Equipment Control Patents (Class 482/4)
  • Patent number: 11524207
    Abstract: An electric treadmill includes a motor and a motor driving circuit. The motor driving circuit is operable to control electric current flow from a positive electrode through the motor to a negative electrode to drive the motor. The motor driving circuit has a switch path connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The switch path has a resistance element and a switch element connected in series. When the motor driving circuit receives power, the switch element will be switched to a disconnected state, so that the resistance element is inactive. When the motor driving circuit does not receive power, the switch element will be switched to a connected state, so that the resistance element becomes a load between the positive electrode and the negative electrode for consuming power generated by the motor when the endless belt is driven to rotate by an external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Jen Li, Jhih-Sheng Fang
  • Patent number: 11511158
    Abstract: A user interface for an interactive exercise system includes a display module held by a mechanical support system, with the display module able to display a video of a trainer. The trainer can be presented in full body view against a black background and a mirror element attached to at least partially cover the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: INTERACTIVE STRENGTH, INC.
    Inventors: Trent Ward, Gregor Angus Berkowitz, Martha Deery, Yves Albert Behar
  • Patent number: 11491373
    Abstract: A method for unlocking a control unit of an exercise machine includes providing the exercise machine, having at least one sensor for detecting presence of a user on the exercise machine, with at least one electrical signal representative of a detection carried out at the time of the occupation of the exercise machine by a user. The method further includes switching, by the exercise machine, the control unit of the exercise machine from a first locking condition to at least a second operating condition in which the user may issue commands to the exercise machine by the control unit, based on the at least one electrical signal provided by said at least one sensor for detecting the presence of the user on the exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TECHNOGYM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Bestonzo, Luca Coletti
  • Patent number: 11484744
    Abstract: An exercise machine comprises a motor. The exercise machine comprises a lockable translatable mount. The exercise machine comprises a cable coupled to the motor via the lockable translatable mount. The exercise machine comprises a sensor coupled to the lockable translatable mount. The sensor is used at least in part to determine mount lock state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Aly E. Orady, Michael Valente, Darryl Weatherspoon, Bret G. Stott
  • Patent number: 11478676
    Abstract: According to one example, an exercise system includes a vertical housing, a first weighted touchpoint coupled to the vertical housing and configured to allow a user to exercise one or more muscles on a first side of the user, a first weight system coupled to the first weighted touchpoint, a second weighted touchpoint coupled to the vertical housing and configured to allow the user to exercise one or more muscles on a second side of the user, and a second weight system coupled to the second weighted touchpoint. The exercise system further includes a control system configured to cause the first weight system to automatically provide a first heavier weight to the first weighted touchpoint for a first exercise and further cause the second weight system to automatically provide a second lighter weight to the second weighted touchpoint for the first exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: OFFSET VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Salvatore LoDuca, Matthew Fisher
  • Patent number: 11471367
    Abstract: A system and method for promoting angiogenesis and adipogenesis in soft tissue using a tissue enlargement apparatus. The tissue enlargement apparatus includes an interface configured for affixation to the soft tissue. A force generating device is coupled to the interface by a connecting tube for applying mechanical forces to the soft tissue. A processor is coupled to the force generating device and is configured to apply intermittent cyclical patterns of the mechanical forces to the soft tissue to promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis in soft tissue. The intermittent cyclical patterns are based on at least one of duration, frequency, and intensity of the mechanical forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Paul Orgill, Luca Lancerotto, Giorgio Giatsidis
  • Patent number: 11458364
    Abstract: A social engagement system includes a first exercise machine having a display able to present videos, a three-dimensional camera system, and local processing system able to provide pose estimation based on data from the three-dimensional camera system. The system also includes a communication module for connection to a cloud processing system, with the cloud processing system supporting connection to a second exercise machine having a display able to present videos, a three-dimensional camera system, and local processing system able to provide pose estimation based on data from the three-dimensional camera system. Additionally, the connection allows transfer of data useful for social engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: INTERACTIVE STRENGTH, INC.
    Inventors: Trent Ward, Gregor Angus Berkowitz, Martha Deery, Yves Albert Behar
  • Patent number: 11458367
    Abstract: An exercise system includes a load bearing element having a control element. It further includes a resistance mechanism responsive to a signal from the control element. The signal from the control element is selectively rejected based on state information relating to a state of the load bearing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Mallard, Ryan Lafrance, David Jonathan Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11452903
    Abstract: An exercise machine may include a frame, a resistance mechanism supported by the frame, and a console configured to control the resistance mechanism and guide a user through a workout using the exercise machine using a projected visual indicator to assist a user in performing the workout properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: iFIT Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 11446538
    Abstract: The present invention provides a competitive weightlifting system capable of interacting with and comparing weightlifting performances of multiple users, and creating competition between such users by displaying a ranked list of performances by those users. The system may include a frame for supporting and guiding a lift bar, sensors mounted to the frame for measuring and refereeing the performance of a user, a controller housed in the frame for tracking and ranking user performances with an interface for creating and logging into user profiles, and a communication device for sharing user performance data with other remote competitive weightlifting systems (e.g., competitive weightlifting systems in other gyms or homes) in order to create a wide-ranging competition between, and ranked leaderboard of, the many users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Matthew Silveira
  • Patent number: 11446541
    Abstract: An exercise machine monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree, Andy H. Gibbs, Samuel D. Cox, Todd G. Remund
  • Patent number: 11426629
    Abstract: The invention relates to field of connected sport and specifically a method for quantifying sporting activity implemented by a communication system including: a proximity beacon associated with sports equipment, measuring equipment and a communication node, the method including: (a) communicating between the measuring equipment and the beacon in order to recover a first data packet comprising an identifier relating to a sporting activity associated with the sports equipment; (b) transmitting, to the node, a second data packet comprising the identifier; (c) at the node, determining parameterisation data of the measuring equipment according to the identifier; (d) transmitting, to the measuring equipment, a third data packet 230 comprising said parameterisation data; and (e) at the parameterised measuring equipment, quantifying the sporting activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Olivier Thomas, Sebastien Brulais, Herve Dang, Laurent Freytrich, Jean-Philippe Gros, Jerome Paulet, Prince Arnaud Ramahefa-Andry
  • Patent number: 11400344
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a processor, a first display, a deck, and a belt rotatable about the deck. The machine also includes a sensor operably connected to the processor and configured to detect a first performance parameter of a first user running on the belt of the exercise machine. The processor is configured to receive information indicative of a second performance parameter of a second user, the second performance parameter being detected at an additional exercise machine during display of the at least part of the exercise class on a display associated with the additional exercise machine. The processor is also configured to cause the second performance parameter to be displayed on the first display together with the first performance parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Peloton Interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: John Foley, Thomas Cortese, Yu Feng, Hisao Kushi, Maureen C. Coiro, Anthony Moschella, Jason Poure, Joseph Intonato
  • Patent number: 11386604
    Abstract: In some implementations, a method is performed by a device including a non-transitory memory and one or more processors coupled with the non-transitory memory. In some implementations, the method includes obtaining user movement information. In some implementations, the user movement information characterizes a first body pose of the user at a first time and a second body pose of the user at a second time. In some implementations, the method includes determining whether a transition from the first body pose to the second body pose satisfies an acceptability threshold. In some implementations, the method includes in response to determining that the transition from the first body pose to the second body pose satisfies the acceptability threshold, generating a sequence of movements for a synthesized reality (SR) representation of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Ian M. Richter, Cameron J. Dunn, John C. Russell
  • Patent number: 11373484
    Abstract: A gaming system may include a gaming machine having a monetary input device, a wager input device, and a processor. The processor may establish a credit balance based on the monetary value, decrease the credit balance by the selected wager, and present the wagering game at an interface. A game server may transmit content for the wagering game to the gaming machine. The game server may determine prize payouts during game play by detecting sporting event outcomes occurring during live sporting games. Each detected sporting event outcome may correspond to a previously determined prize value. The prize values may be determined based on a data analysis of the probable occurrence of each sporting event outcome in previously completed sporting events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventors: Roman Czubak, Johann F. Graf
  • Patent number: 11331588
    Abstract: An example virtual reality headset stand includes a base, a stem, and a docking station. The stem, which extends from the base, is angled toward the base. The docking station, which is attached to the stem, is angled away from the stem. The docking station is contoured to hold a virtual reality headset. The docking station includes a lip connected to the stem, a body portion connected to the lip, and a clip connected to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Horii, Kevin Smathers, Ian N. Robinson, Alex Thayer
  • Patent number: 11331538
    Abstract: An interactive exercise system includes an exercise machine having a display able to present videos, a three-dimensional camera system, and local processing system able to provide pose estimation based on data from the three-dimensional camera system. The system also includes a communication module for connection to a cloud processing system, with the cloud processing system supporting exercise related analytics including those based on pose estimation provided by the local processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Interactive Strength, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent Ward, Gregor Angus Berkowitz, Martha Deery, Yves Albert Behar
  • Patent number: 11314321
    Abstract: One disclosed example provides a head-mounted device configured to control a plurality of light sources of a handheld object and acquire image data comprising a sequence of environmental tracking exposures in which the plurality of light sources are controlled to have a lower integrated intensity and handheld object tracking exposures in which the plurality of light sources are controlled to have a higher integrated intensity. The instructions are further executable to detect, via an environmental tracking exposure, one or more features of the surrounding environment, determine a pose of the head-mounted device based upon the one or more features of the surrounding environment detected, detect via a handheld object tracking exposure the plurality of light sources of the handheld object, determine a pose of the handheld object relative to the head-mounted device based upon the plurality of light sources detected, and output the pose of the handheld object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Drew Steedly, Michael Edward Samples, Alexandru Octavian Balan, William Douglas Guyman, Vuk Jovanovic, Taras Khapko, Ivan Razumenic, Vladimir Carapic, Martin Thomas Shetter, Jelena Mojasevic, Andrew C. Goris, Marko Bezulj
  • Patent number: 11301045
    Abstract: A measurement system includes a motion capture system comprising at least one motion capture device configured to detect the motion of one or more body portions of a system user and generate output data; a sensory output device, the sensory output device configured to generate sensory feedback for delivery to the system user; and at least one data processing device operatively coupled to the motion capture system and the sensory output device, the at least one data processing device further configured to determine, by utilizing a trained neural network, one or more poses and/or movements of the one or more body portions of the system user from the motion capture output data, and to provide sensory feedback to the system user, by means of the sensory output device, as to conformity of the one or more poses and/or movements to one or more reference poses and/or movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Jaswandi Tushar Pitale, Cameron Scott Hobson, Mohan Chandra Baro, Fernando Vanderlinde dos Santos
  • Patent number: 11298286
    Abstract: A rehabilitation system for robotized mobilization of a human glenohumeral joint of a patient. The rehabilitation system may include a limb gripping member and an actuating mechanism. The limb gripping member may be configured to receive an arm of a patient and secure the arm of the patient in a predetermined position. The actuating mechanism may be configured to urge a head of a humerus bone of the patient to glide along a first axis by applying a linear force to a proximal end of the humerus bone of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SINA ROBOTICS & MEDICAL INNOVATORS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Mohammad Hassan Azarsa, Alireza Mirbagheri, Azadeh Shadmehr, Noureddin Karimi
  • Patent number: 11273358
    Abstract: A method transmits audio signals to exercise machines of a training class including providing a control unit accessible to a trainer user managing a training class. Exercise machines operatively connect to the control unit by a data communication network. The exercise machines include a first group of exercise machines used in the training class. The control unit and each exercise machine of the first group establish a data communication channel for transmitting audio signals between the control unit and the first group of exercise machines. The control unit receives a first audio signal representative of a voice control by the trainer user and a second audio signal representative of a piece of music selected by the trainer user. The control unit sends the encoded first and second audio signals to all exercise machines of the first group of exercise machines by the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TECHNOGYM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marcello Tana, Pietrino Atzeni, Stefano Santilli, Mauro Fabbri
  • Patent number: 11266877
    Abstract: A knee rehabilitation system includes a plurality of compressible resistance members, a knee garment, and a resistance member receptacle. Each compressible resistance member in the plurality of compressible resistance members has (i) a same size and a shape as each other compressible resistance member in the plurality of compressible resistance members, and (ii) a compression resistance different from each other compressible resistance member in the plurality of compressible resistance members. The knee garment has a knee garment ventral portion and a knee garment dorsal portion. The resistance member receptacle is coupled to the knee garment dorsal portion, and the resistance member receptacle is sized to carry each compressible resistance member in the plurality of compressible resistance members, one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Matthew Gillis
  • Patent number: 11266876
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the technical problem of providing an ankle muscle resistance-training apparatus which induces an angle change of the ankle while the ankle is actively moving, and can improve strength of the ankle muscle by applying resistance force to the ankle movement. To this end, the ankle muscle resistance-training apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a support member; a first movement guiding shaft; an intermediate member; a second movement guiding shaft; a foot support; a first resistance force application part; and a second resistance force application part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: National Rehabilitation Center
    Inventors: Hogene Kim, Sang Woo Cho, Ji Eun Cho, Joon Ho Shin, Do Hoon Koo
  • Patent number: 11262850
    Abstract: Via no-handed inputs to a smartwatch, an end-user can initiate various smartwatch operations when either or both hands of the end-user are occupied. The smartwatch includes a suite of sensors for capturing inertial, acoustic, and optical data. The smartwatch also interfaces with a handheld mobile computing device and/or a shoe-mounted pedometry device to capture additional sensor data. A control engine executing on the smartwatch processes captured sensor data and identifies no-handed inputs performed by the end-user. The control engine maps these no-handed inputs to specific commands that can be executed on the smartwatch to initiate smartwatch operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Seongkook Heo, George Fitzmaurice, Benjamin Lafreniere, Tovi Grossman
  • Patent number: 11247126
    Abstract: In a virtual reality environment a user's movements are coupled, meaning the user cannot walk and look in different directions. Discloses are methods and systems for soft decoupling the movements of the user in a virtual reality environment, enabling the user to look and walk in different directions simulating real-world interactions. The soft decoupling is performed by receiving acceleration and orientation data from sensors attached to the user. A heading and a heading delta based on a ratio are calculated. The calculated heading and a velocity are translated into soft decoupling inputs for the virtual reality environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Virtuix Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Goetgeluk, Ronald Kurt Bender, James Douglas Shuffield
  • Patent number: 11226684
    Abstract: A finger-gesture detection device adapted for a control handle includes a grip portion. The finger-gesture detection device includes a first wearing portion, a plurality of second wearing portions, and a plurality of first sensors. The first wearing portion is adapted to detachably surround the grip portion of the control handle. When the grip portion connects the first wearing portion, the grip portion is positioned on one side of the first wearing portion. The second wearing portions are each independently connected to the first wearing portion. When a force is applied to one of the second wearing portions, the corresponding second wearing portion moves toward the grip portion. The first sensors are respectively disposed on the second wearing portions for detecting positions or movements of the second wearing portions relative to the grip portion. A control assembly and a correction method are also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Min Wu, Huan-Hsin Li, Li-Hsun Chang, Tian-Jia Hsieh, Tzu-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 11058960
    Abstract: An interactive modular sensor system for an indoor skydiving wind tunnel. The system comprises a plurality of nodes arranged around the flight chamber of the wind tunnel. The nodes have at least one sensor and at least one light source. The sensors are configured to detect user movement within the flight chamber. The light sources are configured to change appearance between at least two indicator states. A network connects the plurality of nodes. A program coordinates the activity of the nodes, whereby each of the nodes may be individually controlled. The program may include various modes with different user objectives and rules. Users are directed to perform or not perform actions by the light source indicator states of each node, and the sensor monitors for the occurrence of such actions. Information from multiple systems may be compiled in an inter-tunnel system. Other aspects of the system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: IFLY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: N. Alan Metni, Anthony Robert Gioia, Eric Travis Owens, Wade Austin Lewis, Justin Eugene Waldron, Casey Judson Gardiner
  • Patent number: 11058916
    Abstract: A trampoline comprises multiple movement sensors associated with one or more parts of the trampoline which move when the trampoline is bounced on by a user such as the trampoline mat, and an electrical wiring loom which connects to the movement sensors to a controller or a common connector at another end of the wiring loom. Various sensor mount and wiring loom options are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: TGOMA NZ LIMITED
    Inventors: Rhiannon Emrys McGrane, John Robert Howe, Neil Adrian Trimboy, Nigel James Sharplin, Steven Paul Morrison, Logan Alexander Stephens
  • Patent number: 11052288
    Abstract: A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject thereon, and one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly. In one or more embodiments, the one or more data processing devices are operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly, the one or more data processing devices configured to receive one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to a top surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject, and to convert the one or more signals into output forces and/or moments, the one or more data processing devices further configured to predict one or more balance parameters of the subject using a trained neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Jaswandi Tushar Pitale, Cameron Scott Hobson, Mohan Chandra Baro, Fernando Vanderlinde dos Santos
  • Patent number: 11040231
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic resistance training are provided that include the use of a dynamic force module. The dynamic force module includes an actuator and controller adapted to control the actuator according to a force profile that specifies the relationship between an operational parameter of the actuator and a measured parameter associated with a user performing an exercise. The dynamic force module is also capable of communicating with a broader network system to facilitate storing and distribution of force profiles and user profile information. The network system further includes features for, among other things, generating and managing force profiles, uploading multimedia content, and tracking user progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Arena Innovation Corp.
    Inventors: Zachary M. Rubin, Ilya Polyakov, Dan Hammer
  • Patent number: 11036293
    Abstract: Smart gloves and methods for using smart gloves are provided. In embodiments of the disclosure, gloves are integrated with a display and controls in such a way as to allow a user to access and/or manipulate the controls using the same hand on which the user wears the glove. A user can thus access and/or control the glove and the content or information embodied therein while also accomplishing other tasks with his or her hands. Embodiments also comprise touch- and/or force-sensitive sensors, e.g. resistive or capacitive sensors, integrated into the glove that the user can access and/or manipulate with one or more fingers, preferably the thumb, of the hand on which the user wears the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Flex Ltd.
    Inventors: Mukul Varma Penmatcha, Mesut Gorkem Eraslan
  • Patent number: 11020261
    Abstract: Exosuit systems and methods according to various embodiments are described herein. The exosuit system can be a suit that is worn by a wearer on the outside of his or her body. It may be worn under the wearer's normal clothing, over their clothing, between layers of clothing, or may be the wearer's primary clothing itself. The exosuit may be assistive, as it physically assists the wearer in performing particular activities, or can provide other functionality such as communication to the wearer through physical expressions to the body, engagement of the environment, or capturing of information from the wearer. One or more patch assemblies may be removably coupled to the exosuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SEISMIC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Melinda Cromie Lear, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Megan Grant, Nicole Ida Kernbaum, Richard Mahoney, Mallory L. Tayson-Frederick, Louis Calvin Fielding, Violet Riggs, Erik Shahoian, Mary Elizabeth Hogue
  • Patent number: 11020628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device including a communicator configured to communicate with an external apparatus that operates for a workout of a user; a display configured to display an image; and a controller configured to determine workout conditions of the user, and control the communicator to transmit a control signal to the external apparatus so that the display can display a corresponding image and the external apparatus can change the operation in accordance with the determined workout conditions of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: An-na Park, Byung-jun Son
  • Patent number: 11013951
