Abstract: An acoustic separator comprises: two parallel chamber walls defining a separation chamber therebetween, each chamber wall defining one side of the chamber; inlet means through which fluid can flow into the chamber; and outlet means through which fluid can flow out of the chamber. One of the chamber walls includes a transducer arranged to transmit pressure waves across the chamber towards the other of the chamber walls which in turn is arranged to reflect the pressure waves to set up a standing wave in the chamber. The outlet means defines an opening in one of the sides of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus to decrease viscosity of crude oil or bitumen and increase the rate of fractional extraction by breaking the high molecular chains in crude oil or bitumen undergoing treatment which includes a flow of crude oil or bitumen inside the treatment unit under simultaneous affection by cavitations and vibrations on different frequencies and between at least two opposite conical jets formed inside the diffusers having the same axis of symmetry and interacting with each other under the conditions of an auto-oscillations of the periodic backward flows of fluid inside each conical jet due to a periodic negative pressure inside each conical jet and the periodic negative pressure is determined in accordance with the following formulae: P a = P 0 - ? ? ? ? ? V 2 2 , ? wherein ? ? V = f ? ( D 4 - 2 ? R ) Sh , Pa is negative pressure in backward flow between the opposite conical jets.

Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator.

Abstract: At least embodiment is directed to a method of viral eradication which includes: delivering an acoustic wave to a virally infected region; tuning a frequency of the acoustic wave to a resonance frequency of a target virus in the virally infected region; and applying the acoustic wave to the virally infected region for a period of time necessary to eradicate at least 25% of the target virus per cubic mm of the virally infected region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating biological particles in a liquid suspension use acoustic focusing technology. In some instances, the systems and methods include extracting and separating a target material from the concentrated biological particles in the liquid suspension. Algae cells can be concentrated and lipids isolated from the algae for the production of biofuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a liquid by acoustic cavitation. In a first stage, in a cavitation chamber under positive static pressure. In a second stage by hydrodynamic cavitation. The energy and pressure expended in the first stage is recovered in the second stage to make an efficient processing system for cavitating liquids. The process and system may be used for disinfecting water.

Abstract: Method to enhance the recovery of oil from an oil field, comprising: applying heat to a colloidal hydrocarbonic medium that comprises hydrocarbon chains; and applying pressure waves having a predetermined frequency and intensity to hydrocarbon chains, in order to crack hydrocarbon chains into relatively shorter hydrocarbon chains. Optionally: applying heat may comprise applying steam; the pressure waves may be applied directly or indirectly to hydrocarbon chains to be cracked; applying pressure waves may be performed within the oil field, by use of an Activator within or outside of the oil field; applying pressure waves may be performed within the oil field; applying pressure waves may be performed by use of a rotor situated in a housing pervaded by the colloidal hydrocarbonic medium.

Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.

Abstract: A system and method of cleaning an enclosure of a container defined by inner walls, including providing a container, orienting the container so that the opening is lowermost and opens downwardly and generating resonant vibration in the container at a predetermined frequency and at an energy level sufficient to dislodge any loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container but not being of an energy level to impact the structural integrity of the container and maintaining the resonant vibration within the container enclosure for a sufficient time to dislodge all loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container. The system may include a resonant chamber in the form of a shroud and means to effectuate the method steps and may also include a sanitizing step in which the containers are further sanitized to render inactive any organic contaminants.

Abstract: In a method of treating a liquid, a liquid to be treated is introduced into a space, a mechanical cavitation element acts upon the liquid while gas is supplied into the region of the surface of the cavitation element and introduces the gas into the liquid by moving the cavitation element, and sound waves are introduced directly into the liquid by at least one acoustic power transducer.

Abstract: A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus.

Abstract: A system including an ultrasonic resonance chamber containing a cavitation reaction chamber therein is described. In some embodiments, the resonance chamber or resonator comprises a spherical metal shell having fluid and other couplings and containing a first liquid that carries an acoustic field within the resonator. A second fluid or material that can flow within the reaction chamber or reactor is disposed at a location in the resonator so that the two fluids do not mix but the acoustic field in the resonator can generate cavitation inside the reactor to cause a desired transformation or reaction in the second fluid or material.

Abstract: A solution reactor allows the solution L to contact with the reactant gas G, and the component contained in the solution L is chemically changed by means of the reactant gas G. The reactor includes a nozzle 41 for spraying the solution L into a state of mists M, and a pressure feed unit 42 for feeding the reactant gas G, which is pressurized, into the nozzle 41. Further, in the reactor, the pressure feed unit 42 feeds such pressurized reactant gas G to the nozzle 41 to be flown fast, so that the nozzle 41 allows the fast flowing reactant gas G to contact with the solution and the solution L is broken into the state of mists M to be jetted out, and thus the component contained in the solution L is chemically changed by means of the reactant gas G.

Abstract: A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy.

Abstract: The invention aims to reduce the processing time of liquid-liquid extraction, reduce variations in the amount of extraction of a solute, and improve the extraction efficiency.

Abstract: Provided are a deforming method and device that use laser-induced breakdown. The provided method and device make it possible to shorten the focal distance, thereby improving laser beam convergence, and increase the utilization efficiency of sound waves that contribute to defoaming. Pulsed laser light is focused and irradiated into a space inside an acoustic waveguide (4), thereby generating pulsed sound waves from the illumination point (7). The pulsed sound waves propagate down the acoustic waveguide as plane waves, then propagate beyond an open end (16) as spherical waves, and break up a foam outside the open end of the acoustic wave guide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein multiple instantaneous pressure pulsations with a regulated frequency and amplitude are applied to various biological substances in order to eliminate the undesired microorganisms in these substances with minimal negative effect on the quality of these substances, and, further, to use these in mass production of foodstuffs pharmaceuticals for treatment of human blood or plasma, and for research to establish a specific frequency of pressure pulsations at which a particular type of bacteria could be selectively destroyed while other components of the substance remain intact.

Abstract: Provided here is an agitation vessel which enhances energy transmission efficiency in an agitation apparatus and an analysis apparatus, simplifies the structure of the agitation apparatus and the analysis apparatus, and allows for downsizing and improved maintenanceability. An agitation vessel (5) agitates retained liquid by sound waves. A sound wave generating member (24) which generates sound waves is provided integrally with the agitation vessel (5). The agitation vessel (5) includes a bottom wall (5d) and plural side walls (5c) made of an optically transparent material, and a part of the opposing side walls among the plural side walls (5c) is a photometric window (5b) that optically measures the liquid agitated. The sound wave generating member (24) is arranged on the side wall (5c), on which the photometric window (5b) is arranged, among the plural side walls (5c).

Abstract: A fluidics apparatus is disclosed for manipulation of at least one fluid sample, typically in the form of a droplet. The apparatus has a substrate surface with a sample manipulation zone for location of the fluid sample. A transducer arrangement such as an interdigitated electrode structure on a piezoelectric body provides surface acoustic waves at the substrate surface for manipulation of the fluid sample. The substrate surface has an arrangement of surface acoustic wave scattering elements forming a phononic crystal structure for affecting the transmission, distribution and/or behaviour of surface acoustic waves at the substrate surface. Also disclosed is a method for lysing a cell. In this method, the cell is comprised in a fluid sample contacting a substrate surface, the method comprising providing surface acoustic waves at the substrate surface, such that the cell lyses.

Abstract: The desulfurization of fossil fuels is effected by the combination of fossil fuels with an aqueous mixture of hydroperoxide and quaternary ammonium fluoride phase transfer catalyst, the mixture then subjected to ultrasound to oxidize sulfur compounds present in the fuels. The polar oxidized species are removed via extraction. Another aspect is a portable, continuous ultrasound assisted desulfurization device having a sonoreactor for subjecting mixtures of fossil fuels to sonication to effect removal of sulfur containing compounds.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for treating biomass so as to convert the biomass into a useful form is provided. In some embodiments, the system and method allow treating a biomass mixed in a fluid medium in an acoustic resonator chamber. The chamber may be used to mix the biomass with other chemical agents or catalysts. The chamber is also coupled to one or more acoustical drivers to provide an acoustical (e.g., ultrasonic) field in the chamber, which can also be driven to cause acoustic cavitation in some embodiments. The acoustic resonator chamber may also be placed under static pressure to enhance a mechanical, acoustical, or chemical effect during processing. Various examples of co-processing or pre-processing stages are also provided, including acid, base, AFEX, ammonia and other stages to enhance a desired effect.

Abstract: A method of purifying a thermoplastic polymer having at least one dispersed filler, including preparing a polymer melt of the thermoplastic polymer, and filtering the polymer melt, where the dispersed filler is at least partially transformed to a coagulated and filterable form before the filtering step. Also, a device for purifying the thermoplastic polymer, including means for preparing a polymer melt from the thermoplastic polymer, and filter means, and means for generating sound waves, preferably ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials and methods of reversibly storing and generating hydrogen using sonication and hydrocarbon nanostructures are described.

Abstract: The use of acoustic focusing together with a non-destructive extraction process for obtaining lipids from oleaginous algae is described. Acoustic focusing can be used to concentrate oleaginous algae before they are subjected to non-destructive extraction, or acoustic focusing can be used as part of the non-destructive extraction process itself by moving the algae from the algae culture to the extracting solvent. The use of acoustic focusing for removing extraneous particulate matter from algae cultures is also described, as well as the use of non-destructive extraction for controlling levels of algae predators.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilizing apparatus which is capable of sterilizing articles, such as test tubes, flasks, beakers, scalpels, forceps and so on, with high efficiency in a short time. The sterilizing apparatus includes a sterilizing gas generator 42 that supplies sterilizing gas into a chamber 4. The sterilizing gas generator 42 atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator 46. The sterilizing apparatus further includes an ultraviolet generator (ultraviolet lamp 50) that irradiates gas in the chamber 4 with an ultraviolet ray. The sterilizing apparatus further includes a door 14 for blocking an opening 2A of the chamber 4 in a free-opening/closing manner and a locking device 52 for prohibiting the door 14 from being opened. The sterilizing apparatus further includes a controller 60 for controlling the locking device 52 to prevent the door 14 from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for phase conversion. The arrangement has a space including a working gas and is arranged to include a generated standing sound wave, whereby said sound wave is generated such that the sum of added and consumed wave energy is greater than or equal to zero. Furthermore, the arrangement has a valve mechanism for provision and outflow of a quantity of a working gas or composition, including at least one substance, in the space and is arranged to work synchronously with the generated sound wave. The generated sound wave exposes the working gas or composition to pressure and temperature changes, whereby a gas compression creates an elevated temperature and a gas decompression creates a reduced temperature; and whereby a phase conversion, caused by the pressure and temperature changes, is obtained.

Abstract: A microreactor having a reaction mixture inlet, a reaction mixture channel, and a reaction mixture outlet is provided, in which a piezoelectric material that generates surface acoustic waves and has, formed on the surface thereof, a thin film having catalytic activity is disposed in the reaction mixture channel so that the inner surface of the reaction mixture channel is configured from the thin film. The thin film having catalytic activity can be constituted of a material selected from a group consisting of metals, metal oxides, and complexes of organic compounds. The microreactor attains remarkable improvements in the effect of stirring a reaction mixture and catalysis, whereby a chemical reaction can be evenly and efficiently accelerated. The microreactor is free from channel clogging and pressure loss and hence renders a stable and precise chemical reaction possible.

Abstract: An acoustic crystal structure includes defect cavities that concentrate the driving pressure from applied sound waves into the cavities to cavitate gas bubbles in a liquid to produce sonoluminescence. This device may be used to study sonoluminescence or cavitation or to perform sonochemistry, nuclear fusion etc. in the cavities. A waveguide may be operatively coupled to the acoustic crystal to extract, collect and route a band of electromagnetic (EM) radiation around a specified source wavelength to an output port for emission by an antenna to provide an EM source. The waveguide may, for example, be a photonic crystal defect waveguide, a photonic crystal optical fiber or Sommerfeld waveguide. The marriage of the sonoluminescence phenomena with an acoustic crystal and embedded waveguide provides for an efficient source of narrow or broad band IR or THz radiation.

Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: A device for performing the manipulation of particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. The device comprises a duct for the flow of a fluid in which particles are suspended, an acoustic transducer, and a reflector for establishing an acoustic standing wave field across the width of the duct. It has been unexpectedly found that optimum performance of the device occurs when the spacing between the transducer and a reflector is 300 microns or less. The device seeks to overcome prior engineering difficulties that prevented one from observing the individual particle bands or separating the individual particle bands from the duct.

Abstract: A water purification system performs a water purification process through physical sterilization, and at least includes a compression device and a decompression device. Water is converted into a high-pressure liquid through the compression device, and then is converted into a high-speed fluid by controlling the cross-sectional area of a spout of the decompression device, thus generating physical effects such as pressure drop and shear stress, so as to damage cell walls of bacteria in the liquid to die-off the bacteria. Therefore, purified water is obtained.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently isolating nucleic acids from a nucleic acid-containing sample.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus of Hydrodynamic cavitation, to be used as reactors to achieve tangible effect by producing tailored active cavities either transient or steady or both, in aqueous and non-aqueous media for intensification of the physical and chemical processes in homogenous and heterogeneous systems. An apparatus comprises of a cavity generator, cavity diverter and turbulence manipulator wherein the cavity generator/cavity diverter is a flow modulator of various shapes and sizes. A regime map of cavitation and a method to generate it, is presented to achieve the desired type of cavitation, required for specific targeted process intensification and then reactors are designed to achieve the predetermined process intensification. Regime map relates the maximum fluid velocity in cavity generator with the cavitation number, active and specific type of cavity fraction for several geometric designs of apparatus.

Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the parallel study of chemical reactions in at least two spatially separated reaction spaces. In particular, the invention is suitable for reactions which are not constant volume reactions and/or for reactions in which fluid flows through at least two spatially separated reaction spaces are intended to be controlled together for all the reaction spaces, or for related subsets of them, in the most straightforward way possible.

Abstract: A urinary catheter clip-on device applies surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh-Lamb and/or Love type to a urinary catheter for preventing biofilms on the catheter surfaces. The bacteria is forced to move relative to the vibrating catheter surface. The amplitudes of bacteria vibrations are in nanometer range. The relative motion of bacteria results in bacteria quorum sensing, and disrupts the bacteria attachment process. The method is preventive as surface acoustic waves create low acoustic energy and bacteria is not killed.

Abstract: An active material and light emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for giving a substance (101) receptive and/or transmissive properties that allow the substance (101) to be treated by and/or to transmit a signal acquired by intercepting an electromagnetic field originating from a source substance. The substance (101) is subjected, by means of a transmitter (102), to an electromagnetic field and/or a sound (104) emitted at one or more frequencies included in a predetermined frequency spectrum for a predetermined period. The invention makes it possible to give the initially non-receptive and non-transmissive substance (101)y receptive and/or transmissive properties.

Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for flee flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.

Abstract: A method of aseptically treating, forming, filling, and sealing flexible bag packages in a bag packaging machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A simple and direct methodology for synthesis of polycrystalline silicon sheets is demonstrated in our invention, where silica (SiO2) and elemental carbon (C) are reacted under RF or MW excitation. These polycrystalline silicon sheets can be directly used as feedstock/substrates for low cost photovoltaic solar cell fabrication. Other techniques, such as textured polycrystalline silicon substrate formation, in situ doping, and in situ formation of p-n junctions, are described, which make use of processing equipments and scheme setups of various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump adapted to excite a high-intensity sound wave in a fluid feedstock is disclosed. The impeller and stator of the pump are provided with multiple apertures sized and spaced to produce a sound wave of an intensity greater than one megawatt per square meter in the fluid. The sound wave forms cavitation bubbles in the fluid, and the static pressure in the pump combines with the compression cycle of the sound wave to collapse the bubbles at a rate sufficient to cause exothermic reactions in the fluid. The sonic reactor can be configured for use to produce thermal energy, oil refining, catalyst production, water desalination and other uses.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (10) for performing chemical or biological reactions comprises a chamber (20) for use as a self-sustaining oscillating jet mixing chamber and two or more separate feed channels (22, 24, 40) separated by one or more inter-channel walls (25), the two or more channels (22,24,40) terminating at a common side (18) of the chamber (20), the two or more channels (22,24,40) having a total channel width (28) comprising the widths of the two or more channels (22,24,40) and all inter-channel walls (25) taken together, the chamber (20) having a width (26) in a direction perpendicular to the channels (22,24,40) and a length (32) in a direction parallel to the channels, the width (26) being at least two times the total channel width (28), the chamber (20) having two opposing major surfaces (56) defining a height (30) thereof, the chamber (20) having a major-surface-area to volume ratio of at least 10 cm2/cm3.

Abstract: An action on liquids by the energy of a cavitation acoustic field, which is generated by ultrasonic frequency elastic oscillations of a liquid, in such a way that athermodynamic disequilibrium state is formed in the liquids. Such a mechanism for transmitting energy to a liquid is an epithermal mechanism and produces therein the process which is inherent to high-energy physics and chemistry. It makes it possible, for example, to accumulate a certain quantity of energy in water by destroying the internal structure thereof formed by hydrogen bonds of individual molecules therebetween, practically without heating it and afterwards, to release the energy in the form of a hydration heat, while the water recovers the equilibrium state thereof or interacts with other substance. The cavitation reactor of this invention includes a harmonic oscillation source in the form of equifrequential resonators in which liquid oscillations produce elastic stationary waves.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combating germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.