Systems for measurement and analysis of forces exerted during human locomotion

Patent 4814661 Issued on March 21, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 26, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3582691

3582692

Pressure sensitive switch
Patent #: 4158117
Issued on: 06/12/1979
Inventor: Quilliam , et al.

Flashing discoshoes
Patent #: 4158922
Issued on: 06/26/1979
Inventor: Dana, III

Shoe having automatic step counter
Patent #: 4402147
Issued on: 09/06/1983
Inventor: Wu

Polymer piezoelectric sensor of animal foot pressure
Patent #: 4499394
Issued on: 02/12/1985
Inventor: Koal

Boot or shoe incorporating pedometer or the like
Patent #: 4510704
Issued on: 04/16/1985
Inventor: Johnson

Tap dance shoe including integral electromechanical energy conversion means
Patent #: 4660305
Issued on: 04/28/1987
Inventor: Medler , et al.

Electronic animal hoof force detection systems Patent #: 4703217
Issued on: 10/27/1987
Inventor: Ratzlaff , et al.

Inventors

Assignee

Washington State University Research Foundation

Application

No. 07/113816 filed on 10/26/1987

US Classes:

310/328, With mechanical energy coupling means310/319, Electrical output circuit310/331, Plural elements310/338, Force or pressure measuring type310/339, Voltage, spark or current generator310/800, PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMERS (E.G., MYLAR, PVDF)36/136, Shoe attachment (e.g., ornament, pocket, etc.)73/172ORTHOPEDIC PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION

Examiners

Primary: Budd, Mark O.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Wells, St. John & Roberts

International Classes

A01L 11/00 (20060101)
A61D 17/00 (20060101)
G01L 1/16 (20060101)

Abstract

Systems including piezoelectric sensor elements advantageously mounted between supporting hard plastic material of various types or other mechanically similar materials. The sensor can further be supported by backup plate structures. Some backup plates show full shoe coverage and others show partial sole coverage. Detachable mounting formed by mechanically interengaging parts allow transducer inserts to be made in a modular manner for use in different sensor shoes or sensor insole pads, thus allowing many more patients to be analyzed and treated through use of the invention. Also disclosed is a digital charge signal integrator circuit.

Other References

E M. Hennig et al., "A Piezoelectric Method of Measuring the Vertical Contact Stress Beneath the Human Foot", J. Biomed. Eng., vol. 4, Jul. 1982, pp. 213-222
S. Miyazaki et al., "Foot-Force Measuring Device for Clinical Assessment of Pathological Gait", Medical & Biological Engineering and Computing, Jul. 1978, pp. 429-435
P. R. Cavanagh et al., "A New Device for the Measurement of Pressure Distribution Inside the Shoe", International Series on Biomechanics, vol . 4B, Biomechanics, 1983, pp. 1089-1096
G. Gerliczy et al., "Solef PVDF Biaxially Oriented Piezo and Pyroelectric Films for Transducers", 1985 approximately