Abstract: Cost effective connectors of high bending stiffness for making high-performance piezoelectric actuators and derivative devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the connector has circumferentially alternating recesses of circular cross-section which can be cost-effectively machined out with conventional machining techniques. The circular recesses can be adopted to house circular or non-circular cross-sectioned piezoelectric active elements to make cost effective 2-level (2×) piezoelectric displacement actuators. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-sectioned recesses in the connector include suitable wall openings to enable said recesses to be machined out cost effectively via conventional machining techniques, or via reduced use of non-conventional machining techniques. Additional stiffening mechanisms can be added to minimize the bending displacement of the base of recesses when desired.

Abstract: Cost effective connectors of high bending stiffness for making high-performance piezoelectric actuators and derivative devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the connector has circumferentially alternating recesses of circular cross-section which can be cost-effectively machined out with conventional machining techniques. The circular recesses can be adopted to house circular or non-circular cross-sectioned piezoelectric active elements to make cost effective 2-level (2×) piezoelectric displacement actuators. In another embodiment, the non-circular cross-sectioned recesses in the connector include suitable wall openings to enable said recesses to be machined out cost effectively via conventional machining techniques, or via reduced use of non-conventional machining techniques. Additional stiffening mechanisms can be added to minimize the bending displacement of the base of recesses when desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transverse width mode for sound and ultrasound generation and reception. The transverse width mode can be combined with conventional longitudinal or transverse mode to make sonic and ultrasonic transducers and/or arrays of multiple resonant modes, a broadband coupled mode or their combinations. Due to its half-wavelength resonance nature, when the transverse width mode is designed to operate with suitable head mass and/or matching layers, ultra broadband transducers of moderate to high sound pressure level can be realized. With active materials having low transverse sound velocities, the transverse dimensions of each transducer element can be kept about or smaller than half the wavelengths of sounds in water and human tissues, making the transverse width mode highly suited for various array designs and operations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to piezoelectric actuators made of single crystal active elements which not only exhibit uniform and superior displacement in the axial direction but also of lower cost to produce than full single crystal ring or tube actuators. Said multi-stake actuator is made up of multiple longitudinal (d33) or transverse (d3i or d32) mode piezoelectric single crystal active elements, bonded together by epoxy with the aid of shaped edge- and top and bottom washer-stiffeners which are configured to suit various application needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transverse width mode for sound and ultrasound generation and reception. The transverse width mode can be combined with conventional longitudinal or transverse mode to make sonic and ultrasonic transducers and/or arrays of multiple resonant modes, a broadband coupled mode or their combinations. Due to its half-wavelength resonance nature, when the transverse width mode is designed to operate with suitable head mass and/or matching layers, ultra broadband transducers of moderate to high sound pressure level can be realized. With active materials having low transverse sound velocities, the transverse dimensions of each transducer element can be kept about or smaller than half the wavelengths of sounds in water and human tissues, making the transverse width mode highly suited for various array designs and operations.

Abstract: This invention pertains to piezoelectric actuators made of single crystal active elements which not only exhibit uniform and superior displacement in the axial direction but also of lower cost to produce than full single crystal ring or tube actuators. Said multi-stake actuator is made up of multiple longitudinal (d33) or transverse (d3i or d32) mode piezoelectric single crystal active elements, bonded together by epoxy with the aid of shaped edge- and top and bottom washer-stiffeners which are configured to suit various application needs.