An ultrasonically operated valve a source of ultrasonic energy for
excitation of a pressurized liquid. The vibration of the ultrasonic horn
imparts a pulsing of the pressure of the liquid within the valve.
Selection of a sealing mechanism that responds at a different natural
frequency than that of the valve body causes the sealing mechanism to
unseat and therefore to enable liquid flow. The sealing mechanism will
stay unseated as long as the source is imparting energy to the system and
therefore inducing pressure pulses in the liquid thus keeping the sealing
mechanism away from the valve seat.