An integrally fired, laminated electromechanical transducing element, fabricated using an inexpensive electrode material and having the electrode characteristic at least equivalent to that of the AgPd electrode, is disclosed. A transformer includes a primary side associated with the charging voltage and a secondary side including a plurality of portions. Disposable cartridges containing food material can be attached to the dispense, and the material within can be dispensed into a utensil such as a spoon for serving. By applying a corrective moment, a distraction force, or both to a user via the actuators, the spinal orthosis allows for supported multi-planar maneuverability within a set range of motion.