Abstract: Modified configurations for electrical connectors to ceramic transducers are designed to reduce failure rates due to fatigue during transducer operation. These modifications eliminate or reduce one or both of the problems causing the fatigue, tensile forces acting on electrical wires connected to ceramic electrodes and unreliable solder joints. Star and pin configurations of wire soldered to ceramic transducers control the position of the wires, thus reducing the tensile forces on the wire. Plug connectors use pressure contacts between the ceramics, eliminating the need for solder joints.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmitting configuration includes at least one ultrasound generating device for exposing a medium which has an acoustic medium impedance and a medium speed of sound to ultrasonic waves. The ultrasound generating device has at least two ultrasound transducers which can be excited through actuating electrodes for emitting ultrasound and which have an acoustic transducer impedance. The ultrasound transducers are separated from one another and disposed alongside one another. An ultrasound lens which has an acoustic lens impedance and a lens speed of sound is disposed between the ultrasound generating device and the medium. The ultrasound generating device is acoustically coupled on a coupling side to the ultrasound lens. The ultrasound transducers extend toward the medium over a transducer depth, they extend toward one another over a transducer width, and they extend at right angles to both the transducer depth and the transducer width over a transducer length.

Abstract: A resonant-type transducer providing a narrow band, high output or high sensitivity signal to a radiation medium, the resonant transducer comprising a vibrator body comprising piezoelectric or electrorestricitive material having a first acoustic impedance at a resonant condition, and a matching layer for acoustically matching the piezoelectric vibrator body at resonance to the radiation medium.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite ultrasonic transducer having transducer elements comprising piezoelectric ceramic, with the elements being dispersed in plastic and radiating essentially in the longitudinal direction. To reduce production costs, in several method steps, a plurality of flat ceramic bodies (20) having a plurality of parallel, slot-like openings (21) that are closed on all sides are inserted into a casting mold (25), and the casting mold (25) is filled with plastic (26). After hardening, the resulting ingot (28) is unmolded, and, on the unmolded ingot (28), the ceramic material (26) on the end surfaces away from one another and extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the openings (21) is removed to the point that the plastic material (26) imbedded in the openings (21) is exposed at the end surfaces (211).

Abstract: The present invention is a piezoelectric device fabricated on a semiconductor that also contains electronic circuitry. A cooling device is used to lower the temperature of the resonator. Electronic circuitry can provide feedback to the resonator to compensate for microphonics that occur at low temperatures. Alternatively, piezoelectric materials that can operate at high temperatures can create a high temperature frequency source.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer array element operating in the k31 mode is formed by two piezoelectric subelements joined to form a 2—2 composite by a conductive filler material. An energizing potential is applied to the conductive filler material, and a return potential is applied to the outer opposing faces of the subelements. Preferably the conductive filler material comprises a conductive epoxy. Arrays of such elements in one and two dimensions are formed with the conductive epoxy in alternating kerfs in a row being connected to the opposing polarities of an energizing potential.

Abstract: A piezoelectric buzzer formed by using a piezoelectric ceramic having both a higher heat resistance and a higher piezoelectric characteristics than those of a conventional product. The piezoelectric buzzer 10 of the present invention has a metal plate 12. Formed on the metal plate 12 is a piezoelectric ceramic 14. Further, formed on the piezoelectric ceramic 14 is an electrode 16. The piezoelectric composition forming the piezoelectric ceramic is a piezoelectric ceramic composition characterized in that about 0.2 to 2 mol % of the Pb atoms of a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) represented by the composition formula PbA[(TixZr1-x)a(SnyCr1-y)bSbc]O3 has been displaced by La, wherein 0.94≦A≦1.02, 0.46≦x≦0.51, 0.01≦y≦0.5, 0.01≦b≦0.03, 0.01≦c≦0.04,a+b+c=1.

