Ultrasonic instrument using langevin type transducers to create transverse motion

Abstract

A Langevin transducer horn uses split electroding or selective electroding of transducer elements and phase relationships of the voltages applied thereto to determine the relative longitudinal and flexural/transverse motion induced in the tip of the horn.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A phacoemulsification device comprising:
 a body having a generally hollow interior;   a horn disposed in the body;   a plurality of piezoelectric transducer elements disposed about the horn;   a plurality of electrodes attached to the transducer elements, the electrodes being attached to the transducer elements such that each of the transducer elements is divided into a plurality of active portions which are electrically isolated from each other; and   means for providing out of phase voltages to the plurality of active portions.   
     
     
         14 . The phacoemulsification device of  claim 13 , wherein each of the transducer elements a first pair of electrodes attached to the top and bottom surface of a first half thereof and a second pair of electrodes attached to the top and bottom surface of a second half thereof and wherein out of phase voltages are applied to the first and second halves to as to cause uneven expansion in the first and second halves. 
     
     
         15 . The phacoemulsification device of  claim 14 , wherein the means for providing out of phase voltages comprises a control circuit, the control circuit being configured to provide a first voltage waveform to the first halves of the transducers and a second voltage waveform to the second halves of the transducers, and wherein the control circuit allows a user to vary the phase angle between the first and second voltage waveforms. 
     
     
         16 .- 21 . (canceled)