Abstract: A method and a pulse pressure sensor for sensing an arterial pulse pressure waveform. In one embodiment, the pulse pressure sensor includes a housing, a diaphragm, a piezoelectric device, and a self-contained amplifier. The skin-contact diaphragm is attached across a recess or opening in the housing. The piezoelectric device has a first portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the housing and a second portion displacementally coupled to the diaphragm. The solid-state amplifier has a signal input coupled to the piezoelectric device, wherein the piezoelectric device and amplifier together have a frequency response at least including a range from below approximately 0.1 hertz to above approximately 250 hertz. In one such embodiment, the housing and the skin-contact diaphragm of the sensor are stainless steel. In one such embodiment, the diaphragm has a skin-contact surface with a skin-contact dimension of between approximately 0.4 inch and 0.6 inch.

Abstract: An improved reflex gun (21) is adapted to measure certain parameters of a stimulus supplied to a tendon, and the patient's response thereto. The gun has a trigger (29) which, when squeezed, supplies a signal to a computer (24). The computer then causes a waveform generator (32) to provide current pulses of desired magnitude, shape and duration to a solenoid (50) in the gun. Such energization of the solenoid coil, causes a plunger (52) to impact against one end of a force sensor (22). The other end of the force sensor is held against the patient's skin with a preload force sufficient to measure the patient's response to a force stimulus. The force sensor has a transducer (132) for measuring the certain parameters of the impact force and the patient's response. The improved device may be used to determine quantitatively certain parameters of the stimulus and response, and provides a diagnostic tool for a physician.

Abstract: A pressure generator for testing and calibrating pressure transducers has a body with an internal chamber. The chamber is filled with a liquid, statically pressurized. A piston is mounted in the chamber on a suspension member. A coil, mounted to move with the piston, is arranged in a magnetic field. The coil is supplied with varying current to cause the piston to oscillate or dither in the chamber. Such oscillation creates a dynamic pressure which is superimposed on the static pressure. Openings are provided in the body to receive the sensing end of one or more pressure transducers.

Abstract: A calibration arrangement in combination with ammunition testing apparatus comprising an elongated test barrel and a piezoelectric transducer mounted in the barrel and having a contoured end surface in operative contact with the outer wall surface of a cartridge to be tested. The transducer converts pressure changes into electrical signals which are translated through an amplifier to a voltmeter for readout. The calibration arrangement includes a pressure tube element adapted to fit in the test barrel with one end in pressure-tight relation with the interior of an empty cartridge casing held in the test barrel and with the other end of the tube adjacent the opposite end of the test barrel. The tube is held by a retaining assembly against lengthwise movement in the test barrel. A conduit connects a source of known hydraulic pressure to the tube for introducing known calibration pressure to the interior of the cartridge casing.

Abstract: A transducer for converting pressure changes into electrical signals wherein the pressure changes act on one surface of a relatively thin wall, such as pressure changes within a tube. A piston means on one end of a transducer housing and integral therewith has a contoured end surface conforming to the other surface of the wall opposite the surface on which pressure changes act. When the pressure changes are within a tube, for example within a cartridge casing in ammunition testing, the contoured end surface is concave. Piezoelectric crystal elements rigidly positioned within the transducer are deformed when pressure is applied through the wall to the contoured end surface of the piston means, and an output electrical signal is produced proportional to the applied pressure. Installation of the transducer in a test body is facilitated by a captive retaining nut rotatably connected on the transducer housing and having external threads for connecting in the test body.