Wearable adjustable automatic tension generation system

Abstract

A system for coordinating actions performed by multiple devices useful for automatically adjusting tension on a holding member, thereby applying pressure or other force to an object. Sensors can be used to detect changes associated with the object or environment involved, and can include actuators that automatically rotate rotating members, such as gears or pulleys, to automatically adjust tension on the holding member. The tension adjustment can be performed automatically many times per second based on control signals from control logic responsive to the sensors. Individual devices can adjust their activity in response to inputs received from one or more sensors and in response to a control circuit or multiple cooperating control circuits. The control circuit(s) can be configured to automatically adapt over time to optimize the overall behavior of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Citations for related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 089,764, filed Oct. 9, 2020. By this reference thereto, the content thereof is incorporated herein.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wearable devices configured to operate in concert to automatically control pressure or tension applied to an object. In one example, the optimal pressure or tension applied to an object by any one wearable device may depend on the movement of the object, the movement of the wearable device relative to the object, environmental factors, or various aspects of the state of the object itself, and further on actions performed by other similar wearable devices. In many cases, tension can be set manually, such as by tightening a strap, tying a shoelace, twisting a wire or cable until it is “tight”, applying a locking or crimped cable stay, etc. Such systems are unable to determine the optimal tension level, and / or automatically adjust the tension as needed, particularly when multiple such manual devices are used together. This can result in the tension level not being set correctly, which can damage the tensioner itself or the object, either by applying too much tension or not enough tension.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Disclosed is an automatic holding system that applies pressure or tension to one or more objects or limbs of a human or animal. The system optionally includes a plurality of automatic holding devices, each of which optionally includes a holding member that surrounds a portion of at least one limb, and an actuator positioned and configured to engage with the holding member. The actuator may also be configured to actuate the holding member in order to adjust the pressure applied to the object by the holding member. In other embodiments, the system may include at least one sensor positioned and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with the object, and at least one control circuit that optionally responds to the at least one sensor. The at least one control circuit may also be configured to control the actuators of the plurality of holding devices in order to adjust the pressure applied to one or more objects in response to inputs received from the at least one sensor.

[0004] In other embodiments, the system may include a garment configured to enclose at least a portion of one of one or more limbs. In other embodiments, at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices may be positioned outside the garment. In other embodiments, at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices may be optionally positioned within a defined cavity in the garment. In other embodiments, in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices, its holding member may be optionally woven into the garment.

[0005] In other embodiments, the garment of the disclosed system optionally includes an actuator mount. The actuator mount is configured to connect at least one actuator adjacent to a retaining member among a plurality of automatic holding devices. In other embodiments, in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices, the retaining member optionally includes a fabric strap that can be attached to the garment at a predetermined mounting position. In other embodiments, the fabric strap may be attached to the inside of the garment, and the garment may have an opening through which the actuator engages with the retaining member to adjust the tension on the fabric strap.

[0006] In other embodiments, the garment of the disclosed system may define an internal passage, and at least a portion of one of the holding members of a plurality of automatic holding devices may be positioned inside the internal passage. In other embodiments, the actuator of at least one holding member may optionally be mounted outside the internal passage of the garment. In other embodiments, the garment may optionally include a plurality of mounts that collectively correspond to each of a plurality of automatic holding devices to which the garment can be attached.

[0007] In other embodiments, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices may be mounted separately from at least one control circuit. In other embodiments, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices may be mounted on a housing, and at least one control circuit may optionally be mounted inside this housing.

[0008] In other embodiments, a higher-level retaining device of at least one automatic retaining device may be mounted upstream of one of the limbs, and a separate lower-level retaining device of this at least one automatic retaining device may be mounted downstream of this limb. In other embodiments, the upstream and downstream portions of the limb are joined together by a limb joint.

[0009] In other embodiments, the system optionally includes a frame. This frame may be configured to receive at least a portion of one of one or more limbs, and at least one of a plurality of retaining members may be attached to this frame. In other embodiments, the frame may also include two frame members on opposite sides of the limb, and the two frame members may be aligned longitudinally with a reference plane.

[0010] In other embodiments, the system may also include a plurality of support elements. These plurality of support elements may be coupled together and further coupled to a frame, and can be aligned with a reference plane. The plurality of support elements and the frame may be coupled together and rotatably in substantially parallel with respect to the reference plane, and optionally, rotation away from the reference plane may be prevented by a plurality of protruding members positioned within corresponding cavities of the support elements.

[0011] In other embodiments, a frame is included, comprising an upper portion voluntarily attached to the upper part of a limb and a lower portion attached to the lower part of the limb. The upper and lower parts of the limb are voluntarily joined together by joints, and at least one upper retaining member of the retaining device may be attached to the upper part so as to surround at least a portion of the upper part of the limb. At least one other retaining member of another separate retaining device may be attached to the lower part and further surround at least a portion of the lower part of the limb.

[0012] In other embodiments, at least one control circuit optionally includes a plurality of individual control circuits. Multiple automatic holding devices can respond separately to one or more separate control circuits of the plurality of individual control circuits. In other embodiments, separate control circuits can also communicate with and respond to at least one other control circuit among the plurality of individual control circuits.

[0013] In other embodiments, the aforementioned at least one sensor optionally includes a plurality of individual sensors. The plurality of individual control circuits can respond separately to one or more of the plurality of individual sensors. In other embodiments, the at least one sensor optionally includes, but is not limited to, a blood pressure sensor, a temperature sensor configured to determine limb temperature, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor configured to determine ambient temperature around a limb, an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), or a sensor that measures oxygenation, respiratory rate, sweating, brain function in a brain-machine interface and performs cognitive function assessment, or a combination thereof.

[0014] In other embodiments, at least one control circuit may be a single control circuit operably coupled to some or all of the multiple automatic holding devices. In other embodiments, at least one sensor may optionally include a first sensor that can be attached to one of the holding members in the multiple automatic holding devices. The first sensor may also be configured to generate an input based on tension in the holding member. The second sensor may be attached to an object that the holding member at least partially surrounds and may be configured to generate an input based on the movement of this object.

[0015] In other embodiments, the system optionally includes a cable inside a conduit, which is coupled adjacent to a first end of an actuator in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices. A cable actuator responsive to a control circuit may be included, optionally coupled adjacent to a second end of the cable. The cable may be selectively movable within the conduit in response to the movement of the cable actuator, and the actuator may be configured to adjust the tension applied by the holding member in response to the movement of the cable relative to the conduit. In other embodiments, the system optionally includes a cable actuator having an electric motor mechanically coupled to a rotating member. The electric motor may respond to control inputs from at least one control circuit, which may be programmed to control the control motor to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to this first direction in order to adjust the position of the cable relative to the conduit. In other embodiments, the system optionally includes a conduit, which can be anchored at its first end to a first cable mount of at least one automatic holding device. This conduit can be fixed at a second end to a second cable mount of a cable actuator. In another embodiment, the system optionally includes a garment configured to enclose at least a portion of one or more limbs, the garment defining an internal passage that can receive cables and conduits positioned inside the internal passage. In another embodiment, the automatic holding system optionally includes a plurality of cables separately positioned inside individual conduits. The plurality of cables can connect a plurality of automatic holding devices to separate actuators and at least one control circuit. A plurality of cable actuators responding to the control circuit may be included. Each cable actuator is individually coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of cables. The plurality of cables can be selectively movable within individual conduits in response to the movement of the cable actuators, and a separate actuator can be coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of cables.A separate actuator is configured to optionally adjust the tension applied by the corresponding retaining member in accordance with the movement of individual cables within individual conduits.

[0016] In other embodiments, in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices, the actuator optionally includes a rotating member. This rotating member has a plurality of teeth, which preferably engage with one or more recesses defined by the holding member. In other embodiments, the rotating member may be rotatable in a first direction to reduce tension on the holding member, and may be rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to increase tension on the holding member. The actuator may be mechanically coupled to the rotating member, and the actuator may be positioned and configured to rotate the rotating member in the first and second directions to increase or decrease tension on the holding member in response to input from a control circuit.

[0017] In other embodiments, the retaining member is optionally an elongated retaining member, and one or more projections and recesses may be defined on a portion of this retaining member. This retaining member is wider than its thickness and narrower than its length. In other embodiments, at least one of the one or more recesses and projections may include through holes scattered along the retaining member. In other embodiments, a rotating member may be included, which rotates about an axis of rotation that can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the retaining member. In other embodiments, the rotating member may rotate about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the retaining member. In other embodiments, when the rotating member is rotated in a first direction, the first portion of the retaining member is optionally displaced relative to a second portion of the retaining member in order to adjust the tension of the retaining member. In other embodiments, in at least one of a plurality of automatic retaining devices, its actuator may include an electric motor mechanically coupled to the rotating member. An electric motor can respond to control inputs from at least one control circuit, which is programmed to control the electric motor to rotate in first and second directions to adjust the tension of a retaining member. In other embodiments, at least one of a plurality of automatic retaining devices includes a rotating member whose actuator optionally engages with at least a portion of a retaining member. This rotating member may be rotatable in a first direction to reduce the tension of the retaining member, and may further be rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to optionally increase the tension of the retaining member. The actuator may be mechanically coupled to the rotating member, and the actuator may also be positioned and configured to rotate the rotating member in the first and second directions to optionally increase or decrease the tension of the retaining member in response to inputs from a control circuit. In other embodiments, a portion of the retaining member of the present disclosure may engage with the rotating member, and may further be positioned and configured to wind around the rotating member as it rotates.

[0018] In other embodiments, a control circuit in at least one control circuit may be configured to control an actuator according to values ​​for one or more operating parameters and criteria for one or more rules. In other embodiments, the control circuit of the Disclosure may optionally be configured to receive one or more values ​​for operating parameters from a remote computing device via a communication link. In other embodiments, the control circuit may also be configured to receive criteria for one or more rules from a remote computing device via a communication link.

[0019] In other embodiments, the control circuit may optionally be configured to automatically determine and update at least one value for one or more operating parameters and at least one criterion for one or more rules. In other embodiments, the control circuit may optionally include a memory, which may be configured to maintain an operating history of the operating parameters, including a first value of the operating parameters held in memory at a first time point in time and a second value of the operating parameters held in memory at a second later time point. The first and second values ​​may also be used (possibly together with other values) to determine a third new value for the operating parameters. In other embodiments, the operating parameters and / or the operating history of the automatic holding device may also be sent to a remote computer via a communication link.

[0020] In other embodiments, at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices includes an actuator which can be optionally mechanically coupled to a rotating member. This manual adjustment knob may be positioned and configured to rotate the rotating member of the automatic holding device in first and second directions to adjust the tension of the holding member based on user input.

[0021] In other embodiments, the system may include one or more inflatable cavities positioned between the holding member of the automatic holding device and at least one limb. The actuator is optionally positioned and configured to inflate one or more inflatable cavities to adjust the pressure exerted on at least one limb by the holding member.

[0022] In other embodiments, the system may include a plurality of automatic holding devices, each including a holding member that optionally surrounds a portion of at least one of the limbs. One or more inflatable cavities can be positioned between the holding member and at least one limb, and actuators are optionally arranged and configured to inflate one or more inflatable cavities to adjust the pressure exerted on at least one limb by the holding member. At least one sensor can be arranged and configured to sense changes in sensing parameters associated with one or more limbs, and at least one control circuit may optionally respond to this at least one sensor, and at least one control circuit may be configured to control actuators of the plurality of holding devices to adjust the inflation of one or more inflatable cavities in response to inputs received from at least one sensor.

[0023] In other embodiments, the automatic holding device optionally includes one or more inflatable cavities, such as a first and a second cavity, of one or more separate and clearly identifiable inflatable cavities, and the actuator may be configured to selectively inflate the first cavity at a first pressure and the second cavity at a second pressure different from the first pressure. In other embodiments, the system optionally includes an automatic holding device having one or more inflatable cavities that are in fluid communication with each other. In other embodiments, the system includes an automatic holding device having one or more inflatable cavities that can be arranged circumferentially around a holding member. In other embodiments, the system also includes a fluid compressor that is in fluid communication with one or more of the inflatable cavities of the automatic holding device.

[0024] A fluid compression device can be arranged and configured to introduce fluid into a cavity to expand one or more expandable cavities and optionally withdraw fluid from the cavity to collapse one or more cavities. In other embodiments, the system can optionally include a fluid compression device. This fluid compression device can include an air compressor responsive to at least one control circuit, and the fluid used to expand the cavity is air. In other embodiments, the fluid compression device can optionally include a squeeze bulb. In other embodiments, it may include a one-way valve optionally configured to open when the compression device introduces fluid into the cavity and automatically close to retain the fluid within the cavity otherwise. In other embodiments, the system can optionally include a first sensor attached to a retaining member of a plurality of automatic retaining devices, and this first sensor is configured to optionally generate an input based on the internal pressure of the fluid in at least one expandable cavity. A second sensor may also be included and can be attached to an object at least partially surrounded by the retaining member.

[0025] Still other forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and examples of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and the drawings provided therewith.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a component diagram showing an example of a component that can be included in the automatic retaining device of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a configuration diagram showing an aspect of the automatic retaining device of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram showing an alternative configuration of the automatic retaining device of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a configuration diagram showing an aspect of the placement of the automatic retaining device of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a configuration diagram showing an aspect of the placement of the automatic retaining device of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This is a partial cutaway view of a garment illustrating additional embodiments of the mounting and arrangement of the automatic holding device of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a partial perspective view of a piece of fabric illustrating an additional aspect of mounting and positioning of the automatic holding device of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a partial perspective view of a garment illustrating additional embodiments of the mounting and arrangement of the automatic holding device of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a front view of one or more garments showing the mounting and arrangement of the automatic holding device of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a configuration diagram showing the communication mode of the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a cutaway diagram showing an alternative configuration for the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a configuration diagram showing additional communication modes for the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a configuration diagram showing the arrangement and operation of the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the frame system for mounting the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a partial cutaway diagram showing another embodiment of the frame system for mounting the automatic holding device of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing an additional embodiment of the frame system for mounting the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 17] This diagram shows an additional configuration of the frame system for mounting the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 18] This diagram shows the configuration of the sensor arrangement used with the automatic holding system of this disclosure. [Figure 19] These are a partial cutaway and configuration diagram of the operating mechanism used with the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 20] These are other cutaway and configuration diagrams illustrating embodiments of the operating mechanism used with the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 21]This diagram shows the arrangement of the operating mechanisms of Figures 19 and 20 within the garment according to this disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a cutaway diagram showing other alternative configurations of the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 23] These are perspective views and configuration diagrams illustrating other configurations of the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 24] This is a cutaway diagram showing other alternative configurations of the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration for the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration for the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration for the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration for the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Figure 29] This is a component flow diagram showing an example of a control circuit for controlling the automatic holding device of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Figures 1–4 show examples of components for coordinating pressure on one or more limbs, which may be included in the disclosed automatic holding system. Various components disclosed throughout this disclosure, and configurations shown in the figures, may be common to any or all of the disclosed examples of automatic holding systems. Schematically, the disclosed automatic holding device applies pressure by applying tension to a holding member, thereby causing the holding member to constrict an object. This configuration is shown as merely an example, and any suitable method of applying pressure may be used.

[0028] The automatic holding system of this disclosure may include a plurality of automatic holding devices having components as shown in Figure 1. For example, the automatic holding device 100 may include a control circuit 101 that processes data and generates commands or instructions to other components in the disclosed system to control the operational behavior of one such device or a plurality of cooperating regulating devices. The control circuit 101 may include a processor, logic circuits, digital or analog circuits, or any combination thereof. The control circuit 101 may accept inputs and be useful for generating outputs that control the operational characteristics of device 100 or a plurality of such devices cooperating as part of the whole system. The control circuit 101 may include a battery 104 that supplies power to other components of the device that can accept power.

[0029] A memory 102 may be included to store information such as configuration data 105 and history data 108. In other embodiments, the memory 102 may also be configured to store data about the operation of the automatic holding device 100 or data about the operation of other adjustment devices. Examples of this history data include, but are not limited to, the range of tension applied by the device, the range of tension applied by other devices, the time the device was activated to apply or release tension, the sensor input that caused the tension change, or the control logic that triggered the tension change, or any combination thereof.

[0030] Data obtained over time from sensor inputs can also be stored in memory 102 for processing by the control circuit 101 or by other computing devices. Other computing devices can analyze the data and modify configuration data 105 to improve the overall performance of the device 100. In other words, memory 102 can also be configured to store data values ​​representing sensing parameters supplied by the sensor and detected by sensor 115 as input to the control circuit 101. Historical data 108 may include date, time, location, or other metadata. Configuration data 105 may include parameter values ​​for configuring the operation of the disclosed automatic holding device. Such configuration data may include values ​​for one or more operating parameters and, optionally, criteria for one or more rules.

[0031] A wireless communication module 107 may also be included, which may include an antenna 110, a transmitter 113, and a receiver 114. The antenna can be used by the transmitter and receiver to transmit and receive wireless communications to and from a computing device 118, for example, to transmit and receive updated configuration data, historical data, and / or control signals. The antenna 110 can be configured to resonate in response to radio waves carrying signals that define the data transmitted and received by the wireless communication module 107. The transmitter 113 may use the antenna 110 to send signals, and the receiver 114 may also use the antenna 110 to receive signals that define data to be processed by the control circuit 101 and / or data to be stored in memory 102. Signals transmitted and received by the transmitter and receiver can be transmitted by modulating visible or invisible light, etc., through any suitable medium such as radio waves.

[0032] A network interface 116 may also be included, which can implement various communication protocols useful for interacting with remote devices via a communication link that can connect to a network such as the Internet. Such a communication link can be a wireless communication link implemented using a wireless communication module 107, or a physical communication link implemented using wires, optical fibers, etc. For example, the wireless communication module 107 can transmit and receive signals, and then process these signals according to a protocol recognized by the network interface 116 in order to implement a communication link.

[0033] The holding device 100 may include a holding member 111 for applying tension to an object. The holding member 111 may include or be coupled with one or more sensors 115. The sensors 115 may optionally be included in or attached to the holding member 111, or may also be included in or attached to the automatic holding device 100. In other embodiments, the sensors 115 may include sensors positioned and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with an object held by the device 100. The holding device 100 may optionally define and / or include one or more inflatable cavities 120. The inflatable cavities 120 may optionally be positioned between the holding member 111 and at least one limb or other object to which the holding device is coupled. In other embodiments, the actuator 103 may optionally be positioned and configured to inflate one or more inflatable cavities 120 to adjust the pressure applied to one or more limbs by the holding member.

[0034] In other embodiments, the automatic holding device 100 optionally includes a fluid compressor 121 that is in fluid communication with one or more of the expandable cavities 120. The fluid compressor 121 may be positioned and configured to introduce fluid into the cavities and expand them (if the device is equipped with such expandable cavities).

[0035] In other embodiments, sensor 115 may include environmental sensors positioned and configured to detect changes in environmental sensing parameters associated with the environment surrounding the sensor. These environmental sensors may be located either inside or outside the housing 119. Since environmental sensing parameters can represent any suitable environmental surface such as speed, angular moment, velocity, motion, acceleration, temperature, altitude, attitude (i.e., angle of inclination relative to the Earth), or any combination thereof, the control circuit 101 may respond to environmental sensing parameters. Sensor 115 may also be mounted on other objects that interact with the device 100, as in the case of wired or wireless sensors that transmit data received as signals over a communication link.

[0036] An actuator 103 may be included. The actuator 103 can act on the retaining member 111 to increase or decrease the tension on the retaining member, thereby changing the resulting tension or pressure so that any object is held in place by the retaining member 111. A motor 106 can be included in the actuator 103 and coupled to a rotating member 109, such as a gear, cam, pulley, or any combination thereof. A manual adjustment knob 112 can be coupled to the rotating member 109 to manually adjust the tension on the retaining member 111 by manually adjusting the rotating member 109. This manual rotation can be performed together with, or instead of, the automatic rotation supplied by the motor 106.

[0037] In other embodiments, the control circuit 101 may be configured to respond to input from at least one of the sensors 115 and to control the actuator accordingly. The control circuit of the Disclosure may control the disclosed actuator to bias a motor and rotate a rotating member in a first or second direction to automatically adjust the tension on a limb or other object. For example, the control circuit 101 may control the actuator to rotate in first and second directions, with the direction and number of rotations being functions of input received from the sensor 115. In other embodiments, some or all of the components of 100 may be mounted in or inside the housing 119. In other embodiments, the control circuit 101 may be configured to increase the tension on the retaining member when the sensor parameters match a first target criterion, and / or decrease the tension on the retaining member when the sensor parameters match a second target criterion. The first objective criterion, the second objective criterion, the configuration for the direction in which the rotating member rotates, the sensor inputs to be considered when making a decision, and other related rules or criteria are examples of configuration data 105 that can be maintained by the automatic holding device 100.

[0038] In other embodiments, the control circuit 101 may be configured to control the actuator 103 in accordance with values ​​for one or more operating parameters 122 and a criterion 124 for one or more rules 123. In other embodiments, the control circuit 101 may optionally be configured to receive one or more values ​​for the operating parameters 122 and / or a criterion 124 for the rules 123 from a remote computing device 118 via a communication link 125. This communication link may be wired, wireless, or any other suitable form for transmitting the operating parameters 122.

[0039] In other embodiments, the control circuit 101 may be configured to automatically determine and update at least one of one or more values ​​for one or more operating parameters 122, and / or at least one of the decision criteria 124 of rule 123. The control circuit 101 may include artificial intelligence, neural networks, deep learning algorithms, or other similar algorithms for automatically adjusting the behavior of the automatic holding device based on past experience and current sensor inputs. These algorithms may be optimized or tuned to achieve optimal results, taking into account that the computing resources available to the automatic tensioning device 100 may be limited.

[0040] In one example, the control circuit 101 may optionally include or utilize memory 102. The control circuit may be configured to maintain an operation history of an operation parameter. The operation parameter includes a first value of the operation parameter held in memory at a first point in time, and a second value of the operation parameter held in memory at a second later point in time, and the first and second values ​​are used to determine a third new value for the operation parameter. In another embodiment, the operation history and history data 108 may also be sent to a remote computing device 118 via a communication link 125.

[0041] Figure 2 shows the disclosed automatic holding device 200 and additional embodiments common thereto. It shows a holding member 201 that is separate from the object 202 (a limb, or part thereof, etc.) and clearly recognizable. The holding member 201 can be positioned at will around the object 202, and the positioned holding member 201 can be positioned and configured to engage with the object at will and increase or decrease the tension on the object. In this example, the holding member 201 may be rigid or semi-rigid and therefore movable in direction 203. In this regard, the holding member 201 can operate to apply tension by pulling toward the object 202, or conversely by pushing toward the object 202. In other embodiments, 201 may be flexible or semi-flexible, and the fabric, cable, or wire may have multiple strands or a single strand. In this configuration, the holding member 201 can only apply tension to the object by pulling toward the object 202 at will.

[0042] In other embodiments, the retaining member 201 can also be attached to the housing 204. For example, the retaining member 201 can be attached to the housing 204 at the first end 205, the second end 206, or adjacent to each other, or in any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the retaining member 201 can engage with the actuator 207 at the first or second ends 205 and 206, or adjacent to each other. In other embodiments, the actuator 207 can engage with the retaining member 201 at any point along its length.

[0043] In other embodiments, the retaining member 201 and the housing 204 together can define an opening or empty space 208 in which the object 202 can be positioned. For example, the object 202 can be positioned such that the retaining member 201 is substantially perpendicular to the portion of the object 202 positioned within the opening 208. However, with respect to the retaining member 201, any suitable orientation of the object 202 can be used.

[0044] In a non-limiting example, object 202 may be an appendage of a human or animal (such as an arm, leg, or wrist), and the retaining member 201 may operate to automatically increase or decrease the tension applied to the appendage. For example, the retaining device 200 may automatically adjust the tension of the retaining member 201 to increase or decrease the pressure applied to the appendage of a human or animal, such as when controlling the flow of blood or other bodily fluids at or adjacent to a wound.

[0045] Another embodiment of the automatic holding device of this disclosure is shown in Figure 3 as 300. It shows a holding member 304 that is separate from the object 305 and clearly recognizable. The holding member 304 can be optionally positioned around the object 305, and the positioned holding member 304 is optionally positioned and configured to engage with the object to increase or decrease the tension on the object. In this example, the holding member 304 may be rigid or semi-rigid and can therefore be movable in a direction 308 dependent on the actuator 303. In this regard, the holding member 304 can be operated to apply tension by pulling toward the object 305, or conversely by pushing toward the object 305.

[0046] In other embodiments, the retaining member 304 may optionally be attached to the fixing object 306 at or adjacent to the first end 307. In one example, the fixing object 306 is a brace, frame, or other support structure. In another example, the fixing object 306 is a garment or a part thereof. In that example, the first end 307 may be joined to the fabric of the garment by adhesive, by weaving into the fabric, by sewing into the fabric, or otherwise by a joining device such as a snap, fastener, hook-and-loop material, button, zipper, or any other suitable joining device.

[0047] The second end 302 can engage with the actuator 303 within the housing 301 of the automatic holding device. In this example, the holding member 304 can be configured to apply tension to the object 305, with the actuator 303 acting on one end of the holding member 304 and the other end attached to an anchor away from the housing 301.

[0048] In other embodiments, the retaining member 304, the fixed object 306, and the housing 301 together can define an opening 309 into which the object 305 can be positioned. For example, the retaining member 304 can position the object 305 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the portion of the object 305 positioned within the opening 309.

[0049] In one embodiment shown in Figure 4, the holding members of one or more automatic holding devices of the present disclosure optionally surround a portion of at least one limb, such as 401 and / or 402. Limb 401 in this case is a human arm, and further includes, but is not limited to, one or more limbs, including arm 401, leg 402, hand 403, and foot 404. In other examples, holding members 407, 408, 409, and 410 optionally are included and are arranged and configured to surround limb 402. As disclosed herein, holding members 405-410 may be any of those in the present disclosure and can be coupled to individual control and actuation mechanisms, which enable the holding members 405-410 to operate in coordination with each other or individually.

[0050] In other embodiments, the actuator 103 of the Disclosure may be positioned and configured to engage with a retaining member 111 (or any other such as 405-410). The actuator 103 may be configured to actuate the retaining member 111 to adjust the tension applied to the limb by the retaining member of the Disclosure. In other embodiments, one or more sensors 115 may be positioned and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with one or more limbs of the Disclosure, such as limbs 401-404. This input from multiple sensors at multiple locations around the limb can be used by the automatic holding device to adjust the response.

[0051] In other embodiments shown in Figure 5 as 500, the disclosed automatic holding system may include garments 501 and / or 502, which are optionally configured to surround at least a portion of one or more limbs of an animal or human being to whom the garment is worn. In other embodiments, 501 and 502 may also be considered as different parts of a single garment. For example, 501 may be a coat, shirt, blouse, jacket, or other garment, while 502 may be a pair of trousers, jeans, or other similar garment. In other examples, 501 and 502 may be considered together as a single garment, some non-limiting examples of which may be a uniform worn by military personnel, first responders, nurses, or doctors.

[0052] In other embodiments, the retaining devices of this disclosure may be attached to the garment, outside the garment, inside the garment, or in any combination thereof. For example, at least one of the disclosed automatic retaining devices may be positioned outside the garment in 503. Other retaining devices, such as 504, 505, and 506, may also be included. The figures included herein do not imply any particular limitation on the number or arrangement of retaining devices. Conversely, the figures presented are illustrative and not limiting.

[0053] In another embodiment shown as 600 in Figure 6, the garment of the Disclosure defines an internal passage, and at least one retaining member of a plurality of automatic retaining devices is positioned inside this internal passage. Garment 601 defines a passage 609 through which a part of an object or limb can pass. Examples include sleeves, trouser legs, the waist or torso area of ​​the garment, or other passages. In this example, two separate automatic retaining devices 610 and 611 are optionally attached to garment 601. Thus, any suitable number of retaining devices of the Disclosure can be attached along the internal passage of the garment.

[0054] In 610, within the garment, a retaining member 602 can be attached to the inside of a cavity 612 defined by the garment. In this example, the retaining member 602 is optionally attached to the inner surface of 609 and extends in a ring around the inner perimeter of the passage. In this example, a garment portion 614 is attached to this garment and defines the passage 612. In some non-limiting examples, the garment portion 614 can be attached to the inner surface of the passage 609 by any suitable method, such as by adhesive, by sewing, by zipper, by snap, or by a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement. The housing 604 can be held in place by any suitable means to engage with the retaining member 602.

[0055] In other embodiments, garment portions 614 and / or 615 may act to reduce the frictional forces generated when tightening or loosening the retaining members 602 and / or 603. As tension is applied to the retaining members disclosed by an actuator, the retaining members of the disclosure may slide across the surface of the limb or other object against which the retaining member is applied. These frictional forces may increase to a point where they damage the limb or object, or cause severe discomfort to the person wearing the retaining device. Sleeves or sheaths, as shown in 614 and 615, may help reduce or eliminate the friction exerted on the object by the retaining member. In this example, the retaining member moves relative to the inner surface of the sleeve or sheath, not relative to the surface of the limb. Sleeves, sheaths, or other protective layers may be applied to any of the examples of retaining members disclosed to gain advantages.

[0056] In other embodiments, an additional layer of a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the material of the retaining member may be applied to the retaining member itself. This friction-reducing layer can be applied by any suitable means, such as by spray-on coating, by an adhesive between the layer and the retaining member, by altering the chemical properties of the surface of the retaining member itself and fusing it with a low-friction compound or material, or by any other suitable means, or a combination thereof.

[0057] The housing 604 of the automatic holding device of this disclosure can be attached to the outer surface of a cavity 609 and can be held by the other part 606 of the garment in a position relative to the holding member 602. 606 can be configured to define a cavity 607, which can be sized to be suitable for partially or completely enclosing the housing 604. For example, 606 may include a pocket having a zipper, snap, button, or Velcro® system supplied as part of the garment. In this configuration, it is possible to place the automatic holding device of this disclosure inside the garment after the garment has been manufactured. Furthermore, 606 can be selectively opened and closed as needed to allow access to the components of the automatic holding device for maintenance or replacement. For example, 606 can also be selectively opened and closed to remove the electronic components and operating parts of the automatic holding device located within the housing 604 so that the garment 601 can be washed or otherwise cleaned. In other embodiments, the automatic holding device may be considered disposable, and therefore 606 and 614 can be configured without the selective opening and closing mechanism.

[0058] The housing 604 may also include other embodiments of the automatic holding device of this disclosure, such as actuators, rotating members, sensors, and control circuits. It may include any of the components shown in Figure 1, and other components disclosed herein. In other words, as shown in Figure 6, a garment can be configured such that at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices is positioned within a cavity defined within the garment.

[0059] A garment can be configured as shown herein to include multiple automatic holding devices, such as those shown in 600. In 611, a configuration of an automatic holding device similar to that shown in 610 is shown. A housing 605 containing components such as those shown in Figure 1 is maintained within a cavity 608 defined by the garment 601, which includes separate parts 66 and 615 of the garment. That is, the housing 605 can be held in place to engage with a holding member 603, according to any of the examples in this disclosure.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, multiple automatic holding devices can be incorporated into the garment of this disclosure to apply tension to the limbs or other appendages of a human or animal.

[0061] In another embodiment shown by 700 in Figure 7, the retaining member 701 in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices of the present disclosure is optionally woven into the garment 702. In this example, the automatic holding device includes a housing 703 including an actuator 704. The garment 702 optionally includes an actuator mount 705 adjacent to the retaining member 701, configured to connect the housing 703 and the actuator 704 in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices. In this position, the actuator 704 is positioned to engage with the retaining member 701 to adjust the tension on the retaining member 701, as disclosed herein.

[0062] In another embodiment shown as 800 in Figure 8, at least one retaining member 801 of the plurality of automatic retaining devices 807 of the present disclosure optionally includes a fabric strap attached to the garment 802 at a predetermined mounting position 803. This fabric strap is optionally mounted inside the garment 802. The garment may define an opening 804 through which an actuator 805 can engage with the retaining member 801 to adjust the tension on the fabric strap. In another embodiment, the actuator 805 of the automatic retaining device 807 is mounted outside an internal passage 806 which may be defined by the garment 802. In this example, the limb or object to be pressed is optionally located inside the internal passage 806, similar to passage 609 in Figure 600. Here, the automatic retaining device is mounted outside the garment to provide for ease of maintenance, replacement, or inspection. Furthermore, this also allows for the removal of parts of the automatic holding device 807, including electronic components, motors, control logic, and other components that may be susceptible to environmental damage, as needed, in order to avoid such damage.

