Focused shock-wave devices with direct wave cavitation suppressor

摘要

A reflector (14) reflects energy emitting from an energy source (16) and focuses and directs it to a target. An aperture stop or suppressor disk (18) is positioned between the energy source (16) and target. The outer periphery of the aperture stop or suppressor disk (18) is an irregular curve (FIGS. 12 and 13). This shape of the periphery prevents diffraction enhancement to the direct wave. In another emobidment, the suppressor disk (18) is replaced by a suppressor member (18′) that is directly mounted on a frame portion of the energy source (16). This energy source (16) includes a spark-gap, or the like, and an open frame (36) that surrounds the spark-gap (52) or the like. This frame (32) includes a pair of laterally spaced apart frame members (42, 44) on the side of the frame (36) that faces the target (F2). The suppressor member (18′) is connected to these frame members (32, 44). It may have longitudinal grooves (48, 50) in its side edges into which the frame members (42, 44) snap-fit.