Method for Energy Coupling Especially Useful for Disinfecting, and Various Systems Using It

Abstract

Method and system are disclosed for coupling energy from at least on energy source, e.g. UV light source, ultrasonic transducer, or combination thereof, to a target site, e.g. hazardous bacteria, through a streaming liquid, e.g. water. The bacteria toward which energy is to be coupled could be present in the water stream itself and / or on a surface toward which the water stream is to be launched at the end of its flow. Accordingly, in-line aseptic filling is provided, which can fill and simultaneously disinfect a container. According to another embodiment where the water is used for washing, in-line aseptic washing device is provided. A variety of other embodiments is disclosed as well.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of acoustic energy coupling. It is further relates to the field of light radiation coupling. More specifically it relates to coupling said energies via liquid medium.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Acoustic energy is used in the various fields of medicine (e.g. ultrasound imaging devices, kidney stone disintegration devices), industry (e.g. plastic soldering, paint peeling), lifestyle and health (e.g. swimming pool algae prevention, air humidifying) and furthermore.[0003]A first aim of the present invention is to expand the range of industrial applications where a sonic energy may be effectively utilized, to fields that currently do not utilize this type of energy. This will be accomplished hereinafter either by disclosing a pioneering innovative medium for sonic energy administration, further, by disclosing an extraordinary synergism effect between the acoustic energy thus administrated and between other energy...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to a method for transferring energy from an energy source to a destination site using a streaming liquid as a medium. The energy can be used to alter mechanical or chemical properties of the destination site. The invention also suggests a synergistic effect of combining different types of energy, such as acoustic and light radiation, for example to enhance the process. The invention also includes a method for controlling and synchronizing multiple energy sources. The invention further describes the use of non-piped liquid jets for light-to-sonic and sonic-to-light conversions. The invention also suggests a relative motion between the liquid stream and the destination site, such as by periodically replacing containers or using a moving vehicle. Overall, the invention provides a method for efficient energy transfer and utilization for various applications."

Problems solved by technology

This is another example of coupling between an ultrasonic energy source and a surface to be treated, wherein the coupling is made through air, resulting in a vast lose of sonic energy to the surrounding.

Unfortunately, strict limitation hindering geometrical utilization have prevented engineers, scientists, and manufacturers, from further developing multidisciplinary technology platform involving UV and ultrasonic energies simultaneously.

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