Uniform pressure diagnostic pinwheel
First Claim
1. A device for testing for nerve dysfunction comprising a pinwheel, a grasping means for the pinwheel, and force absorption means wherebya. the pinwheel comprises a hub, a plurality of spokes extending radially from the perimeter of the hub, and attachment means centrally located in the hub for connecting the pinwheel to the grasping means, i) each spoke having a first end attached to the perimeter of the hub and a second end distal to the hub whereby each second end is configured to create a sensation of discomfort when the second end is pressed against human skin, and ii) an axis through the attachment means being equally spaced from each spoke'"'"'s second end and perpendicular to the spokes;
- b. the grasping means holding the attachment means while allowing the pinwheel to freely rotate; and
c. the force absorption means being positioned to dampen forces applied to the pinwheel through the grasping means, whereby the grasping means comprises an axle and the attachment means comprises a hole along the axis of the pinwheel, a slot extending from the hole to the perimeter of the pinwheel, said slot having a narrow portion at its intersection with the hole, said narrow portion being smaller than the diameter of the axle, while allowing the axle to be pushed through the slot and then into the hole to mount the pinwheel on the axle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A disposable diagnostic pinwheel for use in testing for nerve dysfunction. The pinwheel can be applied to a handle which incorporates a pressure absorbing mechanism so that a more constant and controllable test can be conducted. The pinwheel can also include a removable cover which protects sharp points on the pinwheel from inadvertently injuring the user. In one embodiment the cover may also function as the grasping means during use of the pinwheel in testing procedures. In such a use the cover also includes the pressure absorbing mechanism.
206 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A device for testing for nerve dysfunction comprising a pinwheel, a grasping means for the pinwheel, and force absorption means whereby
a. the pinwheel comprises a hub, a plurality of spokes extending radially from the perimeter of the hub, and attachment means centrally located in the hub for connecting the pinwheel to the grasping means, i) each spoke having a first end attached to the perimeter of the hub and a second end distal to the hub whereby each second end is configured to create a sensation of discomfort when the second end is pressed against human skin, and ii) an axis through the attachment means being equally spaced from each spoke'"'"'s second end and perpendicular to the spokes; -
b. the grasping means holding the attachment means while allowing the pinwheel to freely rotate; and c. the force absorption means being positioned to dampen forces applied to the pinwheel through the grasping means, whereby the grasping means comprises an axle and the attachment means comprises a hole along the axis of the pinwheel, a slot extending from the hole to the perimeter of the pinwheel, said slot having a narrow portion at its intersection with the hole, said narrow portion being smaller than the diameter of the axle, while allowing the axle to be pushed through the slot and then into the hole to mount the pinwheel on the axle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A pinwheel for testing tactile sensations and a carrier for the pinwheel wherein
a. the pinwheel comprises a hub and spokes radiating from the hub, the hub having an axis through the center thereof and attachment means located along the axis, each spoke having a sharpened end spaced from the hub, the sharpened end capable of creating a sensation of pain when pressed against the skin of a responsive organism, and b. the carrier comprises a cover which at least partially surrounds the pinwheel, the cover having therein means to hold the pinwheel within the cover until such time as removal from the cover is desired, whereby the means to hold the pinwheel comprises an axle, and the attachment means comprises a hole along the axis of the pinwheel, the pinwheel having a slot extending from the hole to the perimeter of the pinwheel, said slot having a narrow portion at its intersection with the hole, which narrow portion is smaller than the diameter of the axle, such that when the axle is pushed through the slot and then into the hole to mount the pinwheel on the axle the axle remains in the hole until forceably removed.
Specification