A skin indentation system using a pneumatic bellows.
A pneumatic indentation system using a copper bellows has been developed for physiological studies where a controlled uniaxial compressive force is required to be applied to the surface of the skin. Such a system is useful for studies where the physiological response of the tissues is to be monitored following a known loading history. The indentation system is driven by a vacuum/compression pneumatic pump through solenoid valves under closed-loop computer control. A load cell placed between the indentor and bellows monitors the applied force providing a feedback signal to the computer. The signal from the computer activates the valves supplying air pressure to the bellows, and the applied force is controlled using a digital closed-loop protocol. This system can be used to provide a controlled loading sequence to the skin without utilizing gravitational forces, which allows the subject to keep a more natural position during the experiment.
Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY 10993-1195.
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Ferguson-Pell
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Hagisawa
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Masiello
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena