Abstract: A state monitoring system for stirring-degassing processing that includes: a sensor unit and a computer, the sensor unit including a temperature sensor that determines a temperature of a processing target material and a first transmitter-receiver that transmits output values of the temperature sensor to the computer, the computer includes a second transmitter-receiver, an information recorder, and a processor, the second transmitter-receiver receives output values of the temperature sensor transmitted by the first transmitter-receiver.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes at least one bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structure with a functionalized active region, and at least one first (inlet) port defined through a cover structure arranged over a fluidic passage containing the active region. At least a portion of the at least one inlet port is registered with the active region, permitting fluid to be introduced in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the active region bearing functionalization material. Such arrangement promotes mixing proximate to a BAW resonator structure surface, thereby reducing analyte stratification, increasing analyte binding rate, and reducing measurement time.

Abstract: This ultrasonic-wave vibration imparting device is configured so as to be attachable to a container that retains a beverage and that has a spout on an upper part thereof. The ultrasonic-wave vibration imparting device includes: an annular engagement part configured so as to engage with the upper part of the container; and an ultrasonic wave generating unit configured so as to be disposed at a position at which the unit comes into contact with a side surface of the container below the spout, as a result of the engagement between the container and the engagement part.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a valve, a pump and a film valve. The valve includes a first main plate, a second main plate, a first side plate, and a valve chamber. The first main plate has a first vent hole, and the second main plate has a second vent hole. The film valve is disposed in the valve chamber. The first vent hole is positioned in a central region of the valve chamber, and the second vent hole is positioned in an outer end region of the valve chamber. The film valve is positioned between the first vent hole and the second vent hole. The film valve is fixed to the second main plate in a state in which an end portion on a side of the outer end region or an end portion on a side of the central region is capable of vibrating.

Abstract: Acoustofluidic systems including acoustic wave generators for manipulating fluids, droplets, and micro/nano objects within a fluid suspension and related methods are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, an acoustofluidic system includes a substrate including a substrate surface. The system also includes an acoustic wave generator configured to generate acoustic streaming within an acoustic wave region of the substrate surface. Further, the acoustic wave generator is controllable to change the acoustic streaming for movement of a droplet or other micro/nano object on a fluid suspension about the acoustic wave region.

Abstract: A vibrating ball assembly that includes an inner shell that defines an inner shell interior and includes an outer surface, a motor positioned in the inner shell interior, an eccentric weight that is configured to be rotated by the motor, and an outer cover at least partially covering the outer surface of the inner shell. The inner shell includes an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere. The outer shell includes a reduced vibration section positioned in the lower hemisphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescence sensor for measuring microalgae and a method of operating the same. The fluorescence sensor for measuring the microalgae includes a fluorescence measurement unit including a light emitter configured to irradiate excitation light onto a measurement region and a detector configured to measure fluorescence emitted from the measurement region, an algae control unit configured to form a node and an antinode of an ultrasonic standing wave in the measurement region to control an algal density, and a signal processing unit configured to calculate the algal density using fluorescence intensity signals according to an operation mode of the algae control unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating ultrasound transmission waves comprising: a) providing an array of electroacoustic transducer elements each one being connected to an electric excitation signal generator by a dedicated feeding channel; b) feeding at least a part of the electroacoustic transducer elements with a pulsed electric signal having a predetermined frequency, a predetermined amplitude, a predetermined length or duration and a predetermined phase or a predefined delay with respect to the pulsed electric signals fed to the adjacent transducer elements, the said pulsed electric excitation signals comprising a sequence of pulses; c) modulating each or at least part of the pulsed electric signals by feeding to the transducer elements only a predetermined portion of the pulses of the said pulsed electric signals. Modulating is carried out by cutting the duration of each pulse of the pulsed electric excitation signal according to a predetermined time period.

Abstract: In a method for performing ultrasound tests which uses a suitable device for performing such tests, a well plate implements an insulation between the different wells of the well plate of such set, without significant ultrasound transmissions in the plate material, wherein a filling material of the accessible spaces outside the wells is provided which do not reflect nor transmit waves in an extent higher than +/?10%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a medium composition for cell culture, and a method of manufacturing a crushed stem cell extract using a method of manufacturing a medium composition for cell culture and a 3-low extracting method of active ingredients of a stem cell. The medium composition for cell culture includes a basal medium; a hyaluronic acid; and an additive composition. According to an embodiment, when active ingredients of a stem cell are extracted, a stem cell is crushed at a 3-low circumstance of low temperature, low pressure, a hypotonic circumstance.

Abstract: A sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a flow channel to permit passage of a specimen, a first detection part that is located in the flow channel and has a first ligand specifically bindable to a first material in the specimen, and a second detection part that is located downstream of the first detection part in the flow channel and has a second ligand specifically bindable to the first material and/or a second material in the specimen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the high yield extraction and recovery of higher quality target molecule(s) (e.g., DNA, RNA, protein, lipids, metabolites) from blood spots. High quality DNA recovered from dried blood spots can be an input source for high throughput analytical methods, such as for polymerase chain reaction (e.g., qPCR) and/or next generation sequencing (NGS). In various embodiments, at least 20.0 nanograms of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA), or at least 8.0 milligrams of protein, may be extracted and recovered per an amount of dried blood corresponding to approximately 5 microliters of fresh blood. In some embodiments, a majority (e.g., greater than 50%, greater than 60%, up to 95-100%) of the nucleic acid that is extracted and recovered from the blood spot via focused acoustics may be of a quality suitable for amplification via PCR or NGS.

Abstract: A method and a device for increasing a laser induced shock wave pressure. According to the method, plasmas (21) are generated by impinging an aluminium foil (20) using lasers; a high-voltage pulse electrode (22) discharges to the plasmas (21) to induce and form a photoelectric combined energy field and then high-temperature plasmas (21) having the characteristics of an ultra-high density and an ultra-high speed expansion are induced and generated; a surface to be processed is impacted by the high-temperature plasmas (21) in a restrained state; the laser induced shock wave pressure is increased substantially; the surface of a high-strength material is reinforced, and the strength, hardness, abrasion resistance and anti-fatigue performances of the high-strength material are improved. The device comprises a laser, the electrode (22), a high-voltage power supply (4), a discharging medium (12), a moving platform, etc.

Abstract: A method and a device for open- or closed-loop control of an amount of water mixed with a fuel is provided. A fuel supply is split into a first branch having a Venturi pipe with a vacuum connection and a second branch having a blocking valve. Water is supplied to the Venturi pipe vacuum connection, and the fuel-water mixture in the first branch and the fuel in the second branch is supplied to the fuel pump. Open-loop or closed-loop control is provided by either reducing fuel flow in the second branch with the stop valve such that the fuel flow in the first branch increases, increasing the amount of water mixed in the fuel at the Venturi pipe, or increasing fuel flow in the second branch such that first branch fuel flow decreases, decreasing the amount of water mixed in the fuel at the Venturi pipe.

Abstract: Described herein are bioreactor support structures configured to be used with containers having different designs, and methods for making and using such bioreactors. The support structures described herein may include two or more agitator motors and control systems or an adjustable-position agitator motor, a removable spacer and/or lid, multiple configurations for ports and probes, and multiple exhaust filter heating blankets. Also described herein are methods of manufacturing a multi-agitator motor or adjustable-position agitator motor bioreactor, as well as methods of modifying an existing support structure to be used with a container not originally designed to be used with the existing support structure, and methods for operating these bioreactors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an acoustic resonator with reduced mechanical clamping of an active region for enhanced shear mode response. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a solidly mounted BAW resonator device with an active region of piezoelectric material laterally surrounded by an inactive region with a reduced thickness of piezoelectric material such that at least an upper portion of the inactive region along a boundary of the active region is devoid of piezoelectric material. The resonator device provides a discontinuity along opposing lateral edges of the piezoelectric material of the active region to reduce mechanical clamping of the active region in a direction of maximum lateral displacement in shear mode operation. Increasing the mechanical isolation of the active region of piezoelectric material decreases mechanical damping of lateral vibrations of the active region which enhances the shear mode response for quasi-shear mode sensing.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids through a channel and the interrogation region, and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to move a fluid boundary separating the analyte and reference fluids across the interrogation region. A controller generates control signals to (1) cause the fluid boundary to be moved across the interrogation region accordingly, (2) sample an output signal from the optical detector at a first interval during which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a second interval during which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, and (3) determine from samples of the output signal a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: A disposable container, such as a deformable bag, for a fluid, having one or more inlets and one or more outlets and an impeller assembly within the container to cause mixing, dispersing, homogenizing and/or circulation of one or more ingredients contained or added to the container. The region within the container that can contain liquid is funnel shaped, which allows very low fluid level mixing, dispensing while mixing, and a reduction or elimination of vortex formation.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, droplets may be sorted using surface acoustic waves. The droplets may contain cells or other species. In some cases, the surface acoustic waves may be created using a surface acoustic wave generator such as an interdigitated transducer, and/or a material such as a piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate may be isolated from the microfluidic substrate except at or proximate the location where the droplets are sorted, e.g., into first or second microfluidic channels. At such locations, the microfluidic substrate may be coupled to the piezoelectric substrate (or other material) by one or more coupling regions. In some cases, relatively high sorting rates may be achieved, e.g., at rates of at least about 1,000 Hz, at least about 10,000 Hz, or at least about 100,000 Hz, and in some embodiments, with high cell viability after sorting.

Abstract: A special purpose cuvette assembly with features that create a small, restricted volume to minimize bulk movements of liquid and that minimize backscattering of light. The special-purpose cuvette assembly enables recording of Brownian movements of nanoparticles in a liquid when it is placed in a suitable optical device comprising a light sheet and an optical microscope attached to a video camera that is oriented perpendicular to the light-sheet plane.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of breaking down biological material is provided. The method may include providing a sample comprising the biological material in a liquid. The method may further include providing a gas such that the gas forms an interface with the liquid. The method may also include breaking down the biological material by applying acoustic waves in a plurality of sequential bursts to the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly fuel activation device in which the fuel and water are atomized into atomized fuel particles, following attenuation of their cohesive force, to allow smooth mixing with oxygen, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces fuel costs, and more specifically comprises a water-supply tube joined to a first valve and a fuel-supply tube joined to a second valve which are coupled to a supply tube; a first case and a second case as well as a coupling piece coupling the first and second cases; and the inside of the first case is provided with a first rotating atomizing piece, an accelerating piece and a second rotating atomizing piece, while the inside of the second case is provided with a first rotating atomizing tube, a first non-rotating atomizing tube, a second rotating atomizing tube, a second non-rotating atomizing tube, a third rotating atomizing tube and a third non-rotating atomizing tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing tissue samples using acoustic energy. The tissue sample may be collected and placed on a substrate (e.g., microscope slide), or other sample holder. A transfer substrate may be positioned on the other side of the sample opposite the substrate. A microscope incorporated with the acoustic treatment system may be used to view, identify and select a portion of the sample to be transferred from the initial substrate to the transfer substrate. The selected portion of the sample is exposed to focused acoustic energy while disposed between the two substrates. The focused acoustic energy has characteristics (e.g., high frequency, small focal zone) that may be effective to transfer the selected portion of the sample from the initial substrate to the transfer substrate. Such transfer may occur with little to no damage to the sample, for example, at low temperature isothermal conditions and/or little to no cavitation of or around the sample.

Abstract: A printhead or other fluid handling device includes a firing chamber. Plural actuators are configured to cause fluid to be drawn into or ejected from the firing chamber. The actuators can also cause fluid to circulate within the firing chamber without appreciable fluid flow out of or into the firing chamber. Electronic signals independently control the respective actuators in accordance with various operating modes. Problems associated with fluid drying, separation of constituents within the fluid and other phenomenon are reduced or eliminated accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiwell system, characterized that said multiwell system having at least 3 wells, wherein said wells have a volume between 0.125 and 4.0 mm3.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high intensity ultrasonic treatment method and apparatus that is used in conjunction with an existing commercial dough or batter mixer to enhance the rheological, aeration and textural properties of the dough or batter. This change in properties is a result of the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation induced in the dough or batter by treatment with high intensity ultrasonic waves. The present invention discloses a mixing bowl (20) of an existing mixer system that is preloaded with dough or batter, the bowl (20) is located at the center of an ultrasonic bath tank (101) filled with a working fluid. The effect of ultra-sonic waves with power levels above 1 kW can be observed over the entire or partial mixing period of the dough or batter. The ultra-sonic waves of the present invention are generated by a plurality of ultrasonic wave generators (104A, 104B) and piezoelectric transducers (1) mounted on a stainless steel tank (101).

Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mixing system at a peak energy efficiency point, maximum response point or reduced sound generation point based on displacement, velocity, acceleration or jerk operating conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of cosmetology and for technology for obtaining cosmetic products for skin care. The method of simultaneous processing and obtaining cosmetic emulsion volumes involves placing the volume within the continuous-flow mechanical oscillation system where the resonant acoustic cavitation behavior is implemented, so that the acoustic wave from the wall of the channel falls perpendicular to the major edge of volume, and the material they are made of has a specific acoustic impedance being equal or close to the impedance of the liquid filling the channel system. The amplitude of the ultrasonic resonance oscillations exceeds the threshold of acoustic cavitation for the mixture of ingredients that are currently being processed.

Abstract: A fluid agitation method is provided, whereby a swirling flow is generated in a trace amount of fluid, thereby agitating the fluid. The fluid agitation method includes introducing the fluid into an agitation chamber (3) including a wall having an uneven mass distribution, and applying oscillation (F) to the wall with frequencies varying in a predetermined frequency range. The uneven mass distribution of the wall is attained, for example, by arranging a plurality of thickened portions (11 to 18) of different thicknesses in a ring.

Abstract: Particulate matter is dispersed in a fluid material. A sample including a first material in a fluid state and second material comprising particulate matter are placed into a chamber. The second material is spatially dispersed in the first material utilizing EMAT force. The dispersion process continues until spatial distribution of the second material enables the sample to meet a specified criterion. The chamber and/or the sample is electrically conductive. The EMAT force is generated by placing the chamber coaxially within an induction coil driven by an applied alternating current and placing the chamber and induction coil coaxially within a high field magnetic. The EMAT force is coupled to the sample without physical contact to the sample or to the chamber, by another physical object. Batch and continuous processing are utilized. The chamber may be folded within the bore of the magnet. Acoustic force frequency and/or temperature may be controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for uniformly mixing fluid phases entrained in a porous material. A mixer may have a vessel and at least one porous material held by the vessel. At least one actuator may be acoustically coupled with at least one wall of the vessel for generating a wave. The wave effects mixing of at least two fluids in the porous material. The actuator may be a linear motor actuated with a control signal of predetermined frequency. The actuator may have a number of actuator pairs each including respective first and second actuators at respective first and second sides of the vessel. The actuators may be hinged for reciprocal movement. The actuators may be actuated to form a compression expansion wave to effect fluid motion in the porous material.

Abstract: A mixing and/or conveyance method and a mixing and/or conveyance device for a fluid substance, comprising a sample chamber, a cavity communicating with the sample chamber, said cavity being configured for accommodating a compressible medium, and a sound source that may be coupled to the compressible medium for the production of a fluctuation in pressure in the compressible medium. In the region of its mouth, the cavity is designed such that, in the case of an expansion in the volume of the compressible medium in the cavity, a directed fluid stream of the fluid substance escapes from the cavity through its mouth. A sample processing chip (‘lab on a chip’) comprising such a mixing and/or conveyance device.

Abstract: A method comprising, providing a droplet having a first chemical species and a second chemical species on a substrate, and applying a voltage across the droplet to physically repeatedly deform the droplet. In this embodiment, the applying causes the droplet to move with respect to an object located therein and at least partially mix the first chemical species and the second chemical species.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.

Abstract: A device comprising a substrate having a surface that comprises a conductive base layer. The device also comprises fluid-support-structures on the conductive base layer. Each of the fluid-support-structures has at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. Each of the fluid-support-structures is coated with an electrical insulator. The device is configured to oscillate a fluid locatable between tops of the fluid-support-structures and the conductive base layer when a voltage is applied between the conductive base layer and the fluid.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunoassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating cell includes a cell culture chamber, a control device, and first and second exciters. The cell culture chamber includes cell and culture medium. The control device receives first and second exciting signals, and controls magnitudes and phases of the received first and second exciting signals so that a sound pressure level in a focused zone is higher than a sound pressure level in a zone other than the focused zone, and outputs first and second controlled exciting signals. The first and second exciters receive the first and second controlled exciting signals and excite the cell culture chamber.

Abstract: A method of mixing (10), including: providing a fluid (10) in a well (6) so as to establish an acoustic field gradient; and applying an acoustic signal to cause mixing within a fluid (3).

