Vibrator Attached To Mixing Chamber Wall Or Platform Patents (Class 366/114)
  • Patent number: 7976212
    Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20110044124
    Abstract: Mixer for obtaining bone cement for medical applications comprising a mixing chamber in which the mixing of at least two components which form the cement is carried out, comprising means for generating and transmitting vibrations to the mixing chamber and a luer attachment through which the cement can exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Giovanni Faccioli, Renzo Soffiatti
  • Patent number: 7879292
    Abstract: An agitating device is described, a representative one of which includes: an agitating device for agitating a sample within a sample container, comprising: a base; a container holder for holding a sample container, which is provided so as to be movable relative to the base; and an agitation drive unit, which is provided on the base, for providing an agitation drive force to the container holder so as to cause the container holder to perform a agitating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Mitsuo Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7785868
    Abstract: A standalone bench top laboratory instrument designed to disrupt, or lyse, cells, spores and tissue samples using ultrasonic energy. The lysing device is programmable, allowing the user control over the sample volume, sonication power level, and lysing duration in order to optimize lysing protocols for specific targets. Once a lysing protocol is entered, the device automatically lyses the sample according to the entered lysing protocol. The lysing device also provides a cooling feature, enabled by a heat exchanging sub-assembly, to prevent the sample from exceeding a maximum set temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Microfluidic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Yuan, Allen Northrup, Farzad Pourahmadi
  • Patent number: 7735543
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for compacting support particulates media around ceramic shell molds and around fugitive patterns wherein the mold or pattern is placed in a container and the container is filled with support particulates media. The container is set to rotating and vibrating while it is tilted. The combination of rotation and tilting cause voids at the wall of the mold or pattern to be constantly and methodically reoriented so that the free surface of the support media in the voids is moved past its dynamic angle of repose and is caused to flow into those voids by the combined action of the vibration and the constantly changing orientation of the voids relative to the gravity vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Metal Casting Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Attila P. Farkas, Gary W. Scholl, John A. Redemske, David Bean
  • Publication number: 20100135103
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough having side walls, and a deck section having a deck plate defining at least in part a deck and side walls, the side walls of the deck section resiliently coupled to the side walls of the trough. The apparatus also includes a primary vibratory generator coupled to the trough, the primary vibratory generator operating a first frequency and a first amplitude, and a secondary vibratory generator coupled to the deck section, the secondary vibratory generator operating at a second frequency and a second amplitude, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency and the second amplitude being smaller than the first amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL KINEMATICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oscar L. Mathis, JR., Arie Dijkshoorn
  • Publication number: 20100135104
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing element for a flowable substance, comprising a body enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity has at least one opening and the cavity and the opening are located relative to the body such that a fluid flow of the flowable substance out of the cavity through the opening transfers a torque to the mixing element. The invention further relates to the use of a tube or hose section as such a mixing element and a mixing device comprising such a mixing element, a container, and a sound source coupled thereto for generating an oscillating pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: INSTITUT FUR MIKROTECHNIK MAINZ GMBH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Schoenfeld
  • Publication number: 20100128554
    Abstract: A mixing and/or conveyance method and a mixing and/or conveyance device for a fluid substance, comprising a sample chamber, a cavity communicating with the sample chamber, said cavity being configured for accommodating a compressible medium, and a sound source that may be coupled to the compressible medium for the production of a fluctuation in pressure in the compressible medium. In the region of its mouth, the cavity is designed such that, in the case of an expansion in the volume of the compressible medium in the cavity, a directed fluid stream of the fluid substance escapes from the cavity through its mouth. A sample processing chip (‘lab on a chip’) comprising such a mixing and/or conveyance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: INSTITUT FUR MIKROTECHNIK MAINZ GMBH
    Inventors: Friedhelm Schönfeld, Malte Weniger
