Patent Description:
<CIT> states in accordance with its abstract a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior surface of a channel of a medical instrument includes an ultrasonic cleaning device having a cleaning catheter provided with ultrasonic vibrators for separating undesired matter from the interior surface of the channel of the medical instrument by ultrasonic vibration; and an ultrasonic oscillator for operating the ultrasonic vibrators. The cleaning apparatus further includes a cleaning liquid discharge device having a cleaning liquid feeding tube into which the cleaning catheter can be inserted with the ultrasonic vibrators exposed and which expels a cleaning liquid from a front end thereof; a cleaning liquid store tank; and a pump for feeding the cleaning liquid.

<CIT> states in accordance with its abstract a system for performing ultrasonic procedures within a turbomachine. The system includes a bladder and probe assembly. The bladder includes a bladder body for positioning within the turbomachine. Further, the bladder is inflatable to at least partially define an ultrasonic tank within the turbomachine for containing a fluid medium. The probe assembly includes an extension member and ultrasonic transmitter coupled to or positioned within the extension member. The extension member is insertable into the ultrasonic tank for positioning the ultrasonic transmitter within the ultrasonic tank.

The present invention is defined by the independent claims, claim <NUM> defines an ultrasonic system and claims <NUM> and <NUM> define methods of using this ultrasonic system.

The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic device having a flexible body and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled to the flexible body.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes a power supply coupled to the ultrasonic device and configured to apply a current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers; a fluid vessel coupled to the ultrasonic device; and a waste vessel removably coupled to the ultrasonic device.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes that the flexible body has a first end, a second end, an outside surface, and an inside surface defining a hollow passage extending from the first end to the second end.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes a heating element positioned through the hollow passage of the flexible body.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes a plurality of heating elements coupled to the inside surface or the outside surface of the flexible body.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes that the fluid vessel is configured to supply a plurality of fluid to the outside surface of the flexible body when the ultrasonic device is positioned through a hollow passage of one or more components.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes that the fluid vessel is configured as a process tank and includes a support structure configured to removably couple to the ultrasonic device to the fluid vessel.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes at least one positioning element coupled to or embedded in the flexible body, wherein the at least one positioning element is configured to maintain a position of the flexible body relative to a component to be processed by the ultrasonic system.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes that the ultrasonic device is configured to be removably coupled to an outside surface a component and to be simultaneously positioned in an inside passage of the component, the fluid vessel being configured to direct a first plurality of fluid towards the outside surface of the component to remove a first plurality of contaminants from the outside surface of the component and to supply a second plurality of fluid to the outside surface of the flexible body to remove a second plurality of contaminants from the inside passage of the component.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the fluid vessel being further configured to supply fluid to the first end of the component.

The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic device having a flexible body configured to be removably coupled to one or more components, the flexible body having a first end and a second end; and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled to the flexible body; a power supply coupled to the ultrasonic device (and configured to apply a current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to remove contaminants from the one or more components; a fluid vessel configured to supply fluid to the component to flush the contaminants removed from the one or more components; and a waste vessel configured to collect the fluid supplied to the ultrasonic device from the fluid vessel.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes that the fluid vessel is configured to direct a plurality of fluid to an outside surface of the one or more components when the ultrasonic device is removably coupled to the outside surface of one or more components.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes a support structure configured to couple to the ultrasonic device to position the ultrasonic device in a predetermined configuration relative to a component removably coupled thereto.

In one aspect, in combination with any example ultrasonic system above or below, the ultrasonic system includes that the support structure is configured to position the plurality of ultrasonic transducers from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> (about <NUM>,<NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches) from one or more surfaces of each of the one or more components.

The present disclosure provides a method of using an ultrasonic system, the method including: positioning at least one component to an ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic system having an ultrasonic device which includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled to a flexible body. The ultrasonic system further includes a power supply coupled to the ultrasonic device; a fluid vessel configured to supply fluid to the at least one component; and a waste vessel configured to collect the fluid supplied to the ultrasonic device from the fluid vessel; applying, via the power supply, a current to a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to dislodge a plurality of contaminants from the at least one component; and flushing, via fluid from the fluid vessel, the plurality of contaminants dislodged from the at least one component.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes: removing, via the waste vessel, the plurality of contaminants and the fluid used to dislodge the plurality of contaminants.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes: filtering, via a filtering system coupled to the ultrasonic system, the fluid used to dislodge the plurality of contaminants to separate the plurality of contaminants from the fluid; depositing, in the waste vessel, the plurality of contaminants separated during the filtering; and returning filtered fluid to the ultrasonic system.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes removably coupling the at least one component to the ultrasonic system by positioning an ultrasonic device inside of the at least one component.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes removably coupling the at least one component to the ultrasonic system by removably coupling an ultrasonic device to an outside surface of the at least one component.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes that removably coupling the at least one component to the ultrasonic system comprises positioning the ultrasonic device inside of the at least one component and removably coupling the ultrasonic device to an outside surface of the at least one component.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes that the power supply is configured to supply a current of <NUM> amperes (A) to about <NUM> A to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes establishing a temperature of the ultrasonic device from about room temperature to about <NUM>° C via at least one heating element embedded in the flexible body.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes applying the current by pulsing the power supply for a plurality of pulses.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes that each pulse of the plurality of pulses is from about <NUM> second to about <NUM> minutes.

The present disclosure provides a method of using an ultrasonic system, the method including: removably coupling at least one processing vessel to an ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic system having an ultrasonic device including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled to the flexible body; a power supply coupled to the ultrasonic device; and a plurality of logic stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and configured to execute a plurality of programs. The method further including at least one program being configured to apply, via the power supply, a current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers for a predetermined period of time, each program being associated with at least one processing operation.

In one aspect, in combination with any example method of using an ultrasonic system, the method includes that the at least one processing operation forms a chemically homogenous mixture of two or more constituents.

So that the manner in which the above recited features can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to example aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of performing various operations using ultrasonic devices, including cleaning operations with or without the use of solvent (liquid). The components discussed herein may be cleaned with reduced amounts of solvent (liquid) as compared to currently employed systems and methods, or may use gas. The term "fluid" as used herein may encompass liquid, gas, combinations thereof, and, in some aspects, may further include particles disposed in the liquid, gas, or combination thereof. The components discussed herein can be used in various types of industrial equipment or on parts and assemblies (referred to collectively as "components" herein) fabricated using the industrial equipment, or which are fabricated using other methods and equipment. The components may include one or more inside passages that may be open on one or both ends of the passage. As discussed herein, "industrial equipment" can be various types of machinery used to make, assemble, clean, inspect, and otherwise fabricate components, for example, aerospace components. The components can include mechanical components, electrical components, or electro-mechanical components. Components such as tubes, hoses, conduits, joints, and other connectors and channels, can each include one or more inside passages, corners, kinks, pinholes, voids, depressions, or other features that may collect debris. The inside passages of the components can accumulate a buildup of contaminants that can be challenging to remove. The contaminants discussed herein can be solids, liquids, or colloids, and can include various process agents used on the industrial equipment, such as degreasers or other solvents, as well as dirt, dust, animal life (e.g., insects), plant life, metal chips resulting from machining, or other foreign-object-debris (FOD) or undesired elements that may negatively impact a component's function, or the function of industrial equipment or other systems (e.g., aircraft bodies or engines) in which it is installed, via clogging or contamination.

Inside passages (which may alternatively be referred to as internal passages) of components can have small, thin, or narrow cross-sections; varying cross-sectional sizes and geometries; twisting, kinked, wound, or other unique geometries and/or corners. Some cleaning methods can be quite both tedious and time consuming due to the combination of contaminant build-up and geometry of the inside passages. Further, some cleaning methods can leave behind contaminants that are not removed, and can additionally leave behind cleaning media used as a part of the cleaning process. The remaining contaminants and/or cleaning media may cause problems in the function of the component, up to and including causing equipment breakdowns or creating fire hazards.

Accordingly, the systems and methods discussed herein can be used to clean components having one or more inside passages of varying cross-sectional shape and geometries without leaving behind residue, or to perform processing operations such as the formation of homogenous mixtures. When used for cleaning, the methods and systems herein that include one or more ultrasonic devices may be used to clean inside passages having smooth surfaces, rough surfaces, porous surfaces, or surfaces otherwise including features that may retain contaminants or otherwise present a cleaning challenge. In addition, the cleaning methods and systems discussed herein may be used to remove contaminants from outside surfaces of components, in addition to or alternatively to the inside surfaces. Outside surfaces of components may also include grooves, pockets, corners, textures, or other features that may retain contaminants or otherwise present a cleaning challenge. In some examples, two more components may be cleaned simultaneously using one or more ultrasonic devices. The use of ultrasonic devices can create agitation of fluid (liquid or gas, or combinations thereof), including creating a stirring or circular motion of fluid, around and/or through a component, while simultaneously causing vibration of the component to further dislodge contaminants from the component. In other examples, the ultrasonic devices used herein may be used in the absence of liquid, wherein the fluid used to remove contaminants may comprise a gas or gas mixture, resulting in a solvent-free cleaning process. In addition, the systems and methods used herein may have a reduced environmental impact not only due to the type and volume of solvent used for cleaning, but also due to the reduced energy used to operate the systems while still achieving a desired level of cleanliness of the components.

<FIG> depicts a first ultrasonic device 100A according to aspects of the present disclosure. The first ultrasonic device 100A includes a flexible body <NUM> and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> permanently or removably coupled to the flexible body <NUM>. The flexible body <NUM> has a first end <NUM> having a first outside diameter <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>, the second end <NUM> having a second outside diameter <NUM>. In one example, the first outside diameter <NUM> is the same as the second outside diameter <NUM>. In another example, the first outside diameter <NUM> is larger than the second outside diameter <NUM>. In still other examples, the first outside diameter <NUM> is smaller than the second outside diameter <NUM>. In one example, the first outside diameter <NUM> and the second outside diameter <NUM> may differ in measurement by from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In another example, the first outside diameter <NUM> and the second outside diameter <NUM> may differ by from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In still another example, the first outside diameter <NUM> and the second outside diameter <NUM> may differ by from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. The first ultrasonic device 100A may include these different outside diameters, for example, when the first ultrasonic device 100A is to be positioned inside a component with a tapered inside diameter, or when the first ultrasonic device 100A is to be positioned inside two or more components concurrently, each component having a different and/or a tapered inner diameter. As used herein, "about" can mean that a stated target measurement, minimum measurement, or maximum measurement is within +/- <NUM>% of that stated measurement.

In one example, the flexible body <NUM> is a solid body that does not include an inner passage. In another example, the flexible body <NUM> is defined by an outside surface <NUM> and an inside surface <NUM> defining a hollow passage <NUM> (which may alternatively be referred to as an "inside passage") along a central axis <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. In one example, an inside diameter 118A of the hollow passage <NUM> is consisted from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. In other examples, the inside diameter 118A may have an increasing or a decreasing diameter (taper) from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. The dimensions and relative dimensions of the flexible body <NUM> can be selected based on factors including the type of material(s) from which the flexible body <NUM> is formed, the functions performed by an ultrasonic system in which the first ultrasonic device 100A is included, the geometries or dimensions of a component coupled to the an ultrasonic system in which the first ultrasonic device 100A is included, or other factors or combinations of factors. The flexible body <NUM> can be formed from materials of varying rigidity, including polymers, rubber, neoprene, silicon rubber, other elastomers, or combinations thereof. In some examples, which can be combined with other examples herein, the flexible body <NUM> can be formed from materials that are transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. In some aspects of the first ultrasonic device 100A, the flexible body <NUM> may or may not include dyes to give the flexible body <NUM> a colorized appearance.

The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> is shown as being six in number in <FIG>. In other examples, which can be combined with other examples herein, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be from two to twelve or more. The number of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> used can be selected based on factors including an average diameter of the flexible body <NUM>, a length <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM> as measured from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, a material from which the flexible body <NUM> is formed, the material from which the transducers <NUM> are formed, a size of the transducers, or other factors or combinations of factors. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be coupled to the outside surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be coupled to the inside surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be partially or wholly embedded in the flexible body <NUM>, either during or after the fabrication of the flexible body <NUM>.

The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at the same frequency, or one or more of the plurality of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at a different frequency. In some examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. In still other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be formed from quartz having a single crystalline structure, lead zirconate titanate, lithium niobate, tourmaline, or combinations thereof. The type of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, as well as the operation frequency, and/or the range of frequencies among and between each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, may be selected based on factors including an average diameter of the flexible body <NUM>, a length <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM> as measured from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, a material from which the flexible body <NUM> is formed, a wall thickness of the flexible body <NUM>, the material from which the transducers <NUM> are formed, a size or geometry of the transducers, or other factors or combinations of factors.

In some examples, the first ultrasonic device 100A can further include one or more first heating elements <NUM>. In one example, as shown in <FIG>, the one or more first heating elements <NUM> can be individually coupled to the inside surface <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>, the outside surface <NUM>, or may be embedded within the flexible body <NUM>, or combinations thereof. While four of the first heating elements <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, in other examples, less first heating elements <NUM> can be used in the first ultrasonic device 100A. In still other examples, more than four first heating elements <NUM> can be used in the ultrasonic device 100A. The one or more first heating elements <NUM> may be included in the first ultrasonic device 100A as one or more coils. In another example, a second heating element <NUM>, which can configured as a linear heating element and may be used alone or in combination with other examples herein, can be positioned through the hollow passage <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. The one or more first heating elements <NUM> and/or the second heating element <NUM> can be configured to heat the first ultrasonic device 100A, and thus the environment and/or components in which the first ultrasonic device 100A is disposed within, to temperatures from about room temperature to about <NUM>. As used herein, "room temperature" means a temperature from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some examples, the first ultrasonic device 100A can include one or more positioning elements <NUM>. The one or more positioning elements <NUM> can be coupled to the inside surface <NUM>, the outside surface <NUM>, embedded in the flexible body <NUM>, or combinations thereof. The at least one positioning element <NUM> is configured to maintain a position of the flexible body <NUM> relative to a component (not shown here) to be processed by the ultrasonic system which includes the first ultrasonic device 100A. The positioning element <NUM> may include a metallic or other type of element that enables the flexible body <NUM> to be configured and positioned in various geometries. In some examples, the positioning element <NUM> may be used alone to position the flexible body <NUM> relative to a component to be cleaned. In other examples, one or more types of support structures discussed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with the positioning element(s) <NUM> to position the flexible body relative to the component to be cleaned.

<FIG> depicts a second ultrasonic device 100B according to aspects of the present disclosure. In contrast to the first ultrasonic device 100A, which may be configured as a cylinder that may or may not include a hollow passageway, the second ultrasonic device 100B is configured as a belt. In <FIG>, the second ultrasonic device 100B is shown as having a rectangular cross-section as measured perpendicular to a central axis <NUM>. In other aspects, the second ultrasonic device 100B can have a cross-section that is triangular, square, circular, or other polygonal or combination of geometries. The second ultrasonic device 100B includes a flexible body <NUM> and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> coupled to the flexible body <NUM>. The flexible body <NUM> has a first end <NUM> having a first outside diameter <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>, the second end <NUM> having a second outside diameter <NUM>. The first outside diameter <NUM> may be the same as the second outside diameter <NUM>. In other examples, the second ultrasonic device 100B may have a tapered outside diameter such that the first outside diameter <NUM> may be greater to or less than the second outside diameter <NUM>.

The flexible body <NUM> has a length <NUM> measured from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> and a thickness <NUM> measured perpendicular to the central axis <NUM>. The thickness <NUM> may be consistent along the length <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. In other examples, the thickness <NUM> may taper such that the first end <NUM> is thicker than the second end <NUM>, or such that the first end <NUM> is thinner than the second end <NUM>. In one example, the first end <NUM> may differ in thickness from the second end <NUM> from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In another example, the first end <NUM> may differ in thickness from the second end <NUM> from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In still another example, the first end <NUM> may differ in thickness from the second end <NUM> from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%.

The flexible body <NUM> can be formed from materials of varying rigidity, including polymers, rubber, neoprene, silicon rubber, other elastomers, or combinations thereof. The flexible body <NUM> can, in some aspects of the second ultrasonic device 100B, be formed from materials that are transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. In some examples, the flexible body <NUM> may or may not include dyes to give the flexible body <NUM> a colorized appearance.

The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> is shown as being six in number in <FIG>. In other examples, which can be combined with other examples herein, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be from two to twelve or more. The number of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> used can be selected based on factors including an average diameter of the flexible body <NUM>, the length <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM> as measured from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, a material from which the flexible body <NUM> is formed, the material from which the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> are formed, a size of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, or other factors or combinations of factors. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be coupled to one or more surfaces of the flexible body <NUM>. In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be partially or wholly embedded in the flexible body <NUM>.

The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. In still other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be formed from quartz having a single crystalline structure, lead zirconate titanate, lithium niobate, tourmaline, or combinations thereof. The type of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, as well as the operation frequency, and/or the range of frequencies among and between each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, may be selected based on factors including an average diameter of the flexible body <NUM>, the length <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM> as measured from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, a material from which the flexible body <NUM> is formed, the material from which the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> are formed, a size of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, or other factors or combinations of factors.

In some examples, the second ultrasonic device 100B can further include one or more first heating elements <NUM>. In one example, as shown in <FIG>, the one or more first heating elements <NUM> can be configured as elements individually coupled to one or more surfaces of the flexible body <NUM>, embedded within the flexible body <NUM>, or combinations thereof. While four first heating elements <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, in other examples, less first heating elements <NUM> can be used in the second ultrasonic device 100B. In still other examples, more than four first heating elements <NUM> can be used in the ultrasonic device <NUM>. The one or more first heating elements <NUM> may also be included in the second ultrasonic device 100B as one or more coils. In another example, a second heating element <NUM>, which can be combined with other examples herein, can be positioned through the hollow passage <NUM> of the flexible body <NUM>. In one example, the second heating element <NUM> may be a linear heating element. In other examples, the second heating element <NUM> may be otherwise configured, for example, such as a coil configuration. The one or more first heating elements <NUM> and/or the second heating element <NUM> can be configured to heat the second ultrasonic device 100B, and thus the environment and/or components in which the second ultrasonic device 100B is positioned in proximity to, to heat the environment and/or components to temperatures from about room temperature to about <NUM>. As used herein, "room temperature" means a temperature from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some examples, the second ultrasonic device 100B can include one or more positioning elements <NUM>. The one or more positioning elements <NUM> can be coupled to one or more surfaces of the flexible body <NUM>, embedded in the flexible body <NUM>, or combinations thereof. The at least one positioning element <NUM> is configured to maintain a position of the flexible body <NUM> relative to a component (not shown here) to be processed by the ultrasonic system which includes the second ultrasonic device 100B. The second ultrasonic device 100B may be used in applications where cleaning operations are performed in a tank (as shown in <FIG>), or in mixing operations where homogenous mixtures are formed in processing vessels, or in other operations including but not limited to cleaning operations where factors including a geometry of the component(s) being cleaned or other factors may make the second ultrasonic device 100B desirable.

The ultrasonic devices 100A and 100B can be disposed in various systems and/or otherwise removably coupled to components to be cleaned. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are examples of systems that may include one or more of the ultrasonic devices 100A or 100B discussed above. As used herein, a first component such as an ultrasonic device can be "removably coupled" to a second component such as a component to be cleaned or another ultrasonic device such that the uncoupling of the two does not damage either, such that the ultrasonic device(s) can be recoupled to another component to be cleaned or to another ultrasonic device, and the cleaned component can be further processed and/or assembled or reassembled into industrial equipment.

<FIG> is an example ultrasonic system <NUM> according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows the first ultrasonic device 100A coupled to a support structure <NUM>. The first ultrasonic device 100A is disposed through a component <NUM>. The component <NUM> can be formed from one or more polymer, metallic, or composite materials and may be of varying outside and inside diameters and wall thicknesses, including tapered outside or inside diameters or tapered wall thickness. The component has a first end 202A and a second end 202B, an inside surface <NUM>, and an outside surface <NUM> extending from the first end 202A to the second end 202B. The inside surface <NUM> defines an inside passage <NUM> through which the first ultrasonic device 100A is positioned. In some examples, the component <NUM> can include a coating and/or three-dimensional structures on the inside surface <NUM>, such as nano-, micro-, or macro-sized features extending along some or all of the inside surface <NUM>. A nano-sized feature includes a feature having a maximum dimension of about <NUM>, and a macro-sized feature is a feature having a minimum dimension that can be seen without magnification, including the magnification of prescription eyewear. Micro-sized features are features having a minimum dimension greater than <NUM> but which may not be visible without magnification. In some examples, which can be combined with other examples of ultrasonic devices herein, the outside surface <NUM> can include a coating and/or three-dimensional structures having nano-, micro-, or macro-sized features extending along some or all of the outside surface <NUM>.

The first ultrasonic device 100A can include the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> discussed above. In some examples of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, one or more first heating elements <NUM>, or other heating elements such as the second heating element <NUM> discussed above, can be further included in the first ultrasonic device 100A. The support structure <NUM> is shown as an open structure having a first side 204A, a bottom 204B, and a second side 204C. In one example, the first coupling mechanism 206A is configured to secure the first end <NUM> of the first ultrasonic device 100A to the first end 202A of the component <NUM>, and may be positioned at various locations at or near the first end 202A. In some examples, which can be combined with other examples discussed herein, first coupling mechanism 206A can be further configured to be secured to the support structure <NUM>, for example, via the first side 204A. The second coupling mechanism 206B is configured to secure the second end <NUM> of the first ultrasonic device 100A to the second end 202B of the component <NUM>, and may be positioned at various locations at or near the second end 202B. In some examples, which can be combined with other examples
herein, the second coupling mechanism 206B can be further configured to be secured to the support structure <NUM>, for example, via the second side 204D.

In some examples, each of the first coupling mechanism 206A and the second coupling mechanism 206B includes two or more elements, each element being configured to (a) secure the first ultrasonic device 100A to the component <NUM> or (b) secure the component <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>. The coupling mechanisms 206A, 206B can include mechanical means such as clamps, press-fit, magnetic closures, or other means or combinations of means such that the coupling mechanisms 206A, 206B removably couple the first ultrasonic device 100A to the component <NUM> to remove debris from the inside passage <NUM>. In some examples, the entirety of the outside surface <NUM> can be suspended via the coupling mechanisms 206A, 206B. In still other examples, other portions of the component <NUM> can be secured to the support structure <NUM> using additional coupling mechanisms (not shown here). In other examples, one or more portions of the outside surface <NUM> may be in contact with and supported by the support structure <NUM> without use of coupling mechanisms. In one such example, the contact portion 202C of the component <NUM> is in contact with the bottom 204B of the support structure <NUM>. In this example, the contact portion 202C may be secured in place by tension on the component <NUM> created via the use of the first coupling mechanism 206A and the second coupling mechanism 206B.

The first side 204A and the second side 204C of the support structure <NUM> can be removably coupled to the bottom 204B. While the first side 204A is shown as being substantially parallel to the second side 204C, in other examples, the two sides can be configured relative to each other at different angles other than the parallel configuration. The first side 204A and the second side 204C of the support structure <NUM> are shown in <FIG> as being substantially perpendicular to the bottom 204B of the support structure <NUM>. In other examples, one or both of the first side 204A and the second side 204C can be configured at other angles relative to the bottom 204B. Further, in other examples, a top support (not shown here) can be used as a part of the support structure <NUM>. This top support could be removably coupled to one or more of the first side 204A and the second side 204C, or the bottom 204B at various angles, and may be coupled to the component <NUM> and/or the first ultrasonic device 100A.

The ultrasonic system <NUM> further includes a fluid vessel <NUM>, a waste vessel <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> and the waste vessel <NUM> are shown as being separate vessels in <FIG>. In other examples, a single system may include both the fluid vessel <NUM> and the waste vessel <NUM>. In still other examples, a single system may further include a filtering system (not shown here) to recycle the waste fluid from the waste vessel <NUM>. A plurality of logic stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be in wired or wireless communication with elements of the ultrasonic system <NUM>. The plurality of logic can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as indicated by element <NUM>, and can control, for example, a speed and direction of fluid flow from the fluid vessel <NUM> through the inside passage <NUM> to the waste vessel <NUM>, such that the fluid is in contact with the inside passage <NUM> and the first ultrasonic device 100A. The fluid stored in the fluid vessel <NUM> may include water, surfactant, a degreasing liquid, a degreasing gas, ambient air, nitrogen, CO<NUM>, and combinations thereof. The fluid vessel <NUM>, or other fluid vessels discussed herein, can be configured to direct fluid towards the outside surface <NUM> or the inside surface <NUM>, for example, to create a directional flow including a swirling flow around the outside surface <NUM> or through the inside surface <NUM> of the component <NUM>.

In one example, the fluid can be heated in the fluid vessel <NUM> to a temperature from about room temperature (about <NUM> to about <NUM>) to about <NUM>° C. The fluid may be brought to and held at a predetermined temperature, or ramped up and/or down to various temperatures, to aid in cleaning, mixing, or other operations performed by the systems discussed herein which include ultrasonic devices. In another example, which can be combined with other examples herein, the fluid can be heated by the one or more first heating elements <NUM> to a temperature from about room temperature to about <NUM>, instead of or in addition to being heated while in the fluid vessel <NUM>. In another example, the temperature of the fluid established via the plurality of first heating elements <NUM> or in the fluid vessel may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In another example, the temperature of the fluid established via the one or more first heating elements <NUM> or in the fluid vessel may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The plurality of logic can be in the form of one or more programs such as cleaning programs that control the fluid flow volume from the fluid vessel <NUM>, a time for fluid flow to remain in the inside passage before being moved to the waste vessel <NUM>, a frequency range for the one or more of the plurality of transducers <NUM>, a temperature range, ramp up, and ramp down for the one or more of the one or more first heating elements <NUM>, as well as other parameters and combinations of parameters. In one example, the waste vessel <NUM> can be configured to filter contaminants removed from the inside (internal) passage <NUM> and return filtered fluid to the fluid vessel <NUM> which can be re-used during the cleaning of the component <NUM> or subsequent components. In another example, the waste vessel <NUM> (or other waste vessels discussed herein) can be configured to collect the fluid supplied to the ultrasonic device 100A from the fluid vessel <NUM>. In some examples, the fluid vessel <NUM> includes a plurality of partitions, each of which includes one or more types (compositions) of cleaning fluid, which can be used alone or in combination with one or more types of cleaning fluid. Regardless of whether or not the cleaning fluid is recycled, one or more cycles of cleaning may be executed via a cleaning program, wherein each cleaning cycle in the cleaning program includes a transfer of a predetermined volume of cleaning fluid from the fluid vessel <NUM> to the waste vessel <NUM>. A cleaning cycle may be defined by moving a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid from the fluid vessel <NUM> through the component <NUM>. Depending upon factors including a geometry of the component <NUM>, an inside passage <NUM> configuration (geometry) of the component <NUM>, a surface roughness, smoothness, or other features of the inside surface <NUM> or outside surface <NUM> of the component, the predetermined volume included in each cycle may be from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the fluid (liquid, gas, particles, or combinations thereof) disposed in the fluid vessel <NUM>.

The ultrasonic system <NUM> in <FIG> may be used for cleaning components when a low-solvent cleaning method is desired, and/or when cleaning one or more inside passages is desired. The first ultrasonic device 100A is shown as being positioned through the inside passage <NUM> of the component. In some examples, the fluid vessel <NUM> may include one or more gases, such as CO<NUM> as discussed above, such that the gas is flowed through the component <NUM> to remove contaminants dislodged via the first ultrasonic device 100A. In this example, the ultrasonic system <NUM> can be configured to perform solvent-free cleaning operations.

The ultrasonic system <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as being configured to clean one component <NUM>. In other examples, ultrasonic systems discussed herein may be configured to clean two or more component simultaneously. One such example of a multi-component-cleaning ultrasonic system is shown and discussed below in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an example ultrasonic system <NUM> according to aspects of the present disclosure. The ultrasonic system <NUM> of <FIG>, which may be referred to as a cleaning system, is similar to the ultrasonic system <NUM> of <FIG>, but it includes an additional ultrasonic device and an expanded support structure and is configured to clean a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM>. <FIG> shows the first ultrasonic device 100A coupled to a support structure <NUM>. While a single first ultrasonic device (100A) is shown in <FIG> as being configured to clean the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>, in other examples, two or more ultrasonic devices may be used to clean two or more components. In other examples, the first ultrasonic device 100A can be used to clean three or more components. In still other examples, other forms of ultrasonic devices discussed herein may be configured in the ultrasonic system <NUM> of <FIG> (e.g., the ultrasonic devices discussed in <FIG> or <FIG>).

The first ultrasonic device 100A is positioned through an inside passage <NUM> of a component <NUM>. The first component <NUM> can be formed from one or more polymer, metallic, or composite materials and may be of varying outside and inside diameters and wall thicknesses, including tapered outside or inside diameters or tapered wall thickness. The component has a first end 302A and a second end 302B, an inside surface <NUM>, and an outside surface <NUM> extending from the first end 302A to the second end 302B. The inside surface <NUM> defines the inside passage <NUM> through which the first ultrasonic device 100A is positioned.

The first ultrasonic device 100A can include the plurality of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> discussed above. In some examples of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, one or more of the plurality of first heating elements <NUM> can be further included in the first ultrasonic device 100A. The support structure <NUM> is shown as an open structure having a plurality of connected portions, including a first side portion 304A, a second side portion 304B, and a third side portion 304C. The support structure <NUM> may further include a first bottom portion 304D and a second bottom portion 304E. In other examples, the support structure <NUM> may include additional portions configured in various manners to support one or more components (e.g. <NUM>).

The first coupling mechanism 330A is configured to secure the first end 302A of the first ultrasonic device 100A to the first end 302A of the first component <NUM>, and may be positioned at various locations at or near the first end 302A. The first coupling mechanism 330A can be secured to the support structure <NUM>, for example, via a first side portion 304A of the support structure <NUM>. The second coupling mechanism 330B may be configured to secure the first ultrasonic device 100A to the second end 302B of the first component <NUM>, and may be positioned at various locations at or near the second end 302B. The second coupling mechanism 330B can be further configured to secure the first component <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>, for example, via the second side portion 304B. In some examples, each of the first coupling mechanism 330A and the second coupling mechanism 330B includes two or more elements, each element being configured to (a) secure the first ultrasonic device 100A to the first component <NUM> or (b) secure the first component <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>.

In some examples, the entirety of the outside surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> can be suspended via the coupling mechanisms 330A, 330B. In still other examples, other portions of the first component <NUM> can be secured to the support structure <NUM> using additional coupling mechanisms (not shown here). In other examples, one or more portions of the outside surface <NUM> may be in contact with and supported by the support structure <NUM> without use of coupling mechanisms. In one such example, a contact portion 302C of the first component <NUM> is in contact with a first bottom portion 304D of the support structure <NUM>. The contact portion 302C is referred to as such as it is a portion of the first component <NUM> that may be in contact with the support structure <NUM> to stabilize or otherwise facilitate cleaning of the first component <NUM>. In this example, the contact portion 302C may be secured in place by tension on the first component <NUM> created via the use of the first coupling mechanism 330A and the second coupling mechanism 330B. In other examples, which can be combined with other aspects discussed herein, the contact portion 302C may be secured in place using one or more coupling mechanisms (not shown here).

The ultrasonic system <NUM> is further configured to have the second component <NUM> coupled thereto. The second component <NUM> is shown as being configured similarly to the first component <NUM> for ease of illustration, but may, in other examples, have multiple twists, turns, and bends in various directions. The first ultrasonic device 100A has a portion <NUM> extending between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. The second component <NUM> has a first end 314A, a second end 314B, an outside surface <NUM>, and an inside surface <NUM> defining an inside passage <NUM> through which the first ultrasonic device 100A is positioned.

A third coupling mechanism 330C is configured to secure the first end 314A of the first ultrasonic device 100A to the first end 314A of the second component <NUM>, and may be positioned at various locations at or near the first end 314A. The third coupling mechanism 330C can be secured to the support structure <NUM>, for example, via the second side portion 304B of the support structure <NUM>. A fourth coupling mechanism 330D may be configured to secure the first ultrasonic device 100A to the second end 314B of the second component <NUM>, and may be positioned at various locations at or near the second end 314B. The fourth coupling mechanism 330D can be further configured to secure the second component <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>, for example, via the third side portion 304C. The third side portion 304C is an example of a portion of the support structure <NUM> that includes multi-directional features to accommodate components of varying geometries. In some examples, each of the third coupling mechanism 330C and the fourth coupling mechanism 330D includes two or more elements, each element being configured to (a) secure the first ultrasonic device 100A to the second component <NUM> or (b) secure the second component <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>.

In some examples, the entirety of the outside surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM> can be suspended via the coupling mechanisms 330C, 330D such that the bottom portion 314C. In still other examples, other portions of the second component <NUM> can be secured to the support structure <NUM> using additional coupling mechanisms (not shown here). In other examples, one or more portions of the outside surface <NUM> may be in contact with and supported by the support structure <NUM> without use of coupling mechanisms. In one such example, a contact portion 314C of the second component <NUM> is in contact with a second bottom portion 304E of the support structure <NUM>. In this example, the contact portion 314C may be secured in place by tension on the second component <NUM> created via the use of the third coupling mechanism 330C and the fourth coupling mechanism 330D.

The coupling mechanisms 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D can include mechanical means such as clamps, press-fit, magnetic closures, or other means or combinations of means such that the coupling mechanisms 330A, 330B, 330C, and 330D removably couple the first ultrasonic device 100A to the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> to remove debris from the inside passages <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

The ultrasonic system <NUM> can further include a fluid vessel <NUM>, a waste vessel <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> may be configured to supply fluid to the first component <NUM>, such that the fluid flows through the first component <NUM> either from the first end 302A to the second end 302B or from the second end 302B to the first end 302A. The fluid stored in the fluid vessel <NUM> may include water, surfactant, a degreasing liquid, a degreasing gas, ambient air, nitrogen, CO<NUM>, and combinations thereof. In some examples, a plurality of particles may be present in the fluid stored in the fluid vessel <NUM>, these particles may be used to aid in the cleaning process. A plurality of logic stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be in wired or wireless communication with elements of the ultrasonic system <NUM>. The plurality of logic can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as indicated by element <NUM>, and can control, for example, a speed and direction of fluid flow from the fluid vessel <NUM> through the inside passage <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and into to the waste vessel <NUM>, such that the fluid is in contact with the inside passage <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and the first ultrasonic device 100A. The fluid vessel <NUM> may be further configured to supply fluid to the second component <NUM>, such that the fluid flows through the second component <NUM> either from the first end 314A to the second end 314B or from the second end 314B to the first end 314A through the inside passage <NUM> of the second component <NUM> where the first ultrasonic device 100A is positioned. In one example, the fluid can be heated in the fluid vessel <NUM> to a temperature from about room temperature to about <NUM>° C. In another example, which can be combined with other examples herein, the fluid can be heated by the plurality of first heating elements <NUM> to a temperature from about room temperature to about <NUM>° C, instead of or in addition to being heated while in the fluid vessel <NUM>. The waste vessel <NUM> may be coupled to each of the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> at one or both ends in order to collect the waste fluid.

The plurality of logic can be in the form of one or more cleaning programs or other programs that control factors including: the fluid flow volume from the fluid vessel <NUM>, a time for fluid flow to remain in the inside passage before being moved to the waste vessel <NUM>, a frequency range for the one or more of the plurality of transducers <NUM>, a temperature range, ramp up, and ramp down for the one or more of the plurality of first heating elements <NUM>, as well as other parameters and combinations of parameters. In one example, the waste vessel <NUM> can be configured to filter contaminants removed from the inside passage of the first component <NUM> and/or the second component <NUM> and return filtered fluid to the fluid vessel <NUM> which can be re-used during the cleaning of the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM>, or components cleaned in subsequent cleaning cycles. In some examples, the fluid vessel <NUM> includes a plurality of partitions, each of which includes one or more types (compositions) of cleaning fluid, which can be used alone or in combination with one or more types of cleaning fluid. Regardless of whether or not the cleaning fluid is recycled, one or more cycles of cleaning may be executed via a cleaning program, wherein each cleaning cycle in the cleaning program includes a transfer of a predetermined volume of cleaning fluid from the fluid vessel <NUM> to the waste vessel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the first ultrasonic device 100A positioned relative to the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. In other examples, two or more ultrasonic devices and/or components may be coupled to an ultrasonic system, such as a cleaning system. In some examples, each component may have an ultrasonic device coupled thereto. Further, in either of the ultrasonic systems <NUM> or <NUM>, one or more of the first ultrasonic devices 100A may be removably coupled to the outside surface(s) of the components. In still other aspects of the present disclosure, in either of the ultrasonic systems <NUM> or <NUM>, one or more of the first ultrasonic devices 100A may be removably coupled to both the outside surface and the inside passageway of the components. In other examples, two or more components may share a single ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic system <NUM> of <FIG> may be used, for example, when multiple components are to be cleaned simultaneously, or when multiple components may be cleaned in a staggered or overlapping series of cleaning processes. In still other examples, the second ultrasonic device 100B may be used in place of the first ultrasonic device 100A in either of the ultrasonic systems shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts an illustration of an ultrasonic system <NUM> according to aspects of the present disclosure. In contrast to the ultrasonic systems <NUM> and <NUM> discussed above, the ultrasonic system <NUM> includes a tank <NUM> having liquid <NUM> therein, which is a liquid that may or may not have gas bubbled therethrough, in contrast to the fluids discussed herein that may take the form of a liquid or a gas. The tank <NUM> may have one or more access points, which may include the movement of a side of a tank, a portion of a side of a tank, or a combination of sides and portions of sides of the tank, to enable the positioning of components therein. The one or more access points may be hinged, magnetized, latched, or otherwise secured and unsecured to both allow the positioning of one or more components prior to and subsequent to processing, while containing the liquid <NUM> therein. The ultrasonic system <NUM> may be used, for example, when it is desirable to clean a component by submerging the component in fluid in order to more readily remove contaminants from the outside surface or the inside passage (or both simultaneously). Accordingly, the component <NUM> positioned in the tank <NUM> can be cleaned using the liquid <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the component <NUM> positioned therein, the component <NUM> is shown for illustrative purposes as the system <NUM> is fabricated and sold without the component <NUM> being positioned therein. The component <NUM> includes a first end 410A, a second end 410B, an outside surface 410C, and an inside surface 410D defining an inside passage 410E extending from the first end 410A to the second end 410B. In some examples, a fluid vessel <NUM> may optionally be included in the ultrasonic system <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> may be included, for example, to introduce a different type of fluid than the liquid <NUM> included in the tank <NUM>, or to introduce new fluid to the tank <NUM>. While the system <NUM> is shown as having a single component (<NUM>) positioned therein, in other examples, two or more components of varying geometries may be positioned in the tank <NUM>.

