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Acoustic transducer with liquid-immersed, pre-stressed piezoelectric actuator in acoustic impedance matched transducer housing

  • US 6,150,752 A
  • Filed: 04/17/1998
  • Issued: 11/21/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/17/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An acoustic transducer, comprising:

  • a transducer housing surrounding a transducer housing interior;

    said transducer housing comprising a sidewall having a first surface and a second surface;

    said sidewall comprising a solid resin and fibers imbedded in said solid resin;

    wherein a first density of fibers imbedded within said solid resin at said first surface varies to a second density of fibers imbedded within said solid resin at said second surface;

    and wherein said sidewall has an acoustic impedance gradient between said first surface and said second surface;

    a liquid disposed within said transducer housing interior;

    said liquid having a first acoustic impedance;

    said first surface being adjacent said liquid;

    wherein an acoustic impedance of said first surface substantially matches said first acoustic impedance;

    wherein said second surface is adapted to engage a work material;

    said work material having a second acoustic impedance;

    wherein an acoustic impedance of said second surface substantially matches said second acoustic impedance;

    a piezoelectric member immersed in said liquid; and

    energizing means for electrically energizing said piezoelectric member;

    said energizing means comprising means for applying an alternating voltage to said piezoelectric member at a first frequency.

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