×

Lumbar spine motion sensor

  • US 5,146,929 A
  • Filed: 10/11/1991
  • Issued: 09/15/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for measuring angular rotations of the lumbar spine of a subject about three axes, comprising:

  • an articulating enclosure including first and second housings;

    first pivot means joining the first and second housings for relative motion about a first axis;

    first plate means operably mounted to the first housing;

    the first plate means being adapted to be secured against the back of a subject at the base of the lumbar spine with the first housing vertically aligned under the second housing and with the first axis located transversely across a sacral interspace;

    second plate means operably mounted to the second housing;

    the second plate means being adapted to be secured to the subject adjacent tot eh tope of the lumbar spine, whereby flexion/extension of the lumbar spine will result in relative pivotal movement being imparted between the first and second housings about the first axis;

    second pivot means operably mounting the first plate means to the first housing about at second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, whereby lateral bending of the lumbar spine will result in relative pivotal motion being imparted between the first plate means and the first housing about the second axis;

    third pivot means operably connecting the second plate means and second housing about a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, whereby axial rotation of the lumbar spine will result in relative pivotal motion being imparted between the second plate means and the second housing about the third axis; and

    a plurality of sensing means within the enclosure for separately measuring relative pivotal motion between the first and second housings about the first axis, between the first plate means the first housing about the second axis, and between the second plate means and the second housing about the third axis.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×