Ultrasonic Instructional Kit, Method And Apparatus

Abstract

An instructional device to facilitate the teaching of physics, chemistry, and biology in the form of a number of related components including a converter for transforming normal 60 cycle per second current to an ultrasonic rate for generating mechanical vibratory energy, and a plurality of accessories of various shapes and configurations designed to perform one or more demonstrations or experiments when coupled to the output end of the ultrasonic motor.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a new and improved instructional device as well as the method of demonstrating various principles in the field of physics, biology and chemistry. To this end, the device is provided in the form of a kit to be used by the instructor or student in a public school, high school, or college level.

The present invention further permits the introduction into the science curriculum of the student a teaching of high frequency mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic frequency range to demonstrate some of the novel characteristics attributable to vibrations at this frequency and so that a teaching of high frequency mechanical vibrations can be obtained by the student. Heretofore, the introduction or education in the field of ultrasonic energy has been generally limited to the college level and only a few colleges in the country, to the knowledge of the inventors, offer any curriculum in the field of ultrasonic mechanical vibrations. The present apparatus permits the user to obtain an actual working knowledge of various characteristics attributable to the field of ultrasound and permits the user to experiment with same during his early educational training so as to be better equipped to understand and apply ultrasonic energy to a number of problems that might arise during his working career.

The present invention permits for the first time to have available in the form of a kit, as well as apparatus, and the method of use thereof, such that a host of phenomena may be demonstrated in a clear and concise manner and which demonstrations and/or experiments may be utilized in conjunction with present-day textbooks in the respective sciences such that the fundamental scientific concepts of the particular subject is demonstratable. The term "demonstration" is being used herein to denote demonstration, experiment, and other similar terms and definitions. To illustrate the scope of the present invention in the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology, a chart is provided below to illustrate just some of the particular demonstrations that may be provided with the equipment disclosed herein, or with the addition of certain other easily obtainable items, such that a complete host of demonstrations can be performed.

The chart illustrates the utilization of the ultrasonic instructional device with respect to three particular areas of science; namely, physics, chemistry, and biology. The chart is not intended to be all inclusive but merely to outline the general utility of the present invention and to show that it does relate to a number of various specific aspects in the field of physics, chemistry, and biology. Obviously, other applications are continuously being developed for the utilization of the present invention and the list is not intended to be all inclusive but, once again, merely indicative of the innumerable uses thereof.

DEMONSTRATIONS/EXPERIMENTS

Physics

1. "Zone of motion effect" due to acceleration of thousands of g's

2. Atomization

3. Cohesive strength of Metal vs. Cavitation (aluminum foil)

4. Direct conversion of elastic energy into heat

5. Pumping action of ultrasound vibrations

6. Magnetism plus electricity to produce motion

7. Cavitation in a liquid (sound transmission in water)

8. Ultrasonic wind

9. Degassing or Effervescence

Chemistry

10. Accelerating hydration (dissolving sugar in water)

11. Ionization

12. Reduction of PH (Irradiation of CCL.sub.4 in H.sub.2 O to turn blue litmus paper red)

13. Colloidal production (Tyndall effect)

14. Reversible viscosity of gelatin (accelerated syneresis)

15. Emulsification; e.g., lipids (fats, oils, waxes)

16. Degassing or Effervescence

17. Polymerization

18. Catalysis

19. Accelerated hydrolysis

20. Acceleration of chemical reactions (electrolysis process)

21. Reduction of Iodine

22. Cavitation in a liquid

Biology

23. Accelerating hydration (dissolving sugar in water)

24. Emulsification; e.g., lipids (fats, oils, waxes)

25. Accelerated hydrolysis

26. Sterilization

27. Acceleration of diffusion through a permeable membrane (osmosis)

28. Cell disruption

29. Cytolysis

30. Disruption of tissue culture cells subsequent to enzyme studies

31. Disruption of bacteria to yield intact mitochondria

32. Disruption of bacteria for the study of viral replication

33. Parasitic extraction; e.g., virus from host cells

34. Disaggregation of clodding materials; e.g., algae, fungi

35. Disruption of spermatozoa

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an educational kit including a variety of components that when assembled permit the demonstration of various concepts in the sciences.

Another object of the invention is to be able to demonstrate the application of ultrasonic energy in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences.

Another object of the invention is to provide ultrasonic apparatus to illustrate various uses to which ultrasonic energy may be applied.

Another object of the invention is to demonstrate various methods of teaching of various phenomena in the sciences by use of high frequency vibratory mechanical energy.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious as the disclosure proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a novel combination of elements working together in interrelated combination with each other so as to perform a series of demonstrations or experiments for instructional purposes. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an educational kit is provided that includes essentially a converter for providing electrical current at an ultrasonic rate and adapted to be connected with an ultrasonic motor which converts electrical energy by a transducer contained therein to high frequency mechanical energy in the ultrasonic rate. To permit the user to demonstrate various phenomena, a plurality of accessories are provided that are adapted to be connected to the output end of the motor such that ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the respective accessory coupled to the motor. In addition, for certain of the accessories, interchangeable elements are provided that are adapted to be removably secured to an accessory for transmission of the ultrasonic vibrations. The removable elements take various shapes and forms depending upon the demonstration to be illustrated. The respective components may be quickly and easily assembled such that either a male or female instructor can easily prepare the kit to perform the desired demonstration and/or experiment. The particular accessories may be of sufficient size so that it may be viewed by a number of students at the same time in a classroom. In addition, the kit may be assembled by the student such that one or more students may individually or together carry out various demonstrations that they have decided to conduct.

The kit further includes supporting stands as well as clamps necessary to hold the motor in respective positions to conduct the various experiments as well as a manual which outlines the various demonstrations that may be performed with the particular components of the kit.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, educational apparatus is provided to perform demonstrations in the field of physics, biology, and chemistry, such that the instructor, for example, may illustrate the friction reduction between two sliding members, the joining of plastic components, a mixing of various substances, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 is a chart indicating the relationship of the principal elements forming the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the related elements forming the kit of the instructional device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of friction;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of mixing of materials;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of propulsion;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of ultrasonic assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of ultrasonic cutting of materials;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of vibration patterns;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an instructional device embodying the present invention in assembled relationship for demonstrating a particular phenomenon of the Zone of Motion; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view aid in the discussion of the Zone of Motion.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, we have illustrated diagramatically the ultrasonic instructional device of the present invention indicating that the respective components thereof are essentially a converter 12, used in conjunction with an ultransoic motor 25, having accessories 35 adapted to be secured to the motor and in turn one or more removable elements 50 that may be in turn utilized with the respective accessory 35 to form the novel combination of elements. In addition, a number of peripheral components 33, such as clamps, stands, component parts, manual, projector, magnet, candle, and whatever else is required to perform some of the demonstrations and/or experiments required in respect to the present invention may be supplied.

FIG. 2 illustrates the educational kit generally indicated by reference numeral 10 and seen to include a converter 12 adapted to convert normal electric current; i.e., 60 cycles per second, to current at an ultrasonic rate, defined herein as being in the frequency range of approximately 5,000 to 500,000 cycles per second, and which converter may be battery powered or adapted to be plugged into a wall outlet in a conventional manner. The converter 12 is seen to include thereon a power control knob 14 for varying the power from the converter 12, which may generally be in the range of approximately 2 to 200 watts, as well as an on/off switch 16 contained on the front panel 18 of the converter which is contained in a cabinet 20. An indicator light 22 on the front panel 18 is connected to the switch 16 to indicate to the user when current is made available to the ultrasonic motor 25.

The ultrasonic motor 25 is seen to include a housing 26 which encloses an electro-mechanical transducer adapted to convert the electrical energy of the converter to high frequency mechanical vibrations which is transmitted from the transducer to the output section or connecting member 28 extending from the ultrasonic motor 25 and having an output end 30 which vibrates at an ultrasonic rate, generally having an amplitude of vibrations in the range of approximately 0.0005-0.010 inches, such that the energy may be coupled to one or more accessories 35.

The ultrasonic converter 12 and ultrasonic motor 25 may be one of a variety well known in the art to produce the necessary vibratory motion as for example presently available from Ultrasonic Systems, Inc., Farmingdale, New York.

The accessories 35 are designed to be used in conjunction with the converter 12 and motor 25 when they are assembled in order to perform various demonstrations. The demonstrations may be in any of the sciences presently taught on the public school, high school, and college levels. An accessory 35 is used to demonstrate certain laws of physics, and biological and chemical reactions and effects. The individual accessories 35 are adapted to be secured to the output end 28 of the motor, generally by means in the form of one or more wrenches 36 which generally mate with depressions 37 in the respective accessory 35 and connecting body 28 so that they may be tightened relative to each other by fastening means 40 which may include a tapped hole 41 extending axially in the connecting member 28 and with a threaded stud 39 which extends from the accessory 35 and into the threaded section 41.

The accessories 35 take various forms and shapes depending upon the demonstrations to be performed by either the instructor or teacher as well as the student. Although the kit 10 is designed to demonstrate various aspects of the sciences, it may also be used on an experimental basis by the student if he so desires. The accessories 35 are hereinafter illustrated in detail with respect to specific demonstrations and may be in the form of a tool 42 having a rear surface 43 which abuts the output end 30 of the motor 25 when assembled and a front end 44 which has a tapped hole 45 extending axially therein to receive one or more interchangeable elements 50, that are screwed into the tool 42, or other accessory tools that are provided.

Accessory tool 46 is similar to tool 42 except that extending from the tapped hole 45 is an axial bore extending axially therein and mating with a transverse bore 48 that connects with each other such that the flow-through of fluids may occur as seen in FIG. 4, and may be energized by the ultrasonic energy in the tool 46.

Element 51 is seen to include a head portion 52 with a threaded stud 53 extending therefrom and adapted to mate with the tapped hole in any of the accessories 35, and includes an axial bore 64 extending therethrough that the removable element 51 may be utilized with the flow-through tool 46.

Another element 55 is in the form of a knife having a knife portion 56 extending from the head portion 57 with a threaded portion 58 extending rearwardly of the head portion and similarly adapted to be secured to the output end of the ultrasonic motor as seen in FIG. 7. Interchangeable element 60 having a head 57 and threaded portion 58 is adapted to be used for plastic assembly with component parts 61 and 62 as seen in FIG. 6 that may be supplied with the kit 10 in conjunction with a nest 63 for holding the parts in relative position to each other such that when the ultrasonic energy is applied the components 61 and 62 are joined together.

The kit 10 may further include a vibratory blade 65 that may be used to perform a friction reduction experiment as hereinafter discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 3. The blade 65 includes a front supporting surface 66 with a spaced apart rear surface 67, which surfaces may be in parallel spaced relationship to each other, and having stop means 68 at each end of the blade surface 66 to limit relative motion of one or more friction blocks 70 supplied to be used in conjunction with the blade 65, demonstrating the friction reduction property of a vibratory surface.

Accessory bar 75 has a relatively thin dimension in the plane in which it is energized and contains a channel or groove 76 along one surface thereof and adapted to be secured to the output end 30 of the ultrasonic motor 25 such that flexural vibrations are induced with respect thereto as seen in FIG. 8. A manual 78 covering various demonstrations and the apparatus is provided as one of the components 33 of the kit 10.

The kit 10, as seen in FIG. 3, may further include one or more components 33 such as a stand 80 have a base 81 with a vertical support shaft 82 extending vertically from the base with one or more clamps 84 adapted to secure the ultrasonic motor 25 in a fixed position relative to the stand 80. Clamps 84 may be of a conventional type having a screw portion for securement to the shaft 82 and gripping arms 85 to hold the motor 25 or some other portion of the kit.

FIG. 3 illustrates the kit assembled to perform one demonstration relating to the reduction of friction between dry sliding bodies, and includes the ultrasonic converter 12 contained in the cabinet 20 with a power dial 14 on the front panel 18 such that the power of the converter can be transmitted to the ultrasonic motor 25 by means of the power cable 27 connecting the two together. When the switch 16 is placed in the "On" position, the indicating light 22 indicates same to the user. As illustrated, a pair of stands 80 are positioned on a surface in spaced relation to each other with the vertical support 82 extending from the base 81 and on one stand thereof, we have the ultrasonic motor 25 with a clamp 84 having its fingers 85 holding the housing 26 in a fixed position such that the connecting member 28 extends substantially vertically, or if desired may be inclined. The output end 30 of the ultrasonic motor 25 is in turn coupled to the rear end 67 of the blade member 65 with the front end 66 having a friction block 70 supported thereon and in spaced relation from the stop means 68 on one end of the blade.

The friction block 70 has overhanging lips to assure that it remains on the blade when the support surface 66 is vibrated. The second support stand 80 has a pulley 86 mounted thereto by clamp 84 with a cord or string 87 extending from the front end of the block 70 and around the essentially frictionless pulley 86 with a weight support link 88 secured to the free end of the string 87 at one end thereof and with a weight platform or holder 92 at its bottom end having one or more slotted weights 89 thereon.

The reduction of friction phenomenon when the blade 65 is vibrating is very much different than the static and kinetic frictions with which we are familiar. This demonstration is the foundation for the student for later experiments where this type of friction reduction is important in the adaption of ultrasonic motors to the forming and drawing of metals, such as in wire forming and swaging.

The surface 66 of the blade 65 when vibrating, say at 20,000 Hz, travels a distance longitudinally approximately (0.002 - 0.003) inches. It achieves peak acceleration of 41,000-62,000 and the "Zone of Motion" of the output is essentially impenetrable by the sliding block 70. The actual contact of the blade 65 with the block 70 is for only a small portion of each cycle of vibration. Thus, the block 70 actually rides on a cushion of air and friction is therefore reduced to almost zero such that a minimal weight 89 is required.

A sample procedure for this demonstration would be as follows:

1. Weigh the stainless steel and brass blocks 70. They should weigh between 110-120 grams.

2. Set up the apparatus as shown in FIG. 3, using the stainless steel block. Make sure the output end 66 of the blade 65 is level.

3. With the converter 12 operate switch 16 in the OFF position, add the slotted weights 89 to weight holder 88 (W.sub.L) until uniform motion is obtained. Note the value of the Weight (W.sub.L) required.

4. Remove the slotted weights 89 from weight holder 88 (W.sub.L).

5. turn the converter operate switch 16 to the ON position. The block 70 should slide across the surface of the blade 65 quite rapidly.

6. Remove the weight holder 92 (W.sub.L) with just the connecting link 88 remaining on the end of the connecting cord 87. The block 70 should move with approximately uniform motion. Note that the connecting link 88 weights 1 gram.

From the results in the procedure, we can see that we have reduced the friction force between the surfaces of the block and the blade 65 quite substantially.

The frictional force f is proportional to the normal force N for a given pair of dry sliding surfaces.

Thus:

a. f = .mu.N Where .mu. = coefficient of friction

From equation (a) we see that .mu. is the ratio of the force (W.sub.L) necessary to overcome friction to the normal force (N) acting between the two surfaces.

b. .mu. = f/N f = W.sub.L

If we calculate the values of .mu., with the converter 12 off and .mu..sub.2 with the converter 12 on we have for .mu. (estimated)

.mu..sub.1 = 40/115 = 0.348 .mu..sub.2 = 1/115 = 0.0087

W.sub.L1 = 40 grams N.sub.1, N.sub.2 = 115 grams

W.sub.L2 = 1 gram

These results strikingly point out the amount by which we have reduced the coefficient of friction.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the kit for the purposes of performing a homogenization demonstration in which we have a converter 12 with an ultrasonic motor 25 vertically mounted from stand 80 with a flow-through tool member 46 mounted to extend from the motor 25 and having a metal fitting 93 extending from the upper portion of tool 46 and connected to a tubular in-flow tube 94 that in turn is connected to a funnel 95 that is held in position by a clamp 84 relative to the stand support 82 such that a mixture of fluid and powder may be introduced into the funnel 95 so as to flow through the tube 94 into the tube 46 and out from the front end of the tool and within a plastic tube 96 or directly into the beaker 94 positioned on the stand 80 to contain the homogenized mixture. In this manner, it is easy to demonstrate to the student that certain materials, which may be oil and water, liquid and powder may be mixed together to form a homogeneous mixture.

FIG. 5 illustrates another application of the present invention used to illustrate a propulsion effect in a similar manner as to a golfer hitting a golf ball and effecting a force thereon. The equipment is seen to illustrate the converter 12 connected to the ultrasonic motor 25 which is positioned in the stand 80 in a substantially vertical manner and having a tool member 41 secured thereto with a removable element 71 having a substantially flat head. The motor 25 is maintained in position by clamp 84, as well as the plastic tubular member, which is maintained in alignment with the ultrasonic motor similarly by clamps 84 such that the inner diameter of the tubular member 59 is in axial alignment with the tip 71 such that a ball 72 may be positioned therein. The ball or spherical member 72 is preferably of a hard elastic substance such as metal; i.e., steel. Positioned at the opposite open end of the tubular member 59 is means for indicating when the tool member 72 has reached the open end of the tubular member and which means may be in the form of a bell 73 held in place by clamp 84.

Let us examine the phenomena of the accelerated steel ball 72. As a comparison, we will use the case of a golfer to "follow through" on his swing. The golf ball is elastic (It will compress and decompress back to its original form.) as is the steel ball 72. When the club face comes in contact with the ball, it compresses the ball. In "following through" the golfer is actually keeping the club face in contact with the ball until the ball decompresses. If the club face is not kept in contact with the ball, the ball will attain a velocity (v) determined by the initial velocity (v.sub.o) at the moment of impact, neglecting any frictional forces.

When the club face is kept in contact with the ball, the ball will attain a velocity equal to the initial velocity (v.sub.o) plus the velocity due to the decompression of the ball against the club face. So it is evident that the velocity attained by the ball will be greater when the club face is kept in contact with the ball.

If we relate our example of the golf ball to the steel ball 72 and the output motion of the tool, we can determine the height the ball travels if unimpeded by the bell 73, or we can calculate the velocity of the steel ball 72 depending on the amount of time it remains in contact with the output tip 71.

FIG. 6 illustrates the utilization of the kit to demonstrate the joining of plastic components 61 and 62 with a removable element 60 attached to properly engage the plastic element 61 and connected to the tool 42 which in turn is connected to the connecting member 28 of the ultrasonic motor 25. The bottom element 62 is contained in a nest 63 which has a mating cavity for retaining the component parts in proper orientation and as illustrated the ultrasonic bond at the interface of the parts may be obtained with the motor 25 being held by the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates the utilization of the ultrasonic knife element 55 having a knife portion 56 with a head 57 that abuts the tool member 42 with the threaded portion 58 being contained within the tool member 42 and the head portion 57 being shaped such that it may be secured in place by a wrench or other means. Tool 42 is secured to the output end 28 of the ultrasonic motor 25 and adapted to be held in place by the user 90 to perform cutting on a substance such as clay 91 to illustrate the difference between the frictionless effect with the energy on, or the energy off when the knife is not vibrated ultrasonically. The user may hold the member 91 manually as illustrated or, if desired, the relative components may be fixtured such that a more controlled rate of movement as well as force, etc., may be monitored.

It is also appreciated that the accessory which is generally seen to be of the type to increase the amplitude of vibration in the form of an acoustical impedance transformer, may be eliminated and a removable element secured directly to the output end 30 of the ultrasonic motor when so desired. The utilization of the accessory member is designed to permit a greater degree of flexibility in the interchangeability of the various components forming the kit.

