Abstract: A piezoelectric cantilever sensor includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer, a portion of which is attached to the piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment, one end of the non-piezoelectric layer extends beyond the end of piezoelectric layer to provide an overhang. The overhang piezoelectric cantilever sensor enables increased sensitivity allowing application of the device in more viscous environments, such as liquid media, as well as application in liquid media at higher flow rates than conventional piezoelectric cantilevers. In another embodiment, the sensor includes first and second bases and at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the non-piezoelectric layer is affixed to each of the first and second bases to form the piezoelectric cantilever sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor is robust and exhibits excellent sensing characteristics in both gaseous and liquid media, even when subjected to relatively high flow rates.

Abstract: A device is operable to measure the size of tissue particles. The device includes a reservoir for receiving tissue particles and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to emit ultrasonic energy toward tissue particles in the reservoir. Control circuitry is operable to process ultrasonic energy received from the ultrasonic transducer to determine the size of tissue particles in the reservoir. If the tissue particles are larger than a predetermined size range, the particles may be minced to reduce their size. If the tissue particles are smaller than a predetermined size range, the particles may be disposed of. It the tissue particles have a size within a predetermined range, they may be processed further, such as by stimulating the tissue particles and dewatering the tissue particles. The tissue particles may then be incorporated in a medical fluid and be therapeutically administered to a patient.

Abstract: To provide a quartz sensor capable of detecting a sensing target with high sensitivity also in measurement in a liquid phase in which a difference in Q values at the time of measurement in the liquid phase and in a vapor phase is small. In a quartz sensor 1 including an AT-cut quartz plate 11 having a capture layer (absorbing layer) 12 formed on one surface (XZ? surface) thereof and detecting a sensing target based on an amount of change in a frequency of a quartz resonator 10 caused when the sensing target is absorbed by the capture layer 12, there are formed electrodes 13 for oscillating the quartz plate 11 on end faces (XY? surfaces) mutually opposite in a Z? direction of the surface of the quartz resonator 10 on which the capture layer 12 is formed (XZ? surface).

Abstract: A method for sensing and sorting single tiny particles in microfluidic channels may comprise subjecting the particles to ultrasound; detecting scattering of the ultrasound from these particles; and pushing or sorting these particles using ultrasound based on the scattered ultrasound that is detected.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for detecting deposition of solid frost caused by air ingress into a cryogen vessel, a quartz crystal microbalance, that includes a crystal sensor, is placed within the cryogen vessel, and an actuating circuit actuates resonance of the crystal sensor, and detection equipment detects a change in the resonant characteristics of the crystal sensor caused by frost deposition on the crystal sensor, and signaling equipment indicates the detected change.

Abstract: In a method to determine concentration of toner particles in a carrier fluid in a liquid developer system for a printer or carrier, a suspension of the carrier fluid in the toner particles is charged with an ultrasonic wave. A propagation time of the ultrasonic wave in the suspension is determined. A concentration of the toner particles in the suspension is determined from the propagation time. A system is also provided employing the above steps.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.

Abstract: A Nanomotion Sensor comprises a micromechanical device for the detection and characterization of specimen motions when they interact with one or an array of cantilevered sensors set in the path of the moving specimen. In particular, the present invention provides a method for direct sensing and characterization of motion, including position, torsion, magnitude and direction of velocity, acceleration, force, torque, as well as binding, which may include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attractions, hydrophobic effects, dipole interactions, or through other forces through the deflection of a micromechanical cantilever sensor. The present invention is particularly useful for the detection and characterization of the motion of biological cells such as bacteria and sperm, biological systems including motor proteins, cilia of the hearing organ and the lining of the airways in asthmatics, and microfabricated systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles. Acoustically manipulated particles may be separated by size. The particles maybe flowed in a flow stream and acoustic radiation pressure, which may be radial, may be applied to the flow stream. This application of acoustic radiation pressure may separate the particles. In one embodiment, the particles may be separated by size, and as a further example, the larger particles may be transported to a central axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles. Acoustically manipulated particles may be separated by size. The particles may be flowed in a flow stream and acoustic radiation pressure, which may be radial, may be applied to the flow stream. This application of acoustic radiation pressure may separate the particles. In one embodiment, the particles may be separated by size, and as a further example, the larger particles may be transported to a central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for real-time visualization of particulate matter suspended in a static or flowing fluid and fluid flow patterns in a pipe, tube, conduit, or other container, are described. Ultrasonic scanning and detection of scattered sound from the particles in the fluid create a real-time image of the particles, or of flow patterns in the liquid. A mechanical wobbler directs a piezoelectric transducer over a chosen angle in an oscillatory manner. The transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode wherein the same transducer detects the return signal from the target region through which particles are passing and/or a flow is present. The pulse-echo measurements are made rapidly and continuously during a single sweep of the transducer over the chosen angle. Received signals are processed in the ultrasound scanner electronics module and displayed as an image in real-time.

