Contact sensors and methods for making same
First Claim
1. A contact sensor, comprising:
- a data acquisition terminal; and
a contact surface configured to receive a load applied by an electrically conductive joint element, the contact surface having selected spaced conductive portions, wherein the contact surface extends to a depth of at least about 50 nm,wherein the selected spaced conductive portions define an array of sensing points, and wherein the array of sensing points is in communication with the data acquisition terminal, wherein, during application of the load, at least one sensing point of the array of sensing points is configured to produce an output signal indicative of the change in electrical resistance experienced across the contact surface at the sensing point, and wherein the output signal produced by each sensing point corresponds to variations in the load between the electrically conductive joint element and the contact surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular aspect, the sensor can be used to properly balance the knee ligaments in a total knee replacement surgery.
103 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A contact sensor, comprising:
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a data acquisition terminal; and a contact surface configured to receive a load applied by an electrically conductive joint element, the contact surface having selected spaced conductive portions, wherein the contact surface extends to a depth of at least about 50 nm, wherein the selected spaced conductive portions define an array of sensing points, and wherein the array of sensing points is in communication with the data acquisition terminal, wherein, during application of the load, at least one sensing point of the array of sensing points is configured to produce an output signal indicative of the change in electrical resistance experienced across the contact surface at the sensing point, and wherein the output signal produced by each sensing point corresponds to variations in the load between the electrically conductive joint element and the contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A contact sensor, comprising:
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a data acquisition terminal; and a surgical insert defining a contact surface configured to receive a load applied by an electrically conductive joint element, the contact surface having selected spaced conductive portions, wherein the selected spaced conductive portions define an array of sensing points, wherein the array of sensing points is in communication with the data acquisition terminal, wherein the contact surface extends to a depth of at least about 50 nm, and wherein the surgical insert is configured for insertion therein a selected joint within the body of a subject, wherein, during application of the load, at least one sensing point of the array of sensing points is configured to produce an output signal indicative of the change in electrical resistance experienced across the contact surface at the sensing point, and wherein the output signal produced by each sensing point corresponds to variations in the load between the electrically conductive joint element and the contact surface. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification