US5014970A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Body member positioner
Assignee: Hologic Inc
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Filing: 1990-05-31
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Granted: 1991-05-14
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Expires: 2010-05-31
Abstract
Abstract The body member positioning apparatus disclosed herein operates to clamp a body member, such as a foot, in relation to a fixture, e.g. such as may be used for ultrasonic bone testing. A shell member is provided which conforms to the expected shape of the body member with a space therebetween, this space being filled with a compliant foam liner. An inflatable bladder or bellows operates between a stationary housing part and a movable housing part to which the shell member is attached so that, by inflating the bladder, a clamping pressure can be exerted against a body member positioned between the shell and the fixture.
Inventors
- 👤 Vladimir W. Osipov
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:16
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G13/00; A61G13/10; A61G13/12; A61G13/1205; A61G13/125; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/08; A61B8/0875; A61G13/126; A61G13/1265
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
Apparatus for clamping a subject's foot downwardly within a tray-like fixture having a cavity for receiving the foot, said apparatus comprising: a shell member shaped to conform to a surface which is spaced from the nominal expected configuration of the upper portion of the patient's foot; a compliant foam lining said shell member and having a relaxed thickness greater than said spacing; an expandable housing containing said bladder, said housing including a stationary bridge part adapted to be attached to said fixture spanning the tray cavity and a movable housing part to which said shell member is pivotally attached; between said bridge part and said movable part, an inflatable bladder; means for inflating said bladder thereby exerting a clamping pressure against a subject's foot positioned between said shell and said fixture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
Apparatus for clamping a subject's foot downwardly within a tray-like fixture having a cavity for receiving the foot, said apparatus comprising: a shell member shaped to conform to a surface which is spaced from the nominal expected configuration of the upper portion of the patient's foot; a compliant foam lining said shell member and having a relaxed thickness greater than said spacing; an expandable housing containing said bladder, said housing including a stationary bridge part adapted to be attached to said fixture spanning the tray cavity and a movable housing part to which said shell member is pivotally attached; between said bridge part and said movable part, an inflatable bladder; means for inflating said bladder thereby exerting a clamping pressure against a subject's foot positioned between said shell and said fixture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tray-like fixture includes an outwardly extending rim and wherein said bridge part includes sockets for receiving brackets which engage said rim, securing said bridge member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-05-13 | 1994-11-12 | 1995-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-05-13 | 1998-11-12 | 1999-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-05-13 | 2002-11-12 | 2003-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |