System and method for determining structural characteristics of an object

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The structural characteristics as defined herein may include vibration damping capacities, acoustic damping capacities, structural integrity or structural stability.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system for determining structural characteristics of an object, comprising:
 a device having a housing with an open end and a longitudinal axis;   an energy application tool mounted inside the housing for applying an amount of energy to the object, said energy application tool comprising an active configuration and a resting configuration;   a drive mechanism supported inside the housing adapted for moving the energy application tool, said drive mechanism comprising a measuring or sensing device coupled to said energy application tool for measuring the effects of energy application on the object; and   a sleeve protruding from the open end of the housing for a distance, said sleeve adapted for resting against said object with at least a portion of its open end;   wherein said drive mechanism minimizes the impact force on said object by decreasing the size of the drive coil to lessen the acceleration of the energy application tool.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  further comprising a computer coupled to said device adapted for determining structural characteristics of said object from an energy return graph representing the effects of energy application on said object. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21  further comprising a sensor positioned inside said housing adapted for monitoring an amount of a force between said sleeve and object when said sleeve rests on the object. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21  wherein said object comprises anatomical or non-anatomical object. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21  further comprising a tab extending from the sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the resting portion of the open end of the sleeve. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21  wherein said energy application tool having a front portion that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing and oscillates from a substantially parallel position to the housing to a position at an acute angle with the housing about a pivot point. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein said sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric element. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 23 , further comprising visual, audible or digital output mechanisms coupled to said sensor. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 21  wherein said object comprises a natural tooth, a prosthetic dental implant structure, a dental structure, an orthopedic structure or an orthopedic implant. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21  wherein said structural characteristics of the object comprises densities; bone densities or a level of osseointegration; defects, inherent or otherwise; cracks, fractures, microfractures, microcracks; loss of cement seal; cement failure; bond failure; microleakage; lesion; decay; cement failure; bond failure; vibration damping; acoustic damping; delamination; or combinations thereof of said object or a foundation to which said object is attached. 
     
     
         31 . A method for determining structural characteristics of an object, comprising:
 driving an energy application tool mounted inside a housing of a handpiece for applying an amount of energy to the object, said housing comprising a sleeve portion protruding from an open end of the housing for a distance, said sleeve adapted for resting against said object with at least a portion of its open end;   measuring and sensing the effects of energy application on the object after impacting said energy application tool on said object; and   minimizing the impact on the object undergoing measurement while exhibiting or maintaining better sensitivity of measurement by driving the energy application tool at a slower velocity.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  further comprising a sensor positioned inside said housing adapted for monitoring an amount of a force between said sleeve and object when said sleeve rests on the object. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said drive mechanism drives said energy application tool through said sensor during operation. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31  wherein said handpiece comprises an antimicrobial coating coated thereon capable of eliminating, preventing, retarding or minimizing the growth of microbes. 
     
     
         35 . A system for determining structural characteristics of an object, comprising:
 a handpiece having a housing with an open end and a longitudinal axis;   an energy application tool mounted inside the housing for applying an amount of energy to the object, said energy application tool comprising an active configuration and a resting configuration;   a drive mechanism supported inside the housing adapted for moving the energy application tool, said drive mechanism comprising a measuring or sensing device coupled to said energy application tool for measuring the effects of energy application on the object;   a sleeve protruding from the open end of the housing for a distance, said sleeve adapted for contacting at least a portion of said object with at least a portion of its object contacting open end; and   a switch mechanism triggered by applied pressure to the object through the object contacting portion of said open end of said sleeve.   
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35  wherein said handpiece further comprising a sensor positioned inside said housing adapted for monitoring an amount of a force between said sleeve and object when said sleeve rests on the object. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 35  wherein said drive mechanism comprising a smaller drive coil to lessen the acceleration of the energy application tool. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 35  further comprising a piezoelectric force sensor positioned in the handpiece for measuring the deceleration of the energy application tool after applying energy to the object and for transmitting it to the system for analysis. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 38  further comprising a computer coupled to said handpiece for determining structural characteristics of said object from an energy return graph representing the effects of energy application on said object. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 35  further comprising piezoelectric elements for directly measuring the applied pressure to the object through the object contacting portion of said open end of said sleeve.