US 4,566,465 AGranted

Probe with variable geometry for measuring the radial strains in a sphincter of a living organism

AssigneeUniversite Rene Descartes (Paris V)

InventorsPierre J. Arhan, Marc R. Hero

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Abstract

A probe for studying the visco-elastic behavior of sphincters of living organisms is comprised of an expansible head formed by three articulated groups disposed radially at 120.degree. intervals about a central axis. Each of the articulated groups is composed of a cross-piece which interconnects a rigid member, carrying a strain gauge on its outer surface, to the central axis. The cross-pieces are articulated at one end about the opposite ends of the rigid member and are articulated at the other end about two blocks which are carried by the central axis. The cross-pieces are constructed such that rotation of the central axis causes the distance between the rigid elements and the central axis to vary. A flexible shaft couples the central axis to a motor.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A probe having a variable width for measuring the radial strain of a sphincter of a living organism, comprising:

a rotatable threaded rod;
at least three pressure sensors;
at least three flat rigid elements each carrying one of said pressure sensors for engaging and for measuring the radial strain of said sphincter of a living organism;
a pair of threaded block elements carried by said threaded rod, said block elements including inner threads such that the blocks move in opposite directions along said threaded rod during rotation thereof;
means for connecting said rigid elements to said block elements such that rotation of said threaded rod causes the distance between said threaded rod and said rigid elements to vary;
motor means for rotating said threaded rod at a constant rate;
and
means responsive to said pressure sensors for indicating the radial strain of said sphincter of a living organism.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.