Patent ID: 8199609
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: B06B,G01V

Abstract:
1. An acoustic source device having a centrally disposed axial axis, comprising: a plurality of radiating plates circumferentially disposed about said axial axis; and a drive mechanism effective to independently and reversibly move each said radiating plate from a first position to a second position in a direction transverse to said axial axis, wherein said drive mechanism includes a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic plates that change dimensions when an effective electric field is impressed, wherein said plurality of ceramic plates are stacked in said axial axis direction and said drive mechanism includes a mechanical linkage to convert axial movement of said plurality of piezoelectric ceramic plates to radial movement of said radiating plates, wherein said mechanical linkage is a cone converter having a slidable converter base having a first sloped surface and an outward moving cone portion having a second sloped surface, and wherein said first sloped surface and said second sloped surface are separated by a gap and facing each other, and wherein a cylindrical roller is disposed within said gap and contacts both said first sloped surface and said second sloped surface.