Patent ID: 6171812
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: A01N,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for mechanically loading living bone samples, comprising:a frame;a perfusion chamber assembly having a perfusion chamber body, having portions defining an interior perfusion chamber, a bearing cap extending below the perfusion chamber body, and a piston slidably positioned to extend into the perfusion chamber;a bone sample disposed within the perfusion chamber, the bone sample having a top surface and a bottom surface parallel to and beneath the top surface, the bone sample being positioned between the bearing cap and the piston;an actuator extending between the frame and portions of the perfusion chamber assembly, the actuator being operable to cause the bearing cap to move closer to the piston, to thereby apply a compressive load to the bone sample;a force sensor mounted to the frame between the frame and the perfusion chamber assembly, the sensor configured to monitor the level of load applied to the bone sample by the actuator;portions of the perfusion chamber assembly defining a fluid inlet which communicates with the perfusion chamber; andportions of the perfusion chamber assembly defining a fluid outlet which communicates with the perfusion chamber, wherein the bone sample engages the piston and the bearing cap such that the fluid introduced through the fluid inlet passes through the bone sample to the fluid outlet.