Miniature muscle displacement transducer

US3937212A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Fletcher
• Cyril Feldstein · Sierra Madre, US
• Jules V. Osher · Los Angeles, US
• Gilbert W. Lewis · Arcadia, US
• Robert H. Silver · San Fernando, US
• Edward N. Duran · Brooks Road, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 27, 1974
• Grant date: Feb 10, 1976
• Expiry date: Dec 27, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2562/0261
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A miniature transducer for sensing muscle displacement substantially consists of a curved beam of high elastic compliance connected at its ends to two prongs. The prongs have sharpened tips which are insertable into the muscle under observation. A sensitive strain gauge is bonded to the beam preferably at the point of greatest curvature. The strain gauge output is directly related to changes in the beam curvature. As the muscle under observation expands the spacing between the prongs increases which decreases the beam curvature. On the other hand, when the muscle contracts the prongs' spacing decreases, thereby increasing the beam curvature.