Exerted On Or By A Living Body Patents (Class 702/139)
  • Patent number: 11717186
    Abstract: A medical device system and method that includes accelerometer circuitry configured to generate at least one signal, a memory, and processing circuitry coupled to the accelerometer circuitry and the memory. The processing circuitry is configured to monitor a patient for a Sit-To-Stand transition based upon the at least one signal, detect the Sit-to-Stand transition, determine if the patient has been inactive for a predetermined period of time prior to the Sit-to-Stand transition, and if the patient has been inactive for at least the predetermined period of time prior to the Sit-to-Stand transition, determine a body stability score of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 11485257
    Abstract: A vehicle proposed herein includes a swivel, a lock mechanism selectively locking and unlocking the swivel, a seat mounted on the swivel, a plurality of surface pressure sensors each disposed along an outer surface of the seat and detecting a pressure distribution within a predetermined area of the outer surface, and a controller configured to cause the lock mechanism to be unlocked based on a change in pressure distribution or a surface pressure that is detected by any of the plurality of surface pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuji Nakagawa, Yuji Shintaku, Katsuhiko Nakajima, Shigeki Otsuka
  • Patent number: 11378475
    Abstract: A system provided herein may be configured to evaluate helmet performance. The system may include an impact assembly that includes a stationary post operably coupled to one or more stationary load cells and a plurality of modular headforms. Each modular headform may include a first side and a second side configured to lock together around the impact assembly and receive a helmet. The modular headform may determine a position of the helmet relative to the one or more stationary load cells. Furthermore, the one or more stationary load cells may be configured to measure impact force at a position where one of the plurality of the modular headforms are operably coupled to the impact assembly. Additionally, each of the plurality of modular headforms correspond to a position in relation to the impact assembly to measure the impact force to the one or more load cells at a predefined number of impact locations on the helmet to evaluate the performance of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Morgana M. Trexler, Vanessa D. Alphonse, Matthew G. Bevan, Catherine M. Carneal, Quang T. Luong, Mark A. Athey, Kathleen M. Perrino, Andrew C. Merkle, Jeffrey M. Paulson, Steven M. Storck
  • Patent number: 11282362
    Abstract: In an example method, a mobile device obtains a database including a plurality of data records. Each data record includes an indication of a respective impact previously experienced by a user of the mobile device, and sensor data generated by one or more first sensors worn by the user during that impact. The mobile device obtains sensor data generated by one or more second sensors worn by the user over a period of time, and determines whether the user has fallen during the period of time based on the database and the additional sensor data. The mobile device generates one or more notifications based on the determination of whether the user has fallen during the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xing Tan, Huayu Ding, Hung A. Pham, Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, Parisa Dehleh Hossein Zadeh, Omar Aziz, Sriram Venkateswaran, Manjunath Shankar Rao, Xiaoyue Zhang, Vinay R. Majjigi, Yann Jerome Julien Renard
  • Patent number: 11172867
    Abstract: A device for recording physiological information includes a carrier board comprising a plurality of force transducers and a plurality of contact sensing elements; and a processing unit, coupled to the force transducers and the contact sensing elements, configured to determine a center of gravity (COG) according to outputs of the force transducers, configured to determine a contacted range according to outputs of the plurality of contact sensing elements, configured to record the center of gravity and the contacted range, wherein the gravity and the contacted range substantially correspond to the same time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: CHANG GUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ya-Ju Chang, Jiunn-Woei Liaw
  • Patent number: 11150708
    Abstract: A system for a cooling control component for a computing device is provided. A computing device monitors weight distribution from data received from one or more sensors distributed on a base of the housing of the computing device. A computing device determines that the weight distribution is uneven for a defined period of time. A computing device executes a first overheating prevention measure that uses a hardware operation profile to reduce heat generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah Michelle Drewery, Colin Ian Holyoake, Richard Postlethwaite
  • Patent number: 11076798
    Abstract: A system and method for non-invasive and/or non-contact measurement of a subject's tremor in the context of therapeutic intervention is presented. The system includes a memory, a communications interface, a sensor to measure a signal associated with position or motion of an extremity of the subject, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The processor is further configured to communicate, via the communications interface, the signal, login credentials, and position or motion data to a remote server coupled to a remote electronic health record database. The remote server is configured to receive the signal and perform an analysis that quantifies a severity of tremor based on the position or motion signals of the subject. The processor is configured to receive the analysis that quantified the severity of tremor and cause the quantified severity of tremor to be displayed via a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: i2Dx, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Johnson, Janos Redei, Ethan C. Green
  • Patent number: 10963090
    Abstract: A sensing apparatus including a frame; a capacitive sensor comprising a sensing surface moveably mounted relative to the frame and configured to measure, as a function of time, characteristics of capacitive couplings between the sensing surface and a plurality of objects at different locations over the sensing surface; a displacement sensor configured to detect when there is a displacement of the sensing surface relative to the frame due to a displacement load applied to the sensing surface by one of the objects; and a processing element configured to identify which of the objects applied the displacement load based on changes in the measured characteristics of the capacitive couplings for the respective objects during a time period around when the displacement of the sensing surface is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: TouchNetix Limited
    Inventors: Peter Timothy Sleeman, Luben Hristov
  • Patent number: 10813596
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor attached to an individual and detects an individual's improper body movements that increase injury risk. The system includes a safety tag with an accelerometer that measures proper acceleration. Proper acceleration along multiple directions are projected onto multiple 2-D planes, generating acceleration vectors. Phasor angles of the acceleration vectors are calculated, and if the spread in phasor angles for any one 2-D plane within a moving time window exceeds a threshold, the system determines that the individual has made an improper body movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: American International Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohsen Sarraf, Christopher Michael Bunk, Sergey Vikhlyantsev, Jennifer A. Martinez
  • Patent number: 10740599
    Abstract: A notification device includes a difference calculation section adapted to calculate differences between index values of a plurality of indexes, which are calculated by analyzing an exercise of a user using an inertial sensor, and are related to an athletic ability of the user, and target values set to the respective indexes, an index selection section adapted to select some of the indexes based on the differences with respect to the respective indexes, and an output section adapted to output the some of the indexes selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Uchida, Hideo Sasahara, Kazumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10676168
    Abstract: A breathing-air tank pressure tracking system includes a housing having lights mounted therein. The lights are spaced-apart from one another and disposed along a line. A pressure sensor is coupled to a tank containing pressurized breathing air. The pressure sensor detects a pressure of the pressurized breathing air and produces a signal indicative thereof. The housing is configured to be coupled to an exterior portion of a dive helmet wherein the lights are positioned in a field-of-view of a user wearing the dive helmet. A controller, mounted in the housing, is coupled to the pressure sensor and the lights. The controller activates selected ones of the lights based on the signal received from the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian C. Wentworth, Dennis Gallagher, Richard Manley, William Hughes, III, Bryan Le
  • Patent number: 10213162
    Abstract: A system and method for processing photoplethysmography (PPG) signals in a vehicle. The system and method include receiving a PPG waveform signal from an optical sensor. The system and method also include processing a PPG measurement signal based on the PPG waveform signal. The system and method additionally include receiving a noise waveform signal from at least one of: a seat assembly sensor, a vehicle sensor, and a vehicle system. Additionally, the system and method include processing a motion artifacts measurement signal based on the noise waveform signal. The system and method further include processing a refined PPG signal to suppress the motion artifacts measurement signal from the PPG measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kin C. Fung, Timothy J. Dick, Dhanashree Palande
  • Patent number: 10156947
    Abstract: The present invention provides a touch substrate and a manufacturing method and a driving method thereof, a touch panel and a touch device. The touch substrate comprises: a base substrate, and an electrode layer, a bridging portion and a sensor provided above the base substrate, the electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, the first electrode and the second electrode are provided intersecting with each other, the sensor corresponds to intersection position of the first electrode and the second electrode, and is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a piezoelectric signal when a touch occurs, and the electrode layer is configured to transmit the piezoelectric signal for the touch substrate sensing position of touch point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Liangliang Jiang, Ruiying Yang, Yongjun Yoon
  • Patent number: 9946531
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. In certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a computer-implemented method for updating an autonomous operation feature may be provided. An indication of a software update associated with the autonomous operation feature may be received, and several autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the feature may be identified. The update may be installed within the several vehicles, such as via wireless communication. Also, a change in a risk level associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature may be determined, and an insurance discount may be determined or adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Chien Che Huang, Mohamed A. Wazeer, Shawn C. Bennett, Steven C. Cielocha, Ronny S. Bryant, Stephen Kohaus, Terry Quakenbush, Richard A. Novak, Aaron Scott Chan, Craig M. Main, Weixin Wu, Torri Wollenschlager, Carol Marie Csanda, Stacey Gorsuch, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 9906922
    Abstract: A method, in a mobile device, of controlling region determination by the mobile device, includes: determining a present pressure at the mobile device; determining, based on the present pressure and a reference pressure, that the mobile device moved from a first region to a second region within a structure, the first region and the second region being different regions of the structure and vertically displaced from each other; and performing region determination in response to determining that the mobile device moved from the first region to the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sai Pradeep Venkatraman, Lionel Jacques Garin, Gengsheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9693709
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system may determine one or more reference points of a physiological signal. The system may select one or more fiducial points on the physiological signal relative to the reference points. The one or more fiducial points may be selected by selecting a point spaced by a time interval relative to one of the reference points. The time interval may be a predetermined constant, or the time interval may depend on physiological information. The system may generate a fiducial signal based on the selected fiducial points, calculate physiological information such as a respiration rate based on the selected fiducial points, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Nellcot Puritan Bennett Ireland
    Inventors: Scott McGonigle, James N. Watson
  • Patent number: 9552602
    Abstract: A product information communication system comprising a product, a product identification device retained relative to the product, product identifying information retained in electronic memory regarding the product, and a communication network permitting electronic access to the product details including the retained product identifying information. Identifying information can be accessed by wireless communication and rendered available by a central server with electronic access to product identifying information. Product details can include product characteristics, functions, construction, maintenance, performance, usage, warranty information, and instructions. Electronic tracking, analysis, and recommendation regarding product usage by sensors can be selectively induced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Patent number: 9486160
    Abstract: A pressure sensor measures the surface pressure distribution of a body supported by a surface, for example a person sitting on an automotive seating. In one approach, a pressure mapping system presents this pressure data in the form of a pressure map. The pressure map can be aligned to an image of the automotive seating including measurement zones of interest. The measurement zones of interest are mapped onto a human body model, which may include various body zones. In this way, the pressure distribution on different body zones can be visualized and interpreted to assess the performance of the automotive seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: XSENSOR Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Terence Russell
  • Patent number: 9489600
    Abstract: A system for determining activity of a mobile element, includes at least one motion sensor having a measurement axis, and which is securely connected to the mobile element. A filter for selects, for each measurement axis of the motion sensor, high frequencies above a first threshold, and processing equipment for determines a unidimensional high-frequency component (y(n)) equal to the square of the Euclidean norm of the high frequencies along the measurement axes of the motion sensor. A calculator calculates, for each state, probability density functions (Py,i) of the high-frequency component, the probability density function corresponding to each state according to a Chi-square law with a degree of freedom equal to the number of measurement axes of the motion sensor. An analyzer defines states of the mobile element, utilizing the probability density function of the high-frequency component for each state, together with the probabilities of transitions between two successive states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: Commissariat A L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives, Movea
    Inventor: Pierre Jallon
  • Patent number: 9408372
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to for analyzing behavior of small live test subjects. More specifically, methods and devices of the present invention can allow a researcher to use a single device for analyzing effects of genetic modifications made to the test subjects on the test subject's behavior and movements. Additionally, the methods and devices may allow for analysis of effects that various medications may have on the test subject's behavior and movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Ratzlaff, Robert W. Young, George R. Fullen, Stephen C. Fowler
  • Patent number: 9107511
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Skinner, Sandy M. Richards, David P. Lubbers, Steven A. Dixon, Richard B. Stacy, Aziz A. Bhai
  • Patent number: 9066558
    Abstract: An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a constant pressure reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The inflation and deflation of the adjustable bladder are achieved in an iterative manner by controlling the flow of fluid between the constant pressure reservoir and the adjustable bladder over several cycles of heel strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 9020626
    Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. The method can include measuring a pressure the foot exerts during a stride at a plurality of points over a period of time, and analyzing a pressure at the plurality of points over the period of time and designing the orthopedic inserter based on the analysis. The system can include a device that measures a pressure exerted by foot at a plurality of times at each of a plurality of points and a computer connected to the device, the computer having a memory that stores the measured pressures and a program operable to analyze the measured pressures to create a design of an orthopedic insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Publication number: 20150112632
