Method and apparatus for analyzing material properties using ultrasound
US5197475A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/269
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus is disclosed for investigating the mechanical properties of a solid material such as bone, including means for positioning the apparatus in proximity to a surface of the material, at least one emitting ultrasound transducer, at least one receiving ultrasound transducer positioned to received ultrasound waves that have been emitted and have contacted the surface of the material, means for varying the angle of incidence of the emitted ultrasound wave towards the material, means for determining the alignment of the surface of the material with respect to the emitting and receiving ultrasound transdsucers, and signal analyzer means coupled to the receiving transducer for determining at least one characteristic of the received ultrasound wave which is indicative of a mechanical property of the material. A method is also disclosed of using such apparatus. The present invention permits the quick and efficient evaluation of treatment for osteoporosis, and whether that treatment has in fact reduced the tendency of a patient's bones to fracture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.