Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separation membrane with improved separation performance, particularly with an increased permeation flux. The composite separation membrane of the present invention includes a porous support (2) and a separation functional layer (1) formed on this support (2). The separation functional layer (1) is a polyamide membrane having a “double-folded structure” including a first layer portion (11) with a plurality of projections (15a, (15b . . . ) and a second layer portion (12) that covers at least one or some (15c and 15d) of these projections. Some projections (15a and 15b) of the first layer portion (11) extend upward and branch to form the second layer portion (12). There is a vacant space (13) between the first layer portion (11) and the second layer portion (12).

Abstract: A vibratory mechanism may include a support housing extending between a first end and a second end and disposed along a common axis of the drum assembly, a first shaft coupled to the first end of the support housing and rotatably movable about the common axis, a second shaft coupled to the second end of the support housing and axially movable along the common axis, an eccentric mass disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft and rotatable about a travel radius, a first link pivotally coupling the eccentric mass to the first shaft, and a second link pivotally coupling the eccentric mass to the second shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the soil stiffness (kB) of a soil area (2). For this purpose, a vibration-excited contact body (6, 8) of a soil compacting device (1) acts upon the soil surface (9) in such a way that during the acting upon an unsteady loss of contact (jumping) between the soil surface (9) and the contact body (6, 8) occurs. While acting upon the soil surface, parameters (f) of the oscillation excitation and parameters ({umlaut over (x)}d) of the oscillation response (xd) of the contact body (6, 8) are determined and from these in combination with known parameters (mu, ru, md) of the soil compacting device (1) the soil stiffness (kB) is computed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an insulating varnish. The method includes: providing equivalence of an epoxy resin solution having a concentration exceeding 99 wt. % and acetone solution having a concentration of 40 wt. %, adding silane coupling agent-modified hexagonal boron nitride (BN) having a particle size of between 200 and 250 nm to the acetone solution and stirring; mixing the epoxy resin solution and the acetone solution and stirring, and dispersing the resulting mixture; adding to the mixture, low molecular weight polyamide resins as a curing agent, and stirring to uniformly disperse the curing agent; adding n-butane as a lubricant to the mixture and stirring, cooling the mixture to room temperature, adding di-n-butyl phthalate as a diluent to the mixture and stirring; and allowing the mixture to stand in a vacuum drier to remove bubbles to yield the insulating varnish, which is free of bubbles.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mixing system at a peak energy efficiency point, maximum response point or reduced sound generation point based on displacement, velocity, acceleration or jerk operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying oscillatory motion to a substance in a vessel to provide improved mixing, in particular to enable different mixing patterns to be applied to a substance in a vessel without “stop, change and start” protocol, has a member and a control means operatively linked such that the movement of the member is determined by a control signal generated by the control means.

Abstract: Particulate matter is dispersed in a fluid material. A sample including a first material in a fluid state and second material comprising particulate matter are placed into a chamber. The second material is spatially dispersed in the first material utilizing EMAT force. The dispersion process continues until spatial distribution of the second material enables the sample to meet a specified criterion. The chamber and/or the sample is electrically conductive. The EMAT force is generated by placing the chamber coaxially within an induction coil driven by an applied alternating current and placing the chamber and induction coil coaxially within a high field magnetic. The EMAT force is coupled to the sample without physical contact to the sample or to the chamber, by another physical object. Batch and continuous processing are utilized. The chamber may be folded within the bore of the magnet. Acoustic force frequency and/or temperature may be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a stable oil-in-water emulsion without adding an emulsifier. According to the method, a mixture of a lipid phase and an aqueous phase is subjected to vibrating energy, in a sealed container, by applying a transducer operating at a frequency of more than 900 kHz.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming solid particles from a sample, which includes the step of exposing the sample to a focused acoustic field having an acoustic wave variable, until the solid particles achieve a desired state of particularization. The acoustic wave variable may be selected based, at least in part, on the desired state of particularization. The sample may be exposed to the focused acoustic field through a medium.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunoassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: The present teachings describe an apparatus for mixing developer. The apparatus includes a first loader for dispensing a predetermined amount of toner particles into a container and a second loader for dispensing a predetermined amount and carrier particles in the container. A sealer seals the container. An acoustic mixer is provided for mixing the container, toner particles and carrier particles at a resonant frequency. A method of mixing developer is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of cavitation treatment of liquid medium as well as the medium having the density of water or other liquid body is more than 65-70% of total mass.