    Abstract: A platform for enabling omnidirectional movement of an exercising machine is disclosed. The platform may comprise a hemispherical inner body comprising a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity may be used for accommodating an exercising machine into the hollow cavity. The exercising machine may be one of a treadmill, treadclimber, and bicycle. The platform may further comprise an outer body. The outer body may be rotatably engaged with the hemispherical inner body. The rotatable engagement may allow an omnidirectional movement of the hemispherical inner body in a horizontal plane and an inclination and declination of the exercising machine. The platform further comprises a communication unit. The communication unit may be connected with the hemispherical inner body for receiving user's inputs for movement. At least one of the hemispherical inner body and the exercising machine may move based on the user's inputs for movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 11013333
    Abstract: A wearable sitting posture assisting device includes at least one leg unit featuring at least one knee joint and featuring at least one locking unit for the knee joint; includes at least one second leg unit featuring at least one second knee joint and featuring at least one second locking unit; and includes at least one actuation unit featuring at least one manually operable actuation element for mechanically controlling the locking unit and/or the second locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: noonee AG
    Inventors: Keith Gunura, Daniel Vafi, Robin Jergen, Simon Hutter, Willy Huwyler
  • Patent number: 11007398
    Abstract: A cable-based exercise system. A chassis is provided to house the actuators. A force plate sits on top of this chassis. A bar configured for gripping by a user is provided. The bar has a first end and a second end. Two or more cables are connected to each end of the bar. Each cable connects an end of the bar to a drive motor. Each drive motor can be independently controlled. A central processor is preferably provided to receive sensory inputs and control the drive motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Neuhaus, Tyson Cobb, Jeremy Gines, Travis Craig
  • Patent number: 10994170
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a barbell spotting apparatus having all the benefits of a free-floating, unconstrained barbell in both the horizontal and vertical axes with the safety of a dedicated spotting mechanism, while addressing safety, noise, and space concerns raised by typical barbell apparatus. The embodiments herein permit a loaded barbell to be positioned in line with the axis of motion of the lift to be performed at both the beginning and end of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Bradley Davis
  • Patent number: 10990165
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for receiving, by a computing device, a total amount of time that a user wears a wearable device during one or more time periods. The total amount of time that the user wears the wearable device during the one or more time periods may be compared to a threshold amount of time for the one or more time periods. A remaining amount of time for the user to wear the wearable device during the one or more time periods may be displayed on a user interface based upon, at least in part, comparing the total amount of time that the user wears the wearable device during the one or more time periods to the threshold amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventors: Hadley Allen Robertson, Delaney Lee Robertson
  • Patent number: 10967272
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Willoughby H. Walling
  • Patent number: 10967931
    Abstract: To provide a brake controller and a brake system that appropriately brake a rotary body of a human-powered vehicle, a brake controller includes one or more processors configured to programmatically control a braking portion of a brake device so that the braking portion brakes a rotary body of the human-powered vehicle based on first information related to travel of the human-powered vehicle, the first information excluding a road surface gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takafumi Nishino, Toshihiko Takahashi, Daisuke Nago, Hitoshi Takayama, Masahiro Nakakura
  • Patent number: 10967271
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Willoughby H. Walling
  • Patent number: 10945907
    Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus including a support link to be attached to a waist of a user, a thigh link connected to a first end of the support link, a knee link connected to a first end of the thigh link, a connecting link connected to a first end of the knee link, and selectively connected to a second end of the support link, and an actuator configured to rotate the knee link with respect to the thigh link is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youngjin Park, Jongwon Lee
  • Patent number: 10925796
    Abstract: A first exemplary aspect is a walking training apparatus including: an walking assistance apparatus attached to a lower limb of a trainee; at least one wire connected to the lower limb directly or through the walking assistance apparatus; a first wire winding mechanism configured to wind the wire for applying a pull-up force to the wire; a sensor for detecting displacement information according to a displacement of a position connected to the wire in a lateral direction; and a controller configured to control the first wire winding mechanism based on the displacement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daiki Fukunaga, Kanako Suzuki, Yu Sasaki, Uori Koike, Masatomo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10926135
