Methods and apparatus for moving and separating materials exhibiting different physical properties

• US 4,759,775 A
• Filed: 02/21/1986
• Issued: 07/26/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Utah Bioresearch Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Utah Bioresearch Incorporated
• Inventors: Brimhall, Owen D., Baker, Charles D., Peterson, Stephen C., McLaughlin, Thomas J., Sparks, Sam L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fisher, Richard V.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JONES, WILLIAM G
• Application Number:
  US06/832,248
• Time in Patent Office: 886 Days
• Field of Search: 422/20, 55/15, 55/277, 209/345, 209/422, 210/702, 210/718, 210/738, 210/748, 210/799, 210/927, 210/DIG. 5, 210/188, 198/630, 406/168, 406/197, 406/198, 366/127
• US Class Current: 210/708
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/36 Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3678 Separation of cells using wave pressure; Manipulation of individual corpuscles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3693 using separation based on different densities of components, e.g. centrifuging
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 17/04 Breaking emulsions
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 19/0078 by vibration
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 21/283 Settling tanks provided with vibrators
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 43/00 Separating particles from liquids, or liquids from solids, otherwise than by sedimentation or filtration flotation processes B03D1/00; drying solid materials or objects F26B
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/10 employing sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 15/00 Acoustics not otherwise provided for

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of materials having different physical properties when one of the materials is a fluid. The invention does not rely on flocculation, sedimentation, centrifugation, the buoyancy of the materials, or any other gravity dependent characteristic, in order to achieve its desired results. The methods of the present invention provide that a first acoustic wave is progpagated through a vessel containing the materials. A second acoustic wave, at a frequency different than the first acoustic wave, is also propagated through the vessel so that the two acoustic waves are superimposed upon each other. The superimposition of the two waves creates a beat frequency wave. The beat frequency wave comprises pressure gradients dividing regions of maximum and minimum pressure. The pressure gradients and the regions of maximum and minimum pressure move through space and time at a group velocity. The moving pressure gradients and regions of maximum and minimum pressure act upon the marterials so as to move one of the materials towards a predetermined location in the vessel. The present invention provides that the materials may be controllably moved toward a location, aggreated at a particular location, or physically separated from each other.

Claims

1. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the undissolved gases and the liquid in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a resultant wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces;

moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave such that the number of wavelengths of the incident acoustic wave between the transducer and the reflective surface remains substantially constant and the acoustic impedance seen by the transducer remains substantially the same whereby the undissolved gases are moved towards a location in the separation vessel; and

separating the undissolved gases from the liquid.

2. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency comprises the steps of:

increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

decreasing simultaneously the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

3. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency comprises the steps of:

decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

increasing simultaneously the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

4. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties of the immiscible liquids remain intact.

5. A method for separating blood cells from plasma, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the blood cells and the plasma in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

propagating a first acoustic wave of a first frequency through the separation vessel;

propagating a second acoustic wave of a second frequency through the separation vessel, said second frequency being different from the first frequency;

superimposing the first and second acoustic waves to form a beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said beat frequency acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the beat frequency acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving the blood cells towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the beat frequency acoustic wave; and

separating the blood cells from the plasma.

6. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a transducer, and wherein the second acoustic wave is formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the reflected second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave, and further comprising the step of increasing gradually the frequency of the first acoustic wave from the first frequency to a third frequency.

7. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a transducer, and wherein the second acoustic wave is formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the reflected second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave, and further comprising the step of decreasing gradually the frequency of the first acoustic wave from the first frequency to a third frequency.

8. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a transducer, and wherein the second acoustic wave is formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the reflected second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave, and further comprising the step of increasing gradually the frequency of the second acoustic wave from the second frequency to a third frequency by moving the reflective surface gradually towards the transducer.

9. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a transducer, and wherein the second acoustic wave is formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the reflected second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave, and further comprising the step of decreasing gradually the frequency of the second acoustic wave from the second frequency to a third frequency by moving the reflective surface gradually away from the transducer.

10. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a first transducer and the second acoustic wave is propagated by a second transducer.

11. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first, second, and third frequencies are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided, and wherein the first and second frequencies are sufficiently low such that power input to the blood cells and plasma within the separation vessel is such that the physical properties and the integrity of the blood cells remain intact.

12. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a transducer and wherein the second acoustic wave is formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave and further comprising the steps of:

increasing gradually the frequency of the first acoustic wave from the first frequency to a third frequency; and

decreasing gradually the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface such that the acoustic impedance seen by a transducer generating the first acoustic wave remains constant.

13. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the first acoustic wave is propagated by a transducer and wherein the second acoustic wave is formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave and further comprising the steps of:

decreasing gradually the frequency of the first acoustic wave from the first frequency to a third frequency; and

increasing gradually the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface such that the acoustic impedance seen by a transducer generating the first acoustic wave remains constant.

14. A method for separating blood cells from plasma as set forth in claim 5, wherein the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity comprises the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces within the separation vessel.

15. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the method comprising the steps of:

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through a vessel containing the materials;

changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the vessel containing the materials such that the frequency of the reflected acoustic wave also continuously changes over time from a first frequency to a second frequency; and

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the materials towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave.

16. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from the first frequency to the second frequency.

17. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 16, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave and the superimposition of the incident and reflected acoustic waves creates pressure gradients forming an annular shape.

18. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave through the vessel for a short time duration after the first acoustic wave has reached the second frequency;

reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave at substantially the first frequency;

increasing at a predetermined rate the frequency of the incident acoustic wave until the second frequency is reached; and

repeating the steps of terminating, reinitiating, and increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave, whereby at least one of the materials in the vessel is moved toward the predetermined location within the vessel in response to the substantially continuous movement of the pressure surfaces.

19. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 16, wherein the step of increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from the first frequency to the second frequency is cyclically repeated, thereby resulting in the frequency of the incident acoustic wave intermittently ramping in a substantially continuous manner from the first frequency to the second frequency.

20. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first and second frequencies are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power level used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials remain intact.

21. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first and second frequencies are within the range of from about one megahertz to about ten megahertz.

22. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 16, wherein the first and second frequencies are within the range of from about two megahertz to about five megahertz.

23. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from the first frequency to the second frequency.

24. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 23, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave and the superimposition of the incident and reflected acoustic waves creates pressure gradients forming an annular shape.

25. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave through the vessel for a short time duration after the first acoustic wave has reached the second frequency;

reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave at substantially the first frequency;

decreasing at a predetermined rate the frequency of the incident acoustic wave until the second frequency is reached; and

repeating the steps of terminating, reinitiating, and decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave, whereby at least one of the materials in the vessel is moved toward the predetermined location within the vessel in response to the substantially continuous movement of the pressure surfaces.

26. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 23, wherein the step of decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from the first frequency to the second frequency is cyclically repeated, thereby resulting in the frequency of the incident acoustic wave intermittently ramping in a substantially continuous manner from the first frequency to the second frequency.

27. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 23, wherein the first and second frequencies are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power level used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials remains intact.

28. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 23, wherein the first and second frequencies are within the range of from about one megahertz to about ten megahertz.

29. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 23, wherein the first and second frequencies are within the range of from about two megahertz to about five megahertz.

30. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power level used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials is maintained.

31. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the first and second frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are within the range of from about one megahertz to about ten megahertz.

32. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are within the range of from about two megahertz to about five megahertz.

33. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the method further comprises the step of aggregating materials of similar physical properties at the location in the vessel.

34. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 33, wherein at least one of the materials is a biological material.

35. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 34, further comprising the steps of:

aggregating materials having similar physical properties at the location in the vessel; and

separating the materials from the remaining materials.

36. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 34, wherein the materials comprise blood cells and plasma and wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the blood cells from the plasma.

37. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, further comprising the step of collecting materials having similar physical properties so as to separate such materials from the remaining materials which have different physical properties.

38. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the controlled movement of the materials further comprises the step of moving the materials in a reciprocating motion at periodic intervals so as to agitate the materials.

39. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein at least one of the materials comprise particulates and wherein the controlled movement of the materials comprises the step of moving the larger particulates a distance which is different than the distance which the smaller particulates are moved.

40. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the materials comprise particulates and a liquid.

41. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the materials comprise immiscible liquids.

42. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the materials comprise undissolved gas bubbles and a liquid.

43. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprises the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces within the vessel.

44. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the particulates in the particulate suspension in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel such that the frequency of the reflected acoustic wave also changes over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the particulates towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

separating at least one of the particulates from the particulate suspension.

45. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 44, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from a first frequency to a second frequency.

46. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 44, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from a first frequency to a second frequency.

47. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 44, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties and the integrity of the particulates remain intact.

48. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 44, wherein the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity comprises the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces within the separation vessel.

49. A method for separating immiscible liquids, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the immiscible liquids in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel such that the frequency of the reflected acoustic wave also changes over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the immiscible liquids towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

separating at least one of the immiscible liquids from the remaining immiscible liquids.

50. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 49, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from a first frequency to a second frequency.

51. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 49, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of decreasing the frequency of the incident a acoustic wave from a first frequency to a second frequency.

52. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 49, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the immiscible liquids within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used, and the physical properties of the immiscible liquids remain intact.

53. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 49, wherein the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity comprises the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces within the separation vessel.

54. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the undissolved gases and the liquid in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel, such that the frequency of the reflected acoustic wave also changes over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving the undissolved gases towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

separating the undissolved gases from the liquid.

55. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 54, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from a first frequency to a second frequency.

56. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 54, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave and wherein the step of changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the step of decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave from a first frequency to a second frequency.

57. A method for separation undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 54, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties and the integrity of the undissolved gases remains intact.

58. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 54, wherein the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprises the step of superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces within the separation vessel.

59. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the method comprising the steps of:

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through a vessel containing the materials;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the vessel containing the materials;

moving the reflective surface; and

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the materials towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave.

60. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59 wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface towards the transducer.

61. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 60, wherein the movement of the reflective surface introduces a Doppler shift into the incident acoustic wave.

62. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 60, further comprising the steps of:

terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave through the vessel for a short time duration;

moving the reflective surface to its original position;

reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave;

reinitiating the moving of the reflective surface towards the transducer; and

repeating the steps of terminating, moving, reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave, and reinitiating the moving of the reflective surface so as to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave whereby at least one of the materials in the vessel is moved toward a predetermined location within the vessel in response to the substantially continuous movement of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave pressure surfaces.

63. A method for effectutating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 60, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power level used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials remains intact.

64. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 60, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are within the range of from about one megahertz to about ten megahertz.

65. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 60, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are within the range of from about two megahertz to about five megahertz.

66. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59 wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface away from the transducer.

67. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 66, wherein the movement of the reflective surface introduces a Doppler shift into the incident acoustic wave.

68. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 66, further comprising the steps of:

terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave through the vessel for a short time duration;

moving the reflective surface to its original position;

reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave;

reinitiating the moving of the reflective surface away from the transducer; and

repeating the steps of terminating, moving, reinitiating the generation of the first acoustic wave, and reinitiating the moving of the reflective surface so as to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave whereby at least one of the materials in the vessel is moved toward a predetermined location within the vessel in response to the substantially continuous movement of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave pressure surfaces.

69. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 66, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power level used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials remains intact.

70. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 66, wherein the frequency of the incident acoustic wave is within the range of from about one megahertz to about ten megahertz.

71. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 66, wherein the frequency of the incident acoustic wave is within the range of from about two megahertz to above five megahertz.

72. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, wherein the method further comprises the step of aggregating materials of similar physical properties at the location in the vessel.

73. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 72, wherein at least one of the materials is a biological material.

74. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 73, further comprising the step of:

separating the biological material from the remaining materials.

75. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 74, wherein the materials comprise blood cells and plasma and wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the blood cells from the plasma.

76. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, further comprising the step of collecting materials having similar physical properties so as to separate such materials from the remaining materials which have different physical properties.

77. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, wherein the controlled movement of the materials further comprises the step of moving the materials in a reciprocating motion at periodic intervals so as to agitate the materials.

78. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, wherein at least one of the materials comprise particulates and wherein the controlled movement of the materials comprises the step of moving larger particulates a distance which is different than the distance which smaller particulates are moved.

79. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, wherein the materials comprise particulates and a liquid.

80. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, wherein the materials comprise immiscible liquids.

81. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 59, wherein the materials comprise undissolved gas bubbles and a liquid.

82. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the method comprising the steps of:

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through a vessel containing the materials;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the vessel containing the materials;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a resultant wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces; and

moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave such that the number of wavelengths of the incident acoustic wave between the transducer and the reflective surface remains substantially constant and the acoustic impedance seen by the transducer remains substantially the same whereby at least one of the materials is moved towards a location in the vessel.

83. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82 wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the steps of:

increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

decreasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

84. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 83, further comprising the steps of:

terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave through the vessel for a short time duration;

increasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface during the short time duration;

reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave;

increasing at a predetermined rate the frequency of the incident acoustic wave;

decreasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface such that the resultant wave remains substantially the same number of wavelengths long; and

repeating serially the foregoing steps of terminating the incident acoustic wave, increasing the distance, reinitiating the generation of the first acoustic wave, increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave, and decreasing the distance, whereby at least one of the materials in the vessel is moved toward a predetermined location within the vessel in response to the substantially continuous movement of the pressure gradients of the resultant wave.

85. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 83, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power level used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials remains intact.

86. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 83, wherein the step of decreasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface comprises moving the transducer towards the reflective surface.

87. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 83, wherein the step of decreasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface comprises moving the reflective surface towards the transducer.

88. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82 wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave comprises the steps of:

decreasing the frequency of the first acoustic wave; and

increasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

89. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 88, further comprising the steps of:

terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave through the vessel for a short time duration;

decreasing the distance between the transducer and the reflecting surface during the short time duration;

reinitiating the generation of the incident acoustic wave;

decreasing at the predetermined rate the frequency of the incident acoustic wave;

increasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface such that the resultant wave remains substantially the same number of wavelengths long; and

repeating serially the foregoing steps of terminating the generation of the incident acoustic wave, decreasing the distance, reinitiating the incident acoustic wave, decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave, and increasing the distance, whereby one of the materials in the vessel is moved toward a predetermined location within the vessel response to the substantially continuous movement of the pressure gradients of the resultant wave.

90. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 88, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the vessel is avoided at the power levels used and such that the physical properties and the integrity of the materials remains intact.

91. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 88, wherein the step of increasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface comprises moving the transducer away from the reflective surface.

92. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 88, wherein the step of increasing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface comprises moving the reflective surface away from the transducer.

93. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, wherein the method further comprises the step of aggregating materials of similar physical properties at the location in the vessel.

94. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 93, wherein at least one of the materials is a biological material.

95. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 94, further comprising the step of:

separating the biological material from the remaining materials.

96. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 94, wherein the materials comprise blood cells and plasma and wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the blood cells from the plasma.

97. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, further comprising the step of collecting materials having similar physical properties so as to separate such materials from the remaining materials which have different physical properties.

98. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, wherein the controlled movement of the materials further comprises the step of moving the materials in a reciprocating motion at periodic intervals so as to agitate the materials.

99. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, wherein at least one of the materials comprise particulates and wherein the controlled movement of the materials comprises the step of moving larger particulates a distance which is different than the distance which smaller particulates are moved.

100. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, wherein the materials comprise particulates and a liquid.

101. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, wherein the materials comprise immiscible liquids.

102. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 82, wherein the materials comprise undissolved gas bubbles and a liquid.

103. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension, the method comprising the steps of:

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

moving the particulates in the particulate suspension in a continuous flow through the separation vessel;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

moving the reflective surface;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the particulates towards a location in the separation vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

separating at least one of the particulates from the particulate suspension.

104. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 103, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface towards the transducer.

105. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 103, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface away from the transducer.

106. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 103, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties and the integrity of the particulates remain intact.

107. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the particulates in the particulate suspension in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a resultant wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces;

moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave such that the number of wavelengths of the incident acoustic wave between the transducer and the reflective surface remains substantially constant and the acoustic impedance seen by the transducer remains substantially the same whereby at least one of the particulates is moved towards a location in the vessel; and

separating at least one of the particulates from the particulate suspension.

108. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 107, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency comprises the steps of:

increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

decreasing simultaneously the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

109. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 107, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency comprises the steps of:

decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

increasing simultaneously the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

110. A method for separating particulates from a particulate suspension as set forth in claim 107, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties and the integrity of the particulates remain intact.

111. A method for separating immiscible liquids, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the immiscible liquids in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

moving the reflective surface;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the immiscible liquids towards a location in the separation vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

separately at least one of the immiscible liquids from the remaining immiscible liquids.

112. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 111, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface towards the transducer.

113. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 111, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface away from the transducer.

114. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 111, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the immiscible liquids within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties of the immiscible liquids remain intact.

115. A method for separating immiscible liquids, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the immiscible liquids in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a resultant wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces;

moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave such that the number of wavelengths of the incident acoustic wave between the transducer and the reflective surface remains substantially constant and the acoustic impedance seen by the transducer remains substantially the same whereby at least one of the immiscible liquids is moved towards a location in the vessel; and

separately at least one of the immiscible liquid from the remaining immiscible liquids.

116. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 115, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency comprises the steps of:

increasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

decreasing simultaneously the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

117. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 115, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface and changing the frequency comprises steps of:

decreasing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

increasing simultaneously the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface.

118. A method for separating immiscible liquids as set forth in claim 115, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the immiscible liquids within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties of the immiscible liquids remain intact.

119. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid, the method comprising the steps of:

moving the undissolved gases and the liquid in a continuous flow through a separation vessel;

generating by a transducer an incident acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

impinging the incident acoustic wave on a reflective surface to form a reflected acoustic wave which propagates through the separation vessel;

moving the reflective surface;

superimposing the incident and reflected acoustic waves to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving the undissolved gases toward a location in the separation vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

separating at least one of the undissolved gases from the liquid.

120. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 119, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface towards the transducer.

121. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 119, wherein the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave, and wherein the step of moving the reflective surface comprises the step of moving the reflective surface away from the transducer.

122. A method for separating undissolved gases from a liquid as set forth in claim 119, wherein the frequencies of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are sufficiently high such that cavitation of the materials within the separation vessel is avoided at the power level used and the physical properties of the immiscible liquids remain intact.

123. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a vessel capable of containing the materials;

means for generating an incident acoustic wave;

means for propagating the incident acoustic wave through the vessel;

means for changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave over time from a first frequency to a second frequency; and

means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave which is propagated through the vessel, the reflected acoustic wave being propagated such that the incident and reflected acoustic waves interfere with each other to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising pressure gradients which separate regions of maximum and minimum pressure, said pressure gradients moving through space and time and acting upon at least one of the materials so as to move at least one of the materials towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave.

124. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties a set forth in claim 123, wherein the means for generating an incident acoustic wave comprises a transducer whose frequency increases from the first frequency to the second frequency.

125. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 123, wherein the means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave comprises a reflective surface which reflects the incident acoustic wave such that the reflected acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave.

126. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 123, wherein the means for generating an incident acoustic wave comprises a transducer whose frequency decreases from the first frequency to the second frequency.

127. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 123, wherein the means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave comprises a retro-reflective surface capable of reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave that is parallel to the incident acoustic wave such that the pressure gradients created are arranged in an annular shape.

128. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a vessel capable of containing the materials;

means for generating an incident acoustic wave at a fixed frequency;

means for propagating the incident acoustic wave through the vessel; and

moving reflector means moving in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of the incident acoustic wave, the moving reflector means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave which is propagated through the vessel, the reflected acoustic wave being propagated such that the incident and reflected acoustic waves are superimposed to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surface moving at least one of the materials towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave.

129. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 128, wherein the moving reflector means comprises means for introducing a Doppler shift into the incident acoustic wave to propagate a reflected acoustic wave.

130. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a vessel capable of containing the materials;

means for generating an incident acoustic wave;

means for propagating the incident acoustic wave through the vessel;

moving reflector means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave which is propagated through the vessel;

means for changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave; and

means for synchronizing the moving reflector means and the means for changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave such that the number of wave lengths of the incident acoustic wave between the transducer and the effective surface remains substantially constant and the acoustic impedance seen by the means for generating remains substantially the same whereby the pressure gradients of the resultant wave formed by the superimposition of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are moved and at least one of the materials in the vessel is also moved thereby.

131. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 130, wherein the means for generating an incident acoustic wave comprises a transducer operating at a frequency which varies in a ramp-like fashion and the means for synchronizing comprises means for adjusting the position of the moving reflector means such that the input power required by the transducer to maintain a constant output is kept substantially constant.

132. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a separation vessel containing the materials;

means for generating an incident acoustic wave;

means for propagating the incident acoustic wave through the separation vessel;

means for changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave over time from a first frequency to a second frequency;

means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave of which is propagated through the separation vessel, the reflected acoustic wave being propagated such that the incident and reflected acoustic waves interfere with each other to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising pressure gradients which separate regions of maximum and minimum pressure, said pressure gradients moving through space and time and acting upon at least one of the materials so as to move at least one of the materials to a predetermined location; and

means for separating and collecting at least one of the materials which has been moved to the predetermined location.

133. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 132, wherein the means for generating an incident acoustic wave comprises a transducer whose frequency increases from the first frequency to the second frequency.

134. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 132, wherein the means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave comprises a reflective surface which reflects the incident acoustic wave such that the reflected second acoustic wave is parallel to the incident acoustic wave.

135. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 132, wherein the means for propagating a first acoustic wave comprises a transducer whose frequency gradually decreases from the first frequency to a third frequency.

136. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 132, wherein the means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave comprises a retro-reflective surface capable of reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave that is parallel to the incident acoustic wave such that the pressure gradients created are arranged in an annular shape.

137. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the method comprising the steps of:

propagating a first acoustic wave of a first frequency from a transducer through a separation vessel containing the materials;

propagating a second acoustic wave through the separation vessel containing the materials, the second acoustic wave formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the reflected second acoustic wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave; and

gradually changing the frequency of the second acoustic wave from the second frequency to a third frequency by gradually moving the reflective surface in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of the first acoustic wave plane of the transducer thereby superimposing the first and second acoustic waves to form a continuous beat frequency wave having a group velocity, said beat frequency wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surface that move with the group velocity of the beat frequency wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the materials towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the beat frequency wave.

138. A method for effectuating controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the method comprising the steps of:

propagating a first acoustic wave of a first frequency from a transducer through a separation vessel containing the materials;

propagating a second acoustic wave through the separation vessel containing the materials, the second acoustic wave formed by impinging the first acoustic wave on a reflective surface such that the reflected wave is parallel to the first acoustic wave;

gradually changing the frequency of the first acoustic wave from a first frequency to a third frequency thereby superimposing the first and second acoustic waves to form a beat frequency wave having a group velocity, said beat frequency wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the beat frequency wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the materials toward a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the beat frequency wave; and

gradually changing the distance between the transducer and the reflective surface such that the acoustic impedance seen by the transducer remains substantially constant.

139. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a vessel capable of containing the materials;

a transducer operating at a first frequency and propagating a first acoustic wave through the vessel; and

a moving reflector moving in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of the first acoustic wave thereby propagating a second acoustic wave at a second frequency reflected from the moving reflector such that the first and second acoustic waves interfere with each other to form a beat frequency wave having a group velocity, the beat frequency wave comprising pressure gradients which separate regions of maximum and minimum pressure, said pressure gradients moving through space and time and acting upon at least one of the materials so as to move at least one of the materials toward a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the beat frequency wave.

140. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a separation vessel containing the materials;

means for generating an incident acoustic wave at a fixed frequency;

means for propagating the incident acoustic wave through the vessel;

moving reflector means moving in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of the incident acoustic wave, the moving reflector means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave which is propagated through the separation vessel, the reflected acoustic wave being propagated such that the incident and reflected acoustic waves are superimposed to form a pseudo-standing acoustic wave having a group velocity, said pseudo-standing acoustic wave comprising maximum and minimum pressure surfaces that move with the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave, said maximum and minimum pressure surfaces moving at least one of the materials towards a predetermined location in the separation vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the pseudo-standing acoustic wave; and

means for separating and collecting at least one of the materials which has been moved to the predetermined location.

141. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 140, wherein the moving reflector means comprises means for introducing a Doppler shift into the incident acoustic wave to propagate the reflected acoustic wave.

142. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a separation vessel containing the materials;

means for generating an incident acoustic wave;

means for propagating the incident acoustic wave through the vessel;

moving reflector means for reflecting the incident acoustic wave to form a reflected acoustic wave which is propagated through the vessel;

means for changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave;

means for synchronizing the moving reflector means and the means for changing the frequency of the incident acoustic wave such that the number of wave lengths of the incident acoustic wave between the transducer and the reflective surface remains substantially constant and the acoustic impedance seen by the means for generating remains substantially the same whereby the pressure gradients of the resultant wave formed by the superimposition of the incident and reflected acoustic waves are moved and at least one of the materials in the separation vessel is moved toward a predetermined location in the separation vessel; and

means for separating and collecting at least one of the materials which has been moved to the predetermined location.

143. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties as set forth in claim 142, wherein the transducer operates at a frequency which varies in a ramp-like fashion and the apparatus further comprises means for adjusting the position of the moving reflector such that the input power required by the transducer to maintain a constant output is kept substantially constant.

144. An apparatus for effectuating the controlled movement of materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a vessel capable of containing the materials;

means for propagating a first acoustic wave of a first frequency through the vessel; and

means for reflecting the first acoustic wave to form a second acoustic wave of a second frequency which is propagated through the vessel, the second frequency being different from the first frequency, the second acoustic wave being propagated such that the incident and reflected acoustic waves interfere with each other to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising pressure gradients which separate regions of maximum and minimum pressure within the vessel, said pressure gradients moving through space and time and acting upon at least one of the materials so as to move at least one of the materials towards a location in the vessel in the direction of the group velocity of the continuous beat frequency acoustic wave.

145. An apparatus for separating materials having different physical properties, the apparatus comprising:

a separation vessel containing the materials;

means for propagating a first acoustic wave of a first frequency through the separation vessel;

means for reflecting the first acoustic wave to form a second acoustic wave of a second frequency which is propagated through the separation vessel, the second frequency being different from the first frequency, the second acoustic wave being propagated such that the incident and reflected acoustic waves interfere with each other to form a continuous beat frequency acoustic wave having a group velocity, said continuous beat frequency acoustic wave comprising pressure gradients which separate regions of maximum and minimum pressure within the separation vessel, said pressure gradients moving through space and time and acting upon at least one of the materials so as to move at least one of the materials to a predetermined location; and

means for separating and collecting at least one of the materials which has been moved to the predetermined location.