Ultrasonic energy system and method including a ceramic horn
First Claim
1. An acoustic system for analyzing 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 consists essentially of a ceramic material, the leading section having a length of at least ⅛
the horn wavelength;
wherein the horn is defined by a trailing end and a leading end, and further wherein the ultrasonic energy source includes a mounting component for maintaining the trailing end of the horn, the horn being secured to the mounting component by a clamping mechanism; and
wherein the horn is a ceramic cylindrical rod and the mounting component defines a circular bore, and further wherein the trailing end of the horn is received within the circular bore.
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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
25 Claims
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1. An acoustic system for analyzing vibratory energy, the system comprising:
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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 consists essentially of a ceramic material, the leading section having a length of at least ⅛
the horn wavelength;wherein the horn is defined by a trailing end and a leading end, and further wherein the ultrasonic energy source includes a mounting component for maintaining the trailing end of the horn, the horn being secured to the mounting component by a clamping mechanism; and wherein the horn is a ceramic cylindrical rod and the mounting component defines a circular bore, and further wherein the trailing end of the horn is received within the circular bore. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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5. An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy, the system comprising:
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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 consists essentially of a ceramic material, the leading section having a length of at least ⅛
the horn wavelength;wherein the horn is defined by a trailing end and a leading end, and further wherein the ultrasonic energy source includes a mounting component for maintaining the trailing end of the horn, the horn being secured to the mounting component by a clamping mechanism; a tubular shroud surrounding a junction between the mounting component and the horn; and an air source fluidly connected to the shroud for delivering air through the shroud to cool the junction. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification