| abstract |
Acoustic bead charger/dispenser employs a bead dispersion plate (BDP) to align beads with, for example, bead collection zones of a bead transporter chuck, then propel or launch them toward the bead collection zones, using acoustic energy provided by a speaker. The bead dispersion plate can be configured so that the acoustic energy from the speaker may be directed so as to impart to the bead translational kinetic energy primarily in a direction toward the bead collection zone of the bead transporter chuck. The bead dispersion plate can comprise a conductive surface that can be used to accelerate the beads toward the bead transporter chuck. Using sufficient acoustic energy applied by the speaker, sufficient translational kinetic energy can be imparted to beads to remove them from the conductive surface when they are under the influence of an electrostatic image force. The bead dispersion plate can optionally comprise a tribo-charging mesh (MESH) for inductive charge transfer tribo-charging during application of acoustic energy. The bead dispersion plate can comprise a distribution system, including a bead reservoir and metering pump to controllably feed and retrieve the beads from the bead dispersion zones of the bead dispersion plate. Methods are given for using the acoustic bead charger/dispenser to align beads with a bead collection zone of a bead transporter chuck, and to propel the beads toward the bead collection zone. |