US5230345A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for detecting carpal tunnel syndrome
Assignee: Demco Inc
•
Filing: 1991-12-30
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Granted: 1993-07-27
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Expires: 2011-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A system and method is provided for detecting carpal tunnel syndrome in a patient, utilizing a vibratory waveform having a discrete frequency and a variable amplitude. The system includes control circuitry (22) for generating an electrical signal having the discrete frequency and a computer (14), including a memory, for controlling the circuitry (22) to vary the amplitude of the electrical signal and to generate associated amplitude data for storage in the memory. The system also includes a speaker (20) for converting the electrical signal into the vibratory waveform. A finger (34) of the patient rests directly on the cone (32) of the speaker (20), so that the vibratory waveform is applied directly to the finger (34).
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas M. Curran
- 👤 Terry J. Stefanski
- 👤 June S. Lai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/0048; A61B5/0051; A61B5/48; A61B5/4824; A61B5/4827
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for assisting in the diagnosis carpal tunnel syndrome in a patient, the method comprising: providing a plastic cone speaker for converting an electrical signal into a corresponding vibratory waveform; positioning a finger of the patient to be tested directly on the speaker cone; generating the electrical signal, the signal having a fixed frequency; energizing the speaker according to the electrical signal, the speaker generating the vibratory waveform to vibrate the finger; increasing the amplitude of the electrical signal from an initial amplitude until the patient detects vibration from the speaker at a final amplitude; and generating a control signal by the user to indicate detection of vibration, the amplitude of the electrical signal being reset to the initial amplitude based on the control signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for assisting in the diagnosis carpal tunnel syndrome in a patient, the method comprising: providing a plastic cone speaker for converting an electrical signal into a corresponding vibratory waveform; positioning a finger of the patient to be tested directly on the speaker cone; generating the electrical signal, the signal having a fixed frequency; energizing the speaker according to the electrical signal, the speaker generating the vibratory waveform to vibrate the finger; increasing the amplitude of the electrical signal from an initial amplitude until the patient detects vibration from the speaker at a final amplitude; and generating a control signal by the user to indicate detection of vibration, the amplitude of the electrical signal being reset to the initial amplitude based on the control signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising generating amplitude data based on the amplitude of the electrical signal and storing the amplitude data in a data storage device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising processing the amplitude data to obtain statistical data and storing the statistical data in the data storage device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising displaying the amplitude data and the statistical data on a display.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of generating includes generating a signal having a frequency of 60 Hz.
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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) | 1996-07-26 | 1997-01-25 | 1997-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-07-26 | 2001-01-25 | 2001-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-07-26 | 2005-01-25 | 2005-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |