Title: Ultrasonic composite devices

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Claims: I claim:

1. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, each having an average cross-sectional area substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the tool, and a longitudinal length substantially less than the longitudinal length of the tool,

B. means for coupling said components together along the longitudinal length and circumferentially of each component to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary rigid composite structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components randomly positioned such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted through said coupling means and the plurality of vibration transmitting components, and

C. wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length.

2. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said mechanical vibrations are transmitted longitudinally through said tool.

3. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to one-half wavelength of sound traveling longitudinally through the composite materials of the tool at said predetermined frequency.

4. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said tool is operative to modify the amplitude of and whereby said longitudinal vibrations transmitted therethrough by virtue at least in part of a mass effect.

5. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said components consist of glass fibers.

6. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said components consist of fibers having a length in the range of 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch.

7. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said components are distributed substantially uniformly throughout said tool.

8. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein said components have a higher density at a high stress region of said tool.

9. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 1, wherein a threaded hole is provided at one end of said tool.

10. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of boron filaments, and

B. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough.

11. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 10, wherein said means coupling said boron filaments is an epoxy material.

12. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of graphite cloth, and

B. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough.

13. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 12, wherein said graphite cloth is composed of pyrollized polymer.

14. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 13, wherein said pyrollized polymer is poly phenylene oxide.

15. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 13, wherein said pyrollized polymer is nylon 66.

16. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of silicon carbide fibers, and

B. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough.

17. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of boron fibers, and

B. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough.

18. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 17, wherein said coupling means includes titanium powder.

19. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 17, wherein said coupling means includes nickel powder.

20. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of boron filaments, and

B. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough and said boron filaments coated with aluminum acting as said coupling means.

21. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components with each component formed from an integral piece of vibration transmitting material having its own acoustical impedance and having an average cross-sectional area substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the tool, and a longitudinal length substantially less than the longitudinal length of the tool,

B. means for coupling said plurality of components together along the longitudinal length and circumferentially of each component to provide a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary rigid composite structure with said components randomly positioned in said tool such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof, through the plurality of vibration transmitting components and said coupling means, said coupling means having a different acoustical impedance than said components,

C. wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length based upon the acoustical impedance of the composite tool, and

D. wherein said tool includes a plurality of sections comprised of tape-like filaments wound in a helical fashion pooitioned in end to end relationship, each of said sections consisting of vibration transmitting components and said coupling means.

22. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 21, wherein the tool has a nodal plane of longitudinal vibration defining an input section and an output section of substantially different mass substantially separated by said nodal plane and whereby said tool is operative to modify the amplitude of longitudinal vibrations transmitted therethrough by virtue at least in part of a mass effect.

23. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 21, wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to one-half wavelength of sound traveling longitudinally through the materials of said tool at said predetermined frequency, said tool being composed of an input part and an output part each of substantially uniform cross-sectional area throughout the respective major lengths thereof, the cross-sectional area of said input part being substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of said output part, the juncture between said input and output parts being confined to the nodal plane of longitudinal vibration of said tool and whereby said tool is operative to increase the amplitude of longitudinal vibrations transmitted therethrough by virtue at least in part of a mass effect.

24. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 21, wherein said components consist of glass fibers.

25. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 21, wherein said components consist of fibers having a length in the range of 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch.

26. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 21, wherein said components are distributed substantially uniformly throughout said tool.

27. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 21, wherein said components have a higher density at a high stress region of said tool.

28. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components with each component formed from an integral piece of vibration transmitting material having its own acousitcal impedance, said components consist of boron filaments,

B. means for coupling said plurality of components together to provide a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof, said coupling means having a different acoustical impedance than said components, and

c. wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length based upon the acoustical impedance of the composite tool.

29. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 28, wherein said means coupling said boron filaments is an epoxy material.

30. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components with each component formed from an integral piece of vibration transmitting material having its own acoustical impedance, said components consist of silicon carbide fibers,

B. means for coupling said plurality of components together to provide a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof, said coupling means having a different acoustical impedance than said components, and

C. wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations alongn its longitudinal length based upon the acoustical impedance of the composite tool.

31. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components with each component formed from an integral piece of vibration transmitting material having its own acoustical impedance, said components consist of boron fibers,

B. means for coupling said plurality of components together to provide a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof, and coupling means having a different acoustical impedance than said components, and

C. wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length based upon the acoustical impedance of the composite tool.

32. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 31, wherein said coupling means includes titanium powder.

33. A mechanical energy transmitting tool as defined in claim 31, wherein said coupling means includes nickel powder.

34. A mechanical energy transmitting tool consisting of:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components with each component formed from an integral piece of vibration transmitting material having its own acoustical impedance, said components consist of boron filaments,

B. means for coupling said plurality of components together to provide a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof, said coupling means having a different acoustical impedance than said components, and said boron filaments coated with aluminum acting as said coupling means, and

C. wherein said tool has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length based upon the acoustical impedance of the composite tool.