[0063] In another embodiment shown in Figure 9, the garment 900 includes a plurality of mounts or mounting positions that optionally correspond to one or more of a plurality of automatic holding devices that can optionally be attached to the garment. For example, mounts 903 and 904, and mounts 907 and 909 may be positioned on the sleeve of the garment 901. In this configuration, the disclosed automatic holding devices can be positioned on the garment in advantageous positions that partially or completely enclose a limb, such as the upper arm. That is, mounts 903, 904, and 907, 909 allow the disclosed automatic holding devices to optionally apply external pressure to the left and / or right humerus, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and nearby tissues, nerves, or blood vessels.

[0064] Similarly, mounts 906, 905, 909, and 910 optionally accommodate the positioning of the disclosed automatic holding device adjacent to the forearm. This configuration allows for pressure to be applied to the radius, ulna, and the forearm structure, including nerves, blood vessels, and nearby tissues. In other embodiments, mounts 915–918 and 911–914 also provide mounting positions for the disclosed holding system to apply pressure to other limbs, such as the upper leg and lower limb regions. In other examples, the automatic holding device can be mounted on all of mounting positions 903–914, so that multiple devices surround portions of multiple limb areas, providing opportunities to apply external pressure as needed to muscles, bones, blood vessels, tissues, or other aspects. For example, in the case of injuries to tissues, bones, or other body structures, it can automatically respond to quickly and effectively reduce or eliminate bleeding, to stabilize damaged or fractured bones or joints, and / or to automatically apply a tourniquet in the case of destructive injuries where emergency life-saving measures may be required.

[0065] In another embodiment shown by 1000 in Figure 10, an example of the disclosed automatic holding system is shown. Here, a plurality of automatic holding devices 1005-1010 of the present disclosure are mounted adjacent to one or more limbs, such as an arm 1001 or a leg 1002. In this example, at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices 1005-1010 (e.g., 1005) is mounted away from the control circuit 1003. In this example, the control circuit 1003 is optionally connected to one or more automatic holding devices. That is, individual automatic holding devices can optionally operate without using their individual control circuits, but instead, they can rely on one or more centrally located control circuits to coordinate some or all of the actions of the individual holding devices 1005-1010.

[0066] Individual holding devices in a centralized control circuit can communicate using one or more communication links, such as communication link 1004. In one example, control circuit 1003 is optionally a single control circuit operably coupled to multiple automatic holding devices 1005-1010 using multiple communication links. These communication links are thus wired using one or more cables and can carry electrical signals from control circuit 1003 to one or more automatic holding devices 1005-1010. In another example, one or more communication links may be wireless, and optionally, transmitters and receivers are employed in the communication circuits of automatic holding devices 1005-1010 and in control circuit 1003. These communication links can optionally be configured to carry electrical signals that define commands indicating which of the multiple devices should apply pressure and by how much. The automatic holding devices can optionally send return signals that define the status of individual devices, the result of a particular command, or other aspects of the operation of individual devices 1005-1010.

[0067] In other embodiments, each automatic holding device of the present disclosure may optionally include or be mounted on individual housings, provided that at least one control circuit is mounted inside the housing. As shown by 1100 in Figure 11, the control circuit 1111 is optionally mounted inside the individual housing 1101. The housing 1101 may optionally be fitted with an actuator 1102, which may include a motor 1104 coupled to a rotating member, such as a rotating member 1106. The rotating member 1106 can be coupled to the motor 1104 by any suitable arrangement of devices that transfer torque from the motor 1104 to the rotating member 1106, such as a shaft, linkage, belt, chain, gear, etc. In this example, the rotating member 1106 extends outside the housing to engage with the holding member 1107 in an engagement region 1108, which is located at or adjacent to the first end 1109 of the holding member. The second end 1110 is optionally attached to the housing. In other embodiments, the housing 1101 and the second end 1110 may optionally be fused together or formed as a single unified structure.

[0068] In this example, one or more individual automatic holding devices of the present disclosure may each include a separate control circuit, the control circuit may be configured to drive the actuator 1122 to engage with the holding member 1107. In another embodiment shown by 1200 in Figure 12, the system optionally operates according to operations performed by a plurality of individual control circuits. A plurality of automatic holding devices 1201-1205 may each have control circuits 1207-1211. These individual holding devices 1201-1205 optionally respond separately to one or more separate control circuits 1207-1211. In this example, a plurality of automatic holding devices having individual control circuits can communicate with each other as peers.

[0069] A control circuit can communicate with and respond to at least one other control circuit from among several individual control circuits. In this configuration, a central control circuit is not required because all the individual control circuits can work together to collaboratively decide which of the control circuits will activate and to what extent each individual automatic holding device is activated. In other embodiments, several individual holding devices can communicate with each other via a communication link 1206. This communication link, indicated as 1206 in the abstract, means that all the holding devices can communicate with each other and may or may not be interpreted as a communication link consisting of only one cable connecting the holding devices. This link can be installed using cables or wires, or it can be installed as a wireless communication link between the cooperating control circuits. In other embodiments, the communication link 1206 can be configured to transmit information between devices via a shared electrical connection, such as via a shared data bus, and some or all of the signals sent between any of the communication circuits can be made accessible by all of the other communication circuits.

[0070] In other embodiments, communication link 1206 may also be connected by each of the communication circuits that communicate wirelessly with other circuits. In this configuration, each auto-holding device can respond to every other holding device using a wired or wireless connection that operates like a "peer-to-peer" network configuration. Any suitable communication arrangement, such as a bus, ring, or tree topology, can be connected by a wired or wireless configuration (including optical fiber or other data transmission means) using any suitable protocol, provided that the control circuits can communicate with each other.

[0071] In another embodiment shown by 1300 in Figure 13, the multiple automatic holding devices of this disclosure may include an upper holding device 1301 that can be attached to the upstream position of the limb 1302. Another lower holding device 1303 may optionally be attached to the downstream position of the limb. In this example, “upstream” and “downstream” usually refer to the flow of blood through the blood vessel 1304, and further, in the case of arteries, the flow of blood flowing out of the heart, and in the case of veins, the flow of blood flowing toward the heart. That is, downstream in arteries refers to the blood flowing out of the heart, and downstream in veins refers to the blood flowing toward the heart. Therefore, for example, if the blood vessel 1304 is an artery, the holding device 1301 can be considered to be upstream of the holding device 1303. If the blood vessel 1304 is a vein, the holding device 1301 can be considered to be downstream of the holding device 1303. In this example, the upstream and downstream portions of the limb 1302 are joined together by a joint 1305, which is here an elbow joint.

[0072] In other embodiments, one or more control circuits of the Disclosure may also actively control the operation of the automatic holding devices 1301 and 1303 and set positional information such as whether each holding device is upstream or downstream of the others. This configuration information can be useful when one or more control circuits adjust a life-saving response to an injury occurring in the limb 1302.

[0073] For example, if 1304 is an artery, and a sensor in holding device 1301 detects appropriate blood pressure at 1304, but a similar sensor in holding device 1303 detects a significant drop in blood pressure at 1304, then one or more control circuits controlling the operation of these two automatic holding devices can infer, due to the relative positions of each device with respect to blood flow in the vessel, that a serious injury to 1304 has occurred between 1301 and 1303. The system can respond by instructing device 1301 to apply greater pressure to the vessel 1304 by increasing the compressive force applied by the holding member in device 1301. Alternatively, the system can determine that if 1303 is to apply compressive force, it should be only slight, considering that 1303 is downstream of holding device 1301 with respect to the artery.

[0074] Similarly, multiple automatic holding devices 1307-1310 can be attached to a limb 1312, which in this case is a leg. Holding devices 1307 and 1308 are attached here to the upper part of the leg 1312, downstream from the automatic holding devices 1309 and 1310 with respect to the blood vessels 1306, i.e., veins. Holding devices 1309 and 1310 are attached here to the lower part of the leg 1312. The upper and lower parts of the leg 1312 are joined together by a joint 1311, the knee in this example. As in the previously shown example, the automatic holding devices 1307-1310 can work in coordination to adjust the compressive force on the blood vessels 1306 and can cooperate to infer an appropriate response based on the joint 1311, the blood vessels 1306, and their positions relative to each other.

[0075] In other embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 17, the automatic holding system of the present disclosure optionally includes frames, fasteners, splints, or such rigid or semi-rigid support members. The automatic holding device of the present disclosure may be attached to or formed as part of these various types of support structures, thus providing a combination of support along with automatic control of compressive force adjustment.

[0076] In one embodiment shown as 1400 in Figure 14, the disclosed automatic holding system may include a frame 1401 configured to receive at least a portion of a limb 1402, in this case a leg. In other embodiments, at least one of a plurality of holding members 1403 may be attached to the frame 1401. Other holding members 1404 and 1405 may also be attached to the frame. In general, a frame like 1401 may include any suitable number of holding members. The holding members 1403-1405 may optionally be controlled by one or more control circuits and actuators, as discussed elsewhere in this specification.

[0077] In other embodiments, the frame may include multiple frame members. As shown by 1500 in Figure 15, the disclosed automatic holding system may include two frame members 1502 and 1503, which can be attached to opposing sides of the limb 1501. In other embodiments, the frame members 1502 and 1503 may be optionally aligned longitudinally with the reference plane 1506.

[0078] In other configurations shown in Figure 16, the automatic holding system of the Disclosure may also include a frame 1600 which optionally includes a plurality of frame members 1601 and 1602. One or more automatic holding devices 1603-1605 of the Disclosure may also be coupled to frame members 1601 and 1602. In other embodiments, the frame 1600 may also be integrated into a garment, such as one or more garments as discussed elsewhere in this Spec. For example, the frame 1600 may be attached to the outside of the garment, incorporated into the garment, attached to a limb, or the garment may be placed on the frame 1600.

[0079] The illustrated frame 1600 is configured to resist rotation, except rotation along the reference plane 1613, as is voluntarily. In this way, the frame 1600 can resist torsional forces applied to the limb joints while allowing the limb to function substantially normally. The frame 1600 may include a plurality of support elements 1606, 1607, and 1608, which can be joined together and further joined to frame members 1601 and 1602. Protruding members 1609-1612 may be interposed between the support elements 1606-1608, thus forming a joint 1614 that can voluntarily accommodate the limb joints.

[0080] In other embodiments, support elements 1606-1608 can define internal cavities configured to receive protruding members 1609-1612. In other embodiments, the protruding members can also be independently rotatable within the cavities defined by the support elements. In other embodiments, frame members 1601 and 1602 can be joined together by the protruding members and support elements and made rotatable substantially parallel to the reference plane 1613. That is, the frame members, support elements, and protruding members can be rotatable along the reference plane 1613, and multiple protruding members can be prevented from rotating away from the reference plane 1613 because they are positioned within corresponding cavities of the support elements.

[0081] In other embodiments, automatic holding devices 1603-1605 may operate to adjust the tension on the limb to maintain the limb adjacent to the frame 1600, in accordance with the disclosure. In other embodiments, automatic holding devices of the frame 1600 may help maintain the proper orientation of the limb with respect to the frame members. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the frame 1705 may include an upper portion 1703 that can be attached to the upper portion of the limb 1708. A lower portion 1704 may be attached to the lower portion of the limb 1708. In this example, the upper and lower portions of the limb 1708 may be joined together by a joint 1707. At least one upper holding member 1710 may optionally be attached to the upper portion 1703 and surround at least a portion of the upper portion of the limb. At least one other holding member 1712 may optionally be attached to the lower portion 1704 of the frame and configured to surround at least a portion of the lower portion of the limb 1708.

[0082] For example, Figure 17 shows how the frame in Figure 16 is attached to the knee joint. Frame 1705 corresponds to frame 1600, retaining member 1710 corresponds to the retaining member of device 1603, retaining member 1711 corresponds to the retaining member of device 1604, and retaining member 1712 corresponds to the retaining member of device 1605. The principles shown in Figures 17 and 16 can be applied to any suitable frame and limb arrangement, so these figures are illustrative and not limiting.

[0083] In another embodiment shown by 1800 in Figure 18, the sensors of the Disclosure, which can be included in the whole system, optionally include a plurality of individual sensors, and a plurality of individual control circuits can respond to these sensors separately. For example, sensors 1801 to 1806 can be placed in different parts around the body and coupled to one or more automatic holding devices 1808 and 1809. The sensors of the Disclosure can transmit sensor data to the automatic holding devices via a communication link 1807, which may include one or more wired or wireless communication links. Thus, the sensors of the automatic holding system of the Disclosure can be worn by a user, installed in the user's area, and can automatically communicate with the system to supply sensor input.

[0084] Any suitable sensors may be used in the system of this disclosure. For example, these sensors may include blood pressure sensors, temperature sensors configured to determine limb temperature, heart rate sensors, temperature sensors configured to determine ambient temperature around limbs, accelerometers, atmospheric pressure sensors, sensors that measure electrical activity in the heart, brain, or other areas of the body, or any combination thereof.

