TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to generation of waveforms / wave patterns in general and particularly to a system and method for generating a waveform with sonic artefacts.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Research indicates that every healthy living organism / cell resonates within a specific frequency range. Also, for unhealthy / sick cells the resonating frequency range changes. In other words, it offsets that of the healthy cells causing the healthy cells to lose their vibrancy and vitality. Another set of studies show that the converse is true. Imposing external electromagnetic stimulation like radio waves may force / disturb the normal healthy cell function and throw a healthy cell out of its resonance frequency range and may eventually cause cell lysis, a medical condition that refers to the breaking down of membrane of a cell, often by viral, enzymic, or osmotic mechanisms that compromise integrity of the cell.

[0004] Ultrasound isroutinely used for diagnostics and as a physio-therapy device. It is also well established that ultrasound has the ability to penetrate cell membranes of unicellular organisms. Ultrasound has been used for anti-microbial activity in liquid medium but most of the disease-causing microbes are airborne. Airborne ultrasound can target microbes in enclosed environment that are airborne (microbes floating around in the air) and on surfaces (like on furniture, flooring, walls, utilities, electronic devices, etc.).

[0005] Research has shown ultrasound frequency ranges which harm microbes harmful to humans do not seem to have any negative effect on human cells or microbes which are beneficial to humans i.e. germs that are bad for humans have different ultrasound frequency response range and they can be easily targeted. Existing, methods for airborne and surface microbe control like chemical-based applications, fumigation, ultraviolet radiation, etc are either harmful and toxic to humans or hazardous to the environment or both. Most methods need human evacuation and special gear for disinfection process. Also, the effect wears off slowly during the course of the day. Hence a system for 24/7 microbe control in presence of humans that is environment friendly, is the need of the hour.

[0006] There is therefore a need in the art to provide a system and method for generating a waveformthat can inhibit and control growth of harmful microbes while being safe for multi-cellular organisms like humans.

[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0008] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for generating a waveform having a range of frequencies which are harmful for harmful micro organisms that are airborne and/or on various surfaces and safe for multi-cellular organisms.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for enabling generation, shapingas well as transmitting of an airborne waveform generated by a transducer.

[0014] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that enables the transducerto generate airborne waves having an ultrasound sweep carrier wave with sonic artefacts due to bursts of a selected ultrasound frequency disrupting the current sweep at sonic range periodicity, the airborne waves creating a vibrational environment to target microbes harmful to multi-cellular organisms in order to limit and control growth of such microbes in the vibrational environment.

SUMMARY

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for generating a waveform with sonic artefacts, and more particularly to a system and method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0016] In an aspect, proposed system can include a transducer; and a microcontroller operatively connected to the transducer, wherein the microcontroller can : generate a first signal that, when fed to the transducer, can generate a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave) ; can generate a second signal that, when fed to the transducer, can generate bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave); and can combinethe first signal with the second signal to generate a third signal.

[0017] In another aspect, the third signal can be provided to the transducer to enable the transducer to generate the waveform. As described above, the waveform can have a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts. [0018] In yet another aspect, the microcontroller can include a firmware to generate any or a combination of the first signal and the second signal.

[0019] In another aspect, the first wave can have non-equal delta steps and pre determined microbe controlling frequencies.

[0020] In another aspect, the third signal can be provided to the transducer after appropriate amplification.

[0021] In yet another aspect the amplification can be provided by a level shifter that can receive the third signal, can translate the third signal from one logic level to another, and can provide level shifted third signal to a capacitive voltage doubler that can increase voltage of the level shifted third signal. The amplified ad level shifted third signal can then be supplied to the transducer.

[0022] In an aspect, ultrasound sweep frequency of the first wave can range from 20 KHz to 100 KHz.

[0023] In another aspect, ultrasound sweep frequency of the first wave can consistof 100 to 300 individual ultrasound frequencies with a delta step increase in forward sweep direction and a delta step decrease in reverse sweep direction.

[0024] In yet another aspect, sonic sweep frequency of the second wave can range from 1.5 Hz to 100 Hz.

[0025] In an aspect, forward and reverse delta step of the sonic sweep frequency can be 1

Hz.

[0026] In another aspect, sweep speed of the first wave can be randomized or fixed programmatically from 1 sweep per minute to 200 sweeps per minute.

[0027] In yet another aspect, a wave of a periodic frequency, either random or reselected, can interrupt the third wave to create an added shockwave effect, period of the shockwave effect being fixed or automatically changeable during operation.

