MXPA98004920A - Method and flux control device of ultrason liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and an ultrasonic method to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid through a hole by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The apparatus includes a matrix box, which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die box further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an outlet orifice defined by the walls of the die tip. The outlet hole is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the matrix box. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy are energized, they apply ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip and modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice. The method involves supplying a pressurized liquid to the indoor appliance by applying ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid but not to the die tip while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber to modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the orifice of exit, and pass the pressurized liquid out of the exit orifice at the tip of the matrix at the flow rate modifies

Description

METHOD AND FLOW CONTROL DEVICE OF ULTRASONIC LIQUID Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the flow of a liquid. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the flow of a liquid.

Synthesis of the invention The present invention provides an apparatus and method for regulating the flow rate of a pressurized liquid through an orifice by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of pressurized liquid.

The apparatus includes a matrix box which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The matrix box includes a chamber adapted to receive the pressurized liquid, an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an outlet orifice (or a plurality of outlet orifices) defined by the walls of the die tip. , the outlet orifice being adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the matrix box. Generally speaking, the means to apply the ultrasonic energy are located within the chamber. The means for applying ultrasonic energy may be a submerged ultrasonic horn. According to the invention, the means for applying ultrasonic energy are located inside the chamber in such a way that essentially no ultrasonic energy is applied to the die tip (e.g., the walls of the die tip defining the outlet orifice). ).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the die box may have a first end and a second end. The end of the matrix box forms a matrix tip having walls that define an outlet orifice which is adapted to receive a pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the pressurized liquid along a first axis. The means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid are an ultrasonic horn having a first end and an extreme second. The horn is adapted, with the excitation with ultrasonic energy, to have a node and a mechanical excitation axis. The horn is located at the second end of the registration box in such a way that the first end of the horn is located outside the matrix box and the second end is located inside the matrix box, inside the chamber, it is in close proximity to the exit hole.

The longitudinal excitation axis of the ultrasonic horn will desirably be essentially parallel with the first axis. In addition, the second end of the horn will desirably have a cross-sectional area approximately equal to or greater than a minimum area which encompasses all the exit holes in the matrix box. With excitation by ultrasonic energy, the ultrasonic horn is adapted to apply the ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid inside the chamber (defined by the matrix box) but not to the tip of the matrix which has walls that define the exit orifice .

The present invention contemplates the use of an ultrasonic horn having a vibrator means coupled to the first end of the horn. The vibrator means may be a piezoelectric transducer or a magnetostrictive transducer. The transducer can be coupled directly to the horn or by means of an elongated waveguide. The elongated waveguide can have any input mechanical excitation ratio: desired output, even when the 1: 1 and 1: 1.5 ratios are typical for many applications. The ultrasonic energy will typically have a frequency of from about 15 kHz to about 500 kHz, even when other frequencies are contemplated.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic horn can be composed of a magnetostrictive material. The horn may be surrounded by a bovine (which may be submerged in the liquid) capable of inducing a signal inside the magnetostrictive material causing it to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. In such cases, the ultrasonic horn can simultaneously be the transducer and the means to apply the ultrasonic energy to the multicomponent liquid.

In one aspect of the present invention, the outlet orifice may have a diameter of less than about 2.54 millimeters. For example, the outlet orifice may have a diameter of from about 0.00254 to 2.54 millimeters.

As a further example, the outlet orifice may have a diameter of from about 0.0254 to 0.254 mm).

According to the invention, the outlet orifice can be a single outlet or a plurality of outlet orifices. The exit orifice can be an exit capillary spleen. The output capillary spleen can have a length-to-diameter ratio (L / D ratio) ranging from about 4: 1 to about 10: 1. Of course, the output capillary spleen may have a L / D ratio of less than 4: 1 or greater than 10: 1.

The present invention encompasses a method for regulating the flow of pressurized liquid through an orifice.

The method involves supplying a pressurized liquid to the apparatus described above, exciting the means to apply ultrasonic energy with ultrasonic energy while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber (without applying ultrasonic energy to the matrix tip) to modify the rate of flow of the pressurized liquid through the exit orifice, and pass the pressurized liquid out of the exit orifice in the matrix tip at the modified flow rate.

According to the present invention, the flow rate of the pressurized liquid can be at least about 25 percent greater than the flow rate of an identical pressurized liquid out of an identical matrix box through an orifice. identical matrix in the absence of excitation by ultrasonic energy. For example, the flow rate of the pressurized liquid is at least about 75 percent higher. As another example, the flow rate of the pressurized liquid is at least about 200 percent higher.

Generally speaking, the regulation of the flow rate of the pressurized liquid can be achieved without a significant rise in the temperature of the pressurized liquid and / or without a significant rise in the pressure delivered from the pressurized liquid. The present invention contemplates that the regulation of the flow rate of the pressurized liquid can be achieved without degrading the pressurized liquid over the course of many cycles. The apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to regulate the flow rates of the liquid components by being added to a process stream of other liquid components such as, for example, chemicals, foods, paints, effluents and the petroleum products.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be used to provide flow control in both open and closed circuit hydraulic systems in a variety of environments, but not limited to the automotive, construction, agricultural and robotic industries.

It is also contemplated that the apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to control the phase change rate of liquid refrigerants by using the equipment such as, for example, ultrasonically controlled thermal expansion valves. The apparatus and method of the present invention may also provide advantages in mass transfer and in container filling operations for a variety of food products, especially food products that tend to be viscous.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figures 2 and 9 are illustrations of example experimental placements for recycling liquid.

Figures 3-8 and 10-16 are example analysis illustrations of control and recycling liquids.

Detailed description of the invention As used herein, the term "liquid" refers to an amorphous (non-crystalline) form of matter intermediate gases and solids, in which molecules are much more highly concentrated than in gases, but much less concentrated than in gases. solid A liquid may have a unique component or it may be made of multiple components. The components may be different from liquids, solids and / or gases. For example, it is characteristic of liquids their ability to flow as a result of an applied force. Liquids that flow immediately with the application of force and for which the flow rate is directly proportional to the force applied are generally referred to as Newtonian liquids. Some liquids have an abnormal flow response when force is applied and exhibit non-Newtonian flow properties.

As used herein, the terms "thermoplastic material" and "thermoplastic polymer" refer to a polymer that softens when exposed to heat and returns to a relatively hardened condition when the ambient temperature is cooled. The natural substances which exhibit this behavior are crude rubber and a number of waxes. Other exemplary thermoplastic materials include, without limitation, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, nylons, polyflourocarbons, polyolefins (including polypropylene, polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, etc.), polyurethane, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, caprolactams, and acrylic resins.

As used herein, the term "node" means the point on the axis of longitudinal excitation of the ultrasonic horn in which longitudinal movement of the horn does not occur with excitation by ultrasonic energy. The node is sometimes mentioned in art as well as in this description as the nodal point.

The term "near proximity" is used here in a qualitative sense only. That is, the term is used to mean that the means for applying ultrasonic energy are sufficiently close to the outlet orifice (e.g., the extrusion orifice) to apply the ultrasonic energy primarily to the liquid (e.g. melted thermoplastic polymer passing inside the outlet hole (eg extrusion hole) The term is not used in the sense of defining the specific distances from the extrusion orifice.

As used herein, the term "consisting essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials, which will not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a given composition or product. Exemplary materials of this class will include, without limitation, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, solvents, particulates and aggregates to improve the processability of the composition.

Generally speaking, the apparatus of the present invention includes a matrix box and means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of a pressurized liquid (e.g., melted thermoplastic polymers, hydrocarbon oils, water, solutions, suspensions, or the like). The matrix box defines a chamber adapted to receive the pressurized liquid, an inlet (for example an inlet orifice) adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid and an outlet orifice (for example an extrusion orifice) adapted to receive the liquid pressurized from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the exit hole of the matrix box. The means for applying ultrasonic energy are located inside the chamber. The means for applying the ultrasonic energy can be located partially within the chamber or the means for applying the ultrasonic energy can be located entirely within the chamber.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown, not necessarily to scale, an example apparatus for increasing the flow rate of a pressurized liquid through an orifice. The apparatus 100 includes a matrix box 102 which defines a chamber 104 adapted to receive a pressurized liquid (e.g., oil, water, melted thermoplastic polymer, syrup or the like). The die box 102 has a first end 106 and a second end 108. The die box 102 also has an inlet 110 (eg, an inlet orifice) adapted to supply the chamber 104 with the pressurized liquid. An outlet orifice 102 (which can also be referred to as an extrusion orifice) is located at the first end 106 of the matrix box 102; it is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber 104 and to pass the liquid out of the matrix box 102 along a first axis 114. An ultrasonic horn 116 is located at the second end 108 of the matrix box 102 The ultrasonic horn has a first end 118 and a second end 120. The horn 116 is located at the second end 108 of the die box 102 in a manner such that the first end 118 of the horn 116 is located outside the box. Matrix 102 and second end 120 of horn 116 is located within die box 102, inside chamber 104, and is in close proximity to exit port 112. Horn 116 is adapted, with excitation by ultrasonic energy , to have a nodal point 122 and a longitudinal mechanical excitation axis 124. Desirably, the first axis 114, the mechanical excitation axis 124 will be essentially parallel. More desirably, the first axis 114 and the mechanical excitation axis 124 will essentially coincide as shown in Figure 1.

The size and shape of the apparatus of the present invention can vary widely depending at least in part on the number and arrangement of the exit holes (eg, the extrusion holes) and the operating frequency of the means for applying energy ultrasonic For example, the matrix box may be cylindrical, rectangular or otherwise. In addition, the die box can have a single outlet or a plurality of exit orifices. A plurality of exit holes may be arranged in a pattern including but not limited to a circular or linear pattern.

The means for applying ultrasonic energy are located within the chamber, typically, at least partially surrounded by the pressurized liquid. Such means are adapted to apply the ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid as it passes inside the outlet orifice. Stated differently, such means are adapted to apply ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid in the vicinity of each outlet orifice. Such means may be located completely or partially within the chamber.

When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is an ultrasonic horn, the horn conveniently extends through the die box, such as through the first end of the box as identified in Figure 1. However, the present invention comprises other configurations. For example, the horn may extend through a wall of the matrix box, rather than through one end. Furthermore, neither the first axis nor the longitudinal excitation axis of the horn need to be vertical. If desired, the longitudinal mechanical excitation axis of the horn may be at an angle with respect to the first axis. However, the longitudinal mechanical excitation axis of the horn may be at an angle with respect to the first axis. However, the longitudinal mechanical excitation axis of the ultrasonic horn will desirably be essentially parallel with the first axis. More desirably, the longitudinal mechanical excitation axis of the ultrasonic horn desirably and the first axis will essentially coincide, as shown in Figure 1.

If more than one of the means for applying ultrasonic energy is desired, they may be located within the chamber defined by the matrix box. In addition, unique means can apply ultrasonic energy to the portion of the pressurized liquid which is in the vicinity of one or more of the outlet orifices.

According to the present invention, the ultrasonic horn can be composed of a magnetostrictive material. The horn may be surrounded by a bovine (which may be submerged in the liquid) capable of inducing a signal inside the magnetostrictive material causing it to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. In such cases, the ultrasonic horn can simultaneously be the transducer and the means to apply ultrasonic energy to the multicomponent liquid. The magnetostrictive horn can also act as a positive flow shutoff valve (as in a solenoid valve) by overlaying a direct current (DC) signal on the horn's induction bobbin thus causing the horn to move in against the hole that opens to close the flow of the liquid. The flow of the liquid can be resumed by removing the DC signal and allowing some elastic piece (for example the spring) to push the horn back like in a solenoid valve. That is, the apparatus can be configured such that a DC signal on the induction bob of the magnetostrictive horn causes the horn to shut off the flow of the liquid and the absence of the signal completely activates the flow of the liquid. The DC signal may be imposed on the induction bob of the magnetostrictive horn separately or simultaneously with the signal to induce ultrasonic vibration.

The application of ultrasonic energy to a plurality of outlet orifices can be achieved through a variety of methods. For example, with reference again to the use of an ultrasonic horn, the second end of the horn may have a cross-sectional area which is large enough to apply ultrasonic energy to the portion of the pressurized liquid which is in the vicinity of all the exit holes in the matrix box. In such a case, the second end of the ultrasonic horn will desirably have a cross-sectional area that is approximately equal to or greater than a minimum area which encompasses all orifices in the matrix box (e.g., a minimum area which is equal to or greater than the sum of the areas of the exit holes in the matrix box originating in the same chamber). Alternatively, the second end of the horn may have a plurality of protuberances or tips, equal in number to the number of exit holes. In this case, the cross-sectional area of each protrusion or tip will desirably be approximately equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the exit orifice with which the tip or protrusion is in close proximity.

The planar relationship between the second end of the ultrasonic horn and an array of exit holes can also be shaped (eg, parabolically, emissively, or provided with a low curvature or angle) to increase the range of flow control.

As already noted, the term "near proximity" is used herein to mean that the means for applying ultrasonic energy are sufficiently close to the outlet orifice to apply the ultrasonic energy primarily to the pressurized liquid that passes inside the exit orifice. The actual distance of the means to apply the ultrasonic energy from the exit orifice in any given situation will depend on the number of factors, some of which are the flow rate of the pressurized liquid (e.g. the melt flow rate of a polymer melted thermoplastic or the viscosity of a liquid), the cross-sectional area of the end of the means for applying the ultrasonic energy in relation to the cross-sectional area of the outlet orifice, the frequency of the ultrasonic energy, the gain of the means for apply the ultrasonic energy (for example the magnitude of the longitudinal mechanical excitation of the means to apply the ultrasonic energy), the temperature of the pressurized liquid and the rate at which the liquid passes out of the outlet orifice.

In general, the distance of the means for applying the ultrasonic energy from the exit orifice in a given situation can easily be determined by one having ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation. In practice, such a distance will be in the range of from about 0.05 millimeters to about 33 millimeters, even though much greater distances may be employed. This distance determines the extent to which the ultrasonic energy is applied to the pressurized liquid other than that of which it is about to enter the outlet orifice; for example, the greater the distance, the greater the amount of pressurized liquid which is subjected to ultrasonic energy. Consequently, shorter distances are generally desired in order to minimize the degradation of pressurized liquid and other adverse effects that could result from the exposure of the liquid to the ultrasonic energy.

An advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that of self-cleaning. That is, the combination of the pressure delivered and the forces generated by ultrasonically exciting the means for supplying pressurized liquid ultrasonic energy (without applying ultrasonic energy directly to the orifice) can remove the obstructions that appear to block the outlet orifice (e.g. extrusion hole). According to the invention, the outlet orifice is adapted to be self-cleaning when the means for applying ultrasonic energy are energized with ultrasonic energy (without applying ultrasonic energy directly to the orifice) while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber and Pass the liquid out of the matrix box. The means for applying the ultrasonic energy is a submerged ultrasonic horn having a longitudinal mechanical excitation axis and in which the end of the horn located in the matrix box closest to the orifice is in close proximity to the outlet orifice but does not apply energy ultrasonic directly to the exit hole.

It is contemplated that the apparatus and method of the present invention have a wide variety of applications where it is desirable to regulate the flow of the pressurized liquid through an orifice. For example, the apparatus and method can be used in fuel injectors for combustion chambers powered by liquid fuel. Exemplary combustion chambers include but are not limited to heaters, stoves, industrial and domestic furnaces, incinerators. Many of these combustion chambers use heavy liquid fuels that can be controlled and handled advantageously by the apparatus and method of the present invention.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to provide flow control in both open and closed circuit hydraulic systems. Example applications include, but are not limited to, automotive transmissions, power steering, shock absorbers and anti-lock braking systems; hydraulic systems of agricultural and construction equipment and impellers; the industrial process control equipment, the fluidic amplifiers and the switches; and robotic hydraulic systems including, but not limited to, systems designed to provide precise pressure control through bleeding, speed changes without step in the driven components, and stroke stop without shock.

Flow control and flow improvement of viscous liquids present other applications for the apparatus and method of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be used to control and improve the flow of melted bitumens, melted metals, melted glasses, viscous paints, hot melt adhesives, syrups, heavy oils, emulsions, solutions and suspensions, and the like.

It is also contemplated that the apparatus and method of the present invention can be used to control the phase change rate of liquid refrigerants by using equipment such as, for example, ultrasonic controlled thermal expansion valves.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also provide advantages in mass transfer and / or container filling operations for a variety of food products, especially food products that tend to be viscous. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention may be used in the simultaneous filling and processing operations of food product emulsions, including, but not limited to mayonnaise, salad dressings, ointments or the like.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an ultrasonic apparatus for regulating the flow of pressurized liquid through an orifice in which the apparatus is composed of a matrix box, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic horn surrounded by an induction bovine, capable of of inducing ultrasonic vibration in the horn, and means for superimposing a current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid. For example, the apparatus may be composed of a matrix box defining a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid; an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; and an outlet orifice defined by the walls of a die tip, the outlet orifice being adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die box.

An ultrasonic horn is located inside the chamber, the horn is composed of a magnetostrictive material and surrounded by an induction bovine capable of inducing a signal inside the magnetostrictive material causing it to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to apply ultrasonic energy to a part of the Pressurized liquid inside the chamber without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

The apparatus also includes means for superimposing a direct current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn is moved to a position within the chamber to modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid. For example, the direct current signal can cause the ultrasonic horn to move to a position that closes the flow of the liquid and move to another position to activate the flow of the liquid when the direct current signal is removed. Therefore, during the operation of the apparatus the flow rate of pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice is modified when the direct current signal is applied.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for regulating the flow of pressurized liquid through a hole. The method is comprised of the steps of supplying a pressurized liquid to the array set described above. That is, a matrix assembly composed of a matrix box, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic horn surrounded by an induction bovine capable of inducing ultrasonic vibration in the horn, and means for over imposing a direct current signal on the bovine induction of so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid.

The method includes the step of exciting the ultrasonic horn while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber, without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip, to modify the rate of flow of pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice.

The method also includes the step of over imposing a direct current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to close the flow rate of the pressurized liquid and remove the direct current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to activate the flow of the pressurized liquid.

The present invention is further described by the following examples. Such examples, however, should not be considered as limiting in any way either the spirit or the scope of the present invention.

Examples Ultrasonic Horn Apparatus The following is a description of an example ultrasonic horn apparatus of the present invention generally as shown in Figure 1.

With reference to Figure 1, the die box 102 of the apparatus was a cylinder having an outer diameter of about 34.9 millimeters, an inner diameter of about 22.2 millimeters, and a length of about 78.4 millimeters. The outer part of about 7.9 millimeters from the second end 108 of the die box was screwed with threads of 16 slopes. The interior of the second end had a chamfered edge 126, or bevel, extending from the face 128 of the second end towards the first end 106 by a distance of about 3.2 millimeters. The bevel reduced the inside diameter of the die box on the face of the second end to about 19.0 millimeters. An inlet 110 (also called an exit orifice) was drilled in the matrix box, the center of which was about 17.5 millimeters from the first end, and was capped. The inner wall of the matrix box consisted of a cylindrical portion 130 and a frusto-conical portion 132. The cylindrical portion extended from the bevel at the second end towards the first end to about 25.2 mm from the face of the first end. . The frusto-conical portion extended from the cylindrical part by a distance of about 15.9 millimeters, ending in a threaded opening 134 at the first end. The diameter of the threaded opening was around 29.5 millimeters; such an opening was around 9.3 millimeters in length.

A die tip 136 was located in the threaded opening of the first end. The die tip consisted of a threaded cylinder 138 having a circular shoulder portion 140. The shoulder portion was about 3.2 millimeters thick and had two parallel faces spaced by 12.7 millimeters. An outlet hole 112 (also called an extrusion orifice) was drilled in the shoulder portion and extended toward the threaded portion by a distance of about 2.2 millimeters. The diameter of the extrusion hole was around 0.37 millimeters. The extrusion orifice terminated within the matrix tip in a vestibular portion 142 having a diameter of about 3.2 millimeters and a frustoconical portion 144 which joined the vestibular portion to the extrusion orifice. The wall of the frustocdnica part was at an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical. The vestibular portion extended from the extrusion hole to the end of the threaded portion of the die tip, thereby connecting the chamber defined by the matrix box with the extrusion orifice.

The means for applying the ultrasonic energy were a cylindrical ultrasonic horn 116. The horn was machined to resonate at a frequency of 20 kHz. The horn had a length of about 132.0 millimeters, which was equal to one half of the resonant wavelength and a diameter of about 19.0 millimeters. The face 146 of the first end 118 of the horn was drilled and tapped for a bolt of about 9.5 millimeters (not shown). The horn was machined with a ring 148 at nodal point 122. The ring was about 2.4 millimeters wide and extended outwardly from the cylindrical surface of the horn by about 1.6 millimeters. Therefore, the diameter of the horn in the ring was around 22.2 millimeters. The second end 120 of the horn ended in a small cylindrical tip 150 of about 3.2 millimeters long and about 3.2 millimeters in diameter. Such a point was separated from the cylindrical body of the horn by a frustoparabolic part 152 of approximately about 13 millimeters in length. This is, the curve of this frusto part as seen in the cross section was parabolic in shape. The face of the small cylindrical tip was normal to the cylindrical wall of the horn and was located about 10 millimeters from the extrusion orifice. Thus, the face of the tip of the horn, for example, the second end of the horn, was located immediately above the vestibular opening at the threaded end of the matrix tip.

The first end 108 of the die box was sealed with a threaded cap 154 which also served to hold the ultrasonic hole in place. The threads extended up towards the top of the lid by a distance of about 7.9 millimeters. The outer diameter of the lid was around 50.8 millimeters and the thickness length of the lid was around 13.5 millimeters. The opening in the lid was sized to accommodate the horn; that is, the opening had a diameter of about 19.0 millimeters. The edge of the opening in the cap was a bevel 156 which was an identical image of the bevel at the second end of the matrix box. The thickness of the cap on the bezel was about 3.2 millimeters, which left a space between the end of the threads and the bottom of the bezel of about 2.4 millimeters, whose space was equal to the length of the ring on the horn. The diameter of such a space was around 28.0 millimeters. The tip 158 of the cap was punched therein with four quarter inch diameter holes by a quarter of an inch depth (not shown), at 90 degree intervals to accommodate a bolt wrench. Therefore, the horn ring was compressed between the two bevels when the cover was tightened, thus sealing the chamber defined by the matrix box.

A Branson elongated aluminum waveguide having an input mechanical excitation ratio: output of 1: 1.5 was coupled to the ultrasonic horn by means of a bolt d around 9.5 mm. The elongated waveguide was coupled to a piezoelectric transducer, a Branso converter model 502, which was activated by a Branson Model 1120 power supply operating at 20 kHz from Branson Soni Power Company, of Danbury, Connecticut). The energy consumption was monitored with a Branson A410A batometer.

Example 1 This example illustrates the present invention as it relates to regulate the flow of a variety of liquids through an orifice using the ultrasonic device of 2 kHz (submerged horn) described above.

The following liquids were used: gear oil H-l Non-toxic food grade 90 from Bel-Ray Company, of Farmingdale, New Jersey. Viscosity 410 centipoises measured with a DV-II viscometer model Brooksfiel for a sample of 2 mL 25 ° C and a spindle cone of 3.0 ° core (# CP-41).

EP 32 hydraulic oil from Motor Oil, Inc., of Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Viscosity = 43.2 centipoise measured with a Brooksfield DV-II viscometer for a 2 mL sample at 25 ° C and a 3.0 ° core spindle cone (# CP-41).

EP 68 hydraulic oil from Motor Oil, Inc., of Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Viscosity = 106.8 centipoises measured with a Brooksfield viscometer model DV-II for a 2 mL sample at 25 ° C and a 3.0 ° spindle cone (# CP-41).

The flow rate tests were carried out on the submerged horn with the various tips without the ultrasonic energy, with the ultrasonic energy applied to 20 percent of the available energy as indicated by the Branson energy controller, and with an ultrasonic energy applied to 30 percent of the available energy as indicated by the Branson energy controller.

The results of the tests are reported in Tables 1-3.

Table l Food Grade Weight Grease 90 Weight Cap 0.0145"diameter x 0.087" length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Change Flow i PSI) (s / min) f q / in) L%! (s / mint <%) 150 29. 36 95.72 326. 02 99. 28 338. 15 200 65. 16 92. 56 142. 05 95. 88 147. 15 280 80. 35 86. 50 107. 65 101. 10 125.82 Hair tip 0.010"diameter x 0.20" length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Change Flow Exchange 'PSI. (q / mjp) fa / min)%. (a / min) _____ 150 23.48 49.40 210. 39 58.52 249.23 200 37.32 54.44 145. 87 59.80 160.24 280 52.64 66.48 126. 29 82.16 156.08 Table 2 Hydraulic Oil EO 32 Capillary Tip 0.006"in diameter x 0.006" in length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Change 'SD Js / min) < a / min) í%) (q / min) _U_ 200 42.92 31.52 73. 44 31.88 74.28 300 53.84 38.60 71. 69 39.84 74.00 400 61.04 46.32 75. 88 45.16 73.98 500 69.56 50.80 73. 03 51.56 74.12 600 75.72 55.16 72. 85 55.40 73.16 700 77.32 60.12 77. 75 57.92 74.91 Hair tip 0.006"diameter x 0.010" length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Change Flow Rate (%) s / min) / raini%) fq / min)%) 200 29.80 25.80 86.58 25.48 85.50 300 42.44 35.00 82.47 34.32 80.87 400 51.36 40.24 78.35 39.20 76.32 500 60.24 44.80 74.37 44.08 73.17 600 67.28 47.96 71.28 49.44 73.48 700 74.64 60.84 81.51 55.52 74.38 Capillary tip 0.004"in diameter x 0.006" in length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Change iPSI) iq / inl (q rn) (q / min) m 200 18.04 20.56 113.97 22.88 126.83 300 31.60 27.28 86.33 27.72 87.72 400 37.72 30.88 81.87 32.76 86.85 500 45.28 37.16 82.07 37.40 82.60 600 48.16 41.72 86.63 88.56 183.89 Table 3 Hydraulic Oil EP 68 Capillary tip 0.010"diameter x 0.010" length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Rate iPSI) (q / min) (q / min)%) (a / min)%) 200 84.48 80.24 94.98 88.32 104.55 300 123.04 99.00 80.46 95.15 77.33 400 122.00 103.75 85.04 102.10 83.69 500 149.30 125.65 84.16 123.80 82.92 600 157.30 214.75 79.31 125.50 79.78 Hair tip 0.010"diameter x 0.020" length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Change Exchange Rate (min / min) fq / min)%) (q / min) (%) 200 52.76 71.96 136.39 69.24 131.24 300 90.48 91.68 101.33 96.48 106.63 400 96.35 94.95 98.55 95.95 99.58 500 128.35 107.60 83.83 107.55 83.79 600 145.60 116.95 80.32 121.80 83.65 700 156.20 157.50 100.83 136.75 87.55 Capillary tip of 0.006"diameter x 0.006" in length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Change (PS?) (Q / mj-n) í / min) lll (q / "?)%) 200 33.48 28.48 85.07 28.16 84. 11 300 46.28 34.84 75.28 35.24 76. 15 400 45.32 38.56 85.08 35.36 78. 02 500 54.80 41.68 76.06 43.12 78. 69 600 63.20 47.76 75.57 48.24 76. 33 700 69.32 62.16 89.67 55.72 80. 38 Hair tip 0.006"diameter x 0.010 length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Change (PSD (q / min) (q / min)%) (a / min)%) 200 18.04 22.88 126.83 25.56 141.69 300 36.00 31.76 88.22 33.56 93.22 400 45.00 36.12 80.27 37.12 82.49 500 52.56 43.16 82.12 43.52 82.80 600 55.52 47.32 85.23 48.44 87.25 700 70.12 63.88 92.10 49.28 70.28 Capillary tip 0.004"in diameter x 0.006" in length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Change (PSD (q / min) (s / min)%) (a / min) (%) 200 24.64 34.32 139.29 34.00 137.99 300 30.88 53.64 173.70 57.40 185.88 400 38.88 28.64 73.66 30.60 78.70 500 41.08 32.88 80.04 31.92 77.70 600 46.64 33.04 70.84 33.76 72.38 700 48.20 35.60 73.86 57.36 119.00 Capillary Tip 0.004"in diameter x 0.004" in length Without ultrasound 20% ultrasound 30% ultrasound Pressure Flow Flow Change Flow Change (PSD (q / mln) (q / mi?) (%) Ai / min) (%) 200 6.92 17.64 254.91 16.48 238.15 300 14.52 17.28 119.01 16.04 110.47 400 18.84 19.32 102.55 20.28 107.64 500 26.20 21.76 83.05 22.32 85.19 600 18.88 21.24 112.50 19.52 103.39 700 33.08 29.40 88.88 31.36 94.80 800 48.28 44.44 92.05 50.60 104.81 ahem what? This example illustrates the present invention, which relates to regulating the flow of a variety of liquids through an orifice using a 40 kHz ultrasonic device (submerged horn). The device was placed in the same configuration as the previous example of the ultrasonic horn and the chamber within which the horn was adjusted was exactly half the length of the 20 kHz horn.

