Apparatus, systems, and methods for acoustic transmission via tubular are provided. A transceiver comprises a piezoelectric transducer; a switch coupled to the piezoelectric transducer; a charge mode receiver coupled to the switch; and a transmitter coupled to the switch.

The present disclosure provides a device for ultrasonic sensing, which includes a driver circuit configured to generate an ultrasonic signal, a piezoelectric element having a first electrode and a second electrode, a blocking transistor configured to connect the piezoelectric element with the second electrode to a fixed bias voltage, and a source rectifier including a gate, a drain, and a source electrically connected to the piezoelectric element and the blocking transistor. The piezoelectric element is coupled with the driver circuit with the first electrode. The blocking transistor includes a gate for receiving a blocking control signal, a drain electrically connected to the second electrode of the piezoelectric element, and a source electrically connected to the fixed bias voltage, wherein, in response to the blocking signal, the blocking transistor is configured to be turned on within a transmission period and to be turned off within a receiving period.

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

In an embodiment, a multilayer piezoelectric element includes a multilayer piezoelectric body and multiple internal electrodes. The multilayer piezoelectric body has a pair of principal faces in a first-axis direction, a pair of end faces in a second-axis direction crossing at right angles with the first-axis direction and defining the longitudinal direction, and a pair of side faces in a third-axis direction crossing at right angles with the first-axis direction and second-axis direction. The multiple internal electrodes are placed inside the multilayer piezoelectric body and stacked in the first-axis direction. Among the multiple internal electrodes, a center internal electrode placed at the center part of the multilayer piezoelectric body is such that its first cross-sectional shape, as viewed from the third-axis direction, has undulations greater than the undulations of the second cross-sectional shape of the center internal electrode as viewed from the second-axis direction.

An acoustic transducer for generating and/or receiving a spatially structured acoustic field includes a total aperture which generates and/or receives the acoustic field. The title total aperture includes a plurality of sub-apertures. Each of the sub-apertures is arranged to receive and/or generate ultrasound having a specific frequency spectrum. The specific frequency spectra of at least two of the sub-apertures differ. All sub-apertures of the total aperture are connected to a same electronic drive channel.

Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems and devices that include a piezo-electric element comprising a top-side electrode and a bottom-side electrode; a metal contact pad electrically connected to the bottom-side electrode; an electrode electrically connected to the top-side electrode; and an encasement encasing the piezo-electric element. The piezo-electric element can be prepared to include steps and metallization for use in one or more types of packaging.

The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one physical characteristic value of an electromechanical oscillatory system, which comprises a piezoelectric element and at least one additional element coupled, with respect to oscillation, to the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element having an electrode and a counter electrode. The method comprises the following steps: (a) applying an electrical alternating voltage between the electrode and the counter electrode for the duration of an excitation interval in order to induce mechanical oscillation of the oscillatory system or of a sub-system of the oscillatory system, so that after the excitation interval has expired, the oscillatory system or the sub-system performs a free oscillation without excitation, (b) after the end of the excitation and during the free oscillation of the oscillatory system or of the sub-system without excitation: (i) measuring a time curve of a voltage U between the electrode and the counter electrode, or (ii) short-circuiting the electrode and the counter electrode with a line and measuring a time curve of a current I through the line, and (c) determining the at least one physical characteristic value of the electromechanical oscillatory system from the time curve of the voltage U, which time curve was measured in step b) i), or the time curve of the current I, which time curve was measured in step b) ii).

An acoustophoretic system is controlled and driven to attain a desired level of performance. An RF controller and a driver provide a frequency and power to an acoustic transducer, which can be implemented as a piezoelectric element, which presents a reactive load or a complex load. A controller implements a control technique for efficient transducer operation. The control technique can locate a frequency for operation that is at a reactance minimum or maximum for the system to produce a modal pattern and to provide efficient operation of the transducer. A method of detecting a minimum or maximum reactance in a acoustophoretic system used to trap, separate, deflect, cluster, fractionate or otherwise process particles or secondary fluids or tertiary fluids in a primary fluid and utilizing the frequency of the detected reactance to operate the acoustophoretic system.