US3698408A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic processing apparatus
Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-11
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Granted: 1972-10-17
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Expires: 1991-06-11
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for ultrasonically treating (e.g., cleaning, plating) a workpiece comprises a full wavelength resonator or horn supported at its nodal regions. The antinodal region of the horn is surrounded by a suitable treating liquid, typically, a solvent or liquid metal and a workpiece to be treated is immersed in the liquid in proximity to the nodal region of the horn. In a preferred embodiment, the horn is provided with a depression or aperture at its antinodal region and a workpiece to be treated is inserted into the depression or aperture.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley E Jacke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:05
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K3/00; B23K3/06; B23K3/0646; B23K3/0661; B01; B01J; B01J19/00; B01J19/08; B01J19/10; C; C23; C23C; C23C2/00; C23C2/32; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S451/00; Y10S451/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: a horn dimensioned to operate as a full wavelength resonator when caused to be resonant at a predetermined frequency, whereby to cause said horn to exhibit a pair of nodal regions and an antinodal region of longitudinal motion; means disposed for supporting said horn at said Nodal regions; a radial aperture disposed substantially in the antinodal region of said horn and being dimensioned for receiving therein a workpiece to be treated, and means for supporting a treating liquid in contact with said antinodal region of said horn.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: a horn dimensioned to operate as a full wavelength resonator when caused to be resonant at a predetermined frequency, whereby to cause said horn to exhibit a pair of nodal regions and an antinodal region of longitudinal motion; means disposed for supporting said horn at said Nodal regions; a radial aperture disposed substantially in the antinodal region of said horn and being dimensioned for receiving therein a workpiece to be treated, and means for supporting a treating liquid in contact with said antinodal region of said horn.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said means for supporting a liquid being a tank; said means supporting said horn being disposed on said tank and causing said antinodal region and aperture to be in contact with the liquid when said tank is filled.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 2, and means for causing said horn to be resonant disposed outside said tank and coupled to said horn.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said aperture being shaped to cause the liquid to be subjected to a pumping action.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and means for feeding a workpiece into said aperture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said means for supporting said horn including a pair of walls of said tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: a horn dimensioned to operate as a full wavelength resonator when caused to be resonant at a predetermined frequency, whereby to cause said horn to exhibit a pair of nodal regions and an antinodal region of longitudinal motion; means disposed for supporting said horn at said nodal regions; a cavity having a major axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said horn disposed substantially in the antinodal region of said horn, and means for supporting a treating liquid in contact with said antinodal region and cavity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: a horn dimensioned to operate as a full wavelength resonator when caused to be resonant at a predetermined frequency, whereby to cause said horn to exhibit a pair of nodal regions and an antinodal region of longitudinal motion; means disposed for supporting said horn at said nodal regions; a cavity having a major axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of said horn disposed substantially in the antinodal region of said horn, and means for supporting a treating liquid in contact with said antinodal region and cavity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 7, said cavity being in the shape of serrations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 7, said cavity being in the shape of a slot.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
118 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: a horn dimensioned to operate as a full wavelength resonator when caused to be resonant at a predetermined frequency, whereby to cause said horn to exhibit a pair of nodal regions and a medially disposed antinodal region of longitudinal motion; electro-acoustic converter means coupled to said horn for causing said horn to be resonant; means disposed for supporting said horn at said nodal regions; a radially directed aperture disposed substantially in the antinodal region of said horn and being dimensioned for receiving therein a portion of a workpiece to be treated, and means for supporting a liquid adapted to cause treatment of the workpiece in contact with said antinodal region of said horn.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
118 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: a horn dimensioned to operate as a full wavelength resonator when caused to be resonant at a predetermined frequency, whereby to cause said horn to exhibit a pair of nodal regions and a medially disposed antinodal region of longitudinal motion; electro-acoustic converter means coupled to said horn for causing said horn to be resonant; means disposed for supporting said horn at said nodal regions; a radially directed aperture disposed substantially in the antinodal region of said horn and being dimensioned for receiving therein a portion of a workpiece to be treated, and means for supporting a liquid adapted to cause treatment of the workpiece in contact with said antinodal region of said horn.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 10, and including means for feeding a workpiece into and out of said aperture.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
An ultrasonic processing apparatus as set forth in claim 10, and including means for feeding a workpiece through said aperture.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-17 | 1976-04-17 | 1976-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-17 | 1980-04-17 | 1980-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-17 | 1984-04-17 | 1984-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |