Abstract: There is provided a jaw motion measuring system that can attach a simple detector and can accurately carry out measurement of jaw motion. The jaw motion measuring system includes: an acceleration detector having at least an acceleration sensor that senses accelerations of three-axis directions, a flexible wire whose one end is connected to the acceleration sensor, an output terminal that is connected to another end of the flexible wire and outputs acceleration data of the three-axis directions, and an attachment portion that attaches the acceleration sensor to a chin portion of a lower jaw; and a jaw motion measuring device that acquires acceleration data corresponding to jaw motion from the acceleration detector, and carries out correction, with respect to the acquired acceleration data, of errors due to the acceleration sensor, and measures jaw motion expressed by acceleration waveforms.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.

Abstract: A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component measures a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone, and at least one sensor. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. The sensor couples to the support surface of the first structure. The first and second structure are coupled together housing the at least one sensor. The first and second structures comprises steel, titanium, cobalt or an alloy thereof. At least one of the first or second structures is coupled to ground to shield the sensor from parasitic coupling. The at least one sensor can be a pressure sensor for measuring load and position of load.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable transducer configured to generate physiologic data associated with movement of a wearer, and to form a communication link with the communications network, a system memory in which command instructions are stored, a user interface operably connected to the computer, and a system processor configured to execute the command instructions to receive the generated physiologic data, analyze the received physiologic data with a multilayer perceptron/support vector machine/hidden Markov (MSH) model, model the analyzed physiologic data, and generate feedback based on a comparison of the model and a stored exercise object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a physical fitness test which is easy to do, easy to monitor and is easily self correcting. It involves taking a push, pull, core, and cardio test that is easy to do but can be measured for like age and gender individuals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton comprising mechanical linkages that couple to one or more selected joints of a limb of a subject. The robotic exoskeleton may be provided with means for obtaining data respecting angular position, torque, and/or acceleration of at least one of the joints or the links of the mechanical linkages, and may be used for assessing, studying, diagnosing a deficit, and/or treating an impairment in sensorimotor function of a limb of a subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be used to both train and test instructor proficiency with a group exercise training routine. In a training mode, the graphical user interface may display visual cues indicating upcoming transitions from one activity to another. In response, the user may perform an action (e.g., clicking a button with a mouse cursor) to select the transition at the appropriate time. In a testing mode, the graphical user interface may display an indication of whether the correct selections are made, as well as made at the right time. This approach allows the user to rapidly develop substantial proficiency with the exercise routine.

Abstract: A muscular energy state analysis system and method for a swing motion and a computer program product thereof are provided. The system includes: a swing implement, for a user to perform the swing motion, and including an acceleration sensor for sensing acceleration of the swing implement when the swing implement is swung, so as to generate a swing speed data; a plurality of signal detection modules, for detecting electromyographic (EMG) signals generated by a muscles of the user; a database, for storing a muscular energy sample value,; a muscular energy analysis module, for analyzing the EMG signals and the swing speed data so as to obtain a plurality of muscular performance values; and a comparison module, for comparing the swing speed data and the muscular performance values with the at least one muscular energy sample value in the database, so as to generate a comparison result data.

Abstract: A Comprehensive Neuromuscular Profiler (CNMP) allows the observation of human and equine muscle functionality and characteristics. The CNMP consists of an integrated system which combines EMG technology, electromagnetic range-of-motion (ROM) technology, and functional capacity sensors. Output signals from the devices are digitized and stored in computer memory. The data may be transmitted to a server computer for further analysis. The server computer examines the data to determine patterns and consults an expert database to determine a diagnosis based on the patterns and combinations of patterns detected.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring force, torque and output on an ergometer or bicycle. When the ergometer or bicycle is used as intended, a torque is transmitted via a shaft onto a flexible drive and further onto the flywheel of an ergometer or the rear wheel of the bicycle by two pedal cranks. The flexible drive has a pulley or a sprocket wheel which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft in at least one direction of rotation. Elastic torsions of the shaft that result independently from the torque transmission are detected at both sides of the pulley or of the sprocket wheel as a measure of the forces applied to the shaft to determine the torque and output both of the left and right leg of the user of the ergometer or bicycle. Corresponding electrical sensor signals are generated and supplied to a memory and/or evaluation unit for further processing.

Abstract: There is provided an improved solution for a user interface of a cycling computer user interface unit and an improved solution for mounting a cycling computer to a bicycle. The user interface solution comprises a swing switch rotating about a shaft and the mounting solution comprises a cross element enabling mounting in 90 degree resolution.

Abstract: A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component measures a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone, and at least one sensor. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. The sensor couples to the support surface of the first structure. The support surface of the first structure is compliant. The first and second structure are coupled together housing the at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the first and second structure are welded together forming the hermetic seal that isolates the at least one sensor from an external environment. The at least one sensor can be a pressure sensor for measuring load and position of load.

Abstract: The method disclosed is used in determining who is truly fit and is a capable low crouch duck walker. It establishes a distance of about 100 yards more or less as a minimum distance to cover without standing up or touching the ground with ones hands while in the low crouch duck walk.

Abstract: A sit and reach flexibility assessment apparatus comprises a spine with a measuring rule, footplates mounted on either side of the spine and rotatable out of the and at approximate right angles to the plane of the spine, and heel rests mounted at the base of the footplates and rotatable to a position at approximate right angles to the footplates and the spine. The apparatus also has storage compartments and a carry handle.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a capacitor, a signal generator, a digital counter, counter register, a digital clock, a digital timer, and a data register. The sensor of the measurement system is the capacitor. The measurement system generates a repeating signal having a measurement cycle that corresponds to the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises more than one capacitor mechanically in series. Electrically, the capacitor comprises more than one capacitor in parallel. In one embodiment, the capacitor includes a dielectric layer comprising polyimide. A force, pressure, or load is applied to the capacitor that elastically compresses the device.

Abstract: In an apparatus for resistance-based muscular force evaluation and training, elasticity at the distal end of a robot arm is made to follow changes caused in the force exerted by the muscles of praxis as a result of changes in angle at the first and second joints. Even when the trainee changes his or her position, he or she may be indicated of and may positively comprehend the direction in which he or she is to exert the force. The robot arm have its distal end secured to the distal end of the link mechanism has elasticity variable with directions. The elasticity is varied to follow changes caused in the force exerted on the distal end of the link mechanism by a set of antagonistic mono-articular muscles and a set of antagonistic bi-articular muscles, as a result of changes in angle at the first and second joints.

Abstract: A training device measures, after its robot arm is mounted on a trainee, a change in angle of the joint axles of a limb of the trainee with angular sensors. Based on the angular change measured, a controller calculates an angular rate in the direction in which a load is applied, stores as the maximum muscular force a load at the time when the angular rate has exceeded a predetermined value, and stops applying the loads.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.

Abstract: A method of assessing the health of a companion animal. The method can include providing a first group of companion animals, the first group comprising a first plurality of companion animals; subjecting each of the first plurality of companion animals to a performance assessment; evaluating a performance of each companion animal based on a plurality of attributes, wherein the attributes are associated with the health of the companion animal, wherein the evaluating can include providing a performance profile; accounting for the attributes exhibited by each companion animal during the performance; assigning a performance index based on the performance profile given the attributes accounted for.

Abstract: A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.

Abstract: A portable work capacities testing apparatus, and a method using that portable apparatus, are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a host computer 110, a dynamic strength and lifting device 120 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a hand grip strength device 130 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a finger pinch strength device 140 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a forearm/wrist strength device 150 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a handling/proprioception device 190 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a finger flexion device 180 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, a whole body coordination device 170 releaseably interconnected with the host computer, and a strength push/pull/lift device 160 releaseably interconnected with the host computer.

Abstract: A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.

Abstract: A system determines patient's muscle strength of a lever arm comprising a leg, ankle, and foot. A value indicative of the strength is determined based on pressure values associated with the lever arm, as well as at least one weight based value. The values may be entered remotely or locally to a computer that outputs the value indicative of the strength.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a sensor device for determining forces exerted by a cyclist on a pedal of a bicycle is provided. The sensor device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to a substrate, and wiring coupled to the sensors and the substrate, wherein the sensors, the substrate, and the wiring are housed inside a pedal spindle coupled to the pedal. The sensor device may also be used in a system for improving a pedaling technique of a cyclist.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring force, torque and output on an ergometer or bicycle. When the ergometer or bicycle is used as intended, a torque is transmitted via a shaft onto a flexible drive and further onto the flywheel of an ergometer or the rear wheel of the bicycle by two pedal cranks. The flexible drive has a pulley or a sprocket wheel which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft in at least one direction of rotation. Elastic torsions of the shaft that result independently from the torque transmission are detected at both sides of the pulley or the sprocket wheel as a measure of the forces applied to the shaft to determine the torque and output both of the left and right leg of the user of the ergometer or bicycle. Corresponding electrical sensor signals are generated and supplied to a memory and/or evaluation unit for further processing.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to use a measured driving-point response of a nonlinear material to determine one or more elastic properties of the material. The present invention takes advantage of the full information represented by the transient component, the steady-state component, the anharmonic components, and the nonlinear response components of a measured driving-point response of a real nonlinear material, without limitation in the use of large-amplitude forces. The elastic properties are determined by forming and solving a time-domain system of linear equations representing a differential equation model of the driving-point motions of the material. Based on a single, short duration, large-amplitude driving point measurement, both linear and nonlinear properties can be determined; both large-amplitude and near-zero amplitude properties can be determined; and elastic-wave speed and elastic moduli and their variation with depth can be determined.

Abstract: A foot type and plantar pressure measuring device is provided. The device includes a color pad and a foggy film on the color pad. The device further includes a mesh pad on the foggy film and/or a resilient pad under the color pad, the resilient pad having protrusions. When a patient stands still on the device for a few seconds and then steps off, the patient's foot type and plantar pressure is shown by color pattern displayed on surface areas of the foggy film. The color pattern corresponds to the plantar pressure exerted on the device, and tones of the color pattern represent the plantar pressure exerted on the surface areas.

Abstract: The invention provides a measurement device and method for measuring a cyclist's power output, in response to an external force provided by said cyclist applied to a bicycle, comprising a force sensor (13), characterised in that said force sensor is embedded in a bicycle cleat (11) bolted to the shoe (10). The invention further provides an accelerometer (14) for measuring a cyclist's power output. The inventive device and method provides a number of advantages over prior art solutions. The device of the invention means that the installation does not need any part of the bicycle to be replaced. The present invention does not restrict the type of components that may be used on the bicycle. Because the sensors are embedded in the cleat it is very simple to move the system to another bicycle. The invention also allows for detailed analysis of pedalling style, leading to improvements in efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus or measuring a person's movement via a plurality of sensors is enclosed. One example method may include measuring at least one rotational value during the movement via a first sensor. Additional measurements may include measuring at least one linear value during the movement via a second sensor, and measuring a force applied from a portion of the person's body via a third sensor. The measurements may be used to generate a user interface display of the person's movement on an electronic device.

Abstract: A movement analysis display apparatus includes a analyzing unit for analyzing waveform data of a time series which is acquired from a movement sensor, and a display unit for displaying an analysis result that is analyzed by the analyzing unit. The analyzing unit includes a movement waveform generating section for generating a movement waveform from the waveform data, an energy balance value calculating means for calculating a movement energy ratio in opposed movement directions in a velocity waveform, an envelope curve generating section for generating an envelope curve at a given time width in a distance waveform, and a time integration curve analyzing section for integrating a movement waveform with respect to time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting exercise repetitions are provided for counting exercise repetition even when an exerciser attaches the apparatus in different places and along different orientations of his or her body. The apparatus and method utilizes acceleration data along at least three axes and determines that a valid step is taken by the exerciser if at least one of acceleration profiles falls within at least one of pre-defined thresholds. Moreover, a method of identifying an optimal axis for exercise repetition measurement is disclosed by comparing the acceleration profiles of previous steps with amplitude, cycle and rhythm thresholds.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a compressible waveguide (403), ultrasonic transducers (405, 406), and circuitry to sustain energy wave propagation in the waveguide (403). The circuitry includes a propagation tuned oscillator (404), a digital counter (409), a pulse generator (410), a phase detector (414), a counter (420), a digital timer (422), and a data register (424). The measurement system employs a continuous mode (CM), pulse mode, or pulse-echo mode of operation to evaluate propagation characteristics of continuous ultrasonic waves in the waveguide by way of closed-loop feedback to determine levels of applied forces on the waveguide.

Abstract: Different loads are applied to the skeletal muscle of at least one of an upper arm, an upper limb girdle, and a lower limb of the test subject to cause isometric muscle contraction under each load and measure the muscle activity of the skeletal muscle. Then, an upper limit of the muscle activity in a region where a magnitude of the load and an intensity of the muscle activity have a linear relationship is determined as the limit in an appropriate muscle activity range that suits the test subject. Subsequently, the muscle activity of the skeletal muscle of a test subject operating an instrument is measured, and the test subject's force for operating the instrument is evaluated based on a frequency distribution where the frequency of the muscle activity of the skeletal muscle being exercised to operate the instrument is distributed with respect to the obtained limit.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining.

Abstract: A system for measuring a person's age on the basis of his/her physical strength is disclosed. A system is provided using multiple exercise courses that make a user perform various kinds of exercises without overburdening the user and that include entertainment factors. A user's age can be calculated, based on the amount of time that the user takes to complete each course and all of the courses taken together, on the basis of the physical strength of a user and the degree to which the user can perform various exercise movements. This system includes multiple courses, to which various exercise devices or other features are provided. The exercise courses are formed so that the user demonstrates various physical abilities, including muscle strength at multiple portions of his/her body, flexibility of the body, balance of the body, and agility of the body.

Abstract: The torques at the first and second joints of a test subject are measured, which may be generated simultaneously by the coordinate action of the antagonistic mono- and bi-articular muscles. A hexagonal diagram of the output distribution is formulated on a plane formed by two axes corresponding to torques at the first and second joints as. Based on the diagram, the muscular force of the subject, changing through training, may accurately be evaluated, without the necessity of specifying the force of individual function-based muscles of praxis, even if the subject changes his or her position or joint angle. The torques at the first and second joints are measured, which are generated simultaneously by the coordinate action of the antagonistic mono- and bi-articular muscles. The muscular force of the bi-articular link mechanism of the subject is thus measured by the diagram.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for measuring an individual's flexibility are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first flexible fabric strap portion, a flexible e-textile fabric portion, a monitoring device and a second flexible fabric strap portion connected to a second end of the monitoring device. The system further includes a communication device for receiving a signal from the apparatus and a computing device for processing the signal from the apparatus.

Abstract: Different loads are applied to the skeletal muscle of at least one of an upper arm, an upper limb girdle, and a lower limb of the test subject to cause isometric muscle contraction under each load and measure the muscle activity of the skeletal muscle. Then, an upper limit of the muscle activity in a region where a magnitude of the load and an intensity of the muscle activity have a linear relationship is determined as the limit in an appropriate muscle activity range that suits the test subject. Subsequently, the muscle activity of the skeletal muscle of a test subject operating an instrument is measured, and the test subject's force for operating the instrument is evaluated based on a frequency distribution where the frequency of the muscle activity of the skeletal muscle being exercised to operate the instrument is distributed with respect to the obtained limit.

Abstract: A training device measures, after its robot arm is mounted on a trainee, a change in angle of the joint axles of a limb of the trainee with angular sensors. Based on the angular change measured, a controller calculates an angular rate in the direction in which a load is applied, stores as the maximum muscular force a load at the time when the angular rate has exceeded a predetermined value, and stops applying the loads.

Abstract: A system for measuring a person's age on the basis of his/her physical strength is disclosed. A system is provided using multiple exercise courses that make a user perform various kinds of exercises without overburdening the user and that include entertainment factors. A user's age can be calculated, based on the amount of time that the user takes to complete each course and all of the courses taken together, on the basis of the physical strength of a user and the degree to which the user can perform various exercise movements. This system includes multiple courses, to which various exercise devices or other features are provided. The exercise courses are formed so that the user demonstrates various physical abilities, including muscle strength at multiple portions of his/her body, flexibility of the body, balance of the body, and agility of the body.

Abstract: A functional diagram for a muscle and muscle strength reflex test is provided to enable a chiropractic practitioner or the like to easily diagnose an unknown disease and the cause of the disease. The functional diagram comprises an image portion identifying a prescribed examination item and a scale portion arranged adjacent to the image portion and having a scale representing a degree of the examination item. Furthermore, an examination method for examining a patient with the use of a functional diagram for a muscle and muscle strength reflex test is provided. The examination method comprises the steps of having a patient touch a portion of the functional diagram representing a portion or symptom of his body with one of his fingers of one of his hands and having a patient undergo the muscle and muscle strength reflex test to examine the portion or symptom of his body represented by the portion of the functional diagram touched by the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing natural, partially artificial, or artificial musculoskeletal joints is provided as well as a method for using the same. In one aspect, the system employs a weighted, articulated apparatus, such as a pendulum, moving in response to a driving signal to determine a property of the musculoskeletal joint. Also within the invention is a method of growing cells under physiologic conditions of a musculoskeletal joint.

Abstract: A system for judging a ski or snowboard allows a ski board or snowboard most suitable for each skier or snowboarder to be judged by considering the leg strength of each skier or snowboarder. The system includes a storage means for storing a bending characteristic of the ski or snowboard, an input means for inputting the weight and leg strength of the skier or snowboarder, a board characteristic detecting means for determining a bending characteristic of a ski or snowboard that corresponds to the weight and leg strength, and a board searching means for searching the storage means for skis or snowboards that correspond to the bending characteristics determined by the board characteristic detecting means.

Abstract: A computer simulation enhanced exercise device is provided which engages the user by directly relating the users exercise motion in real time to a visual simulation or interactive game. The exercise device may comprise any variety of machines including, stationary bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, stepper, elliptical gliders or under desk exercise. These exercise devices are configured with sensors to measure physical movements as the user exercises and are coupled to computer hardware with modeling and virtualization software to create the system. These sensor measurements are then sent to a computer for use in the physics based modeling and real-time visual simulation. The computer simulation enhanced exercise device is further provided with features including manual and automatic adjustment of resistance levels, visualization of accurate caloric burn rates and correlation to everyday food items, and network connectivity providing for multiplayer network simulations and directed advertising.

Abstract: An isometric strength testing device includes a base for selectively supporting either a chair or a wheelchair for the subject to be tested. A pair of limb supports are positioned on the base, one to immobilize an arm and the other a leg of the subject. Each support includes a band carrying a load cell for generating a signal measurement of the force applied to the cell. Goniometers are associated with the supports for establishing appropriate angles of the subject's limbs at the knee and elbow. A computer connected to the force plates processes and displays data generated by the load cells.

Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus, comprises a conductive loop comprising two parallel conductive legs joined at a free end by a sample contacting member and a magnetic circuit that imposes a magnetic field in opposite directions across the respective legs. A method of mechanically characterizing a sample, comprises imposing a magnetic field in opposite directions in each of two parallel conductive legs of a conductive loop, the legs joined at a free end by a sample contacting member.

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: The present invention relates to a system and method for continually monitoring the spine of a user via device containing electromechanical transducer, processor, delay, transmitter, and a feedback component. Through the device and method of employing, the user will be able to learn and sustain a proper posture, thereby avoiding future back pain.