Instrument for controlling the application of mechanical loads to biological and bicompatible test subjects

Patent · 31 December 1994

OSTI ID:870075

Lintilhac, Phillip M ^[1]; Vesecky, Thompson B ^[2]

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1. Shelburne, VT
2. Essex Junction, VT

Apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. The transducer module receives force and dimensional data from the forcing frame. The transducer module is a separate, microprocessor-based unit that communicates the test data to a controller unit that controls the application of force to the test subject and receives the test data from the transducer module for force control, storage, and/or communication to the user.

• Research Organization: Liveco Inc
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-86ER80373
• Assignee: John Chatillon & Sons, Inc. (Greensboro, NC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5452236
• OSTI ID: 870075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/702/73/
apparatus
application
applied
applied thereto
arrangement
bicompatible
biological
characteristic
communicates
communication
control
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differential
differential transformer
dimensional
dimensional data
dimensions
disclosed
disclosed facilitating
facilitating
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frame
growth
instrument
linear
linear variable
loads
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measurement
measurement data
mechanical
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mechanical loads
methods
microprocessor-based
module
receives
separate
storage
subject
subjects
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transducer
transformer
unit
user
variable
variable differential