Abstract: An electrical waveform generator for driving an electromechanical load includes a digital signal processor connected to a waveform generator component in turn connected to an amplifier section with a filter network, the latter being connected to sensing and conditioning circuit componentry that is in turn connected to analog-to-digital converter circuitry. A digital memory stores digitized voltage and current waveform information. The processor determines a phase difference between voltage and current waveforms, compares the determined phase difference to a phase difference command and generates a phase error or correction signal. The processor also generates an amplitude error signal for inducing the amplifier section to change its output amplitude to result in a predetermined amplitude error level for a respective one of the voltage and current waveforms.

Abstract: An electrical waveform generator for driving an electromechanical load includes a digital signal processor connected to a waveform generator component in turn connected to an amplifier section with a filter network, the latter being connected to sensing and conditioning circuit componentry that is in turn connected to analog-to-digital converter circuitry. A digital memory stores digitized voltage and current waveform information. The processor determines a phase difference between voltage and current waveforms, compares the determined phase difference to a phase difference command and generates a phase error or correction signal. The processor also generates an amplitude error signal for inducing the amplifier section to change its output amplitude to result in a predetermined amplitude error level for a respective one of the voltage and current waveforms.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive ultrasonic dental scaler is disclosed. The magnetostrictive device comprises an oscillator adapted to provide electrical energy including a current and a voltage signal, a handpiece having a tool tip which vibrates in response to the electrical energy supplied to the handpiece and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a phase detector adapted to detect phase between current and voltage signals and to generate a phase detection signal as a function of the phase. The control circuit also includes a digital signal processor operatively connected to the phase detector. The digital signal processor adapted to process the phase detection signal through a digital loop filter to generate an error signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to an area where cartilage growth is desired. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to an osteochondral site is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to an area where cartilage growth is desired. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to an osteochondral site is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Ultrasound application devices and methods of use for sternum healing of a patient includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound application device near a sternum having approximated portions, and applying ultrasound to the approximated portions for promoting healing. The ultrasound application device includes a transducer for generating the ultrasound, and a base for positioning the transducer near to the sternum. A diverging lens may be disposed between the transducer and the sternum for acoustically diverging the ultrasound to flood the sternum with ultrasound. A plurality of transducers may be included in a plurality of recesses of the base along a longitudinal length of the sternum for applying the ultrasound along the longitudinal length of the sternum. A ring may be included to be positioned and secured about the neck of the patient. The ring may be woven as and/or incorporated in a tie.

Abstract: A kit of elements including an ultrasonic generator (12), transducers (402) with connecting cables (407, 408), and a means (405, 406) for locating the transducers over areas of the body containing cartilage, is provided with the surgical instruments for post-surgical application to ultrasonically stimulate the cartilage growth, thus relieving the effects of surgical intervention.

Abstract: Ultrasound application devices and methods of use for sternum healing of a patient includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound application device near a sternum having approximated portions and applying ultrasound to the approximated portions for promoting healing. The ultrasound application device includes a transducer for generating the ultrasound, and a base for positioning the transducer near to the sternum. A diverging lens may be disposed between the transducer and the sternum for acoustically diverging the ultrasound to flood the sternum with ultrasound. A plurality of transducers may be included in a plurality of recesses of the base along a longitudinal length of the sternum for applying the ultrasound along the longitudinal length of the sternum. A ring may be included to be positioned and secured about the neck of the patient. The ring may be woven as and/or incorporated in a tie.

Abstract: A kit of elements including an ultrasonic generator, transducers with connecting cables, and a means for locating the transducers over areas of the body containing cartilage, is provided with the surgical instruments for post-surgical application to ultrasonically stimulate the cartilage growth, thus relieving the effects of surgical intervention.

Abstract: A controller for driving an ultrasonic transducer is disclosed and includes a processor, responsive to a feedback signal, for generating control signals to an output driver which is responsive to the control signals, to cause the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasound having a power level corresponding to the control signal. The controller is preferably attached to a sensing circuit to determine the amount of ultrasound conductive gel associated with the ultrasonic transducer, and for generating the feedback signal therefrom. The controller includes data logging capabilities to record treatment data and prevent unnecessary extended treatment. The controller creates an environment for safer ultrasonic self-treatment by patients. The microprocessor used in the controller can be used to warn of a low battery condition or insufficient amount of ultrasound conducting gel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting an ultrasound transducer head module. The apparatus includes an insert having an axial bore therein and a plurality of tabs extending radially therefrom. A spacer is provided and configured to fit within a void in a cast. The spacer has a hole therein to insertably receive the insert. An ultrasound transmission-enhancing medium is positioned within the hole in the spacer and adjacent a treatment location. The ultrasound treatment head module is then positioned within the insert and means for biasing it toward the ultrasound transmission-enhancing medium is provided. A strap may be provided to secure the apparatus adjacent a body portion to be treated, with or without the existence of a cast.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a dental scalar system having a vibrating scaling tip by continuously monitoring the amplitude and frequency of vibration of the tip which provides scaling power to a tooth in a patient's mouth. The amplitude and frequency of vibration of the tip is continuously adjusted to maintain a substantially constant scaling power. Preferably, the insert is vibrated at its resonant frequency and the system provides a substantially constant tip motion while the user varies the applied pressure between the tip and the tooth.