Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a plurality of engagement structures independently movable along a longitudinal axis to initially engage a mid-foot region of a foot is described. A center structure or a first set of engagement structures engage the foot in a mid-foot region, and one or more peripheral engagement structures engage the plantar surface in regions surrounding the mid-foot region independent from the structure(s) engaging the mid-foot region. Positional information about the engagement structures is obtained, and a surface map from the positional information is constructed, to determine a profile or contour for an orthotic device in which the foot is in a restored bone state.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for design of a foot orthotic, and a foot orthotic device designed in accord therewith. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. In the method, sequential pressure is applied to regions on a plantar foot surface, and positional information is obtained about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a gait pattern includes: measuring, by a plurality of force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors, foot pressure values, and outputting the measured foot pressure values, respectively; searching for a maximum pressure local area in which the sum of the output values from the FSR sensors included in each of a plurality of pressure local areas is maximized; calculating a center of pressure (COP) with respect to the detected maximum pressure local area; and analyzing a gait pattern by adding the calculated COP to the trajectory of COPs.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a housing, a sensor disposed in the housing to measure a force exerted on the housing and generate a signal representing the force exerted on the housing, and a digital display for receiving the signal from the sensor and presenting a visual output to a user based upon the force exerted on the housing.

Abstract: A human dummy system for evaluating the comfort of a seat comfort includes sensor units and a data processing unit. The sensor units are attached to the relevant joints of a human dummy, and detect the angles of the relevant joints. The data processing unit calculates information about relative locations of adjacent joints on the basis of the information about the angles of the relevant joints, and calculates the absolute location of a specific joint through coordinate system transformation between the information about relative locations and the joints of the human dummy.

Abstract: A sensing and analyzing device for determining when physical limits of a patient have been exceeded by the patient during exercise is provided. The device may comprise a sensing unit, analyzing unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit may be attached to critical locations on a body of the patient. The sensing unit may be operative to sense pressure. The analyzing unit may be attached to a convenient location on the patient's body. The analyzing unit may be operative to receive pressure data from the sensing unit to determine whether the patient has exceeded the physical limits of the patient. The warning unit may communicate with the analyzing unit and be activated by the analyzing unit when the physical limit of the patient has been exceeded for notifying the patient when the patient's physical limits have been exceeded.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: The joint rotational angles of joints 9, 11 and 13 of each leg 2 of a bipedal walking body 1 are detected to grasp the positions/postures of the corresponding rigid bodies 10, 12 and 14 of each leg 2 on a leg plane passing the joints 9, 11 and 13 of each leg 2. At the same time, the acceleration of a reference point (the origin of a body coordinate system BC) of the bipedal walking body 1, the floor reaction force acting on each leg 2 and the position of an acting point thereof are grasped in terms of three-dimensional amounts. Two-dimensional amounts obtained by projecting the acceleration, the floor reaction force and the position of the acting point thereof, and the positions/postures of the corresponding rigid bodies of each 2 onto the leg plane are used to estimate the moments acting on joints of each leg on the basis of an inverse dynamic model.

Abstract: A method and a system for recognizing a lameness of an animal are disclosed. The lameness recognition is done by detecting position changes of a defined element on the animal's body, during a sequence of at least two said animal's steps; comparing the position changes of an animal's step with the position changes of the subsequent step of the animal; or/and comparing the position changes with a recorded position changes information of same element of same animal.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: A foot pad device and a method of obtaining weight data from a force sensor in a foot pad worn by a user engaging in a footstep, including placing the force sensor under the ball of the foot of the user and/or the heel of the foot of the user; receiving an entered patient weight value for the user; collecting force data from the force sensor; calculating a weight value based on the collected force data and a scaling and/or offset parameter; comparing the calculated weight value to the entered patient weight value; comparing the calculated weight value to zero; adjusting the scaling and/or offset parameter; and repeating the steps periodically. The method may include comparing the collected force data to a functionality indication range, flagging the force sensor if the collected force data is outside the functionality indication range, and disregarding force data from the flagged force sensor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for communicating to a remote location a representation of a physical condition caused by a foot. The method involves communicating to a transmitter unit at least partially held within a cavity in a foot support operable to be inserted into footwear, a condition signal representing the physical condition sensed by a condition sensor; and transmitting from the transmitter unit a radio frequency (RF) signal representing the condition signal, for reception by a receiver unit spaced apart from the transmitter unit. An apparatus and system using the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fractional weight supported by one foot of a person, comprising the steps of adhering a movement monitor device underneath the foot such that the device is compressed when weight is applied to the foot; generating wireless signals representative of a target fractional weight of a total weight of the person; remotely receiving the wireless signals as information of the fractional weight. A method of monitoring weight of a person, comprising the steps of arranging one or more weight sensitive detectors underneath a foot of the person; processing signals from the detectors to determine weight; and wirelessly communicating the weight to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements.

Abstract: A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring and motoring the fractional load of orthopaedic and surgical patients, comprising at least one measuring device for the direct and indirect determination of the weight load of a lower extremity, and additionally at least one alarm transmitter (17) which emits an alarm signal when an adjustable load exceeds or falls below a threshold.

Abstract: A system designed to assist with the therapeutic treatment of subjects who have difficulty in walking, specifically those with a lack of sensation due to nerve damage or amputation, who are unable to tell when the foot makes contact with the floor. The system comprises a removable insole placed inside the shoe with proportionally senses touchdown; a miniature wireless transmitter which can be worn unobtrusively on the shoe; a miniature wireless receiver with tone generator which feeds an earpiece worn by the user; and a separate wireless receiver used by the therapist to monitor the same signal receiver by the user, in order to facilitate initial set-up and adjustments.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A human dummy system for evaluating the comfort of a seat comfort includes sensor units and a data processing unit. The sensor units are attached to the relevant joints of a human dummy, and detect the angles of the relevant joints. The data processing unit calculates information about relative locations of adjacent joints on the basis of the information about the angles of the relevant joints, and calculates the absolute location of a specific joint through coordinate system transformation between the information about relative locations and the joints of the human dummy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing biofeedback information to a subject for gait assistive therapy are provided. The system comprises an insole pressure sensor and means for communicating the pressure exerted by the subject on the insole pressure sensor to the subject. The insole pressure sensor comprises conductive elements in communication with a transmitter, which transmits a pressure signal to a receiver worn by the subject. The method comprises monitoring pressure applied by the subject to the insole pressure sensor, monitoring a pressure threshold of the insole pressure sensor, and transmitting an output signal when the pressure exceeds a pre-determined pressure threshold. The insole pressure sensor in various aspects has a ball portion and heel portion corresponding to the respective ball and heel of a subject's foot.

Abstract: A patient support surface comprises a cover defining an interior region, a modifiable support layer situated in the interior region and having at least one air bladder, and a sensor layer situated in the interior region and having at least one sensor configured to detect a physiological parameter of a patient atop the patient support surface.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of our invention, a monitoring device is placed above, within, or on the bottom of a cast, boot, shoe, or other lower extremity immobilization or protective device, and has one or more single or cluster of pressure sensitive chambers designed to burst at a predetermined force or weight. The pressure sensitive chambers may be filled with air, liquid, semi-liquid, or particulate material. Once properly positioned, the device serves to detect and alert one or more individuals to the fact that weight-bearing has occurred and/or that a certain amount of force has been transmitted across the bottom or other portion of the cast, boot, shoe, mat, sock, insole, or lower extremity immobilization or protective device in a setting where such pressure could be deleterious or harmful (including situations where patients are recovering from a bony fracture, tendon injury, and recent lower extremity surgery).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pressure sensor, in particular for detecting and measuring at least one bearing pressure applied to a support device, in which said pressure sensor comprises at least one resistive force-detector cell placed between at least two protective plates suitable for avoiding any pressure bearing at a point or along a line directly against a surface of the resistive cell and for converting such a pressure into uniform pressure over the entire area of the resistive cell. The present disclosure also relates to a support device including such a pressure sensor and to a method of measuring pressures applied to such a support device by an object to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: A mechanical load bearing indicator producing signals to a user when the user applies more than selected amounts of load between an extremity of the use and a surface. The indicator has a base plate adapted to establish a frame of reference with the surface, a load plate mounted for movement toward and away from the base plate and adapted to receive loads from the user's extremity, and at least two snap domes mechanically engaged between the base plate and the load plate for generating two signals when more than two different respective loads are applied to the load plate by the extremity. The domes are either in series between the plates or are together in a dual dome containing both, or are one or more stacks of domes which individually collapse under incremental loads which are added together to form the selected lower and higher loads.

Abstract: A method of determining the size and/or placement of a prosthetic disc in a disc space between adjacent endplates of two vertebrae in a selected spinal area, comprising: using a computer to identify the disc space parameters of height, width, depth and lordosis between the adjacent vertebral endplates; using a computer to create an artificial volume corresponding to an actual prosthetic disc that can be positioned in the disc space in accordance with a manufacturer's size and lordosis specifications for prosthesis; using a computer to determine the center of the disc space and the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume; using a computer to position the prosthetic disc volume in the disc space such that the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume is positioned posterior to the center of the disc space; and using a computer to determine the prosthetic disc volume that fits within the disc space in accordance with a surgeon's or manufacturer's specification for prosthesis.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) comprises a standing surface (2) for the player; a communication means (27); and a plurality of sensors (11) which are operable to measure force. The standing surface (2) comprises two separate foot platforms (3, 4) for the player's feet. Each foot platform (3, 4) comprises a supporting structure or supporting members where vertical forces are distributed to a plurality of discrete positions (5). The sensors (11) are located at the discrete positions (5) to which the vertical forces are distributed. The sensors (11) are operable to measure vertical forces.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for evaluating the strength of cancellous bone includes the steps of performing at least two of the following tests on each cancellous bone of a population of cancellous bones: a manual compression test, an apparent density test, and an appearance test; determining a compressive strength for each cancellous bone based on the two tests performed; comparing the determined compressive strength of each cancellous bone against a predetermined compressive strength requirement; and, eliminating a subset of cancellous bone from the population of cancellous bone, which subset of cancellous bone fails to meet the predetermined compressive strength requirement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sensing force information at a plurality of points on a continuous surface, and detecting contextual information about an object on the surface based on the distribution of force on the surface. For example, a plurality of sensors may be included below different points on such a substantially continuous surface, where the sensors are operable to sense force information. Then, a processor connected to the sensors may determine a location of the object relative to the surface, based on the force information from the sensors.

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: A gait waveform feature extracting method and an individual identification system extract features of the gait waveform. A one-step waveform corresponding to one step of a walking movement is specified using, as an index, a peak amplitude corresponding to a state where substantially a whole bottom surface of one foot is in contact with the ground and a toe of the other foot is just after leaving the ground among the electric field displacement formed on the human body in accordance with the human body's walking movements. Based on the specified one-step waveform, the features of the one-step waveform are extracted, so that the peak amplitude appears without influence from electric-charge interference between the right and left legs. Accordingly, the one-step waveform reflects the actual one step of the walking movement, and therefore, the features of the one-step waveform can be precisely extracted.

Abstract: A support surface includes a cover defining an interior region, a mattress core located in the interior region, and a force sensor located in the interior region.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. The method can include measuring a pressure the foot exerts during a stride at a plurality of points over a period of time, analyzing a pressure at the plurality of points over the period of time and designing the orthopedic insert based on the analysis. The system can include a device that measures a pressure exerted by a foot at a plurality of times at each of a plurality of points and a computer connected to the device, the computer having memory that stores the measured pressures and a program operable to analyze the measured pressures to create a design of an orthopedic insert.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for determining the wear of a sole of a shoe. The device includes first and second sensors receivable in the sole of the shoe. The sensors are axially spaced and generate signals in response to corresponding impact forces acting thereon. A control circuit is connectable to the first and second sensors. The control circuit compares the difference between the first and second signals to a threshold and generates an alert signal in response to the difference between the first and second signal meeting the threshold.

Abstract: A gait assistive system designed to assist with the therapeutic treatment of subjects who have difficulty in walking, specifically those with a lack of sensation due to nerve damage or amputation, who are unable to tell when the foot makes contact with the floor. The system includes a removable insole placed inside the shoe which proportionally senses touchdown of the limb. The sensed touchdown is communicated to a transmitter and subsequently to a remotely positioned receiver to provide a desired bio-feedback of the sensed touchdown. The system can also include a second remotely located receiver that can be used to facilitate set up and/or adjustments of the system.

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: The invention herein pertains to sensing a ground surface with the foot while walking. Persons having foot and leg nerve damage are often unable to walk without assistance because they can not recognize the ground surface as with normal foot sensory perception. The electrical device herein includes a vibrator which is worn against the skin of the leg and signals the wearer immediately as the foot touches the ground surface. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a shoe having a switch located proximate the heel with the vibrator positioned in a strap surrounding the wearer's knee.

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: A method for selecting a sleep system comprises positioning a person on a mattress in a lying position. One of the person's arms extends generally perpendicular to the person's torso. A first pillow is positioned underneath the person's head, and a force is applied to the person's arm in a direction generally toward the person's feet. An amount of resistive force supplied by the person's arm is estimated and used to determine whether the proper combination of mattress and pillow is achieved.

Abstract: A force optimization apparatus is provided including a patient support surface and an interface pressure sensor.

Abstract: Test prosthesis system (1) for the insertion of a so-called press-fit-effect femur prosthesis for cement-free implantation into a femur bone (2) in a region (3) in which the press fit effect is preferably obtained and which corresponds to a diaphysial region, the height of which differs depending on the morpho type, characterized in that it consists of a set of at least two shafts (4, 5) each of which has a conical distal region (4, 5) with the same cone angle but a different diameter (D) the first conical region with a smaller maximum diameter D having a proximal region congruent to (i.e. overlapping in size and shape) with a distal region of a second conical region of a second shaft with a larger maximum diameter of the conical region.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint.

Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis for in-vivo measuring force components along three different axes, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The prosthesis can measure six different force components along these axes while the prosthesis is under load.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the kinematics of a large joint (e.g., a knee) undergoing arthroplasty, for comparing the kinematics of the joint undergoing surgery with the kinematics of the normal joint, and for providing the surgeon with information allowing the balancing of the ligaments of the joint upon the installation of a prosthesis replacement joint. The apparatus includes optical targets mounted on joint replacement components fitted to the resected bones of the joint. One or more video cameras are used to obtain a series of images of the various optical targets as the extremity is flexed, extended, and rotated. A computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine the kinematics of the joint as it is flexed, extended and rotated.

Abstract: The artificial sensibility device has a left sensor applied to a left finger, a middle sensor applied to a middle finger and a right sensor applied to a right finger of a hand. The sensors are connected to an amplifier unit that is connected to a headphone unit with a left speaker and a right speaker. The left finger is moved against a surface to activate the left sensor to send a first activation signal to the amplifier unit that sends a first sound signal only to the left speaker but nothing to the right speaker so the user knows the left finger is moved. The right finger is moved against the surface so that the right sensor sends a second sound signal only to the right speaker but nothing to the left speaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides contact sensors capable of determining the pressure distribution over the whole surface of each of joint units having a cylindrical shape, both end portions of which are cut at an offset angle, and constituting robot arms. In order to provide a technology enabling real-time drive control of the robot arms by using detected values from these sensors, the points of intersection of the electrodes are distributed across the whole surface of each joint by forming a pressure-sensitive sheet sensor in which column electrodes arranged in parallel, and row electrodes arranged in a wound-string shape, are combined, these joints having a cylindrical shape, both end portions of which are cut at an offset angle. In addition, by making an electrode structure that covers a prescribed width in both rows and columns, the number of signal output terminals is reduced and the operation processing load is lightened.

Abstract: A mechanical weight bearing indicator produces a tactile signal which is felt by the wearer's foot. The signal is generated when the user exerts more than a predetermined amount of weight on the indicator, giving the user, who may be an orthopedic patient, immediate feedback concerning the amount of force applied. The indicator automatically resets and has no power source, but is purely mechanical. In one version of the invention, a domed metal disk is used as part of the indicator which snaps from a stable position to an unstable position in the way the bottom of an oil can operates, to produce the tactile signal and also for producing a sound as an audible signal. In another version of the invention, a piston and cylinder are used with the piston moving under the influence of a threshold of pressure exerted by the deformation of a compressible cavity member on which the user steps.

Abstract: Comparable values for the heights of the individual jumps in a series of multiple jumps can be achieved, if defined initial conditions for first and second successive integrations of measured vertical forces are given for each individual jump. The initial condition for the first integration is taken as a zero velocity in the middle of the flight time interval for each individual jump. For every second integration, as initial condition for the jump height, a constant initial height is taken. This is a characteristic value of the test person.