Radial expansion force measurement technology

Details Radial expansion force measurement technology Radial expansion force measurement technology

2006-07-04

2006-07-04

Noori, Max (Department: 2855)

Measuring and testing

Dynamometers

Responsive to multiple loads or load components

Reexamination Certificate

active

07069794

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus for measuring force, particularly the radial expansion force or hoop force associated with a stent or other article. The apparatus includes an article engagement mechanism. The article engaging mechanism includes at least one stationary plate member; at least one rotatable force collector member which is moveable in relation to the stationary member, and a plurality of force element segments, each having a predetermined wedge shape with a proximal end and a distal end. Each segment also has a distal point which is pivotally coupled to the stationary plate member and a proximal point which is pivotally coupled to the rotatable force collector member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent a central aperture into which the article is placed. The segment distal ends move to engage the article upon rotation of the rotatable member in a predetermined direction. The apparatus further includes an actuator for rotating the rotatable force collector member; and a transducer communicatively connected to the actuator for detecting force associated with rotating the rotatable member, and hence the force elements to engage the article. A method of detecting force associated with an article is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an article engagement mechanism having a design of the apparatus. An article is placed in the central aperture. An engaging force is applied to the article with the distal ends of the segments by rotating the force collector. The force required to rotate the force collector, and hence move the force elements against the article is used as a measure of radial expansion force of the article.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4342225 (1982-08-01), Jandera et al.
patent: 5056384 (1991-10-01), Sergan
patent: 5088336 (1992-02-01), Rosenberg et al.
patent: 5695504 (1997-12-01), Gifford et al.
patent: 5948173 (1999-09-01), Huh et al.
patent: 6113273 (2000-09-01), Eberle et al.
patent: 6475293 (2002-11-01), Moinpour et al.
patent: 6857330 (2005-02-01), Murphy et al.
patent: 2005/0103121 (2005-05-01), Chen et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Radial expansion force measurement technology does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Radial expansion force measurement technology, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Radial expansion force measurement technology will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3553540