Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring the extent of scoliosis in an individual, a transverse support member (10), first (12) and second (14) mounting means predeterminedly positionable along the support member, a pair of extension members (20, 22) in individually co-operating relationship with each of the mounting means (12,14) for resting at a selected body location of the individual when the apparatus is in use and adapted for removal from the mounting means (12,14) when the apparatus is not in use, and means locatable on the support member for providing an angle indication (34) as to existing elevational differences between the extension members (20, 22) when rested at the body locations.
Abstract:
An endoscope apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer (17) disposed at the distal end portion of an endoscope (11). The ultrasonic wave transmission/reception time of the ultrasonic transducer (17) is measured by a time counter (35). The measured time from the time counter (35) and the velocity of propagation of ultrasonic wave are operated by a calculator (36). and thus the distance between the distal end portion and a subject is calculated. The distance and the view angle of an optical system (13 to 15) for observation are operated by a calculator (37), the ratio between the size of an image in the field of view of the optical system (13 to 15) for observation and the size of the subject is calculated, and the scale of a scale display panel (23) disposed inside the field of view is indicated in accordance with such ratio.
Abstract:
An automatic gauge for measuring a person's foot and for giving an indication of a suitable size of footwear for the measured foot, the gauge comprising a first pair of members (15 and 38) of which the member (38) is movable towards and away from the member (15), a second pair of members (13 and 28) of which the member (28) is movable towards and away from the member (13), the foot (T) to be measured being placed between the members (15) and (38) and between the members (13) and (28), said gauge including electrical means (32, 33) and (34, 35) and circuit means (20) for processng the electrical output signals from the electrical means (32, 33 and 34, 35) and means (45 and 49) for displaying a size of footwear related to the spacing between the members of the pairs of members (15, 38 and 13, 28).
Abstract:
A posture training device (100) includes a frame (102) and a module (116) floatingly engaged with the frame (102). The device (100) can be held snugly against the backbone of a person by a belt (122) or garment (124), such that an increase in curvature of the backbone in either the midsagittal plane or a transverse plane moves the module (116) relative to the frame (102). When the module (116) has been moved sufficiently to indicate a poor posture position, a tactile signal generator (160, 162) within the module (116) is activated to vibrate, thereby alerting the person that he or she has assumed a poor posture.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for monitoring respiratory movements of a person, having a lower surface member (11) and an upper surface member (12) adapted to move relative to the lower surface member (11). The upper surface member (11) is provided with at least one protrusion (18) extending downwardly therefrom which is adapted to directly or indirectly contact a piezo-electric transducer device or the like device (15), the other end of the piezo-electric device (15) being connected, also directly or indirectly, to the lower surface member (11). Preferably, each protrusion (18) contacts the piezo-electric device (15) via a flexible arm (16), for increase insensitivity of the apparatus. By sensing wether movement of the upper surface member (12) occurs an electrical signal is generated by the piezo-electric device (15) which operates an alarm in the event that respiratory movement is not sensed.
Abstract:
An apparatus for determining a person's body density or fat level comprises a light receiving device (12, 38) for directing at a person and means for determining the person's body density or fat level in accordance with the intensity of illumination received by that device, which may comprise a light meter (12) or preferably a video camera (38).
Abstract:
A transducer for measurement of vertical foot forces comprises a pressure sensor arranged in the tread region of a shoe or a plurality of pressure sensors distributed over the tread surface. The pressure sensors act as signal convertors which convert mechanical pressures to electrical signals, and the output signal of the pressure sensor or the combined output signals of a plurality of pressure sensors are an index of the integral of the vertical forces acting on the tread region.
Abstract:
A means (1) for detection of position changes round a joint, especially the spine. The means comprises a vertebral column unit (4) consisting of a number of separate vertebrae (6) and sleeves (12), and a detection unit (5). The vertebral column unit is held together by a tension spring (18) running through all the vertebrae and sleeves. Furthermore, through the vertebrae (6) run at least one flexible draw bar (18) for taking up bending movements and at least one torsion rod (20) for taking up twisting movements. The detection unit (5) is intended for detection of the position changes of the bars and rods. The means is attached close to a patient's back by a fixing unit (14) along the portion of the back to be subjected to measurement and then the different bending and twisting movements may be detected by means of the detection unit. To the detection unit there is connected a registering unit for registration of the values. The means may also be used as a warning means and in that case a warning unit instead of the registering unit is connected to the detection unit.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for evaluating among the trunk and limbs of the body the distribution of two types of disorder affecting posture and equilibrium control: (1) inability to receive and correctly interpret somatosensory orientation and movement information derived from those body and limb parts in contact with supporting surfaces and (2) inability to coordinate the muscular contractions in those body and limb parts in contact with a supporting surface to execute functionally effective postural movements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention: (1) the subject (10) assumes a position of equilibrium while at least two body or limb parts are supported on independent surfaces (11, 11'); (2) support surface inputs are disrupted from all but one of the supported body or limb parts; (3) the ability of the subject to utilize support surface inputs from each supported body and limb part to maintain the assumed equilibrium position is assessed by measuring the extent of spontaneously occurring displacements from the assumed equilibrium position; (4) the ability of the subject to coordinate postural movements with each supported body or limb part is assessed by imposing brief waveforms of support surface displacements; (5) steps 1 through 4 are repeated with support surface inputs disrupted from a different combination of all but one of the supported body and limb parts; and (6) the distribution of impaired ability to receive and interpret support surface inputs and to coordinate postural movements among the body and limb parts providing postural support is selectively assessed by comparing quantitative measures of spontaneous displacements from the assumed equilibrium position and postural movements.
Abstract:
Identification of an individual by forming an image of a selected portion of the body of the individual, extracting information, such as that which relates to the pattern of subcutaneous blood vessels, from said image and comparing said information with predetermined information.