Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying pressures and forces on a part of the skeleton such as the feet which relate to movements of the human or animal body, especially movements of the lower skeleton, e.g. foot, ankle, knee or hip; as well as to a method of displaying these movements based on the measured pressures and forces on the feet. The present invention also includes apparatus for displaying these pressures and forces and/or movements and software for use in the apparatus. In particular eversion or inversion motion of the foot is displayed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a footwear characteristic measuring system designed to determine measurements of a particular footwear wedge insert which may be used to encourage correct knee alignment in an article of footwear. The system includes a base, a stepped member, a platform, and an illumination system. The stepped member or piano hinge is positioned on the top surface of the base adjacent to or partially under the platform. The platform is disposed above the top surface of the base and connected on a first side to the base via a hinge. A second portion of the platform is positioned on top of a portion of the stepped member so as to form a particular angle with respect to the base depending on the height of the particular stepped member surface. The illumination system is oriented to transmit an illumination output upward or perpendicular to the top surface of the base.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and apparatus for measuring and analyzing leg effort. The apparatus includes a motorized treadmill secured to two superimposed upper and lower assemblies that are mounted in combination with measurement sensors. The apparatus may be used for analyzing the forces exerted while running, for example, by means of the lower assembly, or walking, by means of both the lower and upper assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring volume of a lower extremity includes a substantially elastic sock body with a leg end, a toe end, and a length between the leg end and the toe end. The sock body may be dimensioned to substantially snugly receive a lower extremity. A measurement thread is attached to the sock body in a manner that causes the measurement thread to wrap around the lower extremity in multiple coils along the length of the sock body. The apparatus also includes a measurement gauge that measures at least one attribute of the measurement thread that corresponds to sock volume. In one embodiment, the measurement thread is substantially inelastic and has a fixed end, and the measurement gauge measures length of the measurement thread between the fixed end and the measurement gauge. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a footwear characteristic measuring system designed to determine measurements of a particular footwear wedge insert which may be used to encourage correct knee alignment in an article of footwear. The system includes a base, a stepped member, a platform, and an illumination system. The stepped member or piano hinge is positioned on the top surface of the base adjacent to or partially under the platform. The platform is disposed above the top surface of the base and connected on a first side to the base via a hinge. A second portion of the platform is positioned on top of a portion of the stepped member so as to form a particular angle with respect to the base depending on the height of the particular stepped member surface. The illumination system is oriented to transmit an illumination output upward or perpendicular to the top surface of the base.

Abstract: Pressure sensing methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting and monitoring pressure in selectable areas of interest include a sensing system to determine in-sole foot pressure of a user in sports training and monitoring applications.

Abstract: A method for interpreting data representing forces and torques exerted by a right and left foot on a first and second plate treadmill to determine forces and torques exerted on the right and left foot over a specified period of time. A plurality of signals is preferably analyzed to produce data readings from the first and second plates to determine an occurrence of feet contact on the plates and feet departure from the plates. The data from the signals is then separated into a side A dataset and a side B dataset. Each of the datasets is then matched to one of the individual's feet. The resulting determination of forces and torques exerted on the feet provides a more complete analysis of an individual's progress during injury or rehabilitation.

Abstract: A console for measuring plantar foot pressure includes a support case and at least two temperature sensitive pads, disposed in the case, configured to allow a user to measure the temperature of the soles of their feet without assistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force evaluating device with which forces can be determined and evaluated in a time-resolved manner. It has at least three force inducers which are arranged in a plane and which are coupled to a support plate a person can walk on. The compressive force acting on the force inducers via the support plate can be detected in a time-resolved manner by means of the force inducers. The power spectrum of the forces is calculated from the detected measured values by means of an evaluation unit. Furthermore, the determined force/time relationship by time can be differentiated from which further characteristics of the acting forces can be determined. The areas of application of the invention are mainly the field of health care and the field of rehabilitation measures and the field of the objectification of the influence of alcohol and drugs on human reaction capabilities.

Abstract: A method for classifying foot types by measuring the position of the Rearfoot Supinatory End Range of Motion, the Rearfoot Pronatory End Range of Motion, the Forefoot Supinatory End Range of Motion and the Forefoot Pronatory End Range of Motion, and classifying the foot based on the results of these measurements is disclosed. Once a human foot is classified and typed according to the disclosed method, a treatment plan can be customized for the specific foot type. The treatment can include the use of pre-orthotic pads and orthotic inserts which are customized according to a patient's specific foot type.

Abstract: A method for assessing displacement of the talus relative to an axis of the foot and lower leg, which includes marking the anatomy of a test subject to enable tracking of the movement of the talus relative to the axis, and aligning the foot in a first position, and observing the displacement of the talus as indicated by the marking relative to the first position while allowing a displacement of the rear foot bone complex. Another embodiment includes a system for assessing pronation in a foot.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling therapy delivered in response to Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR) or other forms of periodic breathing in an effort to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary therapy directed toward preventing sleep interruption. Following each burst of respiration during CSR, a prediction is made as to whether the amount of respiration achieved during the burst will be sufficient to sustain the patient through a period of apnea until the next respiration burst. If not, aggressive therapy, such as aggressive diaphragmatic pacing, is delivered to improve respiration and prevent the imminent sleep interruption. If, however, the amount of respiration achieved during the burst appears to be sufficient to sustain the patient until the next respiration burst, then relatively mild therapy is instead delivered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing custom orthotics are described. Several embodiments of the system use sensor pads to obtain both static and dynamic three dimensional information concerning the shape or topography of the bottom surface of a patient's foot. The information is analyzed to obtain information useful in constructing a custom orthotic from a selection of basic orthotic shells. Once constructed, the orthotic can modify a patient's gait. One embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal including a sensor pad connected to a computer, a server configured to analyze three dimensional information acquired by the sensor pad, a manufacturing terminal configured to display the results of the server's analysis of the three dimensional information and a network that connects the user terminal to the server and the server to the manufacturing terminal.

Abstract: A goniometer (also sometimes referred to as an arthrometer, fleximeter, or pronometer) for measuring the range of motion of an animal knee includes an anchor platform to which an animal's upper leg (femur) may be affixed, and a mobile platform to which the animal's lower leg (shin and tibia) may be affixed so that the upper and lower leg are situated along a common axis. The mobile platform is preferably movable in two degrees of freedom (translational and rotational) about the anchor platform so that the relative motion of the platforms causes the upper and lower leg to move about the intermediate knee joint. A force transducer (such as a spring scale) and/or a torque transducer (such as a common torque wrench) may be used to obtain measurements of the laxity of the knee joint.

Abstract: A software system and apparatus for the collection of various measurements of the human body representing deviations from an ideal posture in several planes of motion relative to the body. A specially designed apparatus enables the correct measurements, while the software component performs an analysis of the measurements and recommends an exercise routine based on the severity of the deviations with respect to the planes of motion. The routine can be adjusted based on the flexibility and motivation of the patient as well as on the type of symptoms being experienced by the person. Additionally, physiologic factors are taken into account, such as the person's age and weight. The exercise routine is provided via a computer display, via email or via a web page available on the Internet, utilizing textual descriptions and visual and audio aids to describe the exercises.

Abstract: In order to avoid the use of a marking element on the pelvic bone in a method for determining the mechanical axis of a femur, with which the femur is moved about the hip joint, the movement of the femur is followed via a navigation system by means of a marking element on the femur, position data of the femur obtained therefrom are stored and the position of the mechanical axis of the femur is calculated relative to the same from the various position data of the femur in various positions, it is suggested that the femur be pivoted from an initial position only through a maximum pivoting angle of 15° in various directions and that the mechanical axis of the femur be calculated from the position data of the surface area thereby covered by the marking element and from the position data of the knee joint otherwise determined. In addition, a device for carrying out this method is described.

Abstract: Impression devices are provided for making an impression of a desired feature. The impression devices include: a flexible bladder having a cavity formed therein, the flexible bladder being capable of conforming to the details of the desired feature; a rheological material, such as a magnetorheological fluid, disposed in the cavity of the flexible bladder; and an activator for applying an external stimulus to the rheological material to change the state of the rheological material and thereby capture an impression of the desired feature.

Abstract: A device for providing assistance in measuring the size of the foot. The foot gauge has a foot support plate having a single graduated scale per foot; a transverse first bearing face for the heel; a longitudinal second bearing face for the inside of the foot; and a moving assembly comprising a “transverse” first abutment for coming into contact with the front end of the foot, at the toes, and a “longitudinal” second abutment for coming into contact with the outside of the foot, and a measurement identifier member the size on the graduated scale. The moving assembly moves in a rectilinear or curved direction that is oblique relative to the longitudinal second bearing face, e.g. at an angle a, in its rectilinear portion, that lies in the range of 13° to 20°, and is preferably equal to 14.3°.

Abstract: A device and a method that permit easy and accurate determination of a walking condition regardless of differences in foot landing points on soles or lengths of legs of a walker are provided. According to this device, a measuring device measures a parameter indicating a displacement amount of a bottom end portion of a leg of the walker. A first storage device stores patterns of plots in a determination space corresponding to parameters and walking conditions of the walker such that they are associated with each other. Furthermore, a generating device generates plots defined in the determination space by parameters measured by the measuring device. Then, a determining device determines walking conditions of the walker on the basis of the patterns of the plots stored in conjunction with the walking conditions by the first storage device and the patterns of the plots generated by the generating device.

Abstract: The Foot Reflector . . . for Your Health is a unique combination of three normally reflective mirrors, two magnification mirrors, and a leg support. The items are all attached to a structure, which allows the user to comfortably self-examine the entire area of the foot. This includes the toes and the area between them. The simplicity of the design, the low cost of manufacture, the ease of maintenance and use make it a device that could be readily available to anyone with a circulatory problem. The fact that four of the mirrors can be adjusted so that no part of the foot is missed during self-examination is unique to the Foot Reflector . . . for Your Health.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus which enables in-situ casts of the feet of a patient to be made whilst the feet support the patient's weight. In particular, two heel supports (28, 29) and two stirrups (38, 39) receive the heels and forefeet of the patient. Each is capable of independent movement being both rotation about the heel-toe axis and movement substantially transverse to that axis. A method of forming a cast of the patient's feet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement device with a support plate (1) mounted on measurement cells, and with a display device for displaying a force action line (7) for a person standing on bearing surfaces (10, 10?) of the support plate (1), permits monitoring of the force action line during a correction or optimization of the position of the person standing on the support plate (1) by virtue of the fact that lifting devices (9) are arranged underneath the bearing surfaces (10, 10?) and above the support plate (1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weight scale having a balance control system that detects unequal load distribution to the scale's load sensors and produces an output signal that enables the user to re-distribute weight until a predetermined level of balance is achieved. Various load sensors are positioned in an array within the scale and are in communication with a controller that receives signals from the sensors indicative of relative load applied to each. The controller generates a signal that is displayed or emitted to the user indicative of the position of the user's center of gravity relative to the sensors.

Abstract: A system for assisting shoe selection can select and present a shoe type that fits a customer by estimating the anatomical characteristics of a foot from the state of the foot. The system includes the following: a measured data input portion for measuring and inputting data that show the state of a foot of a person to be measured; a normalization processing portion for normalizing the data input from the measured data input portion and storing the normalized data at least temporarily; a shoe catalog database for storing information of a plurality of types of shoes; and a selection portion for estimating the anatomical characteristics of the foot of the person based on the normalized data, referring to the shoe catalog database based on the anatomical characteristics, and selecting and presenting a shoe type that fits the person.

Abstract: A system for pressure ulcer prophylaxis and treatment includes an annunciator which is attached to the outer face of the door or to the doorway of a patient's room and a bedside patient position sequence indicator. The annunciator includes a timing device with settable cycle duration and provides both visual and audible signals to indicate that a prescribed patient turning regimen cycle now requires repositioning of the patient. The annunciator generates a first signal when the cycle duration enters an expiry window and generates a different, intensified signal after the cycle has ended without being reset by a caregiver. The patient position sequence indicator includes a visual display which advises a caregiver of the position in which the patient was last placed and the next sequential position to which the patient is to be moved.

Abstract: A method comprises stocking a predetermined number of sets of foot orthotics, each set having a standard arch height that is unique for that set. An arch height of a sole of a foot is measured. Then, an orthotic is selected from the set for which the standard arch height most closely matches the measured arch height.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sock containing a coating applied to at least a portion of a surface of the sock for sensing pressure points on a patient's foot. The coating material comprises a pressure-sensitive film comprised of oxygen-sensitive photo luminescent probe molecules dispersed within a polymer matrix, and, optionally, an inorganic pigment. Areas of increased pressure can be detected by correspondence to areas on the film of increased fluorescence intensity. The coating material can also be comprised of a coloring agent or dye such that after the sock has been worn for a period of time, in those areas of the foot susceptible to pressure points, the coating material transfers from the interior of the sock and adheres to the foot in those points. The present invention is particularly applicable to persons having diabetic neuropathic feet wherein portions of the foot may be insensitive to pressure.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining the magnitude and distribution of forces on a foot during ambulation and utilizing this data in combination with a plurality of other factors to create an orthotic inlay with an automated inlay fabricating machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of assessing the amount of pronation of a foot. The device includes a marker applied to the talar-head region of the foot. As the foot displaces from a first, subtalar-joint-neutral position to a second, relaxed position, corresponding movement of the marker is observed. The amount of movement in the marker relates to the amount of pronation of the foot. An optional template aids observation of this movement. The method assesses pronation by observing the talar-head displace as the foot transitions from a subtalar-joint-neutral position to a relaxed position. Optionally, the method includes providing a marker and a template to aid observation.

