Tool calibrator and tracker system
US7043961B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3983
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A standard medical or surgical tool's axis is located by attaching to the tool a plurality of a location indicating elements or markers having a known geometric or spatial relationship, and placing the tool in a tool calibrator that supports the tool in a manner that allows tools of different diameters to be rotated while maintaining the tool's axis in a fixed or stable orientation. As the tool is rotated, a marker locating system tracks the positions of the markers on the tool and then extrapolates or determines the axis of rotation with respect to the markers clamped to the tool. The tool calibrator has a second set of position indicating elements or markers with fixed geometric or spatial relationship with one another and with respect to a stop, against which the end or tip of the tool is placed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.