Abstract:
An ultrasonic unit manufacturing system and process are based on a universal ultrasonic generator unit that operates interchangeably with either one of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic devices, and optionally as well as with either on-off or power level control footswitches. The ultrasonic units use a generator unit having a detector that determines whether the connected device is piezoelectric or magnetostrictive, and activates the generator for the appropriate piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating mode. The ultrasonic units so made and methods of using them are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An electrical waveform generator for driving an electromechanical load includes a digital signal processor connected to a waveform generator component in turn connected to an amplifier section with a filter network, the latter being connected to sensing and conditioning circuit componentry that is in turn connected to analog-to-digital converter circuitry. A digital memory stores digitized voltage and current waveform information. The processor determines a phase difference between voltage and current waveforms, compares the determined phase difference to a phase difference command and generates a phase error or correction signal. The processor also generates an amplitude error signal for inducing the amplifier section to change its output amplitude to result in a predetermined amplitude error level for a respective one of the voltage and current waveforms.
Abstract:
A preamplification and impedance matching circuit for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer includes an impedance matching section of the circuit having input terminals for receiving radio frequency power from a radio frequency power source. A matching transformer, which is a step-down transformer, is operatively connected to the input terminals. Diode networks are operatively connected to the matching transformer and output terminals which lead to the coil of the transducer. Signal responses emitted by the transducer coil are transmitted to a preamplifier section of the circuit. Choke coils or resistors are used to limit radio frequency power entry into the preamplifier section of the circuit. The preamplifier section has a preamplifier which is operatively connected to a first transformer and a second transformer such that the transformer are located on opposite sides of the preamplifier for increasing the amplitude of the coil signal response prior to transmission to detectors located in the instrumentation of the transducer.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for vibrating a dental scaler insert at its resonant frequency which includes an energizing coil and an automatically tuned oscillating circuit is disclosed. The oscillating circuit is automatically tuned to vibrate a scaler insert at its resonant frequency in response to an impedance of the energizing coil. The energizing coil impedance is responsive to a scaler insert positioned within the energizing coil. Additionally, the dental scaler device can be operated with scaling inserts having different mechanical resonant frequencies associated therewith. Accordingly, dental scaler inserts resonant at about 25kHz or 30kHz may be inserted and operated by the dental scaler device of the present invention. The apparatus for vibrating a dental scaler may also include a feature permitting the operator to temporarily increase an amplitude of vibration of the scaler insert to enable the operator to dislodge stubborn calculus from a patient's teeth.
Abstract:
An ultrasonic generator including an amplifier coupled in oscillator configuration for initiating via an exciting impedance ultrasonic vibrations in an electro-acoustic element such as that associated with a dental instrument. Connected in parallel with the exciting impedance in an additional impedance to form a tuned parallel resonance circuit. Maximum current is supplied to the exciting impedance through the amplifier and the primary winding of a current transformer also having a secondary winding connected in series with a capacitor to form a tuned series resonance circuit additionally emphasizing the maximum current. The transformer forms an inductive coupling in phase-aiding relationship between the output circuit of the amplifier and the control electrode thereof for continuously maintaining optimal effect at the prevailing resonance frequency with an automatic adaptation of the oscillation frequency to variations from the nominal mechanical resonance frequency of the electro-acoustic element.
Abstract:
A magnetostrictive transducer is vibrated at an ultra-sonic frequency by a driver winding supplied with energizing current from a generator, the output level of which is changed through a signal responsive device. The oscillating magnetic field of the driver winding is disturbed by short-circuiting of a control winding in the field. The disturbance is sensed by detector means to produce a signal fed to the signal responsive device.