Pair Of Legs Patents (Class 601/35)
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Patent number: 7811240Abstract: The invention provides a leg massage machine comprising recessed receiving portions and leg receiving portions which are made movable together rockingly for massaging the feet and calves of the user, respectively. The leg massage machine has recessed receiving portions (70) for inserting the respective feet of the user and leg receiving portions (74) for inserting the respective calves of the user, the recessed receiving portions (70) and the leg receiving portions (74) each having massage means on side walls and/or a bottom wall thereof. The massage machine has a base assembly (20) to be placed on the floor, and a reclining movable assembly (50) rockingly movable forward and rearward relative to the base assembly (20). The recessed receiving portions (70) and the leg receiving portions (74) are provided in the reclining movable assembly (50) and movable together rockingly.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Tatsuaki Yamamoto, Takashi Nakamura, Noriyuki Okada
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Publication number: 20100256538Abstract: A walking assistance device providing an assistance force to a user is provided. The device compensates for an influence of an inertial force of the device itself. An actuator drives leg joints such that a total sum of supporting forces acting on the leg links from a floor side is a target total lifting force. The total sum of supporting forces acting on leg links from a floor side in reaction to a vertical inertial force generated in the device due to a motion of the device and the gravity acting on the device is estimated as a force which compensates for the self weight of the device. The total sum of a target value of a lifting force to be applied to the user and the estimated value of the force which compensates for the self weight of the device is defined as a target total lifting force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Ikeuchi
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Publication number: 20100249674Abstract: A walking trainer having at least one orthotic, with holding devices for the foot or leg area of a user, which is moved along a preset motion track to execute a natural walking movement. Devices in the form of rolling or gliding means are provided on the underside of the orthotic for allowing the orthotic to glide on a surface below the walking trainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Willi Schonenberger
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Publication number: 20100234777Abstract: A motion assist device for assisting a periodical motion of a creature such as a human by applying a force with appropriate strength to the creature so as to match a motion scale with a desired motion scale thereof regardless of a motion rhythm of the periodical motion. According to the motion assist device (1), a second model is corrected so as to approximate a value of a motion variable (?) to a desired value (?0). A second oscillator (?2) is generated according to the corrected second model. A periodical force (torque) (T) applied to the human (P) is controlled according to the second oscillator (?2).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Ken Yasuhara, Kei Shimada, Yosuke Endo
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Patent number: 7785279Abstract: A wearable action-assist device which assists or executes an action of a wearer by substituting for the wearer is provided with an action-assist tool 2 having an actuator 201 which gives power to the wearer 1, a biosignal sensor 221 which detects a wearer's biosignal, a biosignal processing unit 3 which acquires from a biosignal “a” detected by the biosignal sensor a nerve transfer signal “b” for operating a wearer's muscular line skeletal system, and a myoelectricity signal “c” accompanied with a wearer's muscular line activity, an optional control unit 4 which generates a command signal “d” for causing the actuator 201 to generate power according to the wearer's intention using the nerve transfer signal “b” and the myoelectricity signal “c” acquired by the biosignal processing unit 3, and a driving current generating unit 5 which generates a current according to the nerve transfer signal b and a current according to the myoelectricity signal “c”, respectively, based on the command signal “d” generated by thType: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: University of TsukubaInventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
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Patent number: 7771373Abstract: A control device and a control program of a walking assisting device, wherein a desired assist ratio, which is a desired value of the ratio of a force to be supplied by a walking assisting device in a total tread force of a user relative to the total tread forces is set, the shares of a lifting force to be applied to the user from a seating part which are to be borne by the leg links are determined from the desire assist ratio and the tread forces of the legs of the user measured on the basis of outputs of force sensors, and actuators of the leg links are controlled such that the determined shares of the lifting force are generated from the leg links. Thus, a force required for the user to support himself/herself by his/her legs on a floor can be reduced while reducing the number of parts to be attached to each leg of the user, and an assisting force for achieving such reductions can be properly shared between the leg links corresponding to the legs of the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ido, Yasushi Ikeuchi
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Publication number: 20100152630Abstract: A walking assistance device is capable of preventing a load transmit portion thereof from falling due to gravity when the operation of an actuator of the walking assistance device is stopped. A leg link is provided with an elastic member that imparts, to a third joint, an urging torque for restraining the flexion degree of the leg link from changing from a predetermined first flexion degree due to the gravity acting on the walking assistance device in a reference state wherein a foot-worn portion connected to the load transmit portion through the leg link is in contact with a ground and the flexion degree of the leg link the third joint is the first flexion degree.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshihisa Matsuoka, Yasushi Ikeuchi
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Patent number: 7727121Abstract: A stepping and waist-twisting exerciser includes a base frame with a central post near the middle part thereof. A lateral bevel gear coupled to a handlebar transmission shaft is positioned on the central post for imparting a left-and-right swing motion to a handlebar. Two longitudinal bevel gears facing to each other are rotatably disposed at the top of the central post by use of a mounting shaft 20 and engaged with the lateral bevel gear. Moreover, two rear parallel connecting rods movably attached to two coupling footboards, respectively, are connected with the longitudinal bevel gears to ensure a coordinated movement. In stepping on any one of the coupling footboards, the corresponding longitudinal bevel gear below will be rotated such that the lateral bevel gear is brought in rotation in opposite direction. In this way, an expected rotation is imparted to the handlebar. Besides, the movement of the longitudinal bevel gears enables an in-place rotation of the two corresponding coupling footboards.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Leao Wang
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Publication number: 20100113989Abstract: A walking assistance device has a drive mechanism for driving a third joint of a leg link of the walking assistance device, the drive mechanism including a crank arm secured to a lower link member and a linear-motion actuator which has a linear-motion output shaft connected to the crank arm. The angle formed by a straight line connecting a joint axis of the third joint and a connecting portion of the linear-motion output shaft relative to the crank arm and a straight line which passes the connecting portion and which is parallel to the axial center of the linear-motion output shaft changes from an angle closer to the straight angle toward an angle closer to the right angle as the flexion degree of the leg link is increased from a flexion degree corresponding to a state wherein a user is in an upright posture.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshihisa Matsuoka, Yasushi Ikeuchi, Yutaka Hiki
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Publication number: 20100094182Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Tatsuya Noda
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Patent number: 7695416Abstract: A device for increasing the range of motion of a patient's knee joint generally includes a frame, a lever member pivotally coupled to the frame at a first location, and an actuator pivotally coupled to the frame at a second location. The frame supports the patient in a manner that allows motion of the patient's knee joint, and the lever member bears against a portion of the patient's body below the knee joint. The actuator is also pivotally coupled to the lever member. When operated by a controller, the actuator generates a translational input that rotates the lever member relative to the frame and thereby stretches the patient's knee joint in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventor: Jay John Weiner
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Publication number: 20100063424Abstract: A walking assistance device having a seating member (1) on which a user (P) can sit astride, and support members (2L, 2R) which support the seating member (1). The seating member (1) has a backward movement prevention section (1b) for preventing the seating member (1) from being displaced backward relative to the user (P) sitting on the seating member (1). The backward movement prevention section (1b) is constructed so as to be in contact with an inguinal part (Q) of the user (P). The arrangement restrains backward dislocation of the seating member (1) relative to the user (P), thus permitting improved stability when the user is seated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Kudoh, Yasushi Ikeuchi
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Patent number: 7650204Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling a human-exoskeleton system including an ankle-foot orthosis by receiving system parameters for the human-exoskeleton system, receiving generalized coordinates such as an orientation of the foot, and determining a joint torque for controlling the ankle-foot orthosis to compensate for one or more components of forces acting on the foot. Forces selected for compensation include gravitational forces as well as external forces such as ground reaction forces. Techniques are provided for determining an ankle joint torque for partial or complete compensation of forces acting on the foot about an axis of rotation. The provided techniques mitigate the amount of interference between voluntary control and assist control, thereby allowing humans to quickly humans adapt to an exoskeleton system.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Behzad Dariush
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Patent number: 7632240Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising two table-like supporting plates, which serve as operating and functional units. The supporting plates each have a longitudinal and transversal extension, are arranged parallel to one another in a frame that can be immobilized in a fixed manner, and are each mounted so that they can spatially move with three-dimensional degrees of freedom that are independent of one another. In addition, a motor-operated drive is provided that can set the supporting plates in oscillatory motion at least in a one-dimensional direction and independent of one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Romert GmbHInventors: Dietmar Schmidtbleicher, Christian Haas, Peter Kühn, Wolfgang Häussel, Georg Disch
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Publication number: 20090275867Abstract: A pelvic support unit is coupled to a base by a powered vertical force actuator mechanism. A torso support unit, which is affixed to the patient independently of the pelvic support unit, is connected to the base by one or more powered articulations which are actuable around respective axes of motion. Sensors sense the linear and angular displacement of the pelvic support unit and the torso support unit. A control unit is coupled to these sensors and, responsive to signals from them, selectively control the displacement actuator and articulation(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Rehabilitation Institute of ChicagoInventors: Julio SANTOS-MUNNE, Alex Makhlin, Ela Lewis, Michael Peshkin, David A. Brown, J. Edward Colgate, James L. Patton, Benjamin L. Rush, Doug Schwandt
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Patent number: 7591795Abstract: A system is provided by applying pressure to a portion of a body of an individual in a chamber having an aperture along a vertical axis for receiving the portion of the body of the individual. A pressure sensor is coupled to the chamber for measuring a pressure inside the chamber. A negative feedback control system, calibrates, adjusts and maintains the pressure inside the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: AlterG, Inc.Inventors: Sean Tremaine Whalen, Silas Boyd-Wickizer
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Patent number: 7556593Abstract: An inferior limb muscle force training apparatus is provided with a supporting strut standing vertically, a seat body provided so as to be capable of ascending/descending along the supporting strut, and a weight balancing mechanism which applies a lift force to the seat body, wherein the seat body is provided with a saddle type seat portion and a pair of shoulder pads, and the weight balancing mechanism is constituted to be capable of adjusting a lift force applied to the seat body properly by winding ropes on pulleys provided on an upper portion of the supporting strut, linking one ends of the ropes to the seat body, and linking the other ends thereof to a weight placing stand provided on a back side of the supporting strut so as to be capable of ascending and descending.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Inventor: Hidefumi Sato
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Patent number: 7537573Abstract: A method for controlling movement using an active powered device including an actuator, joint position sensor, muscle stress sensor, and control system. The device provides primarily muscle support although it is capable of additionally providing joint support (hence the name “active muscle assistance device”). The device is designed for operation in several modes to provide either assistance or resistance to a muscle for the purpose of enhancing mobility, preventing injury, or building muscle strength. The device is designed to operate autonomously or coupled with other like device(s) to provide simultaneous assistance or resistance to multiple muscles.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Tibion CorporationInventor: Robert W. Horst
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Publication number: 20080249438Abstract: Gait training apparatus and method for use thereof for providing leg swing assistance to a patient. The apparatus comprises a support structure and one or more leg orthoses attached to the support structure, each leg orthosis comprising a thigh member attached to the support structure at a hip joint, and a shank member attached to the thigh member at a knee joint. Both members have respective connectors for securing them to the corresponding body parts of the patient. The hip joint and knee joint are each biased by biasing members. The support structure may comprise a frame defining a patient activity region, including a base, a back support, a pair of support handles, and a weight support member mounted above the activity region. A method of using the device comprises selecting parameters for the biasing members using information about the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: University of DelawareInventors: Sunil Agrawal, Kalyan K. Mankala, Sai Banala
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Publication number: 20080234608Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the load applied to the wearer by correcting a parameter in correspondence with detectivity of biosignals. [Means to Solve Problem] The calibration controlling part 162 of the movement assisting apparatus 10 enables the power amplifying part 158 to apply a driving force of the driving source 140 as a load (input torque) from the load generating part 164 to the wearer 12 when the wearer 12 wears the movement assisting wearing device. Then, the wearer 12 applied with the driving force of the driving source 140 generates power from the skeletal muscles by performing a predetermined calibration operation. Accordingly, the physical phenomenon detecting part 142 detects joint angle along with the calibration operation, and the biosignal detecting part 144 detects myoelectric signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
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Patent number: 7422549Abstract: An easily-assembled bicycle for use by bed-ridden persons is provided. In an embodiment, the present invention is capable of being used in conjunction with both adjustable and non-adjustable beds or other person support. The present invention allows for hand or leg exercises or simultaneous hand and leg exercising (pedaling). In an embodiment, the bicycle includes an anchoring base unit, a top-side unit, a foot-pedal unit and a hand-pedal unit. Use of the present invention allows bed-ridden persons to exercise without depending on health-care workers and helps avoid the serious negative health consequences associated with lack of physical exercise (e.g., loss of muscle strength, calcium depletion, pulmonary embolism and bed sores).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventor: George J. Matthews
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Patent number: 7413553Abstract: An exercising apparatus includes a base, two supporting brackets, a driving assembly, a pedal assembly and a case. The supporting brackets are mounted on the base. The driving assembly includes a motor, an eccentric wheel and a lifting bracket. The motor has a motor shaft. The eccentric wheel is mounted eccentrically on the motor shaft. The lifting bracket has a wheel slot and two pivoting brackets. The wheel slot is defined through the lifting bracket and engages the eccentric wheel. The pivoting brackets are formed near two ends of the lifting bracket. The pedal assembly includes two pedals and two pedal pads. The pedals are mounted respectively and pivotally on the supporting brackets and the pivoting brackets of the lifting bracket. The pedal pads are mounted respectively on the pedals. The case is mounted on the base and has two openings corresponding to the pedal pads.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventor: Chin-Te Chen
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Patent number: 7390309Abstract: A method for obtaining an assist torque to be applied to a human joint, in a human assist system in order to reduce the load on muscles, according to the present invention comprises the step of obtaining a moment due to gravity, acting on a joint of each human segment, based on equations of force and moment balance on each segment. The method further comprises the step of obtaining an assist torque to be applied to the joint to compensate for the moment due to gravity, acting on the joint. In one embodiment of the present invention, various criteria are used such as mechanical energy, metabolic energy and/or a stability/equilibrium factor. In addition, the present invention can account for the situation where there is substantially no relative motion between segments of a given joint and thus, where the mechanical energy component of gravity compensation is approximately zero.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Behzad Dariush
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Patent number: 7341565Abstract: A passive motion exercise and/or treatment apparatus is provided which includes a main support assembly for supporting at least the head and torso of a user. The main assembly includes three support members which, in one mode of operation, are disposed in a common plane. The second and third members are movably connected to the first member, which is a backrest support member, and are movable relative thereto so as to respectively provide passive movement of both the head and, and the lumbar region, of a user. Cervical side bending and rotational movements and lumbar side bending and rotational movements can all be provided. A separable leg support assembly is adjustable to support the calves of the user in a plane elevated with respect to the common plane while the apparatus provides the aforementioned passive body movements.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Suncepts, Inc.Inventors: Robson L. Splane, Jr., John R. Santarsiero, Jr.
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Patent number: 7235039Abstract: A full body stretching assist device includes a base, a central support shaft mounted on the base, left and right arm support stretching sections extending outwards therefrom, and left and right leg support stretching sections. The left and right arm support stretching sections each include a shoulder multi-axis joint and an elbow hinge joint, while the left and right leg support stretching sections each include a hip multi-axis joint and a knee hinge. Powered movement devices such as pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical or other such actuating devices are operatively connected to the left and right arm support stretching sections and the left and right leg support stretching sections for alternatively extending, retracting and pivoting them in response to computer commands from a computing device, thus causing controlled movement to stretch and move arm and leg limbs being supported therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventor: Douglas H. Anders
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Patent number: 7217247Abstract: A method for obtaining an assist torque to be applied to a human joint, in a human assist system for applying an assist torque to the human joint to reduce load of muscles, and the human assist system are provided. The method comprises the step of obtaining a moment due to gravity, acting on a joint of each human segment, based on equations of force and moment balance on each segment. The method further comprises the step of obtaining an assist torque to be applied to the joint to compensate for the moment due to gravity, acting on the joint. The human assist system comprises a motor for delivering an assist torque to a joint and a motor driver for driving control of the motor. The system further comprises a controller for determining a desired value of an assist torque, comprising a processor and a memory.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Behzad Dariush, Yasushi Ikeuchi, Masakazu Kawai
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Patent number: 7179236Abstract: A system is provided for persons who must remain seated for extended periods of time, such as persons working in offices and the like. The system includes one or two support surfaces for the feet of the user, which are moved by a motor driven base. The support surfaces perform an alternating longitudinal movement, a lifting and lowering movement or a movement combining the two movements. The support surfaces are moved by, in one example, support rods hingedly connected to a central point of the support surfaces and at the other end to eccentric pivots allocated to respective toothed wheels which are mounted so at to rotate about their respective axis. An intermediate motor-driven pinion conveys rotational movement in the opposite direction to the wheels and are placed between the wheels. The support surfaces may be a bar that is transverse relative to the motor-driven base, which is preferably used in mass transit vehicles such as motor coaches, airplanes, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: José Luis Galvez Campos
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Patent number: 7179237Abstract: A device for preventing or relieving pain in the lower back of a human subject includes a body-engaging element configured for engaging a region of the subject's body inferior to the lumbar vertebrae while the subject lies in a supine position. A drive mechanism is configured to move the body-engaging element through a repetitive cyclic motion which includes an operative motion along a first path including a primarily vertical lifting motion followed by a primarily horizontal tensioning motion, and a return motion along a second path, the second path lying generally below the first path. The body-engaging element preferably includes at least one surface configured for engaging a rear surface of both of the subject's legs from the knees downwards.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Backlife Ltd.Inventor: Ori Elan
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Patent number: 7137959Abstract: Walking motion apparatus and methods for use thereof are provided for enabling paraplegic, quadriplegic, brain injured and various other handicapped patients to implement a natural walking motion while either supporting no weight, or alternately, a selected portion of their weight.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: RLE CorporationInventor: Edward H. Phillips
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Patent number: 7125388Abstract: A method and a robotic device for locomotion training. The method involves shifting a subject's pelvis without directly contacting the subject's leg, thereby causing the subject's legs to move along a moveable surface. The device comprises two backdriveable robots, each having three pneumatic cylinders that connect to each other at their rod ends for attachment to the subject's torso. Also provided is a method of determining a locomotion training strategy for a pelvic-shifting robot by incorporating dynamic motion optimization.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: David J. Reinkensmeyer, Susan J. Harkema, V. Reggie Edgerton, James Bobrow, Chia Yu Wang
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Patent number: 7083601Abstract: A manual and automatic fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery is disclosed. The system includes a manual mode along with several automatic modes which can effectuate both suction and irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic modes, the suction and/or irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for laser surgery or electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventor: loan Cosmescu
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Patent number: 7066897Abstract: A pad assembly includes an air-filled base having an air-filled first bladder and an air-filled second bladder connected to a top of the base. A first liquid-filled part is rested in a recessed area in the first bladder and a second liquid-filled part is rested in a recessed area in the second bladder. The first part and the second part respectively support a user's body and hip. The base is supported on a frame and a swinging exerciser is put on the frame so that the user lies on the bladders and the feet is rested on the swinging exerciser.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Chin-Hsin Huang
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Patent number: 7066896Abstract: Apparatus and method for developing ability in the neuromuscular system of a user coupled, at coupling sites adjacent selected musculature, to anthropomorphic members of the apparatus by moving the anthropomorphic members through repetitive cycles such that during each cycle a force exerted by the user on the anthropomorphic members, along predetermined prescribed paths of movement through a prescribed range of motion at a predetermined speed of motion, with the paths of movement, the range of motion and the speed of motion unaltered by the user, and with an applied force transmitted by the anthropomorphic members to the selected musculature at the coupling sites, while varying the applied force in response to variations in the further force so as to develop an ability in the neuromuscular system associated with the selected musculature.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Daniel R. Kiselik
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Patent number: 7041069Abstract: A powered gait orthosis is provided for exercising the legs of a patient, and includes a treadmill for acting on the feet of the patient and a pair of gait simulation assemblies disposed adjacent to the treadmill. Each gait simulation assembly includes a support arm including pivotally movable first and second depending arms, which further include drive means for movement thereof about first and second horizontal axis. The device further includes first and second attachment means on the first and second depending arms, for attachment to a patient's thigh and ankle, respectively. A lifting means including a drive means is supported in a vertically extending tower, which houses a gait simulation assembly. The lifting means lifts and holds a patient on the treadmill. Control means is provided to operate the depending arms in a controlled manner to cause the legs of the patient to move in a desired gait.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Health South CorporationInventor: R. Gary West
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Patent number: 6984197Abstract: An exercise apparatus for applying desired stretch exercises while a user is sitting down on a chair or laying on his back. The exercise apparatus includes a portable frame, a leg supporting bag for fixedly supporting the legs of the user in the frame, and a sole pressing bag for pressing the soles of the user in the direction stretching the Achilles tendons. When the legs are fixed by the leg supporting bag, the soles of the user are pressed by inflating bags formed in the frame to stretch the Achilles tendons. The user can enjoy desired degrees of stretch exercises as well as massage on his legs.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Skylite CorporationInventors: Toshihide Sugiyama, Shuzo Ishihara
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Patent number: 6932778Abstract: A pair of supports for the legs of the user. The supports being movable so that they approach and move away from each other, and the supports being associated with a driving device. The supports are padded and mounted on a height-adjustable plate The driving device includes a motor, the shaft of which is associated with the supports by a pair of connecting rods or a connecting rod and crank mechanism, so that operation of the motor causes joint movement of the supports, which move away from and approach each other alternately. This permits a relaxation movement to be carried out without the intervention of any person.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Jean-Claude Hirt
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Publication number: 20040210168Abstract: A lower limb function training device which the patient themselves can use safely with no sense of fear, which is used to prevent or improve a drop foot contracture or to expand the excursion of a joint while preventing the patient from using it over an appropriate amount of exercise to the utmost, which allows the patient to select the type of exercise, and which enables measurement of state of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Shigeo Takizawa, Kyoko Takizawa
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Publication number: 20040158175Abstract: Through the construction of a system capable of suitably assisting the motion of a connected body connected through joints, such as a leg of a walker, according to the various motional conditions of the connected body, a system is provided that is capable of imparting a suitable torque to the connected body according to the motional situation of the connected body at the time of various turns including the bending of the joints. The torque imparting system comprises a first measuring means 6, a second measuring means 7, a reference work volume determining means 8, and an external torque determining means 10. The first measuring means 6 measures the internal work volume w1 of the around-joint leg (the connected body). The second measuring means 7 measures an external work volume w2 around a joint imparted to the leg. The reference work volume determining means 8 determines a reference work volume w0 on the basis of the internal work volume w1 of the leg measured by the first measuring means 6.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Yasushi Ikeuchi, Hisashi Katoh, Takashi Hirata
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Patent number: 6770040Abstract: Rehabilitation device for persons with paresis of lower limbs enabling them to walk, comprising rocking elements having at their lower part foot elements with platforms for user's feet, said rocking elements being connected, at their upper part by a frame constituting a jacket.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventors: Barbara Perner, Grzegorz Kordyl, Michal Kenner
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Publication number: 20040143198Abstract: A support structure supports powered lifting means for lifting a patient from a wheelchair and moving the patient over a powered treadmill where the patient is lowered onto the treadmill. A control panel with a mirror thereon is supported at one end of the support structure, and a touch screen data entry/display device is supported by the panel. Two similar housings are disposed at opposite sides of the treadmill. Each housing pivotally supports a support arm which can swing away from the treadmill to facilitate access to the treadmill. Each support arm pivotally supports a first depending arm, and a second depending arm is pivotally supported therefrom. A pair of servo motors are supported by each support arm and are drivingly connected to the first and second depending arms to independently move the depending arms about the pivot axes thereof. A first attachment cuff is connected to the first depending arm for attachment to a patient's leg just above the knee.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2004Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: R. Gary West
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Publication number: 20040116839Abstract: A gait training apparatus is provided, and includes a frame, and two robotic limb movement assemblies that are connected to the frame. Each of the limb movement assemblies is adapted to receive a leg of a patient, and comprises a plurality of sections, each of which is provided with devices to move that portion of a patient's leg that is received therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: New Mexico Technical Research FoundationInventor: Thompson Sarkodie-Gyan
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Publication number: 20040102724Abstract: Characterised in that it includes a pair of supports (4) for the legs of the user, said supports (4) being movable so that they approach and move away from each other, and said supports (4) being associated with driving means. Said supports (4) are padded and mounted on a height-adjustable plate (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Jean-Claude Hirt
