Abstract: A brake mechanism for a brake caster is disclosed. In various embodiments, the brake mechanism includes a roller cylinder having a hollow interior and an inner cylindrical surface; a brake shaft disposed within the hollow interior of the roller cylinder and having an outer cylindrical surface; a piezoelectric disk disposed within the hollow interior of the roller cylinder; and a rotor disk disposed adjacent the piezoelectric disk.

Abstract: Ultrasonic dental instruments, inserts, and insert assemblies are provided which include an acoustic transformer and a tip that, in combination, are configured to operate at an operational frequency different from the frequency of resonance of the transducer that drives the combination. As a result, the ultrasonic dental instruments, inserts, and insert assemblies provide improved performance durability by providing improved output stroke ranges over nominal wear lengths between, for example, 2 mm and 3 mm, which results in more durable performance over a longer service life.

Abstract: A numerical control device for controlling a main shaft, which is a rotating shaft for a workpiece, a drive shaft that drives a tool for vibration cutting of the workpiece in an X-axis direction, and a drive shaft that drives the tool or the workpiece in a Z-axis direction, includes: a storage unit that stores a machining program for vibration cutting of the workpiece; and a control computation unit that calculates a specific point that the tool passes during vibration cutting on the basis of a tolerance value, which is an allowable error in machining of a corner of the workpiece, and generates a vibration waveform of the tool indicating a movement path of the tool passing the specific point, in which the control computation unit controls movement and vibration of the tool in accordance with the machining program and the vibration waveform.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly with a housing having a conduit section and a base portion. A fluid passageway is defined through the conduit and base portion, an ultrasonic transducer including a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a stack configuration, where an electrode is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements. A first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer and an end mass having a second borehole defined therethrough. A surface of the end mass is positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, the end mass is configured to engage with the housing, and the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the second borehole of the end mass. The end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus according to the present invention for generating the motion of a tool, in particular for the work on biological cell material, in particular for performing ICSI, comprises at least one actuator element, an actuated member, a motion section, at which can be arranged a tool and which is linked to the actuated member, the actuated member being elastically deformable, the actuator element being linked to the actuated member such that an actuation by the actuator element elastically deforms the actuated member by a distance, which corresponds to a length change of the actuated member, wherein said length change causes said motion of the motion section. Further, a corresponding method for generating a tool motion is provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a transducer and an end effector is disclosed. The transducer may be configured to generate an acoustic standing wave of vibratory motion along a longitudinal axis and may include a piezoelectric stack positioned along the longitudinal axis. A length of the transducer may be less than ½ of the wavelength of the acoustic standing wave. The end effector may be acoustically coupled to and may extend distally from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. A sum of the length of the transducer and a length of the end effector may be an integer multiple of ½ of the wavelength of the acoustic standing wave.

Abstract: A processing apparatus with a novel structure where a tool side rotates in relation to a main body side, capable of producing excellent quality transmission of an electrical signal from the tool side to the main body side with a simpler and more compact composition, and capable of driving an ultrasonic transducer provided on the tool side more effectively. A pair of signal coils are disposed between the main body side and the tool side so as to be able to transmit an electrical signal, and a power supply frequency to the ultrasonic transducer provided to the tool side is controlled by a power supply control member. At least one of the signal coils is provided with a coil winding path that reduces noise electromotive force generated due to an effect from power coils provided to the main body side and the tool side.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting motion to a moveable body comprising: a first bar having ends; two articulated arms, each comprising first and second arms connected at a joint having an axis about which the first and second arms rotate, wherein the first arms are of equal length, the second arms are of equal length and the second arm of each articulated arm is connected to a different end of the bar at a joint having an axis about which second arm and bar rotate; a mount connected to the first arm of each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which first arm rotates; a second bar coupled to each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which the second bar rotates; and a piezoelectric motor coupled to the first bar controllable to apply a force selectively in either direction along the bar's length; wherein, the joints are configured so that all the axes are substantially parallel and the first arms are parallel and the second arms are parallel for all rotations about the axes.

Abstract: An actuator includes a vibrating piezoelectric element, and a holding unit that holds the piezoelectric element, in which the holding unit is disposed on a vibrating surface of the piezoelectric element, and includes a first support unit and a second support unit that are disposed on one side of the piezoelectric element, and a third support unit and a fourth support unit that are disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece comprises a generally cylindrical horn with a flange on one end. The flange has a central hub and first and second protruding sections. First and second polarized piezoelectric crystals are held against the flange such that rotative or torsional motion is induced in the horn.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

Abstract: A device for generating mechanical oscillations is provided. The device has a first mass, a second mass, and a piezoelectric excitation system mechanically coupling the first mass and the second mass to one another, with the piezoelectric excitation system having a stiffness. The piezoelectric excitation system is designed such that its stiffness is settable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic welding device with a generator for generating a high-frequency a.c. voltage, a converter for converting the a.c. voltage into a mechanical ultrasonic vibration and a sonotrode for transmitting the ultrasonic vibration to material to be worked, wherein the converter and the sonotrode are rotatable and a rotary coupler is arranged between the generator and the converter for the transmission of electrical energy from a static arrangement to a rotating arrangement, comprising a stationary element and an element that is rotatable in relation to the stationary element, wherein the stationary element comprises a primary circuit with two input terminals, which are connected to each other by means of a second coil with M turns, wherein the first and second coils are arranged in such a way that, when an a.c. voltage is applied to the input terminals, the magnetic field generated by the first coil induces an a.c. voltage in the second coil.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel jackhammer that utilizes ultrasonic and/or sonic vibrations as source of power. It is easy to operate and does not require extensive training, requiring substantially less physical capabilities from the user and thereby increasing the pool of potential operators. An important safety benefit is that it does not fracture resilient or compliant materials such as cable channels and conduits, tubing, plumbing, cabling and other embedded fixtures that may be encountered along the impact path. While the ultrasonic/sonic jackhammer of the invention is able to cut concrete and asphalt, it generates little back-propagated shocks or vibrations onto the mounting fixture, and can be operated from an automatic platform or robotic system.

Abstract: A machining system that includes an ultrasonic machining assembly, wherein the ultrasonic machining assembly further includes a machining tool; a collet adapted to receive the machining tool; and an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is operative to transmit acoustical vibrations to the machining tool; and a machining apparatus, wherein the machining apparatus is adapted to receive and secure the ultrasonic machining assembly, and wherein the machining apparatus is operative to transmit torque to the machining tool by applying rotary motion to the ultrasonic machining assembly.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor includes a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer, and a first and a second electrodes, the first electrode provided on one surface side of the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode provided on the other surface side of the piezoelectric layer; a piezoelectric actuator having a vibrating member anchored to the first electrode of the piezoelectric element; and a rotational shaft with which the vibrating member makes contact and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer.

Abstract: A two-axis inertial positioner comprises a cascaded stack of orthogonal actuators mounted on a base and a platform frictionally mounted to the top surface of one of the actuators. An alignment cartridge overlies the platform and a clamp block overlies the alignment cartridge. Ball and groove bearings are provided between the platform, alignment cartridge and clamp block to provide two axes of motion corresponding to the two operational axes of the actuators.

Abstract: A vibrating device includes a vibrator having multiple electromechanical energy converting elements, with the vibrating device generating a first standing wave and a second standing wave in the vibrator with a predetermined time phase difference. The first standing wave and the second standing wave having multiple nodal lines aligned in the same direction and being different in terms of an order. A first electromechanical energy converting element is disposed at a first portion, and a second electromechanical energy converting element is disposed at a second portion. The first portion extends in a first direction parallel to one of the multiple nodal lines, and the second portion extends in a second direction which crosses the first direction.

Abstract: A Single Piezo-Actuator Rotary-Hammering (SPaRH) Drill includes a horn actuator having high power piezoelectric materials and a flexure pre-stress to increase the actuators effectiveness. The drill is a low mass, low power, compact coring drill measuring 20-cm high by 7-cm diameter and having a total weight of 2 kg including drive electronics. Using an average power of 50-Watts, the drill basalt is expected to cut basalt at a rate of 0.2 cm/min down to depth of 10-cm and create cuttings and an intact core. The drill is expected to operate under different environments including Martian ambient (6 Torr and down to ?50° C.), and liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) and low pressure (<<1 Torr) to simulate lunar polar and Europa conditions. Materials expected to be sampled include Kaolinite, Saddleback Basalt, Limestone, Volcanic Breccia, Siltstone, ice, permafrost and layered rocks with different hardness.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic motor unit includes a piezoelectric element, a holder member, a pressing member, a pressing auxiliary member, a driven member, an ultrasonic motor accommodation member, a power extraction member. The piezoelectric element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The holder member holds the piezoelectric element so as to cover an outer surface of a portion of the piezoelectric element. The pressing member applies a predetermined pressing force to the piezoelectric element. The pressing auxiliary member transfers a pressing force generated by the pressing member to the holder member. The driven member is in contact with one end face of the piezoelectric element. The power extraction member is coupled to the ultrasonic motor accommodation member to form a joint portion. The ultrasonic motor unit is formed by connecting a plurality of sections each formed by coupling the ultrasonic motor accommodation member to the power extraction member.

