Abstract: A method of measuring tissue mobility includes applying an oscillatory force to a region of tissue and measuring the velocity with which the tissue moves in response to the applied force. Tissue mobility is then determined by a ratio of the tissue velocity to the applied force.

Abstract: The invention provides a body motion detector that allows a user to check whether he/she makes motion with appropriate motion intensity for every motion thereby to obtain an excellent exercise effect while exercising such as walking and running. While a user makes motion, a CPU determines whether the user makes appropriate motion by the amplitude, the period, and the detection frequency of an acceleration signal inputted from an acceleration sensor unit, and when it is determined that the user makes appropriate motion, operates an alarm generator thereby to notify the user that he/she makes motion with appropriate motion intensity.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the stability of a tooth in the gum or an implant in the body is constructed to include a holder for holding a test object to be examined, an impact device disposed at one side of the holder for striking the test object, causing the test object to produce vibrations, and sensor means disposed at one side of the holder for detecting the vibrations produced by the test object upon the striking of the impact device against the test object.

Abstract: A method for detecting vulnerable plaque lesions in a blood vessel includes subjecting a localized area of the blood vessel to pressure pulses, while emitting electromagnetic radiation at the same localized area of the blood vessel. The pressure pulses cause vibrations of the vascular tissue and the vulnerable plaque lesions that are characteristic for each, which results in differing amounts of deflection of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the vascular surface. The presence or absence of vulnerable plaque is determined from the extent of the deflection of the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the vascular surface. In another embodiment according to the invention, the presence or absence of vulnerable plaque lesions is determined from the intensity of vibrations of the vascular tissue in response to a pressure pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a vibratory stimulus to the penis of a male human comprising a cuff adapted to fit around the penis, which cuff includes one or more vibratory means operable at a pre-determined or variable frequency. A method of measuring premature ejaculation in a male human, said method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a vibratable cuff to the penis of the human; b) providing a vibratory stimulus having either a pre-determined constant frequency or a variable frequency to induce ejaculation; c) measuring the latency time period to ejaculation at said vibratory stimulus and/or the threshold frequency required to induce ejaculation; and d) comparing said latency measurement and/or said threshold frequency to known standard measurements. A method of evaluating a novel potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of premature ejaculation in a male patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating the vestibular function in a human subject. The subject is constrained in a substantially erect position so that the head moves in unison with the rest of the body. A controlled stimulus in the form of a sudden angular acceleration is imparted to the body, and the subject's ocular response to the controlled stimulus is measured. The vestibular function is evaluated from the ocular response and the angular velocity of the head.

Abstract: A system for determining anesthetic state of a subject includes a brain monitor configured to measure at least one parameter of brain activity of the subject and to provide at least one brain monitor output signal indicative of the measured at least one parameter, a stimulator configured to apply a non-surgical stimulus perturbation to the subject and to provide at least one stimulus output signal indicative of timing and intensity of non-surgical stimuli applied to the subject, an analyzer coupled to the brain monitor and the stimulator and configured to receive the at least one brain monitor output signal and the at least one stimulus output signal, to determine a stimulus difference between the non-surgical stimulus intensity in the absence of the perturbation and in the presence of the perturbation, to determine a monitor difference between the a first value of the at least one parameter in the absence of the perturbation and a second value of the at least one parameter in the presence of the perturbation

Abstract: A method for measuring the acoustic damping capacity of a material or structure, such as a layered honeycomb structure, comprises tapping the honeycomb structure with a tapping rod. The tapping action imparts mechanical energy to the honeycomb structure. The method further comprises measuring, for a time interval, energy reflected from the honeycomb structure as a result of the tapping. The method further comprises creating a time-energy profile based on the energy reflected from the honeycomb structure during the time interval. The method further comprises evaluating the time-energy profile to determine the acoustic damping capacity of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator, comprising a magnet, mutually opposite magnetic poles thereof being arranged opposing each other, and a coil, at least one portion thereof being inserted between the corresponding magnetic poles, wherein a driving force for the coil is generated by applying an electric current to the coil in a magnetic field generated by the magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring instrument for the measurement of an existing pain or a feeling of nausea of a patient. The measuring instrument induces pain in an arbitrary body part of said patient, by supplying an electrical current. The measuring instrument provides a current increase into said body part, until said induced pain is experienced by the patient as being as great as the existing pain/nausea. The current is supplied from a current source arranged in the measuring instrument via wires (H, I) and electrodes (C, D), said electrodes being applied onto that part of the body in which pain is to be induced. When the pain induced is experienced to be as great as the existing pain/nausea, the body part is removed from the electrodes, whereupon a pain value is registered and shown on a display (F).

Abstract: A body motion detector, to be attached to or carried by a user for detecting body motions of the user, uses a plurality of sensors each for detecting body motions in a specified direction to output a body motion signal according to the user's body motion. These sensors are disposed so as to detect the body motion in different directions. One of these sensors are selected by carrying out calculations on signals outputted from the sensors. The user's body motion is detected by using selectively output signals from the selected body motion sensor. The body motion detector may also include a component for detecting the orientation of the body motion detector itself from signals outputted from these sensors and another component for detecting the user's body motions by carrying out calculations on the signals outputted from these sensors, corresponding to the orientation as detected by the orientation detecting component.

Abstract: A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) compatible magnetomechanical vibrotactile device (MVD) uses wire coils having small oscillatory currents to interact with the large static magnetic field inherent to MRI scanners. The resulting Lorentz forces which are exerted on the MVD can be oriented to generate large vibrations that may be easily converted to translational motions as large as several centimeters. Representative data demonstrate the flexibility of MVDs to generate different well-controlled vibratory and tactile stimuli to activate special proprioceptive and cutaneous somatosensory afferent pathways.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of gas cavities in the abdomen, the thorax and elsewhere is disclosed. The apparatus includes an actuator for transmitting low frequency vibro-acoustic waves (such as from a white noise generator, impulse wave or chirp signal) into the body at a first location and a detector (such as from a vibro-acoustic sensor, microphone, air-coupled microphone or optical detector) for receiving the transmitted low frequency vibro-acoustic waves at a second location on the body. The actuator and detector are positioned to be effective for detecting the suspected gas cavity. The detector generates a response signal which is analyzed. Resonance waves and anti-resonance waves in the detected signal indicate the presence of a gas cavity.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for evaluating a musculoskeletal system of a patient is provided which includes the steps of: providing a vibration measurement device in proximity to a non-rigidly supported platform; measuring a vibrational response of the patient's musculoskeletal system using the vibration measurement device after the patient rests on the non-rigidly supported platform; performing a frequency decomposition of the vibrational response to quantify the vibrational response into specific vibrational spectra; and analyzing the vibrational spectra to evaluate muscle strength, postural stability and bone density. A non-invasive physiologic vibration quantification system is also provided for evaluating the musculoskeletal system of the patient.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound palpation device for measuring the Young's modulus and the thickness of a soft tissue layer includes a hand-holdable palpation probe having an ultrasonic transceiver connected in series with a load cell. During a test, the probe is placed on the tissue surface with a bony substratum. As the operator manually loads and unloads the probe on the tissue surface, a program embedded in a microprocessor module continuously causes the ultrasound emitter to emit ultrasound pulses into the soft tissue. The ultrasound echo signal reflected from the bony interface is received and its flight time is used by the program to calculate the original thickness and the deformation of the soft tissue. The corresponding load applied to the tissue is continuously recorded by the load cell, its driver, and amplifier module, and the data collection module.

Abstract: An apparatus for acoustic percussion of the human and animal body, the apparatus including an oscillator circuit for creating electrical signals for exciting a loudspeaker and producing sound waves; a waveform shaping circuit for shaping the electrical signals created by the oscillator into a waveform; an amplifier circuit for amplifying the signals shaped by the waveform shaper to the level required by the loudspeaker; a loudspeaker for producing sound waves when excited by the electrical signals created by the oscillator and shaped by the waveform shaper; a potentiometer to control the waveform rate created by the waveform shaper; a potentiometer to control the tone produced by the oscillator; and a potentiometer to control the volume of the sound produced by the loudspeaker. A preferred embodiment includes a battery for powering the apparatus, an activating mechanism, and a case or container for packaging the components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating the vestibular function in a human subject. The subject is constrained in a substantially erect position so that the head moves in unison with the rest of the body. A controlled stimulus in the form of a sudden angular acceleration is imparted to the body, and the subject's ocular response to the controlled stimulus is measured. The vestibular function is evaluated from the ocular response and the angular velocity of the head.

