Force measuring device and method
US6673026B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2217/044
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring force, primarily due to fatigue. In one embodiment, a finger fatigue measuring system is provided which measures the force output from fingers while the fingers are repetitively generating forces as they strike a keyboard. Force profiles of the fingers are generated from the measurements and evaluated for fatigue. The system can be used clinically to evaluate patients, to ascertain the effectiveness of clinical intervention, pre-employment screening, to assist in minimizing the incidence of repetitive stress injuries at the keyboard, mouse, joystick, and to monitor effectiveness of various finger strengthening systems. The system can also be used in a variety of different applications adapted for measuring forces produced during performance of repetitive motions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.