Spinal monitor apparatus and method

US6554781B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• Spinal Sensor Technologies Limited · NZ
• Carter (New Zealand) Limited · NZ

Inventors

• Michael Anthony Carter · Mansfield, AU
• Gwendolen Anne Jull · Coolamon, AU
• Carolyn Anne Richardson · Brisbane, AU
• Christine Hamilton · Erlangen, DE
• Suzanne Louise Roll · Brisbane, AU
• Robert Stephen Matchett · Fawn Drive, AU
• Peter Wilson Hill · Sydney, AU
• David John Bull · Parramatta, AU
• Bradley Peter Ryan · Denver, US
• Geoffrey David Sizer · Chicago, US
• Paul Moutzouris · Chatswood, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 29, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 7, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2560/0456
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring posture deficiencies in the spine and including a flexible body (30) encapsulating a flexible operating arm (31) cantilevered from a base moulding (34). The operating arm (31) is provided with upper (37) and lower (40) strain gauges bonded to the upper and lower faces respectively of the operating arm (31) at the point beyond the stiffening base moulding (34) to ensure that differential strain is experienced on deflection of the operating arm (31). Wire tails (41) are terminated as a PCB assembly (45) mounted to the printed circuit support (35), which assembly comprises a PC board bearing an LSI processor (46), rechargeable battery (47), vibrating motor (50) and inductive coil (51) selected to fulfil the functions of transmitting and receiving element, and inductive power supply for charging the battery (47), under the control of processor (46). The base moulding (34) is intended to be located in the region of L4 and L5, the flexible body (30) and base moulding (34) being secured in place by surgical adhesive.