Abstract: A transducer assembly (10, 20, 80, 90) is used with an apparatus (100, 200) for detecting the stability of a bone implant (30). The transducer assembly uses one or more transducers to excite vibrations in said bone implant and to detect a response to the vibrations. A coupling (80) is used to detachably connect the one or more transducers to circuitry for driving the vibrations and detecting the response. A memory device (90) is provided within the transducer assembly. The memory device (90) can store one or more parameters read from outside of the transducer assembly via the coupling for controlling the use of the transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring instrument for the measurement of an existing pain or a feeling of nausea of a patient. The measuring instrument induces pain in an arbitrary body part of said patient, by supplying an electrical current. The measuring instrument provides a current increase into said body part, until said induced pain is experienced by the patient as being as great as the existing pain/nausea. The current is supplied from a current source arranged in the measuring instrument via wires (H, I) and electrodes (C, D), said electrodes being applied onto that part of the body in which pain is to be induced. When the pain induced is experienced to be as great as the existing pain/nausea, the body part is removed from the electrodes, whereupon a pain value is registered and shown on a display (F). (FIG.

Abstract: The present invention describes computer-implemented methods and apparatus for treating motor control and somatosensory perception deficits. The motor control and somatosensory perception deficits may have their genesis in a wide variety of issues ranging from injury, disease, or a gradual degradation of motor control over time due to repetitive strain, for example. By administering a computer-implemented training regime directed to improve sensory feedback and motor control, abnormal motor control and somatosensory perception may be substantially improved. The computer-implemented training regime includes somatosensory perception and motor control exercises which may be flexibly administered. Several training apparatus are described for implementing the somatosensory perception and motor control exercises. The training apparatus described herein are capable of driving improvements in temporal, spatial and intensity resolution of somatosensory feedback.

Abstract: A combination thermal and vibration sensor for use in sleep monitoring equipment comprises a thin film of a plastic exhibiting both pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. By providing a layer of foam material totally covering one major surface of the plastic film layer, it is found that the thermal mass of the sensor is changed to the point where the pyroelectric signal can more readily be isolated from the piezoelectric signal using conventional signal processing techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of determining the onset of osteoporosis by measuring the vibrational response of the musculoskeletal system. Risk of fracture of bones due to osteoporosis is mainly determined by three risk factors: muscle strength, bone mass, and postural stability. Because these three risk factors for fractures are interrelated and dependent on muscle function, they can be determined by quantifying physiologic vibration non-invasively using a low-mass accelerometer placed at an appropriate muscle belly. Muscle vibrations are produced by force fluctuations of unfused motor units during contraction and are expressed by the lateral expansion of muscle fibers. Muscle vibrational characteristics span a broad (0-100 Hz) frequency regime, directly reflecting the force provided by the muscle fibers being utilized and the nature of the dynamic mechanical milieu experienced by the skeleton during postural or locomotory muscle activity.

Abstract: A tactile sensor signal processing device includes a tactile sensor using a piezoelectric vibrator, a resonant resistance change detect unit, a resonant frequency change detect unit, a vibrator constant storage unit, and a signal processing unit. The resonant resistance change detect unit detects a change in resonant resistance of impedance characteristics of the piezoelectric vibrator. The resonant frequency change detect unit detects a change in resonant frequency of impedance characteristics of the piezoelectric vibrator. In the vibrator constant storage unit are stored in advance physical constants that include the size of the vibrating portion of the piezoelectric vibrator, piezoelectric and coupling constants associated with the piezoelectric mode of the piezoelectric vibrator, the density of the piezoelectric vibrator, and the size of a contact which is brought into contact with a subject to apply vibrations to it.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for the measurement of an existing pain or a feeling of nausea of a patient. The measuring instrument induces pain in an arbitrary body part of said patient, by supplying an electrical current. The measuring instrument provides a current increase into said body part, until said induced pain is experienced by the patient as being as great as the existing pain/nausea. The current is supplied from a current source arranged in the measuring instrument via wires and electrodes, said electrodes being applied onto that part of the body in which pain is to be induced. When the pain induced is experienced to be as great as the existing pain/nausea, the body part is removed from the electrodes, whereupon a pain value is registered and shown on a display.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring quantitatively the energy damping capacity of a specimen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip of the polymer sleeve of the handpiece of the system is placed directly against the specimen to be tested. The alignment of the handpiece is aided by the polymer tip which maintained the handpiece approximately orthogonal to the specimen surface and a level indicator for aiding the user to keep the handpiece approximately horizontal. Upon the pressing of a finger switch on the handpiece, a magnetic coil within the handpiece propels a tapping rod strikes the specimen multiple times per cycle creating stress waves that traveled through the tapping rod. Vibrations are attenuated by the polymer sleeve so as to not disturb the sensitive measurements. An accelerometer within the handpiece coupled with the tapping rod measures signals corresponding to the resulting stress waves.

Abstract: A biological-signal detecting device of a non-wrapper type for accurately detecting a biological signal of a user such as heartbeat number, respiration number or blood pressure, comprises a frame, a spring net fixed to the frame and having an elastic deformation capability to support a weight of the user, and a biological-signal detecting unit. The detecting unit is disposed on a second supporting surface of the spring net opposed to a first supporting surface of the spring net for receiving the weight of the user. The detecting unit determines the biological signal of the user according to a biological vibration which is a cyclic, minute load-variation of the user transmitted through the spring net when the weight of the user is supported by the spring net.

Abstract: A vibration pocket device is utilized for detecting severe neuropathy. The device is generally the size and shape of a conventional pen and includes a stimulus head or probe mounted at an end of the device. The head or probe is caused to vibrate and is applied to a patient's extremity in order to determine if the patient can feel the vibration.

Abstract: An endoceliac physical quantity measuring apparatus comprises a contact adapted to touch an organic tissue, a vibrator connected mechanically to the contact, a frequency characteristic detecting circuit for detecting parameters associated with the frequency characteristics of the vibrator, load detecting means for detecting a load acting between the organic tissue and the contact, arithmetic means for computing physical quantities of the organic tissue on the basis of the parameters associated with the frequency characteristics detected by the frequency characteristic detecting circuit and the load detected by the load detecting means, and presentation means for presenting the physical quantities computed by the arithmetic means.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining the dynamic biomechanical characteristics (frequency response functions and natural frequency) of a musculoskeletal structure is provided. The method generally comprises exciting the musculoskeletal structure over a broad range of frequencies with a low amplitude, high velocity impulsive input force, measuring the input force with a force transducer, detecting the output motion response with an output transducer, processing input force and output response data into time-signal histories with a data acquisition and analysis means or digital computer, transforming the time-signal histories from the time domain to the frequency domain by applying Fourier analysis; and calculating a frequency response function and the natural frequency from the input force and dynamic output response time-signal histories.

Abstract: A motion detection device for monitoring patient movement. The device includes a sensor adapted to generate a voltage from mechanical vibrations and a circuit in operable relationship with the voltage for generating an alarm upon detection of a predetermined signal. The circuit provides a fixed impedance to the sensor. A micro controller is used for analyzing the signal to select from first and second conditions by sensing activity within sequences of preselected time intervals. The first condition represents a medical condition and the second condition represents casual motion. A switch is used for setting a time interval and a total sampling time for the micro controller. An alarm signal generates an alarm upon detection by the microprocessor of a predetermined activity. The preferred sensor comprises a housing having an outer shell and a hollow spherical opening therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mechanical properties of biological tissue d the use of the apparatus is provided. The apparatus generates a magnetic field by means of a coil system comprising a permanent magnet as the actuator and a conductive foil as the sensor.

Abstract: A non-destructive and non-invasive method and apparatus determines the structural integrity of discrete pieces of material, such as bone, medical implants and structural parts by determining the impact ratio of a striking mass that impacts and rebounds from the material. The impact ratio is equal to the ratio of instantaneous velocity of the striking mass immediately after the impact to the instantaneous velocity of the striking mass immediately prior to impact. A means can be used to force the striking mass towards the material to impact the material. In this case, the measured history of the displacement during the impact and the rebound are used to compute the impact ratio, the ratio being directly related to the impact reaction of the material. The impact ratio can be used to determine the structural integrity of the material or the onset of osteoporosis.

Abstract: The density of a discrete piece of hard tissue such as a bone in a patient may be determined by either of two methods. In a first method, an impulse of energy is introduced into the tissue, and the resulting vibration in the hard tissue is sensed and analyzed to compute the modal damping factor of the tissue, the modal damping factor being directly related to the density of the tissue. In a second method, a continuous energy input is introduced into the hard tissue. The resulting vibration in the tissue is measured with a mechano-electrical vibration transducer and a modal damping factor is calculated. The electro-mechanical vibration transducer of the preferred embodiment measures the pressure with which the transducer is pressed against the patient's flesh and only produces the continuous energy input when a predetermined pressure is achieved which is sufficient to prevent any significant vibration of the flesh surrounding the bone.