Abstract: A piezoelectrically active conformal filler material is incorporated in a 1-3, 3-3 or 2-2 piezocomposite structure. The piezoelectrically active conformal filler material has a 0-3 structure and is made of fine piezoelectric ceramic particles surrounded by a conformal polymer matrix. Using such piezocomposite material, the reception and transmission sensitivity (efficiency) of a piezoelectric layer can be improved without any increase in the acoustic impedance of the final piezoelectric layer. The resulting piezocomposite material can be used to fabricate ultrasonic transducer arrays.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprising, a piezoelectric block which is formed into a plurality of piezoelectric segments by way of one or more slots, spaced apart, on one main surface of the block, the segments being connected with each other at one and the other of the opposed main surfaces of the block, an organic filler filled at least partially in the slots, a first and a second electrodes formed respectively on the one and the other of the continuous main surfaces of the segments, an acoustic matching layer formed on the one main surface of the piezoelectric block, and a backing material formed on the other main surface of the piezoelectric block.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for eliminating noise generated by a piezo actuator drive which includes in a housing a drive member, a drive shoe disposed adjacent the drive member, vibrating actuators forming drive elements and being connected to the drive shoe for engaging the drive shoe with the drive member and moving the drive shoe for driving the drive member, at least one additional actuator is disposed in the housing and operated at a frequency which is phase shifted with respect to at least the clamping actuators so as to cancel the noise waves generated during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an transducer and a method of making the same. The transducer is comprised of a plurality of transducer cells, and conductive interconnects between the cells. Each transducer cell contains a bottom electrode formed on a layer of insulator material, a lower insulating film portion formed over the bottom electrode, a middle insulating film portion that includes an air/vacuum void region, and an upper insulating film portion that includes a top electrode formed within a portion of the upper insulating film portion. A first layer of interconnects electrically connect the bottom electrodes of each transducer cell and a second layer of interconnects electrically connect the top electrodes of each transducer cell. The top and bottom layers of interconnects are patterned to avoid overlap between them, thus reducing the parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: A transducer for use in an ultrasonic gas flow meter includes a housing having an open end and a closed end with a side wall extending therebetween. The closed end of the housing is shaped to receive and transmit sound waves during operation of the transducer. A resonator is positioned in the housing with a transmitting and receiving end facing the closed end of the housing. A thickness of the side wall of the housing at the closed end is less than at a position further toward the open end in order to divert and diffuse spurious vibrations that might otherwise occur near the resonating frequency of the transducer. Generally, such vibration diversion and diffusion is best achieved when the thickness of the side wall housing gradually decreases toward the closed end of the housing. Further, an outer diameter of the housing side wall may gradually decrease toward the closed end of the housing to improving ringing and bandwidth properties.

Abstract: A piezoelectric acoustic sensor including stress-transferring arches to protect the elements at the lateral side surfaces. An array of parallel rod-like or blade-shaped elements is formed from a dense, poled, strongly piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic material. The array is encapsulated in a matrix, e.g., a polymeric matrix, to form a two-phase ceramic/polymer composite body exhibiting 1-3 or 2-2 connectivity. The upper and lower ends of the elements are exposed at upper and lower planar surfaces of the composite body to electrically contact upper and lower electrodes. A stiff portion, e.g., a face plate, extends across each of the upper and lower electroded surfaces, each extending to the edge surfaces of the composite body. A convex-shaped, stress-transferring arch is rigidly anchored to at least one edge of each stiff portion. Hinge portions of each arch at the edges of the stiff portions has a thickness of 0-10 mm.

Abstract: A piezoelectric composite transducer and method for making same are disclosed. A block of piezoelectric material has a common base and a plurality of uniform-length rods extending from the common base in a parallel spaced-apart fashion to define an array. A first surface region is defined at outboard ends of the rods and a side region is defined about the periphery of the array. Electric conductors extend through the side region, are routed parallel to the first surface region, and are then led substantially parallel to the rods to the first surface region. Spaces between the rods are filled up to the first surface region with a viscoelastic material. The common base of the block is then removed such that a second surface region parallel and opposite to the first surface region is defined. Electrodes are deposited at the first surface region to be in contact with the rods and in electrical contact with the electric conductors.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a case member and a piezoelectric element. The case member has a hollow therein and a bottom portion provided at one end of the hollow. The bottom portion has a thick portion which extends along a first direction and a pair of thin portions which have a smaller thickness than the thick portion and are provided on opposite sides of the bottom portion along a second direction. The piezoelectric element radiates and/or detects ultrasonic energy and is provided at a center of the thick portion on an inner surface of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A transducer for musical instruments formed as a sandwich structure that utilizes a length of polarized fluoropolymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film folded over itself to form a U-shape over a center conductor of a length of shielded coaxial cable. Conductive silver epoxy is used to attach the center conductor of the coaxial cable to the inner surface electrode of the PVDF film. A length of double-sided tape is sandwiched between the two legs of the U-shaped PVDF film. The free end of the coaxial cable is folded over a side edge of the U-shaped PVDF film such that an outer shield of the coaxial cable is exposed outside the PVDF film. A U-shaped brass channel, whose inner surface has been coated with conductive epoxy, is then crimped over both the outer shield of the coaxial cable and the U-shaped end of the laminated PVDF film to form a transducer assembly, which is then laminated to a length of double-sided tape having an outer removable backing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic transducer, or an array of such transducers, formed on a single integrated circuit chip, and a method of making the same, in which there is included an array of acoustic transducers, each capable of detecting an acoustic signal and generating a transducer signal, and including a first and second electrode with a void region disposed between the first and second electrode, and at least one signal line associated with one of the first and second electrodes. Disposed below the array of acoustic transducers is a plurality of amplifiers and other circuit components, such that each of the plurality of amplifiers is coupled to one of the signal lines associated with one of the acoustic transducers and is capable of amplifying the associated transducer signal to obtain an amplified transducer signal on an amplifier output signal line.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having a unique design that can withstand changes in temperature and pressure and will operate in corrosive environments. The transducer is used to detect the distance to an object being measured. The device includes a diaphragm from which is emitted a focused ultrasonic wave. The diaphragm and a capsule housing are machined from a single piece of metal and does not use adhesives or welded joints. The capsule housing is also filled with silicone oil and provided with a flexible annular ridge, both of which enhance its operation and improve signal transfer. A crystal centering seal extends 75%-90% the thickness of the crystal. A method for creating a negative internal pressure provides for improved ultrasonic wave propagation.

Abstract: A transducer apparatus is disclosed including a spool member having a body portion and first and second elevated regions formed on the body portion. A piezoelectric film such as a PVDF film surrounds the spool member and is spaced apart from the body portion of the spool member by an elevation of the elevated region, thereby forming a predetermined gap between the piezoelectric film and the body portion of the spool member. The predetermined gap is at least 0.1 mm and enables a predetermined resonance frequency in the piezoelectric film to control the resonance frequency of the transducer. Opposite lateral ends of the piezoelectric film are secured together such that secured ends of the piezoelectric film have substantially the same resonance frequency as a remainder of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection element and method of fabrication are provided for ultrasonic inspection of curved surface parts. Various points on a transducer are located. These points include the location where a ray starts, to the desired focal point in the material being inspected. The path of the ray is through a water medium and a water-metal boundary. These points are fitted onto a cylindrical surface. The ray is back propagated until it is focused at the desired focal point.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging system comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements in a piezoelectic array. The array comprises a plurality of physically separate sub-arrays which are assembled together. It is supported on an interconnect layer. The elements are connected to the interconnect layer by a plurality of electrically conductive paths. The elements receive acoustic energy and convert it into electrical signals. The signals are transmitted along the plurality of electrically conductive paths and through the interconnect layer to an image processor which processes the signals to produce an image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus for determining ultrasonically the quantity of liquid in a tank having multiple inventive aspects. One aspect includes an ultrasonic transducer having three layers, the top two each having a thickness of approximately one-quarter wavelength and having materials with corresponding acoustic impedances which together are chosen to match the acoustic impedance of the bottom layer to the acoustic impedance of the tank liquid about the operational frequency passband of the ultrasonic pulse transmitted from the transducer. Another aspect involves a system and method for discriminating between echo sources of an ultrasonic burst echo signal resulting from an incipient ultrasonic burst signal transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An electroactive device incorporating the invention includes an electroactive ceramic annular substrate having a pair of opposed planar annular surfaces, a hollowed interior region and a thickness aspect. A first cap having a concave shape that extends into the hollowed interior region includes a rim portion, bounding the hollowed interior region, and joined to a first one of the planar surfaces. A second cap having a concave shape that extends into the hollowed interior region includes a rim portion, bounding the hollowed interior region, and joined to a second one of the planar surfaces. A potential measured across the ceramic substrate enables a field change in the ceramic substrate to be sensed, the field change caused by flexure of the ceramic substrate as a result of a pressure applied to the first and second caps.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe including a plurality of transducer elements for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflected ultrasonic wave from inside of an object to be examined, electrodes for applying a voltage to the transducer elements, and an acoustic matching layer for taking a matching of an acoustic impedance between the transducer elements and the object to be examined, wherein the acoustic matching layer includes a plurality of materials each of which has a different acoustic impedance and has an anisotropy in acoustic characteristic between an ultrasonic wave-transmitting direction from the transducer elements and a direction perpendicular to the ultrasonic wave-transmitting direction.

