Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device is disclosed including a surgical tool including a proximal transducer mounting portion defining a surface, a distal end effector end, and a waveguide disposed therebetween, the waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic surgical device further includes a transducer is in mechanical communication with the surface of the transducer mounting portion. The transducer is configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Upon activation by an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency component, the transducer is configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool to cause the end effector to vibrate, the standing wave having a wavelength proportional to the predetermined frequency component of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A process for treating composite materials comprising metals and having significant radioactivity for separation into concentrated individual products is provided. The process of the invention recovers valuable metals and semi-metal elements including rare earth, transition metal, radioactive elements, and compounds and composites thereof as commercially viable products while isolating the radioactive components. They key components in the composite material which are desired to be recovered are tantalum, niobium, and scandium due to their high commercial values and significant quantities. The process further includes the capability to recover uranium, thorium, rare earth, and zirconium products. Generally, the process consists of an initial sulfate roast followed by a series of hydrometallurgical unit operations designed to separate and purify the desired components into commercially usable products, such as tantalum and/or niobium in the form of metal oxides, M.sub.2 O.sub.