Device for testing pin prick sensation

The present invention relates to a device for testing pin prick sensation comprising a handle, at the upper end of which are located movable holding means, actuating means causing the holding means to move; and a rotatable wheel bearing pins; the holding means having the size and dimensions corresponding to those of the wheel acting as an axis for the rotation of the wheel and enabling both grasping and rotating of the wheel. The holding means may consist of two parts, being (a) moving mans moving towards (b) fixed means. The actuating means may be operated by a spring.

The present invention relates to a device for testing pin prick sensation. 
The AIDS world epidemic assuming the current frightening proportions has 
brought about an acute interest in ways and means to limit its spread. 
Most neurologists, neurosurgeons and orthopoedic surgeons in the U.S.A. 
have used fixed devices for testing pin prick sensation, namely metallic 
pins, some of them contained within the reflex hammer, or the well known 
Wartenberg pin wheel. These testing modalities have fallen in disrepute 
and have been severely condemned in some recent publications for their 
potential in contaminating unsuspecting victims with possibly lethal 
transmissible viral diseases, like hepatitis and AIDS. 
In many hospitals and clinics pin prick sensation is tested by disposable 
needles or by wooden tooth picks. However, these may cause unnecessary 
skin penetration and scratches besides being non-exact (amount of pressure 
while testing may change from prick to prick) and unrefined. 
It has therefore been desirable to design a device which overcomes the 
above disadvantages, i.e. avoids the possible transfer of any virus, 
bacteria, etc. from one person to another, and simultaneously ensures 
appropriate testing. Said device should be easy to use and be relatively 
cheap to manufacture. 
The present invention thus consists in a device for testing pin prick 
sensation comprising a handle, at the upper end of which are located 
movable holding means, actuating means causing the holding means to move; 
and a rotatable wheel bearing pins; the holding means having the size and 
dimensions corresponding to those of the wheel acting as an axis for 
rotation of the wheel and enabling both grasping and rotating of the 
wheel. 
It is readily understood that the moment the holding means are moved, hey 
will no longer hold the wheel which is discarded. A new wheel may be 
attached by causing the holding means to return to its original position. 
The movable holding means may consist of two parts, namely (a) movable 
means moving to (b) fixed means. 
The radius of the wheel and the number of pins are determined by the 
customers and are not a critical feature of the device. The same applies 
to the form and length of the handle. The handle and the wheel may be made 
from any suitable material, metal or rigid plastic. 
The actuating means are preferably operated by a spring. In this version, 
the movable holding means are pushed against the centre of the pin wheel 
causing it to settle with a snap on the holding means. However, also 
manual means may be used. 
The device according to the present invention functions very much like the 
Wartenberg pin wheel, namely it allows the examiner a steady pressure 
while the pins of the rotating wheel are touching but not penetrating the 
patient's skin. The pin wheel is discarded following each and every test 
and a new wheel installed in the handle, which is permanent. The 
discardable pin wheel is easily snapped on the handle and off it with a 
no-touch technique. 
The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the 
accompanying drawings without being limited by them. Identical parts 
appearing in various Figures are referenced by the same numeral.

The device shown in the Figures comprises handle 1 having at the top fixed 
part 2, and movable part 3. Upon arcuate portions of parts 2 and 3 sits 
disposable wheel 4 around which are arranged pins 5. Movable part 3 is 
moved longitudinally by spring means 6 to hold the wheel 4. Knob 7 moves 
part 3 against the spring means to release wheel 4.