Abstract: Transducer elements having a 2-2 or 1-3 composite structure and driven in a k31 transverse mode for small-feature size transducer arrays, which provide improved electrical impedance matching to an ultrasonic imaging system and improved acoustic matching to the human body. The transducer element includes a plurality of thin piezoceramic wafers which are electroded on opposing major surfaces. The spaced wafers are separated by a passive polymer layer in a composite structure. Methods of producing the transducer elements are also described.

Abstract: A piezoelectric or electrostrictive actuator, comprising a plurality of stages of piezoelectric or electrostrictive active blocks distributed so as to form a tubular structure, the polarization of the active blocks alternating from one stage to the next, separation elements separating the unit active blocks of any one stage in pairs, said elements being superposed on one another in the height direction of the structure, being suitable for sliding over one another, and being of stiffness greater than that of the unit active blocks, a separation element extending over the height of two stages of active blocks, the separation elements on either side of a given unit active block extending respectively through both stages on either side of said unit active block, electrode-forming means enabling voltages of alternating sign to be applied to the various stacks of active blocks, and wherein a separation element is constituted by two bonded-together slabs each belonging to a different stage, the slabs of any one stag

Abstract: A megasonic cleaning system comprised of a container, a resonator, a piezoelectric crystal and an indium layer for attaching the resonator to the piezoelectric crystal. The container includes a fluid chamber for holding a volume of cleaning solution. The resonator is selected from the group consisting of sapphire, quartz, silicon carbide, silicon nitride and ceramic. The resonator forms the bottom of the container and has an interface surface which abuts the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a cylindrical acoustic projector is provided which allows efficient operation of the projector over a wide bandwidth. The system and method use multiple power amplifiers each tuned to operate over separate and narrow bandwidths, the number of seperate bandwidths corresponding to the number of amplifiers such that the total bandwidth is covered. Each tuning network assembly includes the power amplifier, a transformer and a tuning inductor, with the tuning inductor selected for proper tuning over the frequency bands the amplifier is to operate at. The narrow bandwidths for each power amplifier result in a substantial reduction in the reactive power dissipated in the amplifiers and also the total power consumption of the acoustic projector.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer is provided that includes a plurality of transducer elements having a first surface facing a region of examination when the transducer is in use and a second surface opposite of the first surface. The first surface or the second surface or both may be non-planar in an elevation direction. A nosepiece having an integrated faceplate is disposed over the transducer and a filler material may fill an area between the first surface of the transducer elements and the interior surface of the integrated faceplate. The filler material may have focusing or non-focusing properties.

Abstract: A megasonic transducer comprised of a stainless steel plate attached to a piezoelectric crystal by an indium attachment layer. To facilitate the attachment, a chromium layer and a silver layer are positioned between the stainless steel plate and the indium layer. Similarly, silver and chromium layers are positioned between the indium layer and the piezoelectric crystal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for measuring acceleration and sound pressure, the sensor comprising a first pressure sensitive film (2) for measuring pressure (P) and second pressure sensitive film (5) having a mass (6) disposed thereon for measuring acceleration (A). The films are arranged concentrically in the same plane, so that pressure and acceleration are measured at the same point, thereby avoiding a phase difference between the two measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensor for distance measurement is disclosed. The ultrasound sensor has a housing, a ceramic buzzer, a plurality of isolators both received in the housing and a C ring for securing the plurality of isolators in the housing. The housing has an elliptical and a circular compartments defined therein. The elliptical compartment communicates with the circular compartment and both have a unique shape, which is able to limit the shape of the emitted signal by the ceramic buzzer. The limited range of the emitted signal by the ceramic buzzer covers the entire cross section of the vehicle and will not cause a false alarm by reflection from the ground.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer has a center row of transducers operating at a center row frequency and first and second outer rows of transducers operating at a common frequency or different frequencies lower than the center row frequency. In an enhancement of the ultrasonic transducer array, the center row of transducers has a matching layer with an acoustic velocity that is higher than matching layers that are associated with the first outer row and second outer row transducers. The matching layers can be selected such that the overall thickness of the transducer array is constant. A 1.5D ultrasonic transducer array operating at a higher center frequency and lower outer frequencies is adjustable to allow high resolution near field imaging in addition to better far field imaging without the need for a 2D transducer array.