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting a cycle short pad includes a saddle having pressure sensors and a processor which compares data from the pressure sensors to data stored in a database to suggest a preferred cycle short pad. The processor is connected to and, receives data generated by, the pressure sensors and produces a user pressure data set. The database is connected to the processor and includes stored pressure data sets and a cycle short pad associated with each stored pressure data set. The processor compares the user pressure data set to each stored pressure data set to identify a preferred cycle short pad. A method includes receiving pressure data from the pressure sensors in the saddle while the user cycles to produce a user pressure data set and then comparing the user pressure data set to the stored pressure data sets to select a preferred cycle short pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: James Brown McFarlane
  • Patent number: 8952820
    Abstract: An enhanced dive computer functionality providing a diver positioning system integrated into a dive computer and a modified Display Integrated Vibrating Alarm device controlled by the dive computer to allow for decompression integrated guidance and a buddy signalling device. The diver positioning system allows for automatically determining the diver's position by tracking the diver's location in three dimensions within a water column, or portion of the body of water in which the diver operates bounded by the surface and the maximum dive depth, during a dive. A modified Display Integrated Vibrating Alarm allows for guiding a diver through a controlled decompression ascent and a method for automatically warning companion or nearby divers of imminent danger of injury or death to a subject diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin William Juergensen
  • Publication number: 20150039259
    Abstract: A apparatus for recognizing a motion of an object is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a camera configured to photograph images of the object having the motion, a plurality of pressure and position sensors configured to be installed on a floor and to measure a floor contact position, a floor contact area and a floor contact pressure of the object and a motion analyzer configured to analyze the motion of the object by combining two or more among the images, floor contact position, floor contact area and floor contact pressure of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gyu-tae Park, Seok-myong KANG, Tae-ho KIM, Yeon-woo LEE, Won-il KIM
  • Patent number: 8930144
    Abstract: An apparatus as provided for measuring acceleration of a person's head or other object. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing acceleration and a controller for controlling recording of data resulting from the sensed acceleration due to an explosive force. The controller is adapted to determine whether or not to enable recording of the data based on the sensed acceleration. A data receiver is provided to receive the sensed acceleration data from the sensing means, and requires electrical power to enable data to be received thereby. The controller controls electrical power to the receiver so that if the sensed acceleration reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, electrical power to the data receiver is enabled. The recorded acceleration data may be used for injury analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Med-Eng, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Hubler, Jeffrey Byers, Brian Houston, Robert Corsaro, Phil Frank, Jason Kost, Kenny Opachko, Alain Berdoz, Peter Herdic, Lock-Sui Chin, Jeffrey Levine, Jean-Philippe Dionne, Doug Wong, Daniel Crossman
  • Publication number: 20140343889
    Abstract: A system supporting subject risk analysis and risk event management for detecting possible risk indications and the risk of a subject developing pressure injuries. The system includes monitoring risk events using a pressure sensing apparatus and by recording pressure values at a plurality of pixels of a sensing mat to determine subject's pressure distribution and associated pressure image at any given time. The mapping of pressure sensing elements coordinates of the pressure sensing apparatus to a subject-based coordinate system using applicable transformation functions enables risk analysis and display of subject's pressure distribution maps representing gathered data at different times. Pressure images of the subject's pressure distributions helps in identifying postures adopted by a subject, determining risk of a subject developing pressure injuries and registering possible bed-exit and bed-fall risk events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Amir Ben Shalom, Shlomo Hanassy, Lior Greenstein, Tal Remez
  • Publication number: 20140307118
    Abstract: The instant application discloses, among other things, techniques to allow multiple tiles containing various types of sensors to be connected via a network to a number of other tiles and a computer, with automatic virtual orientation of the tiles and fast data transmission. Data may be collected by a central processor from four quarter tiles and transmitted to the computer for analysis. Information obtained from the analysis may include, but is not limited to, gait analysis, identity of people on a floor, and safety issues (detecting someone has fallen, for example).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Richard MacKinnon, Jianwen Jiang
  • Patent number: 8847818
    Abstract: Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes a mobile phone handset, including a microprocessor, a microphone connected to the microprocessor, a speaker connected to the microprocessor, a telephone transceiver connected to the microprocessor, memory, a display, and an external connector for communicating with external devices wherein the memory contains a software application, and a waterproof housing including a pressure transducer, where the mobile phone handset is located within the waterproof housing and connected to the pressure transducer via the external connector, and wherein the software application configures the mobile phone handset to create a dive log stored in memory, wherein the dive log comprises recorded information including depth of submersion information recorded from the pressure transducer and display the recorded information during the dive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: American Underwater Products
    Inventors: Robert R. Hollis, John E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8798806
    Abstract: An electronic device thermal management system comprising a thermal management controller configured to maintain a temperature level within a housing of an electronic device based on a signal indicative of a temperature of at least a portion of a wall of the housing of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lev, Jeffrey Kevin Jeansonne, Walter G. Fry
  • Publication number: 20140188426
    Abstract: The systems and methods are provided for monitoring the forces and impacts to an object. The systems and method disclosed herein can be used to monitor forces and impacts to a human subject. In some implementations, the system can be disposed into conformal electronics that can be coupled directly to an object or disposed of other objects such as clothing and protective gear. The system can include a storage module to allow for data to be reviewed and analyzed. In some implementations, the system can also include an indicator. In some implementations, the indicator can be used to display real time analysis of impacts made by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Fastert, Isaiah Kacyvenski, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20140149066
    Abstract: A stroke counter and a method of analyzing strokes of swimmer are provided. The stroke counter and method use changes in pressure proximate the arms and legs of the swimmer to determine when the swimmer performs a swimming stroke using either the arms or legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Reima K. Holopainen, Jari M. A. Tiira
  • Patent number: 8733843
    Abstract: A supporting shell for a seat is provided by carrying out in-seat measurements with a plurality of test subjects, wherein the test subjects sit down on a measuring mat placed on a neutral seat frame. The measuring mat has a readily displaceable filling and adapts to the contour of the body of the respective test subject. After the test subject has sat down on the measuring mat and before the test subject leaves the same, the filling inside the measuring mat is fixed in place by applying a negative pressure. The geometric data of the surface contour of the measuring mat are determined and stored for each test subject. The measured surface contours are then superimposed onto one another. This produces an average surface contour which can subsequently be further altered slightly for adaptation to large seat users, and therefore a modified surface contour is created as a basis for the production of the supporting shell of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Franz, Alexander Durt, Uemit Kilincsoy, Peter Vink
  • Publication number: 20140107966
    Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MSD Consumer Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Xia, Harold A. Howlett, Charles E. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20140107968
    Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MSD Consumer Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Xia, Harold A. Howlett, Charles E. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20140107967
    Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MSD Consumer Care, Inc.
    Inventors: BIN XIA, Harold A. Howlett, Charles E. Lundy
  • Patent number: 8672842
    Abstract: A mattress has a sensor pad affixed on a top surface thereof. The sensor pad has (i) a matrix array of plural pressure sensors, (ii) plural row conductors, and (iii) plural column conductors. Each intersecting row and column conductor provides an electrical signal from a corresponding sensor when pressure is applied thereto. The sensor pad has plural through-holes therein disposed between the plural row conductors the plural column conductors, respectively. Preferably, at least one patient-mounted physiological sensor is configured to provide an output signal corresponding to a patient physiological parameter. An electronic unit is mounted inside the mattress and is configured to receive signals from the sensor pad. The electronic unit has a data storage unit preferably storing (i) patient identification information, (ii) patient physiological information, and (iii) mattress information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Evacusled Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kenalty, Miriam Gordon, Hart Victor Katz
  • Patent number: 8620615
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a person for a sleep system, the method including: while the person is not positioned on an evaluating member, adjusting a pressure of a comfort layer inflatable member disposed within a comfort layer of the evaluating member to an initial comfort value; positioning the person on the evaluating member in a first position; while the person is positioned on the evaluating member in the first position, measuring a pressure of the comfort layer inflatable member as a first measured comfort value; calculating a difference between the first measured comfort value and the initial comfort value as comfort pressure 1; calculating a first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member using comfort pressure 1; and recommending a sleep support member for the person using the calculated first optimal pressure level for the comfort layer inflatable member and using data measuring quality of sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Kingsdown, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Oexman, David B. Scott
  • Publication number: 20130332104
    Abstract: A pressure sensor measures the surface pressure distribution of a body supported by a surface, for example a person sitting on an automotive seating. In one approach, a pressure mapping system presents this pressure data in the form of a pressure map. The pressure map can be aligned to an image of the automotive seating including measurement zones of interest. The measurement zones of interest are mapped onto a human body model, which may include various body zones. In this way, the pressure distribution on different body zones can be visualized and interpreted to assess the performance of the automotive seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Terence Russell
  • Patent number: 8600701
    Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: American Underwater Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hollis, Michael S. Hollis, Jack Calvin Holman
  • Patent number: 8583272
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. The method can include measuring a pressure the foot exerts during a stride at a plurality of points over a period of time, analyzing a pressure at the plurality of points over the period of time and designing the orthopedic insert based on the analysis. The system can include a device that measures a pressure exerted by a foot at a plurality of times at each of a plurality of points and a computer connected to the device, the computer having memory that stores the measured pressures and a program operable to analyze the measured pressures to create a design of an orthopedic insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 8568023
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for an ear thermometer includes a battery, a mode switching circuit and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller, during a run mode or a normal operating state, does not pass battery current to the mode switching circuit in order that the insertion of the mode switching circuit causes no substantial change in power consumption so as to suppress a power consumption of the apparatus and extend the power of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bio Echo Net inc
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8436737
    Abstract: A postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axis accelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are a function of positional orientation of the node along a path of attitude displacement of the node extending from a reference position of the node to a caution position of the node, and from the caution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and a signal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a caution signal in response to a caution positional state of the node at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warning signal different from the caution signal in response to a warning positional state of the node at the warning position of the node and distally therebeyond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Steelhead Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Publication number: 20130041617
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for monitoring one or more athletic performance characteristic of a user. An example apparatus includes a sensing unit adapted to be attachable to a shoe of a user, the sensing unit including a first sensor adapted to monitor an movement of a foot of the user while the user is in motion, the first sensor comprising a gyroscopic sensor, processing means for determining a first performance characteristic of the user based upon an output from the first sensor, the first performance characteristic comprising a foot strike location of a foot of the user upon striking a ground surface, and transmitting means for transmitting a data package representative of the performance characteristic to a remote receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Pease, Klaus Renner, Gordon Row, Kim B. Blair, Chris Wawrousek, Sean B. Murphy, Jean-Francois Fullum, Katherine Petrecca, Trampas Tenbroek
  • Patent number: 8326567
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes an elastic detector configured to detect an elastic wave by utilizing photoacoustic tomography and to convert the elastic wave into a detection signal, and a signal processor configured to calculate an absorption characteristic of a heterogeneous part included in a homogeneous part of a scattering medium based on ?a=2P(z)/(??(z)) where ?a is the absorption coefficient at distance z from the light source, P(z) is the pressure of the elastic wave at distance z, ? is a Grüneisen coefficient, and ?(z) is the light intensity at the position of the heterogeneous part, the signal processor obtaining the light intensity by approximating a signal component derived from the homogeneous part separated from a signal component derived from the heterogeneous part in the scattering medium by utilizing the detection signal output from the elastic wave detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Masumura
  • Patent number: 8290739
    Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Amfit, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Tadin, Arjen Sundman
  • Publication number: 20120259577
    Abstract: A fall detection device includes a fall detection circuit to detect a fall by a user and a verification circuit to verify the initial indication of a fall from the fall detection circuit. The device is sized to be worn by the user and includes an orientation sensor to track the orientation of the device relative to one or more axes. The device averages the average inclination values for one or more axes for time periods before, during, and after the fall. A fall is determined to have occurred when differences in the average values of the inclination values exceed threshold values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Transrex AG
    Inventor: Tibor Ganyi
  • Publication number: 20120239343
    Abstract: A dosimetry apparatus includes at least one sensor in a housing, a cover configured to permit compression waves to pass through, the cover is seated over the at least one sensor, and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimetry processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the at least one sensor; storing the readings with a time and date stamp when obtained; conducting an analysis based on the obtained readings; and outputting at least one of the stored readings or the conducted analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: David A. BORKHOLDER, Werner FASSLER, Andrew BLAIR, Kim SHERMAN, Derek DeBUSSCHERE
  • Patent number: 8249822
    Abstract: A motion controller includes a handle and a MEMS pressure sensing module. The handle has an output interface circuit for coupling with a terminal electronic device. The MEMS pressure sensing module includes a compressible member mounted on the handle, a MEMS sensor for sensing a pressure applied on the compressible member and converting the pressure into electronic signals, a processing unit for calculating a value of the pressure according to the electronic signals, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the processing unit. The processing unit is connected with the output interface circuit such that a user is able to obtain the pressure value from the terminal electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai Lan, Ga-Lane Chen, Tai-Hsu Chou