Abstract: A system has footwear and a striking device. The striking device has a shaft connected to a striking surface for contacting an object. A sensor affixed to the shaft changes electrical resistance when the striking surface is swung to contact the object to in turn generate a signal reflective of the deflection of the shaft. The footwear is configured with an array of sensors that change at least one electrical characteristic upon deflection when the player is operating the striking device. The footwear is to send signals reflective of the deflection of the feet as the shaft is swung. The signals reflective of the deflection of the shaft and the footwear are sent to a cell phone, notebook, PC or the like suitably programmed to present audio and visual images of the feet positions and movement and movement of the striking device (e.g., golf club, racket).

Abstract: A system for measuring the functioning of the feet of a user includes an insert having an arrangement of sensors positioned in footwear to sense the pressure or deflection of the sensors by a user engaged in activity like walking, running, or playing a sport (e.g., golf; tennis, football, basketball). The sensor arrangement for each foot includes sensors at multiple locations under or proximate a foot which sensors each predictably vary in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors supply analog signals to a circuit which in turn sends signals reflective of the force through an A-D converter for transmission wirelessly by, for example, a wireless Bluetooth device. The digitalized signals reflective of deflection are collected and sent to the remote control device to compute and display images reflective of the force of the foot experienced at each of the multiple locations.

Abstract: A system for measuring the force of the feet of a user upon the support surface of an item of footwear for each foot at multiple locations has a plurality of sensors each predictably varying in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors send signals reflective of the force to an A-D converter. The digitalized signals reflective of the resistance and in some cases deflection are sent to a receiver for storage in a memory and for further transmission to a computing device to compute and display the force at each of the multiple points. An accelerometer may also be combined proximate to or attached to the insert to supply signals reflective of the acceleration and which can be used to calculate and display other information including acceleration, speed and distance.

Abstract: A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid at very low pressures of about 5 psi or less to and from inflatable chambers. Each valve assembly has a plurality of valves that operate between a closed and an open position. A first conduit or channel directs the fluid to each of the valves; and a plurality of second conduits each associated with one of the plurality of valves communicates with an inflatable chamber. Each of the valves has a valve seat and a valve stem with a head that seats on, or with, the valve seat to effect a seal in the closed position. The valve stem has a portion positioned to be moved by the solenoid when activated. The separate valves also act as relief valves. A vent valve is also provided and configured to operate between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid at very low pressures of about 5 psi or less to and from inflatable chambers. Each valve assembly has a plurality of valves that operate between a closed and an open position. A first conduit or channel directs the fluid to each of the valves; and a plurality of second conduits each associated with one of the plurality of valves communicates with an inflatable chamber. Each of the valves has a valve seat and a valve stem with a head that seats on or with the valve seat to effect a seal in the closed position. The valve stem has a portion positioned to be moved by the solenoid when activated. The separate valves also act as relief valves. A vent valve is also provided and configured to operate between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A system for measuring the force of the feet of a user upon the support surface of an item of footwear for each foot at multiple locations has a plurality of sensors each predictably varying in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors send signals reflective of the force to an A-D converter. The digitalized signals reflective of the resistance and in some cases deflection are sent to a receiver for storage in a memory and for further transmission to a computing device to compute and display the force at each of the multiple points. An accelerometer may also be combined proximate to or attached to the insert to supply signals reflective of the acceleration and which can be used to calculate and display other information including acceleration, speed and distance.

Abstract: A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid at very low pressures of about 5 psi or less to and from inflatable chambers. Each valve assembly has a plurality of valves that operate between a closed and an open position. A first conduit or channel directs the fluid to each of the valves; and a plurality of second conduits each associated with one of the plurality of valves communicates with an inflatable chamber. Each of the valves has a valve seat and a valve stem with a head that seats on or with the valve seat to effect a seal in the closed position. The valve stem has a portion positioned to be moved by the solenoid when activated. The separate valves also act as relief valves. A vent valve is also provided and configured to operate between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable body support 30 system, such as a mattress, having multiple, inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively and independently inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers. The system includes a valve assembly that includes a plurality of solenoid valves to direct air at a pressure of less than 1 pound per square inch into each chamber and a separate vent valve all operable by a controller to regulate the level of inflation of each inflatable chamber.

Abstract: An electronic switch for controlling a motor. The switch includes at least one deflectable resistor including a substrate having a first configuration. The substrate being bendable to a second configuration relative to the first configuration. A layer of conductive material is disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the layer of conductive material having a resistance that changes predictably when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The change of resistance of the layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection between the first configuration and the second configuration and for various configurations in between. A motor assembly is coupled to the at least one deflectable resistor. The deflectable resistor, when positioned in the first configuration turns off the motor assembly. Also, the deflectable resistor when bent towards the second configuration and away from the first configuration turns on the motor assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers and a moveable inflatable limb elevation chamber. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers. The limb elevation chamber may also be selectively inflated and deflated as well being positioned at any desired portion of the inflatable mattress in order to raise one or more human limbs off the surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A system and method for a resistor for detecting the relative level of moisture content in a humid environment. The resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate having a bend. The conductive material is exposed to atmospheric conditions. The first layer of conductive material has a static condition moisture content and a measurable electrical resistance that changes predictably when the amount of moisture content in contact with the first layer of conductive material changes from the static condition. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material corresponds to a change in the moisture content in contact with the first layer of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A system and method for a bi-directional deflectable resistor. The bi-directional deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate and a second layer of conductive material on a bottom surface of a substrate, each layer having a resistance that changes predictably when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The change of resistance of either the first layer of conductive material or the second layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. Having two layers of conductive material allows for the measurement of deflection in all directions.

Abstract: A system and method for a deflectable resistor. The deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material and a second layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate, said first layer of conductive material having a resistance that changes predictably. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. A dielectric is placed over the first and second layers of conductive material. A third layer of conductive material is placed thereon. The dielectric material electrically insulates the first and second layers from the third layer.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers.