Pair Of Legs Patents (Class 601/35)
  • Patent number: 7811240
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Tatsuaki Yamamoto, Takashi Nakamura, Noriyuki Okada
  • Publication number: 20100256538
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20100249674
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Willi Schonenberger
  • Publication number: 20100234777
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken Yasuhara, Kei Shimada, Yosuke Endo
  • Patent number: 7785279
    Abstract: 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 th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: University of Tsukuba
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
  • Patent number: 7771373
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ido, Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20100152630
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Matsuoka, Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Patent number: 7727121
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Publication number: 20100113989
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Matsuoka, Yasushi Ikeuchi, Yutaka Hiki
  • Publication number: 20100094182
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Noda
  • Patent number: 7695416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Jay John Weiner
  • Publication number: 20100063424
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kudoh, Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Patent number: 7650204
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Behzad Dariush
  • Patent number: 7632240
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Romert GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Schmidtbleicher, Christian Haas, Peter Kühn, Wolfgang Häussel, Georg Disch
  • Publication number: 20090275867
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Julio SANTOS-MUNNE, Alex Makhlin, Ela Lewis, Michael Peshkin, David A. Brown, J. Edward Colgate, James L. Patton, Benjamin L. Rush, Doug Schwandt
  • Patent number: 7591795
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: AlterG, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Tremaine Whalen, Silas Boyd-Wickizer
  • Patent number: 7556593
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Hidefumi Sato
  • Patent number: 7537573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Tibion Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Horst
  • Publication number: 20080249438
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Sunil Agrawal, Kalyan K. Mankala, Sai Banala
  • Publication number: 20080234608
    Abstract: [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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
  • Patent number: 7422549
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: George J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7413553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Te Chen
  • Patent number: 7390309
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Behzad Dariush
  • Patent number: 7341565
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Suncepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robson L. Splane, Jr., John R. Santarsiero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7235039
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Douglas H. Anders
  • Patent number: 7217247
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Behzad Dariush, Yasushi Ikeuchi, Masakazu Kawai
  • Patent number: 7179236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: José Luis Galvez Campos
  • Patent number: 7179237
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Backlife Ltd.
    Inventor: Ori Elan
  • Patent number: 7137959
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: RLE Corporation
    Inventor: Edward H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7125388
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David J. Reinkensmeyer, Susan J. Harkema, V. Reggie Edgerton, James Bobrow, Chia Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 7083601
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: loan Cosmescu
  • Patent number: 7066897
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Chin-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 7066896
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel R. Kiselik
  • Patent number: 7041069
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Health South Corporation
    Inventor: R. Gary West
  • Patent number: 6984197
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Skylite Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Sugiyama, Shuzo Ishihara
  • Patent number: 6932778
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Hirt
  • Publication number: 20040210168
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Shigeo Takizawa, Kyoko Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20040158175
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Yasushi Ikeuchi, Hisashi Katoh, Takashi Hirata
  • Patent number: 6770040
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Barbara Perner, Grzegorz Kordyl, Michal Kenner
  • Publication number: 20040143198
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: R. Gary West
  • Publication number: 20040116839
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: New Mexico Technical Research Foundation
    Inventor: Thompson Sarkodie-Gyan
  • Publication number: 20040102724
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Hirt
  • Publication number: 20040102723
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Horst
  • Publication number: 20040082887
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Hsin Huang
  • Publication number: 20040034314
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6685658
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Balgrist/Schweiz. Paraplegikerzentrum
    Inventors: Volker Dietz, Gery Colombo, Rüdiger Rupp
  • Patent number: 6635034
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Ioan Cosmescu
  • Publication number: 20030135138
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-Chun Tseng
  • Patent number: 6593710
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Reck
  • Patent number: 6572568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Shun-Tsai Huang