For Aron: Sonic Refrigerator

Aron said: A sonic refrigerator has been invented, it has very few moving parts so it wouldn't breakdown often. Why don't I see it at my local mega-mart?

Aron, the answer is in the reference you provided:

There's a working pre-prototype at Penn State, but a fully functioning model is still several years away. [2003]

People make lots of prototype items or explore other ways of accomplishing something. The whole idea of a prototype is to determine if (a) a concept works, (b) how to optimize it, (c) determine if the design is economically viable (i.e. can it be built inexpensively, reliably? Does it work effectively, reliably, efficiently?) and, at times, (d) to sell the idea to someone who has the wherewithal to manufacture and distribute it.

If the prototype(s) fail any of those tests, a prototype might always be the only copy of anything. Many items seem like a great idea on paper, but fail the reality test. If the concept really is a winner, perhaps we'll be seeing it in our future.

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