Importance

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Abstract

A waveguide for projecting a longitudinal acoustic wave of wavelength .lambda. from an ultrasound energy source toward a target area. The waveguide has at least one tubular channel. The channel has inwardly tapered, conical inlet and outlet ports separated by a venturi. The inlet port taper defines a sharply rimmed entry orifice around the inlet port. A separation distance equal to one wavelength .lambda. is maintained between the source and the waveguide's inlet port. The waveguide shears off a cross-section of the wave emitted by the energy source and ejects it at accelerated velocity toward the target area. The channel has a length L and the venturi has a diameter D, such that the waveguide has an emitted beam angle equal to 2 (tan.sup.-1 (D/L)). Preferably, a plurality of tubular channels are aligned concentrically around and longitudinally parallel to the one tubular channel, each channel having a selected length and a selected diameter. The channels are preferably circular in cross-section, with their outlet ports located in an inwardly scalloped front face of the waveguide.

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First Claim