Abstract: A vibration actuator comprising: a vibration portion which contacts a relative movement portion, and produces necessary vibration for a relative movement of the relative movement portion; a first member provided to hold the relative movement portion between the first member and the vibration portion, and moves relative to the vibration portion in response to movement of the relative movement portion with respect to the vibration portion; a second member which faces the first member via a rolling member, and supports the first member so that the first member is movable relative to the vibration portion; and a pressing member which generate a pressing force between the second member and the vibration portion so that the vibration portion and the relative movement portion are in contact with each othercome in contact with each other; and wherein the first member comprises a plastic substance.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that operably supports an electrical contact assembly therein that is in electrical communication with a signal source. An acoustic assembly is supported within the handpiece housing in rotatable contact with the electrical contact assembly. In various embodiments, the signal source produces at least one of an ultrasonic signal and a radio frequency signal.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of piezoelectric transducer subassemblies and systems primarily intended for medical and dental applications. The invention also provides transducer subassemblies and systems with improved performance and a capability to operate more efficiently in torsional or a combined longitudinal-torsional mode of vibration. The invention enables the size and weight of torsional mode transducers to be reduced. Additionally, the electrical characteristics of these transducer systems are improved, thus enabling the transducer end effector to deliver more power to the operative site.

Abstract: A resonant transducer comprising: a vibration plate; and a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric film and an upper electrode that are laminated on the vibration plate, wherein a compressive stress is applied to the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A drive unit of a pressure device, such as a welding gun, includes a piezoelectric type load cell adapted to be arranged in an easily attached and removed manner and to have relatively small capacity. The drive unit includes a through-hole 6, formed in a rotary shaft 5 of a drive motor 1, which is a drive source, and a pressure shaft 10, configured to be able to move with a part thereof being in the through-hole 6. The rotary shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the bearing 7, and the piezoelectric type load cell 17 is sandwiched between a preload striker plate 18, through which the pressure shaft 10 passes, and a preload setting striker plate 19, through which the pressure shaft 10 passes with a preload exerted on the load cell 17.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises an elongate horn, a counterpiece, two piezoelectric drives and a screw. The counterpiece is fastened to the horn by means of the screw and thus clamps the piezoelectric drives, which are arranged on either side of a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic transducer, between the horn and the counterpiece. The ultrasonic transducer is designed in such a way that the tip of a capillary which is clamped in the horn can oscillate in two different directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer, comprising an ultrasonic flange and a magnetostrictive driver, wherein the driver is connected to a contact surface of the ultrasonic flange that faces the same, and wherein the driver and the ultrasonic flange are connected in the region of the contact surface by means of electron beam welding and/or laser beam welding. The contact surface is configured by the bottom of at least one receiving pocket, which receives the end of the driver on the ultrasonic flange side, and at least one receiving pocket is configured in a pedestal-like elevation of the end of the ultrasonic flange facing the driver, and the pedestal-like elevation is higher than the depth of the receiving jackets configured therein.

Abstract: An ultrasonic vibration bonding resonator includes a resonance body, bonding working portions having a bonding working face and provided at a point of maximum oscillation on upper and lower surfaces of the resonance body and support portions provided at two points of minimum oscillation apart from the bonding working portions to opposite sides in a direction of ultrasonic vibration as projecting from front and back surfaces of the resonance body. It includes a resonance body, tool-attaching portions provided at a point of maximum oscillation on upper and lower surfaces of the resonance body, a bonding working portion having a bonding working face and attached to one of the tool-attaching portions, and support portions provided at two points of minimum oscillation apart from the bonding working portion to opposite sides in a direction of ultrasonic vibration as projecting from front and back surfaces of the resonance body.

Abstract: A spindle used in an ultrasonic machine for transmitting vibration to a working tool of the ultrasonic machine is disclosed. The spindle includes a main body, a rotor disposed in the main body, an elastic clamping unit disposed in the rotor, a vibrating unit having one end thereof connected to the inner wall of the rotor while the other end connected to the elastic clamping unit, and a pre-pressure unit penetrating the rotor and one end thereof connected to the elastic clamping unit to provide the elastic clamping unit with rigidity against the rotor, thereby making the elastic clamping unit provide pre-pressure to the vibrating unit which further provides the elastic clamping unit with vibration against the rotor. The present invention further provides a flexible hinge for the spindle.