Abstract: Vibrating apparatus (50) for compacting concrete that includes a vibrating head (1) with an electric motor (11) operating a vibration generating device (10), a current conductor wiring (12a, 12b, 12c) with a plug (13) for connecting said electric motor (11) to a electric supply network (27), a frequency converter (30) for converting the frequency of the current supplied by the electric supply network to another different frequency, and a control unit (2) having a switch (14), a plurality of sensors (28) for detecting different operating parameters of the vibrating apparatus, a programmable electronic circuit (15) for monitoring said parameters from signals supplied by the sensors, a memory (16) for storing representative data of the parameters and a communications management device (17) whereby a user accesses the data stored in the memory (16).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an agitation method for sufficiently agitating a mixture of a solution such as a buffer solution and a material to be detected, with no need of any dedicated unit for agitation, for measurements using a quartz crystal oscillator. The method for agitating a liquefied material using a quartz crystal oscillator in vibrating the quartz crystal oscillator at a given frequency and measuring the variation of the frequency due to a substance in contact with the quartz crystal oscillator, is that the quartz crystal oscillator is vibrated at other frequency different from the given frequency and equal to or higher than the fundamental vibration frequency to agitate a liquid containing the substance.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: In a method of treating a liquid, a liquid to be treated is introduced into a space, a mechanical cavitation element acts upon the liquid while gas is supplied into the region of the surface of the cavitation element and introduces the gas into the liquid by moving the cavitation element, and sound waves are introduced directly into the liquid by at least one acoustic power transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying oscillatory motion to a substance in a vessel to provide improved mixing, in particular to enable different mixing patterns to be applied to a substance in a vessel without “stop, change and start” protocol, has a member and a control means operatively linked such that the movement of the member is determined by a control signal generated by the control means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a stable oil-in-water emulsion without adding an emulsifier. According to the method, a mixture of a lipid phase and an aqueous phase is subjected to vibrating energy, in a sealed container, by applying a transducer operating at a frequency of more than 900 kHz.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with testing of inhalers used for medicament delivery. Such devices are often intended to be first shaken by a user to prepare them, and then fired by operation of some mechanical mechanism. In order to automate testing, the invention provides a shake device having a carriage 14 for receiving and releasably mounting one or more inhalers. The carriage is mounted upon a guideway for linear movement upon it. A linear motor 26 is operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocally drive it to shake the mounted inhaler(s). A system embodying the invention may further comprise a fire device having a movable firing member 54, 56 for engaging with an inhaler mounted in the carriage and actuating its firing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter and defines an envelope in a cross sectional direction in a pipe having a first ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first ramp, the second ramp extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe.

Abstract: A liquid agitating device includes a sound wave generator that generates a sound wave; and a transmitting portion that transmits the sound wave generated by the sound wave generator, at least a portion of the transmitting portion being in contact with a liquid, and the transmitting portion emitting the sound wave towards the liquid at the portion in contact with the liquid. The sound wave emitted toward the liquid generates a local flow within the liquid and agitates the liquid.

Abstract: A method for treating extremely small particles of recycled polyethylene terephthalate comprises providing a quantity of RPET particles having an average mean particle size ranging from about 0.0005 inch to about 0.05 inch in diameter, heating the RPET particles to a temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the RPET particles to adhere to one another, and forming the adhered RPET particles into pellets, said pellets having substantially the same average surface-to-volume ratio as the bulk, un-adhered RPET particles.

Abstract: A stirring device and an analyzing device for stirring a liquid retained in a vessel with sound wave. The Stirring device (20) comprises: a surface acoustic wave element (24) having sound generation section (24b, 24c) located on a piezoelectric substrate (24a) wherein the sound generation sections are electrically connected in parallel, and center frequencies of respective fundamental waves of the sound generation sections differ from each other, respective resonant frequency bands of the sound generation section are partially overlapped with each other, and origins of acoustic stream caused by sound wave radiated to the vessel from different sound generation section are located alternately; and a drive control section (21) for controlling a frequency of drive signal input to the surface acoustic wave element so that at least two sound generation sections of the plurality of sound generation sections generate sound wave simultaneously.

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: Ultrasound-assisted contactless stirring of liquids in a resonator cell by microparticles is achieved by repeated creating and destruction of nodal patterns associated with standing waves of various resonance frequencies causing continuous movements of microparticles inside the cell. Swept-frequency sonication technique includes using constant or variable rate of frequency change as well as a stepwise change of frequency of the transducer within a predefined range. Other useful provisions include initial detection of the set of resonance frequencies and periodic refreshing of that set. Control systems are described including means to automatically detect the resonance frequencies and maintain the operation of the transducer thereon. Advantageous designs of the apparatus are described for use in microstirring, mixing of liquids using magnetic microbeads, microbubbles, microtiter plates, microarray plates, etc.

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 fluid agitation method is provided, whereby a swirling flow is generated in a trace amount of fluid, thereby agitating the fluid. The fluid agitation method includes introducing the fluid into an agitation chamber (3) including a wall having an uneven mass distribution, and applying oscillation (F) to the wall with frequencies varying in a predetermined frequency range. The uneven mass distribution of the wall is attained, for example, by arranging a plurality of thickened portions (11 to 18) of different thicknesses in a ring.

Abstract: Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to ultrasonic horns that have improved stress profiles durability. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic horns can have geometric features designed to distribute stress more evenly along their longitudinal length.

Abstract: A method of preparing metal-modified silica particles is disclosed. Specifically, a treatment chamber is provided in which a first and a second formulation are ultrasonically mixed to prepare metal-modified silica particles. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the first and second formulations flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, 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 formulations 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.

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.

Abstract: Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an agitation method for sufficiently agitating a mixture of a solution such as a buffer solution and a material to be detected, with no need of any dedicated unit for agitation, for measurements using a quartz crystal oscillator. The method for agitating a liquefied material using a quartz crystal oscillator in vibrating the quartz crystal oscillator at a given frequency and measuring the variation of the frequency due to a substance in contact with the quartz crystal oscillator, is that the quartz crystal oscillator is vibrated at other frequency different from the given frequency and equal to or higher than the fundamental vibration frequency to agitate a liquid containing the substance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, 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 phases 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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying oscillatory motion to a substance in a vessel to provide improved mixing, in particular to enable different mixing patterns to be applied to a substance in a vessel without “stop, change and start” protocol, has a member and a control means operatively linked such that the movement of the member is determined by a control signal generated by the control means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a particulate dispensing system to dispense particulates into a treatment chamber and the treatment chamber in which particulates can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and particulates flow 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 the formulation and particulates 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.

Abstract: A stirrer is for stirring by sound waves a liquid held by a vessel. The stirrer includes a sound wave generator that generates sound waves to be applied to the liquid; and a controller that controls a temperature of the liquid, increased by the sound waves emitted by the sound wave generator, at a predetermined temperature or less.

Abstract: An amplitude change-over device for a body vibration machine includes two eccentric units respectively fixed on the opposite ends of a rotating shaft driven by a motor. Each eccentric unit contains an eccentric driving plate secured with the rotating shaft for rotating together and an eccentric driven plate movably fitted on the rotating shaft at one side of the driving plate. Either one of the driving plate or the driven plate has a surface bored with a slide groove with the rotating shaft acting as a pivot, and another one has a surface provided with a projecting stud inserted in the slide groove. The motor is a right-handed and left-handed one. When the motor is chosen to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, the included angle of the driving plate and the driven plate is changeable and hence amplitude power is adjustable by using a single motor.

Abstract: A stirrer is for stirring a liquid held in a vessel by sound waves. The stirrer includes a sound wave generator that generates the sound waves to be applied to the liquid; and a controller that controls drive conditions for the sound wave generator in accordance with changes with time of flow arising in the liquid by the sound waves. An analyzer is for stirring and reacting different liquids to measure an optical property of a reaction liquid using the stirrer, and thus to analyze the reaction liquid.

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted contactless stirring of liquids in a resonator cell by microparticles is achieved by repeated creating and destruction of nodal patterns associated with standing waves of various resonance frequencies causing continuous movements of microparticles inside the cell. Swept-frequency sonication methods include using constant or variable rate of frequency change as well as a stepwise change of frequency of the transducer within a predefined range. Other useful steps include initial detection of the set of resonance frequencies and periodic refreshing of that set. Control systems are described including means to automatically detect the resonance frequencies and maintain the operation of the transducer thereon. Advantageous designs of the apparatus are described for use in microstirring, mixing of liquids using magnetic microbeads, microbubbles, microtiter plates, microarray plates, etc.

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted contactless stirring of liquids in a resonator cell by microparticles is achieved by repeated creating and destruction of nodal patterns associated with standing waves of various resonance frequencies causing continuous movements of microparticles inside the cell. Swept-frequency sonication technique includes using constant or variable rate of frequency change as well as a stepwise change of frequency of the transducer within a predefined range. Other useful provisions include initial detection of the set of resonance frequencies and periodic refreshing of that set. Control systems are described including means to automatically detect the resonance frequencies and maintain the operation of the transducer thereon. Advantageous designs of the apparatus are described for use in microstirring, mixing of liquids using magnetic microbeads, microbubbles, microtiter plates, microarray plates, etc.

Abstract: Microscale or nanoscale apparatus for stopped-flow, quenched flow or continuous flow reaction apparatus where fluids or gases are mixed in a device composed of parallel or serial assembly of the basic fluid-containing cell having a longitudinal axis, a cross-sectional area generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and at least one connected crossing cell having a longitudinal axis, a cross-sectional area generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and a fluid motivating force interacting transversally with the fluids flow.

Abstract: A treatment system including a vibratory mixer is disclosed. The vibratory mixer comprises a vibrating element to facilitate the dissolution of a treating agent that facilitates separation of solids from liquids in water and wastewater streams. Vibratory mixing energy that effects mixing is generated by utilizing magnetostrictive or piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: An underwater-cooling water-temperature maintaining apparatus of a food includes: a water tank where a cooled stuff and cooling treated water of which a freezing point is not more than zero Celsius degree; a treated water cooler configured to cool the cooling treated water; a water temperature detection sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the cooling treated water; an agitator pump configured to equalize the water temperature of the cooling treated water in the water tank; ultrasonic vibrators configured to oscillate ultrasound toward an inside of the water tank in order to prevent the cooled stuff from being frozen; and a controller configured to control the ultrasonic vibrators, the water temperature detection sensor, the treated water cooler, and the agitator pump so as to maintain the water temperature of the cooling treated water at a temperature at which the cooled stuff is not frozen.

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 hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell, an electrode group formed from an anode and a cathode mutually installed in that electrolytic cell, a power supply for applying a voltage across the anode and cathode, a gas trapping means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte fluid and a vibration-stirring means. The gas trapping means is comprised of a lid member installed on the electrolytic cell, a hydrogen-gas extraction tube connecting to the hydrogen-oxygen gas extraction outlet of that lid member. A vibration-stirring means for stirring and agitating the electrolytic fluid is supported by support tables. The distance between the adjacent positive electrode and negative electrode within the electrode group is set within a range of 1 to 20 millimeters.

Abstract: A stirrer is for stirring a liquid retained in a vessel with a sonic wave. The stirrer includes a sonic wave generating unit and a drive control unit. The sonic wave generating unit includes plural sound generators each having a different resonance frequency, for emitting the sonic wave generated from the sound generator toward the liquid. The drive control unit switches the sound generator which generates the sonic wave to a specific sound generator among the plural sound generators by changing a frequency of a drive signal input to the sonic wave generating unit.

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: Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.

Abstract: There is provided a small-sized vibration generator that resonates at two different frequencies. A movable base is housed inside a case. The movable base has an installation plate, and supporting plates bent at right angles from both ends of the installation plate. A first elastically deformable portion is formed integrally with the installation plate, and a weight body is supported by the first elastically deformable portion. In the movable base, a second elastically deformable portion is provided between the installation plate and the supporting plates, and the supporting plates are fixed to supporting end plates of the case. The bending elastic modulus of the second elastically deformable portion is higher than the bending elastic modulus of the first elastically deformable portion, and resonates at two natural frequencies when a driving force is applied to the weight body by a magnetically-driven portion.