U.S. patent number 3,702,948 [Application Number 05/216,130] was granted by the patent office on 1972-11-14 for ultrasonic motors and scissors.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ultrasonic Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lewis Balamuth.
United States Patent |
3,702,948 |
Balamuth |
November 14, 1972 |
ULTRASONIC MOTORS AND SCISSORS
Abstract
An ultrasonic motor construction wherein the compressional wave
mechanical energy is transmitted through a transmission member into
flexural vibrational wave energy to a working tip or surface
removed a distance from the transducer associated therewith.
Various forms of ultrasonic motor constructions are illustrated as
in the form of a welding instrument or scissor. The ultrasonic
motor operates between 10,000 cps and 500,000 cps and produces peak
accelerations of the order of the last 1,000g.
Inventors: |
Balamuth; Lewis (New York,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Ultrasonic Systems, Inc.
(Farmingdale, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
22805825 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/216,130 |
Filed: |
January 7, 1972 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
38149 |
May 18, 1970 |
3666975 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
310/323.18;
30/277.4; 74/155; 228/1.1; 310/20; 310/26; 310/323.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K
20/106 (20130101); B26B 19/38 (20130101); B29C
66/8322 (20130101); B06B 3/00 (20130101); B29C
65/08 (20130101); B26B 21/38 (20130101); A61B
17/3201 (20130101); B29C 66/861 (20130101); Y10T
74/1576 (20150115); B29C 66/73921 (20130101); A61B
2017/320089 (20170801) |
Current International
Class: |
B26B
19/38 (20060101); A61B 17/32 (20060101); B26B
21/38 (20060101); B06B 3/00 (20060101); B26B
21/08 (20060101); B23K 20/10 (20060101); H04r
017/00 (); H01v 007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;310/8,8.2,8.3,8.5,8.6,8.7,9.1,20,25,26 ;30/272,228 ;74/155,430
;51/59SS ;228/1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Miller; J. D.
Assistant Examiner: Budd; Mark O.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending
application Ser. No. 38,149 filed May 18, 1970, entitled ULTRASONIC
MOTORS, now Pat. No. 3,666,975, which entire subject matter of the
copending application is incorporated herein by reference as if
fully herein set forth.
Claims
I claim:
1. An ultrasonic motor, comprising:
A. a pair of spaced apart transmission members, at least one of
which has a free end adapted to be used,
B. coupling means for maintaining said transmission members in a
relatively fixed position relative to each other,
C. transducer means extending between said transmission members for
inducing high frequency mechanical vibrations in at least one of
said transmission members in spaced relation to said free end,
wherein vibrations are transmitted therethrough to induce
mechanical vibrations at said free end at a frequency in the range
of 10,000 to 500,000 cycles per second with peak accelerations of
the order of at least 1000g,
D. engaging means positioned at the free end of said transmission
member having a reduced cross-sectional area at its output edge for
transmitting said mechanical vibrations, and
E. housing means substantially enclosing said transducer means.
2. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, and further including
gripping means secured to at least one of said transmission members
for controlled movement of said motor.
3. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 2, wherein said gripping
means is positioned substantially at a nodal region of vibration
for minimum vibrational transmission to the gripping means.
4. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 2, wherein said gripping
means is in the form of finger rest containing extending tabs which
overlap said transmission member with a pin extending transversely
through said transmission member and into said tabs.
5. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, wherein
A. said transmission members extend in substantially parallel
spaced apart relation to each other, and
B. said coupling means extends between said transmission members at
substantially one end thereof.
6. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, wherein said
transmission members are substantially of equal length having
spaced apart free ends.
7. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 6, wherein one of said
transmission members is adapted to be moved towards and away from
the other transmission member.
8. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 6, wherein said engaging
means have inwardly directed projections containing positioning
means thereon for retaining members to be positioned therebetween
in relatively fixed position with respect to each other.
9. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, wherein said
transmission members are of different mass wherein one of said free
ends exhibits a greater degree of mechanical vibration than the
other.
10. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, wherein said
transducer means extends transversely to the direction of said
transmission members at substantially one end thereof.
11. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, wherein said
transducer means is of a piezoelectric material.
12. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, wherein said
transducer means includes a pair of piezoelectric disks with an
electrode therebetween and spaced apart end members at least one of
which is in engagement with one of said transmission members for
transmitting mechanical vibrations thereto.
13. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 12, wherein said
transducer means includes a central bolt which serves to compress
said transducer means between said end members.
14. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 1, and further
including means for rigidly mounting said ultrasonic motor.
15. An ultrasonic motor, comprising:
A. a pair of spaced apart transmission members in substantially
parallel spaced apart relation to each other, at least one of which
has a free end adapted to be used, and one of said transmission
members at its free end adapted to be moved towards and away from
the other transmission member for gross movement therebetween from
an open position in which members may be freely positioned therein
to a closed position for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations
thereto,
B. coupling means for maintaining said transmission members in a
relatively fixed position relative to each other at adjacent said
coupling means extending therebetween at substantially one end
thereof, said transmission members being of a length and
cross-sectional area to permit said gross movement
therebetween,
C. transducer means extending between said transmission members for
inducing ultrasonic mechanical vibrations in at least one of said
transmission members in spaced relation to said free end, wherein
vibrations are transmitted therethrough to induce mechanical
vibrations at said free end at a frequency of at least 10,000
cycles per second with peak accelerations of the order of at least
1,000g, and
D. engaging means positioned substantially at the free ends of said
transmission members for movement from said open position for
receiving therebetween members to which the mechanical vibrations
are to be coupled when said engaging means is in said closed
position.
16. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 15, wherein said
transducer means is of piezoelectric material, and includes a pair
of piezoelectric disks with an electrode therebetween and spaced
apart end members at least one of which is in engagement with one
of said transmission members for transmitting mechanical vibrations
thereto, with a central bolt extending through the transmission
member said end member is in engagement with for compressing said
transducer means between said end members.
17. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 15, and further
including gripping means secured to at least one of said
transmission members for controlled movement of said motor.
18. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 17, wherein said
gripping means is positioned substantially at a nodal region of
vibration for minimum transmission to the gripping means.
19. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 17, wherein said
gripping means is in the form of finger rest containing extending
tabs which overlap said transmission member with a pin extending
transversely through said transmission member and into said
tabs.
20. An ultrasonic motor as defined in claim 15, wherein said
transmission members are of different mass wherein one of said free
ends exhibits a greater degree of mechanical vibration than the
other.
21. A hand held instrument, comprising:
A. a pair of arms each having a free end adapted to be used,
B. gripping means on each of said arms at the other end
thereof,
C. means pivotally connecting said arms together to permit
cooperation between said free ends, and
D. means for ultrasonically vibrating at least one of said free
ends at a frequency of at least 10,000 cycles per second with peak
accelerations of the order of at least 1,000g.
22. A hand held instrument as claimed in claim 21, wherein said arm
is vibrated along its length to obtain the ultrasonic mechanical
vibration at its free end.
23. A hand held instrument as claimed in claim 21, wherein said
means for ultrasonically vibrating at least one of said ends
includes:
a. a vibrating generator,
b. an ultrasonic motor connected to said vibration generator,
and
c. means connecting said ultrasonic motor to said vibrated arm for
transmitting said vibrations thereto.
24. A hand held instrument as claimed in claim 23, and further
including housing means enclosing said ultrasonic motor.
25. A hand held instrument as claimed in claim 21, wherein said
means pivotally connecting said arms together is located at a node
of vibrational motion.
26. A hand held instrument as in claim 21, wherein one of said free
ends is in the form of a cutting edge, to permit the instrument to
be used as a scissor.
27. A hand held instrument, comprising:
A. a pair of arms each having a cutting edge extending along one
edge from one end thereof,
B. gripping means on each of said arms at the other end
thereof,
C. means pivotally connecting said arms together to permit
cooperation between said cutting edge,
D. means for ultrasonically vibrating at least one of said arms to
obtain high frequency mechanical vibrations at said cutting edge,
at a frequency in the range of 10,000 cycles per second to 500,000
cycles per second with peak accelerations of the order of at least
1,000g, said means including:
1. a vibration generator,
2. an ultrasonic motor connected to said vibration generator,
and
3. means connecting said ultrasonic motor to said vibrated arm for
transmitting said vibrations thereto, and
E. housing means enclosing said ultrasonic motor.
28. A hand held instrument as claimed in claim 27, wherein said
means pivotally connecting said arms together is located at a node
of vibrational motion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention describes ultrasonic motors in which the
vibratory mechanical energy is transmitted to a point remote from
the generating source for transmitting vibratory energy and
particular adaptations thereof for use as for example, a welding
device and scissor.
