US4524295A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for generating mechanical waves
Assignee: United States, ENERGY THE, Department of
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Filing: 1982-10-25
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Granted: 1985-06-18
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Expires: 2002-10-25
Abstract
Abstract Mechanical waves are generated in a medium by subjecting an electromechanical element to an alternating electric field having a frequency which induces mechanical resonance therein and is below any electrical resonance frequency thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Dwight L. Allensworth
- 👤 Peter J. Chen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:25
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R17/00; B; B06; B06B; B06B1/00; B06B1/02; B06B1/06; B06B1/0644; B06B1/0651
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of inducing mechanical vibration in a medium comprising: placing an electromechanical element in contact with said medium; and subjecting said electromechanical element to an alternating electric field at only a single frequency which excites mechanical resonance of only said element therein, said frequency being lower than any electrical resonant frequency of said element.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of inducing mechanical vibration in a medium comprising: placing an electromechanical element in contact with said medium; and subjecting said electromechanical element to an alternating electric field at only a single frequency which excites mechanical resonance of only said element therein, said frequency being lower than any electrical resonant frequency of said element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electromechanical element is formed of a ferroelectric material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electromechanical element is a piezoelectrical crystal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electromechanical element is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of quartz, lithium niobate, and barium titanate.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
93 words
An apparatus for generating mechanical waves in a medium comprising: a housing having a plurality of side walls and structure defining a cavity extending from one of said walls into said housing, said cavity being open to the medium surrounding said housing; an electromechanical element resiliently mounted within said cavity in contact with the medium; means for subjecting said electromechanical element to an alternating electric field at only a single frequency which excites a mechanical resonance if only said element therein, said frequency being lower than any electrical resonant frequency of said element.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
93 words
An apparatus for generating mechanical waves in a medium comprising: a housing having a plurality of side walls and structure defining a cavity extending from one of said walls into said housing, said cavity being open to the medium surrounding said housing; an electromechanical element resiliently mounted within said cavity in contact with the medium; means for subjecting said electromechanical element to an alternating electric field at only a single frequency which excites a mechanical resonance if only said element therein, said frequency being lower than any electrical resonant frequency of said element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said electromechanical element is formed of a ferroelectric material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said electromechanical element is a piezoelectric crystal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said electromechanical element is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of quartz, lithium niobate, and barium titanate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said electromechanical element is a disk and including: a metallic coating on each face of said disk; a pair of annular trough-shaped washers respectively abutting the coatings on the faces of said disk; a pair of springs respectively abutting said washers to resiliently support said disk; and means connected to said washers for applying said electric field to said disk.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-06-17 | 1988-12-17 | 1989-06-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-06-17 | 1992-12-17 | 1993-06-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-06-17 | 1996-12-17 | 1997-06-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |