Measuring probe
US4665621A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1986 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C19/043
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for measuring the distance between two points in a patient undergoing dental diagnosis or treatment which includes a housing having an end which is placeable adjacent a first of said points. A distance measurement apparatus is coupled to the housing and provides an output signal representative of the distance between the two points. An analyzer responsive to the output signal determines the distance. The distance measurement apparatus may include an elongate probe slidably mounted in the housing so as to be extendable from one point to the other when the end of the housing is placed adjacent one said point. A probe actuator causes the probe to slide in the housing. A motion detector is responsive to motion of the probe with respect to the housing and provides an output which is useful for determining the position of the probe with respect to the housing. The probe actuator may be manually activated. A friction mechanism may be provided to assure that a predetermined force is utilized to move the probe so that measurement accuracy is enhanced. The analyzer may include a microcomputer for analyzing the data produced and for presenting the data in a displayable format.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.