Abstract: A measurement system for measuring hand tools includes a number of instrumented tools and a data collector. The data collector has a processor which can operate in a task analysis mode in which data is received, stored, and processed over a user-determined period of time. A number of different tools with different adaptor configurations can be coupled to a receptacle on the housing of the data collector. The collector has recognition circuitry for determining which type of tool is plugged into the receptacle, and, in response, the processor retrieves parameters needed to process the data and which are related to the recognized tool. The instrumented tools are designed to simulate actual tools used in the work place, and thus have substantially the same size, shape, weight, weight distribution, and feel of actual working models of the tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a muscle of a patient who is fitted with a myoelectric prosthetic device. The apparatus has an array of electrodes for testing the muscle over a wide area during a short period of time. The electric signals from the contraction are amplified, filtered, and converted to a digital signal. The digital signals are sent to a computer which causes a display to show one or more of the signals. A prosthetist uses the results to determine how to place the electrode in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a muscle of a patient who is fitted with a myoelectric prosthetic device. The apparatus has an array of electrodes for testing the muscle over a wide area during a short period of time. The electric signals from the contraction are amplified, filtered, and converted to a digital signal. The digital signals are sent to a computer which causes a display to show one or more of the signals. A prosthetist uses the results to determine how to place the electrode in the device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for switching between degrees of freedom in a prosthesis responsive to myoelectric signals generated by muscles. In the invention, an average pattern corresponding to a specified muscle contraction is stored in memory. In operation, the invention continuously stores a specified preceding interval of the incoming myoelectric signals and compares the data in that interval with the stored average pattern. If the incoming data is sufficiently similar to the stored average pattern, a recognition occurs and the device switches degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A portable hearing protection device evaluation apparatus which can be taken into the field to measure noise attenuation of a muff type hearing protection device under actual working conditions is provided. The apparatus includes two miniature microphones, one positioned inside a muff near the ear, the other positioned outside the muff to detect the noise in the environment. These two microphones simultaneously receive input signals which are provided to circuitry which determines and displays a single number output representing the noise attenuation.

Abstract: A pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sensor is connected in parallel with the vehicle braking system and the sensor is connected to a computer system which periodically samples the sensor output. Other sensors can be used to detect other quantities such as engine speed, vehicle speed, wheel rotation or transmission speed, and other brake units and their outputs can also be periodically sampled. Under control of the computer, the samples are stored on a magnetic disk. The computer can then be instructed to interrogate the samples stored on the disk to produce charts of various quantities versus time which objectively indicate driver performance. The device can also be used to synchronize individual brake units in a multiple brake vehicle by simultaneously displaying the brake pressures in each brake unit, thereby enabling the relative application timing of the brake units to be measured.

Abstract: A system and a method for obtaining improved quality electrical signals generated anatomically. Included in the system are primary terminals suitable for implantation so as to pick up an anatomically generated primary signal comprising both a desired component derived from a primary tissue source and a noise component derived from an auxiliary tissue source directly adjacent to the primary source. Also included are auxiliary terminals suitable for implantation directly adjacent to the primary terminals so as to pick up an anatomically generated auxiliary signal derived from the auxiliary signal source. Electrical leads connect the primary and auxiliary terminals and an output circuit having a processor for differentially combining the primary and auxiliary signals. By obtaining and then differentially combining both the primary and auxiliary signals there is obtained a high quality output signal corresponding to the desired component of the primary signal.

Abstract: A device for anatomic implantation to provide electrical interface to nerves. Included in the device are a pair of electrical leads secured to a coupling formed from a piece of woven sheet material, and having ends connected to spaced apart input terminals disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the coupling. Connected to the opposite ends of the leads are output terminals for interfacing to electrical recording or measuring instruments. The input terminals receive desired nerve signals while other unwanted anatomic signals are rejected by an insulative case that covers the woven coupling.

Abstract: A device and a method for anatomic implantation to provide electrical interface to nerves. Included in the device are a pair of electrical leads secured to a coupling formed from a piece of woven sheet material, and having ends connected to spaced apart input terminals disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the coupling. Connected to the opposite ends of the leads are output terminals for interfacing to electrical recording or measuring instruments. During implantation, a subject nerve is embraced by the inner surface of the sheet material which is shaped for juxtaposition the outer surface of the nerve at a minimum spacing therefrom of 0.3 millimeters. In the period following implantation the interstices of the sheet material coupling receive anatomic tissue growth establishing a structurally stable dimensional relationship between the nerve and both the input electrodes and the coupling.

Abstract: A safety system for preventing injury to passengers of transport vehicles. In response to a collision each seat of the vehicle is automatically moved into a position wherein its occupant is protected within a structurally stable protective enclosure. Forming the enclosure are both movable portions secured to the seats and fixed portions secured to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable seat is provided with a guidance system that normally facilitates selective adjustment of the seat into positions comfortable for its occupant but additionally produces automatic movement of the seat into the protective enclosure in response to a collision.

Abstract: A restraint system for preventing injury to passengers occupying seats in a transportation vehicle. The restraint system comprises a plurality of individually inflated bags, one pair straddling each of a plurality of seats linearly aligned between side walls of the vehicle. A collision detector activates the restraint system to inflate the bags in a linear array adjacent the abdomens of the seats' occupants. Because of their storage locations directly adjacent each seat, the individual pairs of bags can be deployed rapidly at the outset of a collision into positions wherein they obstruct forward movement of an occupant and thereby prevent injury-producing contact thereof with potentially dangerous portions of the vehicle. Belt stays extending between the bags and the vehicle are provided to exert restraining forces that prevent separation of the bags by an occupant who has been propelled foward after a frontal collision of the vehicle.