System and method for determining structural characteristics of an object
AssigneePerimetrics, LLC
InventorsJames C. Earthman, Cherilyn G. Sheets, Dipankar Ghosh, John Wallace Berger
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The structural characteristics as defined herein may include vibration damping capacities, acoustic damping capacities, structural integrity or structural stability.
Claims21
1-20. (canceled)
A system for determining structural characteristics of an object, comprising:
- a device having a housing with an open end and a longitudinal axis;
- an energy application tool mounted inside the housing for applying an amount of energy to the object, said energy application tool comprising an active configuration and a resting configuration;
- a drive mechanism supported inside the housing adapted for moving the energy application tool, said drive mechanism comprising a measuring or sensing device coupled to said energy application tool for measuring the effects of energy application on the object;
- and
- a sleeve protruding from the open end of the housing for a distance, said sleeve adapted for resting against said object with at least a portion of its open end;
- wherein said drive mechanism minimizes the impact force on said object by decreasing the size of the drive coil to lessen the acceleration of the energy application tool.
A method for determining structural characteristics of an object, comprising:
- driving an energy application tool mounted inside a housing of a handpiece for applying an amount of energy to the object, said housing comprising a sleeve portion protruding from an open end of the housing for a distance, said sleeve adapted for resting against said object with at least a portion of its open end;
- measuring and sensing the effects of energy application on the object after impacting said energy application tool on said object;
- and
- minimizing the impact on the object undergoing measurement while exhibiting or maintaining better sensitivity of measurement by driving the energy application tool at a slower velocity.
A system for determining structural characteristics of an object, comprising:
- a handpiece having a housing with an open end and a longitudinal axis;
- an energy application tool mounted inside the housing for applying an amount of energy to the object, said energy application tool comprising an active configuration and a resting configuration;
- a drive mechanism supported inside the housing adapted for moving the energy application tool, said drive mechanism comprising a measuring or sensing device coupled to said energy application tool for measuring the effects of energy application on the object;
- a sleeve protruding from the open end of the housing for a distance, said sleeve adapted for contacting at least a portion of said object with at least a portion of its object contacting open end;
- and
- a switch mechanism triggered by applied pressure to the object through the object contacting portion of said open end of said sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.