Abstract: A small, lightweight, efficient, quiet electric shaver is provided in which one or more piezoelectric drivers are mechanically coupled to a cutting blade. The cutting action of the blade is generated by the piezoelectric drivers which, when electrically energized, oscillate at a predetermined frequency. The piezoelectric driver is electrically energized by a regenerative drive circuit. Hair shafts, which protrude from the surface to be shaved through a perforated foil member, are sheared at their base by the oscillating action of the blade.

Abstract: A multi-segmented flextensional transducer includes a plurality of electroplated electroactive members which deform in concert when energized by an electrical field. Each electroactive member has a convex surface at both ends. A connection member with opposing concave surfaces is disposed between adjacent electroactive members. The electroactive members are arranged such that the convex faces of each intermediate electroactive member engage a concave face of an adjacent connection member, thus forming a cooperative array or "train" of electroactive members and connection members. The opposite ends of the train of electroactive members and connection members is received by a frame which holds the end electroactive members in fixed relative position. The electroactive members are high deformation flextensional piezoelectric elements.