| US 7,478,009 B2 | ||
| Apparatus and method for evaluating a hypertonic condition | ||
| Michael Normann B. Cabrera, Winston-Salem, N.C. (US); and James A. Norris, Winston-Salem, N.C. (US) | ||
| Assigned to Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, N.C. (US) | ||
| Filed on Jul. 29, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/191,489. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2007/0027631 A1, Feb. 01, 2007 | ||
| Int. Cl. G01N 33/48 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 702—141 [702/150; 702/47; 600/587; 600/595; 600/591; 482/6] | 16 Claims |
| 1. Apparatus for evaluating spasticity in a movable extremity of a patient comprising:
an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration of a point on the extremity during movement thereof in a range of motion of
the extremity;
a gyroscope for measuring the angular velocity at which the extremity moves in the range of motion;
a sensor adapted for measuring the force applied to the extremity as the extremity is moved through the range of motion;
a data communication device adapted for transmitting data signals from said accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor;
a base on which said data communication device, said accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor are mounted;
means for attaching said base to the extremity;
a data processor mounted on said base and connected between said accelerometer, said gyroscope, said sensor, and said data
communication device for processing the data signals to modify a characteristic of the data signals prior to their being transmitted
by said data communication device, said the data processor comprising
a first processor adapted for receiving the data signals from said accelerometer, said gyroscope, and said sensor and for
performing a first pre-processing operation on said data signals to provide first pre-processed data signals; and
a second processor adapted for receiving the first pre-processed data signals and for performing a second pre-processing operation
on said first pre-processed data signals to provide second pre-processed data signals.
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