Apparatus for determining in vivo response to thermal stimulation in an unrestrained subject

US5345943A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Kenneth Michael Hargreaves · San Antonio, US
• Ronald Dubner · Washington, US
• Fred Brown · Anaheim, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 23, 1992
• Grant date: Sep 13, 1994
• Expiry date: Nov 23, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2503/42
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for determining in vivo hyperalgesia to thermal stimulation in an unrestrained subject within a predetermined space permitting the selective application of radiant heat to a site of the subject comprises a timer, a movable light source, a light detector and a stopper for the timer, the light source and the detector, the stopper being electrically connected thereto and automatically activated by the light detector upon site withdrawal, and a starter for the timer and the light source and for activating the light detector that is electrically connected thereto. When the light source is aimed at the site and positioned at a distance effective to locally provide radiant heat thereto and the starter is activated, after a latency time period the light beam elicits a spontaneous withdrawal response from the subject that is detected by the detector. The timer, the light source and detector, the stopper and the starter are part of an electrical circuit which is to be connected to a power source prior to use.