third conduit leading either to the ambient atmosphere or to a high pressure gas source. The cavitation system also includes at least one acoustic driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 7491527
    Abstract: A differential extraction system is directed to a micro fluidic-based integrated cartridge to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The integrated cartridge includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and micro fluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: MicroFluidic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Yuan, Nina Aflatooni
  • Publication number: 20090034360
    Abstract: A method of mixing (10), including: providing a fluid (10) in a well (6) so as to establish an acoustic field gradient; and applying an acoustic signal to cause mixing within a fluid (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Paul Mun Foo Tho, Richard Manasseh, Yonggang Zhu, Guy Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 7481918
    Abstract: A treatment system including a vibratory mixer is disclosed. The vibratory mixer comprises a vibrating element to facilitate the dissolution of a treating agent that facilitates separation of solids from liquids in water and wastewater streams. Vibratory mixing energy that effects mixing is generated by utilizing magnetostrictive or piezoelectric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Morrison, Jeffrey Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20080316477
    Abstract: A stirrer includes a vessel for holding a liquid to be stirred; and a sound wave generator that irradiates the liquid with a sound wave to stir the liquid by the sound wave. The sound wave generator includes a piezoelectric substrate, and a sound generating element provided on the piezoelectric substrate and arranged outside the vessel so as to be adjacent to the liquid across the vessel and the piezoelectric substrate to generate a sound wave for stirring the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Miyuki Murakami
  • Publication number: 20080316854
    Abstract: A microfluid mixer is provided. The non-linear electrokineticsis is applied to the design of the microfluid mixer. The microfluid mixer comprises a first and a second microfluidic elements, a mixing reservoir, and a micro channel unit, wherein the micro channel unit has at least two control channels for respectively connecting the first and the second microfluidic elements and the mixing reservoir. When two microfluids are mixed in the mixing reservoir, the electro-osmosis fluid field of the microfluids in the control channel of the mixing reservoir is changed by applying AC signal, such that powerful chaotic mixing effect is therefore produced by the two microfluids in the mixing reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHUNG CHENG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shau-Chun Wang, Hsiao-Ping Chen, Chia Yu Lee, Hsueh-Chia Chang
  • Patent number: 7461966
    Abstract: A method of operating a cavitation system in which the cavitation chamber is separated into at least three distinct chamber volumes by, for example, first fabricating and then installing a pair of gas-tight and liquid-tight seals into the cavitation chamber, is provided. Each chamber volume seal is fabricated from a rigid reflector and a flexible member. During chamber operation, only one of the three volumes contains cavitation fluid, the other two chamber volumes remaining devoid of cavitation fluid. By controlling the pressure within the two unfilled chamber volumes, the rigid reflectors can be used as a means of increasing the static pressure within the fluid-filled chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 7461965
    Abstract: A cavitation chamber separated into two volumes by a gas-tight and liquid-tight seal, the seal formed by the combination of a rigid acoustic reflector and a flexible member, is provided. The rigid reflector improves the cavitation characteristics of the chamber while the flexible member insures that the reflector can move during the cavitation process. One of the two chamber volumes is filled, or at least partially filled, with cavitation fluid while the other chamber volume remains devoid of cavitation fluid during system operation. A conduit couples a region above the liquid free surface in one cavitation volume to the second, unfilled chamber volume, thus preventing the reflector from being subjected to undue pressures. An acoustic driver, such as a ring of piezoelectric material, is coupled to the chamber and used to drive cavitation within the cavitation fluid contained within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Publication number: 20080277275
    Abstract: The electrolytic reaction of a solution supplemented with oxidation-reduction substances is caused in a magnetic field. Lorentz force generated by the interaction between an electrolytic current and the magnetic field is utilized. As a result, the effective stirring or transfer of a solution as well as the detection of a biologically relevant substance with high precision can be achieved without causing the aggregation or uneven distribution of magnetic beads or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wataru Kubo
  • Publication number: 20080247264
    Abstract: An apparatus having a device for moving a liquid comprises a piezoacoustic resonator element (11) having at least one piezoelectric layer (110) and two electrodes (111 and 112) present on the piezoelectric layer (110). The piezoacoustic resonator element (11) is designed such that, owing to a voltage being applied to the piezoelectric layer (110) by means of the electrodes (111 or 112), a volume oscillation of the piezoelectric layer (110) is excited at a resonant frequency. The piezoelectric resonator element (11) can be acoustically coupled in a suitable manner to a liquid for the purpose of transmitting the excited oscillation into the liquid for the purpose of moving the liquid. The apparatus may be in the form of a micromixer or in the form of a micropump and may comprise, in addition, sensor elements (41) for detecting the attachment of substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Reinhard Gabl, Mathias Link, Matthias Schreiter, Jan Weber
  • Patent number: 7431892
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilization of liquid includes a liquid container containing a liquid and having a piezoceramic ring that is connected to a power supply system. Power supply system supplies electric signals to the piezoceramic ring that are transformed into mechanical waves and cause vibrations in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Piezo Top Ltd.
    Inventors: Jona Zumeris, Jacob Levy, Zadik Hazan, Yanina Zumeris
  • Publication number: 20080237376
    Abstract: A method of producing a medicinal nanoparticle suspension is provided, wherein a medicinal ingredient added in a suspending solution is ground to form nanoparticles of the medicinal ingredient by irradiating the suspending solution with a laser. The process is implemented after adding a poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble medicinal ingredient of a drug in a poor solvent to form the suspending solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Asahi, Hiroshi Masuhara, Teruki Sugiyama, Isamu Oh, Sen-ichi Ryo, Hiroyuki Kato, Isao Umeda
  • Publication number: 20080237908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Longo