Device for inducing and registering imbalance

• US 5,209,240 A
• Filed: 02/20/1991
• Issued: 05/11/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Baltimore Therapeautic Equipment Company, Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment Co. (US Physical Therapy Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Baltimore Therapeutic Company
• Inventors: Weber, Richard, Jain, Sanjeev, Alon, Gad, Doub, Robert J., Day, Alan G. III, Vermette, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hindenburg, Max
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tucker, Guy V.
• Application Number:
  US07/658,334
• Time in Patent Office: 811 Days
• Field of Search: 128/774, 128/779, 128/782, 128/687, 128/695, 128/696, 128/700, 272/69, 272/DIG. 6, 272/DIG. 9, 364/413.01, 364/413.02, 434/258
• US Class Current: 600/592
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1036 Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/44 for weighing persons

Abstract

A device is provided for registering and recording induced imbalance in a human subject. A horizontal platform is adapted for controlled, linear displacement in a horizontal plane to induce imbalance. Imbalance and response can be detected and recorded by means of electric contact shoes or other means.

Claims

1. A device for registering and evaluating the response of a human subject in a stationary, standing position to induce imbalance which comprises a single, unitary horizontal platform means for accommodating said human subject;

said platform means comprising a single horizontal surface mounted on linear bearing rails and connected to means for causing controlled linear displacement of said surface in a horizontal plane to cause said induced imbalance;

displacement control means for controlling the speed, acceleration, duration and distance of said linear displacement; and

means for causing said displacement causing means to return said platform to its initial position subsequent to said displacement;

means for detecting said imbalance and the response of said subject thereto comprising a pair of pads adapted to be worn on the feet of said subject while standing on said platform means and providing with pressure responsive switches for producing signals which characterize movement of the feet of said subject caused by said imbalance and response;

means for transmitting said signals to evaluation and recording means for displaying measured time intervals between said controlled displacement of the platform means and induced imbalance and response thereto by said subject.

2. The device of claim 1 where said means for causing linear displacement is a motor connected through gearing means for translating rotation of the rotor into linear motion.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said platform is provided with means to limit said displacement of the platform and to cause said motor and gearing means to return said platform to its initial position subsequent to said displacement.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said pressure responsive switches are at locations on said pads corresponding to the toes and heels of said subject.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said pads form the soles of shoes or slippers.

6. The device of claim 1 in which evaluation means are provided to raise the height of said platform surface.