Abstract: Ultrasonic processing apparatus and methods are disclosed, which includes multiple transducers of at least two different resonant frequencies supplying ultrasonic energy to a liquid filled tank containing components to be cleaned or processed ultrasonically. The transducers are arranged in equilateral triangular patterns along diagonal lines on a wall of the tank so that each transducer has an adjacent transducer of a different frequency. Alternatively, the apparatus includes one or more rod transducers having different resonant frequencies so that the apparatus provides a mixture of various frequencies of ultrasonic energy to the tank. Another aspect of the invention involves selecting transducers with different resonant frequencies that are outside an excluded subrange, and powering the transducers by a driving signal that sweeps through the resonant frequencies of the transducers and the excluded subrange.

Abstract: Ultrasonic processing apparatus and methods are disclosed, which includes multiple transducers of at least two different resonant frequencies supplying ultrasonic energy to a liquid filled tank containing components to be cleaned or processed ultrasonically. The transducers are arranged in equilateral triangular patterns along diagonal lines on a wall of the tank so that each transducer has an adjacent transducer of a different frequency. Alternatively, the apparatus includes one or more rod transducers having different resonant frequencies so that the apparatus provides a mixture of various frequencies of ultrasonic energy to the tank. Another aspect of the invention involves selecting transducers with different resonant frequencies that are outside an excluded subrange, and powering the transducers by a driving signal that sweeps through the resonant frequencies of the transducers and the excluded subrange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems, kits and devices that emit light to the oral cavity. The device includes a light source; a power source in electrical communication with the light source; and a bite actuated switch in electrical communication with the power source and the light source. The device is a size or shape that fits within an oral cavity of an individual. Since the device along with the light and power source are self contained, the user have their hands-free and can perform other activities while using the device. The device, methods, systems, and kits, further include the use of an agent (e.g., antibacterial agents, tooth whitening agents, cleaning agents) that assists or enhances the efficacy of the light therapy.

Abstract: A megasonic processing apparatus and method has one or more piezoelectric transducers operating in thickness mode at fundamental resonant frequencies of at least 300 KHz. A generator powers the transducers with a variable-frequency driving signal that varies or sweeps throughout a predetermined sweep frequency range. The generator repeatedly varies or sweeps the frequency of the driving signal through a sweep frequency range that includes the resonant frequencies of all the transducers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic generator includes a user interface adapted for a user to specify parameters that define a frequency range and a sweep rate for the driving signal, a programmable memory coupled to the user interface for storing the frequency range and sweep rate parameters, and an output circuit responsive to the frequency range and sweep rate parameters for generating the driving signal in the frequency range and at the sweep rate specified by the user. An ultrasonic process includes the steps of programming an ultrasonic generator with parameters specifying a frequency range and a sweep rate of a driving signal output by the generator to one or more ultrasonic transducers used in the ultrasonic process, storing the frequency range and sweep rate parameters in a memory or storage device, and generating a driving signal having a frequency within the specified frequency range and varying at the specified sweep rate.

Abstract: Ultrasonic processing apparatus and methods are disclosed, which includes multiple transducers of at least two different resonant frequencies supplying ultrasonic energy to a liquid filled tank containing components to be cleaned or processed ultrasonically. The transducers are arranged in equilateral triangular patterns along diagonal lines on a wall of the tank so that each transducer has an adjacent transducer of a different frequency. Alternatively, the apparatus includes one or more rod transducers having different resonant frequencies so that the apparatus provides a mixture of various frequencies of ultrasonic energy to the tank. Another aspect of the invention involves selecting transducers with different resonant frequencies that are outside an excluded subrange, and powering the transducers by a driving signal that sweeps through the resonant frequencies of the transducers and the excluded subrange.

Abstract: A ultrasonic cleaning system includes a tank composed of quartz or silicon carbide and one or more sleeved ultrasonic transducers mounted to the tank. The sleeved ultrasonic transducer has a two-part head mass, including a threaded sleeve and an outer housing that are composed of different materials. The threaded sleeve is preferably a metal that provides superior thread strength for mating with a compression bolt, while the outer housing is preferably silicon carbide or other ceramic material that provides a good thermal expansion match to the tank to facilitate adhesive bonding of the transducer to the tank.