Tonometer having acoustic coupling detection
US4886066A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B3/16
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tonometer for measuring the intraocular pressure of an eye featuring an acoustic signaling system for determining the beginning of a pressure measurement. The acoustic system includes a consumable cap having a pair of annular raised surface portions spaced by a recessed area. The raised surface portions provide an eye-engaging surface at the face of the tonometer. A pressure transmitting plunger concentrically suspended between the raised surface portions by a plurality of spider arms combines with the eye-engaging surface to provide a contour which complements a shape of an eye. The recessed area is open along the eye-engaging surface, yet defines a generally enclosed volume when full tonometer-to-eye contact is made. Spaced apart inlet and outlet apertures within the recessed area permit channeling of an acoustic signal to and from the recessed area. Prior to proper coupling of the tonometer to an eye, a substantial amount of the energy of the acoustic signal is lost to free air. However, upon achieving full tonometer-to-eye contact the energy is captured within the recessed ara and channeled to an acoustic receiver when the plunger contacts the eye, constricting the inlet-to-o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.