FIG. 8 illustrates another demonstration that may be selected by the teacher with the kit and includes the ultrasonic motor supported in a manner such that the bar member 75 has its groove 76 in a substantially horizontal plane such that particles 98 which may be of sand or other material may be contained therein. As the bar 95 is vibrated at the ultrasonic rate, loops and nodes of vibration are set up causing stresses in the material with the result that the particles 98 are contained at the nodal regions of vibration where vibratory motion is nil.

FIG. 9 is another demonstration performable with an ultrasonic motor to illustrate the Zone of Motion generated at the output end of a tool 42 to illustrate the cyclic spacial relationship between magnet 102 and the vibrating tool end. To perform the demonstration, the ultrasonic motor 25 is supported by stand 80 with the front end of the tool 44 contained within a projector 100 with a screen 101 in spaced relation to the projector such that a magnet 102 will, when the motor is energized, be seen to oscillate between a position as seen in FIG. 9 in which the magnet 102 is in spaced relation to the tool front end 44 in one position and wherein the magnet 102 is substantially in contact with the front end 44 in another position relative to the vibratory movement of the tool 42.

This demonstration covers the important aspect of the ultrasonic vibrating motor 25 in the motion of its output surface 44. Let us focus our attention on the reciprocating output surface 44 of the motor 25 in order to review the simple characteristics of such motion. First of all, the vibrating surface 44 has a definite area, and this area, in one complete reciprocation or period, sweeps out a definite volume whose value is just the surface area times the total stroke of the reciprocation. In sweeping out this volume, the output surface of the motor passes through a peak velocity, and then passes through an extreme point of instantaneous zero speed, but peak acceleration. Summing up this description of the output motion of an ultrasonic motor, we may say that there are seven inter-related quantities which are useful in assessing the motor's behavior. These are:

1. Area of output surface -- S

2. total linear stroke from one extremity to the other of one reciprocation -- s

3. Peak velocity of motor surface -- v.sub.max

4. Peak acceleration of motor surface -- a.sub.max

5. Time of one complete reciprocation -- T.sub.o

6. Frequency of vibration of the motor surface -- f.sub.o

7. Linear displacement at any time (t) -- x

From the elementary physics we obtain the following relationships:

x = (S/2) SIN 2 .pi. (f.sub.o t) (I)

from this equation we derive:

v.sub.max =.pi.f.sub.o s (II) a.sub.max = 2.pi.f.sub.o v.sub.max = 2.pi..sup.2 f.sub.o.sup.2 s (III)

T.sub.o = 1/f.sub.o (IV) V = Ss (V)

where V is the volume swept out during one stroke, s, and we call this volume the "Zone of Motion" of the motor output.

Now, these simple relations are the keys to understanding most of the effects, many of which are unique, which an ultrasonic motor can produce. There is a sixth relationship which expresses Newton's Second Law of Motion and may be written:

F = ma (VI)

where F represents the net external force on the mass, m, and a is the acceleration of m produced by F. Equation III, a very important relationship, asserts the way in which the frequency, the peak acceleration, peak speed, and peak stroke of an ultrasonic motor output are connected.

Now, an ultrasonic motor is distinguished by the fact that its frequency of reciprocation is generally above the limit of human hearing, or above about 16,000 vibrations per second, while its peak stroke is generally microscopically small, usually expressed in mils (or thousandths of an inch). In order to see what kind of ball park we're playing in, as to the magnitude of these quantities, suppose we take a commonly found case for ultrasonic motors; namely, a frequency of 20,000 cycles per second and a peak stroke of 2 mils. In this case, we can calculate the peak speed, v.sub.max and the peak acceleration a.sub.max from equation II and III. Doing so, we get:

v.sub.max = 10.5 feet/sec; a.sub.max = 41,000g (VII)

(g = acceleration of

(gravity = 32.2 ft/sec.sup.2

(f.sub.o = 20,000 cycles/sec

(s = 2 mils

Equation VII tells us that the output surface, S, of our ultrasonic motor reaches a peak speed of 10.5/sec or about 7 miles per hour, while it also reaches a peak acceleration of 41,000 times the acceleration of gravity! In other words, under the prescribed conditions of frequency and stroke, the ultrasonic motor describes an invisible zone of motion, never attaining more than a "horse-and-buggy" speed, but with a peak acceleration which is enormous compared with gravity. This unique state of affairs cannot be duplicated by any other known means.

FIG. 10 shows what we have been discussing. P.sub.1 and P.sub.3 are extremities of the motor stroke, and P.sub.2 is the mid-point of peak speed, v.sub.max. Due to successive contraction and expansion of the motor output section, the area, S, will oscillate around the point P.sub.2, between the extreme points P.sub.1 and P.sub.3.

If the magnetic disc 102 is placed on the output surface 44 of the tool 42, the question arises as to how the disc 102 will respond to this zone of motion reciprocation. From FIG. 10 if the output surface (S) is at P.sub.3, then in the next instant it will move upward with an acceleration of 41,000g. For the magnet 102 to follow (S) it must be able to attain this same high acceleration at (P.sub.3). But the magnet cannot sustain such an acceleration and therefore is left behind.

Furthermore, in the next twenty-five microseconds (remember the period of reciprocation equals (1/20,000) sec. or 50 microseconds) the output surface (S) starts its return sweep and comes in contact with the magnet for a fraction of a second, the magnet being attracted to it. This phenomenon proliferates 20,000 times a second, in consequence of which the magnetic disc 102 appears on the screen 101 to be suspended in space. This demonstration may also be conducted under a microscope.

CONCLUSION

Applicants have herein disclosed new and novel apparatus, methods, and a kit to be utilized for the teaching of the sciences in a manner which permits an instructor to demonstrate phenomena that in some cases have not been demonstratable prior to the present invention. The kit of the present invention is multi-functional and provides an educational system by which one or more students may be appropriately indoctrinated in the sciences as well as the field of high frequency vibratory energy in the ultrasonic range.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawing, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, except as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. Apparatus for demonstrating the Zone of Motion, comprising

A. means for producing a beam of light,

B. a screen in spaced relation to said means on which said beam of light is visible,

C. a vibratory member including magnetically attractive material positioned along said path of said beam of light,

D. a magnet positioned on said vibratory member, and

E. means for vibrating said member at an ultrasonic rate, wherein the motion of said vibrating member is visible on said screen to illustrate the cyclic spacial relationship between said magnet and, said vibrating member.

2. Apparatus for demonstrating the Zone of Motion as defined in claim 1, and further including means for magnifying said member and magnet associated with said means for producing said beam of light.

3. Apparatus for demonstrating the Zone of Motion, comprising

A. converter means for providing electrical current at an ultrasonic rate,

B. an ultrasonic motor,

C. means connecting said converter means to said ultrasonic motor for transmission of said electrical energy to said motor,

D. an accessory capable of transmitting ultrasonic mechanical vibrations having an output end,

E. means coupling said accessory to said ultrasonic motor,

F. a magnet on said output end,

G. a projector having magnification means and capable of generating a beam of light, and

H. means for supporting said motor wherein said output end and magnet are within the beam of light generated by said projector, and means in spaced relation to said projector to display said beam of light thereon such that when said motor is vibrated, the cyclic spacial relationship between said output end and magnet is visible thereon to demonstrate the Zone of Motion.

4. The method of demonstrating the Zone of Motion, comprising the steps of

A. producing a beam of light on a surface on which said beam of light is visible,

B. positioning a vibratory member including magnetically attractive material along said beam of light,

C. placing a magnet on said vibratory member, and

D. vibrating said member at an ultrasonic rate, whereby the motion of said vibrating member is visible on said surface to illustrate the cyclic spacial relationship between said magnet and said vibrating member.

5. The method of demonstrating the Zone of Motion, as defined in claim 4, and further including means for magnifying said member associated with said means for producing said beam of light.