Abstract: A solder paste mixer includes a housing, a vibration mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and a fixture for fixing a solder paste jar. The housing defines a receiving space, and the vibration mechanism and the rotating mechanism are retained within the receiving space. The fixture can be vibrated by the vibration mechanism and rotated by the rotating mechanism.

Abstract: Provided are an agitation apparatus, a vessel, and an analysis apparatus including the agitation apparatus that have excellent energy transmission efficiency, and simplified structure allowing downsizing, and are easy to perform maintenance. An agitation apparatus (20), a vessel (5), and an analysis apparatus (1) including the agitation apparatus agitate a liquid retained in the vessel (5) using sound waves. The agitation apparatus (20) includes a power transmitter (21) that transmits power, an electric terminal (24c) that receives the power transmitted from the power transmitter and changes a relative arrangement with respect to the power transmitter when an arrangement of at least one of the power transmitter and the electric terminal (24c) changes, and a sound wave generator (24b) that generates sound waves by converting the power received by the electric terminal (24c) to agitate the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for uniformly mixing fluid phases entrained in a porous material. A mixer may have a vessel and at least one porous material held by the vessel. At least one actuator may be acoustically coupled with at least one wall of the vessel for generating a wave. The wave effects mixing of at least two fluids in the porous material. The actuator may be a linear motor actuated with a control signal of predetermined frequency. The actuator may have a number of actuator pairs each including respective first and second actuators at respective first and second sides of the vessel. The actuators may be hinged for reciprocal movement. The actuators may be actuated to form a compression-expansion wave to effect fluid motion in the porous material.

Abstract: A device and related method for mixing a powdered component and a liquid component with minimal user interaction are described. A powdered component and a liquid component are separately fed into a mixing chamber. The powdered component may be released into the liquid component by removing a barrier. Alternatively, the two components are drawn into the mixing chamber from respective sources by a vacuum. The mixture is sonicated at precise vibrational frequencies to control the physical properties of the final blended content. A piston-like device is used to remove the blended content from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for applying acoustic energy to a sample. According to one aspect of the invention, a system comprises a housing, a chamber for receiving the sample, an acoustic energy source for providing a focused acoustic field to the sample according to a treatment protocol, a processor for determining the treatment protocol, a sensor for detecting information about the sample, and a user interface for communicating with a user.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: In a method of treating a liquid, a liquid to be treated is introduced into a space, a mechanical cavitation element acts upon the liquid while gas is supplied into the region of the surface of the cavitation element and introduces the gas into the liquid by moving the cavitation element, and sound waves are introduced directly into the liquid by at least one acoustic power transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating motion in a thin liquid film on a substrate, in particular in a capillary gap, in which at least one ultrasound wave is sent right through the substrate in the direction of the liquid film, and a device for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy.

Abstract: An apparatus having a device for moving a liquid comprises a piezoacoustic resonator element (11) having at least one piezoelectric layer (110) and two electrodes (111 and 112) present on the piezoelectric layer (110). The piezoacoustic resonator element (11) is designed such that, owing to a voltage being applied to the piezoelectric layer (110) by means of the electrodes (111 or 112), a volume oscillation of the piezoelectric layer (110) is excited at a resonant frequency. The piezoelectric resonator element (11) can be acoustically coupled in a suitable manner to a liquid for the purpose of transmitting the excited oscillation into the liquid for the purpose of moving the liquid. The apparatus may be in the form of a micromixer or in the form of a micropump and may comprise, in addition, sensor elements (41) for detecting the attachment of substance.

Abstract: Provided here is an agitation vessel which enhances energy transmission efficiency in an agitation apparatus and an analysis apparatus, simplifies the structure of the agitation apparatus and the analysis apparatus, and allows for downsizing and improved maintenanceability. An agitation vessel (5) agitates retained liquid by sound waves. A sound wave generating member (24) which generates sound waves is provided integrally with the agitation vessel (5). The agitation vessel (5) includes a bottom wall (5d) and plural side walls (5c) made of an optically transparent material, and a part of the opposing side walls among the plural side walls (5c) is a photometric window (5b) that optically measures the liquid agitated. The sound wave generating member (24) is arranged on the side wall (5c), on which the photometric window (5b) is arranged, among the plural side walls (5c).