Patent ID: 7731823

Claim:
An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy, the system comprising: a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source, the horn having a length that is other than one half a wavelength of the ultrasonic energy source, wherein at least a leading section and a trailing section of the horn consist essentially of a ceramic material; wherein the horn is defined by a trailing end and a leading end, and further wherein the ultrasonic energy source includes a mounting component selected from the group consisting of a waveguide and a booster, the trailing end of the horn engaging in an interference fit with the mounting component such that a junction point between the mounting component and the trailing end of the horn is at an anti-node, the horn being secured to the mounting component by a clamping mechanism, wherein the horn is a ceramic cylindrical rod and the mounting component defines a circular bore, wherein the trailing end of the horn is received within the circular bore to provide an interference fit of 0.003 inch at room temperature.