Apparatus for generating and measurement of defined forces for medical

Abstract

An apparatus for the generation and measurement of defined forces independent of position or travel of transmitting members for medical examination appliances wherein a lever pivotable about a horizontal axis in a vertical plane carries a probe adapted to be placed in contact with the body of a patient under controlled and measurable pressure. The lever is actuated by an electro-magnetic arrangement, limited in its movement electro-mechanically, and its torque is controlled and measured electronically. The apparatus includes a two-armed lever pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis for movement in a vertical plane, the center of gravity of the lever coincides with the pivot axis of the lever. A contact probe for engaging a body area under examination is attached to the free end portion of the upper arm of the lever. A permanent magnet system and a rectangular coil are secured to the free end of the lower arm of the lever. Electronic control and measuring circuitry energizes the coil and includes a voltage-controlled constant current source connected with a control indicator, an input keyboard for setting the output voltage of the electronic circuitry, maximum and minimum limiters and indicating means. The movement of the lever is mechanically controlled by a motor-driven cam plate serving as a detent. The lever movement about its pivot axis in the homogeneous field of the permanent magnet system is restricted. Within the operational range of the cam plate, a slide is secured to the free end of the lower arm of the lever and a light barrier.