US3882551A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Artificial muscle
Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Filing: 1974-01-09
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1994-01-09
Abstract
Abstract A means of totally replacing one member of an antagonistic skeletal muscle pair with an elongated elastic structure comprised of a biologically compatible element in a state of tension opposing the natural member of the muscle pair with the magnitude of the tension force in the range of from 5 to 25 percent of the maximal tension force of a normal muscle identical to the muscle being replaced.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry D Helmer
- 👤 Kenneth E Hughes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/08; A61F2002/0894; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/21
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
An artificial muscle for complete replacement of a natural muscle comprising: a. an elongated elastic member consisting of an elastic polymeric material biologically compatible with implantation, with said elastic member in a state of tension in the range of from 5 to 25 percent of the maximal tensile force of a normal muscle identical to the muscle being replaced; artificial tendon means on the extremities of said elastic member for attaching said member to the skeletal system; and c. means disposed to limit the extension of said elastic member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
An artificial muscle for complete replacement of a natural muscle comprising: a. an elongated elastic member consisting of an elastic polymeric material biologically compatible with implantation, with said elastic member in a state of tension in the range of from 5 to 25 percent of the maximal tensile force of a normal muscle identical to the muscle being replaced; artificial tendon means on the extremities of said elastic member for attaching said member to the skeletal system; and c. means disposed to limit the extension of said elastic member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The muscle of claim 1 whereiN the means on the extremities of said elastic member are comprised of a woven fabric having a biologically inert covering.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The muscle of claim 1 where said elastic polymeric material is medical grade silicone rubber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
91 words
An artificial muscle comprising: a. an elongated elastic member consisting of an elastic polymeric material biologically compatible with implantation; and, b. a woven tubular fabric core passing completely through said elastic member and extending beyond each extremity of said member, wherein the portions of the fabric core extending beyond said extremities have a biologically inert covering and constitute means for attaching said elastic member to the skeletal system, and wherein said core is at its extended limit beyond said extremities and normally unextended where it is surrounded by said elastic member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
91 words
An artificial muscle comprising: a. an elongated elastic member consisting of an elastic polymeric material biologically compatible with implantation; and, b. a woven tubular fabric core passing completely through said elastic member and extending beyond each extremity of said member, wherein the portions of the fabric core extending beyond said extremities have a biologically inert covering and constitute means for attaching said elastic member to the skeletal system, and wherein said core is at its extended limit beyond said extremities and normally unextended where it is surrounded by said elastic member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The muscle of claim 4 where said core consists of a woven fabric tube consisting of a polyester terephthalate polymer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The muscle of claim 5 where said inert covering is medical grade silicone rubber.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of totally replacing a muscle comprising one member of an antagonistic pair of muscles by opposing the intact biological muscle with a tension force in the range of from 5 to 25 percent of the maximal tension force of an identical healthy muscle with said tension generated by the elastic deformation of an elongated member.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of totally replacing a muscle comprising one member of an antagonistic pair of muscles by opposing the intact biological muscle with a tension force in the range of from 5 to 25 percent of the maximal tension force of an identical healthy muscle with said tension generated by the elastic deformation of an elongated member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 7 where said antagonistic pair are major skeletal muscles and the tension generated by the elastic deformation of said elongated member is in the range of from 2 to 200 kilograms.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 7 where said tension generated by the elastic deformation of said elongated member is approximately 20 percent of the maximal tension force of an identical healthy muscle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3545008A
Cited
US3646615A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |