Abstract: The invention utilizes single and multiple frequency ultrasound generators driving single and multiple frequency resonant and harmonic transducer arrays at frequencies into the megasonic range. Generator signals that increase cavitation efficiency improve the performance of the cleaning, microbiological inactivation, sonochemistry or processing systems.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing delicate parts within a process tank such as an ultrasonic tank. Typically, one or more transducers connect to the tank and respond to drive signals from a generator to produce ultrasound within process liquid within the tank.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer is constructed to be under damped at higher overtone frequencies by reducing losses through one or more of the following: even pressure shaped surfaces on masses, reversed drive to at least one piezoelectric ceramic, an ultrasonically formed metallic bond between the transducer's front mass and the radiating surface, high current carrying strain relieved electrodes, fine grain structure masses, low internal friction masses and radiating materials, and zero bias stress change due to temperature variations. Improved methods and construction details for bonding the higher overtone frequency transducer to quartz are disclosed and include: front masses with cross-hatched or concentric circle patterns and invar front masses or an invar transition mass that is bonded to the quartz.

Abstract: A transducer includes a resonator assembly having a first surface and a second surface on opposite sides thereof, a front mass having a surface adjacent to the first surface of the resonator assembly, a back mass having a surface adjacent to the second surface of the resonator assembly, and a compression assembly mounted on the front mass and the back mass. The compression assembly is adapted to effect compression across the resonator assembly. At least one of the surfaces of the front mass and the back mass adjacent to the resonator assembly and first and second surfaces of the resonator assembly is curved when the compression assembly is not in the compression state, and when the compression assembly effects the compression across the resonator assembly, the transducer has a substantially constant pressure across the surfaces of the resonator assembly.

Abstract: The invention utilizes multiple frequency ultrasound generators driving multiple frequency harmonic transducer arrays at sweeping frequencies. Generator signals that increase cavitation efficiency and that have successive time periods with predominantly stable cavitation and predominantly transient cavitation further improve the performance of the cleaning, microbiological inactivation, sonochemistry or processing systems. Probes that monitor the ultrasound and feedback the information to the generator provide consistency of process.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing system for sensing process conditions within an ultrasonic process tank that includes process liquid, the liquid being subjected to ultrasound produced by transducers coupled to a generator. The sensing system includes an enclosure for housing a sample liquid, the enclosure passing ultrasonic energy from the process liquid to the sample liquid, the sample liquid being responsive to the ultrasonic energy, and at least one sensing device within the sample liquid, the sensing device generating signals indicative of characteristics of the sample liquid. The sample liquid includes materials adapted to produce chemiluminescence in response to the ultrasonic energy. The at least one sensing device includes a photo sensor for sensing the produced chemiluminescence and generating signals in response to the produced chemiluminescence.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a multiple frequency ultrasound generator driving a multiple frequency harmonic transducer array to improve cleaning and processing effects while eliminating damage to parts being cleaned. An AC switch and circuitry to modify the output of an ultrasound generator in combination with techniques such as random AM and FM signals are used to produce ultrasound waves that have no single frequency components which eliminates exciting parts being cleaned into resonance. Generator signals that increase cavitation efficiency and that have successive time periods with predominately stable cavitation and predominantly transient cavitation further improve the performance of the cleaning or processing systems.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing delicate parts within a process tank such as an ultrasonic tank. Typically, one or more transducers connect to the tank and respond to drive signals from a generator to produce ultrasound within process liquid within the tank.