Device for non-contact conveying, handling and storage of structural elements and materials
AssigneeTechnische Universität München
InventorsJosef Zimmermann, Adolf Zitzmann, Michael Schilp, Tobias Bolig
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Abstract
A device for generating a floating state of an object by sound waves includes a rigid support structure having a top surface for absorbing forces generated by the gravitation or acceleration of the levitating object and perpendicularly acting on the top surface. A thin oscillatory element is arranged in parallel to the top surface. Further provided is a vibration generator for making the thin oscillatory element vibrating and levitating above the top surface so that the object is levitating above the thin oscillatory element without contacting it.
Claims19
-17. (canceled)
A device for levitating an object by sound waves, comprising:
- a rigid support structure having a top surface for absorbing forces generated by gravitation or acceleration of a levitating object and perpendicularly acting on the top surface;
- a thin oscillatory element arranged in parallel to the top surface of support structure;
- and
- a vibration generator for causing the thin oscillatory element to vibrate such that the oscillatory element levitates above the top surface without contacting it and the object levitates above the thin oscillatory element as a consequence of at least one surface portion of the object suited for levitation and arranged in opposition to the oscillatory element.
A method for levitating an object by sound waves, wherein the object comprises at least one surface portion suited for levitation and arranged opposite to a sound-emitting surface, said method comprising the steps of providing a rigid support structure having a top surface for absorbing forces generated by gravitation or acceleration of a levitating object and perpendicularly acting on the top surface;
- providing a thin oscillatory element arranged in parallel to the top surface of support structure;
- and
- providing vibration generator which cause the thin oscillatory element to vibrate so that it is levitating above the top surface of the support structure without contacting it and the object levitates above the thin oscillatory element without contacting it.
A method for levitating an object by sound waves, comprising the steps of:
- placing at least one surface portion of an object suited for levitation in opposition to a thin oscillatory element;
- and
- causing the oscillatory element to vibrate, thereby effecting a levitation of the oscillatory element above a top surface of a rigid support structure and levitation of the object above the oscillatory element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.