Jaw Or Hand (e.g., Gripping, Pinching, Or Biting) Patents (Class 73/379.02)
  • Patent number: 10874344
    Abstract: A device for measuring oral cavity pressure includes the following: a pressure measuring probe having a balloon made of an elastic material is supported by a balloon base; a communicating member having an inner bore that communicates with the inside of the balloon via the balloon base to transmit the air pressure in the balloon; and a pressure detecting unit that is connected to the rear end of the communicating member and detects the transmitted air pressure. The balloon includes a pressure receiving portion that forms a cavity and a balloon tubular portion that communicates with the inside of the pressure receiving portion, and the balloon is joined to the front end portion of the balloon base with the balloon tubular portion. The balloon base has a rib that protrudes outward along the outer circumferential direction of the front end portion on the balloon side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Toyota
  • Patent number: 10603542
    Abstract: Adapter devices that adapt hand exercise devices to permit the use thereof by persons of widely variable hand size, and permit the use thereof in exercises or tests other than the isometric exercises and tests for which they are known. The adapters provide replacement grips and couple force applied to those replacement grips to the handgrip surfaces of the hand exercise device. One version of the adapter includes a piston and cylinder connected to the replacement grips that move in a range of motion during a hand exercise or test, to allow for isotonic, isokinetic or isodynamic hand exercises. Other versions of the adapter use removable cams, screw cams, rotary cams, and sliding cams to adjust the distance between the grips for the size of the user's hand. A further adapter provides replacement grip surfaces sized for a user's finger and thumb for performing a pinch exercise or test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: MD Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Smyser, David Ferguson, Thomas VanFossen
  • Patent number: 10318015
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an operation unit configured to calculate, based on information on an acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor included in an operation device that is operated by a user, movement information as information on one of a velocity and a movement distance of the operation device; and a correction unit configured to correct, based on information obtained by the acceleration sensor within an acceleration period as a period between an acceleration start time and an acceleration end time of the operation device, the movement information of the operation device within a period between the acceleration end time of the operation device and a movement end time at which the movement ends, that is calculated by the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Goto, Shinobu Kuriya, Kenichi Kabasawa, Masatoshi Ueno, Hideo Kawabe, Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Tsubasa Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 8752428
    Abstract: A portable work capacities testing apparatus comprising a portable computer, a hub releaseably interconnected with the portable computer, a dynamic strength and lifting device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a hand grip strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger pinch strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a forearm/wrist strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a handling/proprioception device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger flexion device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a whole body coordination device releaseably interconnected with the hub, and a strength push/pull/lift device releaseably interconnected with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Akins, John Banks, Mark Means
  • Patent number: 8752427
    Abstract: A functional capacity evaluator has a strain block and a strain gauge attached to the strain block. A first pair of grips is attachable to the strain block such that when a user squeezes them together using a grip motion, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring the user's grip strength. A second pair of grips is attachable to the strain block such that when the user squeezes them together using a pinch motion, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring pinch strength. A deadlift bar is attachable to the strain block such that when the strain block is supported in a first direction and the user pulls on the bar in an opposing direction, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring deadlift strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Med-Tek LLC
    Inventors: Charles D. Cyphery, Marco N. Vitiello
  • Patent number: 8677820
    Abstract: An input apparatus includes: an input apparatus main body that is used to make an input for operating an operation target; a grip detection portion configured to detect that a user has gripped the input apparatus main body with a predetermined force or more; a motion detection portion configured to detect a movement of the input apparatus main body and output a movement detection value corresponding to the movement of the input apparatus main body; a controller configured to execute, while/after the grip of the input apparatus main body is being detected by the grip detection portion, processing for controlling the operation target based on the movement detection value; and a first response portion configured to return, when at least the grip of the input apparatus main body is detected by the grip detection portion, a first response to the user irrespective of the control of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Masatoshi Ueno, Kenichi Kabasawa, Hideo Kawabe, Shinobu Kuriya, Tetsuro Goto, Tsubasa Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 8601869