35. An ultrasonic system, comprising:

A. an ultrasonic motor,

B. a mechanical energy transmitting member including:

1. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, each having an average cross-sectional area and length substantially less than the longitudinal length or cross-sectional area of the tool, and

2. means for coupling said components together along the longitudinal length and circumferentially of each component to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary rigid composite structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components substantially uniformly oriented throughout said member and bonded together along the longitudinal length and outer surface thereof such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted through said coupling means and the plurality of vibration transmitting components, and

C. means connecting said energy transmitting member to said ultrasonic motor.

36. An ultrasonic system as defined in claim 35, wherein said ultrasonic motor includes a driving member and said driving member is connected to said energy transmitting member.

37. An ultrasonic system as defined in claim 35, wherein said member has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length.

38. An ultrasonic system as defined in claim 37, wherein said member has a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to one-half wavelength of sound traveling longitudinally through the composite materials of the member at said predetermined frequency.

39. An ultrasonic system as defined in claim 35, wherein said components are randomly positioned in said member.

40. An ultrasonic system as defined in claim 35, wherein said components consist of fibers having a length in the range of 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch.

41. An ultrasonic system, comprising:

A. an ultrasonic motor,

B. a mechanical energy transmitting member including:

1. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of boron filaments, and

2. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough, and said boron filaments coated with aluminum acting as said coupling means, and

C. means connecting said energy transmitting member to said ultrasonic motor.

42. An ultrasonic system comprising:

A. an ultrasonic motor,

B. a mechanical energy transmitting member including:

1. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, and

2. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough, and said means coupling said boron filaments is an epoxy material, and

C. means connecting said energy transmitting member to said ultrasonic motor.

43. An ultrasonic system comprising:

A. an ultrasonic motor,

B. a mechanical energy transmitting member including:

1. a plurality of vibrational transmitting components, said components consist of boron fibers, and

2. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough, and

C. means connecting said energy transmitting member to said ultrasonic motor.

44. An ultrasonic system, comprising:

A. an ultrasonic motor,

B. a mechanical energy transmitting member including:

1. a plurality of vibration transmitting components, said components consist of silicon carbide fibers, and

2. means for coupling said components together to form a bond therebetween so as to obtain a unitary structure containing the plurality of vibration transmitting components such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted therethrough, and

C. means connecting said energy transmitting member to said ultrasonic motor.

45. A composite article of manufacture designed to transmit ultrasonic mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency from the input end to the output end thereof comprising:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components each having an average cross-sectional area substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the tool and a longitudinal length substantially less than the longitudinal length of the tool, with each component formed from an integral piece of vibration transmitting material having its own acoustical impedance coupled together along the longitudinal length and circumferentially of each components so as to obtain a unitary rigid composite structure such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof, through each individual component distributed substantially uniformly throughut said article,

B. wherein said article has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length substantially corresponding to one-half wavelength of sound traveling longitudinally through the composite article at said predetermined frequency, and

C. means for attaching said composite article to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrations.

46. A composite article as defined in claim 45, wherein said attaching means includes a threaded portion at one end of said composite article.

47. A composite article as defined in claim 45, wherein said components consist of fibers having a length in the range of 0.020 inch to 0.030 inch.

48. A composite article of manufacture designed to transmit ultrasonic mechanical vibrations of predetermined high frequency and alter the amplitude of the vibrations from the input end to the output end thereof comprising:

A. a plurality of vibration transmitting components each having an average cross-sectional area and length substantially less than the longitudinal length or cross-sectional area of the tool and a longitudinal length substantially less than the longitudinal length of the tool, randomly coupled together along the longitudinal length and circumferentially of each component so as to obtain a unitary rigid composite structure such that mechanical vibrations of predetermined frequency are adapted to be transmitted from the input end to the output end thereof,

B. wherein the density distribution of the vibration transmitting components along the longitudinal length is operative to modify the amplitude of the vibrations by virtue at least in part a mass effect, and

C. means for attaching said composite article to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrations.

49. A composite article as defined in claim 48, wherein the density distribution of said components is designed to increase the amplitude of vibration from its input to its output end.

50. A composite article as defined in claim 48, wherein said attaching means includes a threaded portion at one end of said composite article.

51. A composite article as defined in claim 48, wherein said components are coupled together by coupling means to provide a bond between said components.

52. A composite article as defined in claim 51, wherein said coupling means has an acoustical impedance different from said components.

53. A composite article as defined in claim 51, wherein the density distribution of said coupling means is at least in part responsible for the amplitude modification.

54. A composite article as defined in claim 48, wherein said article has a longitudinal length substantially greater than the largest diameter defined by its cross-sectional area for transmitting vibrations along its longitudinal length.

55. A composite article as defined in claim 48, wherein said article has a longitudinal length substantially corresponding to one-half wavelength of sound traveling longitudinally through said components at a predetermined frequency.

56. A composite article as defined in claim 48, wherein said components further have a higher density at a high stress region of said article.
Other info:

Inventors: Winston, Ronald H. (New York, NY, US)

Application Number: 474044
Filing Date: 1974-05-28
Publication_date: 1976-02-10
Assignee:
Primary Class(es): 310/325
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3173034	Mar, 1965	Dickey et al.	310/8.
3524085	Aug, 1970	Shoh	310/8.
3578993	May, 1971	Russell	310/8.
3578996	May, 1971	Balamuth	310/8.
3584327	Jun, 1971	Murry	310/8.
3628071	Dec, 1971	Harris et al.	310/8.
3777189	Dec, 1973	Skinner	310/8.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Budd, Mark O.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: