US5056530A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of measuring axial force in mammalian fibrous tissue and device
Assignee: CINCINNATI A CORP OF OHIO, University of
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Filing: 1988-12-15
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Granted: 1991-10-15
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Expires: 2008-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A method of detecting axial force in human and animal fibrous tissue such as ligaments, tendons and muscle tissue employs an implantable force transducer or IFT which measures lateral compressive forces as axial force is applied to the fibrous tissue. The lateral compressive forces are proportional to the axial force. Preferably the device is a curved clip formed from a band of spring steel utilizing bonded strain gages. This device is connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit to detect flexure of curved metal clip. The device is suitable for in vivo and in vitro use.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Butler
- 👤 Edward S. Grood
- 👤 Donald C. Stouffer
- 👤 David L. Glos
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/45; A61B5/4523; A61B5/103; A61B5/11; A61B5/1107; A61B5/4533; A61B2505/00; A61B2505/05; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/02; A61B2562/0261; A61B2562/12; A61B5/4519; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6879; A61B5/6884
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of measuring axial force in fibrous tissue comprising implanting a flexible arcuate member completely within said tissue in a position whereby lateral compressive forces generated by said axial force act to flatten said arcuate member; measuring flattening of said arcuate member caused by said lateral compressive forces to thereby provide an indication of said axial force.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of measuring axial force in fibrous tissue comprising implanting a flexible arcuate member completely within said tissue in a position whereby lateral compressive forces generated by said axial force act to flatten said arcuate member; measuring flattening of said arcuate member caused by said lateral compressive forces to thereby provide an indication of said axial force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method claimed in claim 1 wherein said tissue is tendon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method claimed in claim 1 wherein said tissue is ligament.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method claimed in claim 1 wherein said tissue is muscle tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method claimed in claim 1 wherein said tissue is skin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
An implantable force transducer adapted to be located within the interior of and surrounded by fibrous tissue comprising an arcuate member having upper and lower surfaces, a first strain gauge bonded to said upper surface, a second strain gauge bonded to said lower surface whereby flattening of said arcuate member generates detectable outputs from said first and second strain gauges to thereby provide a measurement of force acting to flatten said arcuate member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
An implantable force transducer adapted to be located within the interior of and surrounded by fibrous tissue comprising an arcuate member having upper and lower surfaces, a first strain gauge bonded to said upper surface, a second strain gauge bonded to said lower surface whereby flattening of said arcuate member generates detectable outputs from said first and second strain gauges to thereby provide a measurement of force acting to flatten said arcuate member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The implantable force transducer claimed in claim 6 wherein said arcuate member has a generally rectangular configuration.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of measuring axial force in fibrous tissue comprising implanting an internal force transducer totally within said tissue by cutting a slit between fibers in said tissue, inserting said internal force transducer within said slit and suturing said slit closed thereby holding internal force transducer in place, measuring deflection of said internal force transducer caused by lateral compressive forces generated by application of axial force on said tissue.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of measuring axial force in fibrous tissue comprising implanting an internal force transducer totally within said tissue by cutting a slit between fibers in said tissue, inserting said internal force transducer within said slit and suturing said slit closed thereby holding internal force transducer in place, measuring deflection of said internal force transducer caused by lateral compressive forces generated by application of axial force on said tissue.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method claimed in claim 8 wherein said internal force transducer detects flexing of said internal force transducer along an axis of said internal force transducer, said method further comprising positioning said internal force transducer in said tissue with said axis aligned with fibers in said fibrous tissue.
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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) | 1994-10-14 | 1995-04-15 | 1995-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-14 | 1999-04-15 | 1999-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-14 | 2003-04-15 | 2003-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |