Apparatus for measuring the sensory condition of the skin. The apparatus includes means for repeatably projecting and retracting a pair of probes and for repeatably varying the separation between the probes so that the Von Frey and Weber two point discrimination tests may be performed objectively. The apparatus also includes means for measuring skin temperature and electrical resistance with a unitary wand and for measuring the pinch and grip forces which may be applied by the fingers and hand.
An isometric force-measuring device is comprised of first and second opposed force-bearing surfaces. An incompressible, nonfluid material is positioned between the first and second surfaces. The material is capable of building up pressure in response to the application of force to the force-bearing surfaces. A pressure transducer is responsive to the pressure stored in the material for producing an output signal representative of the force.
An apparatus for automated testing of vibrotactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiment of the invention comprises a component to apply indentations and vibrations to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibrotactile stimuli. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a general purpose computer functions to control the operation of the system and to record and store the patient's responses. Indentations and vibrations are produced by off-axis rotational movement of a stimulation probe. A frequency modulated signal generated by the computer is used to control the motor which drives the stimulation probe. The embodiment of the present invention is able to reliably repeat each test so that the tests are reproducible and are carried out in an objective manner.
An automatic apparatus for testing tactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiments of the invention variously include components for: applying a nonambient temperature to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to thermal stimuli; pricking the patient's skin to test the patient's response to pain; indenting the patient's skin to test the patient's response to touch; vibrating the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibration; and for making two spaced apart contacts with the patient's skin to test the patient's two point discrimination response. A general purpose computer and dedicated control circuits function to control the operation of the system and record the responses of the patient. The embodiments of the present invention are able to repeatedly reproduce each test so that the tests carried out are reproducible and accomplished in a minimum of time.
A pinch grip dynamometer field testing calibration stand for a pinch or finger grip dynamometer having a base defined by a platform and a vertical post, a dynamometer holder attached to the platform, and upper and lower calibration plates slidable on the post. The dynamometer is supported by the holder with its load application point (a concave groove in the case of a mechanical dynamometer, or the concave face of a button in the case of a hydraulic dynamometer) in proximity to the post. The bottom surface of the lower calibration plate has a convex protrusion which applies a load to the dynamometer. The load is supplied by calibrated weights of known mass supported in a groove on the top surface of the lower calibration plate, and by a groove in the bottom surface of the upper calibration plate when the weight needs support for its upper portion.
5363859 - Tactile testing device and methods - Owned by Topical Testing, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT) [*] Notice:The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to June 11, 2008 has been disclaimed.
An automatic apparatus for testing tactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiments of the invention variously include components for: applying a nonambient temperature to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to thermal stimuli; pricking the patient's skin to test the patient's response to pain; indenting the patient's skin to test the patient's response to touch; vibrating the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibration; and for making two spaced apart contacts with the patient's skin to test the patient's two point discrimination response. A general purpose computer and dedicated control circuits function to control the operation of the system and record the responses of the patient. The embodiments of the present invention are able to repeatedly reproduce each test so that the tests carried out are reproducible and accomplished in a minimum of time.