The prior art designs of ultrasonic motors are generally limited in
that the vibratory energy generated thereby is transmitted and used
in a plane substantially along the axis thereof and not at a point
or plane remote from the axis along which the mechanical vibrations
are generated.
The ability to be able to transmit these mechanical vibrations at
an ultrasonic frequency, herein defined to include vibrations in
the range of 1,000 to 1,000,000 cycles per second, permits the
design of various motor constructions not heretofore possible.
Numerous types of hand held ultrasonic motors have been disclosed
in the prior art; however, in this invention we have to do with a
new type of ultrasonic motor, which involves mode conversion in
going from the transducer to the tool or transmission part, and
which takes advantage of this mode conversion in order to create
novel means for a variety of purposes. Among such purposes, for
example, are included a system in the form of hand shears for the
purpose of securing suture knots in surgery, another form of hand
shears to embody an ultrasonic scissors capable of smooth cutting
of tissue even down to miniature levels, such as are required in
eye surgery, a form of said motor may be adapted to be used as a
tooth brush, razor, scalpel, etc.
Now, an ultrasonic motor is distinguished by the fact that its peak
stroke is generally microscopically small, usually expressed in
mils (or thousandths of an inch). In order to see what kind of ball
park we are playing in, as to the magnitude of these quantities,
suppose we take a commonly found case for ultrasonic motors;
namely, a frequency of 20,000 cycles per second and a peak stroke
of 2 mils. In this case, we can calculate the peak speed, v.sub.max
and the peak acceleration a.sub.max from equation (1) and (2).
Doing so we get
(1) v.sub.max = .pi.f.sub.o s
(2) a.sub.max = 2.pi.f.sub.o v.sub.max = 2.pi..sup.2 f.sub.o.sup.2
s
(3) v.sub.max = 10.5 feet/sec, a.sub.max =41,000g
(g= acceleration of gravity = 32.2 ft/sec.sup.2)
(f.sub.o = 20,000 cycles/sec)
(s = 2 mils)
Equation (3) tells us that the output surface, S, of our ultrasonic
motor reaches a peak speed of 10.5 ft/sec or about 7 miles per
hours, while it also reaches a peak acceleration of 41,000 times
the acceleration of gravity! In other words, under the prescribed
conditions of frequency and stroke, the ultrasonic motor describes
an invisible zone of motion never attaining more than a
horse-and-buggy speed, but with a peak acceleration which is
enormous compared with gravity. This unique state of affairs cannot
be duplicated by any other known means, and herein lies the
uniqueness offered by the ultrasonic motor. The present invention
pertains to various ultrasonic motors and other systems having peak
accelerations in the order of at least 1,000g and preferably in the
range of 10,000 to 500,000 cycles per second.
Accordingly, one of the novel aspects of the present invention is
to provide apparatus in which an object may be cut, as in a
scissor, along a surface with almost frictionless ease. The cutting
edge may vibrate at 20,000 cycles per second, a distance
longitudinally approximately 0.002 inch, or say in the range of
0.002- 0.003 inches. This vibration achieves peak acceleration of
about 41,000-62,000g and forms a "zone of motion" which is
essentially impenetrable by the object being cut. The actual
contact of the object with the cutting surface edge is for only a
small portion of each cycle of vibration such that the object
actually rides on a cushion of air, and friction is therefore
reduced to almost zero. In consequence of the large friction zone
reduction, the cutting zone is reduced by at least a corresponding
amount.
Accordingly, suppose the cutting edge surface has a peak stroke of
0.004 inch, then it would reach a peak acceleration of 82,000g. So,
in the first instance we see that the output is relatively low
speed 21 ft./sec. which is approximately 14 miles/hour. But the
peak acceleration exceeds anything that can be achieved in any
other way by mechanical means at such low speed.
Therefore, one of our first discoveries about the vibrating surface
is that its peak output speeds are very safe, while at the same
time extraordinarily high accelerations are utilized. An immediate
consequence of this fact is that for bodies moving with
accelerations of say one g, there will be very little penetration
of the zone of motion. For example, suppose the object being cut is
in contact with the cutting edge surface at the end of a stroke and
is capable of moving into the zone of motion with an acceleration
of one g. Then the cutting edge surface will retract a distance, S,
and return the same distance in a time equal to one period of
oscillation of the motor. Since, for 20,000Hz this period is 50
microseconds, we can calculate how far a one g accelerated body can
move in 50 microseconds, starting from rest. This we get from the
simple equation.
d = distance travelled d = 1/2 at .sup.2 a = acceleration due to
gravity, "g" d = 0.483 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.6 in. t = time s =
0.004 in. = 4 .times. 10.sup.-.sup.3 in. s = stroke d/s = 0.012
.times. 10.sup.-.sup.2 or 0.012%
Thus, d/s, which measures the penetration of the zone of motion
amounts to less than 0.012 percent. Accordingly, the object being
cut is moving towards the cutting surface with an acceleration of
one g and the space penetration is less than 0.12 percent.
Thus, the object being cut moving on such a vibrating surface would
be in contact with the surface for less than 0.012 percent of the
time. This means the object is essentially air borne and so should
exhibit practically no friction and hence greatly reduced
resistance to the cutting force.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide an ultrasonic motor
construction in which the energy is transmitted through
transmission means by flexural vibrations applied at a point remote
from the transducer generating the vibrations.
Another object of the invention is to provide a compact ultrasonic
motor construction adaptable to be hand held by the user.
Another object of the invention is to provide an ultrasonic motor
adaptable to be incorporated into a variety of functional
instruments.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
as the disclosure proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention discloses an ultrasonic motor having a variety of
applications since it permits the generation of mechanical
vibrations at selected locations in spaced relation to the
transducer initially generating the compressional waves. The motor
may include a pair of spaced apart elongated arm transmission
members, at least one of which has a free end adapted to be used
for transmitting vibrations and coupling means for maintaining the
transmission arms in a relatively fixed position with respect to
each other. Transducer means extend between the transmission
members for inducing ultrasonic mechanical vibrations in the
transmission members in spaced relation to the free ends thereof,
wherein vibrations are transmitted therethrough to induce flexural
vibrations at the free end. Gripping means may be secured to one or
both of the spaced apart transmission members and adapted to be
manipulated by the user thereof for hand held size motors. The
gripping means may be positioned at nodal regions of vibration for
minimum vibrational transmission to the gripping means. In
accordance with one form the gripping means are in the form of
finger rests containing extending tabs which overlap the respective
transmission members with a pin extending transversely through the
transmission members and into the tabs.
To enclose the transducer housing means may be provided which
permits the transmission members to extend therethrough. The
transmission members may have inwardly directed projections
containing positioning means therein for retaining the members, for
example, to be welded, in a relatively fixed position with respect
to each other. The amplitude of flexural vibration at the free end
of each transmission member may be varied or selected by having a
different mass via the cross-sectional area of each member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be
particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and
the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better
understood by referring to the following description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views and in which:
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show in somewhat schematic form ultrasonic motor
constructions generic to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an ultrasonic motor embodying the
invention in a particular form;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the motor of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of another ultrasonic motor embodying the
invention in a particular form;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the motor of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of another ultrasonic motor embodying the
invention in a particular form;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the motor of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an ultrasonic scissor in accordance with
the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the ultrasonic scissor of
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, we
have somewhat schematic representations of the motor constructions
of the present invention in which as illustrated in FIG. 1 the
motor 10 includes a pair of spaced apart elongated arms or
transmission members or lines 11 and 12, which may be referred to
as the first and second transmission members for convenience. The
transmission members may each have a free end 14 and 16 with a
respective output end or tip 18 and 20 adapted to be vibrated in a
flexural mode, as hereinafter described, to obtain flexural
vibrations as indicated by the double headed arrows 21.
The transmission members 11 and 12 are maintained in a relatively
fixed position with respect to each other by coupling means 25
which may include a support member 26 conventionally secured to the
respective transmission members 11 and 12, as at their inner edge
or surface 27 and 28. The support member 26 is positioned in
longitudinally spaced relation to the free ends 14 and 16 and may
be located at the rear ends 29 and 30, or therebetween as shown.
The support member 26 may be joined to the transmission members 11
and 12 at substantially a nodal region of flexural vibration where
the amount of transmitted mechanical vibrations is maintained at a
minimum.
Extending between the transmission members 11 and 12 and in energy
coupling relation thereto is transducer means 35 capable of
generating compression waves in the frequency range of 1,000 to
1,000,000 cycles per second which mechanical energy waves indicated
by arrows 36 are transmitted to the first or second transmission
lines, or both, to excite them in their flexural mode for effecting
the flexural vibrations at their free ends 14 and 16 as indicated
by the arrows 21.
The ultrasonic elastic waves of a compressional wave form are
produced by a transducer 35 which is energized by an oscillation
generator adapted to produce electrical energy having an ultrasonic
frequency which for the purposes of this invention is defined
between the approximate range of 1,000 cycles per second to
1,000,000 cycles per second. The transducer 35 may be one of a
variety of electro mechanical types, such as electrodynamic,
piezoelectric or magnetostrictive.
Preferably the transducer 35 and generator may be operated at both
a fixed frequency or modulated over defined frequency range. The
specific oscillation generator and transducer 35 for accomplishing
the result may be conventional, and as such, a detailed description
thereof need not be included in this disclosure since it is known
to those skilled in the art.
FIG. 2, illustrates an ultrasonic motor 10a similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the transmission members 11a and 12a
extend in substantially spaced apart relation to each other with
the coupling means 25a extending between the rear ends 29a and 30a
at one end of the motor. The support member 26a may have a
substantially U-shaped configuration to provide the necessary
coupling effect. The transducer means 35a extends between the
transmission members 11a and 12a to generate the longitudinal
vibration as indicated by arrows 36a to set up flexural vibrations
that are transmitted to the tips 18a and 20a as indicated by arrows
21a.
FIG. 3, illustrates a motor 10b in which the transducer means 35b
is of a magnetostrictive type using a ferrite cylinder 38b with a
permanent ferrite magnet ring 39b adjacent thereto and clamped
together by a bolt 40b that extends between the transmission
members 11b and 12b to induce flexural vibrations at the output
ends 18b and 20b as indicated by the arrows 21b. A driving coil
41b, connected to an electrical source not shown, extends around
the support member 26b to excite the transducer 35b to cause it to
vibrate.
FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrate an ultrasonic motor 10c which includes a
pair of spaced apart elongated arms or transmission members 11c and
12c having respective rear sections 43c and 44c that may be
integrally formed with the support member 26c of the coupling means
25c which is positioned at one end of the motor 10c. The rear
sections 43c and 44c merge with middle sections 45c and 46c which
extend inwardly and decrease in cross-section and merge with
respective front sections 47c and 48c which form the transmission
members 11c and 12c. The front sections 47c and 48c merge with
contoured tips 50c and 51c respectively, that terminate in an
output edge or surface 49c and 53c for engagement with the work to
be contacted and to which the mechanical vibrations indicated by
arrows 21d is transmitted. The tips 50c and 51c, as well as the
transmission members 11c and 12c may be of equal or different
cross-sectional configuration depending upon the specific need or
application of the motor. Accordingly, the amplitude and direction
of mechanical vibration designated by each arrow 21c may be varied
by the selection of the proper design criteria of the transmission
members.
The transducer means 35c may include two piezoelectric wafers or
disks, which may be referred to as the front disk 52c and rear disk
54c separated by an electrode 55c electrically connected to a power
source in a conventional manner by wire 56c. The disks may be
located at or in the region of a node of longitudinal vibration of
the transducer 35c. The piezoelectric disks may be of commercially
available PZT-4 material from the Clevite Corporation. The front
disk 52c is directly connected to a metallic output transmission
section 57c which includes a flanged portion 58c, which may have a
circular cross-section substantially equal to that of the circular
cross-section of the crystal 52c, with an output portion 59c of a
reduced diameter for engagement with the rear section 43c. A second
output transmission section 60c may be provided which includes a
flanged portion 61c which may have a circular cross-section
substantially equal to that of the circular cross-section of the
crystal 54c, with an output portion 62c of a reduced diameter for
engagement with the rear section 44c. The axial length of the
transducer may be of a half wavelength at the frequency of
vibration of the overall motor. The disks 52c and 54c, electrode
55c and transmission sections 57c and 60c may be secured or bonded
together with an epoxy cementing compound along or by a bolt 65c.
The bolt 65c extends through the rear section 44c and 43c in a
conventional manner to compress the disks together. An insulating
sleeve 66c may surround the bolt 65c in a conventional manner.
The electrical connection of the motor 10c is to a converter or
generator 67c of any well known type, with lead 56c and lead 68c
connected thereto with the latter lead coupled by fastener 69c. The
converter 67c may be provided with conventional power control
adjustments etc.
The motor 10c to be used is generally positioned in a mechanical
device or may be hand held to perform the desired transmission of
the ultrasonic mechanical vibrations to a work object. As seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5, gripping or retaining means 70c is provided and
secured to the spaced apart transmission members 11c and 12c to
permit the respective members to be manipulated by the user 71c.
The gripping means 70c may be in the form of finger rests 72c with
formed tabs 73c which overlap the front sections 47c and 48c, with
a pin 75c extending transversely through the transmission members
into the tabs 73c. The pin 75c may have a rectangular cross-section
to prevent angular rotation of the grips 72c when positioned
between the fingers of the user 71c and the static force applied
thereto will flex the transmission members 11c and 12c so that the
output edges 49c and 53c may be moved towards and away from each
other. The gripping means may be positioned at a node of flexural
motion so that the vibratory energy transmitted to the user 71c is
not present or minimal. The rigidly of the transmission members are
selected to have a longitudinal length and cross-sectional area to
permit a preselected degree of gross movement when held in the hand
of the user. In addition the amplitude of vibration is also a
factor of the longitudinal length and cross-sectional area of the
transmission members 11c and 12c, and by selecting these variables
each output edge 49c and 53c may exhibit the same or different
amplitudes of vibration. The shape and cross-section of the tips
50c and 51c also dictate the direction and amplitude of mechanical
vibrations exhibited by the arrows 21c.
The motor in operation may have the output edges 49c and 53c first
placed over the work object, which for welding may be overlapping
sheets of thermoplastic material, and then compressed by the user
71c placing his fingers on the gripping means 70c and applying the
necessary static force against the objects with the power from
generator 67c then turned on to energize the transducer means 35c.
The mechanical vibrations are then transmitted via the transmission
members 11c and 12c to the work edges 49c and 53c. The spacing
between the opposing edges 49c and 53c may be in the order of 0.001
inch to 1.0 inch for most applications, but may extend to as much
as one foot or more for large objects such as the welding of rigid
plastic members.
FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrate another form of the invention in which
the motor 10d is of a design in which the transmission members 11d
and 12d are of different cross-sectional areas such that the degree
of vibration exhibited by the arrows 21d will differ. The
transducer 35d transmits the mechanical vibrations to the rear
sections 43d and 44d which are mechanically joined together by
coupling means 25d in the form of a support member 26d that is
connected to or integrally formed with the rear sections 43d and
44d. The rear section 43d is joined to the front section 47d and in
turn to a tip portion 50d having an output edge 49d. The rear
section 44d is coupled to front section 48d and terminates in a tip
portion 51d having an output edge 53d. Positioning means 80d is
provided in the form of a recess or depression 81d on each of the
output edges 49d and 53d to contain therein the work object
illustrated in the form of filaments or wires 82d. As seen in FIG.
7, a knot 83d is shown, as for example as used in suturing where it
is desired to weld or bond ultrasonically overlapping segments
thereof which are welded together when a static force is applied to
the spaced apart transmission members 11d and 12d. The gross
movement of the transmission members 11d and 12d may be obtained
manually or by other mechanical means as in a press for welding
larger size objects.
FIGS. 8 and 9, illustrate another form of the invention in which
the motor 10e is designed to have a single transmission member 12e
that is ultrasonically vibrated by means of transducer means 35e
coupled to rear section 43e and 44e, that are joined together by
coupling means 25e in the form of support member 26e. The rear
section 44e tapers downwardly by middle section 46e in which in
turn is connected to front section 48e which terminates in a tip
51e that may taper downwardly to an output edge 53e. The flexural
vibrations generated, as shown by arrows 21e, may be used for
various applications of ultrasonic energy since the motor 10e has
use in various fields with one application being illustrated for
convenience only. For welding of materials as sheets 83e and 84e,
the motor is used in combination with supporting or anvil means 85e
on which the sheets are contained. The static force is applied by
moving the motor 10e along an axis indicated by arrow 86e.
Retaining means 70e is provided in the form of a shaft 88e
threadably engaged with the coupling means 25e. The shaft 88e may
be coupled to a press that is automatically cycled to compress and
weld the sheets 83e and 84e.
FIGS. 10 and 11, illustrate a form of the motor 10f as incorporated
and made part of a cutting instrument 90f which is illustrated in
the form of an ultrasonic scissor. The motor 10f includes a
transducer 35f mounted between the rear section 43f of transmission
member or first arm 11f and rear section 44f with the coupling
means 25f in the form of support member 26f connecting them
together. The middle section 45f extends into a front section 47f
terminating in a tip 50f. The transmission member 11f may be
tapered as in a scissor with a shearing or cutting edge 91f
provided to extend along one surface or edge of the first arm
11f.
To control the movement of the transmission member 11f gripping
means 70f is provided in the form of a shaft 88f secured in any
conventional manner to the support member 26f such that at least no
noticable vibration is transmitted thereto. The shaft 88f at its
opposite end is formed as a finger grip 92f for the finger of the
user. The shaft 88f and finger grip 92f may be hollow to
accommodate the power lines in a conduit 93f which is coupled to an
electrical converter for energizing the motor.
To enclose the motor 35f housing means 95f is provided and includes
a hollow shell 96f which covers a portion of the transmission
member 11f with a front plate 97f attached to the housing casing
96f and having an opening therein for a portion of the transmission
member 43f to extend therethrough. Obviously the shape and
configuration of the housing means will vary as to the shape and
size of the motor which is a factor of the frequency of the motor
i.e., 20 Kc, 40 Kc, 80 Kc, etc., as well as if it is
magnetostrictive or piezoelectric.
As second arm 100f is provided having a finger grip 101f at one end
thereof with a tapered member 102f having a complimentary cutting
or shearing edge 103f for use in conjunction with edge 91f. As seen
in FIG. 11, the arm 100f is contoured to avoid engagement with the
housing 95f and to permit free movement therebetween. If desired
the second arm may be similarly constructed as the first arm in
that an ultrasonic motor may be incorporated therein such that each
arm is ultrasonically vibrated to effect a severing of the tissue
or any other material for which the ultrasonic scissor is used with
a minimum of friction.
To connect the arms 11f and 100f for pivotally moving them,
connecting means 105f is used and may consist of a pin 106f that
extends through the arms and is headed over at each side thereof.
The location of the pin may be at substantially a node of motion so
that the pin 106f remains substantially isolated from vibrational
energy. If desired a rubber or other acoustic material to absorb
vibrations may be used in conjunction with the connecting
means.
The scissor may be used for industrial applications as well as
medical as in the cutting of human or other animal tissue for
surgical purposes. By reducing the frictional effect by vibrating
the cutting edge controlled movement of the scissor with minimal
effort can take place. Although the scissor is designed for
movement between the arms a shearing action may take place with the
blades maintained in a fixed position after they have been set in
place by the user.
The instrument illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, is also capable of
being used for other applications of hand held instruments in which
ultrasonic energy is to be applied, as for example, in welding of
materials. The cutting edge is essentially a free end and may have
various configurations adapted for use on the particular
application of ultrasonic energy. For example, a series of
indentations may be provided so that a welding and cutting action
may be simultaneously obtained as in the welding of sutures.
Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and
modifications may be effected therein without departing from the
scope or spirit of the invention.
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