    Abstract: A multi-functional hand strength assessment device includes a housing and at least one bellows device supported by the housing. A grip bar is interfaced with the bellows device for compression thereof. The grip bar is supported by the housing and is accessible by a user to grasp the grip bar for assessment of grip hand strength and finger pinch strength of the user. A grip is interfaced with the bellows device for compression thereof for assessment of twisting hand strength of the user. A pinch bar is supported by the housing opposite the grip bar and movement of one of the grip bar and the pinch bar towards the other compresses the bellows device for assessment of finger pinch strength of the user's fingers. A mechanical or electronic pressure gauge is in fluid connection with the bellows device to register a reading relating to hand strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Carl Miller
  • Patent number: 8572764
    Abstract: One or more gloves are disclosed herein. A glove body comprises a glove body internal surface that defines a palm compartment enveloping at least part of a user's palm, a glove body external surface, and a wrist aperture that provides an opening for the user's hand. Digit appendages comprise a digit appendage internal surface that extends the palm compartment to envelop all/part of the user's digit, and a digit appendage external surface. One or more sensors are attached to the glove body to detect one or more hand exercise events that involve a user hand exercise. A memory component, powered by a battery, stores the hand exercise event, upon receiving a hand exercise event detected by a sensor. A device interface delivers the one or more hand exercise events from the memory to a device, upon connection to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Dieter Thellmann
  • Patent number: 8556628
    Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Malcom E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 8348862
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Institute for Information Industry
    Inventor: Tun-Hsiao Chu
  • Patent number: 8291762
    Abstract: A portable work capacities testing apparatus comprising a portable computer, a hub releaseably interconnected with the portable computer, a dynamic strength and lifting device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a hand grip strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger pinch strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a forearm/wrist strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a handling/proprioception device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger flexion device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a whole body coordination device releaseably interconnected with the hub, and a strength push/pull/lift device releaseably interconnected with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Akins, John Banks, Mark Means
  • Publication number: 20120255355
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated system for measuring hand strength and dexterity. Specifically, the integrated system allows for measuring of hand muscle strength through the pinch-grip test, of intrinsic hand muscle strength, and testing of performance in various dexterity tests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Shuai Xu, Gloria R. Gogola, Graham Sattler, Sridhar Madala, Robert LiKamWa
  • Publication number: 20120137772
    Abstract: A multi-functional hand strength assessment device includes a housing and at least one bellows device supported by the housing. A grip bar is interfaced with the bellows device for compression thereof. The grip bar is supported by the housing and is accessible by a user to grasp the grip bar for assessment of grip hand strength and finger pinch strength of the user. A grip is interfaced with the bellows device for compression thereof for assessment of twisting hand strength of the user. A pinch bar is supported by the housing opposite the grip bar and movement of one of the grip bar and the pinch bar towards the other compresses the bellows device for assessment of finger pinch strength of the user's fingers. A mechanical or electronic pressure gauge is in fluid connection with the bellows device to register a reading relating to hand strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Carl Miller
  • Publication number: 20120137771
    Abstract: A functional capacity evaluator has a strain block and a strain gauge attached to the strain block. A first pair of grips is attachable to the strain block such that when a user squeezes them together using a grip motion, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring the user's grip strength. A second pair of grips is attachable to the strain block such that when the user squeezes them together using a pinch motion, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring pinch strength. A deadlift bar is attachable to the strain block such that when the strain block is supported in a first direction and the user pulls on the bar in an opposing direction, the strain block and strain gauge are flexed for measuring deadlift strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Charles D. Cyphery, Marco N. Vitiello