  • Publication number: 20100074046
    Abstract: The present invention provides an agitation device (10) comprising a body portion (12) and at least one stirring element (14) extending from said body portion and for insertion into material in a receptacle which is to be agitated, wherein the body portion comprises a housing having located therein a motion element powered by way of a power source, and arranged to impart a vibrating action to the device and thus to the at least one stirring element, said vibrating action arranged to effect movement of the agitation device relative to the said material, and wherein said at least one stirring element extends from said body portion such that, in normal operation, the at least one stirring element extends downwardly from the body portion and serves to support the device on a surface of the said receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gavin Reay
  • Patent number: 7677790
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20100046319
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for uniformly mixing fluid phases entrained in a porous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Igor I. Fedchenia
  • Publication number: 20100008178
    Abstract: A method and device for mixing beverages and dissolving solids comprising a casing with at least one opening for positioning a beverage container, a signal generator housed within said casing, for generating electrical signals, at least one transducer housed within said casing and coupled with said signal generator, for producing mechanical vibrations from a signal generated by said signal generator, wherein said mechanical vibrations vibrate a beverage container positioned on said casing causing acoustic vibrations within the beverage inside the beverage container, said acoustic vibrations causing beverages and solids within the beverage container to mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Dale Fahrion
  • Patent number: 7556421
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method for settling the contents of a container. The vibratory apparatus includes a base and a load table located above the base. A plurality of resiliently flexible vertical support members attach the load table to the base. A pneumatic linear vibrator is attached to the load table and is adapted to the vibrate the load table along a line of stroke that is generally linear and generally horizontal. One or more vacuum cups are attached to the top of the load table to releasably secure the container to the load table for vibration. The vibrator can independently vary the amplitude and the frequency of the vibration of the container to maximize settling of wllthe contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Lindbeck, John J. Valuet
  • Publication number: 20090168590
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which antimicrobial agents, particularly, hydrophobic antimicrobial agents, can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and antimicrobial agents flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second 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 the formulation and antimicrobial agents 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Koenig, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Scott W. Wenzel, Shiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 7547133
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7520212
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a head on a beverage using ultrasonic energy, the apparatus (10) including an hydrating means (20) such that a layer of water is provided to keep a platform (19), which is in turn coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, maintained in conductive contact with the, base (B) of a glass (G) of beverage. The water layer improves the transfer of ultrasonic energy to the beverage in the glass. Preferably the water layer is provided through a pump means coupled to a reservoir (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Diageo Limited
    Inventors: Paul Smith, Justin Walshe
  • Patent number: 7510322
    Abstract: A cavitation chamber separated into three volumes by a pair of gas-tight and liquid-tight seals, each seal formed by the combination of a rigid acoustic reflector and a flexible member, is provided. During chamber operation, only one of the three volumes contains cavitation fluid, the other two chamber volumes remaining devoid of cavitation fluid. The cavitation system also includes a cavitation fluid reservoir coupled to the cavitation chamber by a conduit, a valve allowing the cavitation chamber to be isolated from the cavitation fluid reservoir. A second conduit couples the two unfilled chamber volumes to a region above the liquid free surface within the cavitation fluid reservoir. A second valve allows the two unfilled chamber volumes to either be coupled to the cavitation fluid reservoir by the second conduit, or be coupled to a third conduit, the third conduit leading either to the ambient atmosphere or to a high pressure gas source. The cavitation system also includes at least one acoustic driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 7510321
    Abstract: A cavitation system for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes a hydraulically actuated driver coupled to the cavitation chamber. A cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulic piston, forms the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implodes the cavities during piston extension. Preferably the cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber which is preferably connected to the cavitation chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber, the coupling sleeve housing at least a portion of the cavitation piston drive rod. Preferably the coupling sleeve can be evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20090018489
    Abstract: A method of treating infected wounds utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to mix different materials together as to create a therapeutic combination is disclosed. The materials are mixed by passing them through an ultrasound horn vibrating in resonance, having an internal chamber. As the materials pass through the internal chamber, ultrasonic vibrations emanating from and/or echoing off the various walls of the chamber mix the materials into a potentially therapeutic combination. Ultrasonic vibrations emanating from the radiation surface of the horn may be used to spray the created therapeutic combination onto the area of the body to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: BACOUSTICS LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev
  • Patent number: 7461966
    Abstract: A method of operating a cavitation system in which the cavitation chamber is separated into at least three distinct chamber volumes by, for example, first fabricating and then installing a pair of gas-tight and liquid-tight seals into the cavitation chamber, is provided. Each chamber volume seal is fabricated from a rigid reflector and a flexible member. During chamber operation, only one of the three volumes contains cavitation fluid, the other two chamber volumes remaining devoid of cavitation fluid. By controlling the pressure within the two unfilled chamber volumes, the rigid reflectors can be used as a means of increasing the static pressure within the fluid-filled chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 7461965
    Abstract: A cavitation chamber separated into two volumes by a gas-tight and liquid-tight seal, the seal formed by the combination of a rigid acoustic reflector and a flexible member, is provided. The rigid reflector improves the cavitation characteristics of the chamber while the flexible member insures that the reflector can move during the cavitation process. One of the two chamber volumes is filled, or at least partially filled, with cavitation fluid while the other chamber volume remains devoid of cavitation fluid during system operation. A conduit couples a region above the liquid free surface in one cavitation volume to the second, unfilled chamber volume, thus preventing the reflector from being subjected to undue pressures. An acoustic driver, such as a ring of piezoelectric material, is coupled to the chamber and used to drive cavitation within the cavitation fluid contained within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Publication number: 20080298163
    Abstract: An embodiment of a mixer for mixing a powder with a liquid comprises a mix housing to accommodate a mixture of the powder and the liquid, a liquid delivery housing coupled to the mix housing to provide the liquid thereto, and a powder delivery housing coupled to the mix housing to provide the powder thereto, wherein the mixer is configured to induce a vibration therein for substantially avoid an occluding cake build-up of the mixture thereat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Pessin, Laurent Coquilleau, Josh Rayner, Michael Woodmansee, Joel Rondeau
  • Patent number: 7448790
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of circulating cavitation fluid within a cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The system provides a means of circulating the cavitation fluid through a cavitation chamber, before or during cavitation chamber operation, as well as a means of draining and filling the chamber with minimal, if any, exposure of the cavitation fluid to the outside environment. The apparatus includes a network of conduits coupling the cavitation chamber to a cavitation fluid reservoir and at least one external fluid pump. Preferably the cavitation fluid reservoir serves the dual function of fluid reservoir and degassing chamber. Manipulation of various valves within the conduit network allows the cavitation fluid to either be pumped from the reservoir into the cavitation chamber or from the cavitation chamber into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Alan Tessien, Dario Felipe Gaitan, David G. Beck
  • Patent number: 7448791
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7448792
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is partially withdrawn and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. Once the chamber is isolated, the hydraulic piston is further withdrawn in order to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7431892
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Piezo Top Ltd.
    Inventors: Jona Zumeris, Jacob Levy, Zadik Hazan, Yanina Zumeris
  • Publication number: 20080225634
    Abstract: A stirring vessel is for stirring a retained liquid by an acoustic wave, and includes at least one acoustic wave generating unit that emits an acoustic wave into the liquid and is provided as deviated on the stirring vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, ADVALYTIX AG.
    Inventor: Miyuki MURAKAMI
  • Patent number: 7425091
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7425092
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080212398
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7404666
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080170464
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Miyuki Murakami
  • Patent number: 7387660
    Abstract: A method of degassing cavitation fluid using a closed-loop cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The procedure is comprised of multiple stages. During the first stage, the cavitation fluid contained within the reservoir is degassed using an attached vacuum system. During the second stage, the cavitation fluid is pumped into the cavitation chamber and cavitated. As a result of the cavitation process, gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid are released. The circulatory system provides a means of pumping the gases from the chamber and the vacuum system provides a means of periodically eliminating the gases from the system. A third stage, although not required, can be used to further eliminate gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid. During the third stage cavities are formed within the cavitation fluid within the chamber using any of a variety of means such as neutron bombardment, laser vaporization or localized heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.,
    Inventors: Ross Alan Tessien, Dario Felipe Gaitan
  • Publication number: 20080137473
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7380975
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7380974
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding stabilized cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities, the impeller being located within the cavitation chamber and magnetically coupled to an external drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7381241
    Abstract: A method of degassing cavitation fluid using a closed-loop cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The procedure is comprised of multiple stages. During the first stage, the cavitation fluid is continuously circulated through the cavitation chamber, reservoir and the circulatory system while the fluid within the chamber is cavitated. A vacuum system coupled to the fluid reservoir periodically degasses the fluid. During the second stage, pumping of the cavitation fluid through the chamber is discontinued. Gases released by the cavitation process are periodically pumped out of the chamber and periodically eliminated by the vacuum system. A third stage, although not required, can be used to further eliminate gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid. During the third stage cavities are formed within the cavitation fluid within the chamber using any of a variety of means such as neutron bombardment, laser vaporization or localized heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Alan Tessien, Dario Felipe Gaitan
  • Patent number: 7329039
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7300195
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method for settling the contents of a container. The vibratory apparatus includes a base and a load table located above the base. A plurality of resiliently flexible vertical support members attach the load table to the base. A pneumatic linear vibrator is attached to the load table and is adapted to the vibrate the load table along a line of stroke that is generally linear and generally horizontal. One or more vacuum cups are attached to the top of the load table to releasably secure the container to the load table for vibration. The vibrator can independently vary the amplitude and the frequency of the vibration of the container to maximize settling of wllthe contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Lindbeck, John J. Valuet
  • Patent number: 7195393
    Abstract: A valve which has a structure with at least one opening and a member which has a fixed static charge and also has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. A method for making the valve includes providing a structure with at least one opening and providing a member having a fixed static charge where the member has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. An agitator includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least one opening, and a membrane with a fixed static charge. The structure is connected to the base over the trench with the opening in the structure extending through to the trench in the base. The membrane is connected to the base across at least a portion of the trench. A pump includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least two openings, a membrane with a fixed static charge, a first cantilever arm having a fixed static charge, and a second cantilever arm having a fixed static charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Michael D. Potter
  • Patent number: 7108003
    Abstract: Pluralities of ultrasonic transducers are arranged on the bottom wall of the cleaning tank. The output power of the ultrasonic oscillator is supplied to the transducers through the switching unit, which switches the drive mode between a first mode in which all the ultrasonic transducers are supplied with the output power and thus are excited, and a second mode in which only a part or parts of the ultrasonic transducers are supplied with the output power generated by the ultrasonic oscillator. The first mode is used when cleaning substrates not-resistant to vibration, and the second mode is used when cleaning substrates resistant to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Shigenori Kitahara
  • Patent number: 7048429
    Abstract: In order to make good-quality concrete, a concrete mixer for mixing materials of concrete by rotation is provided so as to enhance fluidity of a mixture. A mounting frame 7 supporting a drum 2 of a concrete mixer 1 fixes a vibration device 25 via a mounting plate 21. A pair of arms 20 is integrally formed with both ends of the mounting plate 21, while rollers 24 rotationally supported by one ends of the arms 20 respectively contact the outer periphery of the drum 2. A vibration of the vibration device 25 is transmitted from the rollers 24 rotatably supported by the pair of arms 20 to the drum 2, so that the drum 2 vibrates while it rotates. Accordingly, a mixture is liquefied, and thus concrete having a good quality can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Asami Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kunio Asami
  • Patent number: 7018564
    Abstract: A method for making phosphor ink is provided which uses ultrasonic vibrations to remove surface defect layers from phosphor particles and to quickly and uniformly disperse the phosphor particles throughout a slurry. Propagation of low frequency vibration through the slurry generates cavitation, causing distortion and then removal of the surface defect layer, and propagation of high frequency vibration through the slurry causes the particles to be dispersed quickly and uniformly throughout the slurry. In this manner, a quantity of light generated in the phosphor and corresponding luminance of a PDP is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won-Seok Moon, Bum-Jin Bae, Na-Mi Byun, Jin-Mok Oh
  • Patent number: 7008796
    Abstract: An assay apparatus includes a cell with a working electrode and a sonicating device structurally coupled to the cell for sonication the contents of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: MesoScale Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Jacob N. Wohlstadter, James Wilbur, George Sigal, Mark Martin, Alan Fischer, Larry R. Helms, Ramin Darvari
  • Patent number: 6939032
    Abstract: A cover slip mixing apparatus having a support and a flexible cover slip positioned over and forming a chamber between the support and the cover slip. A device is positioned with respect to the support and cover slip for applying a force on the cover slip and flexing the cover slip toward the support, the flexing cover slip providing a mixing action of a material located in the chamber. A microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluid path disposed in the substrate. A flexible cover is positioned over the substrate and the fluid path, and a device is positioned with respect to the substrate and the cover. The device is operable to apply forces to the cover and flex the cover to act on fluid in the fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Erie Scientific Company
    Inventors: N. Guy Cosby, David J. Moore, Jim Clements
  • Patent number: 6803017
    Abstract: The powder homogenizing apparatus of the invention comprises a cylindrical shell with a circular section and a substantially horizontal axis, an assembly of cylindrical drums disposed inside the shell and comprising an inner drum and an outer drum, the external face of the cylindrical wall of said outer drum being overlaid with blades, which drum assembly can homogenize the powder contained in the annular space formed between the outer drum and the shell, a space of revolution being formed between said inner and outer drums, and a shaft on which said cylindrical drum assembly is mounted in integral manner, said shaft being hollow and connected outside the shell to a cold air supply system and also connected to an air exhaust system outside the shell; drive means for rotating said shaft are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nuclearies
    Inventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Christian Orange
  • Publication number: 20040179423
    Abstract: In order to make good-quality concrete, a concrete mixer for mixing materials of concrete by rotation is provided so as to enhance fluidity of a mixture. A mounting frame 7 supporting a drum 2 of a concrete mixer 1 fixes a vibration device 25 via a mounting plate 21. A pair of arms 20 is integrally formed with both ends of the mounting plate 21, while rollers 24 rotationally supported by one ends of the arms 20 respectively contact the outer periphery of the drum 2. A vibration of the vibration device 25 is transmitted from the rollers 24 rotatably supported by the pair of arms 20 to the drum 2, so that the drum 2 vibrates while it rotates. Accordingly, a mixture is liquefied, and thus concrete having a good quality can be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Kunio Asami
  • Patent number: 6764212
    Abstract: A chemical supply system comprises, as principal elements, a chemical storage tank in which a liquid chemical for cleaning is stored in the state of its formulated concentrate, a chemical supply apparatus connected to the chemical storage tank for positively performing chemical supply, a piping system connected to the chemical supply apparatus to form a supply flow passage that is a passage for ultrapure water which the liquid chemical is to be mixed with, a pair of discharge nozzles disposed at end portions of the piping system so as to oppose surfaces of a wafer set in a cleaning chamber to supply a cleaning liquid onto the surfaces. Thereby, remarkable miniaturization/simplification of a cleaning liquid supply system including chemical tanks is intended, it is made possible easily and rapidly to compound and supply a cleaning liquid at an accurate chemical concentration, and particles or the like being generated and mixing in a cleaning liquid, are suppressed to the extremity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sipec Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Nitta, Nobuhiro Miki, Yoshiaki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6699711
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for selective exposure of a biological sample, preferably biological cell material, to sound waves. The device is provided with a receptacle for the sample, in which the biological sample is in a suspended form, and having an electroacoustic transducer device, which generates sound waves and which is disposed outside the receptacle of the sample in such a manner that sound-wave coupling into said sample occurs through the wall of said receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Hahn, Bernhard Kleffner, Hans Ruf
  • Publication number: 20030223305
    Abstract: The act of heating water within a contained vessel that is common to most buildings, whether residential or commercial or located in recreational vehicles, mobile homes, aircraft, ships or marine pleasure craft, causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle to the bottom of a heating or fluid containing vessel. The use of ultrasonic transmission within the vessel will agitate the water held within, preventing the normally stagnant hot water from producing calcium carbonate. Other benefits are the cleaning properties of ultrasonic transmission. Thus the internal parts of hot water heaters will enjoy a longer life. This benefit of agitation will also be found when applied to vessels that contain fluids that share similar problems as hot water heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Richard W. Halsall, Robert M. Miller