Abstract: Noise effects in a disc drive having a disc on a rotating spindle in a housing are reduced by inducing vibrations in the housing of the disc drive that at least partially cancel a characteristic acoustic noise signal of the drive.

Abstract: A micromechanical signal processing system includes an oscillating member designed to oscillate at a first frequency, a micromechanical pump oscillator being driven so as to oscillate at a second frequency, with the second frequency being greater than the first frequency, and a non-linear coupling element to couple the micromechanical pump oscillator to the oscillating member. These elements are arranged such that energy from the micromechanical pump oscillator is transferred via said non-linear coupling element into the oscillating member to compensate for its losses if the oscillating member oscillates at the first frequency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe has strip-formed oscillators formed of a piezoelectric crystal material arranged in an array form. Metal layers are formed by a first layer of at least one of Ti, Ni and Cr, a second layer of at least one of Cu and Ni, and a third layer of at least one of Cu, Au, Pt, Ag and Pd. A backing material is fixed to the oscillators through the metal layers. With this structure, it is possible to manufacture an ultrasonic probe having a high sensitivity while maintaining a favorable dicing process, even while using a backing material having a low acoustic impedance and soft properties.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer assembly, having a cobalt-base alloy housing with at least one planar wall section, and at least one ultrasonic transducer mounted to the planar wall section, the ultrasonic transducer operatively arranged to impart an ultrasonic vibrating force to the planar wall section of the housing.

Abstract: A liquid-filled acoustic transducer for finishing an exposed surface of a work medium, such as plastic concrete, transmits acoustic energy generated within an enclosed liquid medium, through a transducer housing member, and into the exterior work medium. Acoustic waves are generated by electrically-actuated liquid-immersed piezoelectric elements housed within the device. The efficiency with which acoustic waves are transmitted from the interior of the device to the adjacent work medium is enhanced by providing an intermediate transducer housing member, disposed between the liquid in which the piezoelectric elements are immersed and the work medium, having acoustic impedances at its two major surfaces matching the respective acoustic impedances of the respective interfacing media and a continuous acoustic impedance gradient between those two surfaces.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are cleaned using megasonic energy to agitate cleaning fluid applied to the wafer. A source of energy vibrates an elongated probe which transmits the acoustic energy into the fluid. The probe has a solid cleaning rod and a flared or stepped rear base. In one form, the probe is made of one piece, and in another, the rod fits into a socket in the base. This enables a rod to be made of material which is compatible with the cleaning solution, while the base may be of a different material. A heat transfer member acoustically coupled to the probe base and to a transducer conducts heat away from the transducer. A housing for the heat transfer member and the transducer supports those components and provides means for conducting coolant through the housing to control the temperature of the transducer. In another arrangement, an end of the housing is coupled between the transducer and the probe.

Abstract: A monolithic piezoelectric body includes first internal electrodes which extend to a first side surface of the piezoelectric body but do not extend to a second side surface of the piezoelectric body, and second internal electrodes which extend to the second side surface but do not extend to the first side surface. A connecting internal electrode is disposed within the piezoelectric body and extends between the first and second side surfaces. A first external electrode is disposed on the first side surface and is electrically connected to the first internal electrodes. A second external electrode is arranged on the first side surface so as to be separated from the first external electrode and electrically connected to the connecting internal electrode. A third external electrode is disposed on the second side surface so as to electrically connect the second internal electrodes and the connecting internal electrode.

Abstract: A transducer backing material includes a sticky epoxy resin containing tungsten particles and silver particles. A method of applying a backing material to a transducer includes pouring a mixture of epoxy resin, tungsten particles, and silver particles into a mold containing a layer of piezoelectric material, degassing the mixture, and curing the mixture at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere until the mixture dries.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave delay line is disclosed having a thin, amorphous metal substrate, and deposited on the first and second surface at each end of which is a very thin layer of a piezoelectric material. Positioned on each piezoelectric material layered area are a plurality of interleaved electrodes with a first portion of each plurality of electrodes being interconnected and a second portion of each plurality of electrodes being interconnected. The electrodes on the first and second surface at one end of said device are energized with electrical signals in a phased or un-phased manner to generate selected modes of pure Lamb waves in said substrate.

Abstract: A multilayered transducer assembly and the method of fabricating a multilayered transducer assembly using commercially available sheets of piezoelectric material and depositing electrodes thereon. The top and bottom surfaces of each layer have a major and a minor electrode formed thereon. The layers are stacked together so that the minority electrode formed on one layer is in contact with a minority layer formed on an adjacent layer and a majority layer formed on a surface is in contact with a majority electrode formed on an adjacent layer.

Abstract: An actuator includes a ceramic body having a base and an array of tube-shaped or blade-pair-shaped piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic elements defining an enclosure and integral with the base. A first electrode contacts the inner surfaces of walls of the elements, while a second electrode contacts the wall outer surfaces. The actuator is driven for d.sub.31 mode or d.sub.15 mode vibration of the walls. The wall vibration is transmitted to a desired medium via a vibration transmission means, e.g., a compliant polymer filler material of Shore A30 to Shore D75 filling the enclosure and bonded to the walls. Alternatively, a stiff cover plate may be used to transmit the tube wall vibration to a desired medium. An acoustic sensor device is also described.

Abstract: In an ultrasound transducer (1), a piezo-ceramic element (2) and an active materaial element (3) are joined to form a composite body in which the speed of sound is greater than in the piezo-ceramic element (2). This makes it possible to narrow the aperture angle .PHI. of the main sonic beam according to requirements.

Abstract: A backing block for an ultrasonic array transducer comprises a flex circuit embedded in a body of acoustic backing material, with conductive traces on the flex circuit terminating at the surface of the body at which an array transducer is mounted and extending out from the rear of the body for connection to electrical circuitry. The array transducer is formed of a composite material in which the pattern of the composite material is oriented at an oblique angle to the kerfs of the transducer.

Abstract: A sonic or acoustic tool is disclosed which includes a transmitter with reduced transmitter spawned noise. The transmitters are either monopole or dipole depending on the orientation of ports in a chamber divided by a piston driven by an actuator. The transmitter size is limited only by the diameter of the tools itself because the transmitters are oriented within the tool parallel to the axis of the tool.

Abstract: A system for connecting a transducer array to a coaxial cable. A fanout flex circuit is electrically connected to the coaxial cable, to form one subassembly, and a transducer flex circuit is incorporated into a transducer stack in electrical connection with the transducer array, to form another subassembly. The fanout flex circuit has a row of terminals of first linear pitch at one end and a row of terminals of second linear pitch, less than the first linear pitch, at the other end. The terminals of first linear pitch are electrically connected to the wires of the coaxial cable. The terminals of second linear pitch are electrically connected to a row of free terminals of the same linear pitch on the transducer flex circuit. A layer of pressure-activated conductive adhesive is applied on one row of terminals and then the other row of terminals is pressed against the adhesive-coated row.

Abstract: An improved composite ultrasonic transducer, and elements therefor, which may be made autoclavable, and a method of making these elements. A number of planar precursors comprising strips of piezoelectric ceramic material separated from one another by a polymer material are stacked one above another with the ceramic strips aligned with one another, and with electrical conductors disposed between each of the planar precursors. These precursors are then bonded to one another, to form a bonded assembly. The bonded assembly is then slit along parallel lines perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the ceramic strips, subdividing the strips into individual ceramic members and also subdividing the planar conductors, forming ribbon-like conductors extending between opposite sides of the array. The saw kerfs are filled with a hardening polymer material. The ribbon-like conductors reaching the edges of the assembly are then connected electrically in parallel, reducing the capacitance of the individual emitters.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer, which has a lead frame previously formed into a predetermined shape, an outer case formed integrally with the lead frame and a drive section including a coil arranged inside the outer case, comprises an opening formed in the outer case; lands formed by exposing a part of the lead frame through an outer surface of the outer case; and the coil having coil terminals led out of the outer case through the opening and connected to the lands.