Abstract: Methods and devices for treating skin include a skin-contacting portion, an actuator and a processor, wherein activation of the actuator causes surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh, “pseudo” Rayleigh types to be produced on the skin around the actuator. In a location which is under the actuator, the actuator produces tension and repulsion of skin particles. These surface acoustic waves can be used to provide treatment to the skin, including wound healing, non-adhesion of bandages, reduced infection, reduced pain and cosmetic enhancements. The skin-contacting portion may be a patch or bandage, a glove, a hand-held device, or any other suitable configuration. The actuator is incorporated into the skin-contacting portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treatment of medical devices using surface acoustic waves (SAW) of Rayleigh, “pseudo” Rayleigh and Lamb type. In some embodiments, use of such SAW is controlled such that relative velocity of bacteria is achieved wherein the vibration amplitude of the bacteria is smaller than a Z-potential repulsive zone of the bacteria, thus preventing biofilm formation on the medical devices. In some embodiments, systems of the present invention are powered by body movements, and may also provide a feedback loop for control of parameters. In some embodiments, the medical devices of the present invention are comprised of piezoelectric material, and act as self-actuators for the system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods thereof for generating an acoustic lubrication effect along a surface of an in-dwelling medical device that is in contact with a vital tissue in a subject are provided. The vibrations comprise: Hz range cylindrical surface vibrations; or kHz range surface acoustic wave (SAW) vibrations; or a combination thereof. The vibrations create an acoustic lubrication effect that may reduce pain or discomfort in a subject when the apparatus is used with an indwelling medical device. The vibrations may enhance tactile sensation when the medical device is a shoe pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preventing biofilm formation associated with an indwelling medical device. The method involves applying nanovibrational acoustic waves to surfaces of a medical device utilizing a piezo resonator to generate the waves.

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: 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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for preventing or treating biofilm associated with catheters. A piezo-ceramic element may be attached to a catheter, and a vibration processor may be connected to the piezo-ceramic element. The vibration processor may provide electric signals that generate acoustic vibrations in the piezo-ceramic element, causing vibrations in or around the catheter. These vibrations may be particularly administered to disperse microbe colonies, thereby preventing or inhibiting formation of biofilm that may lead to infections. Vibrations may be amplified significantly due to resonance conditions in the catheter balloon, which may be powerful enough to be used to disperse microbe colonies that have grouped around the catheter or are attempting to do so.

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: Methods and devices for treating skin include a skin-contacting portion, an actuator and a processor, wherein activation of the actuator causes surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh, “pseudo” Rayleigh types to be produced on the skin around the actuator. In a location which is under the actuator, the actuator produces tension and repulsion of skin particles. These surface acoustic waves can be used to provide treatment to the skin, including wound healing, non-adhesion of bandages, reduced infection, reduced pain and cosmetic enhancements. The skin-contacting portion may be a patch or bandage, a glove, a hand-held device, or any other suitable configuration. The actuator is incorporated into the skin-contacting portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treatment of medical devices using surface acoustic waves (SAW) of Rayleigh, “pseudo” Rayleigh and Lamb type. In some embodiments, use of such SAW is controlled such that relative velocity of bacteria is achieved wherein the vibration amplitude of the bacteria is smaller than a Z-potential repulsive zone of the bacteria, thus preventing biofilm formation on the medical devices. In some embodiments, systems of the present invention are powered by body movements, and may also provide a feedback loop for control of parameters. In some embodiments, the medical devices of the present invention are comprised of piezoelectric material, and act as self-actuators for the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preventing biofilm formation associated with an indwelling medical device. The method involves applying nanovibrational acoustic waves to surfaces of a medical device utilizing a piezo resonator to generate the waves.

Abstract: A method is provided for decreasing amounts of foreign materials such as biofilm attached to internal anatomical surfaces of a mammalian body. The method includes attaching a nanovibrational energy resonator device onto an external or internal area of the body, the area being proximal to a mammalian conduit system and applying nanovibrational energy thereto.

Abstract: As part of the present invention, a motion detector for detecting motion inside of a body may include a first oscillator to produce an electrical scanning signal and a second oscillator to produce an electrical Doppler signal. A vibrating element may vibrate in response to the scanning and Doppler signals. A vibration transducer may receive vibrations reflected from a structure inside the body and may convert the reflected vibrations into an electrical signal. Doppler shifts between the transmitted and received vibrations may be used to estimate the velocity of the structure inside the body.

Abstract: An acoustic indwelling medical device system, which may include a vibration apparatus and at least one transducer, may be integrated with standard medical devices. This acoustic system may use electric signals to enable the transducer to generate nanovibrations within the indwelling medical device system, to inhibit the entry of microorganisms from external sources. Such vibrations may enable dispersal of microbe colonies, thereby preventing or dispersing biofilm that may cause infections.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for preventing or treating biofilm associated with catheters. A piezo-ceramic element may be attached to a catheter, and a vibration processor may be connected to the piezo-ceramic element. The vibration processor may provide electric signals that generate acoustic vibrations in the piezo-ceramic element, causing vibrations in or around the catheter. These vibrations may be particularly administered to disperse microbe colonies, thereby preventing or inhibiting formation of biofilm that may lead to infections. Vibrations may be amplified significantly due to resonance conditions in the catheter balloon, which may be powerful enough to be used to disperse microbe colonies that have grouped around the catheter or are attempting to do so.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing linear motion to a generally flat flexible material, comprising: (a) at least one piezoelectric ceramic motor situated on a first side of the flat flexible material and having a contact surface which contacts the flat flexible material and which imparts said linear motion; and (b) a bearing surface situated on a second side of the flat flexible material opposite said contact surface.

Abstract: A smart monitoring system for enabling remote, interactive scanning and monitoring of internal bodies. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a smart monitoring system comprises at least one Active Sensing Unit (ASU), which includes at least one vibration element for generating micro mechanical vibrations and/or receiving signals of micro mechanical vibrations, a Portable Sensing Unit (PSU), connected to the ASU (by cable or wirelessly); and at least one Central Diagnostic and Control Unit (CDCU), enabled to remotely command the PSU to control the functionality of the ASU.

Abstract: As part of the present invention, a motion detector for detecting motion inside of a body may include a first oscillator to produce an electrical scanning signal and a second oscillator to produce an electrical Doppler signal. A vibrating element may vibrate in response to the scanning and Doppler signals. A vibration transducer may receive vibrations reflected from a structure inside the body and may convert the reflected vibrations into an electrical signal. Doppler shifts between the transmitted and received vibrations may be used to estimate the velocity of the structure inside the body.