The liquids used in this example were identical to those used in Example 1 with the following exception: Lubrication Oil 100 from Motor Oil, Inc., of Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Viscosity = 163 centipoises measured with a Brooksfield viscometer, Model DV-II for a 2 mL sample at 25 ° C and a spindle cone 3.0 ° core (# CP-41).

The flow rate tests were carried out on the submerged horn with the various tips without ultrasonic energy, with the ultrasonic energy applied to 20% of the available energy as indicated by the Branson energy controller, and with the applied ultrasonic energy to several wickets as indicated by the Branson power controller. The results of the tests are reported in Tables 4-7.

Table 4 Gear Weight Oil Weight Class 90 Capillary tip 0.010"diameter x 0.010" length Pressure Temp Force Temp Rate Temp Rate Change (Dßi) watts F a / min watts F a / min í%) 150 0 72 20. 13 80 80 45. 52 226. 1 200 0 72 29. 54 80 90 61. 82 209. 3 240 0 72 36. 44 80 92 69. 03 189 .4 280 0 72 45. 20 60 85 77. 64 171.8 Table 5 Lubricating Oil 100 0.010"diameter capillary spread 0.010" long Pressure Temp Temp Force Rate Temp Rate Change (psi) watts F a / min watts F q / min í%) 150 0 75 39.44 85 85 54.78 138.9 200 0 75 56.01 85 90 62.79 112.1 240 0 75 62.49 80 85 68.91 110.3 280 0 75 76.98 75 85 74.91 97.3 Table 6 Hydraulic Oil 68 Capillary capillary 0.010"diameter x 0.010" length Pressure Temp Temp Rate Temp Temp Rate Change (psit) watts _____ a / min watts E_ q / min m 150 0 72 59. 28 80 74 76.08 128.3 200 0 72 73., 11 80 76 96.69 132.3 240 0 72 82. 83 60 77 103.14 124.5 280 0 72 99., 99 75 78 111.72 111.7 Table 7 Hydraulic Oil 32 Capillary tip 0.010"diameter x 0.010" length Pressure Temp Force Temp Rate Temp Rate Change ÍDSi) watts F s / min watts F a / min í%) 150 0 72 71.60 130 77 90.48 126.4 200 0 72 95.60 170 77 114.42 119.7 240 0 72 107.64 170 77 117.54 109.2 280 0 72 121.98 170 77 133.56 109.5 8J9F1Q? This example illustrates the present invention as it relates to the stability with the pressurized liquid over an extended exposure to the ultrasonic energy of 40 kHz as the liquid is cycled through a system.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an illustration of an example system for cycling the pressurized liquid through the ultrasonic control apparatus. A storage unit 202 maintained at approximately 1.5 gallons of the liquid which was connected to a pump 204 (Dayton Capacitor Start Motor, Model No. 2190453 from Dayton Electric Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Illinois). The oil flowed into the pressure controller 206 and a pressure meter 208. The pump 204 was a constant pressure pump, therefore a recycle stream 210 controls the flow pressure of the liquid carried to the ultrasonic apparatus 212. The ultrasonic apparatus 212 it was put into the same configuration as described at the beginning of the exception of examples with the exception that the device operated at a frequency of 40 kHz. The ultrasonic horn and the chamber within which the horn was adjusted were exactly half the length of the 20 kHz horn written at the beginning of the examples section. The exit orifice of the ultrasonic apparatus 212 was directed to a defoamer 214. Air carried in the liquid exiting the orifice formed foam which was converted back into the liquid in the defoamer.

Approximately 402.5 grams of hydraulic oil 68 were run through the system at a rate of 109.6 grams per minute under a pressure of 200 psi for 480+ cycles.

The lubrication oil 100 was run through the system at a rate of 24.8 grams per minute at a pressure of 200 psi for 300 + cycles.

A sample of each liquid was taken before the test. After each test, the samples they were analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Figure 3 is an overclock of the GPC analysis of the Hydraulic Oil EP 68 before and after 480 cycles. Figure 4 is an overlay of the GPC analysis of lubricating oil 100 before and after 300 cycles. Figure 5 is an IR analysis of the EP 68 Hydraulic Control oil. Figure 6 is the IR analysis of the Hydraulic Oil EP 68 after 480 cycles. Figure 7 is the IR analysis of Control Lubrication Oil 100. Figure 8 is the IR analysis of the Lubrication Oil 100 after 300 cycles. Essentially no degradation of the oils is detected.

Example 4 This example illustrates the present invention as it relates to the stability of the pressurized liquid with an extended exposure to an ultrasonic energy of 20 kHz to be cycled through a system.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown an illustration of an exemplary system for a pressurized liquid cycled through the ultrasonic control apparatus. A pump 300 was connected to a pressure gauge 302. The pump 300 was a Dayton DC Gear Model 42128A Gear Regulated by Dayton SCR Control, both available from Dayton Electric Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois. Because the pump can be regulated, it was possible to control the flow rate and pressure by controlling the speed of the pump. The liquid flowed to a pressure measurement 304. A recycle stream 306 was used to maintain flow control. From the pressure gauge 304 the liquid flowed to the ultrasonic apparatus 308. The ultrasonic apparatus 308 was placed in the same configuration as described at the beginning of the example section and operated at 20 kHz. The exit hole of the ultrasonic apparatus 308 was directed to a funnel (not shown). The liquid was allowed to fill the funnel above the plane of the exit orifice so that the liquid was not exposed to air.

Approximately 52 grams of the EP 32 Hydraulic Oil was run through the system at a rate of 87.2 grams per minute under a pressure of 200+ psi for 600+ cycles.

Approximately 54 grams of Lubricating Oil 100 were run through the system at a rate of 91.4 grams per minute at a pressure of 200+ psi for 800+ cycles.

Approximately 51 grams of EP 68 Hydraulic Oil was run through the system at a rate of 131.2 grams per minute under a pressure of 200+ psi for 800+ cycles.

A sample of each liquid was taken before the test. After each test, the samples were analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Figure 10 is an overlay of the GPC analysis of the EP 32 Hydraulic Oil before and after 200 cycles. Figure 11 is an overlay of the GPC analysis of Lubricating Oil 100 before and after 800 cycles. Figure 12 is an overlay of the GPC analysis of the Hydraulic Oil EP 68 before and after 800 cycles. Figure 13 is the IR analysis of the EP Hydraulic Oil control 32. Figure 14 is the IR analysis of the EP 32 hydraulic oil after 600 cycles. Figure 15 is the IR analysis of the Lubrication Oil 100 after 800 cycles. Figure 16 is the IR analysis of the EP 32 Hydraulic Oil after 800 cycles. Essentially no degradation of the oils can be detected.

Related Requests This application is one of a group of commonly assigned applications which are being filed on the same date. The group includes the application Serial No. 08 / 576,543 entitled "An Apparatus and Method for Emulsifying a Pressurized Multicomponent Liquid", Case No. 12535, in the name of L. K. Jameson et al .; application Serial No. 08 / 576,536 entitled "An Apparatus and Method for Ultrasonically Producing a Liquid Spray", Case No. 12536 in the name of L. H. Gipson et al .; Application No. 08 / 576,522 entitled "Ultrasonic Fuel Injection Method and Apparatus", Case No. 12537, in the name of LH Gipson et al., Application Series No. 08 / 576,174 entitled "An Ultrasonic Method and Apparatus for Increasing Rate of Flow of a Liquid through an Orifice ", issue No. 12538 in the name of B. Cohen and others; and application No. 08 / 576,175 entitled "Ultrasonic Flow Control Method and Apparatus", case No. 12539, in the name of B. Cohén et al. The subject matter of these applications is incorporated herein by reference Even though the description has been made in detail with respect to the specific modalities of the same, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, to achieve an understanding of the foregoing, that many alterations, variations and equivalents of these modalities may be conceived, therefore , the scope of the present invention should be established as that of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.

Claims (16)

1. R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S 1. An ultrasonic apparatus for regulating the flow of the pressurized liquid through a hole, the apparatus comprises a matrix box that defines: a chamber adapted to receive the pressurized liquid; an input in communication with the camera adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; Y an exit orifice in communication with said chamber and defined by the walls of the die tip, the outlet orifice being adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die box; Y means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid within the chamber without applying the ultrasonic energy to the die tip, wherein the means for applying ultrasonic energy are located within the chamber and wherein the liquid flow rate Pressurized through the outlet orifice is modified when the ultrasonic energy is applied.
2. 2. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the means for applying ultrasonic energy is a submerged ultrasonic horn.
3. 3. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the means for applying ultrasonic energy is a magnetostrictive and submerged ultrasonic horn.
4. 4. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the exit orifice is a plurality of exit orifices.
5. 5. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the outlet orifice is a single outlet orifice.
6. 6. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the outlet orifice has a diameter of from about 0.0001 to about 0.1 inches.
7. 7. The apparatus as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the outlet orifice has a diameter of from about 0.001 to about 0.01 inches.
8. 8. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the exit orifice is a capillary exit spleen.
9. 9. The apparatus as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the output capillary spleen has a length-to-diameter ratio of from about 4: 1 to about 10: 1.
10. 10. The apparatus as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the ultrasonic energy has a frequency of from about 15 kHz to about 500 kHz.
11. 11. An ultrasonic device to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid through an orifice, the apparatus comprises: a matrix box having a first end and a second end and defining: a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid; an input in communication with said chamber and adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; an exit orifice in communication with said chamber and defined by the walls of a die tip, the outlet orifice is located at the first end of the die box and adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid towards outside the matrix box along a first axis; Y an ultrasonic horn having a first end and a second end and adapted, with the excitation by ultrasonic energy having a node and a longitudinal mechanical excitation axis, the horn is located at the second end of the matrix box in such a way that the first end of the horn is located outside the matrix box and the second end of the horn is located inside the matrix box, inside the chamber and is in close proximity to the exit hole bolt does not apply the ultrasonic energy to the point of matrix, where the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice is modified when the ultrasonic energy is applied.
12. 12. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the ultrasonic energy has a frequency of from about 15 kHz to about 15 kHz.
13. 13. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the longitudinal mechanical excitation axis is essentially parallel with the first axis.
14. 14. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the second end of the ultrasonic horn has a cross-sectional area of approximately equal to or less than a minimum area, which encompasses all the exit holes in the matrix box.
15. 15. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the ultrasonic horn has vibrator means as a source of longitudinal mechanical excitation coupled to the first end thereof.
16. 16. The apparatus as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the vibrator means is a piezoelectric transducer. 18. The apparatus as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the piezoelectric transducer is coupled to the ultrasonic horn by means of an elongate waveguide. 19. The apparatus as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the elongate waveguide has a mechanical input excitation ratio: output from about 1: 1 to about 1: 2.5. 20. The apparatus as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the ultrasonic horn is a submersed magnetostrictive ultrasonic horn. 21. A method to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid through an orifice, the method comprises: supplying a pressurized liquid to a matrix assembly, the matrix assembly being composed of: a matrix box comprising: a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid; an input in communication with said chamber and adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; Y an exit orifice in communication with said chamber and defined with the walls of the die tip, the outlet orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die box; Y means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid within the chamber; excite the means to apply ultrasonic energy with the ultrasonic energy while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber, without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip, to modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice so that it is at least about 25 percent greater than the flow rate of an identical pressurized liquid outside of an identical matrix box through an identical exit orifice in the absence of excitation with ultrasonic energy; Y pass the pressurized liquid out of the outlet hole in the die tip at the modified flow rate. 22. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the means for applying ultrasonic energy are located within the chamber. 23. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the means for applying ultrasonic energy is a submerged ultrasonic horn. 24. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the exit orifice is an exit capillary spleen. 25. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the ultrasonic energy has a frequency of from about 15 kHz to about 500 kHz. 26. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the ultrasonic energy has a frequency of from about 15 kHz to about 70 kHz. 27. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the flow rate of the pressurized liquid is at least about 25 percent greater than the flow rate of an identical pressurized liquid outside of an identical matrix box through of an identical exit hole in the absence of excitation with ultrasonic energy. 28. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the flow rate of the pressurized liquid is at least about 75 percent greater than the flow rate of an identical pressurized liquid outside of an identical matrix box through of an identical exit orifice in the absence of excitation with ultrasonic energy. 29. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the flow rate of the pressurized liquid is at least about 200 percent greater than the flow rate of an identical pressurized liquid outside of an identical matrix box through of an identical exit hole in the absence of excitation with ultrasonic energy. 30. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the increase in the flow rate of pressurized liquid was achieved in the absence of a significant rise in the temperature of the pressurized liquid. 31. The method as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the increase in the flow rate of pressurized liquid was achieved in the absence of a significant rise in the pressure delivered from the pressurized liquid. 32. A method to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid through a hole, the method comprises: Supply a pressurized liquid to a matrix assembly composed of: a matrix box comprising: a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid; the camera has a first end and a second end; an input in communication with said chamber and adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; Y an exit orifice in communication with said chamber and defined by the walls at the matrix tip and located at the first end of the chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the matrix box to along a first axis; and an ultrasonic horn has a first end and a second end and is adapted with excitation with ultrasonic energy to have a longitudinal axis and excitation axis, the horn is located at the second end of the chamber in such a way that the first end of the horn is located outside the chamber and the second end of the horn is located inside the chamber and is in close proximity to the extrusion orifice; excite the ultrasonic horn with ultrasonic energy while the exit orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber, without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip, to modify, the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the exit orifice so that this is about 25 percent greater than the flow rate of an identical pressurized liquid outside of an identical matrix box through an identical exit orifice in the absence of excitation with ultrasonic energy; Y pass the pressurized liquid out of the outlet hole in the die tip at a modified flow rate. 33. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the exit orifice is an exit capillary spleen. 34. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the ultrasonic energy has a frequency of from about 15 kHz to about 500 kHz. 35. An ultrasonic apparatus for regulating the flow of pressure through a hole, the apparatus comprises: a matrix box that defines: a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid; an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; Y an exit orifice defined by the walls of the die tip, the outlet orifice being adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die box; Y an ultrasonic horn located inside the chamber, the horn being composed of a magnetostrictive material and surrounded by an induction bovine, able to induce a signal inside the magnetostrictive material causing it to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to apply the ultrasonic energy to a part of the pressurized liquid inside the chamber, without applying the ultrasonic energy to the tip of the matrix, means for superimposing a direct current signal on the induction oil so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to close the flow of the pressurized liquid and in this way the ultrasonic horn is moved to a position to activate the flow of the liquid when the direct current signal is removed; wherein the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice is modified when the ultrasonic energy and the direct current signal are applied and removed. 36. A method to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid through an orifice, the method comprises: supplying a pressurized liquid to the matrix assembly, the matrix assembly being composed of: a matrix box comprising: a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid; an entrance adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid; Y an outlet orifice defined by the walls of a die tip, the outlet orifice being adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the die box; Y an ultrasonic horn located inside the chamber, the horn being composed of a magnetostrictive material and surrounded by an induction bovine capable of inducing a signal inside the magnetostrictive material causing it to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to apply ultrasonic energy to a part of the liquid pressurized inside the chamber without applying the ultrasonic energy to the tip of the array; Y means for superimposing a direct current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to close the flow of the pressurized liquid and so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position to activate the flow of the liquid when the direct current signal is removed, excite the ultrasonic horn while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber, without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip, to modify the rate of flow of pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice; Y superimpose a direct current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position inside the chamber to close the flow rate of the pressurized liquid and to remove the direct current signal on the induction bovine so that the ultrasonic horn moves to a position within the chamber to activate the flow of the pressurized liquid. SUMMARY An apparatus and an ultrasonic method to regulate the flow of pressurized liquid through a hole by applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The apparatus includes a matrix box which defines a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized liquid and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The die box further includes an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an outlet orifice defined by the walls of the die tip. The outlet orifice is adapted to receive the pressurized liquid from the chamber and pass the liquid out of the matrix box. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy are excited, they apply ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the matrix tip and modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the outlet orifice. The method involves supplying a pressurized liquid to the interior appliance by applying ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid but not to the die tip while the outlet orifice receives the pressurized liquid from the chamber to modify the flow rate of the pressurized liquid through the orifice of exit, and pass the pressurized liquid out of the exit orifice at the tip of the matrix at the modified flow rate.