    Abstract: A system and method for generating and implementing a barcode is provided, wherein the system includes a data generation device configured to receive data and generate barcode data response to the received data, a barcode generation device, configured to receive the barcode data and generate a barcode responsive to the received barcode data, a display device, configured to display the barcode and a barcode receiving device, configured to receive the barcode and operate in response to the barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Sean McKirdy
  • Patent number: 10926146
    Abstract: A training device for improving stick handling and maneuvering includes a base mountable to a playing surface, with at least one elongate member arranged on the base and rotatable thereabout, the elongate member extending substantially parallel to the playing surface, a motor house within the base and connected to the elongate member provides rotational movement to the elongate member, the elongate member defining at least two openings between the elongate member and the playing surface, wherein rotation of the at least one elongate member serves to rotate the at least two openings, to thereby dynamically change the orientation of and access to the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Olafson
  • Patent number: 10911744
    Abstract: A portable CAVE automatic virtual environment system. The system uses a light weight collapsible frame with an overhead beam that is raised and lowered via a lockable hinge on each of the vertical supports. Ultra-short throw projectors are attached to the overhead beam at its lowest position and are raised to their functional position where they are automatically configured to aim at one of the included screens. The projectors display imagery on the screens that form a space around the user. The system auto-calibrates to align the projected imagery to the screens to form a seamless display across all screens. The invention significantly decreases the time and labor to set up and calibrate a CAVE system and collapses into folded parts for easy transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Carolina Cruz Neira, Dirk Reiners
  • Patent number: 10882446
    Abstract: Disclosed is a graded early warning system for rollover of heavy-duty truck based on time-varying interactive Kalman filtering and early warning method thereof. The system includes an infrared speed measuring module, a gyroscope, a humidity signal acquisition sensor, a bluetooth data transmission module and a main control chip. The infrared speed measuring module, the gyroscope, the humidity signal acquisition sensor are respectively connected with input ends of the main control chip through control lines. A video output end of the main control chip is connected with a liquid crystal display through video signal line. The main control chip is wirelessly connected with a mobile phone through the bluetooth data transmission module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Henan Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Jingwei Guo, Lutian Li, Jiajun Zhan, Xin Qin, Zhongqi Xie, Haofei Guo, Fugen Lin, Chen Wang, Yi Cai, Yinan Chen, Shuang Ma, Yating Hu, Yanran Liu, Yaxing Zhai, Donghui Xie
  • Patent number: 10881894
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a barbell spotting apparatus having all the benefits of a free-floating, unconstrained barbell in both the horizontal and vertical axes with the safety of a dedicated spotting mechanism, while addressing safety, noise, and space concerns raised by typical barbell apparatus. The embodiments herein permit a loaded barbell to be positioned in line with the axis of motion of the lift to be performed at both the beginning and end of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Bradley Davis
  • Patent number: 10874893
    Abstract: A resistance system, which can be suitable for incorporation in exercise equipment, is a “hybrid” resistance assembly having at least a first and a second resistance unit. The first resistance unit can be of a first type and the second resistance unit can be of a second type. The first resistance unit can be an inertial resistance unit, which incorporates an inertial load that creates resistance influenced by the inertia of a movable mass, such as a rotatable flywheel. The second resistance unit can be a static or non-inertial resistance unit, such as a displacement resistance unit, which incorporates a load that creates resistance influenced by displacement (e.g., linear or rotational displacement) of an input to the displacement resistance unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Douglas John Habing
  • Patent number: 10864406
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a processor, a first display, a deck, and a belt rotatable about the deck. The machine also includes a sensor operably connected to the processor and configured to detect a first performance parameter of a first user running on the belt of the exercise machine. The processor is configured to receive information indicative of a second performance parameter of a second user, the second performance parameter being detected at an additional exercise machine during display of the at least part of the exercise class on a display associated with the additional exercise machine. The processor is also configured to cause the second performance parameter to be displayed on the first display together with the first performance parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Peloton Interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: John Foley, Thomas Cortese, Yu Feng, Hisao Kushi, Maureen Coiro, Anthony Moschella, Jason Poure, Joseph Intonato