Strain Monitoring System and Apparatus. Patent no. US 9,510,785 B2

Abstract

A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions. Such as Spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digi tated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host Such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power Supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemi cal batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RFID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power Supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power Supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired.