Biofeedback lifting monitor
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for testing and teaching the lifting capacity and technique of a user, comprising in combination:
- means for accepting user input force exerted over a predetermined distance,means for resisting user input force,means for controlling the resisting means,means for operating the controlling means to produce substantially no movement resulting from input force exerted by a user,means for operating the controlling means to produce substantially constant speed throughout a predetermined portion of movement resulting from input force above a predetermined minimum exerted by a user,means for operating the controlling means to limit the resisting force of the resisting means to a predetermined maximum,means for selecting which of the means for operating operates the controlling means, and,means for operating the controlling means wherein the resisting force is substantially constant as long as the input force exerted by a user is at least a predetermined level and wherein the resisting force varies as a function of the force exerted by a user when the user force is less than the predetermined level.
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Abstract
An apparatus for testing and teaching the lifting capacity and technique of a user includes a brake or clutch for resisting user input force which is controlled by feedback from sensors through a computer. Several operating modes can be chosen, including isometric, isokinetic, isotonic and a special accommodating isotonic which simulates lifting a real object as long as the user exerts enough force, but decreases a resisting force when it is more than the user can handle. A motor is used to substantially eliminate inherent system resistance.
52 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus for testing and teaching the lifting capacity and technique of a user, comprising in combination:
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means for accepting user input force exerted over a predetermined distance, means for resisting user input force, means for controlling the resisting means, means for operating the controlling means to produce substantially no movement resulting from input force exerted by a user, means for operating the controlling means to produce substantially constant speed throughout a predetermined portion of movement resulting from input force above a predetermined minimum exerted by a user, means for operating the controlling means to limit the resisting force of the resisting means to a predetermined maximum, means for selecting which of the means for operating operates the controlling means, and, means for operating the controlling means wherein the resisting force is substantially constant as long as the input force exerted by a user is at least a predetermined level and wherein the resisting force varies as a function of the force exerted by a user when the user force is less than the predetermined level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for testing and teaching the lifting capacity and technique of a user, comprising in combination:
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means for accepting user input force exerted over a pre-defined distance, means for resisting user input force, controlling means for controlling the resisting means, program means for operating the controlling means to produce substantially no movement resulting form input force exerted by a user, program means for operating the controlling means to produce substantially constant speed throughout a predetermined portion of movement resulting from input force above a predetermined minimum exerted by a user, program means for operating the controlling means to limit the resisting force from the resisting means to a predetermined maximum, means for selecting which of the program means operates the controlling means, and a further program means for operating the controlling means wherein the resisting force is substantially constant as long as the input force exerted by a user is at least a predetermined level and wherein the resisting force varies as a function of the input force exerted by a user when the user force is less than the predetermined minimum. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for testing and teaching the lifting capacity of a person, comprising in combination the steps of:
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accepting user input force over a predefined distance; resisting the user input force; controlling the amount of resisting force wherein the resisting force is substantially constant as long as the input force exerted by the person is at least a predetermined level; and controlling the amount of resisting force wherein the speed of movement resulting from the input force exerted by the person is proportional to that force when that force is less than the predetermined level.
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Specification