Bertec Corporation

Douglas R Morr

Necip Berme

Scott Zerkle Barnes

This invention is a system to analyze the balance, stability, and tremor of a load or subject by measuring forces and calculating the center of pressure, as well as being capable of measuring all forces and moments. The plate (or platform) component of the system houses the measurement, amplification, and transmission technology. The forces and moments are measured by strain gages which are geometrically attached to specially machined beams inside the plate. The plate has a low profile for ease of stepping on and off, is light weight for portability, and is adjustable to compensate for unlevel surfaces. The data acquisition component of the system allows the user to analyze, interact with, and observe the measurement data. One version of the invention utilizes a compressible pad which can be placed on the plate to perturb the load or subject without interfering with the plate's capabilities. Another version of the invention incorporates a specially designed support structure and harness to ensure subject safety and allow for greater balance and stability testing ranges without interfering with the plate's capabilities.

Device, system, and method for measurement of balance, stability, and tremor

A device for tracking the translational and rotational displacement of an object having two degrees of freedom using a single point of contact with the object. The device is particularly useful in a catheter simulation device for surgery and interventional radiology applications. A spherical contact member is mounted for free rotation about all axes in force-transmitting contact with the surface of the object and a pair of shafts are mounted in tangential engagement with the spherical member to reflect the displacement imparted to the object relative to a reference position. This arrangement provides simultaneous tracking of the combined translational and rotational displacement of the object. Measuring the displacement of the object and a haptic applicator are included such that a load may be applied to the object to precisely control the degree of force required to cause displacement of the object. The actual forces applied to displace the object are also measured such that the device is capable of providing a realistic force reflection to simulate the feel of a surgical procedure, for example. A computerized control system and conventional recording device are employed to provide a programmed procedure which provides realistic 'feel' to a user of an actual surgical procedure. The device is readily adaptable for interfacing with a virtual reality type program to simultaneously provide a visual simulation of the surgical procedure.

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Westerville, OH, United States of America

Douglas R Morr