Patent ID: 9068566
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: B01J,B01L,B05B,F04B,F04F

Abstract:
1. A longitudinal transducer for converting a radial displacement to an axial displacement, comprising: a tube having a length, a wall with a thickness, a lumen, and a tip at a distal end of the tube; a linear or longitudinal piezoelectric actuator clamped to the tube at a location proximal of the tip, a generally V-shaped jaw configuration being used to couple the piezoelectric actuator to the tube; and an energy source configured to provide at least one voltage pulse to the piezoelectric actuator; wherein actuation of the piezoelectric actuator causes a pressure wave to propagate along the tube wall from said location of the tube toward the tip of the tube such that radial motion at said location of the tube is transmitted as distally extending axial motion of the tip of the tube.