Obstetrical vacuum extractor cup with force measuring capabilities
US6361542B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/308
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical strain gauge is coupled to an obstetrical vacuum extractor to measure the tensile strain resulting from the application of an extraction force. The measured strain is transmitted to a readout device and converted to a readable indication of the force applied. The optical strain gauge may be of any suitable design, so long as the measured reading may be transmitted and converted to a readable indication of the applied force either before or at the readout device. Preferably, the strain gauge is connected with an optical fiber to the readout device. The strain gauge may be coupled to or molded to any portion of the extractor that exhibits a tensile or compressive force or bending as a result of the application of the extraction force. In the currently preferred design wherein a stem with a handle is coupled to the cup, a sensor is disposed about the stem between a flange on the stem and the handle, which is moveable along the stem, such that the sensor measures the compressive force between the handle and the flange.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.