Foot Patents (Class 600/592)
  • Patent number: 11901072
    Abstract: A big data artificial intelligence computer system is used for medical care connecting to sensor-equipped smartphones of users of footwear. The footwear has smartphone-connected soles with sensors and configurable structures. The smartphone is also connected to sensors located on the users' body, including proximate to its center of gravity and/or on the head. The web and/or cloud-based computer system is configured to use the big data techniques of machine learning in a database compiled from millions of smartphones to perform operations on billions of data sets from the smartphones of the footwear users. The correlations found from the big data operations provide solutions to medical problems of the footwear users involving their body structure and/or function. The solutions are implemented by configuring the users' footwear soles, including active configuration, including during running and/or walking to optimize corrections to the structure and/or function of their bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 11896077
    Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 11898936
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a body feeling of a vehicle, an electronic device and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: a pressure of a measured object acting on each measurement region of a target riding apparatus under a current weight is measured by at least one pressure sensing unit within a measurement time period; a pressure intensity generated by the pressure of the measured object acting on each measurement region is calculated according to the pressure on each measurement region measured by each pressure sensing unit and an individual size of each pressure sensing unit; an objective body feeling evaluation score of the measured object under the current weight is determined according to the measured pressure and the calculated pressure intensity; and a comprehensive body feeling evaluation score is calculated according to the objective body feeling evaluation score and a predetermined subjective body feeling evaluation score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: BEIJING BAIDU NETCOM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yiqun Fu, Qingyu Li, Shengzhao Tao
  • Patent number: 11869064
    Abstract: A properly sized article of clothing, such as footwear, can be identified by performing a 3D scan of a corresponding portion of a user's body and comparing the size, shape, and external volume of the corresponding portion of the user's body with known sizes, shapes, and internal volumes of articles of clothing offered by a retailer. This process can increase the ability of retailers to match consumers with properly fitting articles of clothing, such as footwear. Additionally, the proper size, and best fitting styles of footwear can be recommended to the user from a variety of offerings provided by the retailer. 3D scanning the user's body allows both retailers and customers to account for subtle size differences that exist in various clothing products and allow consumers to be matched with the best fitting clothing without the need to purchase or return multiple items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Hobin Soekawan
  • Patent number: 11839267
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, for generating information about the interior of a shoe, comprising: a sensor unit into which material can be injected and which can sense physical changes on the surface; a material injection unit for injecting the material into the sensor unit; and a processor unit for generating information on the interior of the shoe on the basis of the physical change of the surface sensed by the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Hong Kyoo Lee
  • Patent number: 11819087
    Abstract: An article of footwear, motorized lacing system, and method includes a motor, a transmission, operatively coupled to the motor, a power source, operatively coupled to the motor, a lace spool, operatively coupled to the motor via the transmission, configured to spool and unspool the lace based on operation of the motor, a printed circuit board, and a housing. The housing contains the motor, the transmission, the power source, the lace spool and the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board positioned between an interior surface of the housing and at least one of the power source and the motor, wherein the interior surface includes a post that extends through a hole formed in the printed circuit board. A flexing of the interior surface causes force on the housing to be at least partially imparted on the at least one of the power source, the transmission, and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Brendan Donohoe
  • Patent number: 11763696
    Abstract: A system for aiding a subject development of physical, mental, and/or emotional skills, subject awareness of their mind state, body state, and/or emotional state, and providing subject biofeedback includes subject-internal signal sensing devices wearable by the subject for sensing signals generated internal to the subject's body; subject-external signal sensing devices for sensing signals generated external to the subject's body; a local computing unit configured for authenticated wireless communication with the subject-internal and subject-external signal sensing devices, and presenting particular types of mind state, body state, and emotional state information to the subject, for instance, in the form of biofeedback (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SYNPHNE PTE LTD
    Inventor: Subhasis Banerji
  • Patent number: 11737904
