Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed to optimize an acoustic transducer, such as an ultrasound transducer, for use in a therapy application, such as high intensity focused ultrasound. In one example, the thickness of a matching layer applied to a face of a transducer member is altered to optimize the transducer for high intensity focused ultrasound operation at a desired frequency based on total power measurements as a function of acoustic frequency and lapping iterations.

Abstract: A combination of a ball marker and divot repairing tool in a single, unitary device. The combination includes a ball marker with a body having a substantially circular perimeter in the tradition of a ball marker and a divot repairing tool that has a prod (e.g., fork). The prod is mounted for movement relative to the body of the ball marker between a retracted position within the circular perimeter of the body and a protruding position extending outwardly of the perimeter of the body. In one embodiment, the fork of the divot repairing tool is mounted to slide between the retracted and protruding positions. In a second embodiment, it is mounted to pivot between the retracted and protruding positions.