Abstract: Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bacteriophage preparation having at least one bacteriophage in alkaline buffer solution, said bacteriophage being specifically effective against at least one bacterial strain, in combination with at least one surface-active agent that is preferably a polyhexamethyl biguanide (polyhexanide) stabilized in an alkaline range between pH 7.5 and pH 9.0. The invention further relates to the use of such a bacteriophage preparation for the production of a pharmaceutical, particularly for therapeutic, preventative, and disinfecting antibacterial use. Finally, the invention also relates to a disinfection method using the bacteriophage preparation together with low-frequency ultrasound.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward a method of destroying microorganisms using a device for treating a medium flowing through the device with a hydrodynamic cavitation field or a super cavitation field for destroying microrganisms contained in the medium.

Abstract: A urinary catheter clip-on device applies surface acoustic waves of Rayleigh-Lamb and/or Love type to a urinary catheter for preventing biofilms on the catheter surfaces. The bacteria is forced to move relative to the vibrating catheter surface. The amplitudes of bacteria vibrations are in nanometer range. The relative motion of bacteria results in bacteria quorum sensing, and disrupts the bacteria attachment process. The method is preventive as surface acoustic waves create low acoustic energy and bacteria is not killed.

Abstract: An active material and light emitting device comprises an ultrasonic atomizer assembly and a light emission device. The active material and light emitting device further includes a housing containing the atomizer assembly and the light emission device such that the atomizer assembly is disposed above the light emission device. The light emission device emits light that is transmitted through a medial portion of the housing.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing a vehicle and/or structures to proactively combat Sick Car and Sick Building Syndrome, in addition to bacteria, fungal microorganisms, viruses, mildew and mold, and any variety of organisms including Escherichia coli, urine, feces, HIV-1, blood, and many pathogenic and environmental microbial organisms from vehicles and/or structures.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides an apparatus and method for disinfection of ship's ballast water, such as sea water, based on hydrodynamic cavitation. The apparatus comprises a cavitating chamber of cross section such as circular or non circular shape housing a single or multiple cavitating element(s) in the form of plates of metallic, ceramic, plastic materials of varying thicknesses placed perpendicular to the direction of flow of liquid and positioned at uniform or non-uniform spacing. The cavitating elements are provided with single or multiple orifices of different cross sections, circular or non-circular, with or without sharp edges and with a fraction of cross-sectional open area of the passage. The disinfected water may be re-circulated through the system for additional disinfection or released from the tank into the surrounding waterways.

Abstract: The current invention provides this advance in infection control via its unique application of active sterilization to a catheter or implant. While most catheters, and many implants, are passive devices, the current invention will provide an active component as a integral part of the implanted catheter or device to continuously or intermittently sterilize the exposed surfaces/areas of the device. This active sterilization may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms, including, application of heat, RF, microwave, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation or other energy capable of sterilizing the device or dislodging any problematic Biofilm that may form. The active sterilization may also employ the pumping of a sterilizing chemical from an attached drug reservoir, the use of electricity or freezing temperatures or any other mechanism for either inhibiting, killing or dislodging any infectious material in contact with the implant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating a target area with an ultrasound wave pattern, including: providing an ultrasound apparatus having an ultrasound wave generator operatively attached to a plurality of transducers, coupled to an immersible support and configured to emit an ultrasound wave; immersing the apparatus into a water environment; positioning the apparatus proximate to a target area to treat at least one in situ organism; and emitting a pattern of ultrasound waves from the transducers, the pattern of ultrasound waves additive in effect and emitted onto the target area to threat an in situ underwater organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for disinfecting a space and the objects present therein, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps of: (a) determining a first value of the relative humidity of the air in the space; (b) vaporizing a disinfecting liquid in the space until a predetermined second value of the relative humidity of the air in the space is reached; and (c) maintaining the relative humidity of the air at the second value for a predetermined time by means of vaporizing the disinfecting liquid, wherein the vaporization of the disinfecting liquid takes place by means of ultrasonic sound waves. With the method and device according to the invention all kinds of spaces of differing dimensions can be disinfected in very effective manner.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of inhibiting, avoiding or destroying existing, potential or incipient biodeposits, biofilms or pathogens any of (a) in or on a living body including in or on a medical device or implement placed, inserted or insertable in the body, (b) in, on or in contact with an ex vivo bodily tissue or fluid, or (c) in, on or in contact with a medium or matter to be consumed, ingested by or exposed to a living being or entity. Also disclosed are medical devices, implements, and prostheses that can be kept in a safe defouled, pathogen-free or pathogen-reduced condition with the help of an electric field(s). Also disclosed are medical or industrial devices, implements, equipment-articles and storage/handling-entities that can be kept in a safely defouled, pathogen-free or pathogen-reduced condition with the help of a membrane or orifice that has one or more of the antifouling or antipathogenic attributes.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of aseptically treating, forming, filling, and sealing flexible bag packages in a bag packaging machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing and disinfecting a space includes a tank having an interior space for holding an aqueous sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing liquid, a bottom sector, an air inlet sector, and an exhaust sector, inner walls of the exhaust sector and the air inlet sector forming a substantially “V”-shaped air pathway within the interior space. A liquid cascading reactor vessel is positioned within the bottom sector of the tank, a top edge of the reactor vessel in adjustably spaced relation from a notch in the “V”-shaped air pathway. A vibratable ultrasonic head array is positionable within and beneath a top edge of the reactor vessel and is submergable within the reactor vessel for vibrating the disc to form atomized micro-particles from the liquid. Air can be drawn into the air inlet, and the formed atomized micro-particles can be exhausted from the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An ultrasonic humidifier includes a base that is formed with a recess, as well as a water tank and a mist spraying tube that are disposed on the base and that are in fluid communication with the recess. An ultrasonic oscillator is disposed in a bottom end of the recess for atomizing water in the recess. An ultraviolet light unit is disposed in said mist spraying tube.

