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

Abstract: A sole of a baseball spiked shoe has a toe portion projection, a first metatarsal head projection, a stepping portion projection, and a fifth metatarsal head projection provided at a fore foot portion at the bottom plane of the shoe sole, and a heel medial projection, a heel anterior projection, a heel posterior projection, and a heel lateral projection provided at the heel portion. Each projection is provided at an appropriate angle with respect to the longitudinal line of the foot.

Abstract: A device for measuring the forces exerted by each leg, particularly during ambulatory activity, including at least one assembly provided with a powered treadmill in a frame consistency of a rigid structure engaging the various portions of the treadmill for drawing the treadmill. The rigid structure is supported by force measuring sensors secured to a common ground-engaging plane for measuring vertical and tangential forces.

Abstract: A test fixture for a laser gas module offers automatic and manual testing for individual gas module components. Check or pressure relief valves are tested with an increasing pressure ramp caused by a metered gas flow into a ballast tank. Metering orifices are tested by measuring pressure change in a known volume tank as gas to or from the tank is directed through the orifice under test. The fixture includes capability to test valve logic and leakages. Test sequence and results are monitored on a computer display showing a schematic representation of both module and fixture. Manual control of module and fixture components is done via a computer graphic interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for measuring forces applied to a wearer's foot, the apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when forces on the foot exceed pre-selected upper limits or do not meet pre-selected lower limits. A body member is disclosed for attachment around the wearer's foot, the body member having an exterior sole and an interior sole portion covered by a rigid foot plate. The foot plate includes an upper support surface for contact with the foot. The interior sole portion includes at least one cavity within, with a force sensing unit attachable partially within the cavity. At least one strain gage is positioned at a midpoint on the force sensing unit, and the force sensing unit is connectable to the underside of the foot plate. An electronic means is mounted within the cavity and is electrically connected to the at least one strain gage.

Abstract: An apparatus for on head testing of a valve spring that biases a rocker arm assembly. The testing apparatus includes a trunnion body portion that is pivotally connected to a main body portion. A biasing member is movably mounted to the main body portion and abuts a first rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly during use. A latch member engageable with a second rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly is adjustably mounted to the trunnion body portion to permit different spacings with the biasing member to be furnished to accommodate different sized rocker arms. When a tester handle is used to drive the biasing member toward the first rocker arm during valve spring testing, the force applied by the biasing member to compress the valve spring is measured by the sensing of the movement of the biasing member relative to the main body portion, and is displayed on a gauge mounted on the main body portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proof testing an assembled mechanical heart valve prosthesis having a valve body and at least one movable occluder wherein at least one of the components has a surface of nonmetallic crystalline material, such as pyrocarbon, in which microcrack growth may occur. The assembled valve prosthesis is subjected to fluid loading with the occluder in the closed position so as to create omnidirectional pressure of at least 20 psig therewithin on the downstream side of the occluder. During fluid loading of the assembled valve, acoustic monitoring is carried out using a transducer to detect sounds that are indicative of crack nucleation and/or incremental crack extension, based upon a predetermined fail-pass criterion. Any valve prosthesis wherein sounds of a greater magnitude are detected is rejected.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are described for continuously measuring the timing and distribution of forces exerted against the entire surface of a quadruped's foot, thus providing a diagnostic tool to assist in measuring the ambulatory functions of an animal. The described force sensing device is lightweight, durable and worn by the animal in a manner which does not alter the natural movement of the quadruped. The device may be utilized without a shoe within an attached boot, or incorporated in a modified conventional horseshoe which fits over the hoof of the animal. The apparatus can further include a remote sensing and feedback function which allows the processing, storing, display and feedback of data indicative of the ambulatory functions of the animal at one or more remote locations.

Abstract: A device for providing an acoustic signal to a patient when a predetermined load is placed on the patient's foot comprises a fluid filled control ms with a first bladder underlying the patient's foot and a second bladder as interconnected via a flexible tube. The second bladder is adapted to actuate a signaling means comprising a resiliently supported and biased click spring that provides an audible click noise when actuated by the second bladder of the control means at a predetermined pressure of the liquid corresponding to a predetermined load as placed on the patient's foot.

Abstract: A seat test body is provided for vibration measurements. In order to be able to obtain, during vibration measurements in the whole spectral range, measuring results which can be compared at least qualitatively with corresponding test person measurements, the buttocks imitation and the back imitation of the seat test body are each formed by padded hard parts. The hard parts of the buttocks imitation and those of the back imitation imitate true to life the corresponding bone structure of a human skeleton at least with respect to the portion of the skeleton which is loaded during sitting. With respect to the layer thickness, the softness, the elasticity and the damping behavior as well as the local distribution of these parameters, the padding of the hard parts anthropomorphically imitates the soft parts in the buttocks area and the back area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring pressure between the surface of a body part and a contact surface employ a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in a matrix array between the contact surface and the body part. The sensors produce analog force signals proportional to pressure, and a monitor receives the analog signals and produces output signals, preferably digital, having pressure data corresponding to the pressure at each sensor. A computer processor receives the output signals from the monitor to create a force profile for the sensor array. The sensors may be scanned as a read event in variety of manners, including periodic, continuous and triggered scanning. Where triggered scanning is desired, one or more switches act to initiate a read event. This monitoring apparatus and method is used, for example, to fit prosthetics, to monitor bed-ridden and wheelchair-bound patients, to reduce pain and sores caused by uneven distribution of pressure and to monitor pressure between a cast and a person.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to monitor the balance performance of a user comprises two separate but similar foot-plates each slightly larger than the foot of a user. Each foot-plate includes detectors to detect the load imparted to the foot-plate by a user, about two axes generally at right angles with one axis lying more or less along the length of the user's foot and the other axis transverse thereto. The outputs from the foot-plates are fed to a processing unit which drives a display device, graphically to show to the user on a real-time basis the detected loads and so to allow a user to modify his balance performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating pressure interface performance of a support surface for supporting a body are provided. The method includes the step of providing an array of pressure sensors covering substantially the entire support surface. The pressure sensors each provide an output signal indicating interface pressure with the body at one of a plurality of separate pressure nodes on the support surface. The method also includes the steps of engaging the support surface with the body, and calculating a pressure index using interface pressure output signals from the array of pressure sensors at all active pressure nodes to generate a single numeric value indicating pressure interface performance of the entire support surface.

Abstract: The method of the invention maps pressure applied by resilient body surface onto a plurality of movable gauge pins.

Abstract: A sensor shoe attached to a power source for sensing conditions of a foot positioned within the sensor shoe. The sensor shoe includes a base, a foot receiving portion extending from the base and an inner sole positioned within the foot receiving portion and atop the base. The inner sole includes a plurality of sensors positioned about an area of the inner sole for sensing conditions within the foot receiving portion and generating signals representative of the sensed conditions. A microcomputer is connected to receive the generated signals from the plurality of sensors and analyzes the signals to determine if a critical situation exists. A medication reservoir containing medication therein is connected to the microcomputer for releasing the medication upon a determination by the microcomputer that a critical situation exists.

Abstract: A dynamic balance sport performance system is provided for the dynamic testing of an individual so as to be able to provide appropriately configured shims to be placed adjacent the individual's foot in a shoe for the purpose enabling the individual to perform better in whatever sport he/she is participating. In one embodiment, an automatic system is provided for simulating shim insertion in a shoe in which two footbeds spaced apart by a predetermined distance are provided with a quadrature arrangement of hinged shim plates which are individually adjustable to predetermined shim angles. After one of the individual plates has been set, with the individual seeking to maintain his/her elbow in a horizontal position, pressure is applied to the individual's elbow until such time as a load sensor senses a predetermined load indicating that a predetermined pressure has been applied to the elbow of the individual.

Abstract: An article of performance enhancing footwear having a piezoelectric spring apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric actuator. Sensing means is provided to sense the release of a second force greater than the first force, which triggers the release of stored electrical energy back into the piezoelectric actuator. The resulting deformation of the piezoelectric actuator imparts a force into the bottom contact surface of the sole member.

Abstract: A shoe size fit sensor indicates by a perceptible alarm that the shoe of an infant, a toddler or other small child is too tight for wear. The shoe fit sensor sets off a perceptible visual and or audible alarm when a child's toe makes constant with the sensor when the shoe is too tight. To avoid false alarms when the child kicks with the shoe, a time delay is provided so that incidental touching of the sensor by momentary kicks does not set off the constant alarm. The sensor also determines when a sock is "bunched up" in the toe area, and distinguishes this condition from a condition where constant contact by a portion of the child's foot indicates that the shoe is too tight.

Abstract: A measuring platform having three supporting units arranged in a triangle, fixed and fitted with force measuring sensors, and stabilized with each other via a baseplate so that it is also possible to measure simultaneous jump-off and/or landing forces for single and multiple jumps, regardless of the ground support.

Abstract: A sensor for the seat of a motor vehicle includes a compressible, preferably foam layer disposed between two conductive sheets. In one embodiment, the capacitance between the conductive sheets is measured to determine what and whether an object is disposed on the sensor, while in another application, apertures are formed through the compressible layer to allow the conductive sheets to contact one another through the apertures. One embodiment having relatively low resistivity to produce a short circuit, and another embodiment has higher resistivity in which the magnitude of the change and resistance may be used to determine the nature of an object.

Abstract: An insole pad having step-counting device includes an insole pad body, a fluid bag, a connecting portion, a pressure-sensitive sensor, a thermostat, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. The fluid bag has an outlet, and is filled with fluid. The connecting portion is connected to the outlet of the fluid bag. The pressure-sensitive sensor and the thermostat are disposed within the connecting portion to contact directly with the fluid to detect the variation of pressure and temperature, respectively. The detected variation of pressure and temperature can be converted into pressure and temperature signals respectively. The sensor and thermostat are connected to a transmitting circuit in which the pressure and temperature signals can be received and processed. The signals are further converted into a value that can be transmitted in an RF signal. The RF signal can be collected by a receiving circuit and is further modulated, decoded, controlled and finally displayed on a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A testing mechanism for testing the pressure at which a relief valve will open due to excessive pressure in a fluid system having fluid carrying conduits, the mechanism includes a stop member having a first position whereat the stop member exposes the relief valve to the fluid system and a second position whereat the stop member seals or isolates the relief valve from the fluid system during a test of the relief valve. A pressure gauge is positioned between the stop member and the relief valve for sensing the pressure of fluid engaging the relief valve when the stop member is in the second position. A pressure applying mechanism applies pressure to the relief valve when the stop member is in the second position. A barrier positioned between the pressure applying mechanism and the relief valve prevents fluids other than fluid within the fluid system from engaging the relief valve when the pressure applying mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An interface pressure measurement device, comprising a sensor comprising two sensor sheets formed from thin flexible plastic material, each sensor sheet has a sensor area having flexible conductive ink printed thereon comprising a conductive surface with an electrical lead such that when the sensor sheets touch, an electrical contact is present forming a sensor switch, and the sensor also has sensor tubing. A digital device is connected to the sensor by the sensor tubing. The digital device comprises an enclosure, a push button, pressure transducer, signal conditioning, microcontroller with processor, analog-to-digital converter, memory, clock, display, buzzer and battery/power supply wherein the processor interrupts the battery/power supply current flow to shut off the digital device after a preset time.

Abstract: A seat testing punch is provided with an upholstered pressure element that can be used as a suitable aid in comfort comparison testing of different test seats to be performed according to strict test criteria, with which seat testing punch various test seats can be loaded in a realistic and reproducible manner as often or for as long as desired. For this purpose, the shape of the pressure element is made to simulate the pelvis and thighs, including the hip joints, of a human skeleton, at least as regards the underside. The upholstery of the pressure element likewise simulates anthropomorphically the soft parts in the area of the buttocks in terms of local distribution of thickness and softness. In particular, the two sitting pressure points of human buttocks and their immediate environment are simulated as naturally as possible in terms of shape, position, hardness, and local hardness distribution.

Abstract: A shoe with an electronic step counter including a shoe body, a fluid bladder, a pressure sensor, a temperature compensator, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. The shoe body has a vamp and an outsole having a receiving space for receiving the fluid bladder. The pressure sensor contacts the fluid in the fluid bladder to detect the pressure thereof and generating a pressure voltage signal. The temperature compensator communicates with the fluid in the fluid bladder, detects the temperature thereof, and generating a temperature voltage signal. The transmitting circuit is disposed in the receiving space of the outsole and connected to the pressure sensor and the temperature compensator. The transmitting circuit receives the pressure voltage signals and the temperature voltage signals, convert them into a value which is emitted in a radio signal. The receiving circuit is disposed separate from the transmitting circuit and may receive the radio signal from therefrom.

Abstract: A shoe having a adjustable cushion sole with fluid bladders disposed therein. Each fluid bladders has an associated pressure sensing device which measures the pressure exerted by the user's foot on the fluid bladder. As the pressure increases over a threshold, a control system partially opens a fluid valve to allow fluid to escape from the fluid bladder. The release of fluid from the fluid bladders reduces the impact of the user's foot with the traveling surface.

Abstract: A distributed pressure sensor is constructed such that a wire-like electrode member is arranged in the vertical (row) direction so that electrode surfaces alternately appear on the surface and the rear surface of a sheet-shaped pressure sensitive electrically conductive material, and moreover, a wire-like electrode is arranged also in the lateral (line) direction at right angles to the vertical (row) direction, and intersections defined by the electrode members arranged in the vertical direction and the lateral direction are located such that the pressure sensitive electrically conductive material is sandwiched from both the surfaces. The distributed pressure sensor has high flexibility and exhibits improved durability to repeated bending.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for analyzing feet which utilize matrixes of pressures sensors and optical sensors connected to a controller and a monitor. An apparatus of the invention includes a housing which houses a controller and a monitor and defines left and right foot wells for receiving left and right feet, respectively. The floor of each foot well includes a pressure pad assembly which includes a matrix of pressure sensor contacts covered by a variably resistive pressure pad to form pressure sensor matrixes. A digital signal processor normalizes and smoothes the pressure data for display on the monitor. Infrared LED's and phototransistors are located around the perimeter of each foot well and are utilized to measure the length, width, and heights of a foot. A microprocessor addresses each LED and phototransistor separately. The controller reads data created by the DSP and IR microprocessor, calculates additional data, and displays the resulting data on the monitor.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are described for continuously measuring the timing and distribution of forces exerted against the entire surface of a quadruped's foot, thus providing a diagnostic tool to assist in measuring the ambulatory functions of an animal. The described force sensing device is lightweight, durable and worn by the animal in a manner which does not alter the natural movement of the quadruped. The device may be utilized without a shoe within an attached boot, or incorporated in a modified conventional horseshoe which fits over the hoof of the animal. The apparatus can further include a remote sensing and feedback function which allows the processing, storing, display and feedback of data indicative of the ambulatory functions of the animal at one or more remote locations.

Abstract: A video pedobarograph system for providing a real time, qualitative display of dynamic relative pressure measurements includes a plurality of force sensors, a substantially rigid support structure and video pedobarograph electronics. The force sensors generate dynamic relative pressure signals and are positioned within a force sensor matrix structure. The substantially rigid support structure includes a substantially planer surface to which the sensor matrix structure is fixedly secured. The video pedobarograph electronics include a video sync stripper and control logic. The video sync stripper strips a video sync signal from a composite video signal received by the video pedobarograph electronics.

Abstract: A foot mounted apparatus for measuring one or more locomotive performance parameters of a person is disclosed. Such locomotive performance parameters preferably include user vertical leap time, user vertical jump distance, user walking or running speed, user trip distance traveled, and accumulated total lifetime distance traveled by the apparatus. It is preferred that the apparatus include all of the structures of an athletic shoe such as a sole, upper, tongue, and lace. Four membrane switches are located in the sole of the footwear: a pair of membrane switches is positioned under the ball of the user's foot and a pair of membrane switches is positioned under the heel of the user's foot. The membrane switches sense the compressive pressure of the foot on the sole and detect when the foot leaves and contacts the underlying surface. A microprocessor calculates a performance parameter for the person based upon the elapsed time between the foot push off and the foot strike.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing on/off or modulated/duty-cycled testing on a solenoid in a computer controlled automatic transmission when the solenoid is removed from the vehicle or while the solenoid is in the vehicle. The apparatus comprises: three jacks, a switch when actuated for performing a diode test, circuitry for electrically connecting the apparatus to the solenoid and preventing over current and over voltage surges, circuitry for performing the on/off testing, circuitry for performing the modulated/duty-cycled test and pneumatic components for supplying air pressure to the solenoid.

Abstract: A self-contained system for measuring forces applied by the foot of a user includes a force sensor array positioned within the user's shoe between the foot and the inner sole of the shoe. The force sensor array including a multiplicity of individual force sensors arranged in a pattern that covers the area of contact between the sole of the user's foot and the inner sole of the shoe, and a substrate material which is so rigid that it will not operatively conform to the user's foot unless a plurality of shaped cutout portions of the substrate material is removed in order to allow the force sensor array to operatively conform to the user's foot when force is applied. An electronic circuit module is removably attached to the side of the shoe and a flat interconnecting cable electrically couples the force sensor array to the electronic circuit module. An annuniciator audibly signals the user when a force on the foot greater than a predetermined threshold force is sensed.

Abstract: A shoe including a shoe body having an outsole defining a receiving chamber, and an upper fastened to the outsole; an insole formed as an air bag filled with air; and a pressure gauge mounted on and exposed from the upper of the shoe body and connected to the insole to measure the pressure applied to the insole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing the operation of solenoids in a safety system by bypassing the solenoid operated pilot valve and applying a pneumatic control source to the system being tested through a bypass line while demonstrating the operation of the solenoid operated pilot valve for such a system using a test pressure source and a test input through the testing system. The system thereby permits continued operation of the process system while verifying proper operation of the safety system.

Abstract: An electronic step counting shoe which includes a shoe body holding a fluid container, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a circuit board, and a LCD, the circuit board having a pressure converter connected to the pressure sensor, a temperature compensating circuit connected to the temperature sensor, and a microprocessor, the pressure converter and the temperature compensating circuit converting pressure and temperature signals from the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor into corresponding electric signals for processing into corresponding digital signals by the microprocessor, permitting the digital signals thus obtained to be shown through the LCD through the control of a function switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring feet for fitting shoes which utilizes matrixes of pressures sensors and optical sensors connected to a controller and a monitor. An apparatus of the invention includes a housing which houses a controller and a monitor and defines left and right foot wells for receiving left and right feet, respectively. The floor of each foot well includes a pressure pad assembly which includes a matrix of pressure sensor contacts covered by a variably resistive pressure pad to form pressure sensor matrixes. A digital signal processor normalizes and smooths the pressure data for display on the monitor. Infrared LED's and phototransistors are located around the perimeter of each foot well and are utilized to measure the length, width, and heights of a foot. A microprocessor addresses each LED and phototransistor separately. The controller reads data created by the DSP and IR microprocessor, calculates additional data, and displays the resulting data on the monitor.

Abstract: A shoe including a shoe body having an outsold and an upper fastened to the outsole; an insole formed as an air bag filled with air and mounted within the outsole; a pressure inductor connected to the insole to detect the pressure applied to the insole; a circuit board mounted in the insole and consisting of a pressure converter and a microprocessor, the pressure converter converting the pressure detected by the pressure inductor into a frequency signal to be processed by the microprocessor so that the microprocessor obtains a value corresponding to the pressure applied to the insole; and a liquid crystal display connected to the microprocessor to display the value obtained by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A computer-based method and apparatus for fastener hole inspection including a capacitive probe with a plurality of sensor elements, means for grounding the faster hole, and an electronics unit electrically connected to the probe for sequencially charging one of the plurality of sensor elements while applying a guard potential to the remaining sensor elements and adjacent electrical components to eliminate residual capactitances. A profile of the fastener hole is generated by evaluating, through a series resistor, the discharge waveforms of the plurality of sensor elements by converting the capacitance measurements obtained to distance measurements. A centering algorithm is employed to compensate for malalignment of the capacitive probe in the fastener hole.

Abstract: Method for setting and/or checking the flow or through-flow in valves, particularly injection valves for internal combustion engines. The injection valve is placed in a measuring device and subject to the action of a fluid. The fluid is passed through the valve at a given volume flow. The pressure set in the measuring device is determined and serves as a measure for the setting and/or checking of the injection valve.

Abstract: A device for prevention of ulcers in the feet of diabetes patients is embodied in a footwear article such as in a shoe. The device includes a sensor disposed in a contained liquid mass of a hydrocell carried in the shoe inner sole, the sensor being one that detects both pressure and temperature values to which the patient's feet are exposed. The sensor includes a bridge circuit comprised of four piezoresistors arranged in two diagonally arrayed pairs, the resistance of one pair of resistors increasing and the resistance of the second pair decreasing in the presence of an increase in the pressure condition in the hydrocell, the resistance of all the resistors increasing or decreasing responsive to respective increases and decreases of temperature in the hydrocell.

Abstract: Articles of footwear including a power supply, a logic circuit, at least two pressure switches which control the operation of the logic circuit, a counter circuit, a monitor circuit, a driver circuit and a display device. The counter circuit counts all such steps and determines use of the footwear vis-a-vis life of the footwear and/or characteristics of the use of the footwear. The display device selectively displays the number of steps taken in the footwear, or the speed at which the steps were taken.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic model for ascertaining the presence of certain forces within flexible human skin material covering the model. The anthropomorphic model can simulate the major dynamic characteristics of a human. The anthropomorphic model is adaptably representative of specific classes of human body form as regards body build and including flexible human skin simulating materials including a cutaneous region and a subcutaneous region covering at least parts of the model. The anthropomorphic model includes sensing means located within the flexible human skin simulating materials for measuring physical parameters such as pressure, shear and friction forces acting on the anthropomorphic model and means for detecting signals from the sensing means for ascertaining at least one of the pressure, shear and friction forces existing within the flexible skin simulating materials.

Abstract: Device for alarming foot weight capable of operating without restricting an individual's movement. The device comprising a power supply, at least one resistive force sensor, signal conditioning means, calibrating means, programming means and alarm generating means. The alarm generating means generates an alarm when the weight applied to the foot force sensor is at, within or above at least one weight limit or weight range.

Abstract: A capacitive biofeedback sensor including a polyurethane dielectric sandwiched between two wire mesh or carbon impregnated silicone rubber conductors. The sensor is placed within a patient's shoe, boot, ankle, brace, crutch, hand grip, wheelchair, etc., and provides biofeedback to help patients relearn function or prevent complications that impede function.

Abstract: A system for unencumbered measurement of body posture or attitude utilizes on-encumbering force or proximity sensors to monitor an individual, where the individual need not be aware of the presence or action of the sensors. Outputs from these sensors are analyzed to infer body posture or attitude. In one embodiment, a set of sensors is attached to a chair, or other surroundings such as the floor, at locations where a person may be in contact with or in close proximity to one or more of the sensors or where movement of the chair could be detected. Each sensor has an output which provides a signal indicative of a response of the sensor to forces exerted by or motions of the individual. The outputs of the sensors are processed to estimate the body posture of the individual.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn by diabetic persons, or persons afflicted with various types of foot maladies, where excess pressure exerted upon a portion of the foot tends to give rise to ulceration. The shoe body is fabricated to have relieved areas in the inner surface that contacts the foot at locations where the excess pressure is thought to possibly occur. Mounted within each relieved area is a force sensing resistor unit that is connected to a switching circuit. When the switching circuit senses a pressure against the force sensing resistor of a value corresponding to a set threshold, the switching circuit causes the energization of an alarm unit to warn the wearer of the existence of this threshold pressure. At this point in time, the wearer can remove the shoe to prevent the damage to the foot. Provision can be made to adjust the critical threshold pressure at which the alarm is given.

Abstract: A foot-pad monitor to detect the amount of force translated though a patient's heel in each gait cycle is described. The foot-pad has a tactile force sensor, means to translate a force applied to the sensor to a voltage, a comparator circuit and an annunciator. The comparator, which can be analog or micro-processor controlled, has a set point and an amplifier that is activated when the voltage from the sensor exceeds the set point. The piezo-electric annunciator is driven by the amplifier to warn the patient that excessive force is being translated through the heel. In the analog embodiment the reference voltage can be varied by adjusting linearly variable pots. Also described is a remote unit to set the set point limit in the micro-processor controlled embodiment.

Abstract: To provide a pair of shoes responsive to the relative forces applied to a wearer's feet, at least one force sensor is provided in each of a left and right shoe. The sensor detects pressures which are then converted from a form provided by the sensor into a digital form which may be processed on by a microprocessor. The processor then executes any one of a number of force analysis programs and outputs, in a preferred form, a force model comprising attack, decay, sustain and release information. Each shoe then transmits coded information representing the sensed force profile to a central receiving device which may be located in a watch-like receiver worn on the wearer's wrist. The receiving device has the ability to pick up and discern signals transmitted by each left and right shoe and also from a number of auxiliary transmitters. Control of the display is made through the use of selector switches which also appear on the user interface.

Abstract: The assembly comprises an electrically insulated linear array of a plurality of active plates working in conjunction with common return plate means to provide a line of capacitors. The electrically insulated active plate array and common return plate means extend through a column of multi-phase fluid. A discrete oscillator circuit is positioned adjacent to and is permanently connected to each active plate for charging and discharging it. Means are provided for sequentially enabling the oscillator circuits to produce signals which are each indicative of the dielectric constant of the thin horizontal slice of fluid extending between the active plate and the return plate means. The signals are collected by a microprocessor which analyzes them to provide a dielectric constant profile of the fluid column. Interfaces of phases can be located from the profile and the composition of the fluid phases can be determined.