Hollow sphere transducers
US6215231A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electroactive device incorporating the invention is configured from an electroactive ceramic hollow sphere having an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness aspect and a radius aspect. Conductive electrodes are positioned on opposed surfaces of said sphere and conductors enable application of an electrical potential between the conductive electrodes to enable a field to be applied to said sphere that causes a dimension change in the radius aspect and thickness aspect thereof. In one embodiment the sphere has a d.sub.33 direction parallel to the thickness aspect, and d.sub.31 & d.sub.32 directions parallel to the sphere surfaces and in another embodiment the d.sub.33 direction is perpendicular to the thickness aspect, and d.sub.31 & d.sub.32 directions are respectively parallel and perpendicular to the sphere surfaces. The sphere is preferably supported by a rod that either passes throng one opening in the sphere or through two opposed openings. Further, the rod may include a pathway for other instrumentality's. Arrays of such devices are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.