Abstract: An ultrasonic sonication device includes a velocity transformer or probe which, when coupled to a vibrating transducer of the piezoelectric or magnetostrictive type, resonates in sympathy with the transducer and either increases or decreases the magnitude of the transducer's vibration. A shallow cup assembly is attached to the distal end of the probe. The cup assembly holds a microtiter tray in a suitable orientation and contains an amount of liquid which provides efficient acoustic coupling between a transverse end face of the probe and the microtiter tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing organic or inorganic matter through simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet light energy and ultrasonic wave energy in a non-aqueous environment such as air. The method is suitable for use in a chamber or in a mass production assembly line setting. Purification of air is similarly accomplished using simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet light and ultrasonic energy waves.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the passage and device of an air purifier having a plurality of filter layers of light catalyst disposed layer by layer on a predetermined space, and a plurality of engraved openings formed on the surface of each filter layer, and a plurality of recessions formed on the surface panel. When each filter layer is stacked, the recession of each filter layer is disposed on surface of each filter layer below, and forms an isolating section at where the recession lands such that a plurality of passages having appropriate gaps between every two filter layers and every two isolating sections. The air can pass through the passage between two filter layers and thus accomplishes the disinfections effect, and such device can be installed between a base having a fan and a cover having a gas inlet and a gas outlet where an infrared light illuminates each filter layer.

Abstract: A device for producing disperse mixtures by ultrasound, containing a housing, and a reaction chamber within the housing and at least one sonotrode having a free emitting surface which is directly in effective connection with the reaction chamber and whose end remote from the free emitting surface is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the sonotrode is designed as a rod-shaped, axially emitting longitudinal oscillator with the emitting surface corresponding essentially to the surface of the reaction chamber, and wherein the reaction chamber depth which is essentially vertical with respect to the emitting surface is lower than a maximum effective depth of the sonotrode.

Abstract: In the present invention, a process for plasma treatment of an object's surface to be treated comprises the creation of a plasma, the application of the plasma to the surface to be treated, and the excitation of the surface to be treated, such that it undulates. The energy for excitation of the surface may come from the process creating the plasma, from an external source, or from a combination of these two sources. The vibration of the surface to be treated preferably takes place while the plasma is being applied to the surface to be treated, but depending on the treatment to carry out, it may also take place just prior to and/or just after the application phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for the ultrasonic destruction of microbiological contamination of fluids. The process involves subjecting contaminated fluids to ultrasonic vibration so as to cause cavitation within the fluids. The cavitation results in the destruction of microbial cells and mats of microbial colonies. To create cavitation in the fluids a number of piezoelectric ceramic rings surround a metal tube through which the fluids flows. Those piezoelectric rings are immersed in a transmission medium which is pressurized sufficiently to prevent cavitation occurring in it and causing damage to the piezoelectric rings electrodes. This process is applicable to many liquids such as fuels, lubricating fluids, potable and marine ballast waters, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, liquid food products and beverages.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing objects, such as medical or dental instruments or devices. The system of the invention includes an energy source, such as a sonicator, adapted and configured to impact the object with energy, such as ultrasonic energy; a liquid transporter adapted and configured to circulate around, through, and/or into the object a wash composition, an antimicrobial composition, a rinse composition, or a plurality of these compositions; and a dryer adapted and configured to dry the object, preferably, in the presence of a sterilant. The method of the invention includes contacting the object with a wash composition and energy, such as ultrasonic energy; treating the object with an antimicrobial composition; rinsing the object with a rinse composition; and drying the object, preferably in the presence of a sterilant.

Abstract: A fluid contactor is taught for mixing and reacting of fluids. Mixing is enhanced by providing a suitable residence time and suitable surface area contact by forming eddy flow within the fluid and thereby the formation of vortexes. Such a contactor does not require the use of mechanical mixers. The contact chamber of the present invention can enhance chemical modification by use of chemical modifiers such as ultraviolet lamps, by allowing the positioning of such modifiers adjacent the vortexes.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for decontaminating contaminated matter, such as an object or substance, with ultrasonic transient cavitation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container for containing a contaminated object, a pressure source for pressurizing the container to a predetermined pressure, a vibration source operably connected to the container, and a cleaning solution comprising a predetermined concentration of a volatile substance. The presence of the volatile substance in the cleaning solution, along with the pressurization and vibration thereof, enhances the effect of ultrasonic transient cavitation and improves decontamination of the contaminated matter.

Abstract: A regional water purifier collects blue green algae continuously by using a water flow produced by the operation of a water flow generator, and continuously and efficiently processes the algae to make it inactive by irradiating ultrasonic waves thereon. Thus, regional water purification is performed efficiently at a far lower cost than the conventional method through the blue green algae processing. The purifier includes a blue green algae processing duct 2, which is disposed under water where blue green algae breed in large quantities, and has an ultrasonic wave transmitter 3 therein for transmitting ultrasonic waves to process the blue green algae with the ultrasonic waves. Both ends of the duct 2 are open, and a water flow generator 4 produces a suction flow for sucking water containing blue green algae into the blue green algae. processing duct 2 from a first end 2a and a discharge flow for discharging the water from the second end 2b.

Abstract: Chemical microreators for chemical systhesis and their methods of manufacture are known, but have disadvantages such as extremely high manufacturing costs or poor flexibility for adaptation to various cases of application. These disadvantages are avoided by means of the microreators and manufacturing methods according to the invention. The microreators are characterized in that the reactors contain fluid ducts in at least one plane as well as feed and return lines for fluids, wherein the fluid ducts are defined by side walls of metal opposing each other and further side walls of metal or plastic extending between said side walls, and in which the planes are connected together and/or with a closure segment closing open fluid ducts by means of appropriate solder or adhesive layers. The manufacturing method is characterized by process sequences in which the individual reactor planes produced by means of electrolytic methods, are connected together by soldering or gluing.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for ultrasonically dispersing a silica sol such as is used in a process of manufacturing a silica glass by a sol-gel method. The apparatus includes a sol feeder for holding a sol to be dispersed, a sol container for containing the ultrasonically dispersed sol, a medium tank having a liquid-phase ultrasonic medium, an ultrasonic vibrator for generating ultrasonic waves within the tank, and a sol pipe for providing a sol feeding path connecting the sol feeder and the sol container to each other, the sol pipe having a portion submerged under the ultrasonic medium in the medium tank. The portion of the sol pipe submerged under the ultrasonic medium has a shape bent in a zigzagged fashion.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for improving the process of purging a liquid delivery system used in integrated circuit manufacturing. The liquid delivery system comprises ultrasonic transducers mounted to various components of a liquid delivery system. The transducers may be mounted on housings, isolation valves, fuel injectors, pump assemblies, fluid lines, and/or liquid flow meters. The ultrasonic transducers launch ultrasonic energy that enhance the removal of processing liquids and particulate material from components of the system. The present invention provides for a purge process where a purge fluid, preferably a liquid solvent, is flowed into the liquid delivery system and ultrasonic energy is launched into the purge fluid to enhance dissolution of residual processing liquids and particulate matter in the liquid delivery system, including from cracks and crevices in valves and other complex mechanical devices before being pumped from the liquid delivery system.

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.

Abstract: Acoustic coaxing induced microcavitation (ACIM) for controlling the onset, evolution, and/or intensity of microcavitation events in a liquid or fluid medium to perform nanometer or micrometer particle detection in ultrapure liquids, sub-micron particle removal for precision cleaning of semiconductor wafers, deinking of paper or pulp, thin film removal from substrates, depainting substrates or panels, destructive and nondestructive measuring and testing of thin films, sculpting or erosion of surfaces, or control or acceleration of liquid-based chemical reactions. Instead of using a pair of sinusoidally excited, acoustically focused transducers operating at different fundamental resonance frequencies, ACIM events are instead generated using a single transducer and a waveform generator, e.g.

Abstract: A frame-type ozone generator (242) has a plurality of elongated electrodes (201, 202) deployed in substantially parallel, spaced relation to each other so as to form a substantially flat electrode array, and a flow generator (241) for generating a flow of oxygen containing gas through the electrode array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electrode array. Each of the electrodes is formed from an electrically conductive core (211) covered with polyvinyl-difluoride (212). Preferably, each electrode array is arranged within a frame (206) of a given area. Also disclosed are an apparatus for treating a product with ozone-containing gas in which pressure-waves are used to enhance effectiveness of the ozone treatment, and a two-chamber batch method for implementing treatment of a product with possibly harmful gases such as ozone.

Abstract: A sterilization apparatus designed to receive an article requiring sterilization in which the apparatus comprises an aerosol generator operatively coupled to a sterilization chamber. The aerosol generator includes an ultrasonic transducer which is electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator. The sterilization apparatus also includes a tube which passes vertically through an apex of a partition ceiling formed in a nebulization chamber of the aerosol generator. The sterilization chamber includes a sterilization container which houses the article to be sterilized. The container includes an aerosol inlet and an aerosol outlet in communication with an expansion cavity and nebulization cavity of the nebulization chamber via an aerosol inlet conduit and an aerosol outlet conduit respectively. The sterilizing agent is nebulized via the transducer and recirculated through the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reactor with acoustic cavitation comprising a tube (10) made of flexible material, wherein the liquid to be treated circulates. Electro-acoustic transducers (1) are radially and uniformly distributed around the tube (10). Each electro-acoustic transducer (1) has a general prismatic shape with a base of specific width and a head narrower than the base, the head pressed on the tube (10). Each electro-acoustic transducer (1) includes an electro-acoustic motor (78) mounted at the base such that the vibrations generated by the electro-acoustic motor (78) are amplified at the head by the electro-acoustic transducer (1) shape. Lubricating films (9) extend between the electro-acoustic transducers (1) heads and the tube (10), so as to produce an acoustic coupling of the electro-acoustic transducers with the tube. The whole set is in a sealed chamber (83) where the pressure is maintained at a predetermined value and where the lubricating and cooling liquid circulates.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and sterilizing the inside of a chamber, comprising a supply of sterilizing liquid for said chamber and a device for inducing variations in the pressure, amplitude, frequency and the gradient of said variations in the sterilizing liquid, whereby said device is adapted in such a way that cavitation occurs inside the liquid, the device inducing said pressure variations include a liquid column between the chamber and a switching organ, whereby the chamber can be cyclically connected to a depression, whereby the value thereof is related to the amplitude or respectively to the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A particulate sample mixing and delivery apparatus externally sonically mixes respective samples of particulate stored in storage containers that are sequentially indexed by a carousel prior to being dispensed into an analyzer reservoir. Each container is compliant to acoustic energy emitted by a sonicator unit that is placed against an external surface of a respective container to which preferably a carrier fluid and surfactant are controllably supplied. After sonication, the container is indexed to a sample dispensing location adjacent to the analyzer reservoir. A tiltable cradle then rotates the container to rapidly dispense its mixed contents into the reservoir, and then discards the empty container.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus is comprised of a means for producing cavitation in a complex reaction mixture to enhance the yield of the selected reaction product, a means for controlling the temperature of the complex reaction mixture, especially during cavitation, and a means for affecting magnetic separation of paramagnetic beads to which the selected reaction product is attached from the complex reaction mixture. In one embodiment, the compound(s) or molecule(s) is synthesized in situ, and isolated using the inventive apparatus. The apparatus finds use in the fields of solid phase organic synthesis, and for isolation and purification of a selected compound(s) or molecule (s), especially where automation is desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus maintains a level of sterilization during medical procedures operative upon a bacteriologically contaminated workpiece. A bacteriologically impermeable sheath is placed around the workpiece for maintaining bacteriological separation between the workpiece and medical equipment activating the medical procedure. In the preferred embodiment, the sheath lines a beaker in which dental implants, the workpieces, are placed when being cleaned using ultrasound. The sheath is cost effective enough to be disposed of after each use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissolving various forms of chemicals in solid material form into a liquid solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid reservoir to which an ultrasonic generating device is attached, capable of creating an acoustic wave that induces alternating compression and rarefaction fronts that react with microscopic inclusions in the liquid to produce cavitation. The cavitation phenomenon works on microscopic inclusions or bubbles or entrained air and or vapor of the liquid. The release of energy during this process causes solids held together by binders to become separated and be blended into solution at a consistent and predictable rate. The chemical to be supplied may be in solid form either in a pelletized or granular form arranged in a vertical column with only the lower portion of the column submerged in the solution with the level of submersion being adjustable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing water containing pathogen protozoa having shells in a simple manner without negative influencing the environment is disclosed. Ultrasonic waves are applied to drinking water to form fine cavitation bubbles which are used to destroy the shells of pathogenic protozoa. The residual chlorine in the drinking water along with an oxidizing action and effect of the ultrasonic wave, permit not only sterilization but also deodorization and decolorization.

Abstract: The invention provides a permeable treatment wall comprising one or more high-permeability columns, as well as a methods for preparing such a permeable treatment wall.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, including the steps of a) transmitting a ultrasonic energy field toward a pair of contact lenses being suspended in a solution medium in a cleaning cup, causing a cavitation to be produced to remove dirt from the contact lenses; b) keeping the solution medium to be maintained standing still in for about 3-5 minutes for permitting suspended substance to settle to the bottom of the solution medium; c) using heating means to heat the solution medium to about 90° C. for about 15-20 minutes so as to disinfect bacteria and degrade toxic substance carried on the contact lenses; and d) gradually cooling down the temperature of the solution medium to room temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing organic or inorganic matter through simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet light energy and ultrasonic wave energy in a non-aqueous environment such as air. The method is suitable for use in a chamber or in a mass production assembly line setting. Purification of air is similarly accomplished using simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet light and ultrasonic energy waves.

Abstract: Water and meat pieces (P) are pumped through a conduit (100), the walls of which are made of plastic having an acoustic impedance close to that of water. The conduit is immersed in a tank (400) full of water. A shock wave generator 200 (chemical explosive or capacitor discharge electrodes) creates a shock wave in the water. The shock wave passes through the conduit without substantial reflection because the impedance of the conduit wall matches the impedance of the water. The shock wave tenderizes and at least partially sterilizes the meat. A heavy-duty shock-reflective cylinder reflects portions of the shock pulse onto the conduit. Continual explosions are repeated rapidly enough that all of the meat passing through is tenderized. Alternatively, the meat is packed in water within a closed container in place of the conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: A sterilization method for organic or inorganic matter which combines exposure to ultraviolet light and ultrasonic waves. The ultrasound waves are applied "dry" in that the object is not immersed into a liquid solution during the exposure cycle. This makes the sterilization method suitable for use in a mass production assembly line setting. Exposure of the object to the ultraviolet light and ultrasound waves can occur simultaneously, sequentially, or in alternating fashion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a standing sonic wave sonicator, methods of generating a standing sonic wave and a method of sonication which employs a standing sonic wave to disrupt particulate material.

Abstract: The apparatus for liquid sterilization by high-pressure dynamic cavitation includes a fluid passage through which the continuous flow of liquid passes, wherein the fluid passage is defined by a closed cylindrical chamber having a side wall and first and second opposing ends. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet through which the continuous flow of liquid enters and exits the chamber, the inlet being tangential to the chamber axis and adjacent to the first end to provide tangential flow within the chamber and to cause the liquid flow to be deflected at the first and second opposing ends two or more times for increasing sterilization time of the liquid before exiting the outlet axially disposed on the second end. One or more projections protruding from the interior side wall of the chamber create a high-pressure drop in the flow behind the one or more projections and thereby create high-pressure dynamic cavitation for effective sterilization.

Abstract: A method for increasing the effectiveness of a permeable treatment wall is described. The method includes the introduction of ultrasonic radiation in or near the wall. A permeable treatment wall is also described which has an ultrasonic radiation generating transducer in or near the wall. Permeable treatment walls are described as having either a well vertically extending into the wall, or a rod vertically extending into the treatment wall. Additionally, a method for adapting a permeable treatment wall to allow for the introduction of ultrasonic radiation in or near the wall is described.

Abstract: The proposed method comprises passing the hydrodynamic flow of liquid hydrocarbons through a flow-through passage accomodating a baffle body providing for a local constriction of the flow; establishing the local flow constriction on at least one portion of the flow-through passage whose cross-sectional profile area is so selected as to maintain such a velocity of the flow on the portion of the passage that promotes the development of a hydrodynamic cavitation field past the baffle body having the degree of cavitation of at least one; processing the flow of a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons in the hydrodynamic cavitation field to initiate chemical transformations of liquid hydrocarbons resulting in a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the mixture of liquid hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system for reducing biological organisms in a liquid effluent to no-viable organic molecules that includes: a stunning chamber (38) that applies a voltage potential across biological organisms to break cell membranes and disable the defense mechanisms of viral organisms to ultraviolet radiation; a cavitation chamber (86) to physically destroy any remaining membranes of biologicals in the effluent that may play host to viral organisms or allow such to hide therein, the action of the stunning and cavitation chambers releasing interferons; and a molecularly implanted stimulated emitter (MISE) chamber (108) in which high levels of ultraviolet radiation and electromagnetic energy are applied to virions and spores that remain at frequencies that are readily absorbed and operate to dissociate any viable DNA and RNA strands remaining, to thereby cause "death". The resulting effluent is pulsed through the stunning, cavitation, and MISE chambers to gain maximum effect thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for devulcanizing cured or cross-linked elastomers. The method includes subdividing elastomeric raw material into small particle form, confining the particles of elastomer under high force, as in a screw extruder or the like and, as the particles remain confined, imparting ultrasonic energy to the mass to effect devulcanization. Energy is fed to the confined particles transversely of the axis along which they are advancing, and energy from a source is reflected off a portion of the apparatus and back into the treatment zone so as to achieve maximum energy utilization. In particular instances, reflection of energy is achieved by providing opposed, powered ultrasonic horns that resonate in phase with each other. In another embodiment, oppositely directed, resonantly tuned horns are used, with less than all such horns being powered and the remainder being passive or unpowered reflecting horns who resonant frequency is tuned to that of the powered horn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur from gas streams, utilizing liquid redox, including an improved method for preventing build-up of elemental sulfur in a sulfur absorber. Ultrasonic irradiation of one or more portions of the structure of the absorber prevents sulfur build-up. In combination with monitoring of the pressure across the absorber, the freeing of sulfur from surfaces in an absorber can be automatically actuated.

Abstract: A standard laboratory module for automatically producing a solution of cominants from a soil sample. A sonication tip agitates a solution containing the soil sample in a beaker while a stepper motor rotates the sample. An aspirator tube, connected to a vacuum, draws the upper layer of solution from the beaker through a filter and into another beaker. This beaker can thereafter be removed for analysis of the solution. The standard laboratory module encloses an embedded controller providing process control, status feedback information and maintenance procedures for the equipment and operations within the standard laboratory module.

Abstract: A sonic transducer shroud is shaped to present an inclined surface to rising bubbles and other matter during water treatment. Attached to the face of the sonic transducer, the shroud prevents the bubbles and other matter from being trapped on the transducer measurement surface and subsequently interfering with echo reception. The shroud has acoustic properties that are matched to the water such that the shroud is substantially acoustically transparent.

Abstract: Heavy crude oil containing at least 1% by weight water is hydrotreated and upgraded while being produced downhole in a production well. During production the heavy crude oil containing water is subjected to sonic energy at a low frequency of 400 Hz to 10 kHz downhole in the presence of a metal hydrogenation catalyst that causes the water in the crude oil to react and form hydrogen which then hydrotreats and upgrades the heavy crude oil during production. In another embodiment, if the heavy crude oil does not contain water, the hydrogen may be formed in-situ by contacting the heavy crude oil downhole with a chemical compound comprising ammonia, hydrazine and formic acid that in the presence of a metal hydrogenation catalyst and sonic energy causes the chemical compound to react and form hydrogen which then hydrotreats the heavy crude oil during production. Suitable catalysts include nickel on zinc dust, platinum on carbon and palladium on carbon, preferably nickel on zinc dust.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing all parts of a dental apparatus head exposed to contamination in a practical and economical way includes a cleaning chamber, which may be either a separate unit or an integral part of an apparatus head which receives dental instruments connected by hoses to the head. In one embodiment, the chambers are formed within the head and is closed by a flexible cover so that a cleaning fluid can be introduced into the chamber to clean the exterior surfaces and then disinfectants can be sprayed on the exterior surfaces and pass through internal conduits of the hoses and instruments. In another embodiment, the chamber is separate and receives the entire apparatus head and/or support brackets and is closable so that the head and/or support brackets can be thoroughly cleaned on the external surfaces and then subsequently disinfected with the internal surfaces being disinfected.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the running of multiple simultaneous solid phase reactions for mounting on a temperature controllable water bath and a method of using this apparatus in the presence or absence of paramagnetic beads to perform chemical syntheses resulting in separation and recovery of a final desired reaction product is provided. The apparatus comprises a reaction plate, a reaction vessel for mounting in the reaction plate, a reaction plate holder, a screw-like rod, a mounting block attached to the reaction plate holder for operably receiving the screw-like rod, a motor, a sonication region in the water bath and a magnetic separation region in the water bath. Paramagnetic beads having reaction sites are introduced into the reaction vessels along with the appropriate solvent and one or more reactants.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more kinds of adhesive resin liquids takes the steps of arranging such that resin outlet ports (6a, 7a) of feed tubes (6, 7) for feeding two or more kinds of resin material liquids which are hardened by reaction face a side skin surface (3b) of an ultrasonic wave transmission solid horn (3), allowing the resin material liquids to flow down passing along the side skin surface (3b) while applying ultrasonic vibrations to the resin material liquids, and guiding the resin material liquids to a distal end face (3a) of the ultrasonic wave transmission solid horn (3), thereby mixing the resin material liquids in an aerial state.

Abstract: A liquid is subjected to ultrasound within a stainless steel pipe (35) of wall thickness 2.5 mm. Three ultrasonic transducers (56) are equally spaced around the pipe, each fixed to one end of a tapered resonant coupler (46) with a nodal flange (48) by which it is supported with its wider end coaxially within a steel collar (38) welded to the outside of the pipe wall. The space around the sides and the end of the coupler is filled by a buffer liquid such as olive oil. When the transducers (56) are energised they resonate, as do the couplers (46), and ultrasound is transmitted through the buffer liquid and the wall into the liquid inside the pipe (35). Within the pipe the intensity can be sufficient to cause cavitation, and so to cause sonochemical effects.

Abstract: Sonoluminescence is an off-equilibrium phenomenon in which the energy of a resonant sound wave in a liquid is highly concentrated so as to generate flashes of light. The conversion of sound to light represents an energy amplification of eleven orders of magnitude. The flashes which occur once per cycle of the audible or ultrasonic sound fields can be comprised of over one million photons and last for less 100 picoseconds. The emission displays a clocklike synchronicity; the jitter in time between consecutive flashes is less than fifty picoseconds. The emission is blue to the eye and has a broadband spectrum increasing from 700 nanometers to 200 nanometers. The peak power is about 100 milliWatts. The initial stage of the energy focusing is effected by the nonlinear oscillations of a gas bubble trapped in the liquid. For sufficiently high drive pressures an imploding shock wave is launched into the gas by the collapsing bubble.

Abstract: The invention comprises processes for the production of useful fluid or grease from curable silicone compositions or silicone rubbers, preferably reclaimed or scrap silicone rubber. The processes involve the application of energy in such a manner that a un-curable silicone grease or liquid that contains essentially all of the original material is produced from curable silicone compositions and grease or liquid is produced from silicone rubbers. Suitable energy forms include thermal and mechanical. The fluid or grease produced by the processes are useful as raw materials for the manufacture of silicone products such as: antifoam compounds (defoamers), greases, conformal coatings or rubbers. The materials produced by these processes were unexpectedly found to have exceptional antifoam properties without requiring the addition of other materials or further processing.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a continuous flow of wastewater containing bacteria includes applying high frequency sound waves to the continuous flow of wastewater to cause cavitation in the wastewater.