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Publication number: 20040102723Abstract: A method for controlling movement using an active powered device including an actuator, joint position sensor, muscle stress sensor, and control system. The device provides primarily muscle support although it is capable of additionally providing joint support (hence the name “active muscle assistance device”). The device is designed for operation in several modes to provide either assistance or resistance to a muscle for the purpose of enhancing mobility, preventing injury, or building muscle strength. The device is designed to operate autonomously or coupled with other like device(s) to provide simultaneous assistance or resistance to multiple muscles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Robert W. Horst
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Publication number: 20040082887Abstract: A pad assembly includes an air-filled base having an air-filled first bladder and an air-filled second bladder connected to a top of the base. A first liquid-filled part is rested in a recessed area in the first bladder and a second liquid-filled part is rested in a recessed area in the second bladder. The first part and the second part respectively support a user's body and hip. The base is supported on a frame and a swinging exerciser is put on the frame so that the user lies on the bladders and the feet is rested on the swinging exerciser.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Chin-Hsin Huang
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Publication number: 20040034314Abstract: An apparatus for preventing congestion comprises a seat body 1, air bags 5g and 5h for energizing muscles of the legs of an occupant seated on the seat body 1, air supply/ exhaust device 6 for expanding and shrinking the air bags 5g and 5h and a control circuit 8 for controlling the air supply / exhaust apparatus 6.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventor: Hiroaki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6685658Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus which actively moves the legs of a disabled person in a movement pattern that is similar to physiological walking. The inclination of the standing table can be adjusted between a horizontal and a vertical position as desired. The patient is fixed to the standing table by means of a belt gear. The aim of this kind of rehabilitating locomotion therapy is to activate the locomotion structures in the spinal cord in order to improve the muscular situation in a time optimal manner, to prevent the intensity of spasticity and to improve the circulatory conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Balgrist/Schweiz. ParaplegikerzentrumInventors: Volker Dietz, Gery Colombo, Rüdiger Rupp
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Patent number: 6635034Abstract: A manual and automatic fluid control system and method for use in open and laparoscopic laser surgery and electrosurgery is disclosed. The system includes a manual mode along with several automatic modes which can effectuate both suction and irrigation, either individually or simultaneously. In the various automatic modes, the suction and/or irrigation is automatically activated during activation of a medical apparatus for laser surgery or electrosurgery without requiring separate activation from the surgeon or operating room staff. Several safety features for monitoring the fluid control system are also incorporated within the system such as fluid sensors for detecting the absence of irrigation fluid, pressure sensors and vacuum systems for monitoring fluid pressure, fluid sensors for monitoring fluid volume, and warning signals for detecting empty containers.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Ioan Cosmescu
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Publication number: 20030135138Abstract: A transmission for a swing exerciser mainly has two ends of a link rod respectively and pivotally disposed onto a crank shaft and a rocking rod as well as a driving member composed by a motor and a variable speed gear for driving the crank shaft to rotate; when the crank shaft rotates, the crank shaft and the rocking rod drive the link rod to repetitively wind along an 8-shaped path thereby to allow the straddle seat thereon to make an user's leg portions swing left and right as well as lift up and down for exercising effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Jung-Chun Tseng
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Patent number: 6593710Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a movement device, which makes possible an improved conclusion concerning the cooperation of a person with impaired mobility during training. In a first solution, “active phases”, related to a side, represent a quantity, which corresponds to the time, to the path or to the angle of the active phases traversed. In a second solution, this procedure is related to the actuating elements, considered as a unit. In further parallel solutions, an evaluation takes place with regard to a first quantity, which represents the active phases, and a second quantity, which expresses the passive phases, and moreover for side-related and integral training, that is, training, in which the actuating elements are considered in totality.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Martin Reck
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Patent number: 6572568Abstract: Both feet independently supported and circularly rotating exerciser including a base seat, a driving motor, a pair of driven wheels, a transmission member, a pair of linking members and a pair of foot support members. When the driving wheel of the driving motor rotates, the transmission member is driven to make the pair of driven wheels rotate and further make the pair of linking members deflect and swing up and down. At this time, the foot support members move in a circular or substantially circular path to exercise both feet. The rotation mode of the exerciser can be changed to excerise both feet in different specific patterns.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Shun-Tsai Huang