Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating motion in a thin liquid film on a substrate, in particular in a capillary gap, in which at least one ultrasound wave is sent right through the substrate in the direction of the liquid film, and a device for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: A metering device, a metering element, and a method for operating same, the metering element having a storage container open on one side for receiving the substances to be metered and a plunger which is axially movable and reversibly seals the opening of the storage container and which preferably has at least one centrally located metering opening for metering the substances provided in the storage container, the plunger including a separation device for particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionally closed systems for mixing and delivering microbubble pharmaceuticals. Described is a device comprising a rigid outer layer and a flexible bladder wherein mixing occurs using external mixing sources. Also included is a system for dispensing the pharmaceuticals to its end use after mixing. Methods for mixing and dispensing microbubble pharmaceuticals are also described.

Abstract: A noncontact stirring method, a noncontact stirring apparatus, a method and apparatus for reacting nucleic acid hybridization using the apparatus, a method for detecting nucleic acid in a sample, an apparatus for detecting nucleic acid, a method for detecting antibodies in a sample, and an apparatus for detecting antibodies in minute droplets 1 ?mL or less in an electric field are proposed that can be utilized to speed up biodetection processes, hybridization processes in DNA analysis, ELISA antigen fixing processes, blocking processes, antibody-antigen reaction processes and color reaction processes; and pathogen identification, CRP tests, methods of propagating cells or bacilli such as colon bacilli in a liquid culture medium, and chemical analyses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for discharging packing material from a sample column which is capable of removing the packing material such as activated carbon from the sample column for analysis having a tube shape smoothly and more certainly, and can be suitably used in the case where the packing material thus removed is supplied to an analyzer, etc.

Abstract: A flow-through, chamber-in-chamber, nanocavitation apparatus having an elongated housing with an inlet and an outlet. A working chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet includes alternating radial and central flow guides disposed concentrically in the working chamber about a central axis. A first radial flow guide is disposed proximate to the inlet and all radial flow guides have a radial opening adjacent to an inner wall of the housing. A first central flow guide is disposed proximate to the outlet and has a central opening about the central axis. The alternating concentric nature of the flow guides promotes alternating generation and collapse of cavitational features, all while promoting the efficient exchange of heat between hot zones and cooler regions of adjacent flow guides.

Abstract: The present concrete vibrator inline transmission is a unique combination of gears that changes the speed of a primary power source so that a remote concrete tool runs at a speed different than that of the primary power source. This unique apparatus allows for unique methods of using the concrete vibrator inline transmission.

Abstract: Gas-filled microbubbles can be synthesized using a continuous flow chamber and a sonicator. The resulting microbubble solution can be size-sorted for a particular application, such as injection into a patient for gas delivery thereto. The microbubble solution may be concentrated to have greater than 50% volume gas while maintaining microbubble sizes below 10 ?m. Control of the microbubble generation process can yield highly stable microbubbles. The microbubbles may retain over half of their original gas payload for over three weeks while exhibiting minimal change in microbubble size. The systems, methods, and devices described herein thus allow for continuous or batch-wise continuous production of gas-filled microbubbles that readily release their gas payload when introduced into an under-saturated or de-saturated solution.

Abstract: A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller blade located within the cavitation chamber. The impeller assembly is magnetically coupled to an external drive system which is used to rotate the impeller, thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to, or during, bubble cavitation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water-resistant gypsum article, comprising sonicating a water-resistance additive in water to form a emulsion; combining the emulsion, calcined gypsum, and gauging water to form a slurry; and forming and setting the slurry to form the water-resistant gypsum article.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cavitating a mixture of a fuel and an additive are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cavitation stream, the cavitation stream comprising a counter jet device, a jet stroke device and a swirling cavitation device. A mixture of a fuel and additive is arranged to pass through the cavitation stream, wherein the mixture undergoes wave and cavitation processing in the swirling cavitation device. The cavitation apparatus further comprises a resonance chamber and a homogenizer, into which the wave and cavitated mixture is passed to obtain an emulsion of improved homogeneity from an outlet of the homogenizer.

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 device consisting of a low-RPM motor wherein the motor spins a flat disk, a peg is attached to the disk, a stationary spring armature wherein the peg can activate the stationary spring armature as the disk rotates, and a tube containing beads in a fluid positioned in a top plate wherein the spring armature can contact the tube. This device can further include a soft closed-cell foam top mounted on the top plate wherein the tube is inserted and maintained by the foam in such a way as to allow for slight motion of the tube induced by the contact by the spring armature.

Abstract: A sonic saturation system is provided that comprises at least one tank for containing a reservoir of liquid solvent; at least one gas-inlet in fluid communication with a gas compressor, for introducing gaseous solute into the reservoir, and at least one sonic agitator (146) for agitating the liquid reservoir thereby increasing the rate of impregnation of the solute into the solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating motion in a thin liquid film on a substrate, in particular in a capillary gap, in which at least one ultrasound wave is sent right through the substrate in the direction of the liquid film, and a device for carrying out the inventive method.

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.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluid includes providing a collider chamber apparatus. The collider chamber apparatus includes a stator, including an inner wall, the inner wall defining a plurality of collider chambers and a rotor disposed for rotation relative to the stator, about an axis. An outer wall of the rotor is proximal to the inner wall of the stator. The method also includes introducing the fluid into at least one of the plurality of collider chambers, rotating the rotor relative to the stator, and applying acoustic energy to at least a portion of the fluid. Optionally, the acoustic energy can be injected into at least one of the plurality of collider chambers, an inlet manifold for introducing fluid into at least one of the plurality of collider chambers, and/or before the fluid is introduced into at least one of the plurality of collider chambers.

Abstract: A method is provided to prepare one or more microfluidic channels on a receptive material by applying an image-forming material to a heat sensitive thermoplastic receptive material in a designed pattern and heating the material under conditions that reduce the size of the thermoplastic receptive material by at least about 60%. In an alternative aspect, the microfluidic channels on receptive material are prepared by etching a designed pattern into a heat sensitive thermoplastic material support and then heating the material under conditions that reduce the size of the thermoplastic receptive material by at least about 60%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing a hardenable mass, preferably bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material or bone cement or similar material. A mixing container (3) has a mixing space (4) in which at least one powder and at least one liquid component (5, 6) are mixed to provide the hardenable mass (2). A piston means (7) is provided in the mixing space (4) of the mixing container (3). At least one means (8) which is rotatable relative to the mixing container (3) cooperates with the piston means (7) for, in a retaining position (P1), retaining said piston means (7) relative to the mixing container (3) and, by rotation to a release position (P2), releasing the piston means (7) such that said piston means can move in a direction (U) towards at least one opening (49) through which said mass (2) can pass out of the mixing space (4).

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.

Abstract: A method for mixing fluids and/or solids in a manner that can be varied from maintaining the integrity of fragile molecular and biological materials in the mixing vessel to homogenizing heavy aggregate material by supplying large amounts of energy. Variation in the manner of mixing is accomplished using an electronic controller to generate signals to control the frequency and amplitude of the motor(s), which drive an unbalanced shaft assembly to produce a linear vibratory motion. The motor may be a stepper motor, a linear motor or a DC continuous motor. By placing a sensor on the mixing vessel platform to provide feedback control of the mixing motor, the characteristics of agitation in the fluid or solid can be adjusted to optimize the degree of mixing and produce a high quality mixant.

Abstract: A device for blending materials and a bag for use in such devices. The device has at least one paddle for acting on a sample and a carrier against which a sample may be crushed by the paddle. The device is arranged to allow adjustment of the spacing between the paddle and carrier during operation. The bag is suitable for use in such a device but can be used in other devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.

Abstract: A process for preparing an emulsion or a dispersion comprising crystalline particles of at least one active principal that comprises contacting a solution of at least one solute in a solvent or mixture of solvents in a first flowing stream with a non-solvent in a second flowing stream wherein the non-solvent and solvent are not miscible with each other, so as to form an emulsion or a dispersion. Super saturation is brought about by suitable means, and the emulsion or dispersion is subjected to ultrasonic irradiation to mediate crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A method for mixing a slurry for delivery to a downstream point comprises mixing a liquid source and a powder source at a mixing location to form the slurry, directing the slurry to at least one of a downstream point and a recirculation circuit, and introducing at least one vibration source to promote slurry homogenization and thorough mixing of the slurry for delivery to the downstream point, the vibration source located remote from the mixing location.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller located within the cavitation chamber. A motor, coupled to the impeller by a drive shaft, rotates the impeller thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to cavitating the bubbles within the cavitation chamber.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of thermoplastics containing coarse-scale and/or nanoscale, coated, de-agglomerated magnesium hydroxide particles that are supplied to the thermoplastic in the form of a dispersion or suspension in an aqueous or organic solvent, and mixed with the themoplastic. The thermoplastics filled with magnesium hydroxide particles demonstrate improved mechanical properties, particularly an improved modulus of elasticity and low brittleness.

Abstract: A system (20) and method for mixing and blending using turbulence to thoroughly and rapidly mix and blend first and second components, thereby maximizing the evenness and degree of mixing and blending while minimizing reduction in flow rate. In operation, a second component flows into a first opening (22), into a mouth of an intermediate structure (26), and out an exit opening (32) in the intermediate structure (26). A first component interacts with the second component flowing out the exit opening (32) such that turbulence is created which mixes the first and second components. The mixed first and second components flow out a second opening (24). In one application, the system (20) may be used to mix diesel fuel and water.

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.

Abstract: A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning any enclosure having at least one drainage capable of enclosing one liquid. The enclosure including but, not limited to a toilet bowl, a bidet, a bathtub, a sink, a reservoir, a tank and, a shower stall. The cleaning device comprising an elongated member having a sidewall, an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end, and a substantially hollow cavity. The first end and the second end of the elongated member can either be integral or be connected by a connecting means. The cleaning device also includes a stopper disposed on the first end and a gripping member removably attached to the second end of the elongated member. A liquid level regulator is provided on the cleaning device in order to control and regulate the amount of liquid disposed in an enclosure to be cleaned in order to maximize cleaning without causing overflowing. Cleaning is accomplished by a controlling means-controlling at least one agitating means operating at an optimal frequency.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing powder coatings for applications where uniform dispersion of one or more additives is critical to the function of the final coating. The method comprises ultrasonic post-blending of powder coating of one or more additives into a base powder coating material prepared by ordinary means. In one example, an antimicrobial powder coating containing a silver zeolite additive is prepared using the ultrasonic post-blending method. The resulting powder exhibits superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to an analogue powder manufactured using identical constituent ingredients, but according to conventional premix/extrusion methods. Powder manufactured using ultrasonic post-blending allows a wide range of stock powder coatings to be modified to exhibit new properties at improved cost and efficiency than conventional preparation methods.

Abstract: An epoxy composite material containing polyaniline/carbon black and preparation method thereof are disclosed. The epoxy composite material containing polyaniline/carbon black includes a plurality of polyaniline/carbon black composite with core-shell structure distributed in epoxy resin while polyaniline covers on surface of nanoscale carbon black to form the polyaniline/carbon black composite with core-shell structure. The polyaniline/carbon black composite with core-shell structure contains 10˜30 wt. % of nanoscale carbon black. A method for preparing an epoxy composite material containing polyaniline/carbon black includes steps of: adding a plurality of polyaniline/carbon black composites with core-shell structure into epoxy resin; and dispersing the plurality of polyaniline/carbon black composites with core-shell structure in the epoxy resin to produce the epoxy composite material containing polyaniline/carbon black being applied to conductive coating or microwave absorbing elements.

Abstract: A method of concentrating nanoparticles, having the steps of: adding and mixing an extraction solvent with a nanoparticles-dispersion liquid that nanoparticles are dispersed in a dispersion solvent, thereby concentrating and extracting the nanoparticles into a phase of the extraction solvent, and removing the dispersion solvent by filter-filtrating a liquid of concentrated extract, in which the extraction solvent is substantially incompatible with the dispersion solvent, and the extract solvent can form an interface after the extraction solvent is mixed with the dispersion solvent and left the mixture still; further a method of deaggregating aggregated nanoparticles, having the steps of: applying two or more ultrasonic waves different in frequency to a liquid containing aggregated nanoparticles, and thereby fining and dispersing the aggregated nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a temperature difference between two regions within a cavitation system is provided. The system's cavitation chamber is partially or completely filled with cavitation fluid, the amount that the system is filled controlling whether a cavitation fluid free surface is formed within the cavitation chamber or a conduit coupled to the chamber. Regardless of whether the region of the system above the cavitation fluid free surface is within the chamber or within the conduit, a temperature difference is created between this region and the cavitation fluid within the cavitation chamber. The temperature difference between these two regions is monitored by monitoring the temperature of each region. The temperature difference can be created by either heating the region above the cavitation fluid free surface, cooling the cavitation fluid, or both.

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.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser including a housing, a medicament container having a dispensing outlet; an agitator for agitating the contents; and a driver for driving the agitator independent of any container movement. The driver includes an energy storeage for storing energy releasable to drive the agitator. The medicament container may be a metered dose inhaler or delivering a suitable inhalable medicament.

Abstract: A sonic cleaner for small articles includes two tanks for receiving a liquid and articles to be cleaned and a base unit having chambers for receiving each tank. A vibratory motion generator attaches to the base unit through an isolating structure. Complementary attachment elements on the vibratory motion generator and each tank form a releasable, rigid connection. When the tank is attached to the vibratory motion generator, liquid in the tank can be agitated. When the releasable, rigid connection is detached, the tank can be removed from the base unit for disposing of liquid in the tank without having to handle the entire sonic cleaner.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for mixing a liquid material and a solid material, said system comprising: i) a base unit (22?), for the liquid material and the solid material; ii) a liquid material supply (21); iii) a solid material supply (200); iv) a liquid/solid mixing output (23); and v) an injection unit (20) connected to the liquid material supply and to the solid material supply, said injection unit injecting said liquid material and said solid material in the base unit; vi) a separation and extraction unit (24) simultaneously separating surplus of gas coming from the mixing of the liquid material and the solid material and extracting from the base unit said surplus of gas.

Abstract: A micro device which makes a plurality of fluids mixedly react while circulating these fluids as a thin-film laminar flow by joining these fluids into one microchannel through respective fluid supply passes to induce a velocity fluctuation in a microchannel longitudinal direction of the fluids by propagating infralow frequency vibration at a vibration frequency of 50 Hz or more and 1 kHz or less to the fluids which flow through the inside of the microchannel.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus for agitating plural different types of liquids to cause reaction to analyze a reaction liquid, includes a sound wave generator that generates a sound wave to agitate a liquid held in a vessel, a supply unit that supplies, to the vessel holding a first liquid and transported, a second liquid or a solid of an amount smaller than an amount of the first liquid, and a drive controller that controls generation of the sound wave by the sound wave generator so that the first liquid is agitated when the supply unit supplies the second liquid or the solid.

Abstract: The invention relate to an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus (1) for treating textile products comprising a body (2, 3) including an opening (7), wherein at least a portion of the body (2) is formed as a gripping element, an ultrasonic transducer (4) receiving ultrasonic wave signals generated by an ultrasonic signal generator, and an ultrasonic wave emission surface (6) coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus is characterized by a control device (16) adapted to detect the ultrasonic wave emission surface (6) being in contact or in close proximity to an object and to stop the operation of the ultrasonic transducer (4) upon detection of the ultrasonic wave emission surface not being in contact or in close proximity to the object.

Abstract: A suspension of nanoparticles in a liquid medium provides a mechanism for delivery of gacyclidine base or other drug that is substantially insoluble in the liquid medium.

Abstract: Dry ice pellets in a container are compacted by beginning the filling of a container with dry ice pellets, vibrating the container for a short duration when the container is partially filled, and continuing vibrating the container for short durations at periodic intervals until the container is filled.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for manipulating relatively dense materials, such as colloidal rod particles, are provided. Microfluidic devices for separating a denser first material from a less-dense second material are provided. Methods of manipulating a relatively dense first material, for example, colloidal rod particles, and separating the first material from a less-dense second material, are provided. Methods of marking samples or sample components with relatively dense materials, are also provided.

Abstract: A concrete vibrator powered by a portable drill includes a housing having a contacting pad at one end and an axial bore. A camshaft is received within the bore. A transverse retainer is secured on the camshaft for retaining the camshaft within the bore. The camshaft includes a pair of cam surfaces at one end. A cam follower is disposed within the bore for engaging the cam surfaces when the camshaft is rotated. The cam follower and cam surfaces cooperatively cause axial reciprocation of the rotating camshaft for producing axial vibration of the housing face. The axial bore includes a radially expanded portion to receive the retainer and prevent complete withdrawal of the camshaft. The camshaft includes a transverse bore for receiving the retainer within the radially expanded portion. The retainer has a spring bearing against a trapped ball projecting beyond the cylindrical surface of the camshaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid processing apparatus for use in an elongate passage (10), the apparatus comprising one or more means for applying ultrasonic energy to fluid (16) within the passage (10) and means for constraining flow of fluid (30) towards the longitudinal axis of the elongate passage.