Patent ID: 6190335
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A probe for making myographic strength measurements in the oral cavity of a patient, comprising:a bite member sized for insertion into the oral cavity,said bite member comprising a rigid upper portion, an opposed rigid lower portion and an elastomeric member therebetween, said upper and lower portions being formed and arranged to define a hydraulic cavity with said elastomeric member permitting relative movement therebetween,wherein at least one of said upper and lower portions is formed to provide a bite surface sized for engagement by one or more of the patient's teeth, andsaid hydraulic cavity includes a hydraulic fluid;a transducer housing removed from said bite member and arranged to be external to the oral cavity when said bite member is inserted into the oral cavity;a pressure-sensitive transducer disposed within said transducer housing, said transducer being responsive to a pressure up to at least about 250 psi and providing an electrical signal representative of pressure exerted thereon; anda connecting member connecting said hydraulic cavity with said transducer housing for maintaining said hydraulic cavity in hydraulic communication with said transducer;whereby a patient biting down on said bite surface imparts a bite force transmitted through relative movement of said rigid upper and lower portions to said hydraulic fluid in said hydraulic cavity which is transmitted to said transducer whereupon said transducer provides said electrical signal indicative of said bite force.