    Abstract: A multilayer orthotic/orthosis has a cover layer, a shell layer and a posting layer. The shell layer is formed of a thermoplastic having a moldable temperature. The rigidity of the shell layer, and in particular the rigidity of the thermoplastic is chosen to be of a magnitude to support the portion of the individual at temperatures below the moldable temperature. The shell layer, preferably the thermoplastic, has a flexibility above the moldable temperature to mold the shell layer into a shape to support the portion of the individual. The shell layer has two layers of woven polyester fibers (“scrim”) on the top and bottom. The scrim gives the plastic strength and prevents it from stretching excessively when molding. These unique properties make the material well suited for stacking multiple layers without having excessive bulking of material top lines. Both sides of the shell layer are coated with a layer of hot melt cement/glue/adhesive for easy attachment of various layers or other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: MASTERFIT ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Rich
  • Patent number: 11715561
    Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 11707195
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for temperature and humidity monitoring under garments and is characterized by that it contains at least one internal electronic module located under the garment and an external electronic module with sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring, storage devices connected to the electronic modules wirelessly (for example, via Bluetooth), and the receiving device, which provides the user with the possibility to monitor the current temperature and humidity of the observed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventors: Dmitri Churakov, Oleg Borisov
  • Patent number: 11694535
    Abstract: A mount for a device configured to monitor the movements or other activities of patient. Aspects include a monitoring unit and base, where the base may further include a pad with one or more pins extending into the base. The pad may be positioned inside a garment worn by a patient, the pins passing through the garment and electrically connecting to circuits in the fabric of the garment (e.g. a sock worn by the patient). The circuits may include sensors which are response to changes in pressure caused by patient movement. Output from the sensors may be carried by the circuits in the garment to the pins in the pad, and from there through the garment and into the base and the monitoring unit for processing and reporting to caregivers as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Palarum LLC
    Inventors: Chris Harsdorff, Glenn Wolfe, Jeffery Steele
  • Patent number: 11690534
    Abstract: A gait evaluation apparatus that evaluates a training gait of a paralyzed patient suffering from paralysis in a leg includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of motion amounts of a paralyzed body portion according to a gait motion and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate that the gait motion is an abnormal gait in a case where at least one of the motion amounts acquired by the acquisition unit meets any one of a plurality of abnormal gait criteria set in advance. The abnormal gait criteria include at least two or more first criteria, which are criteria relevant to motion amounts of different parts of the paralyzed body portion, or at least two or more second criteria, which are criteria relevant to motion amounts of the same part of the paralyzed body portion in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Issei Nakashima, Masayuki Imaida, Takeru Fukagawa, Eiichi Saitoh, Satoshi Hirano, Shigeo Tanabe, Hiroki Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 11627883
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient's foot forms a thermogram of the sole of at least one foot of the patient, and determines whether the thermogram presents at least one of a plurality of prescribed patterns. The method also compares the thermogram against a prior thermogram of the same foot, and produces output information indicating the emergence of an ulcer on a given portion on the at least one foot as a function of 1) whether the thermogram is determined to present the at least one pattern, and 2) the comparison with the prior thermogram, which shows non-ulcerated tissue at the given location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Podimetrics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Robert Linders, Jonathan David Bloom, Jeffrey Mark Engler, Brian Jude Petersen, Adam Geboff, David Charles Kale
  • Patent number: 11607166
    Abstract: A method for quantifying the balance of an individual recording, on a memory, at least one statokinesigram of the individual obtained from a platform comprising pressure and/or force sensors; extracting, by a processor and from the at least one statokinesigram of the individual recorded on the memory, values of at least one position trajectory parameter of the pressure center and values of at least one stability trajectory parameter of the pressure center; determining, by the processor, the value of a plurality of quantifiers, from the values of the trajectory parameters extracted; comparing, by the processor, said values of the plurality of quantifiers with the values of the same quantifiers obtained from reference statokinesigrams; and determining, by the processor, said value representative of the balance of the individual at the end of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE PARIS-SACLAY, UNIVERSITE PARIS DESCARTES, ETAT FRANCAIS—MINISTERE DE LA DEFENSE—DIRECTION CENTRALE DU SERVICE DE SANTE DES ARMEES
    Inventors: Nicolas Vayatis, Pierre Paul Vidal, Nikolaos Promponas Kefalas, Julien Audiffren, Alain Yelnik, Catherine De Waele Vidal, Damien Ricard
  • Patent number: 11583206
    Abstract: In some examples, an apparatus comprises a platform having an upper surface to contact a plantar surface of a human foot positioned on the platform, a first pressure sensor to sense a pressure applied to the upper surface by a heel of the human foot, and a first probe extending through an opening in the platform and movable vertically upward through the opening to probe an adipose layer on a bottom of the heel. The apparatus also comprises a first actuator to displace the first probe upwardly against the adipose layer with a predetermined force, and a linear displacement sensor to sense a vertical displacement of the first probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Lopez, Ryan Forcier, Brian R. Jung, Marvin Dav Hoag, Francis L. Kozakiewicz
  • Patent number: 11549853
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for measuring the location, the amplitude, and/or the direction of forces applied to a walking or running surface. An example system includes a pressure-sensitive sheet that extends along a first axis. The pressure-sensitive sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A vertical force applied at a location along at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface forms an electrical path between the top surface and the bottom surface having a resistance, rf, that is inversely proportional to an amplitude of the vertical force. The system further includes read out circuitry configured to provide information indicative of the amplitude of the vertical force and the location of the vertical force along the first axis of the pressure-sensitive sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Baer, Jonathan William Baer
  • Patent number: 11500949
    Abstract: A method, computer system, and a computer program product for matching one or more users is provided. The present invention may include collecting a user's information. The present invention may include determining that there is an overlap between the user's information and information contained within a knowledge base. The present invention may include ranking one or more matches of the user. The present invention may include displaying the ranked one or more matches to the user. The present invention may include collecting feedback from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Divyesh Jadav, Raphael I. Arar
  • Patent number: 11497968
    Abstract: A balance training system including a mobile plate configured to support a sole of a trainee in a standing state, a first member fixed on the mobile plate, a load distribution sensor including a plurality of sensors arranged in a matrix under the mobile plate and configured to detect a load received from the trainee riding on the mobile plate and a position of the first member, and a control unit configured to calculate a net moving amount of a center of gravity position of the trainee based on a difference between a moving amount of a center of gravity position of the load received from the trainee detected by the load distribution sensor and a moving amount of the position of the first member detected by the load distribution sensor and to control a movement of the mobile plate based on a result of the calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Shintani
  • Patent number: 11311208
    Abstract: A health information providing system through plantar pressure measurement, including: a plantar pressure measurement device rolled in such a manner as to be carried and adapted to measure a measurement subject's plantar pressures in a state of being unrolled to transmit the measured plantar pressures to a measurement subject terminal; and the measurement subject terminal adapted to compare the plantar pressures received from the plantar pressure measurement device with reference plantar pressure ranges according to foot portions pre-stored, to extract and display a body region where a disease is suspected, the body region matching the foot portion having the plantar pressure exceeding the reference plantar pressure ranges according to foot portions, and to display health guidance information including guidance information on symptoms and treatments of the extracted body region where the disease is suspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: Byung Woo Jo, Bo Soek Kim
  • Patent number: 11246525
    Abstract: A method for quantifying the balance of an individual includes segmenting, as a function of time, a statokinesigram(s) of an individual so as to generate several statokinesigram portions; extracting, from the statokinesigram portions, values of at least one trajectory parameter; determining the value of at least two quantifiers, from the values of trajectory parameters extracted in the extraction step, for each of the statokinesigram portions generated in the segmentation step; and determining said value representative of the balance of the individual from the values of the quantifiers of each of the statokinesigram portions. The method may be implemented by a processor and memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE-HOPITAUX DE PARIS, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, ETAT FRANCAIS—MINISTERE DE LA DEFENSE—DIRECTION CENTRALE DU SERVICE DE SANTE DES ARMEES, ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE PARIS-SACLAY, UNIV PARIS XIII PARIS-NORD VILLETANEUSE, UNIVERSITE DE PARIS
    Inventors: Nicolas Vayatis, Pierre Paul Vidal, Julien Audiffren, Alain Yelnik, Damien Ricard, Ioannis Bargiotas, Laurent Oudre, Stéphane Buffat
  • Patent number: 11207001
    Abstract: A device that non-invasively detects objects beneath or around the foot or a foot position and transmits signals which are processed and then output via an output device on a skin surface not affected by a neurological deficit, such as the hands or thighs. This device is suitable for subjects with diabetic neuropathy who have lost sensation in their feet and are at risk of punctures, cuts or other physical damage and at risk of sprains, strains or falls due to lack of an ability to detect objects underfoot and foot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
    Inventor: Jafar Mohammed Hassan Al Rubh
  • Patent number: 11147520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for predicting biomechanical response to wedged insoles. In accordance with one aspect, a method for predicting a biomechanical response to a wedged insole is provided. In a further aspect, a system for predicting a biomechanical response to wedged insole is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: UTI Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Darren John Stefanyshyn, Ryan Tomas Lewinson
  • Patent number: 11134861
    Abstract: An exercise state evaluation method having the following steps is provided. The steps includes: obtaining a plurality of sensing signals by a foot information sensing module; recording a receiving time of each of the sensing signals by a processing unit and generating a plurality of pressure values, a plurality of center of gravity values, and a center of gravity trajectory information corresponding a human body according to each of the sensing signals; determining a start time, an acting time and a finish time corresponding to an exercise according to the receiving time, the pressure values, the center of gravity values and the center of gravity trajectory information; obtaining an act time value according to the start time, the acting time and the finish time; and integrating the pressure values, the center of gravity values, the center of gravity trajectory information and the act time value to an user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, National Taiwan University of Sport
    Inventors: Jian-Hong Wu, Ren-Der Jean, Pin-Chou Li, Jyh-How Huang, Jung-Hao Wang, Szu-Ju Li
  • Patent number: 11129418
    Abstract: An electronic inhalation device comprising a power cell and a computer. The computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means. The computer is configured in use to enter a menu mode when a user activates the menu mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Lord
  • Patent number: 11083967
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system includes a VR display and a VR movement apparatus that includes hand user interfaces (UIs) and foot UIs that can support the hands, feet, and total weight of a user. The VR movement apparatus allow the user's hands and feet to move in 3-dimensional space that include vertical, lateral, and fore-aft direction movements. A computer running VR software coordinate and synchronizes the VR movement apparatus and the VR display to provide system users with simulated activities in a VR environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Ethereal Matter, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Summit
  • Patent number: 11076803
    Abstract: A foot sensor feedback device with multiple passive sensors in a shoe insole to provide real time feedback for a microprocessor to control a haptic device on the ankle of a person and to store and display data on an application on a smart phone to provide balance to a person while standing still or walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Rehabit Health, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Malawey, Thomas H. Lupfer, Patrick M. Steusloff, Thomas A. Liguori, Michael A. Kurtz, Michael J. Thilenius
  • Patent number: 11064758
    Abstract: A sole (100) or inner sole for a shoe is provided. The sole (100) or inner sole comprises: a toe region (28) for supporting a user's toes; a forefoot region (26) for supporting a user's forefoot; a midfoot region (24) for supporting a user's arch; and a heel region (22) for supporting a user's heel. A longitudinal direction (X) extends from the heel region (22) towards the toe region (28). A lateral direction (Y) transverse to the longitudinal direction (X) extends from an inner side to an outer side of the sole (100) or inner sole. A plurality of force sensors (10) distributed throughout the sole (100) or inner sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: NURVV LIMITED
    Inventors: Kemal Dervish, Haim Geva, Jason Lloyd Roberts, Giles Tongue, Grant Trewartha
  • Patent number: 11060926
    Abstract: Components and assemblies for acquisition and analysis of data collected from sites such body surfaces, footwear and apparel, objects, accessories, and the like are directed to providing intermittent and/or continuous monitoring and reporting of conditions such as force, pressure, shear and other conditions, activity and/or environmental parameters at body locations and/or at an interface of a body location and an object. In one aspect, sensor assemblies comprise one or more sensor(s) and/or associated electronics associated with at least one non-conductive carrier layer. Electronic components including sensor acquisition systems (SAS) and dedicated electronics devices (DED) providing electronics components for signal conditioning, data collection, storage, analysis, feedback, communications and optional sensing capabilities are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventors: Roberto Reif, Maria Pia Carmagnani, Warren Kline, Dave Svab, Maurizio Macagno, Chris Small, Blake Coudriet, Matthew Kueper
  • Patent number: 11045113
    Abstract: A method for determining the alignment of a system, wherein the system includes measuring and display devices. The measuring device has a measuring platform and detects horizontal and vertical forces that are exerted by a person located on the measuring platform. The system also includes at least one camera device used to at least partially photograph the person located on the measuring platform. The method includes transmitting image data from the at least one camera device and measurement data from the measuring device to the display device, superimposing a force application line in the display device on the image data, and displaying the force application line on the image of the person located on the measuring platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Alexander Pappe, Alexander Glier, Mark Schonemeier, Martin Pusch
  • Patent number: 11004351
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing cognitive function of an individual during exercising use stationary exercise equipment to self-propel the individual's avatar or avatar's point of view through a virtual pathway while interacting to complete a cognitive task including registration of the task, verification of discrimination of basic learning, and performance of manipulation of the cognitive task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Union College
    Inventor: Cay Anderson-Hanley
  • Patent number: 10994416
    Abstract: A method for controlling a limb motion intention recognizing and rehabilitation training robot based on force sense information includes: acquiring data of a three-dimensional force and a three-dimensional moment by a six-dimensional force sensor held in a hand; calculating forces and moments produced by a palm, a forearm and an upper arm of a human body according to a constructed human arm model to achieve recognition of limb motion intention; fixing the six-dimensional force sensor on a rocker at an end of the three-degree-of-freedom upper limb rehabilitation training robot, acquiring motion intention of an arm of the human body according to the motion intention recognition method, and controlling the rehabilitation training robot to achieve auxiliary active training under a weak active force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aiguo Song, Ke Shi, Xinyu Tang, Huijun Li, Baoguo Xu, Hong Zeng
  • Patent number: 10939850
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a measurement from a shoe-based sensor device for measuring pressure at one or more parts of a shoe sole and providing at least one pressure sensor measurement signal indicating the measured pressure, the method being performed at a processor that receives the at least one pressure sensor measurement signal and including: determining a minimum value for the at least one pressure sensor measurement signal and storing the determined minimum value as a correction constant in a data memory associated with the processor; and correcting a value for the at least one pressure sensor measurement signal received subsequent to the step of storing, by the stored correction constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NURVV LIMITED
    Inventors: Jason Roberts, Grant Trewartha, Geoffrey Noonan, Giles Tongue
  • Patent number: 10918156
    Abstract: Disclosed in an embodiment is a pressure detection sensor comprising: an elastic layer including a hole; and an electrode layer including a plurality of electrodes arranged on the elastic layer so as to be spaced apart, wherein the elastic layer includes a variable member arranged in the hole, the plurality of electrodes are electrically connected to each other by outside pressure, and at least one of the plurality of electrodes covers a part of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Jin Jo, Won Keun Cho, Jeong Han Kim, Soo Min Lee, Ji Na Lee, In Hee Cho, Sang A Ju
  • Patent number: 10791980
    Abstract: A method, device, and system for the assessment of the quality of balance and for alerting from an impairment of balance of a subject. The device comprises a plate for receiving the feet of a subject and mounted on a plurality of pressure sensors measuring vertical forces applied to the plate, wherein the method comprises the measurement, by means of the pressure sensors thereof, of vertical forces applied to the plate, at least before and while the subject mounts the device (1) and the calculation, according to the measured values, of parameters that are relevant for the assessment, including at least one parameter relating to at least one slowdown in the rise of the values measured by the pressure sensors thereof, when the subject mounts the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITE DE TECHNOLOGIE DE TROYES
    Inventors: David James Hewson, Jacques Duchene, Hichem Snoussi, Jean-Yves Hogrel, Yves Langeron
  • Patent number: 10765583
    Abstract: A wearable walking assist robot is provided that ensures high walking assistance performance without a complex calculation process by detecting a gait phase based on pressure distribution on feet and performing a corresponding control mode that is set in advance. The wearable walking assist robot includes a sensor unit that senses pressure on the soles of the feet of a wearer and a controller that determines gait phases of both a first leg to be operated and a second leg based on the sensed pressure. Additionally, the controller selects one of a plurality of control modes set in advance based on the determined gait phases and operates a joint-driving unit for the first leg to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Jin Hyun, Kyung Mo Jung, Sang In Park, Hyun Seop Lim
  • Patent number: 10729341
    Abstract: A wearable system can include at least one cuff; nerve activity acquisition electrodes; nerve stimulation electrodes; circuitry operatively coupled to the nerve activity acquisition electrodes and to the nerve stimulation electrodes; and memory operatively coupled to the circuitry that stores nerve information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Wambui Nyabero, Lucas Nyabero
  • Patent number: 10722144
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus including circuitry configured to acquire weight distribution information of a subject by at least one sensor, analyze the acquired weight distribution information, and initiate a providing of feedback information based on the analyzed weight distribution information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Nakao
  • Patent number: 10667746
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating motions of a joint is provided that is designed for determining stability of an anatomical joint. The apparatus includes a support frame, a fixation assembly for securing a first body segment of a joint, and a displacement assembly mounted to the support frame. The fixation assembly includes an axis of rotation movable relative to the support frame. The displacement assembly includes a first frame pivotably mounted to the support frame and rotatably connected to a first end of the fixation assembly, and a second frame pivotably mounted to the support frame and rotatably connected to a second end of the fixation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Hospital for Special Surgery
    Inventor: Carl Imhauser
  • Patent number: 10653204
    Abstract: A footbed for use in footwear is provided. The footbed assembly includes a resilient, flexible material (e.g. EVA or PU foam) that extends the entire length of the footbed. a heel plate made from a material that is more rigid (plastic, carbon fiber) than the resilient foam attaches to the flexible material. The shape of the resilient footbed defines a geometry that provides support and comfort to the user by reducing peak pressures, improving cushioning, and enhancing foot support. The resilient foam and heel plate defines the shape of the midfoot R2 and rearfoot R1 of the footbed while the resilient flexible foam continues forward to define the shape of the forefoot R3 region of the footbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: MATMARKET, LLC
    Inventors: Von Maurice Homer, Charles Aaron Mutschler, Heath Jarett Reinhartz, Gregory Diharce, Kehlin Swain
  • Patent number: 10659866
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electronic devices having a deformable surfaces through which a user can provide inputs to the device by applying a force such as a pinch or a squeeze. A particular embodiment is an earpiece with the deformable surface part of an elongate section extending from an earbud. The deformable surface includes an incompressible hyperelastic material and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing element and a void defined between the pressure sensing element and the incompressible hyperelastic material. An applied force is transferred by the incompressible hyperelastic material to compress the void and change an internal pressure thereof. The changed pressure is detected by the pressure sensor, and can result in changed operation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Stephen Smith, Storrs T. Hoen
  • Patent number: 10470670
    Abstract: A camera coupled to a processor is disclosed. The camera is configured to capture images of the subject. The processor is configured to amplify microscopic temporal variations between the images of the subject and generate a profile of at least one microscopic temporally detected physiological variation of the subject. The processor is further configured to compare the profile of the subject to a pre-existing first aggregate profile of a plurality of third-party subjects, said aggregate profile corresponding to the at least one microscopic temporally detected physiological variation of the third-party subjects, the aggregate third-party profile corresponding to a known state of the third-party subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Rememdia LLC
    Inventor: Fraser M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10436629
    Abstract: A measurement information output system comprises an input unit and an output unit. The input unit is configured to input, to an arithmetic unit, a detected force value indicating the magnitude of force detected by one or more force sensors arranged so as to receive impact by motion of a measurement target and a detected acceleration value indicating the acceleration of the measurement target detected by an acceleration sensor arranged so as to detect the acceleration of the measurement target. The arithmetic unit is configured to compute the weight of the measurement target on the basis of the detected force value and the detected acceleration value. The output unit is configured to output, as a measured weight value, the weight of the measurement target computed by the arithmetic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Yamada, Lu Zhao, Yasuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 10357688
    Abstract: An exercise feedback system monitors the performance of athletes wearing a garment with sensors while exercising. The sensors generate physiological data such as muscle activation data, heart rate data, or data describing the athlete's movement. The system extracts features from the physiological data and compares the features with reference exercise data to determine metrics of performance and biofeedback. Based on the physiological data, the system may also modify exercise training programs for the athlete. The exercise feedback system can display the biofeedback using visuals or audio, as well as modified exercise training programs, via the athlete's client device in real time while the athlete is exercising. By reviewing the biofeedback, the athlete may correct the athlete's exercise form to properly use the target muscles for the exercise, or change the certain workouts to personalize the training program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Mad Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Wiebe, Dhananja Pradhan Jayalath, Rose Yao
  • Patent number: 10327701
    Abstract: Methods, systems and arrangements are provided for obtaining electroencephalograph (“EEG”) EEG signals from a patient e.g., during a concurrent EEG/MRI examination of the patient. The methods, systems and arrangements include a cap made of conductive inks with sensor positions for attaching a plurality of sensors to the patient's head. The sensors can include electrodes as well as motion sensors for improving EEG signal quality and MRI image quality in the presence of motion noise and other artifacts within the MRI environment. The electrodes may be composed of conductive inks, and can be used in high magnetic fields due to a weak interaction with the RF fields generated by the MRI scanner. The exemplary methods, systems and arrangements can achieve lower SAR and lower temperature increase, as compared to conventional electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Giorgio Bonmassar, Patrick L. Purdon
  • Patent number: 10311645
    Abstract: A method for treating autism is provided. The method includes presenting to affected subjects therapeutic content in the form of images or video in a virtual or augmented reality system and monitoring in real time the behaviors and responses of the subject to the therapy. The virtual or augmented reality system may further include audio, and the monitoring of the therapy may be achieved using one or more tracking sensors, such as a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: FLOREO, INC.
