Drill bit penetration measurement systems and methods

US10398453B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• MCGINLEY ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS, LLC · US

Inventors

• Joseph C. McGinley · Casper, US
• Kevin D. Simmons · San Francisco, US
• Peter A. Privitera · San Francisco, US
• Henry K. Sim · Mountain View, US
• Shigeru Tanaka · Rue de l'Église, US
• David Rinaldis · Longmont, US
• Graham R. Faulknor · San Mateo, US
• Martin Leugers · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 28, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 28, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0814
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.