The tank <NUM> can be defined by a plurality of sides, 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D, 402E, and 402F. The tank <NUM> may be fabricated from various metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, glass, polymer(s), or other materials or combinations of materials. One or more sides (402A-402F) may have heating elements (not shown) embedded within or removably coupled thereto. As illustrated in <FIG>, at least the front side 402E is illustrated as being formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of sides (402A, 402B, 402C, 402D, 402E, 402F) may include a portion formed from a transparent material. This may be, for example, to enable viewing of the cleaning process. The tank <NUM> has a plurality of liquid <NUM> disposed therein. The liquid <NUM> may be disposed in any volume of the tank <NUM>, up to and including the entire volume of the tank <NUM>. The liquid <NUM> may include water, include water, surfactant, a degreasing liquid, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the liquid <NUM> may include a plurality of gas fed into the tank <NUM>, which may include a degreasing gas, ambient air, nitrogen, CO<NUM>, or combinations thereof. In some examples, a plurality of particles may be present in the fluid stored in the tank <NUM>, these particles may be used to aid in the cleaning process. The system <NUM> includes a fluid vessel <NUM> that is configured to supply fluid to the tank <NUM>. The fluid stored in the fluid vessel <NUM> may be the same as the liquid <NUM> in the tank <NUM>. In other examples, the fluid stored in the fluid vessel <NUM> may be different than the liquid <NUM> in the tank <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> may include water, include water, surfactant, a degreasing liquid, a degreasing gas, ambient air, nitrogen, CO<NUM>, and combinations thereof. In some examples, a plurality of particles may be present in the fluid stored in the fluid vessel <NUM>, these particles may be used to aid in the removal of contaminants during the cleaning process.

Two ultrasonic devices are shown in <FIG>. A first ultrasonic device 408A may be configured similarly to the ultrasonic device 100B show in <FIG>. The first ultrasonic device 408A may be configured to couple to the outside surface 410C of the component <NUM> to clean the outside surface 410C. In some aspects of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, the first ultrasonic device 408A may be used alone. In other aspects of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, the first ultrasonic device 408A may be used in combination with a second ultrasonic device 408B. In still other aspects of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, the first ultrasonic device 408A may be used in combination with the second ultrasonic device 408B. In still other aspects of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, two or more of the first ultrasonic device 408A and/or the second ultrasonic device 408B may be used to clean one or more components. The second ultrasonic device 408B may be configured similarly to the ultrasonic device 100A in <FIG>. Accordingly, the second ultrasonic device 408B may be positioned in the inside passage 410E of the component <NUM> to remove contaminants from the inside passage 410E.

The tank <NUM> further includes a support structure <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> is configured to couple to the ultrasonic devices (408A, 408B). The support structure <NUM> may be configured to couple to the component <NUM>. The tank <NUM> can further include a plurality of nozzles <NUM> configured to be adjustable such that the plurality of nozzles <NUM> can direct the liquid <NUM> (and/or the fluid, which may include a liquid, gas, or combinations thereof which may or may not include particles, from the fluid vessel <NUM>) at the outside surface 410C of the component <NUM> and/or through the inside passage 410E of the component <NUM> to remove contaminants. In some examples, the support structure <NUM> can be configured to position the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the first or second ultrasonic devices (408A, 408B) from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> (about <NUM>,<NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches) from one or more surfaces of the component <NUM> or other components positioned in the system. In other examples, the support structure <NUM> can be configured to position the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the first or second ultrasonic devices (408A, 408B) from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> (about <NUM> inch to about <NUM> inches) from one or more (inside or outside, depending upon the configuration of ultrasonic devices used) surfaces of the component <NUM>. In other examples, the support structure <NUM> can be configured to position the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the first or second ultrasonic devices (408A, 408B) from about <NUM>,<NUM> to about <NUM>,<NUM> (about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches) from one or more surfaces of the component <NUM>. While the relative distances of the transducers (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) to the component <NUM> are discussed in <FIG> with respect to the ultrasonic system <NUM> of <FIG>, the relative distances of the transducers to the components discussed in <FIG> and <FIG> above may be similar to those discussed in <FIG>.

The ultrasonic system <NUM> further includes a waste vessel <NUM> and a power supply <NUM>. The ultrasonic system <NUM> can further include a fluid filtering system <NUM>, and a fluid pumping system <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be configured to supply power to one or more of the ultrasonic devices (410A, 410B), the plurality of nozzles <NUM>, the fluid vessel <NUM>, the fluid filtering system <NUM>, or the waste vessel <NUM>. In other examples of the ultrasonic system <NUM>, two or more power supplies similar to the power supply <NUM> may be used to control the various aspects of the ultrasonic system <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> discussed above may be configured to supply fluid to the component <NUM>, such that the fluid flows through the component <NUM> either from the first end 410A to the second end 410B or from the second end 410B to the first end 410A. A plurality of logic stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be in wired or wireless communication with elements of the ultrasonic system <NUM> and may be powered by the power supply <NUM>. The plurality of logic can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as indicated by element <NUM>, and can control, for example, a speed and direction of fluid flow from the fluid vessel <NUM> or from the liquid <NUM> in the tank <NUM>. In one example, the liquid <NUM> in the tank <NUM> and/or the fluid in the fluid vessel <NUM> can be heated to a temperature from about room temperature to about <NUM>° C. The waste vessel <NUM> may be coupled to the tank <NUM>, the fluid pumping system <NUM> (which may include a plurality of pumps) may be configured.

The plurality of logic can be in the form of one or more cleaning programs that control factors including: the fluid flow volume from the fluid vessel <NUM>, a pressure of each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM> (which may differ among and between the nozzles), an angle of each of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>, which nozzles of the plurality of nozzles <NUM> are in use, a time for fluid flow from the liquid <NUM> within the tank <NUM> to occur prior to filtering the liquid <NUM> via the fluid filtering system <NUM>, a time for fluid flow from the fluid vessel <NUM> to occur prior to filtering the liquid <NUM> via the fluid filtering system, a frequency range for the one or more of the plurality of transducers of the first ultrasonic device 408A, a frequency range for the one or more of the plurality of transducers of the second ultrasonic device 408B, a temperature range, ramp up, and ramp down for the one or more of the plurality of heaters of the first ultrasonic device 408A and/or the second ultrasonic device 408B, as well as other parameters and combinations of parameters.

