Abstract: Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. An elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation/aspiration feature.

Abstract: A non-mechanical gimbal system is presented. The gimbal system includes a gimbal housing, including hemispherical and annular caps, rotatable sphere, and at least two curvilinear actuators. The hemispherical cap is attached to the annular cap in a removable fashion so as to surround the rotatable sphere. The curvilinear actuators are disposed between the rotatable sphere and gimbal housing. Curvilinear actuators rotate the rotatable sphere, via shear induced motion, with respect to the interior surface of the gimbal housing. The present invention has immediate applicability within security devices, games, toys, weapons (including guidance systems and aiming), and communication systems.

Abstract: A non-mechanical gimbal system is presented. The gimbal system includes a gimbal housing, including hemispherical and annular caps, rotatable sphere, and at least two curvilinear actuators. The hemispherical cap is attached to the annular cap in a removable fashion so as to surround the rotatable sphere. The curvilinear actuators are disposed between the rotatable sphere and gimbal housing. Curvilinear actuators rotate the rotatable sphere, via shear induced motion, with respect to the interior surface of the gimbal housing. The present invention has immediate applicability within security devices, games, toys, weapons (including guidance systems and aiming), and communication systems.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micro-disruptor capable of disrupting a blockage both mechanically and vibrationally is presented. The micro-disruptor includes a rotor, a stator disposed about and contacting the rotor, a cutting element, and a flexible guide wire. In one embodiment, the stator is composed of a flexible cylinder with at least two piezoelectric elements attached thereto. Piezoelectric elements are electroded, wired to power leads within the flexible guide wire, and poled to function as an actuator. Expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric elements causes the flexible cylinder to wobble, thus driving the rotor and cutting element in a rotary fashion. In another embodiment, the stator is a piezoelectric cylinder with at least two electrodes attached separately thereto so as to contact and rotate a rotor assembly. Piezoelectric elements and cylinder are electrically driven so as to vibrate the stator, rotor, and cutting element.