Abstract: A drive control device is provided that drives an ultrasonic motor element including a vibrating body and piezoelectric elements provided on the vibrating body. The drive control device includes a speed detector that detects a driving speed of the ultrasonic motor element, a controller that sets drive conditions of the ultrasonic motor element, and a drive circuit unit that applies a drive voltage to the piezoelectric elements based on the drive conditions set by the controller. Moreover, the controller sets the drive conditions of the ultrasonic motor element based on the accumulated operation time for each driving speed of the ultrasonic motor element.

Abstract: An elastically deformable electrode that includes a plurality of electrode elements spaced from each other, and a liquid wire which is a liquid conductor configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrode elements. The electrode may also include a solid wire sealing the liquid wire, and an insulator between the solid wire and the plurality of electrode elements.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided that includes a puncture tool and a catheter. The puncture tool includes a hollow puncture needle configured to puncture a blood vessel, a detection portion that protrudes forward from a tip of the puncture needle and detects pulsation of the blood vessel, and a determination portion that determines whether the blood vessel is a vein or an artery based on the pulsation of the blood vessel detected by the detection portion. The detection portion includes a probe provided inside the hollow puncture needle that is configured to advance and retreat in an axial direction, and a sensor that detects pulsation of a blood vessel transmitted via the probe.