Abstract:
A wearable walking assist robot is provided that ensures high walking assistance performance without a complex calculation process by detecting a gait phase based on pressure distribution on feet and performing a corresponding control mode that is set in advance. The wearable walking assist robot includes a sensor unit that senses pressure on the soles of the feet of a wearer and a controller that determines gait phases of both a first leg to be operated and a second leg based on the sensed pressure. Additionally, the controller selects one of a plurality of control modes set in advance based on the determined gait phases and operates a joint-driving unit for the first leg to be operated.
Abstract:
The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.
Abstract:
A pressure-sensing massage machine that resolves the problems of difficult assembly and adjustment and the occurrence of operational errors common to a sensing mechanism that uses many components and devices. The massage machine of the present invention is able to monitor the pressure applied to the massage recipient by a motor-driven movably extending massaging member. A flexible member is provided in the transmission located between the massage member and the motor that drives the massage member, and a pressure sensing mechanism monitors the pressure applied to the massage recipient through the flexible displacement of the flexible member.
Abstract:
Apparatus to assist human walking, incorporating in combination first and second longitudinally extending strut members that are relatively movable, longitudinally, and adapted to transmit body associated loading; the first strut member or members operatively connected to a rack and/or to the user's body; the second strut member or members slaved, i.e. operatively connected to the user's foot or feet, ankles or shoes, to move therewith; and a control that responds to step-by-step treading to control relative movement of the strut members. Such loading is controllably transferred back and forth between left and right pairs of strut members, in response to treading.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for continuous passive motion back support for a person comprising a fluid-inflatable bag disposed between a static structure and the back of a person, the fluid-inflatable bag including a back-engaging surface cyclically moveable to increase and decrease the distance between the static structure and the back-engaging surface thereby to cycle the lower back through a substantial range of lordosis, a conduit adapted to conduct the fluid between the reservoir or the atmosphere and the fluid-inflatable bag, and programmable circuitry for adjusting a voltage supplied to an electrically-powered pump, whereby fluid flow in the conduit is effected by adjustably operating the electrically-powered pump. Various multiple bag embodiments are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a baseline support pressure during continuous passive motion for the lower back of a person.
Abstract:
A connection device having an intermediate member, a first connector, and a second connector. The first and second connectors are releasably retained to the intermediate member, and the first and second connectors are rotatable with respect to the intermediate member. The first and second connectors have a plurality of separate annular channels, and the intermediate member has a plurality of annular channels. The channels of the first and second connectors communicate with the channels of the intermediate member in all rotatable positions of the first and second connectors, such that fluid may be passed through the separate channels of the intermediate member into the separate channels of the first and second connectors.
Abstract:
A pneumatic tourniquet which automatically adjusts the pressure in the tourniquet cuff and in which the pressure adjustment is variable and depends on the sign and magnitude of the pressure error. There is an inflatable cuff, a motor and pump for inflating the cuff, a valve for deflating the cuff, a transducer for sensing the pressure in the cuff, and a switch for setting a desired cuff pressure. A microprocessor is responsive to signals from the transducer and switches to calculate a duty cycle related to the pressure error. The microprocessor periodically applies a signal to the motor or valve during the calculated duty cycle to provide an adjustment to cuff pressure related to pressure error. The microprocessor also is responsive to motor speed and accumulated error history to provide further adjustments to the pressure.
Abstract:
An automatic tourniquet with an improved occlusion detector. A pump and valve for inflating and deflating a tourniquet cuff are connected to a first port. A pressure transducer for sensing the pressure in the cuff is connected to a second port. A pair of pressure differential switches, which activate an alarm when a pressure difference developes across them, are connected anti-parallelly between the pump/valve and the transducer. The differential switches also deactivate the pump/valve upon detection of an occlusion.
Abstract:
Orthosis systems are disclosed, having a wearable assembly and a user replaceable orthosis effector assembly. The wearable assembly includes a motor mechanism and a coupler that is movable by the motor mechanism between a starting location and an unloading location. The coupler has a receiving space. The effector assembly couples to the wearable assembly and has a tension element that actuates the effector assembly. A first end of the tension element is seated in the receiving space of the coupler when the effector assembly is coupled to the wearable assembly. The first end of the tension element is releasable from the receiving space when the coupler is in the unloading location, decoupling the effector assembly from the wearable assembly.