Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A soundhead of a treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the soundhead to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the soundhead includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the soundhead. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Alternate embodiments including externally mounted light sources are also disclosed.

Abstract: A soundhead of a treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the soundhead to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the soundhead includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the soundhead. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Alternate embodiments including externally mounted light sources are also disclosed.