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:
This invention refers to a sonic and/or ultrasonic generator for emission in air with a power capacity and certain radiation characteristics which permit the necessary acoustic levels (>170 dB ref. 2·10−4 μbar) to be obtained in a way that is safe and controlled for the mechanical breakage of high consistency bubbles constituting industrial foams.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a high-powered (e.g., >500 W) ultrasonic generator for use especially for delivering high-power ultrasonic energy to a varying load including compressible fluids. The generator includes a variable frequency triangular waveform generator coupled with pulse width modulators. The output from the pulse width modulator is coupled with the gates of an Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), which amplifies the signal and delivers it to a coil that is used to drive a magnetostrictive transducer. In one embodiment, high voltage of 0-600 VDC is delivered across the collector and emitter of the IGBT after the signal is delivered. The output of the IGBT is a square waveform with a voltage of +/−600V. This voltage is sent to a coil wound around the ultrasonic transducer. The voltage creates a magnetic field on the transducer and the magnetorestrictive properties of the transducer cause the transducer to vibrate as a result of the magnetic field. The use of the IGBT as the amplifying device obviates the need for a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) circuit, which is typically used in low powered ultrasonic transducers, and which would get overheated and fail in such a high-powered and load-varying application.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a high-powered (e.g., >500 W) ultrasonic generator for use especially for delivering high-power ultrasonic energy to a varying load including compressible fluids. The generator includes a variable frequency triangular waveform generator coupled with pulse width modulators. The output from the pulse width modulator is coupled with the gates of an Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), which amplifies the signal and delivers it to a coil that is used to drive a magnetostrictive transducer. In one embodiment, high voltage of 0-600 VDC is delivered across the collector and emitter of the IGBT after the signal is delivered. The output of the IGBT is a square waveform with a voltage of ±600V. This voltage is sent to a coil wound around the ultrasonic transducer. The voltage creates a magnetic field on the transducer and the magnetorestrictive properties of the transducer cause the transducer to vibrate as a result of the magnetic field. The use of the IGBT as the amplifying device obviates the need for a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) circuit, which is typically used in low powered ultrasonic transducers, and which would get overheated and fail in such a high-powered and load-varying application.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a microprocessor-controlled ultrasonic control apparatus used to sweep a range of operating frequencies and to identify, store and tune to the resonant frequency of a magnetostrictively driven handpiece. This allows the user to change tip systems as desired and the device is not limited to a preset or switch selectable frequency. The unit automatically finds and adjusts to the frequency which corresponds to the resonant acoustic frequency of the magnetostrictive coil insert tip system.
Abstract:
An ultrasonic generator system comprising a power oscillator which provides an A.C. signal for driving one or more ultrasonic transducers (TDM). The power oscillator includes a transistor (Tr.sub.1) in series wtih the parallel combination (for A.C. purposes) of a capacitor (C.sub.1) and an inductance (L.sub.1). The transducer load TDM is connected across the inductance L.sub.1 without the use of an intermediate transformer.
Abstract:
A control circuit for an ultrasonic dental scaler, comprising a transducer driven by a frequency-controlled oscillator, is disclosed. The control circuit is operable for continuously regulating the oscillator frequency at substantially the same value as the resonant frequency of the transducer with a dental tool attached to it and for controlling the mechanical power output of the transducer. The transducer can be drivingly connected to a work tool for transmitting mechanical energy thereto. The regulation of the oscillator frequency is accomplished by simultaneously applied control signals derived from the current passing through the transducer and from the voltage across the transducer, to compensate for supply voltage variations. Moreover, the mechanical power output of the transducer is controlled such that it is reduced whenever the contact pressure of the work tool exceeds a predetermined maximum value. Such excessive pressure is monitored as the amplitude or phase variation of the voltage or of the current of the transducer.
Abstract:
A feedback coil is placed in surrounding relation to a magnetostrictive member which is vibrating under the influence of a drive coil being energized by a power amplifier. Ideally, the voltage induced in the feedback coil should be proportional only to the vibrational amplitude of the magnetostrictive member. The induced voltage is fed back to the input of the power amplifier insuring that the member is vibrating at one of its resonant frequencies. The feedback coil is designed so that there is no transformer coupling between the feedback and drive coils. The feedback coil can be positioned along the length of the device in one of two ways, so as to maximize the induced voltage. Each way relies on a different magnetostrictive effect.