Apparatus and method for monitoring contact pressure between body parts and contact surfaces
May 23, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3732578 Load signaling device for a patient's foot Walking cast Diagnostic force analysis system Instrument for viscoelastic measurement Apparatus for analyzing the forces acting on a human foot Pressure detection arrangement Flexible force sensor Cardio-respiration transducer Pressure sensing device and method for preventing ulcer formation InventorsApplicationNo. 704615 filed on 05/23/1991US Classes:600/595, Body movement (e.g., head or hand tremor, motility of limb, etc.)73/172ORTHOPEDIC PRESSURE DISTRIBUTIONExaminersPrimary: Hindenburg, MaxAssistant: Tucker, Guy V. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassA61B 005/103AbstractAn apparatus and method for monitoring pressure between the surface of a body part and a contact surface employ a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in a matrix array between the contact surface and the body part. The sensors produce analog force signals proportional to pressure, and a monitor receives the analog signals and produces output signals, preferably digital, having pressure data corresponding to the pressure at each sensor. A computer processor receives the output signals from the monitor to create a force profile for the sensor array. The sensors may be scanned as a read event in variety of manners, including periodic, continuous and triggered scanning. Where triggered scanning is desired, one or more switches act to initiate a read event. This monitoring apparatus and method is used, for example, to fit prosthetics, to monitor bed-ridden and wheelchair-bound patients, to reduce pain and sores caused by uneven distribution of pressure and to monitor pressure between a cast and a person. The sensors may be mounted on a single sheet or on strips for positioning along the body, and monitoring is accomplished by multiplexing and digitizing the analog force signals. | |
