Rodney J Clifton

Title: Rodney J. Clifton and Research on Vocal Fold Tissue Mechanics.

Introduction

Rodney J. Clifton is an inventor associated with Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. His patent work addresses ways to measure the mechanical behavior of vocal fold tissues and materials being considered for vocal fold reconstruction.

Latest Patents

Clifton is associated with 1 patent, titled “Methods and Apparatus for Measuring the Viscoelastic Response of Vocal Fold Tissues and Scaffolds Across a Frequency Range.” The invention describes an apparatus that applies torsional waves to soft materials, including vocal fold tissue and potential reconstruction materials, to measure their mechanical properties across a range of frequencies.

In the described method, a sample is placed between two faceted plates. A galvanometer twists one plate back and forth, while laser beams reflected from the plates allow photodiode detectors to track their rotations. The apparatus uses the measured motion to determine the sample’s shear modulus and loss angle. An environmental chamber can also maintain temperature and humidity conditions relevant to living vocal folds.

Career Highlights

Clifton’s patent reflects research focused on measuring the viscoelastic properties of soft biological tissues and candidate scaffolds. The approach is designed to provide data that can inform the evaluation of materials for human vocal fold reconstruction.

Collaborations

The patent information names Christopher W. Bull and Tong Jiao among Clifton’s coworkers. The work is associated with Brown University.

Conclusion

Rodney J. Clifton’s patented measurement approach offers a way to characterize vocal fold tissues and reconstruction materials under controlled conditions, supporting research into their mechanical properties.