WO2019234485A1

WO2019234485A1 - Transducer assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2019234485A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/059348
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shankar Trichur RAMCHANDRAN; Jaishree Trichur RAMCHANDRAN; Lakshmi Iyer; Ramchandran Shankarshastri TRICHUR
Original assignee: Ramchandran Shankar Trichur; Ramchandran Jaishree Trichur; Lakshmi Iyer
Priority date: 2018-06-07
Filing date: 2018-11-27
Publication date: 2019-12-12

Abstract

A transducer assembly comprising a piezo crystal, a cavity resonator, a conical reflector and a multi-direction wave scatter grill (WSG) is disclosed. The piezo crystal generates primary sweeping waves of multiple resonant frequencies spanning sonic and ultrasound (ultrasonic) frequency ranges based upon received signals, the cavity resonator tunes and locks in the primary sweeping waves to generate primary standing waves, and the conical reflector and the WSG are so configured that the WSG finally outputs a waveform based on the primary standing waves. The waveform propagates conically from the WSG and includes a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts and has anti- microbial properties.

Description

TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to shaping and focusing of waves in general, e.g., sonic waves and ultrasound waves, and particularly to a transducer assembly capable of targeting specific harmful microbes that are airborne and/or on surface in an enclosed environment to effectively inhibit and/or control growth of the harmful microbes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Research indicates that every healthy living organism / cell resonates within a specific frequency range. Also, for unhealthy / sick cells the resonating frequency range changes. In other words, it offsets that of the healthy cells and so the healthy cells lose their vibrancy and vitality. Another set of studies show that the converse is true. Imposing external electromagnetic stimulation like radio waves may force / disturb the normal healthy cell function and throw it out of resonance and may eventually cause celllysis, a medical condition that refers to the breaking down of membrane of a cell, often by viral, enzymic, or osmotic mechanisms that compromise integrity of the cell.

[0004] Ultrasound is routinely used for diagnostics and as a physio-therapy device. It is also well established that ultrasound has the ability to penetrate cell membranes of unicellular organisms. Ultrasound has been used for anti-microbial activity in liquid medium but most of the disease-causing microbes are airborne. Airborne ultrasound can target microbes in enclosed environment that are airborne (microbes floating around in the air) and on surfaces (like on furniture, flooring, walls, utilities, electronic devices, etc.).

[0005] Research has shown ultrasound frequency ranges which harm microbes harmful to humans do not seem to have any negative effect on human cells or microbes which are beneficial to humans i.e. germs that are bad for humans have different ultrasound frequency response range thus, they can be easily targeted.

[0006] Existing methods for airborne and surface microbe control like chemical-based applications, fumigation, ultraviolet radiation, etc are either harmful and toxic to humans or hazardous to the environment or both. Most methods need human evacuation and special gear for disinfection process. Also, the effect wears off slowly during the course of the day. Hence a system for 24/7 microbe control in presence of humans that is environment friendly is the need of the hour.

[0007] There is therefore a need in the art to provide for a device that can control microbes harmful to humans in such a manner that there are no toxic/harmful effects during such a removal on multi-cellular organisms such as humans and domestic/pet animals etc.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a transducer assembly for generating a waveform that creates a vibrational environment to target, limit and control microbes in the environment that are harmful to multi-cellular organisms.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a transducer assembly to shape as well as transmit the conical waveform generated thereof.

SUMMARY

[0014] The present disclosure relates to transducer assembly to generate a waveform with sonic artefacts, and more particularly for generating a waveform comprising a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0015] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a transducer assembly that can include: a primary wave generation and shaping section (first section) configured to generate multi -frequency primary standing waves (first set of waves); and a secondary wave shaping and scattering section (second section) configured to generate secondary standing waves (second set of waves) upon receipt of the first set of waves, and emit and scatter a multi-beam multi-direction ultrasound waveform.

[0016] In another aspect, the first section can include: a piezo crystal configured to generate primary sweeping waves of multiple resonant frequencies spanning sonic and ultrasound (ultrasonic) frequency ranges based upon received signals, wherein the piezo electric crystal can have a flat band response for the multiple resonant frequencies; anda cavity resonator configured to tune and lock-in the primary sweeping waves to generate the first set of waves, and compensate for resonant frequency tolerances of the piezo electric crystal.

[0017] In an aspect, the piezo crystal can have an ultrasound range of 20 KHz to 100 KHz, and a sonic range of 1.5 Hz to 20 KHz. [0018] In another aspect, the piezo crystal can include a metal substrate disc arranged concentrically with a crystal compound disc.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the cavity resonator can include a hollow cylinder with both ends capped, and the piezo electric crystal can be positioned at one end of the cylinder.

[0020] In another aspect, diameter of the hollow cylinder can vary from 30 millimetres (mm) to 40 mm (to vary amplitude of the primary sweeping waves), and height of the hollow cylinder can vary from 5 mm to 9 mm (to vary transmission beam angle of the primary sweeping waves).

[0021] In yet another aspect, the second section can include: a conical reflector; and a multi-direction wave scatter grill (WSG), wherein the conical reflector and the WSG can be so configured that the first set of waves can generate the second set of waves as they traverse through the conical reflector and the WSG, and wherein interaction and cross talk between the first set of waves and the second set of waves can produces a third set of waves (secondary waves) that can be sliced at appropriate angles at the WSG to generate the waveform that propagates conically.

[0022] In an aspect, the conical reflector can shape the secondary waves and can determine their transmission beam angle.

[0023] In another aspect, the piezo crystal can be placed at focal area of the conical reflector.

[0024] In yet another aspect, adjusting focal length of the conical reflector can influence transmission beam angle of the secondary waves.

[0025] In an aspect, the WSG can scatter the waveform and can give any or a combination of square, round and rectangular shape to the waveform.

[0026] In another aspect, the waveform can include a plurality of beams, wherein number of the plurality of beams and intensity of the plurality of beams can be determined based upon diameter and number of holes in the WSG.

[0027] In yet another aspect, wave-scatter coverage of the plurality of beams can be determined based upon surface area of the WSG.

[0028] In an aspect, the received signals can include a combination of :a first signal that, when fed to the piezo crystal, can generate a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave); and a second signal that, when fed to the piezo crystal, can generate bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave), and the primary sweeping waves that can be generated by the piezo electric crystal upon receipt of the first signal and the second signal can include a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0029] In another aspect, the waveform can include a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the waveform, upon usage in a defined physical space, can enable any or a combination of: inhibiting microbial growth by targeting microbes harmful to multi-cellular organisms such as human beings, the microbes being any or a combination of airborne microbes and surface microbes; slowing colony formation reduction for any or a combination of bacteria comprising Klebsiellapneumoniae, E cob, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin- Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSS A), Nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM); slowing anti-fungal growth for any or a combination of Mould - Aspergillusniger and Yeast - Candida albicans; slowing anti-viral effect of MS2 Phage with E-coli as host; and helping prevent diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGs. 1A through 1C illustrate perspective view, front view and a sectional view of section A-A of the cavity resonator of proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGs. 2A through 2C illustrate exemplary perspective view, rear view and a sectional view of section B-B of the piezo crystal of the proposed transducer assembly respectively in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [0035] FIGs. 3A through 3B show exemplary front view and a sectional view of section C-C of the conical reflector of the proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGs. 4A through 4C illustrate exemplary perspective view, front view and side view of wave scatter grill of the proposed transducer assembly respectively in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, while FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary conical waveform generated by proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6A shows percentage reduction in various bacteria on steel and plastic surfaces when exposed to waveform generated by proposed transducer assembly, while FIG.6B shows percentage reduction in various fungi on steel and plastic surfaces when exposed to waveform generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7A illustrates antibacterial efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 7B illustrates antifungal efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIGs. 8A to 8C illustrate results of microbial test over surface of food samples to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIGs. 9A to 9C illustrate results of surface swab test over different surfaces to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates reduction of microbial load in the air upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0045] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0046] If the specification states a component or feature“may”, “can”,“could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0047] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0049] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0050] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, any circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention may incorporate hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.

[0052] It would be appreciated that units / components of proposed device elaborated herein are only exemplary units and any other unit or sub-unit can be included as part of the proposed device. These units too can be merged or divided into super-units or sub-units as may be configured.

[0053] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0054] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0055] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a transducer assembly that can include: a primary wave generation and shaping section (first section) configured to generate multi -frequency primary standing waves (first set of waves); and a secondary wave shaping and scattering section (second section) configured to generate secondary standing waves (second set of waves) upon receipt of the first set of waves, and emit and scatter a multi-beam multi-direction ultrasound waveform.

[0056] In another aspect, the first section can include: a piezo crystal configured to generate primary sweeping waves of multiple resonant frequencies spanning sonic and ultrasound (ultrasonic) frequency ranges based upon received signals, wherein the piezo electric crystal can have a flat band response for the multiple resonant frequencies; and a cavity resonator configured to tune and lock-in the primary sweeping waves to generate the first set of waves, and compensate for resonant frequency tolerances of the piezo electric crystal.

[0057] In an aspect, the piezo crystal can have an ultrasound range of 20 KHz to 100 KHz, and a sonic range of 1.5 Hz to 20 KHz.

[0058] In another aspect, the piezo crystal can include a metal substrate disc arranged concentrically with a crystal compound disc.

[0059] In yet another aspect, the cavity resonator can include a hollow cylinder with both ends capped, and the piezo electric crystal can be positioned at one end of the cylinder.

[0060] In another aspect, diameter of the hollow cylinder can vary from 30 millimeters (mm) to 40 mm (to vary amplitude of the primary sweeping waves), and height of the hollow cylinder can vary from 5 mm to 9 mm (to vary transmission beam angle of the primary sweeping waves).

[0061] In yet another aspect, the second section can include: a conical reflector; and a multi-direction wave scatter grill (WSG), wherein the conical reflector and the WSG can be so configured that the first set of waves can generate the second set of waves as they traverse through the conical reflector and the WSG, and wherein interaction and cross talk between the first set of waves and the second set of waves can produces a third set of waves (secondary waves) that can be sliced at appropriate angles at the WSG to generate the waveform that propagates conically.

[0062] In an aspect, the conical reflector can shape the secondary waves and can determine their transmission beam angle.

[0063] In another aspect, the piezo crystal can be placed at focal area of the conical reflector.

[0064] In yet another aspect, adjusting focal length of the conical reflector can influence transmission beam angle of the secondary waves.

[0065] In an aspect, the WSG can scatter the waveform and can give any or a combination of square, round and rectangular shape to the waveform.

[0066] In another aspect, the waveform can include a plurality of beams, wherein number of the plurality of beams and intensity of the plurality of beams can be determined based upon diameter and number of holes in the WSG.

[0067] In yet another aspect, wave-scatter coverage of the plurality of beams can be determined based upon surface area of the WSG.

[0068] In an aspect, the received signals can include a combination of : a first signal that, when fed to the piezo crystal, can generate a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave); and a second signal that, when fed to the piezo crystal, can generate bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave), and the primary sweeping waves that can be generated by the piezo electric crystal upon receipt of the first signal and the second signal can include a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0069] In another aspect, the waveform can include a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0070] In yet another aspect, the waveform, upon usage in a defined physical space, can enable any or a combination of: inhibiting microbial growth by targeting microbes harmful to multi-cellular organisms such as human beings, the microbes being any or a combination of airborne microbes and surface microbes; slowing colony formation reduction for any or a combination of bacteria comprising Klebsiellapneumoniae, E coli, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin- Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSS A), Nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM); slowing anti-fungal growth for any or a combination of Mould - Aspergillusniger and Yeast - Candida albicans; slowing anti -viral effect of MS2 Phage with E-coli as host; and helping prevent diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.

[0071] Embodiment explained herein relates to a transducer assembly capable of targeting specific harmful microbes that are airborne and/or on surface in enclosed environment to effectively inhibit and control growth of the harmful microbes.

[0072] FIGs. 1A through 1C illustrate perspective view, front view and a sectional view of section A-A of the cavity resonator of proposed transducer assemblyin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] In an embodiment, the cavity resonator 100 can tune and lock-in the primary sweeping waves to generate multi -frequency primary standing waves (first set of waves).

[0074] The primary standing waves are formed by interference of at least two waves of identical frequency with one another while travelling in opposite directions along the same medium. In an embodiment, the cavity resonator 100 can generate multi -frequency sweeping primary standing waves by shaping/tuning at least a portion of the primary sweeping waves. In an embodiment, the primary sweeping waves generated by the piezo crystal (shown as 200 in FIG. 2 A) traverse through the cavity resonator 100 and when waves emitted by the piezo crystal and waves reflected by the cavity resonator 100 intersect, primary standing waves are formed.

[0075] In an embodiment, the cavity resonator 100 can have a plurality of slots 102 to allow electrical connection of the piezo crystal 200 with a waveform/wave pattern/wave signal generating device with the help of wires traversing through the slots 102. In this manner, piezo crystal 200 can generate waves of different types.

[0076] In an embodiment, the cavity resonator 100 can tune and lock-in dynamic sweep frequencies of the primary sweeping waves resulting in the multi -frequency sweeping primary standing waves. A piezo crystal 200 (as shown in FIG. 2A) can be coupled to one end of the cavity resonator 100, thereby making the cavity resonator 100 a hollow cylinder with both ends capped.

[0077] In an embodiment, diameter of the cavity resonator 100 can range between 30 millimeters (mm) and 40 mm. Amplitude of the primary sweeping waves can be modulated by changing diameter of the cavity resonator 100. In an embodiment, height of the cavity resonator 100 can range between 5 mm and 9 mm, which can be adjusted to modulate transmission beam angle of the primary sweeping waves. The cavity resonator 100 can compensate for any tolerances of resonant frequency of the piezo crystal 200.

[0078] In another aspect, diameter of the hollow cylinder can vary from 30 millimeters (mm) to 40 mm (to vary amplitude of the primary sweeping waves), and height of the hollow cylinder can vary from 5 mm to 9 mm (to vary transmission beam angle of the primary sweeping waves).

[0079] FIGs. 2A through 2C illustrate exemplary perspective view, rear view and a sectional view of section B-B of the piezo crystal of the proposed transducer assembly respectively in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] In an aspect, the piezo crystal 200 can include a metal substrate disc 202 arranged concentrically with a crystal compound disc 204 that can contain crystal elements, such as, quartz, Rochelle salt and other ceramic as well as non-ceramic materials. The metal substrate disc 202 can be coupled with the crystal compound disc 204 by a fastening technique, such as, adhesion, welding, fitting and the likes.

[0081] In an aspect, the piezo crystal 200 can generate the primary sweeping waves that can include bursts of sonic waves having, either variable or specific periodicity encapsulated by low frequency ultrasound waveform. The primary sweeping waves can include a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts. As can be readily understood, such waves can be generated by appropriate signals to be provided to the piezo crystal 200.

[0082] In an embodiment, the piezo crystal 200 can cover a broad coverage of pre- defined sonic and ultrasound (ultrasonic) frequencies and can generate primary sweeping waves accordingly. In an embodiment, the piezo crystal 200 can have a flat band response for all the resonant frequencies.

[0083] In an aspect, the primary sweeping waves can be tuned and locked-in by the cavity resonator 100 to generate multi-frequency primary standing waves (first set of waves). These waves can then be passed to the secondary wave shaping and scattering section (second section). The cavity resonator 100 can compensate for resonant frequency tolerances of the piezo crystal 200

[0084] In an embodiment, resonant ultrasonic frequency of the piezo crystal 200 can range between 20 kHz and 100 kHz. In an embodiment, resonant sonic frequency of the piezo crystal 200 can range between 1.5 Hz and IOOHzt [0085] The piezo crystal 200 can be so formulated as to obtain a wide range of primary sweeping waves of multiple resonant frequencies. The range can span sonic and ultrasound (ultrasonic) frequencies. Special doping techniques are implemented and various compounds in correct proportions are used in formulation of the proposed piezo crystal 200. In a way, the multi resonant piezo crystal 200 can be construed as a combination of many single frequency crystals into one.

[0086] FIGs. 3 A through 3B show exemplary Front view and a sectional view of section C-C of the conical reflector of the proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] In an aspect, the multi -frequency primary standing waves ( first set of waves) generated by the first section can be passed through a second section comprising conical reflector 300 and multi-direction wave scatter grill (WSG) 400 ( as elaborated in FIG. 4). Conical reflector 300 and WSG 400 can be so arranged in spatial relation with each other that as the primary standing waves pass in space between them, a second set of waves ( secondary standing waves) are generate by the first set of waves. Further interaction and cross talk between the primary standing waves (first set of waves) and the secondary standing waves (second set of waves) can produce a third set of waves (secondary waves). The secondary waves can be sliced at appropriate angles at WSG 400 to generate the waveform. The waveform can propagate conically out from the WSG 400.

[0088] In another aspect, conical reflector 300 can shape the secondary waves and determine their transmission beam angle. Adjusting focal length of conical reflector 300 can influence/ modulate transmission beam angle of the secondary waves.

[0089] In yet another aspect, piezo crystal 200 can be placed at focal area (or at a location in the vicinity of focal area) of conical reflector 300.

[0090] In an embodiment, the conical reflector 300 may include a conical cavity 302 that extends along axial direction of the conical reflector 300 to allow a passage to the first set of waves to pass through the conical reflector 300. As already elaborated the first set of waves are generated by the cavity resonator after tuning and locking-in of the primary sweeping waves.

[0091] FIGs. 4A through 4C illustrate exemplary perspective view, front view and side view of wave scatter grill of the proposed transducer assembly respectively in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure_^ [0092] In an aspect, the wave scatter grill 400 can include a plurality of slots 402 to segregate the secondary waves into a plurality of beams as to obtain a multi-beam waveform as output of the wave scatter grill 400. In an embodiment, the plurality of slots 402 further direct the plurality of beams into multiple directions to obtain a multi-directional waveform as output of the wave scatter grill 400/ transducer assembly disclosed.

[0093] The waveform generated can be capable of targeting harmful microbes that are airborne and/or on surface in enclosed environment in order to control growth of the harmful microbes.

[0094] As can be readily understood, number, size (diameter) and shape of each of the plurality of slots 402 can determine/decide the number of the plurality of beams, their intensity and corresponding shapes. Further, the size (as determined by diameter of the WSG 400 in case WSG 400 is circular) can determine wave-scatter coverage of the plurality of beams of the waveform.

[0095] As already elaborated, conical reflector 300 and wave scatter grill 400 can be considered as a secondary wave shaping and scattering section (second section). In this manner, the second section can modulate conical propagation of the waveform generated and can scatter the conical wave format appropriate grill angles so as to obtain the multi-beam and multi-directional waveform as the output.

[0096] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, while FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary conical waveform generated by proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] In an embodiment, the transducer assembly 500 can include a cavity resonator 100 to shape the primary sweeping waves in order to obtain multi -frequency sweeping primary standing waves. Further, ultrasonic transducer assembly 500 can include a secondary wave shaping and scattering section that can attenuate and shape the primary standing waves to finally generate a conical waveform. The wave scatter grill 400 of the secondary wave shaping and scattering section can scatter the conical waveform at appropriate grill angles so as to obtain the multi-beam and multi-directional waveform as the output.

[0098] As elaborated, the waveform can include a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts. FIG. 5B illustrates the conical waveform 550 generated by the transducer assembly 500. [0099] As described, proposed system can generate a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts, and in a similar manner a plurality of such waveforms. Such waveforms have antibacterial and antifungal properties as have been determined form various tests further elaborated.

[00100] FIG. 6A shows percentage reduction in various bacteria on steel and plastic surfaces when exposed to waveform generated by proposed transducer assembly, while FIG.6B shows percentage reduction in various fungi on steel and plastic surfaces when exposed to waveform generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00101] As already elaborated, proposed transducer assembly can be used to generate a waveform comprising a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts. When various bacteria and fungi are exposed to such a waveform, there is a significant reduction in them on surfaces such as steel and plastic, as illustrated in FIG. 6A and 6B. Such waveforms can be termed as being very low intensity multi -frequency ultrasound (LIMFUS) and as being elaborated are a combination of sonic and ultrasonic waves.

[00102] As shown, waveform generated by the proposed transducer shows colony formation reduction for various bacteria, such as, but not limited to, Klebsiellapneumoniae, E coli, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM). Further, anti-fungal growth for various fungus, such as, Mould -Aspergillusniger, Yeast-Candida albicans, and the likes is also achieved, as is anti-viral effect for various viruses, such as, MS2 Phage with E-coli as host.

[00103] In another aspect, proposed transducer assembly may be useful in preventing diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.

[00104] FIG. 7A illustrates antibacterial efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00105] The test procedure comprised ascertaining control counts of bacterial organisms from five different locations of a non-sterile room of size 7.75 X 11.5 X 8.5 (H X L X B) feet dimension with one ventilation netted window and controlled accessed. The control counts were done by settle plate method i.e. by exposing sterile Soybean Casein Digest Agar (SCDA) plates at five different locations in the room for 20 minutes, then the SCDA plates were closed and kept for incubation for 48 hours at 37°C.

[00106] This procedure was repeated after treating the room for 20 minutes with waveforms as generated using proposed transducer assembly. For the purpose a room sterilizer having transducer assembly as described was deployed in the room. The bacterial counts were taken after the room sterilizer was switched off. Experiments were carried out in duplicate and average counts were considered for the calculation.

[00107] Bacterial counts in air inside the room were done as per the“Guidelines on test method for environmental monitoring for aseptic Dispensing facilities", produced by a working group of the Scottish Quality Assurance Specialist interest Group, Second Edition, February, 2004, Para: 10.6 with minor modifications.

[00108] From results obtained as illustrated in FIG. 7A , it can be concluded that a percentage inhibition of 75%, 77.42%, 86.11%, 83.33% and 85.71% respectively in bacterial activity was found at the five different locations of the above mentioned room after 20 minutes of treatment using waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly.

[00109] FIG. 7B illustrates antifungal efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00110] The test procedure comprised ascertaining initially the control counts of fungal organisms from five different locations of a non-sterile room of size 7.75 X 11.5 X 8.5 (H X LX B) feet dimension with one ventilation netted window and controlled accessed. The control counts were done by settle plate method i.e. by exposing sterile Sabouraud’s agar plates at five different locations in the room. Air sampling was done for 20 minutes, then the Sabouraud’s agar plates were closed and kept for incubation for 72 hours at room temperature.

[00111] This procedure was repeated after treating the room for 20 minutes with waveforms as generated using proposed transducer assembly. For the purpose a room sterilizer having transducer assembly as described was deployed in the room. The fungal counts were taken after the room sterilizer was switched off. Experiments were carried out in duplicate and average counts were considered for the calculation.

[00112] Fungal counts in air inside the room were done as per the "Guidelines on test method for environmental monitoring for aseptic Dispensing facilities", produced by a working group of the Scottish Quality Assurance Specialist interest Group, Second Edition, February, 2004, Para: 10.6 with minor modifications. [00113] From results obtained as illustrated in FIG. 7B, it can be concluded that 35.71%, 0%, 36.36%, 16.67% and 61.11% inhibition respectively in fungal activity was found at the five different locations of the above mentioned room after 20 minutes of treatment using waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly.

[00114] FIGs.8A to 8C illustrate results of microbial test over surface of food samples to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00115] For such tests, Total Plate Count (TPC) was determined per standard ISO:4833( Partl) : 2013, while Yeast and Mould Count (YMC) was determined per standard IS:5403 : 1999. Sampling was done per SO-IN-AGR-LAB-TE-022.

[00116] TA17-003425.001 illustrates a control sample of apples. TA17-003425.002 illustrates the control sample treated with waveforms generated by proposed system for 20 minutes, while TA17-003425.003 illustrates control sample treated with waveforms generated by proposed system for 20 minutes and further held for 30 minutes. Total Plate Count (TPC) and Total Yeast and Mould Count (TYMC) was determined in terms of Colony Forming Units (CFU) /food surfaces for each case, as illustrated in FIG. 8A. Thereafter log reduction and percentage reduction for each case was determined as illustrated in FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C respectively.

[00117] As shown, substantial reduction in TPC and YMC was achieved upon treatment of food sample with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly.

[00118] FIGs. 9A to 9C illustrate results of surface swab test over different surfaces to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00119] For such tests, Total Plate Count (TPC) was determined per standard ISO:4833 ( Partl) : 2013, while Yeast and Mould Count (YMC) was determined per standard IS:5403 : 1999. Sampling was done per SO-IN-AGR-LAB-TE-024

[00120] Test series 301 indicates surface swab test of plastic surface, wherein column 301.001 indicates data of surface swab solutions of plastic material (control samples), column 301.002 indicates results after test 301.002 viz treatment of the surface swab solutions for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein, and column 301.003 indicates results after test 301.003 viz treatment of the surface swab solutions for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein and further 30 minutes hold time. Both TPC and YMC results are indicated.

[00121] TPC results for plastic surface are indicated at cells 301-01, 301-02, 301-03 and 301-04 respectively, wherein Cell 301-01 and 301-02 indicate, for test 301.002, percentage CFU (colony forming units) reduction and log reduction. Cells 301-03 and 301-04 indicate corresponding TPC results for test 301.003.

[00122] YMC results for plastic surface are indicated at cells 301-05, 301-06, 301-07 and 301-08 respectively, wherein Cell 301-05 and 301-06 indicate, for test 301.002, percentage CFU (colony forming units) reduction and log reduction. Cells 307-03 and 301-08 indicate corresponding YMC results for test 301.0003.

[00123] Similarly, test results are shown for different surfaces such as glass, metal and wooden (as shown in FIG. 9A). Results for surfaces of POP sheet, granite and cloth are shown in FIG. 9B, while that for Tiles, painted wall and fiber are shown in FIG. 9C

[00124] As shown in FIGs.9A to 9C, substantial reductions in TPC and YMC are achieved across different surfaces upon exposure of the surfaces to waveforms generated using proposed transducer assembly.

[00125] FIG. 10 illustrates reduction of microbial load in the air upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed transducer assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00126] For such tests, Total Plate Count (TPC) was determined per standard ISO:4833( Partl) : 2013, while sampling was done per SO-IN-AGR-LAB-TE-024. Six of air exposed agar plates were taken as control sample.

[00127] Column 300.001 shows control samples data, column 300.001 shows data after treatment for 20 minutes of control samples with waveforms as described herein, and column 300.003 shows data after treatment for 20 minutes of control samples with waveforms as described herein and further30minutes hold time.

[00128] As shown in FIG. 10, initially the control samples exhibited 91 total CFU/plate. Upon treatment for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein, 35 total CFU/plate were found (first phase) , while upon treatment for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein and further 30 minutes hold time, total 19 CFU/plate were found (second phase).

[00129] The above data shows a TPC reduction of 61.54 % and log reduction of .415 for the first phase as shown at 300-01 and 300-02 respectively. For second phase, reduction of 79.12 percent and log reduction of .6803 was achieved, as shown at 300-03 and 300-04 respectively in FIG. 10.

[00130] Thus a substantial reduction in microbial load in the air was achieved upon treatment with waveforms generated by transducer assembly.

[00131] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms“comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[00132] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00133] The present disclosure provides for a transducer assembly for generating a waveform that creates a vibrational environment to target, limit and control microbes in the environment that are harmful to multi-cellular organisms.

[00134] The present disclosure provides for a transducer assembly to shape as well as transmit the conical waveform generated thereof.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A transducer assembly comprising:

a primary wave generation and shaping section ( first section) configured to generate multi -frequency primary standing waves ( first set of waves) ; and

a secondary wave shaping and scattering section (second section) configured to generate secondary standing waves ( second set of waves) upon receipt of said first set of waves, and emit and scatter a multi-beam multi-direction ultrasound waveform.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first section comprises:

a piezo crystal configured to generate primary sweeping waves of multiple resonant frequencies spanning sonic and ultrasound (ultrasonic) frequency ranges based upon received signals, wherein said piezo electric crystal comprises a metal substrate disc coupled with crystal compound disc and has a flat band response for said multiple resonant frequencies; and

a cavity resonator configured to tune and lock-in said primary sweeping waves to generate said first set of waves, and compensate for resonant frequency tolerances of said piezo electric crystal.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said piezo crystal has an ultrasound range of 20 KHz to 100 KHz, and a sonic range of 1.5 Hz to 20 KHz.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said piezo crystal comprises a metal substrate disc arranged concentrically with a crystal compound disc.

5. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said cavity resonator comprises a hollow cylinder with both ends capped, and wherein said piezo electric crystal is positioned at one end of said cylinder.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein diameter of said hollow cylinder varies from 30 millimeters (mm) to 40 mm (to vary amplitude of said primary sweeping waves), and height of said hollow cylinder varies from 5 mm to 9 mm (to vary transmission beam angle of said primary sweeping waves).

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second section comprises:

a conical reflector; and

a multi-direction wave scatter grill (WSG),

wherein said conical reflector and said WSG are so configured that said first set of waves generate said second set of waves as they traverse through said conical reflector and said WSG, and wherein interaction and cross talk between said first set of waves and said second set of waves produces a third set of waves (secondary waves) that are sliced at appropriate angles at said WSG to generate said waveform that propagates conically.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said conical reflector shapes said secondary waves and determines their transmission beam angle.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said piezo crystal is placed at focal area of said conical reflector.

10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein adjusting focal length of said conical reflector influences transmission beam angle of said secondary waves.

11. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said WSG scatters said waveform and gives any or a combination of square, round and rectangular shape to said waveform.

12. The assembly of claim7, wherein said waveform comprises a plurality of beams, and wherein number of said plurality of beams and intensity of said plurality of beams is determined based upon diameter and number of holes in said WSG.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein wave-scatter coverage of said plurality of beams is determined based upon surface area of said WSG.

14. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said received signals comprise a combination of :

a first signal that, when fed to said piezo crystal, generates a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave); and

a second signal that, when fed to said piezo crystal, generates bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave),

and wherein said primary sweeping waves generated by said piezo electric crystal upon receipt of said first signal and said second signal comprise a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein said waveform comprises a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein said waveform, upon usage in a defined physical space, enables any or a combination of:

inhibiting microbial growth by targeting microbes harmful to multi- cellular organisms such as human beings, said microbes being any or a combination of airborne microbes and surface microbes; slowing colony formation reduction for any or a combination of bacteria comprising Klebsiellapneumoniae, E coli, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin- Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSS A), Nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM);

slowing anti-fungal growth for any or a combination of Mould - Aspergillusniger and Yeast - Candida albicans;

slowing anti -viral effect of MS2 Phage with E-coli as host; and

helping prevent diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.