Ultrasonic energy system and method including a ceramic horn
First Claim
1. An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy, the system comprising:
- a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source, the horn defining a length and a wavelength, wherein at least a leading section of the horn is comprised of a ceramic material, the leading section having a length of at least ⅛
the horn wavelength.
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Accused Products
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 ⅛ 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.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy, the system comprising:
a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source, the horn defining a length and a wavelength, wherein at least a leading section of the horn is comprised of a ceramic material, the leading section having a length of at least ⅛
the horn wavelength.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of applying ultrasonic energy in a fluid medium, the method comprising:
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providing a fluid medium;
connecting an ultrasonic energy source to a horn, at least a leading ⅛
wavelength of which is ceramic;
immersing at least a leading portion of the horn in the fluid medium; and
operating the ultrasonic energy source such that the horn delivers ultrasonic energy to the fluid medium. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of making a continuous composite wire, the method comprising:
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providing a contained volume of molten metal matrix material having a temperature of at least 600°
C.;
immersing at least one tow comprising a plurality of substantially continuous fibers into the contained volume of molten metal matrix material;
imparting ultrasonic energy with a horn, at least a leading ⅛
wavelength of which is ceramic, to cause vibration of at least a portion of the contained volume of molten metal matrix material to permit at least a portion of the molten metal matrix material to infiltrate into the plurality of fibers such that an infiltrated plurality of fibers is provided; and
withdrawing the infiltrated plurality of fibers from the contained volume of molten metal matrix material. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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Specification