The fluid filtering system <NUM> may be configured to filter the contaminants removed from the component <NUM>, deposit the contaminants in the waste vessel <NUM>, and return the filtered liquid to the tank <NUM> or the fluid vessel <NUM>. The recycled fluid can be used to continue to clean the component <NUM>, or may be used in subsequent cleaning processes to clean other components (not shown here).

<FIG> depicts example components that may be removably coupled to and, in some examples, cleaned using the ultrasonic systems discussed herein. For example, a straight component <NUM> of varying lengths and diameters may be cleaned, as well as a coiled component <NUM>. In other examples, a curved component <NUM> may be cleaned, as well as a U-shaped component <NUM> having both curved and straight elements. In addition to components having smooth transitional external geometries, which may have smooth transitional internal geometries, components having sharp transitional geometries, both internal and external, may also be cleaned using the ultrasonic systems discussed herein. For example, L-shaped components <NUM> or components including two or more L-shaped bends <NUM>. In some aspects, a vessel component <NUM>, that may be referred to herein as a "processing vessel," may be coupled to the ultrasonic systems discussed herein as well. The vessel component <NUM> may be a processing vessel, configured to retain a mixture of elements and/or to deliver that mixture to a component or other vessel as part of a fabrication or cleaning process. In this example, the ultrasonic systems are configured as mixing systems, such that one or more ultrasonic devices (100A, 100B) may be removably coupled to an outside surface 514A of the vessel component <NUM> and/or positioned in a volume 514B of the vessel component <NUM>. In this example, the ultrasonic cleaning may be used to form a homogenous mixture from one or more constituents disposed in the volume 518B of the vessel component <NUM>.

The example components in <FIG> are illustrative of components that may be cleaned using the ultrasonic systems discussed herein, which are configured to remove contaminants from crevices, cracks, holes, pores, and features of varying sizes as discussed herein without damaging the component or coatings or features formed on or inside of the component. While the components shown in <FIG> each include an inside passage, in other examples of components cleaned by the ultrasonic systems including ultrasonic devices discussed herein, the components may not have inside passages, but may have other features such as pockets, angles, or other features that make ultrasonic cleaning desirable.

<FIG> depicts a flow chart for a method <NUM> of cleaning one or more components using the ultrasonic devices according to aspects of the present disclosure. The method <NUM> may be performed using any combination of the ultrasonic devices and cleaning or mixing systems discussed herein. The method <NUM> includes the execution of one or more cleaning programs, which may include any combination of the operations discussed below.

At operation <NUM> of the method <NUM>, at least one component is positioned in an ultrasonic system (<NUM> - Position at least one component in an ultrasonic system). The positioning of the at least one component at operation <NUM> may include positioning one or more ultrasonic devices inside of an inside passage of the component. In other examples, which can be combined with other examples herein, the positioning of the at least one component at operation <NUM> may include positioning one or more ultrasonic devices around an outside surface the at least one component. In other examples, the positioning of the at least one component at operation <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include removably coupling the at least one component to a support structure of the ultrasonic system. Optionally, at operation <NUM>, a temperature of the ultrasonic device(s) used in the method <NUM> may be established (<NUM> - Establish a temperature of the ultrasonic device). In one example, the ultrasonic device does not include heating elements or includes heating elements that may not be used in the method <NUM>. In other examples, the ultrasonic heating device includes heating elements that are activated at operation <NUM>. In still other examples, operation <NUM> may include maintaining a consistent temperature during the method <NUM> or adjusting the temperature of the heating elements dynamically during the duration of the method <NUM>. In one example, the temperature established at operation <NUM> may vary from room temperature (about <NUM> to about <NUM>) to about <NUM>° C. In another example, the temperature established at operation <NUM> may be from about <NUM> ° C to about <NUM>° C. In another example, the temperature established at operation <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The method <NUM> further includes operation <NUM>, where the ultrasonic device(s) is activated by applying, via a power supply, a current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers for a predetermined period of time to dislodge a plurality of contaminants from the at least one component (<NUM> - Activate the ultrasonic device(s)). The predetermined period of time may be from about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> hours. In another example, the predetermined period of time may be from about <NUM> minutes to <NUM> minutes. In yet another example, the predetermined period of time may be from about <NUM> minutes to <NUM> minutes. In one example, the current applied at operation <NUM> can be from about <NUM> amperes (A) to about <NUM> A. In another example, the current applied at operation <NUM> may be from about <NUM> A to about <NUM> A. In yet another example, the current applied at operation <NUM> can be from about 5A to about 15A Applying the current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (at operation <NUM>), which can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>, causes a plurality of contaminants to be dislodged from the at least one component. In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. In still other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>.

The current applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers can be constant, varied, pulsed, or combinations thereof. Each pulse of the ultrasonic device may include configuring the ultrasonic device in a first state and a second state. The pulses discussed herein may include a first state where the ultrasonic device is active (powered on) and a second state where the ultrasonic device is not active (powered off). In another example, the first state of a pulsed power source may include activating the ultrasonic device to apply a first current and the second state may include activating the ultrasonic device to apply a second current, where the second current is less than the first current and the ultrasonic device is not deactivated in between the first state and the second state, nor in between pulses. In examples of the method <NUM> where the power is pulsed at operation <NUM>, there may be from <NUM>-<NUM> pulses, where each pulse is from about <NUM> second to about <NUM> minutes and has a first state lasting from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> seconds. In another example, each pulse has a first state lasting from about <NUM> second to about <NUM> seconds. In yet another example, has a first state lasting from about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> minutes.

At operation <NUM>, the plurality of contaminants dislodged from the at least one component can be flushed from the ultrasonic system (<NUM> - Flush the plurality of dislodged contaminants from the at least one component). In some examples, the flushing at operation <NUM> may include flushing fluid from one or more inside passages of the at least one component. In other examples, which may be combined with other examples herein, the flushing at operation <NUM> may include flushing fluid from a tank, for example, the tank <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The fluid may be flushed using various configurations of one or more pumping systems that may be coupled to at least one of a tank or a component.

As discussed herein, "flushing" fluid may mean removing fluid and disposing of the fluid, or removing, filtering, and recycling the fluid. In one example, at operation <NUM>, subsequent to flushing the fluid at operation <NUM>, the flushed fluid is disposed of in one or more waste vessels (<NUM> - Dispose the flushed fluid in a waste vessel). The waste vessel may be emptied and disposed of, or have its content treated prior to disposal, depending upon the type of fluid used and the locale in which disposal occurs.

In other examples of the method <NUM>, subsequent to operation <NUM>, the flushed fluid may be filtered at operation <NUM> to remove the contaminants from the fluid (<NUM> - Filter the flushed fluid to remove contaminants). The filtering may occur in a filtering system that is a part of the waste vessel, or in a separate filtering system coupled to the waste vessel such that the filtered plurality of contaminants is deposited in the waste vessel at operation <NUM> (Deposit the separated plurality of contaminants in the waste vessel). Further subsequent to operation <NUM>, the filtered fluid may be returned to the ultrasonic system at operation <NUM> (<NUM> - Return the filtered fluid to the ultrasonic system). In one example, the fluid filtered at operation <NUM> may be returned to the ultrasonic system at operation <NUM> by depositing it in the tank (such as the tank <NUM> in <FIG>). In another example, which can be combined with other examples herein, the fluid filtered at operation <NUM> may be returned to the ultrasonic system at operation <NUM> by supplying the filtered fluid directly to one or more inside passages of the at least one component. In still another example, which can be combined with other examples herein, the fluid filtered at operation <NUM> may be returned to the ultrasonic system at operation <NUM> by supplying the filtered fluid to a fluid vessel which is configured to supply the filtered fluid (alone or in combination with new, unused fluid) to one or more inside passages of the at least one component. The filtering at operation <NUM> may occur during the method <NUM> such that the fluid used at operation <NUM> to flush contaminants is recycled in a plurality of iterations while cleaning the at least one component positioned in the ultrasonic system at operation <NUM>. In other examples, the filtering at operation <NUM> may occur during the method <NUM> such that the fluid used at operation <NUM> to flush contaminants is recycled and used in subsequent cleaning cycles to clean different components.

