Musculoskeletal vibration system providing independent vibration and bias control
AssigneeWiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey M. Leismer, Nadder D. Sahar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for musculoskeletal stimulation allows independent electronic control of vibration parameters and overall biasing force so that an optimum combination of these parameters may be obtained regardless of the user's weight and without the need for adjustment of mechanical weights or springs.
Claims18
An apparatus for applying an axial vibratory force to a limb of a user of the apparatus, the limb having at least first and second segments each having axes and communicating by a joint, the apparatus comprising:
- an operator surface adapted to communicate with a distal portion of the limb to communicate forces thereto;
- a bias system communicating with the operator surface to receive a first electrical signal controlling a bias force on the limb;
- a vibration system communicating with the operator surface to receive a second electrical signal independent of the first electrical signal controlling a vibration applied to the limb;
- and
- a control circuit providing the first and second electrical signals according to operator input commands.
An apparatus for applying an axial vibratory force to a leg of a user of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a seat;
- a foot support positioned in front of the seat to receive the feet of the user when the user is in a position sitting in the seat
- a knee brace limiting upward motion of knees of the user when in the position;
- a vibration system communicating with the foot support to provide a vibration force to the feet within a first excursion range according to a vibration signal;
- and
- a bias system communicating with the foot support to provide a predetermined bias force to the foot support over a second excursion range larger than the first excursion range according to a position signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.