Abstract: This invention provides a sock containing a coating material such as a coloring agent or dye, applied to at least a portion of the interior surface of the sock for sensing pressure points on a patient's foot to which the sock is fitted. The sock is placed on the patient's foot to cover preferably the entire foot, but at least the bottom portion thereof. The sock is removed after being worn for a period of time, and in those areas of the foot susceptible to pressure points, the coating material transfers from the interior of the sock and adheres to the foot in those points. The present invention is particularly applicable to a person having diabetic neuropathic feet wherein portions of the foot may be insensitive to pressure and therefore must be protected against pressure sores.

Abstract: A selectively lockable orthotic joint is provided that in one embodiment includes at least one pressure sensor and an electronic circuit associated with the pressure sensor for generating or providing a control signal indicative of pressure, force or other value sensed by the sensor. A mechanical orthotic joint is provided that has a locking mechanism that can be selectively locked and unlocked in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A method for dynamically analyzing an individual's foot during a stride of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical indicator plaster for the use in the early recognition of diabetic foot. An economical, powerful and easy-to-use agent is produced. The agent contains a pressure-proof spherical element and/or pressure indicator film integrated into the plaster.

Abstract: The present invention provides a footprint analyzer capable of recording walking exercise data, quantitatively grasp the situation of exercise, and applying the exercise data to diagnosing system by comparing them with past data.

Abstract: A medical footplate (10) is provided, having a first portion for contacting the heel of a foot of a patient, second portion (22) for contacting a front segment of the foot, and an intermediate third portion for contacting an arch of the foot. The third portion has a smaller width that the first and second portions. The foot plate is adapted to provided a sufficiently unstable support for the foot, to stimulate back and forth movement of the bare foot, in a sideways direction when the person tries to maintain his balance. The method is performed thereby that the person tries to stand on the plate supporting himself by that foot only.

Abstract: To make a foot orthotic device shaped to correct the plantar surface of a patient's foot from an appropriately shaped body, that body is made by taking measurements of various characteristics of the patient's foot directly from that foot, including measurements of various aspects of the patient's arch, generating a model of the plantar surface of the foot from these measurements, then modifying this model in accordance with a practitioner's corrective prescription, and using those modified measurements to control a shaping device such as a milling machine to produce on said body a three-dimensional surface constituting the desired corrected shape for the patient's plantar surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sock containing a coating applied to at least a portion of a surface of the sock for sensing pressure points on a patient's foot. The coating material comprises a pressure-sensitive film comprised of oxygen-sensitive photo luminescent probe molecules dispersed within a polymer matrix, and, optionally, an inorganic pigment. Areas of increased pressure can be detected by correspondence to areas on the film of increased fluorescence intensity. The coating material can also be comprised of a coloring agent or dye such that after the sock has been worn for a period of time, in those areas of the foot susceptible to pressure points, the coating material transfers from the interior of the sock and adheres to the foot in those points. The present invention is particularly applicable to persons having diabetic neuropathic feet wherein portions of the foot may be insensitive to pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a sock containing a coating material such as a coloring agent or dye, applied to at least a portion of the interior surface of the sock for sensing pressure points on a patient's foot to which the sock is fitted. The sock is placed on the patient's foot to cover preferably the entire foot, but at least the bottom portion thereof. The sock is removed after being worn for a period of time, and in those areas of the foot susceptible to pressure points, the coating material transfers from the interior of the sock and adheres to the foot in those points. The present invention is particularly applicable to a person having diabetic neuropathic feet wherein portions of the foot may be insensitive to pressure and therefore must be protected against pressure sores.

Abstract: A method for etiologic diagnosis of ascending postural disturbances and a therapeutic method for correction of such ascending postural disturbances, comprising the steps of: identifying the type of a patient's postural disturbance to ascertain whether it is of an ascending, descending or multiple type, by means of mechanical maneuvers each apt to inhibit a respective foot or cranial nervous input to the Central Nervous System; in case an ascending postural disturbance is identified, identifying the specific intrinsic muscle(s) of the foot sole responsible for such disturbance; and performing an exteroceptive, pressoceptive, proprioceptive and/or reflexogen stimulation of an insertion point of the intrinsic muscle(s) identified as responsible for the ascending postural disturbance.

Abstract: A portable intelligent stretching device for use by patients suffering from spastic and contractured joints and limbs. The intelligent stretching device has a motor and a motor shaft for rotating the joint or limb. The variable velocity and stretch distance of the device is determined by a torque sensor on the joint or limb that communicates information to a controller which subsequently instructs the motor as to the variable velocity and stretch distance.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: A selectively lockable orthotic joint is provided that in one embodiment includes at least one pressure sensor and an electronic circuit associated with the pressure sensor for generating or providing a control signal indicative of pressure, force or other value sensed by the sensor. A mechanical orthotic joint is provided that has a locking mechanism that can be selectively locked and unlocked in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A medical system, apparatus and method for monitoring and managing one or more ambulatory patients on a computer and allowing a caregiver to review the ambulatory patients' wellness parameters to provide treatment in accordance with the wellness parameters. The system, apparatus and method provides a patient monitoring apparatus having a first communication device associated therewith for monitoring a patient's wellness parameters. A central computer located remote from the monitoring apparatus and in communication therewith, the central computer having a second communication device associated therewith for communicating wellness parameters and treatment data over a communications link established between the central computer and the monitoring apparatus, the central computer being operated for querying the patient via the patient monitoring apparatus, receiving and processing measured wellness parameters from the monitoring apparatus and calculating a score according to the wellness parameters.

Abstract: A weighing machine useful for chiropractic and other medical treatment by accurately grasping the bias of the right and left, and front and rear weights of the person, and by recording momently changing center of the weight rested on right and left feet each, and center of the weight of the whole body. The weighing machine comprises two weighing device arranged right and left with a predetermined distance between them, and each weighing device is provided with a case body with a bottom plate, four weighing mechanisms arranged right and left, and back and forth on the bottom plate, means for positioning a person to be measured on the four weighing devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring items of vital health information including temperature of the plantar aspects of the foot of the human, body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose level and blood oxygen level. The apparatus includes a platform on which the user stands. Included on the platform are a set of heat sensitive signal generating devices. The temperature at predetermined locations on the plantar aspects of the human foot are determined by the signals obtained from the individual heat sensitive, signal generating probes. Other items of vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for quickly and accurately determining the size and shape of a human extremity such as a foot by projecting light around a periphery of the extremity and capturing an image of the illuminated foot through a transparent plate. Various embodiments contemplate using light having a wavelength in the near-infrared range to reduce contrast problems caused by dyes used in socks and skin tone problems created by highly pigmented individuals. An image of the foot is digitized and stored in a computer memory in both an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state, and the two images are subtracted. Additional image processing steps on the subtracted image result in various measurement quantities such as foot length, width, arch length, heel width, and arch height.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a foot measuring device that assists the practitioner in selecting the correct size casting plate for fitting a patient with an orthosis. It is designed to measure the distance between the patient's heel and the sulcus of his toes. By providing a more accurate measurement of a patient's foot through the heel to sulcus measurement, the fitting of a casting plate is more precise. An accurate fit provides proper biomechanical alignment, better positioning of the foot, and even pressure distribution of weight over the foot. Even pressure distribution promotes improved balance, stability, support and enhanced sensory feedback.

Abstract: An apparatus for assesing and measuring, in tee dimensions, foot and lower limb abnormalities for example as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a rear plate intended to support a rear part of a patient's foot, in use, the rear plate being pivotable in both the frontal and sagittal planes, and a front plate intended to support a front part of the patient's foot, the front plate being pivotable in the frontal plane independently of the rear plate.

Abstract: The virtual intelligence shoe with a podiatric analysis system provided with a portable pair of shoe-like body types thereof, into two of which a miniature electronic module and an enclosed sensor mat are permanently embedded in the shoe-like with a mechanical air package enclosing the electronic module to serve as a shock absorption. A miniature electronic module comprises a transmitting circuit with pressure resistance, shoe temperature and warning buzzer for full memory capacity, which receives the variable pressure and temperature voltage signals, convert them into resistance (ohm) and Celsius, respectively. The electrical signals can be emitted in an infrared light signal.