  • Publication number: 20120048013
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: National University Corporation Tokyo Medical and Dental University
    Inventors: Ichiro Minami, Teruyasu Nakamura, Yoshimasa Igarashi, Tetsu Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20120011932
    Abstract: An input apparatus includes: an input apparatus main body that is used to make an input for operating an operation target; a grip detection portion configured to detect that a user has gripped the input apparatus main body with a predetermined force or more; a motion detection portion configured to detect a movement of the input apparatus main body and output a movement detection value corresponding to the movement of the input apparatus main body; a controller configured to execute, while/after the grip of the input apparatus main body is being detected by the grip detection portion, processing for controlling the operation target based on the movement detection value; and a first response portion configured to return, when at least the grip of the input apparatus main body is detected by the grip detection portion, a first response to the user irrespective of the control of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakagawa, Masatoshi Ueno, Kenichi Kabasawa, Hideo Kawabe, Shinobu Kuriya, Tetsuro Goto, Tsubasa Tsukahara
  • Patent number: 7987711
    Abstract: A device (1) for diagnosing a disorder comprises a stop for stopping a human extremity (5), such as a finger, when said extremity exerts a force on the stop. Detection means are provided for detecting said exerted force. The device has a support member (20) for supporting the stop. The stop comprises one or more resilient strips (8,17), each of which projects from the support member up to in each case a free end. The resilient strips are arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from one another. Each resilient strip can, by being deformed, contact an adjacent resilient strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Consulo B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Antonius Maria Elders, Johannes Gerardus Steenkamer
  • Patent number: 7975543
    Abstract: A method for isometric exercise safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The method utilizes an apparatus that provides resistance to force and maximizes user/patient comfort. The handle or grip of the apparatus may be squeezed with a force less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby restricting blood flow through contracting muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through use of the method. The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and inducing the user to apply the fractional force, a lesser fractional force or no force for a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: CardioGrip IPH, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Clem, Richard Rae Clem, Thomas J. Wernikowski, Joachim Eldring, Nathaniel Longstreet, Steven Wood, Seth Huckstead
  • Publication number: 20110060548
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the work required to expel a tampon from a tampon applicator having a barrel containing the tampon and a plunger for expelling the tampon from the barrel. The method includes the steps of selecting and applying an applicator gripping test force to a grip zone on the barrel of the tampon applicator and selecting a tampon expulsion test rate and applying a force to the plunger sufficient to expel the tampon from the barrel of the tampon applicator at the selected tampon expulsion test rate. Further, the method includes the step of calculating the force on the plunger required to expel the tampon from the barrel at the selected tampon expulsion test rate as a function of the distance the tampon travels during expulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Donna Rene Hill, John David Norcom
  • Patent number: 7892189
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kandori, Tsuyoshi Miyashita, Kuniomi Ogata
  • Patent number: 7845225
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the grip of a bowler. In some embodiments, a bowling grip pressure device includes a glove configured to leave the second finger, the third finger, and the thumb substantially exposed. Pressure sensors are attached to the substantially exposed fingers. At least one pressure sensor is permanently affixed to the glove. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler's performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. Pressures exerted on the second finger, the third finger, and the thumb are measured and recorded as a function of time. The bowler's performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressures as a function of time. Methods are also taught for using recorded grip pressure data to fit a bowler with a proper bowling ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: United States Bowling Congress, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Ridenour, Neil B. Stremmel, Bill Monce, James E. Jaryszak
  • Patent number: 7739910
    Abstract: A system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. An apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort and the system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: CardioGrip IPH, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Clem, Richard Rae Clem, Thomas J. Wemikowski, Joachim Eldring, Nathaniel Longstreet, Steven Wood, Seth Huckstead
  • Publication number: 20100125423
