A transverse mode ultrasonic probe is provided which creates a cavitation area along its longitudinal length, increasing the working surface of the probe. Accessory sheaths are also provided for use with the probe to enable a user to select from features most suited to an individual medical procedure. The sheaths provide acoustic enhancing and aspiration enhancing properties, and/or can be used as surgical tools or as medical access devices, protecting tissue from physical contact with the probe.

Ultrasonic device for tissue ablation and sheath for use therewith

An ultrasonic medical device comprises an ultrasonic vibration generator that generates vibration along its longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic vibration is transmitted through an ultrasonic coupler and a series of transformer sections that amplify the ultrasonic vibration. A flexible member is coupled to the distal end of the transformer sections, and is thus supplied with a longitudinal vibration at its base by the transformer sections. The flexible member is designed so that it converts the longitudinal vibration into a standing wave that runs along the length of the flexible member. The standing wave produces a series of nodes and anti-nodes along the length of the flexible member. Each of the anti-nodes produces cavitation in fluids in contact with the probe. The cavitation of the fluids causes destruction of adjacent tissue. In this manner, the entire length of the flexible member becomes a working surface that may be utilized for destroying tissue.

Ultrasonic medical device operating in a transverse mode

An RF power supply that is capable of tracking rapid changes in the resonant frequency of a load and capable of quickly responding to varying load conditions so as to deliver the desired amount of power. The present invention also provides an RF power supply capable of delivering a wide range of power over a broad frequency range to a load that is remotely located from the power supply. According to one embodiment, the RF power supply includes a direct current (DC) voltage source that provides a DC voltage within a predetermined voltage range; an amplifier, coupled to the DC voltage source, that provides an alternating voltage to a tank circuit connected to an output of the RF power supply; a frequency controller, coupled to the amplifier, to set the frequency of the alternating voltage produced by the amplifier; and a sensor, coupled to the load, to provide a signal to the frequency controller, where the frequency controller sets the frequency of the alternating voltage based on the signal received from the sensor.

Resonant frequency tracking system and method for use in a radio frequency (RF) power supply

A unitary extended width comb horn for generating ultrasonic vibrations over a width of greater than 12 inches for a frequency of 20 kHz wherein such vibrations vary by less than ±10% across the width of the horn. Also, processes utilizing this horn and related devices incorporating same.

Ultrasonic comb horn and methods for using same

To stabilize bonding strength by concentrating bonding energy upon members to be bonded together, when an overlapped interface of a plurality of members to be bonded together is to be bonded by ultrasonic vibration, heaters 6 and 7 are caused to generate heat to heat the bonding working portion 3d of a resonator 2, whereby bonding energy generated by ultrasonic vibration and bonding energy generated by heating are provided to the interface so that bonding energy can be concentrated upon the interface without increasing the energy of ultrasonic vibration and bonding strength can be stabilized Further, when electric heaters are used as the heaters 6 and 7, operationability is improved Moreover, when heater holes 3e and 3f are formed in the resonator 2 and electric heaters are fitted into the holes 3e and 3f, heater installation work is facilitated The heater may be provided in the mount

Ultrasonic vibration bonding machine

A method of progressively ultrasonically welding together workpieces is provided wherein the spot welds effected are initiated as small points and then progressively grow to full size. The method employs an ultrasonic welding apparatus of the type having a welding tip and a complimentary anvil between which the workpieces to be welded may be inserted. The workpieces are first clamped together and the workpieces "presqueezed" to disperse any adhesives which may be used between the workpieces. Initial pressure and energy levels are then introduced to "scrub" the workpieces. Pressure and energy are then synchronously ramped in phase to maximum levels to effect a weld between the workpieces. The welding operation is controlled by control means which permit automatic synchronization of the operation.

Progressive ultrasonic welding system

Method and apparatus are provided for use in an ultrasonic vibratory welder for pre-heating the workpieces prior to welding and, thereafter, for continuously monitoring the temperature of the anvil and of the welding tip during subsequent welding operations to insure their temperature remains within a pre-determined range during the entire welding cycle. It has been found that weld characteristics, particularly weld size, shape, configuration and strength are dependent upon the temperature of the anvil and welding tip. Thermostatically controlled resistance heating means are provided in the anvil and/or in the welding tip for pre-heating of the workpieces. Automatic control means, are also provided for alternately heating and cooling the anvil and welding tip during the welding cycle.

Albert Sarrantonio

Papers

Progressive ultrasonic welding system

Thermally assisted ultrasonic welding apparatus and process