Depending upon the example, activation of the ultrasonic device(s) at operation <NUM> may occur, for example, from less than one minute to upwards of four hours. During operation <NUM>, as discussed above, the fluid may be flushed and filtered iteratively at operations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In other examples, during operation <NUM>, the fluid may be flushed at operation <NUM>, disposed of at operation <NUM>, and new, unused fluid may be introduced into the ultrasonic system (either in the tank, the inside passage(s), or both) at operation <NUM> in one or more iterations to continue to flush (operation <NUM>) the contaminants dislodged by the activation of the ultrasonic devices at operation <NUM>.

Subsequent to completing one or more cleaning programs to remove the contaminants from the at least one component, at operation <NUM>, the ultrasonic device(s) activated at operation <NUM> are deactivated. Further at operation <NUM>, the one or more components positioned in the ultrasonic system at operation <NUM> may be uncoupled from the ultrasonic system so that new, different components may be cleaned in the ultrasonic system.

The ultrasonic systems including ultrasonic devices discussed herein can be configured to clean inside passages and/or outside surfaces of one or more components, removing contaminants from smooth or textured surfaces, or other areas of components where it may be challenging to remove contaminants. In other examples, the ultrasonic systems discussed herein may be positioned around and/or inside of processing vessels in order to perform processing operations such as the formation of homogenous solutions and/or colloidal solutions that may include various sizes and types of particles, as discussed in <FIG> below.

<FIG> depicts a method <NUM> of forming a chemically homogenous mixture according to aspects of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, a "chemically homogenous mixture" is a combination of two or more liquid, solid, or gas constituents having a target chemical composition, which may or may not include a target weight or volume percentage of particles of varying sizes, as discussed in detail below. The programs executed in the method of <FIG> may be referred to as "mixing programs" and may include factors such as an intensity and/or time for a current applied to an ultrasonic device(s), pulsing parameters (time, duration) for the current, a temperature of the ultrasonic device, or other factors or combinations of factors that may be associated with one or more processing operations such as mixing.

At operation <NUM>, a processing vessel is removably coupled to an ultrasonic system (<NUM> - Removably couple at least one processing vessel to an ultrasonic system). Operation <NUM> may include removably coupling an ultrasonic device similar to the first ultrasonic device 100A discussed in <FIG> to the processing vessel, which may be similar to the vessel component <NUM> in <FIG>. In other examples, the processing vessel may take other shapes and forms, or may include a plurality of processing vessels disposed in a fixture, such that multiple homogenous solutions are formed simultaneously. In other examples, operation <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include removably coupling one or more ultrasonic devices similar to the second ultrasonic device 100B discussed in <FIG> to the processing vessel(s). In some examples, two or more of the ultrasonic devices 100A or 100B may be removably coupled to the processing vessel by being positioned relative to or coupled directly to one or more of an outside surface or an inside surface of the processing vessel(s). In other examples, a combination of the first ultrasonic device 100A and the second ultrasonic device 100B may be removably coupled to the processing vessel by being positioned relative to or coupled directly to one or more of an outside surface or an inside surface of the processing vessel(s). The processing vessels discussed herein may include smooth inside surfaces or rough inside surfaces, such that the inside surface may or may not contribute to the mixing processes discussed herein.

The method <NUM> further includes operation <NUM>, where the ultrasonic device(s) is activated by applying, via a power supply, a current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to dislodge a plurality of contaminants from the at least one component (<NUM> - Activate the ultrasonic device(s)). In one example, the current applied at operation <NUM> can be from about <NUM> amperes (A) to about <NUM> A. In another example, the current applied at operation <NUM> may be from about <NUM> A to about <NUM> A. In yet another example, the current applied at operation <NUM> can be from about 5A to about 15A Applying the current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (at operation <NUM>), which can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>, causes two or more constituents disposed in the processing vessel to form a homogenous mixture. The two or more constituents may include two liquids, two solids, a liquid and a solid, or other combinations of constituents. In other examples, one or more gaseous constituents may be disposed in the processing vessel during operation <NUM> discussed below, to be included in the homogenous mixture. In this example, a vessel including the gaseous constituent may be coupled to the ultrasonic system such that an outlet of the vessel having the gaseous constituent is positioned to deliver the gas to the processing vessel.

In some examples, the one or more solid components disposed in the processing vessel can include nano-, micro-, or macro-sized particles of varying geometries A nano-sized particle includes a particle having a maximum dimension of about <NUM>, and a macro-sized particle is a particle having a minimum dimension that can be seen without magnification, including the magnification of prescription eyewear. Micro-sized particle are particles having a minimum dimension greater than <NUM> but which may not be visible without magnification (e.g., a lens other than a prescription eyewear lens would be used to view the micro-sized particles). In other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>. In still other examples, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers can be configured to operate at a frequency from about <NUM> kilo-hertz (KHz) to about <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, in response to the activation of the ultrasonic device(s) at operation <NUM>, chemically homogenous mixture is formed in the one or more processing vessels (<NUM> - Form a chemically homogenous mixture). The mixture formed at operation <NUM> may be a solution or a colloidal mixture, as any solids that may be mixed at operation <NUM> may dissolve or may remain as particulates suspended in the mixture. At operation <NUM>, subsequent to forming the homogenous mixture at operation <NUM>, the ultrasonic device(s) is deactivated and the processing vessels are uncoupled from the ultrasonic system (<NUM> - Deactivate ultrasonic device(s) and uncouple processing vessel from ultrasonic system). The homogeneous mixtures formed in the one or more processing vessels may (a) be removed from the processing vessels and used for various operations and/or (b) have additional components added to the processing vessel, and repeat operations <NUM>-<NUM> to form different chemically homogenous mixtures.

Using the systems and methods discussed herein, ultrasonic devices are used for cleaning and mixing operations. The cleaning operations can use less energy, less solvent, no solvent, or otherwise be environmentally friendly as well as efficient for cleaning and mixing operations. A variety of chemically homogenous mixtures may be formed using these systems, and a wide range of components of varying materials and having varying geometries, including intricate, complicated geometries, can have contaminants removed from both inside passages and outside surfaces, including when porous coatings or other features that may tend to collect contaminants are present.

In the current disclosure, reference is made to various aspects. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to specific described aspects. Instead, any combination of the above features and elements, whether related to different aspects or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the teachings provided herein. Additionally, when elements of the aspects are described in the form of "at least one of A and B," it will be understood that aspects including element A exclusively, including element B exclusively, and including element A and B are each contemplated. Furthermore, although some aspects may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given aspect is not limiting of the present disclosure. Thus, the aspects, features, aspects and advantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to "the invention" shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects described herein may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware aspect, an entirely software aspect (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an aspect combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system. " Furthermore, aspects described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable storage medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to aspects of the present disclosure.

The flowchart illustrations and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order or out of order, depending upon the functionality involved.

Claim 1:
An ultrasonic system (<NUM>), comprising:
an ultrasonic device (100A, 100B, 408A, 408B), comprising:
a flexible body (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (<NUM>) coupled to the flexible body (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a power supply (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the ultrasonic device (100A) and configured to apply a current to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers (<NUM>);
a fluid vessel (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the ultrasonic device (100A); and
a waste vessel (<NUM>, <NUM>) removably coupled to the ultrasonic device (100A), wherein
the fluid vessel (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to supply fluid to a process tank (<NUM>) including a support structure (<NUM>) configured to couple to the ultrasonic device (408A, 408B).