Abstract: Method and system for uniformly spacing particles in a flowing system comprising suspending particles in an elongated fluid filled cavity; exposing said cavity to an axial acoustic standing wave field, wherein said axial acoustic standing wave field drives said particles to nodal and anti-nodal positions along the center axis of said cavity to result in uniformly spaced particles; and focusing said particles to the center axis of said cavity.

Abstract: Time-series data of piezoelectric resonator frequencies for each concentration of a substance to be absorbed is collectively displayed. An absorption start point of a substance to be absorbed is set in pieces of the time-series data. An editor combines and displays at least frequency variation regions in the data. The absorption start point setting is realized when an operator positions a pointer and clicks on the time-series data, or when an absorption start signal is output at the time when a solution is supplied.

Abstract: An in-liquid-substance detection sensor that achieves size reduction and detection accuracy improvement includes a piezoelectric substrate, at least two SAW devices provided on one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate and each having at least one IDT electrode defining a sensing portion, outer electrodes provided on the other major surface of the piezoelectric substrate and electrically connected to the SAW devices through vias extending through the piezoelectric substrate, a channel-defining member provided on the one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate so as to surround the SAW devices and a region connecting the SAW devices to each other, thereby defining sidewalls of a channel, and a protective member bonded to the one major surface of the piezoelectric substrate with the channel-defining member interposed therebetween, thereby sealing the channel, the protective member having at least two through holes communicating with the channel.

Abstract: A method that includes: (i) detecting an acoustic wave that is propagating through a body of water, as the body of water is being frozen on a structure, thus yielding a detected acoustic wave; (ii) extracting, from the detected acoustic wave, (a) a frequency component thereof, and (b) a magnitude of the frequency component; and (iii) removing the body of water from the structure when the magnitude exceeds a threshold value.

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: According to one embodiment, a foreign object detection device includes a signal generator, a transmitter, a receiver, a storage section, and a detection section. A signal generator configured to generate an electrical signal. A transmitter configured to convert the electrical signal from the signal generator and to generate a pressure wave in a liquid. A receiver configured to receive a reflection wave from the liquid and to convert it to an electrical signal. A storage section configured to store information on a state of absence of a foreign object in the liquid. A detection section configured to detect at least one of presence or absence of the foreign object and size of the foreign object based on difference between the electrical signal converted from the reflection wave and an electrical signal based on the stored information.

Abstract: There is provided a technique that can increase sensitivity of a resonator. A ratio Rb/Ra between an inner diameter Rb and an outer diameter Ra of the resonator 20 is appropriately selected, and thus there may be a fixed point where an r component (U(Ra) or U(Rb)) of displacement in a radial direction and an r component (V(Ra) or V(Rb)) of displacement in a tangential direction are 0 on an outer diameter portion or an inner diameter portion of the resonator 20. In this case, the resonator 20 is supported by a holding member 22 constituted by a single-span beam set so that a boundary condition on a side of the resonator 20 is pinned and a boundary condition on a side of an anchor that supports the resonator 20 is clamped at the fixed point, and this prevents vibration energy of the resonator 20 from being lost through the holding member 22, avoids a state to disturb a vibration mode, and achieves a sensor having high sensitivity.

Abstract: A microbead automatic recognition method includes the steps of: acquiring an image of a circular surface of a cylindrical microbead having a recognition pattern created on the circular surface and a plurality of reference points also created on the circular surface; and acquiring information on the rear/front and/or orientation of the cylindrical microbead from the acquired image on the basis of the positions of the reference points.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor senses a substance to be measured in a sample solution, thereby conducting high-precision measurement. A pressing member has a solution storage space with a bottom surface being one surface of a piezoelectric resonator, and covering a recessed portion of a wiring board. The wiring board includes an annular projection surrounding the solution storage space and pressing a surface of the piezoelectric resonator. The wiring board is made of an elastic material. The annular projection has side surfaces that get smaller in diameter toward a lower side. The side surface of the solution storage space makes an obtuse angle to its bottom surface. At a corner portion made by these surfaces, an upper side of the bubbles are opened, and therefore, bubbles, even if entering the solution storage space, can float up.

Abstract: A method for detection of airborne biological agent using a piezoelectric cantilever sensor that includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer. A recognition entity is placed on one or both of the two layers. The antibody that recognizes and binds to the airborne species may be chemically immobilized on the cantilever sensor surface. In one embodiment, the cantilever sensor is attached to a base at only one end. In another embodiment, the sensor includes first and second bases and at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the non-piezoelectric layer is affixed to each of the first and second bases to form a piezoelectric cantilever beam sensor. In this embodiment, resonance is measured via stress on the piezoelectric layer and it has been demonstrated that such sensors are robust and exhibit excellent sensing characteristics in gaseous media with sufficient sensitivity to detect airborne species at relatively low concentrations.

Abstract: A method of operating an acoustic sand detector deployed at a flowline within a flow system, the detector comprising an acoustic sensor and functioning to produce electrical output signals in dependence on acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor, the acoustic signals being at least partially produced by the impact of sand particles within the flow on an object is provided. The method comprises estimating the location of particle impacts on the flowline; and weighting the output signals according to the distance between the estimated location and the detector location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter for consistency measuring of pulp suspensions at first hand, comprising a measuring body (1), shaped such as a blade, suspended in a vibration-producing apparatus. The measuring body (1) shaped such as blade (I?) shows wave-shaped side surfaces (9, 10) in its transverse direction and is vibratable in a frequency of oscillation between 20-80 Hz and with a predetermined amplitude of +/?2-8 mm, that provides a combination of both shearing force measurement and a measurement of the resistance of conveyance of liquid through a fiber netting.

Abstract: An ultrasonic generator tank includes an ultrasonic generator contains a first liquid in which ultrasonic waves propagate. A particle extraction vessel contains a high-purity second liquid, such as ultrapure water, and an object to be inspected. A power unit is turned on to oscillate the ultrasonic generator. The particle extraction vessel, which contains the second liquid and the to-be-inspected object, is inserted into the first liquid from above the surface thereof after the lapse of a first time since the start of oscillation of the ultrasonic generator. As the particle extraction vessel is inserted into the first liquid, the ultrasonic generator continues to produce ultrasonic waves. The quantity of particles contained in the second liquid is measured after the lapse of a second time.

Abstract: A method and system for determining particle size distribution and/or filterable solids in bitumen-containing fluid is described. A sample of bitumen-containing fluid, such as bitumen-froth feed, bitumen-froth solvent or paraffinic-froth-treated (PFT) bitumen-solvent is obtained. An optimized diluent combination is determined, comprising an aromatic or cycloaliphatic solvent such as toluene, benzene, naphthalene, xylene, anthracene, or cyclohexane together with a C3 to C12 paraffinic solvent. The combination is considered optimized when diluting the sample with the combination maintains substantially the same level of deasphalting in the diluted sample as in the undiluted sample. Upon dilution of the sample with optimized diluent combination, particle size distribution can be accurately determined using optical instrumentation, laser diffraction instrumentation, electrical counting instrumentation, or ultrasonic instrumentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter for consistency measuring of pulp suspensions at first hand, comprising a measuring body (1), shaped such as a blade, suspended in a vibration-producing apparatus. The measuring body (1) shaped such as blade (I?) shows wave-shaped side surfaces (9, 10) in its transverse direction and is vibratable in a frequency of oscillation between 20-80 Hz and with a predetermined amplitude of +/?2-8 mm, that provides a combination of both shearing force measurement and a measurement of the resistance of conveyance of liquid through a fibre netting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manipulation of particles (30) in a sample liquid (32) said device comprising a source of ultrasound (16) capable of emitting ultrasound with a given wavelength, an inlet for a sample liquid (2), one or more outlets (4, 5, 6) and a compartment (14), being dimensioned to support a standing ultrasonic wave (40) of said wavelength, characterised in that the device further comprises an inlet for sheath liquid (1, 3) configured to direct a sheath liquid (34) to extend substantially in parallel to an anti-node plane (46) of the ultrasonic standing wave (40) proximate to a sheathed compartment wall. Specifically the device may be used in combination with a particle enumeration device for enumeration of somatic cells in milk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell for testing microbeads, used for testing microbeads each formed in a cylindrical shape having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to and substantially parallel to each other and a side surface continuous with the upper and lower surfaces, at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface being provided with an identification pattern, the cell including: a support substrate; and a cover disposed opposite to the support substrate, wherein a space between the support substrate and the cover forms a containing space in which to dispose the microbeads, and the distance between the support substrate and the cover is greater than the thickness of the microbeads and smaller than twice the thickness of the microbeads.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the gravimetric detection of particles in a fluid medium, comprising a flat electromechanical oscillator (1), means for supporting the oscillator, means (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) for actuating said oscillator and, on either side of the plane of the oscillator (1), two cavities (3, 5) enabling the oscillator (1) to vibrate when it is activated by the actuation means (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), characterized in that at least one of the two cavities (3, 5) forms an integral part of a channel (2, 4) for the passage of a fluid over at least one of the faces (1a, 1b) of the oscillator and in that said actuation means (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) take the form of at least one electrode (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) lying in the same plane as that of the electromechanical oscillator and at a defined distance (g) from the oscillator, so as to ensure that the oscillator vibrates in its plane.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a body having a channel adapted to receive a hose, the channel comprising opposed fixed walls, a transmitter in one of said walls and a receiver in the opposed wall, and a pressure sensor disposed between the opposed walls.

Abstract: A piezoelectric cantilever sensor includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer, a portion of which is attached to the piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment, one end of the non-piezoelectric layer extends beyond the end of piezoelectric layer to provide an overhang. The overhang piezoelectric cantilever sensor enables increased sensitivity allowing application of the device in more viscous environments, such as liquid media, as well as application in liquid media at higher flow rates than conventional piezoelectric cantilevers. In another embodiment, the sensor includes first and second bases and at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the non-piezoelectric layer is affixed to each of the first and second bases to form the piezoelectric cantilever sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor is robust and exhibits excellent sensing characteristics in both gaseous and liquid media, even when subjected to relatively high flow rates.

Abstract: The techniques described herein are directed to removing material that has attached to or preventing material from attaching to the surface of a piezoelectric cantilever. The material can be a target material, other, non-target, material that may be weakly bound or attached to the cantilever sensor, or the material may be a combination thereof. Accordingly, the cantilever sensor can be reused, in situ, without degraded detection performance of the cantilever sensor. The techniques may also be utilized to remove all material that has attached to a surface of the cantilever sensor which provides means for reusing the cantilever sensor.

Abstract: In a method to determine concentration of toner particles in a carrier fluid in a liquid developer system for a printer or carrier, a suspension of the carrier fluid in the toner particles is charged with an ultrasonic wave. A delay of the ultrasonic wave in the suspension is determined. A concentration of the toner particles in the suspension is determined from the delay. A system is also provided employing the above steps.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for monitoring particles in a fluid stream, comprising a body portion and a detector element that is acoustically decoupled from the body portion. The detector element comprises a target surface, a sample acoustic sensor and a corrosion sensor. The sample acoustic sensor is acoustically coupled to the target surface and is arranged to provide a first signal, which varies in dependence upon acoustic noise generated by impacts of particles and fluid on the target surface. The corrosion sensor is arranged to provide a second signal, which varies in dependence upon corrosion and/or erosion of the target surface. A corresponding method of monitoring particles in a fluid stream is also described. The method and apparatus are suitable for monitoring sand in oil and gas production flow streams.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing information on two of the three variables, density (?), viscosity (?), and elastic modulus (c) of a fluid, such that independent knowledge of one variable allows the remaining two variables to be measured by a single sensor. The present invention relies on the interaction of a predominantly shear horizontal acoustic wave device (“quasi-shear-horizontal”) with the fluid, so as to measure subtle differences in the interaction of two or more acoustic resonance states or waveguide modes of a multi-mode resonator or waveguide, and to derive the desired fluid characteristics therefrom. The most preferred embodiment is a dual-mode coupled resonator filter geometry with one resonant mode having a high degree of symmetry and the other having a high degree of anti-symmetry.

Abstract: Air bubbles may be characterized by an air bubble detector by choosing an optimum set of frequencies and then comparing a return signal from a sensor receiving those frequencies against an internal reference. The number of pulses that exceed the internal reference represents a width and may be counted. The width, as counted, may be correlated to bubble characteristics including volume.

Abstract: Using an ultrasonic field, properties of a solid liquid suspension such as through-transmission attenuation, backscattering, and diffuse field are measured. These properties are converted to quantities indicating the strength of different loss mechanisms (such as absorption, single scattering and multiple scattering) among particles in the suspension. Such separation of the loss mechanisms can allow for direct comparison of the attenuating effects of the mechanisms. These comparisons can also indicate a model most likely to accurately characterize the suspension and can aid in determination of properties such as particle size, concentration, and density of the suspension.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for particle focusing, for particles within a fluid sample. An example apparatus, which may be a microfluidic device, comprises a substrate, a channel receiving the fluid sample, and at least one surface acoustic wave (SAW) generator. The SAW generator may comprise electrodes supported by the substrate. In some examples, the channel has a particle focusing region located near a region of the substrate surface in which a SAW is generated. Particles are concentrated within one or more particle focus regions of the sample flow (the particle focus regions being appreciably narrower than the channel dimensions) by the effects of the SAW. As an example, a pair of SAW generators can be used to generate a standing surface acoustic wave (SSAW) that is used for particle focusing.

Abstract: A mechanical resonator capable of providing an intrinsically high mechanical quality factor in immersion is provided. The resonator includes a membrane attached at its perimeter to a frame, such that a front side of the membrane is in contact with the liquid, and the back side of the membrane is not in contact with the liquid or the frame. The membrane can act as a mechanical resonator. The quality factor of this resonator is enhanced by providing a pressure release boundary region on the frame in proximity to the membrane and in contact with the liquid. The pressure release boundary region provides a soft boundary condition, in the sense that a mechanical impedance on the solid side of the solid-liquid interface is less than the liquid mechanical impedance. Providing such a soft boundary condition reduces the mechanical energy loss due to excitation of waves in the liquid, thereby improving resonator quality factor. Such high-Q resonators are particularly useful for sensor applications.

Abstract: Provided is a Angevin type quartz sensor which is high in measurement sensitivity, suppresses the influence of the surface tension of a sample solution during measurement, and enables an installed quartz resonator to stable oscillate. An opposing surface portion opposes one surface side of the quartz resonator via a housing area and a pouring opening formed in the outside area of the opposing surface portion. Measurement is conducted in a standstill state where the sample solution is filled in the lower side of the opposing surface portion. Since stress due to the surface tension of the sample solution does not act in this state, the quartz resonator can oscillate with reliability. Therefore, the quartz sensor can reduced the thickness of the quartz resonator, which realizes highly sensitive and highly accurate measurement.

Abstract: A concentrator that is operable to concentrate particles of target material from a high flow rate sampled airflow into a low flow rate secondary airflow. The concentrator may have an array of radially arranged blades. Each blade may have a sampled airflow inlet that uses centrifugal force to concentrate the particles into a central portion of the sampled airflow passing through it. Downstream, the blade may also have primary airflow outlets and knife-edged secondary airflow inlets that divide the sampled airflow into a pair of lateral, high flow rate primary airflows from which the particles have been depleted, and a central, low flow rate secondary airflow which carries the concentrated particles.

Abstract: A system using ultrasonic energy for detecting and quantifying air bubbles and/or particles in a liquid flowing in a tube by a non-invasive and non-destructive technique has an ultrasonic sensor having piezoelectric transmitter and receiver elements placed opposing on the outside of the tube wall and energy in the ultrasonic frequency range is transmitted from the transmitter element to the receiver element. The received ultrasonic energy is amplified and detected and preferably split into a steady state (DC) component and a varying or transient (AC) component respectively indicative of the absence and the presence of an air bubble or a particle in the liquid. The two components of the signal are applied to an A/D converter whose output is supplied to a microprocessor which uses the digital data that corresponds to the presence of the varying transient component to indicate the presence of an air bubble and/or a particle and to measure its characteristics.

Abstract: An integrated multi-function sensor system has a head having a slot to accept a tube of a deformable material and a plurality of sensor elements mounted in the walls of the head slot to confront a tube in the slot, each sensor element being for affecting sensing of a condition relating to a liquid in the tube. An integrated electronic circuit including a microprocessor operates to determine the various conditions of a liquid flowing in the tube sensed by the sensor elements, which conditions include detection of air bubbles and/or particles by ultrasonic sensing elements, detection of an occlusion in the liquid flow by sensing the deformation of the tube wall by a force sensing element, determining the temperature of the liquid by an infrared temperature sensing element, and determining the color of the liquid by optical elements.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for measuring and detecting properties of a variety of particles or cells in suspension. Properties, such as, for example, velocity of particles, concentration and/or size may be measured according to the methods of the invention. Acoustic energy may be introduced to a focal zone and narrow band interrogating signals may be used. The acoustic energy may cause movement or streaming of the fluid or suspension. The acoustic streaming may allow a Doppler effect measurement without any other source of velocity.

Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge operable to determine a property of construction material is disclosed. The gauge may include an electromagnetic sensor operable to measure a response of construction material to an electromagnetic field. Further, the electromagnetic sensor may be operable to produce a signal representing the measured response by the construction material to the electromagnetic field. An acoustic detector may be operable to detect a response of the construction material to the acoustical energy. Further, the acoustic detector may be operable to produce a signal representing the detected response by the construction material to the acoustical energy. A material property calculation function may be configured to calculate a property value associated with the construction material based upon the signals produced by the electromagnetic sensor and the acoustic detector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for measuring solid particles, e.g. sand, in a fluid flow in a pipe, comprising at least one acoustic sensor for registering acoustic signals generated from collisions between particles and a surface. The pipe comprises a constriction through which the fluid flow passes, and that at least one of said acoustic sensors are positioned in relation to said constriction, and on a surface facing toward the flow so as to receive acoustic signals resulting from collisions between particles and the surface.

Abstract: A system for measuring one or more ultrasound parameters of a suspension comprising particulate biomaterial dispersed in a liquid carrier comprising, a bioprocessor for processing the particulate biomaterial; an immersible device comprising an ultrasound probes and a reflector; a housing, that fixes the probe and the reflector at positions with a space in between the probe surface and the reflective surface, comprising an opening into the housing that is of a size sufficient to allow the suspension to flow into the space between the probe surface and the reflective surface; an ultrasound wave generator/receiver device; and a signal processing device.

Abstract: A device, method and system for measuring one or more ultrasound parameters of a suspension comprising particles dispersed in a liquid carrier comprising, an immersible devices, comprising, one or more ultrasonic probes; a reflector having staggered reflective; a housing having an opening into the housing to allow the suspension to flow into the space between the probe surface and the reflective surface; an ultrasound wave generator/receiver device; and a signal processing device.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.