    Abstract: A control device includes a force detector configured to detect a force in a normal direction and a force in a shearing direction of fingertips of a robot hand device respectively as a normal force and a shearing force, and an object detector configured to calculate a friction coefficient using the normal force and the shearing force detected by the force detector and to detect whether or not a thin-film object having a maximum friction coefficient different from a maximum stationary friction coefficient between the fingertips is grasped between the fingertips on the basis of the calculation result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Toshimitsu TSUBOI, Takeo KISHIDA
  • Patent number: 7703323
    Abstract: The invention provides for a hand-held isometric exercise device comprising a handle portion and at least one load cell arranged to receive a load when the device is gripped by the handle portion and urged against the surface, the device having at least one contact portion on the underside thereof for contact with the said surface to transmit the load to the said at least one load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ENANEF Limited
    Inventor: Neil Summers
  • Publication number: 20100095764
    Abstract: A device (1) for diagnosing a disorder comprises a stop for stopping a human extremity (5), such as a finger, when said extremity exerts a force on the stop. Detection means are provided for detecting said exerted force. The device has a support member (20) for supporting the stop. The stop comprises one or more resilient strips (8,17), each of which projects from the support member up to in each case a free end. The resilient strips are arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from one another. Each resilient strip can, by being deformed, contact an adjacent resilient strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: CONSULO B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Antonius Maria Elders, Johannes Gerardus Steenkamer
  • Patent number: 7661309
    Abstract: A portable handheld device (20) for use by a therapist to measure angles and forces associated with a joint of a patient. The device (20) comprises a housing (22) with a contact pad (26) that is arranged to contact a body part associated with the joint and a hand piece (24) for the therapist to grip. A goniometer is mounted within the housing (22) and is arranged to measure the angular position of the body part when it is in contact with the contact pad (26) and generate representative angle data. A force sensor is coupled to the contact pad (26) and is arranged to measure the force applied by the body part to the contact pad (26) and generate representative force data. A control system is also provided and is arranged to operate the goniometer and force sensor simultaneously to capture measurements of angle data and force data simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Research Limited
    Inventors: Le-Ngoc Lan, Andrew Brent Lintott, Marcus James King, Julian Kyle Verkaaik
  • Patent number: 7631557
    Abstract: A grip force assessment device, method and system that can provide a grip force map image presenting a detailed image of the complex grip capability/capacity of a human hand including the palm and all digits improving over existing assessment systems and their attendant inaccuracy, poor reliability, and lack of meaningful clinical relevance. The grip force assessment system includes a grip force transducer including a high-resolution tactile array that produces a high-resolution grip force signal. A processing device processes, analyzes and outputs grip force data. A display provides a grip force map image showing distribution of individual finger function relative to entire hand function. The grip force transducer includes a high-resolution tactile sensor wherein the greatest distance between adjacent pressure sensing nodes is in the range of 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Mark DeBeliso, John W. McChesney, Louis E. Murdock
  • Publication number: 20090199636
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and analyzing the grip of a bowler. In some embodiments, a bowling grip pressure device includes a glove configured to leave the second finger, the third finger, and the thumb substantially exposed. Pressure sensors are attached to the substantially exposed fingers. At least one pressure sensor is permanently affixed to the glove. Methods are taught for analyzing a bowler's performance. In some embodiments, the bowler performs a plurality of bowling motions. Pressures exerted on the second finger, the third finger, and the thumb are measured and recorded as a function of time. The bowler's performance is evaluated based upon the recorded pressures as a function of time. Methods are also taught for using recorded grip pressure data to fit a bowler with a proper bowling ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: UNITED STATES BOWLING CONGRESS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Ridenour, Neil B. Stremmel, Bill Monce, James E. Jaryszak
  • Publication number: 20090031800
    Abstract: A sensor element capable of appropriately detecting an external force operating three-dimensionally is provided. The sensor element has an electrically conductive elastic member whose electrical property changes when compressed or expanded by an external force, and a plurality of electrode elements, which are capable of receiving power supply, for measuring electric properties from outside. The plurality of electrode elements are grouped into one or more sets, each having a predetermined number of electrode elements, for measuring electrical properties, and the electrode elements constituting a set are arranged three-dimensionally inside and on the surface of the conductive elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
    Inventor: Satoshi Maekawa
  • Publication number: 20090025475
    Abstract: A grip force assessment device, method and system that can provide a grip force map image presenting a detailed image of the complex grip capability/capacity of a human hand including the palm and all digits improving over existing assessment systems and their attendant inaccuracy, poor reliability, and lack of meaningful clinical relevance. The grip force assessment system includes a grip force transducer including a high-resolution tactile array that produces a high-resolution grip force signal. A processing device processes, analyzes and outputs grip force data. A display provides a grip force map image showing distribution of individual finger function relative to entire hand function. The grip force transducer includes a high-resolution tactile sensor wherein the greatest distance between adjacent pressure sensing nodes is in the range of 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark DeBeliso, John W. McChesney, Louis E. Murdock
  • Patent number: 7448265
    Abstract: System, method and apparatus for carrying out isometric exercises for therapeutic purposes. As employed in a therapeutic mode the apparatus may only be programmed within mandated therapeutic parameter limitations. During therapeutic trials, the user is visually and aurally cued throughout the test sequence and the therapeutic data evolved during the regimen is recorded and recoverable from archival memory. Particular target force modes can be selected to allow stimulation of nitric oxide release, and modulation of serum lipid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: MD Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Smyser, Ronald L. Wiley, Thomas L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080202233
    Abstract: A portable handheld device (20) for use by a therapist to measure angles and forces associated with a joint of a patient. The device (20) comprises a housing (22) with a contact pad (26) that is arranged to contact a body part associated with the joint and a hand piece (24) for the therapist to grip. A goniometer is mounted within the housing (22) and is arranged to measure the angular position of the body part when it is in contact with the contact pad (26) and generate representative angle data. A force sensor is coupled to the contact pad (26) and is arranged to measure the force applied by the body part to the contact pad (26) and generate representative force data. A control system is also provided and is arranged to operate the goniometer and force sensor simultaneously to capture measurements of angle data and force data simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Le-Ngoc Lan, Andrew Brent Lintott, Marcus James King, Julian Kyle Verkaaik
  • Patent number: 7195565
    Abstract: An improved golf club fitting system for fitting a set of golf clubs to a player includes the steps of measuring a player's hand grip strength and selecting a representative golf club having a dead weight directly proportional to the player's grip strength. The club length and the swing weight of the representative golf club are then determined by standard testing procedures commonly used in the golf club industry. A balance index (BI) for the representative golf club is then computed by dividing the dead weight (DW) by the swing weight (SW) (DW/SW=BI) and the balance index (BI) is compared to the dead weight to determine generally corresponding values for the remaining other golf clubs in the set such that the system user can match different irons and woods to the representative golf club thereby creating an ideal matched set of golf clubs for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: James White, Greg Johannesen
  • Patent number: 7152471
    Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a person's hand strength including means for engaging the hand. The apparatus including means for determining the strength of the hand based on a twisting action with the hand of the engaging means relative to the determining means. The engaging means is connected to the determining means. A method for assessing a person's hand strength including the steps of gripping a first object having a first diameter with the hand by the person. There is the step of twisting the first object with the hand. There is the step of measuring torque with a torque sensor, connected to the first object, of the object as it is being twisted by the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventors: Mark E. Baratz, Mark Carl Miller, Patrick D. Devanny, Jufang He
  • Patent number: 7074198
    Abstract: Methods for treatment and prevention of disorders resulting from hypertension of neck and shoulder muscles, in particular hypertension of the scalenius muscles, comprise administering a training regime to a subject suffering from the disorders, whereby the training regime comprises manipulating an object while maintaining a pinch-grip force exerted by the fingers on the object below a given threshold value. The object preferably has a pressure sensor that generates a signal when the pinch-grip force exceeds the threshold value. The object may be a writing instrument whereby the training may comprise writing exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignees: Tensor, B.V., Smartsense, B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Leonard Krullaards
  • Patent number: 6925874
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the relative difficulty in donning of a glove. The apparatus contains a glove mount for holding a glove to be tested in an open donnable position and a device for measuring the effort associated with donning the glove. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the effort associated with donning a glove by providing a testing apparatus having a glove mount and a device for measuring effort associated with donning of a glove, mounting a glove for testing on the glove mount so the glove is open and donnable, initializing the testing apparatus, and acquiring data from the device relating to the effort associated with donning of the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy H. Puckett, Timothy Wilson Reader, Wade R. Thompson, Thomas Gregory Triebes, Audra S. Wright, Mark T. Pamperin, Joel Brostin
  • Patent number: 6893406
    Abstract: A mastication monitoring device 1 is provided with a probe 2 which is attached to a cheek in order to detect the concentration of reduced hemoglobin in the masticatory muscles. A photodetector 22 of the probe 2 detects light scattered in the masticatory muscles and delivers a signal of the amount of light received to a signal processing unit 3. The signal processing unit 3 computes the reduced hemoglobin concentrations (time-series changes) from the signals of the amount of light received, and further computes outputs S (time-series changes) corresponding to the time-series changes in the reduced hemoglobin concentrations. A mastication iteration counting unit 41 detects peaks in periodical changes of Sd which is the difference between the output S and the moving average value Sma of the output S and counts the peaks in periodical changes of Sd as the mastication iterations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Takeuchi, Takehiro Kurono
  • Publication number: 20040261527
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the relative difficulty in donning of a glove. The apparatus contains a glove mount for holding a glove to be tested in an open donnable position and a device for measuring the effort associated with donning the glove. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the effort associated with donning a glove by providing a testing apparatus having a glove mount and a device for measuring effort associated with donning of a glove, mounting a glove for testing on the glove mount so the glove is open and donnable, initializing the testing apparatus, and acquiring data from the device relating to the effort associated with donning of the glove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Nancy H. Puckett, Timothy Wilson Reader, Wade R. Thompson, Thomas Gregory Triebes, Audra S. Wright, Mark T. Pamperin, Joel Brostin
  • Patent number: 6792801
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively testing muscle strength and range of motion of a body part of a patient includes a housing having at least one contact area, and preferably two spaced apart contact areas, for contacting and aligning the apparatus with a body part to be tested for range of motion and an inclinometer to measure the angle of the apparatus and produce an angle signal indicative of the measured angle. The difference between the angle measured at one extreme of movement of the body part and at the other extreme of movement provides a measure of the range of motion. A force applicator coupler couples a force applicator to a force transducer to measure muscle strength. The force transducer produces a force signal indicative of the force applied by the force applicator to the force transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hoggan Health Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn D. Hoggan, John Griffin, Earl Van Wagoner, III, Michael K. Durtschi
  • Patent number: 6685786
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to improve a cutting reliability, to facilitate automation of the connection of wires and to allow for a reliable detection of wire joints. Ends of wires (a, a′) to be connected along their longitudinal directions are linearly placed, and a tape (t) is wound over and around the both wire ends. An adhesive layer of the tape is faced up, and the tape (t) is wound as the wire ends are rolled, thereby connecting the wires (a, a′). Since the tape displays a strong tear resistance in its longitudinal direction, the wires are strongly connected. The tape may contain reinforced fibers to display a stronger tear resistance. The wires (a, a′) are rolled by being held between plates (11, 33) and moving the plate (33) with respect to the plate (11). The tape (t) is placed on an auxiliary base plate (12) and is wound by the rolling movement of the wires (a, a′). The plate (33) is moved back after winding of the tape (t) to untwist the wires (a, a′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Matsuzawa, Tomiyuki Takeda
  • Patent number: 6662651
    Abstract: A portable exercise device (20) having a force measuring system (28) and a length adjuster (30). The exercise device includes a pulley/securing device assembly (22) and a cord (24) having a gripping structure (26) at each of its ends. The pulley/securing device assembly has a pulley (38) for engaging the cord and a securing device (34) for securing the exercise device to a door (46). The force measuring system engages one of the gripping structures and determines magnitude of a tensile force (68) applied to that gripping member. The force measuring system is in communication with an electronic display (88′) that displays the magnitude of the tensile force to a user (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Javelin Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilfred Roth
  • Patent number: 6651497
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pitching training tool, comprising a rod-shaped body portion, which has a hollow, cylindrical shaft portion that is lighter than a regulation ball, and a gripping portion, which is integrally formed to one end of this shaft portion; an acceleration sensor or other such detector, which is incorporated in the gripping portion side of this rod-shaped body portion, and which detects a state of motion when the rod-shaped body portion is swung around; an arithmetic processing portion for performing computations based on motion state data from this detector; and a display for displaying the results of computations by the arithmetic processing portion, and is constituted so as to compute in the computing portion at least the rotational speed of the rod-shaped body portion based on the detection results by this detector and to display same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Imatoh
  • Patent number: 6590499
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring and detecting a sleeping driver incorporating a load cell connected to electronic scales for establishing a base line force value when a driver grasps the steering wheel so that when the driver relaxes the grip on the steering wheel and the force value falls below the established base line value an alarm is sounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph D'Agosto
  • Publication number: 20010049482
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring force, primarily due to fatigue. In one embodiment, a finger fatigue measuring system is provided which measures the force output from fingers while the fingers are repetitively generating forces as they strike a keyboard. Force profiles of the fingers are generated from the measurements and evaluated for fatigue. The system can be used clinically to evaluate patients, to ascertain the effectiveness of clinical intervention, pre-employment screening, to assist in minimizing the incidence of repetitive stress injuries at the keyboard, mouse, joystick, and to monitor effectiveness of various finger strengthening systems. The system can also be used in a variety of different applications adapted for measuring forces produced during performance of repetitive motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Robert S. Pozos, Jose L. Agraz
  • Patent number: 6257893
    Abstract: For training the tactile perception of a marksman, in particular of a sport marksman, during the firing of a shot in which the marksman exercising a pressure on a trigger of a real or simulation firearm which triggers the shot when it crosses a predetermined threshold, a training process comprises (i) measuring the pressure exercised on said trigger by a finger of said marksman, (ii) converting said measured pressure into electric signals representing an instantaneous amplitude of a pressure vector, and (iii) transforming in real time said electric signals into signals perceptible by a sense of the marksman other than the tactile sense, so that the marksman can in real time follow the variation of the pressure exercised on said trigger until the departure of said shot in simultaneity and in synchronism with the tactile perception perceived by said finger. A training device for implementing this process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Pierre Trabut
  • Patent number: 6190335
    Abstract: An orofacial measurement probe for measuring muscle forces within the oral cavity. The probe includes a bite member sized for insertion into the oral cavity and a pressure-sensitive transducer disposed in transducer housing. The bite member is formed with a rigid upper portion, a rigid lower portion and an elastomeric member holding the upper and power portions in spaced-apart relationship to one another. The upper and lower portions are formed and arranged so that together with the elastomeric member they define a hydraulic cavity, which carries a hydraulic fluid. At least one of the upper and lower portions is formed to provide a bite surface sized for engagement by one or more of the patient's teeth. The transducer housing is separate from the bite member and arranged to be external to the oral cavity when the bite member is inserted into the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Oro-Myographic Measuring Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Howard, Ronald E. Tura
  • Patent number: RE38877
    Abstract: For training the tactile perception of a marksman, in particular of a sport marksman, during the firing of a shot in which the marksman exercising a pressure on a trigger of a real or simulation firearm which triggers the shot when it crosses a predetermined threshold, a training process comprises (i) measuring the pressure exercised on said trigger by a finger of said marksman, (ii) converting said measured pressure into electric signals representing an instantaneous amplitude of a pressure vector, and (iii) transforming in real time said electric signals into signals perceptible by a sense of the marksman other than the tactile sense, so that the marksman can in real time follow the variation of the pressure exercised on said trigger until the departure of said shot in simultaneity and in synchronism with the tactile perception perceived by said finger. A training device for implementing this process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Pierre Trabut