# US 9,237,935 B2 · Fatigue testing system for prosthetic devices > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,237,935 B2 - Document ID: US9237935B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/137,313 - Filed: 2013-12-20 - Published: 2014-04-24 - Granted: 2016-01-19 - Earliest claimed: 2009-03-06 - Assignees: Biomedical Device Consultants and Laboratories of Colorado, LLC - Applicants: Biomedical Device Consultants and Laboratories of Colorado, LLC - Inventors: Benjamin McCloskey; Craig Weinberg; Steven Weinberg - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9237935B2 ## CPC - G01M 99/007: {by applying a load, e.g. for resistance or wear testing (G01M99/001 takes precedence; testing the elasticity of structures G01M5/00)} - A61B 90/06: {Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for} - A61F 2/2472: {Devices for testing} - G01N 3/32: by applying repeated or pulsating forces - G01N 2203/0089: Biorheological properties - G01N 2203/0204: Safety arrangements, e.g. remote control, emergency stop - G01N 2203/0246: Special simulation of "in situ" conditions, scale models or dummies - G01N 2203/0476: in parallel - G01M: TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A device for accelerated cyclic testing of a valved prosthetic device comprising a pressure source configured to drive a test system fluid cyclically within the device above a normal physiological rate, at an accelerated pulsed rate of greater than 200 beats per minute within the device; and a pressurizable test chamber for containing the test system fluid and further comprising a fluid distribution chamber positioned on a first side of the valved prosthetic device and in fluid communication with the pressure source; a fluid return chamber positioned on a second side of the valved prosthetic device; a fluid return conduit both structurally and fluidly connecting the fluid distribution chamber to the fluid return chamber; and an excess volume area capable of operating at the accelerated pulsed rate, wherein the excess volume area is in fluid communication with the fluid return chamber providing a volume for storing a volume of a test system fluid when the test system fluid is under compression. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The device in claim 1 further comprising a drive motor; and a fluid displacement member connected with and driven by the drive motor to provide the pressure source that increases and decreases a pressure on the test system fluid in the test chamber. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein the drive motor is configured to operate cyclically, acyclically, or a combination of both, to provide cyclic and acyclic fluid pressures within the test chamber. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein the drive motor comprises a linear motor. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The device of claim 2, wherein the fluid displacement member further comprises a flexible rolling bellows connected to a shaft of the drive motor. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the excess volume area enlarges in response to compression of the test system fluid and decreases during depressurization of the test system fluid. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1 further comprising an elastomeric material that forms at least a portion of a boundary of the excess volume area and that expands and contracts in response to changes in pressure on the test system fluid within the test chamber. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the excess volume area further contains a volume of a compressible gas that is compressed by the volume of the test system fluid to provide a spring force when the volume of the test system fluid is stored in the excess volume area. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the excess volume area comprises a compliance chamber defining a cavity within the fluid return chamber. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9 further comprising an elastomeric membrane separating at least a portion of the compliance chamber from fluid in the fluid return chamber. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9 further comprising a porous material at least partially filling the compliance chamber. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The device of claim 9, wherein the compliance chamber provides a volume for holding a gas or elastomeric material that compresses under a pressure placed upon the test system fluid in the test chamber and allows the test system fluid in the test chamber to occupy a portion of the volume in the compliance chamber. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The device of claim 1, wherein the test chamber defines a first port on a first side of the valved prosthetic device and a second port on a second side of the valved prosthetic device; and the first port and the second port are configured to receive one or more sensor devices.