[0028] In another aspect, frequencies of any or a combination of the first wave and the second wave can be configured to repeat pre-determined number of multiple times in a single sweep.

[0029] In yet another aspect, firmware of the microcontroller can implement an active mode to generate the waveform for a pre-set duration corresponding to a sweep-on time ofthe first wave, and a sleep mode to stop generation of the waveform for a pre-set duration corresponding to a sweep-off time ofthe first wave. [0030] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0031] The method can include steps of generating, at a microcontroller, a first signal that, when fed to a transducer, generates a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave); and generating, at the microcontroller, a second signal that, when fed to the transducer, generates bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency (second wave).

[0032] The method can further include steps of combining, at the microcontroller, the first signal with the second signal to generate a third signal; andproviding the third signal to the transducer to enable the transducer to generate the waveform.

[0033] In an aspect, the waveform can, when used in a defined physical space, enable any or a combination of: inhibiting microbial growth by targeting microbes harmful to multi cellular organisms such as human beings, the microbes being any or a combination of airborne microbes and surface microbes; slowing colony formation reduction for any or a combination of bacteria comprising Klebsiellapneumoniae, E coli, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin- Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM); slowing anti-fungal growth for any or a combination of Mould - Aspergillusniger and Yeast - Candida albicans; slowing anti-viral effect of MS2 Phage with E-coli as host; andhelping prevent diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.

[0034] As elaborated above, present disclosure relates to a system and method for generating a waveform having a first wave that can be an ultrasound sweep carrier waveinterspersed with a second wave comprising bursts of another ultrasound wave at a (pre-determined) sonic frequency to create a third wave /waveform having burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0035] Such bursts can be interchangeably termed as sonic range periodicity bursts. The sonic artefacts can be used to target microbes harmful to human beings in order to limit and control growth of harmful microbes that are airborne and/or on various surfaces in an enclosed environment.

[0036] The proposed system can include a printed circuit board (PCB) housed within an enclosure body, the PCB including a microcontroller that includes a firmware with instructionsthat control parameters enabling the microcontroller to generate a first signal that can be used to generate the first wave with non-equal delta steps. The first wave can have certain microbe controlling frequencies. Further, it can be interspersed with the second wave.

[0037] The bursts of the second wave can be interchangeably termed herein as sonic range periodicity bursts. The second wave can as well be generated using a second signal generated at/by the microcontroller.The summation of the first signal and the second signal at the microcontroller can lead to a third signal that can be used to create the third wave by providing the third signal to a transducer after appropriate amplification.

[0038] In effect, the third wave can be‘a waveform having burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts’.

[0039] The third signal (that can be a digital signal) can be provided asan output ofthe microcontroller (for instance at a pin of the microcontroller).

[0040] Further, in an exemplary embodiment, alevel shifter (interchangeably referred as h-bridge driver hereinafter) can receive the third digital signal and change its voltage to a driving voltage and strength. Thereafter, a capacitive voltage doubler can provide the resultant signal to the transducer. The transducer can be apiezo crystal(interchangeably referred to as piezoelectric crystal hereinafter).

[0041] In an embodiment, the level shifter can translate its input signal (that is, the third signal generated as elaborated above) from one logic level to another.In an embodiment, the level shifted output of the level shifter unit can feed the capacitive voltage doubler.

[0042] In an embodiment, output of the capacitive voltage doublercan be transmitted to the piezo crystal. The piezo crystal can in turn generate a waveform having burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts ( interchangeably termed as third wave herein)

[0043] In this manner, proposed system envisages to disrupt a normal ultrasound sweep carrier wave with bursts of another ultrasound waveat a sonic range periodicity to create sonic artefacts that are encapsulated in the ultrasound sweep carrier wave.

[0044] Such sonic artefacts can be used to target microbes that are airborne and/or on surfaces in an enclosed environment and are harmful to human beings in order to limit and control their growth.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the disclosure together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of proposed system for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefactsin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGs. 2A through 2B illustrate exemplary representations of an enclosure body accommodating printed circuit board (PCB) of the proposed system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary representation of a voltage versus time curve of an ultrasound sweep carrier wave ( first wave)in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary representation of a voltage versus time curve of a ultrasound wave in form of bursts at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary representation of a voltage versus time curve of the final wave (third wave) consisting of the first wave interspersed with the second wave at in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The third wave can be a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart representation of proposed method for generatinga waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefactsin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 5A illustrates antibacterial efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 5B illustrates antifungal efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGs. 6A to 6C illustrate results of microbial test over surface of food samples to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [0056] FIGs. 7 A to 7C illustrate results of surface swab test over different surfaces to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates reduction of microbial load in the air upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0059] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special- purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.

[0061] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product. [0062] If the specification states a component or feature“may”, “can”,“could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0063] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0065] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.

[0066] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0067] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention may include a computer program product, which may include a machine -readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The term“machine-readable storage medium” or“computer-readable storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware). A machine-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data can be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.

[0070] Systems depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.

[0071] It would be appreciated that units / components of proposed system elaborated herein are only exemplary units and any other unit or sub-unit can be included as part of the proposed system. These units too can be merged or divided into super-units or sub-units as may be configured.

[0072] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0073] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. [0074] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0075] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for generating a waveform with sonic artefacts, and more particularly to a system and method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0076] In an aspect, proposed system can include a transducer; and a microcontroller operatively connected to the transducer, wherein the microcontroller can : generate a first signal that, when fed to the transducer, can generate a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave) ; can generate a second signal that, when fed to the transducer, can generate bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave); and can combinethe first signal with the second signal to generate a third signal.

[0077] In another aspect, the third signal can be provided to the transducer to enable the transducer to generate the waveform. As described above, the waveform can have a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0078] In yet another aspect, the microcontroller can include a firmware to generate any or a combination of the first signal and the second signal.

[0079] In another aspect, the first wave can have non-equal delta steps and pre determined microbe controlling frequencies.

[0080] In another aspect, the third signal can be provided to the transducer after appropriate amplification.

[0081] In yet another aspect the amplification can be provided by a level shifter that can receive the third signal, can translate the third signal from one logic level to another, and can provide level shifted third signal to a capacitive voltage doubler that can increase voltage of the level shifted third signal. The amplified ad level shifted third signal can then be supplied to the transducer.

[0082] In an aspect, ultrasound sweep frequency of the first wave can range from 20 KHz to 100 KHz.

[0083] In another aspect, ultrasound sweep frequency of the first wave can consist of 100 to 300 individual ultrasound frequencies with a delta step increase in forward sweep direction and a delta step decrease in reverse sweep direction.

[0084] In yet another aspect, sonic sweep frequency of the second wave can range from 1.5 Hz to 100 Hz. [0085] In an aspect, forward and reverse delta step of the sonic sweep frequency can be 1

Hz.

[0086] In another aspect, sweep speed of the first wave can be randomized or fixed programmatically from 1 sweep per minute to 200 sweeps per minute.

[0087] In yet another aspect, a wave of a periodic frequency, either random or reselected, can interrupt the third wave to create an added shockwave effect, period of the shockwave effect being fixed or automatically changeable during operation.

[0088] In another aspect, frequencies of any or a combination of the first wave and the second wave can be configured to repeat pre-determined number of multiple times in a single sweep.

[0089] In yet another aspect, firmware of the microcontroller can implement an active mode to generate the waveform for a pre-set duration corresponding to a sweep-on time of the first wave, and a sleep mode to stop generation of the waveform for a pre-set duration corresponding to a sweep-off time of the first wave.

[0090] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[0091] The method can include steps of generating, at a microcontroller, a first signal that, when fed to a transducer, generates a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave); and generating, at the microcontroller, a second signal that, when fed to the transducer, generates bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency (second wave).

[0092] The method can further include steps of combining, at the microcontroller, the first signal with the second signal to generate a third signal; and providing the third signal to the transducer to enable the transducer to generate the waveform.

[0093] In an aspect, the waveform can, when used in a defined physical space, enable any or a combination of: inhibiting microbial growth by targeting microbes harmful to multi cellular organisms such as human beings, the microbes being any or a combination of airborne microbes and surface microbes; slowing colony formation reduction for any or a combination of bacteria comprising Klebsiellapneumoniae, E coli, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin- Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM); slowing anti-fungal growth for any or a combination of Mould - Aspergillusniger and Yeast - Candida albicans; slowing anti-viral effect of MS2 Phage with E-coli as host; and helping prevent diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.

[0094] In an embodiment, the proposed system can be run by a power supply unit having switched-mode power supply (SMPS) or a battery. The power supply unit can be an isolated power supply with an amperage of 350 mA and can step down 110/230 V AC to 12V DC. The power supply unit can be operated in any of constant current and constant voltage mode.

[0095] In an embodiment, the ultrasound sweep frequency of the first wave can range from about 20 kHz to about 100 kHz. In an embodiment, the ultrasound sweep of the first wave may consist of about 100 to 300 individual ultrasound frequencies with a delta step increase in forward sweep direction and a delta step decrease in the reverse sweep direction.

[0096] In an embodiment, the sonic sweep frequency of the second wave can range from about l.5Hz to about lOOHz. In an embodiment, forward and reverse delta step of the sonic sweep of the second wave can be 1 Hz.

[0097] In an embodiment, electrical voltage of the microcontroller and the h-bridge drivercan be regulated in order to assist generation of the ultrasonic frequency sweep signal.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave) can be swept from a start frequency to a stop frequency and then back to the start frequency in a fixed number of steps. Each such frequency sweep can be present for a finite amount of time. For instance a current ultrasound sweep carrier wave can have a frequency of 25 KHz. A second wave comprising a selected ultrasound wave of frequency 43 kilohertz can intersperse with / interrupt the 25 KHz sweep carrier at periodic intervals. Such periodic intervals can be in a sonic frequency range, thereby creating bursts of sonic frequency.

[0099] A microcontroller as further elaborated can generate signals to generate the first wave and the second wave, and can combine such signals to provide at its output a third signal.

[00100] After amplification the third signal can befed to a transducer (that can comprise a piezo crystal) that can in turn emit digitally imposed sonic range artefacts overriding the ultrasound sweep carrier wave (thatis, a waveform having burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts).

[00101] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of proposed system for generating a waveform in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00102] In an aspect, proposed system 100 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) (as shown in FIG. 2A) enclosed within an enclosure body (as shown in FIG. 2A). [00103] In an aspect, the PCB can include amicrocontroller 102. The microcontroller 102 can have embedded firmware that can control parameters associated with generation of a burst encapsulated/modulated waveform. In an aspect, a level shifter 104 (interchangeably referred as h-bridge driver hereinafter) can translate signalsoutputted by the microcontroller 102 from one logic level to anotherandcan provide them as input to voltage doubler 106. Voltage doubler 106 can increase amplitude of voltage of the input signals by twice the original amplitude of the input signal.

[00104] In an aspect, the firmware embedded in the microcontroller 102 can execute one or more instructions pertaining to ultrasound sweep generation to generate a first signal that can be used to generate an ultrasound sweep carrier wave ( first wave) as shown in FIG. 3A. Further, the firmware embedded in the microcontroller 102 can execute instructions pertaining to ultrasound burst generation for generation of a second signal that can be used to generate bursts of another ultrasound wave in at a pre-determined sonic frequency ( second wave), for instance at a time interval T corresponding to the pre-determined sonic frequency, as shown in FIG. 3B. Both these signals can be combinedby the microcontroller 102 to generate a third signal that can be used to generate a burst modulated waveform having the second wave encapsulated in the first wave, that is, generate a third wave can be of a waveform having burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[00105] The third signal can be provided as an output of the micro-controller 102 (for instance at a pin of the microcontroller) and can be received by an h-bridge driver 104. Output of the h-bridge driver 104 can be transmitted to the voltage doubler 106 to double voltage of the received signal. Next, output of the voltage doublerl06 can be transmitted to apiezo crystal 108 that can inturn generate the third wave.

[00106] In an embodiment, components of the system 100 can be run by a power supply unit that can be a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) or a battery. The power supply unit can be an isolated power supply with amperage of 350 mA and can step down 110/230 V AC to 12 V DC. The power supply unit can be operated in any of constant current and constant voltage mode.

[00107] In an embodiment, electrical voltage of the microcontroller 102 and the level shifter 104 can be regulated in order to assist generation of the ultrasound frequency sweep carrier wave signal and the ultrasound wave in form of bursts at a pre-determined sonic frequency. [00108] In an embodiment, the ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave) can be a low intensity, low frequency airborne ultrasound wave ranging from about 20 kHz to about 100 kHz spread across multiple bands with different start and end frequencies to nudge micro organisms in air and on surfaces of an enclosed space / area (for example, an enclosed space of 2000 cubic ft volume) out of their resonance frequency range thus limiting and controlling harmful microbial growth. In an embodiment, the ultrasound sweep of the first wave can consist of about 100 to 300 individual ultrasound frequencies per band with a delta step increase in forward sweep direction and a delta step decrease in the reverse sweep direction. Operational time of each band may be fixed or randomly generated.

[00109] In an embodiment, sweep speed of the first wave may be variable so as to not allow the microbes/ micro-organisms any bandwidth to adapt to the changing frequencies. Sweeps per minute (SPM) of the first wave can be randomized or fixed programmatically from 1 to 200 SPMs.

[00110] In an embodiment, a wave of a periodicfrequency, either random or preselected, may interrupt the third wave to create an added shockwave effect, the period of which can be fixed or may change automatically during operation. The periodicity may be in the sonic frequency range.

[00111] In an embodiment, certain frequencies of any or a combination of the first wave and the second wave may be configured to repeat multiple times, say, 5 to 25 times, in a single sweep.

[00112] In an embodiment, the firmware in the microcontroller can execute instructions to implement an active mode of waveforms for a pre-set duration pertaining to sweep-on-time and sleep mode pertaining to sweep-off-time. In an embodiment, the firmware can further execute another set of instructions to facilitate generation of the first wave. In another embodiment, a common set of instructions executable by the firmware can facilitate generation of both the periodic bursts (of the second wave) and the ultrasonic frequency sweep carrierwave.

[00113] In an aspect, the waveform generated by proposed system (that is, a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts) can create a vibrational environment around it. Growth of microbes harmful to multi-cellular organisms in such an environment is controlled and limited by the generated waveform, thereby leading to several beneficial effects.

[00114] In an embodiment, the piezo crystal 108 may be an integral part of a transducer assembly housed within the same enclosure body as of the PCB. In an embodiment, the transducer assembly can be remotely configured with the system 100, and generation of the burst encapsulated waves by the transducer assembly may be remotely actuated by the system 100.

[00115] In an embodiment, the piezo crystal 108 can emit a bi-directional (forward and reverse) low frequency ultrasound carrier sweep with a burst encapsulated bi-directional (forward and reverse) sonic frequency sweep having periodic bursts. The transducer assembly can emit waves of a range of frequencies that are harmful to micro-organisms and safe for multi-cellular organisms. Output sound power level (SPL) of the transducer assembly that is associated with the piezo crystal 108 can be at a non-disruptive low intensity.

[00116] Amplitude and frequency range of the emitted waves of waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefactscan be kept well within various recommended international safety standards and guidelines for non-ionizing radiation equipment for 24 / 7 exposure to multi-cellular organisms such as humans and pets.

[00117] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the enclosure body in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary view of rear side the enclosure body fitted with the PCB in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00118] As illustrated, PCB 204 can be fitted within the enclosure body 202 with the help of fastening techniques, such as bolting, snap and lock mechanisms and the likes. PCB 204 can be fitted inside the enclosure body 202 such that the transducer assembly that is associated with the piezo crystal 108 can be arranged in front section of the enclosure body 202. The PCB 204 can be connected to the transducer assembly such that the h-bridge driver circuit 104 can transmit the burst encapsulated waveform to the piezo crystal 108 of the transducer assembly, through voltage doubler 106, to allow the piezo crystal 108 to create the required burst encapsulated waveform in accordance to the acoustics of the transducer in whole.

[00119] In an embodiment, the PCB 204 may include an SMPS unit and a motherboard PCB, the SMPS unit incorporating a power supply unit with an amperage of 350 mA and can step down 110/230 V AC to 12 V DC to power the motherboard PCB that controls execution of the instructions embedded in firmware of microcontroller 102.

[00120] FIG. 3A illustrate an exemplary representation of a voltage versus time curve of an ultrasonic sweep in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrate an exemplary representation of a voltage versus time curve of periodic bursts of selected ultrasound frequency at sonic intervals (T) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C illustrate an exemplary representation of a voltage versus time curve of a periodically interrupted ultrasound sweep with selected ultrasound frequency bursts at T intervals inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00121] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart representation of proposed method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[00122] The method can include, at step 402, generating, at a microcontroller, a first signal that, when fed to a transducer, can generate a first ultrasound sweep carrier wave (first wave); and at step 404, generating, at the microcontroller, a second signal that, when fed to thetransducer, can generate bursts of a second ultrasound wave at a pre-determined sonic frequency (second wave).

[00123] The method can further include, at step 406, combining, at the microcontroller, the first signal with the second signal to generate a third signal; and at step 408, providing the third signal to the transducer to enable the transducer to generate a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts.

[00124] As already elaborated, proposed system can generate a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts, and in a similar manner a plurality of such waveforms. Such waveforms have antibacterial and antifungal properties as have been determined form various tests further elaborated.

[00125] FIG. 5A illustrates antibacterial efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00126] The test procedure comprised ascertaining control counts of bacterial organisms from five different locations of a non-sterile room of size 7.75 X 11.5 X 8.5 (H X L X B) feet dimension withone ventilation netted window and controlled accessed. The control counts weredone by settle plate method i.e. by exposing sterile Soybean Casein Digest Agar(SCDA) plates at five different locations in the room for 20 minutes, then the SCDAplates were closed and kept for incubation for 48 hours at 37°C..

[00127] This procedure was repeated after treating the room for 20 minutes with waveforms as generated using proposed system. For the purpose a room sterilizer having system as described was deployed in the room. The bacterial counts were taken afterthe room sterilizer was switched off.Experiments were carried out in duplicate and average counts were considered forthe calculation.

[00128] Bacterial counts in air inside the room were done as per the“Guidelines on test method forenvironmental monitoring for aseptic Dispensing facilities", produced by a working group of theScottish Quality Assurance Specialist interest Group, Second Edition, February, 2004, Para: 10.6 withminor modifications.

[00129] From results obtained as illustrated in FIG. 5A , it can be concluded that a percentage inhibition of 75%, 77.42%, 86.11%, 83.33% and 85.7l%respectively in bacterial activitywas found at the five different locations of the above mentioned room after 20 minutes of treatment using waveforms generated by proposed system.

[00130] FIG. 5B illustrates antifungal efficacy of waveforms generated by proposed system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00131] The test procedure comprised ascertaining initially the control counts of fungal organisms from fivedifferent locations of a non-sterile room of size 7.75 X 11.5 X 8.5 (H X FX B) feet dimension withone ventilation netted window and controlled accessed. The control counts weredone by settle plate method i.e. by exposing sterile Sabouraud’s agar plates at fivedifferent locations in the room. Air sampling was done for 20 minutes, then the Sabouraud’s agar plates were closed and kept for incubation for 72 hours at roomtemperature.

[00132] This procedure was repeated after treating the room for 20 minutes with waveforms as generated using proposed system. For the purpose a room sterilizer having system as described was deployed in the room. The fungal counts were taken after theroom sterilizer was switched off.Experiments were carried out in duplicate and average counts were considered forthe calculation.

[00133] Fungal counts in air inside the room were done as per the "Guidelines on test method forenvironmental monitoring for aseptic Dispensing facilities", produced by a working group of theScottish Quality Assurance Specialist interest Group, Second Edition, February, 2004, Para: 10.6 withminor modifications.

[00134] From results obtained as illustrated in FIG. 5B, it can be concluded that35.7l%, 0%, 36.36%, 16.67% and 61.11% inhibition respectively in fungal activity was found at the five different locations of the above mentioned room after 20 minutes of treatment using waveforms generated by proposed system.

[00135] FIGs. 6A to 6C illustrate results of microbial test over surface of food samples to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00136] For such tests, Total Plate Count (TPC) was determined per standard ISO:4833( Partl) : 2013, while Yeast and Mould Count (YMC) was determined per standard IS:5403 : 1999. Sampling was done per SO-IN-AGR-FAB-TE-022. [00137] TA17-003425.001 illustrates a control sample of apples. TA17-003425.002 illustrates the control sample treated with waveforms generated by proposed system for 20 minutes, while TA17-003425.003 illustrates control sample treated with waveforms generated by proposed system for 20 minutesand further held for 30 minutes.Total Plate Count (TPC) and Total Yeast and Mould Count (TYMC) was determined in terms of Colony Forming Units (CFU) /food surfaces for each case, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Thereafter log reduction and percentage reduction for each case was determined as illustrated in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C respectively.

[00138] As shown, substantial reduction in TPC and TMC was achieved upon treatment of food sample with waveforms generated by proposed system.

[00139] FIGs.7A to 7C illustrate results of surface swab test overdifferent surfaces to evaluate reduction of microbial load on such surfaces upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00140] For such tests, Total Plate Count (TPC) was determined per standard ISO:4833( Partl) : 2013, while Yeast and Mould Count (YMC) was determined per standard IS:5403 : 1999. Sampling was done per SO-IN-AGR-LAB-TE-024

[00141] Test series 301 indicates surface swab test of plastic surface, wherein column 301.001 indicates data of surface swab solutions of plastic material (control samples), column 301.002 indicates result after test 301.002 viztreatment of the surface swab solutions for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein, and column 301.003 indicates results after test 301.003 viztreatment of the surface swab solutions for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein and further30 minutes hold time. Both TPC and YMC results are indicated.

[00142] TPC results for plastic surface are indicated at cells 301-01, 301-02, 301-03 and 301-04 respectively, wherein Cell 301-01 and 301-02 indicate, for test 301.002, percentage CFU (colony forming units) reduction and log reduction. Cells 301-03 and 301-04 indicate corresponding TPC results for test 301.003.

[00143] YMC results for plastic surface are indicated at cells 301-05, 301-06, 301-07 and 301-08 respectively, wherein Cell 301-05 and 301-06 indicate, for test 301.002, percentage CFU (colony forming units) reduction and log reduction. Cells 307-03 and 301-08 indicate corresponding YMC results for test 301.0003.

[00144] Similarly, test results are shown for different surfaces such as glass, metal and wooden (as shown in FIG. 7A). Results for surfaces of POP sheet, granite and cloth are shown in FIG. 7 B, while that for Tiles, painted wall and fiber are shown in FIG. 7C [00145] As shown in FIGs.7A to 7C, substantial reductions in TPC and YMC are achieved across different surfaces upon exposure of the surfaces to waveforms generated using proposed system.

[00146] FIG. 8 illustrates reduction of microbial load in the air upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00147] For such tests, Total Plate Count (TPC) was determined per standard ISO:4833( Partl) : 2013, while sampling was done per S O-IN- AGR- LAB -TE-024. Six of air exposed agar plates were taken as control sample.

[00148] Column 300.001 shows control samples data, column 300.001 shows data after treatment for 20 minutes of control samples with waveforms as described herein, and column 300.003 showsdata after treatment for 20 minutes of control samples with waveforms as described hereinand further30minutes hold time.

[00149] As shown in FIG. 8, initially the control samples exhibited 91 total CFU/plate. Upon treatment for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein, 35 total CFU/plate were found ( first phase), while upon treatment for 20 minutes with waveforms as described herein and further 30 minutes hold time, total 19 CFU/plate were found ( second phase).

[00150] The above data shows a TPC reduction of 61.54 % and log reduction of .415 for the first phase as shown at 300-01 and 300-02 respectively. For second phase, reduction of 79.12 percent and log reduction of .6803 was achieved, as shown at 300-03 and 300-04 respectively in FIG. 8.

[00151] Thus a substantial reduction in microbial load in the air was achieved upon treatment with waveforms generated by proposed system

[00152] Proposed system and method inhibits microbial growth by targeting microbes harmful to multi-cellular organisms, such as human beings and pets in order to limit and control growth of harmful microbes that are airborne as well as surface microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungus etc.

[00153] In this manner, proposed system and method envisages to slow colony formation reduction for various bacteria, such as, but not limited to, Klebsiellapneumoniae, E coli, Salmonella, pseudomonas, Salmonella typhi, Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Nontuberculousmycobacteria (NTM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium Chelonea (NTM). Further, the proposed system and method envisages to slow anti-fungal growth for various fungus, such as, Mould - Aspergillusniger, Yeast - Candida albicans, and the likes. In addition, the proposed system and method envisages to slow anti-viral effect for various viruses, such as, MS2 Phage with E-coli as host.

[00154] Further, proposed system and method may be useful in preventing diseases caused by airborne and surface microbes especially where a continuous microbe control is required.

[00155] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms“comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[00156] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00157] The present disclosure provides a system and method for generating a waveform having a burst modulated ultrasound sweep carrier wave with encapsulated sonic artefacts

[00158] The present disclosure provides a system and method for generating a waveform having a range of frequencies which are harmful for harmful micro-organisms that are airborne and/or on various surfaces and safe for multi-cellular organisms.

[00159] The present disclosure provides a system and method for enabling generation, shaping as well as transmitting of an airborne waveform generated by a transducer.

[00160] The present disclosure provides a system and method that enables the transducer to generate airborne waves having an ultrasound sweep carrier wave with sonic artefacts due to bursts of a selected ultrasound frequency disrupting the current sweep at sonic range periodicity, the airborne waves creating a vibrational environment to target microbes harmful to multi-cellular organisms in order to limit and control growth of such microbes in the vibrational environment.