Abstract: An on-demand system for preventing and/neutralizing bioactive substances employs real time monitoring of the fluid for bioactive substances. Once a specific bioactive substance is detected, then a specific neutralizing substance is selected, such as an oxidizing substance, intense ultraviolet light, a neutralizing substance or other substances selected for particular threats. In another example of the invention, a device neutralizing a substance would include a container that would be capable of containing each of the plurality of precursors, a collecting space for receiving each of the plurality of precursors selected by the selector, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the neutralizing substance. In one example the neutralizing substance is formulated by the reactions of the precursors in order to neutralize the substance.

Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a desired smell by processing smell information through a combination of a computer system and a perfume generating means. In order to generate a desired smell under control of a computer, preset perfume information concerning a smell classification table, kinds of preset perfume corresponding to the items of smell in the smell classification table, the amount of smell to be generated and the variation with time of the amount is registered, the item of a specific smell is selected from the smell classification table, and relevant pieces of the preset perfume information corresponding to the item of the specific smell is extracted. A deodorant may be combined or various smells may be combined with an image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus in form of a disinfecting apparatus comprising a steam device for combating germs on the surface of products, in particular of food products. The apparatus employs a combination of steam and ultrasound to kill germs on the surface of a product which is conveyed past the steam device. Pressurized steam is fed through a steam passage to an opening conveying the steam to a cavity, in which the steam is made to oscillate at a ultrasonic frequency. The oscillations in the steam prevent the steam from heating the products excessively, while germs presents on the surface of the products are heated and killed.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for irradiating an absorbing liquid, for example waste water to be disinfected, in a throughflow. Said device comprises at least two radiator units having one cylindrical UV radiation source and three concentric sheaths. A cooling medium for carrying off heat from the UV radiation source flows in a hollow space between the inner and the center sheath. The inventive device allows to use high-performance UV radiation sources and to evenly irradiate the zones of irradiation and prevents floating particles from settling down on the radiator units.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing hyperproliferative, undifferentiated, or virally infected cells in a liquid medium using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound.

Abstract: An antimicrobial treatment method for non-thermal pasteurization and anti-microbial treatment of solid, semisolid, or liquid foods in industrial food transport systems is provided. For solid food applications, the method and related apparatus comprises a conveyor-based transport system. For semisolid or liquid food applications, the method and related apparatus comprises a conduit-based transport system. Both the conveyor-based and conduit-based transport systems are capable of treating food with ultrasound, a UV-ruby lightwave combination, a pulsed electric field, and/or a magnetic field. The method is capable of realizing greater than 3 log reductions in live microbes in foodstuffs, although the technology may be used in nonfood applications.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus is provided to treat ballast water that has exited a ballast tank before being expelled from a water-borne ship. Within the contactor apparatus, means are provided for supplying a combination of acoustic energy and dissolved ozone. The acoustic energy can be provided at two or more frequencies (e.g., at 16 and 20 kHz). The acoustic energy and dissolved ozone, together, offer a more-effective and more-efficient mode of disinfecting the ballast water before release.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing a space includes a tank for holding an aqueous sanitizing liquid. A pair of ultrasonic heads is provided, wherein each head has a plurality of vibratable discs for generating ultrasonic energy. A device for vibrating the discs is provided to form an atomized fog of particles from the liquid. A pair of flotation supports float atop the liquid in the tank, each having means for holding a head atop the liquid. A fan is positioned above the supports for distributing the fog throughout a space. The device may also be used to distribute a liquid by creating the atomized fog as above and directing the fog to a desired location.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing microorganisms using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound. A particular method is provided for treating a fountain solution including simultaneously exposing the fountain solution to gas microbubbles and high-frequency ultrasound. A particular device is also provided, including a compartment for holding a reservoir of fountain solution, a gas microbubble emitter configured to emit microbubbles into the compartment, and a high-frequency ultrasound-emitter configured to emit ultrasound signals into the compartment. The high-frequency ultrasound may be higher than 100 kHz.

Abstract: An ultrasound reactor (30) having a reactor body (1), a reactor tube (9) disposed within the reactor body and a magnetostrictor transducer (11) comprising at least one annular element (28a-d) concentric with, and mounted to an external wall of said tube and a process for ultrasonic treatment of a reaction material are disclosed. The transducer is mounted on the reactor tube in such a way so as to transmit ultrasound radiation to the interior of the tube and to induce an upwardly flowing cavitation stream whose longitudinal axis substantially coincides with a longitudinal axis of said tube, causing physical changes to the reaction material.

Abstract: A device for the treatment and/or decontamination of surfaces has at least one generator configuration with which directed waves, in particular of an electromagnetic type, can be generated and its energy transmitted by a transmission device onto contaminated surface deposits, in particular surface deposits of a reactor pressure vessel and/or reactor internals. The surface deposits are dissolved and/or sublimated by the directed waves. In a corresponding method, the device is used to generate the directed waves and bring about transmissions of energy onto the contaminated surface deposits, in particular surface deposits of a reactor pressure vessel and/or reactor internals, in such a way that these surface deposits are dissolved and/or sublimated.

Abstract: A medical device is sterilized or sanitized by at least partially submerging it within liquid nitrogen and imparting ultrasonic energy to it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the deactivation and/or destruction of hazardous materials such as chemical or biological agents. The invention further relates to apparatus for treating hazardous material and for decontaminating items that may have come into contact with it, the apparatus comprising a treatment vessel or chamber and a light source capable of irradiating a catalyst within the treatment vessel or chamber with a predetermined wavelength of light.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for coupling energy from at least on energy source, e.g. UV light source, ultrasonic transducer, or combination thereof, to a target site, e.g. hazardous bacteria, through a streaming liquid, e.g. water. The bacteria toward which energy is to be coupled could be present in the water stream itself and/or on a surface toward which the water stream is to be launched at the end of its flow. Accordingly, in-line aseptic filling is provided, which can fill and simultaneously disinfect a container. According to another embodiment where the water is used for washing, in-line aseptic washing device is provided. A variety of other embodiments is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing microorganisms in cooling fluids utilized in tire manufacturing, using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound. In one embodiment, a method includes simultaneously exposing said cooling fluid to gas and high-frequency ultrasound. In another embodiment, a device includes a compartment for holding a reservoir of tire manufacturing cooling fluid, an ultrasound emitter configured to emit high-frequency ultrasound signals into the compartment, and a gas emitter configured to emit gas into the ultrasound field in the compartment containing the cooling fluid.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for high level disinfection (as herein defined) of a surface. Methods include treating the surface with a composition including a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration which exceeds 1% w/w and the temperature of treatment is in the range of from 30° C. to 80° C. A log (6) reduction in Mycobacterium terrae is achieved on the surface in less than 10 minutes. The temperature may be produced by a physical chaotrope, a chemical chaotrope (such as) boron or a boron compound or complex or a combination of chaotropic agents. Sequestering agents and enzymes maybe added.

Abstract: A kit cleaning system and method is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention has a photosensitizer solution supplied by a pressurized nozzle to the target site. Specific application of the solution is to an oral or skin surface target site. The photosensitizer solution is illuminated with sensitizing light creating reactive chemical species. Pressure and a solvent having an elevated concentration of oxygen or oxygen species improve the efficiency of the killing of pathogens. Methods of using the system within an oral cavity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supersonic bactericidal method and facilities containing chitosan, consisting of a bactericidal liquid and a supersonic atomizer. The bactericidal liquid is composed of water (X) and chitosan (Y), with a preferable ratio, X: Y=500:1. However, other ratios are available, too. The supersonic atomizer is preferably operated under a catalysis frequency between 2.4˜3.6 MHZ. So, when the bactericidal liquid is atomized through the supersonic atomizer, it is to be atomized having a diameter ranging from 300 nm to 150 nm, experimentally approved to have a significant bactericidal effect and be able to relatively save energy.

Abstract: An exemplary dust removing apparatus applicable for removing dust or dirt from a surface of an optical lens is provided. The dust removing apparatus includes an ultrasonic oscillation device, at least a dust removing device, and a tray. The ultrasonic oscillation device is configured for causing an ultrasonic vibration of the optical lens so as to weaken an adhesive force between the optical lens and the dust on the surface thereof. The dust removing device is configured for removing the dust from the surface of the optical lens. The tray is disposed on the ultrasonic oscillation device and located between the ultrasonic oscillation device and the dust removing device. The tray is configured for supporting the optical lens. A dust removing method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of sterilization of items that are sensitive to e.g. temperature, pH, positive or negative pressure, radiation or oxidation. More particularly, the invention concerns a method, the use of this method and an apparatus for sterilization or disinfection, comprising the steps of contacting one or more item or part of an item with (a) a water-based fluid containing at least one enzyme, and (b) a substantially water-free environment with a gas having oxidative properties, where said step (a) precedes said step (b). According to the invention, items can be sterilized that are otherwise impaired by conventional sterilization procedures, such as laboratory items, medical items, dental items, military items, biological items, and food processing-related items.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and methods for optimizing the performance and protecting one or more aerosol generating transducers from deterioration while operating in a chemically reactive aqueous solution by utilizing one or more protective barrier techniques to eliminate chemical interaction between the aqueous solution and the transducers, among other features of the generator including these transducers. The method of the present invention produces an aerosol producing transducer with the transducer housing and assembly to be constructed in such a way as to assure its efficient and effective long-term and problem free operation in an aqueous solution that is chemically reactive.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing and disinfecting a space includes a tank having an interior space for holding an aqueous sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing liquid, a bottom sector, an air inlet sector, and an exhaust sector, inner walls of the exhaust sector and the air inlet sector forming a substantially “V”-shaped air pathway within the interior space. A liquid cascading reactor vessel is positioned within the bottom sector of the tank, a top edge of the reactor vessel in adjustably spaced relation from a notch in the “V”-shaped air pathway. A vibratable ultrasonic head array is positionable within and beneath a top edge of the reactor vessel and is submergable within the reactor vessel for vibrating the disc to form atomized micro-particles from the liquid. Air can be drawn into the air inlet, and the formed atomized micro-particles can be exhausted from the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus.

Abstract: An autoclave reactor for treating municipal solid waste (MSW) including agricultural waste and medical waste wherein the MSW may be encapsulated in plastic bags. The reactor is equipped with a loading internal guiding means for treating the waste in such a manner as to decompose the organic fraction into a pulp which acts as a fluid whereby rigid, material such as metal and glass may be removed by known means. The reactor may also be equipped with: (a) piercing and cutting devices for rupturing the encapsulating material thereby expelling air and releasing the contents, (b) means for collecting vapours and emissions for treatment before they are released into the environment, (c) a vacuum means for removing vapours and drying the resulting products, (d) a sensing means which determines the viscosity of the reactor contents and this information is fed into a computer which determines when the desirable decomposition has been reached.

Abstract: A method for producing a cleaned bone graft with osteoinductivity above 2.0 suitable for transplantation into a human. The first step is sonicating a bone graft in a nonionic detergent in an ultrasonic cleaner at a temperature ranging from about 33° C. to about 37° C. and for a time period ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours effective to produce a cleaned bone graft essentially free from bone marrow. The bone graft is sonicated in purified water in an ultrasonic cleaner at a temperature ranging from about 33° C. to about 37° C. a plurality of times to remove the detergent producing a cleaned bone graft. The bone graft is then sonicated in hydrogen peroxide in an ultrasonic cleaner at a temperature ranging from about 33° C. to about 37° C. for a time period ranging from 10 minutes to about 2 hours effective to retain osteoinductivity of the bone graft and again sonicated in purified water in an ultrasonic cleaner at a temperature ranging from about 33° C. to about 37° C.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating, preventing from growth, and neutralizing microorganisms in cutting fluids using high-frequency, low-energy ultrasound.