Patents by Inventor Ronald E. Tura

Ronald E. Tura has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6190335
    Abstract: An orofacial measurement probe for measuring muscle forces within the oral cavity. The probe includes a bite member sized for insertion into the oral cavity and a pressure-sensitive transducer disposed in transducer housing. The bite member is formed with a rigid upper portion, a rigid lower portion and an elastomeric member holding the upper and power portions in spaced-apart relationship to one another. The upper and lower portions are formed and arranged so that together with the elastomeric member they define a hydraulic cavity, which carries a hydraulic fluid. At least one of the upper and lower portions is formed to provide a bite surface sized for engagement by one or more of the patient's teeth. The transducer housing is separate from the bite member and arranged to be external to the oral cavity when the bite member is inserted into the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Oro-Myographic Measuring Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Howard, Ronald E. Tura
  • Patent number: 5609161
    Abstract: A myographic measurement method for direct strength measurement of the orofacial muscles, in particular, the lip and tongue muscles. A pressure-sensitive probe is placed in engagement with the orofacial muscle being tested. The probe provides a pressure response representative of the muscle strength under test. The probe is coupled to a transducer that converts the probe's pressure response in real time to an electrical signal representative of the force exerted on the probe by the muscle under test. The probe provides a representative pressure reading continuously over a test run of prescribed duration. The electrical signal generated in the test run is sampled and analyzed in real-time to determine a characteristic maximum pressure and hence characteristic maximum muscle strength achieved over the test run. The maximum muscle strength is provided in a form that may be incorporated directly into computerized patient records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Ronald E. Tura, Glen F. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5452727
    Abstract: A myographic measurement apparatus for direct strength measurement of the orofacial muscles, in particular, the lip and tongue muscles. The apparatus includes a pressure-sensitive probe that is adapted to be placed in engagement with the orofacial muscle being tested. The probe provides a pressure response representative of the muscle strength under test. The probe is coupled to a transducer that converts the probe's pressure response in real time to an electrical signal representative of the force exerted on the probe by the muscle under test. The probe provides a representative pressure reading continuously over a test run of prescribed duration. The electrical signal generated in the test run is sampled and analyzed in real-time to determine a characteristic maximum pressure and hence characteristic maximum muscle strength achieved over the test run. The maximum muscle strength is provided in a form that may be incorporated directly into computerized patient records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventors: Ronald E. Tura, Glen F. Bailey