    Inventors: Vijay Ravindran, Vibha Sazawal, Ali Moeeny, Rita Solorzano, Sinan Turnacioglu
  • Patent number: 10258257
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus is provided for estimating a risk of falls from pressure sensor data and inertial sensor data. A classifier function may be generated to relate the inertial sensor and the pressure sensor data with the falls risk (e.g., falls risk or prospective falls data) of the person who generated the pressure sensor data and inertial sensor data. The classifier function may be used to predict a person's risk of falls based on inputs of pressure sensor data and inertial sensor data. Separate classifier functions may be generated for men and women, or separate classifier functions may be generated for patients who closed their eyes while data was being collected and for patients who opened their eyes while data was being collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: KINESIS HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Barry Greene
  • Patent number: 10263174
    Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus comprises a material including a non-layered mixture of an elastomeric polymer with a plurality of voids; and a plurality of conductive fillers disposed in the elastomeric polymer. The apparatus may produce an electrical response to deformation and, thus, function as a strain gauge. The conductive fillers may include conductive nanoparticles and/or conductive stabilizers. In another general aspect, a method of measuring compression strain includes detecting, along a first axis, an electrical response generated in response to an impact to a uniform composite material that includes conductive fillers and voids disposed throughout an elastomeric polymer, and determining a deformation of the impact based on the electrical response. The impact may be along a second axis different from the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nano Composite Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Jake Merrell, David T. Fullwood, Anton E. Bowden, Taylor D. Remington
  • Patent number: 10238316
    Abstract: A feedback device determines when a person has placed enough weight upon his/her foot to safely take the next step, and then communicate that information to the person via a haptic device on the person's ankle or an audio, visual and/or vibration feedback display on an application on the person's smart phone. Five sensors in an insole between the person's foot and shoe determine the force of the person's leg. The five sensors in the insole will be positioned under the heel, the fifth metatarsal head, the first metatarsal head, the space between the second metatarsal head and the third metatarsal head, and the hallux (big toe).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Rehabit LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Malawey, Thomas H. Lupfer, Patrick M. Steusloff, Thomas A. Liguori, Michael A. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 10220254
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for athletic performance monitoring with body synchronization analysis are disclosed. In one example, a first sensor output associated with a movement of an user foot and a second sensor output associated with a movement of an user arm are received, the user arm on a body side opposite the user foot. The first sensor output and the second sensor output are analyzed to identify a degree of synchronization between the movement of a user foot and the movement of a user arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas C. Chuang
  • Patent number: 10206844
    Abstract: A lower extremity orthosis, including at least one actuator configured to control a motion of at least one joint of a person wearing the orthosis, is provided with a handle including a force sensor configured to produce a signal representing a force applied to the handle. A controller, which is in communication with the force sensor and the at least one actuator, is configured to modify the motion based on the signal from the force sensor. The system can be particularly employed to enable a physical therapist to have input in controlling and modifying the positions and/or forces prescribed by the lower extremity orthosis during rehabilitation of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding, James Stryker