Symmetrical Horn for Ultrasonic Sample Preparation

An ultrasonic horn comprising:

• a generally cylindrical input section having a diameter (DI), a length (LI) and an energy input end adapted to be operably connected to an ultrasonic energy source, the energy input end comprising a generally flat surface;
• a generally cylindrical output section having a diameter (DO), a length (LO) and a free end defining an energy output end, comprising a generally flat surface that is generally parallel to the generally flat surface of the energy input end;
• wherein the diameter (DO) of said output section and the diameter (DI) of said input section are substantially equal and wherein the length (LO) of said output section and the length (LI) of said input section are substantially equal;
• a middle section disposed between said input section and said output section, said middle section comprising at least one scallop defined by a side wall having a continuous curve with a constant radius of curvature and having a diameter reducing down from a diameter generally equal to the diameter (DI) of said input section on a side connected to said input section, and reducing down from a diameter generally equal to the diameter (DO) of said output section on a side connected to said output section, to a minimum throat diameter (DT);
• wherein said input section, said middle section and said output section together define a total horn length;
• wherein said ultrasonic horn is substantially symmetrical about an imaginary plane that bisects the total horn length and that is substantially parallel to the generally flat surface of the energy input end and the generally flat surface of the energy output end;
• a sealing element disposed on a periphery of said output section, said sealing element adapted to facilitate engagement of said ultrasonic horn with a wall of a system for sample preparation;
• a symmetry creating element disposed on a periphery of said input section, said symmetry creating element sized, shaped and positioned so as to define the symmetry about the imaginary plane;
• and
• wherein said ultrasonic horn defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein said ultrasonic horn is substantially symmetrical about any longitudinal imaginary plane that longitudinally bisects said ultrasonic horn and that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis.