Patents Examined by Donald O. Woodriel
  • Patent number: 5329813
    Abstract: A grasp analysis apparatus and method by which the power of grasp exerted by the human hand can be measured, and by which a determination can be made related to the maximum effort of grasp that is made during the measurement. The apparatus includes a housing having opposed walls which can be forced towards one another in proportion to the magnitude of the compressive strength exerted by the person that grasps the housing. A transducer enclosed within the housing is compressed between the movable opposed walls and provides a signal that is proportional to the magnitude of the compressive force of the grasp. The signal is converted into a measurement indicative of the magnitude of the force. A plurality of measurements taken at different locations along the fingers are plotted to reveal the true effort being made while grasping the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Royce C. Lewis, Jr.