Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device is disclosed including a surgical tool including a proximal transducer mounting portion defining a surface, a distal end effector end, and a waveguide disposed therebetween, the waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic surgical device further includes a transducer is in mechanical communication with the surface of the transducer mounting portion. The transducer is configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Upon activation by an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency component, the transducer is configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool to cause the end effector to vibrate, the standing wave having a wavelength proportional to the predetermined frequency component of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A catastrophic-event survivable video data recording system that may be employed to monitor vehicles or facilities. The recording system may include a video data compression unit operable to provide compressed digital video data in a format recordable by modified commercially available flight data recording instruments. Among other things, the system may be used to monitor vehicles, as well as land-based or sea-based facilities. The system may also be employed as an aid to research into natural and man made phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions, bomb test explosions, etc.