Other

Myo-tronics Research, Inc.

Bioresearch, Inc.

Bio-research Associates, Inc.

John C Radke

Troy W Hershberger

Gregory J Ryan

Bernard Jankelson

A method and apparatus for diagnosing joints based on sensed joint vibrations. Accelerometers disposed on the skin adjacent to the joint detect vibrational patterns during movement of the joint. These patterns are then processed by one processor to generate a predetermined set of data parameters descriptive of the vibration pattern. Also, the position and velocity of the joint during the vibration is recorded. This information from numerous patients with known joint conditions is used to train a adaptive interpreter, such as a neural network, to produce an output in response to these inputs which is indicative of the known joint condition. Once trained, the adaptive interpreter can then interpret this set of parameters for an unknown joint to generate a fast and reliable diagnosis. The result is a non-subjective joint disorder classification system that can be utilized by persons without particular expertise in analyzing joint vibrational patterns.

Method and apparatus for diagnosing joints

An electrical muscle stimulator (1) simultaneously supplies a pulse (i.e., 270, 271) to each electrode (5, 6) having first and second phases (272, 273; 274, 275) which are a mirror image to the pulse supplied to the other electrode. A control is connected to unbalance either or both the width and amplitude of the first and second phases of each pulse to selectively provide an unbalanced stimulation to one or more muscles through the electrodes (5, 6). The stimulator provides a precise control which is readily adjustable for a large number of operating sequences.

Electrical muscle stimulator

A system for illuminating respective lamps to indicate the deviation from an optimum position of a kinesiograph sensor array in the anterior/posterior, vertical and lateral directions. The lamps are mounted on a panel in three sets of two corresponding to the three orthogonal axes. The panel is positioned on the chest of a patient during use so that it is in the same field of vision as the sensor array.

Kinesiograph sensor array alignment system

A system for measuring and displaying the coordination, duration of and interval between contractions of the masticatory muscles. Several electrodes, each associated with a masticatory muscle, generate signals responsive to muscle contraction. The electrode outputs are amplified, rectified and filtered, and then applied to several circuits, depending upon the operating mode selected. In a first mode, the filtered outputs are integrated during each muscle contraction and displayed by an electronic bar graph. The output is also applied to a threshold circuit which identifies the start and finish of the muscle contraction. The output of the threshold circuit is then processed by a timing circuit which determines and displays in digital form the duration of the muscle contraction and the interval between contractions. The system operates in a second mode in the same manner as in the first mode, except that an analog signal is derived from the digitized interval signal and applied to the bar graph in place of the integrated output. In a third mode, the filtered output is applied to a logarithmic amplifier which drives the bar graph so that the logarithm of the electrode voltage amplitude is displayed. The output of the threshold circuit is also processed by a second timing circuit which determines and displays in digital form the time lapse between the contraction of the first muscle to contract and the contraction of the remaining muscles, thereby providing an indication of muscle coordination.

Mandibular electromyograph

A stimulator for causing involuntary mandibular closure. In a 'test' mode a constant voltage is applied to left and right electrode circuits, and the currents through the electrode circuits are measured to determine electrode circuit conductivity. A first comparator circuit flashes respective 'open' circuit warning lamps if the current through either of the electrodes is less than a preset value, and it flashes a 'good' connection indicator lamp if the current through both electrodes is greater than the preset value. A second comparator circuit determines if the current through one electrode exceeds the current through the other electrode by a preset value, and flashes respective 'low' current warning lamps in response thereto. In the 'pulse' mode an oscillator repetatively charges a capacitor to a high voltage through a pulse transformer, and the high voltage is then gated to a control circuit which generates a current pulse having an adjustable amplitude through the electrode circuits to produce involuntary mandibular closure. The amplitude of the current through one electrode circuit with respect to the current through the other electrode circuit may be adjusted with a balance control. In the 'pulse' mode, the battery voltage is also measured, and respective lamps flash in synchronism with the current pulses to indicate whether the battery is producing the proper voltage or whether the battery must be replaced.

Growing community of inventors

Whitefish Bay, WI, United States of America

John C Radke