Abstract: To provide a screw fastening device that, when performing a screw tightening operation, can substantially reduce the running torque directly applied by external force to a screw driving device.

Abstract: To provide a screw fastening device that, when performing a screw tightening operation, can substantially reduce the running torque directly applied by external force 5 to a screw driving device.

Abstract: A mechanism for drilling or coring by a combination of sonic hammering and rotation. The drill includes a hammering section with a set of preload weights mounted atop a hammering actuator and an axial passage through the hammering section. In addition, a rotary section includes a motor coupled to a drive shaft that traverses the axial passage through the hammering section. A drill bit is coupled to the drive shaft for drilling by a combination of sonic hammering and rotation. The drill bit includes a fluted shaft leading to a distal crown cutter with teeth. The bit penetrates sampled media by repeated hammering action. In addition, the bit is rotated. As it rotates the fluted bit carries powdered cuttings helically upward along the side of the bit to the surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises an elongate horn, a counterpiece, two piezoelectric drives and a screw. The counterpiece is fastened to the horn by means of the screw and thus clamps the piezoelectric drives, which are arranged on either side of a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic transducer, between the horn and the counterpiece. The ultrasonic transducer is designed in such a way that the tip of a capillary which is clamped in the horn can oscillate in two different directions.

Abstract: A vibration assisted machining (VAM) system, including: a frame; a vibration element mechanically coupled to the frame; a cutting tool holder connected to the vibration element; and a workpiece holder coupled to the frame. The vibration element includes a first piezoelectric (PZT) actuator and a second PZT actuator, which are adapted to generate a substantially elliptical tool path in a vibration plane of the VAM system. The VAM system also includes a third PZT actuator coupled between the frame and either the vibration element or the workpiece holder. This third PZT actuator is coupled to the frame such that its polarization axis is substantially in the vibration plane and substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the VAM system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an ultrasonic unit f an ultrasonic cleaning system with at least one control unit, one generator unit and one hand-held unit containing the ultrasonic unit and one switching module provided for starting the ultrasonic unit, wherein mechanical oscillations can be generated via the ultrasonic unit and transmitted to an instrument that is mechanically connected to the ultrasonic unit. In a preferred embodiment, the resonant frequency required for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance is determined by a control routine executed in the control unit, and a control signal (ss) based on the determined resonant frequency is generated in the generator unit and is sent to the ultrasonic unit for operation of the ultrasonic unit in resonance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave hair set apparatus is configured by a main frame, an ultrasonic vibration block provided on the main frame, a pinching lever rotatably provided on the main frame, a presser plate provided on the pinching lever and having a pressing face. The ultrasonic vibration block is further comprised of an ultrasonic oscillator and an ultrasonic horn having a vibration face, and a comb shaped protection member is provided to enclose the vibration face. Even if a user penetrates a finger between the pinching lever and the main frame, the finger touches the protection member, so that it rarely touches the vibration face directly. Consequently, the ultrasonic vibrations are not transmitted to the finger, and burn injury can be prevented.

Abstract: A spindle used in an ultrasonic machine for transmitting vibration to a working tool of the ultrasonic machine is disclosed. The spindle includes a main body, a rotor disposed in the main body, an elastic clamping unit disposed in the rotor, a vibrating unit having one end thereof connected to the inner wall of the rotor while the other end connected to the elastic clamping unit, and a pre-pressure unit penetrating the rotor and one end thereof connected to the elastic clamping unit to provide the elastic clamping unit with rigidity against the rotor, thereby making the elastic clamping unit provide pre-pressure to the vibrating unit which further provides the elastic clamping unit with vibration against the rotor. The present invention further provides a flexible hinge for the spindle.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a tool is disclosed, comprising a housing in which a tappet carrying a tool holder is guided axially movable, wherein the tappet is movable by means of a fast drive, e.g. by a piezo drive or by a nanotube drive, which is biased against a restoring force and which is dampened by a dampening element. Herein the fast drive may at least partially be received within a recess of the tappet which leads to a very compact design, in particular in combination with a coaxial dampening element. For guiding the tappet in axial direction alternatively a roller guide may be used (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A vibration assisted machining (VAM) system, including: a frame; a vibration element mechanically coupled to the frame; a cutting tool holder connected to the vibration element; and a workpiece holder coupled to the frame. The vibration element includes a first piezoelectric (PZT) actuator and a second PZT actuator, which are adapted to generate a substantially elliptical tool path in a vibration plane of the VAM system. The VAM system also includes a third PZT actuator coupled between the frame and either the vibration element or the workpiece holder. This third PZT actuator is coupled to the frame such that its polarization axis is substantially in the vibration plane and substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the VAM system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bonding method for a semiconductor chip, which employs an ultrasonic bonding scheme that prevents wear-out of the top surface of a mount tool and ensures both high reliability and high productivity, and a bonding apparatus which is used to carry out the method. The bonding apparatus and method are provided with means for suppressing generation of a sliding friction. The apparatus and method execute a bonding process by controlling vibration-axial directional holding force and inertial force based on information given from control management means to thereby maintain a relationship of (vibration-axial directional holding force)>(die shear strength)+(inertial force) while applying an ultrasonic vibration to a region which is subjected to bonding.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sonotrode for irradiating ultrasonic energy into fluid or pasty media, wherein the ultrasonic sonotrode in the longitudinal direction (z) includes: a coupling section for coupling an active ultrasonic system which excites longitudinally in the longitudinal direction (z); a base section, wherein the largest dimension of the base section transverse to the longitudinal direction (z) is larger than the length of the base section in the longitudinal direction (z), wherein the dimensions of the base section transverse to the longitudinal direction in the border region to the transition section are always ??/4 and the shortest length of the base section in the longitudinal direction (z)<?/4; a transition section for the reduction of the cross section in at least one cross-section with respect to the base section; and a flat section with an end-face region as an irradiation surface, wherein the flat section is divided by way of at least one slot into several tongues which are unconnected in the end-f

Abstract: A metal welding horn having tripartite ceramic coating on its welding horn tip.

Abstract: A transducer assembly used for the megasonic processing of an article. In one aspect, the transducer assembly comprises: a vibration transmitter having a rear portion adapted to be supported adjacent to an article to be processed and having an elongated forward portion adapted to extend close to a surface of the article so that when a fluid is applied to the surface of the article, a meniscus of the fluid is formed between the elongated forward portion and the surface of the article; and a transducer coupled to the rear portion of the transmitter, the transducer adapted to oscillate at a frequency for propagating megasonic energy through the elongated forward portion of the transmitter and into the meniscus of the fluid. In one embodiment, the transducer assembly can further comprise a housing with at least one opening for flowing a gas into a space in the housing in contact with the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is including: a piezoelectric element actuator provided on a chassis frame and capable of generating a load along the chassis frame; and, a control unit that controls the load of the piezoelectric element actuator.

Abstract: A tool has a tool insert and an electrically operated drive unit oscillatingly driving the tool insert. The drive unit has a piezo actuator and an adjusting travel enlarger coupled to the piezo actuator. The adjusting travel enlarger has a master piston, at least one slave piston, and at least one pressure chamber. The master piston acts through the at least one pressure chamber on the at least one slave piston. The piezo actuator and the master piston are fixedly connected to one another.

Abstract: Self drilling anchors and related methods and apparatus. In one embodiment an apparatus comprises a drill bit, a hammer mechanism for hammering the drill bit in a first direction and in a second direction, and a selection mechanism for controlling whether, at a given point in time, the drill bit is hammered in the first or second direction.

Abstract: A micromanipulator for positioning/localization of an operating instrument coupled therewith. The micromanipulator controls movement of the operating instrument in a single- or multi-axial system of coordinates with one or more electrical actuators. The electrical actuators are especially for providing a substantially elongated structure for the micromanipulator. The one or more actuators including a piezoelectric bender enable the positioning/localization of the operating instrument for providing at least one desired direction of motion.

Abstract: An acoustic driver assembly for use with a spherical cavitation chamber is provided. The acoustic driver assembly includes at least one transducer, a head mass and a tail mass, coupled together with a centrally located threaded means (e.g., all thread, bolt, etc.). The driver assembly is either attached to the exterior surface of the spherical cavitation chamber with the same threaded means, a different threaded means, or a more permanent coupling means such as brazing, diffusion bonding or epoxy. In at least one embodiment, the transducer is comprised of a pair of piezo-electric transducers, preferably with the adjacent surfaces of the piezo-electric transducers having the same polarity. The surface of the head mass that is adjacent to the external surface of the chamber has a spherical curvature greater than the spherical curvature of the external surface of the chamber, thus providing a ring of contact between the acoustic driver and the cavitation chamber.