[0085] In other embodiments, the automatic holding system may also include cable actuation, where an actuator receives force through a rigid cable and conduit to actuate an automatic holding device or a plurality of automatic holding devices. As shown by 1900 in Figure 19, this system may include a cable 1901 inside a conduit 1902. The cable 1901 can be coupled to an actuator 1905 of an automatic holding device 1909 adjacent to a first end 1904. A cable actuator 1907 can respond to a control circuit 1908, which is coupled to the cable 1901 adjacent to a second end 1906. The cable 1901 can be selectively movable within the conduit 1902 in response to movement initiated by the cable actuator 1901. The actuator 1905 of the automatic holding device 1909 is optionally configured to adjust the tension on the holding member 1924 in accordance with the movement 1903 of the cable 1901 relative to the conduit 1902.

[0086] In another embodiment shown in Figure 19, multiple cables 1901 and 1910 can be positioned separately inside separate conduits 1902 and 1911, and the multiple cables connect to separate actuators 1905 and 1912 of two different automatic holding devices 1909 and 1913 and a control circuit 1908. Actuator 1912 can be coupled to cable 1910 adjacent to the first end 1917 of cable 1910. Cable actuator 1914 can respond to the control circuit 1908, which is coupled to cable 1910 adjacent to the second end 1915 of cable. Cable 1910 can be optionally made selectively movable inside conduit 1911 according to movement initiated by cable actuator 1914. In this example, multiple cable actuators responding to the control circuit 1908 can each be individually coupled to the respective first ends 1904, 1916 of the multiple cables 1901, 1910. The multiple cables can be selectively movable within individual conduits according to the movement of the cable actuators, and separate actuators can be coupled to the respective second ends of the multiple cables. The separate actuators are optionally configured to adjust the tension applied to the corresponding retaining members 1925, 1926 according to the movement 1903, 1916 of the individual cables relative to the individual conduits.

[0087] In other embodiments, one or more conduits may be fixed at first ends 1904 and / or 1916 to first cable mounts 1920 and / or 1921, and optionally, the conduits may be fixed at second ends to second cable mounts 1922 and / or 1923 of one or more cable actuators.

[0088] In another embodiment shown by 2000 in Figure 20, the cable actuator 2001 optionally includes an electric motor 2002 mechanically coupled to a rotating member 2003. The electric motor can respond to control inputs from a control circuit 2004. The control circuit is programmed to optionally control the electric motor 2002 to rotate in a first direction 2005 and a second direction 2006 opposite to the first direction, thereby adjusting the position of the cable 2007 relative to the conduit 2008. In this example, rotation in the first direction 2005 results in a decrease in tension on the retaining member 2009, while rotation in the second direction 2006 results in an increase in tension on the retaining member 2009. In another embodiment, the conduit 2008 is optionally fixed at a first end 2010 to a first cable mount 2011 of an automatic retaining device 2012. Furthermore, the conduit 2008 can optionally be fixed at its second end 2013 to the second cable mount 2014 of the cable actuator 2001.

[0089] In Figure 21, labeled 2100, is an example of a garment 2101 of the present disclosure, optionally configured to enclose at least a portion of one or more limbs (in this case, arms). The garment 2101 optionally defines internal passages 2102, and the cables and conduits 2103 are located inside the internal passages 2102. In this example, a control circuit 2104 having one or more cable actuators of the present disclosure may also be located inside the garment 2101, separate from the multiple automatic holding devices 2105 and 2106. This example shows two separate holding devices with corresponding individual cables. However, any suitable number of internal passages, cables, and controllers can be used.

[0090] In other embodiments, the automatic holding device of the present disclosure may include a winding mechanism for engaging with a holding member. An example of this concept is shown in Figure 22, which shows an automatic holding device 2200 having a housing 2201 and an engaging portion 2203 of a holding member 2202. The engaging portion 2203 may optionally wind around a rotating member 2204 located inside the housing and then unwind. The rotating member 2204 may include an axis that mechanically engages with an optional gear mechanism 2208 driven by a motor 2206. Rotating the rotating member 2204 in direction 2207 can apply tension to the holding member 2202, thus winding the engaging portion 2203 of the holding member onto the rotating member 2204. The engaging portion 2203 may be a single cable, wire, or any other suitable material, or it may include multiple parts, such as separate pieces that are coupled to the rotating member 2204 and extend outward to engage with the retaining member 2202. In other embodiments, the engaging portion 2203 may enter the housing 2201 in openings 2209 and / or 2210, the openings 2209 and / or 2210 may be on the sides of the housing 2201 facing the retaining member 2202, or in any other suitable location.

[0091] In other embodiments, the gear mechanism 2208 may include a worm gear having teeth that engage with the teeth of the rotating member 2204. Such a configuration has the advantage of providing a braking mechanism to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of the rotating member spinning backward and unintentionally releasing the tension on the engaging portion 2203. In other embodiments, the retaining member 2202 and / or the engaging portion 2203 may also include an elastic element, such as an elastic band, spring, rubber band, or other similar biasing element, to automatically release the engaging portion 2203 from the rotating member 2204 when the rotating member is actuated to reduce the tension.

[0092] In this example, the actuator of the automatic holding device of the present disclosure includes a rotating member 2204 that engages with at least a portion of the holding member 2202. The rotating member 2204 is optionally rotatable in a first direction 2211 to decrease the tension of the holding member 2202, and optionally rotatable in a second direction 2207 opposite to the first direction to increase the tension of the holding member 2202. The actuator may include a motor 2206 and / or a gear mechanism 2208, which may be mechanically coupled to the rotating member 2204. The actuator may be arranged and configured to rotate the rotating member 2204 in the first and second directions to increase or decrease the tension of the holding member in response to input from the control circuit of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the portion of the holding member 2203 that engages with the rotating member 2204 is optionally arranged and configured to wind around the rotating member 2204 as it rotates.

[0093] Figure 23 shows another embodiment that can be incorporated into the disclosed example of an automatic holding device. It shows an exemplary automatic holding device 2300 that automatically adjusts the pressure applied to an object 2310. Optionally, it may include a holding member 2305 that is separate from the object 2310 and clearly identifiable, and can be positioned around the object. The holding member 2305 may be positioned and configured to engage with the object 2310 in order to increase or decrease the pressure applied to the object in accordance with this disclosure.

[0094] The retaining device 2300 may include a housing 2301 that is separate from the object 2310 and clearly recognizable, and the retaining member 2305 may be attached to the housing by any suitable means. An example of a suitable means is shown in 2311, in which the retaining member is bonded to the housing. Some non-limiting examples include any bonding technique, such as fasteners, adhesives, solvents, ultrasonic welding, or chemical bonding. In other embodiments, the attachment in 2311 may also be performed by forming the housing 2301 and the retaining member 2305, or a part thereof, as a single integrated structure.

[0095] An actuator can be mounted inside the housing 2301, which optionally includes a motor 2304 coupled to a rotating member 2309, and the rotating member 2309 optionally rotates on an axis 2307. The rotating member 2309 can be positioned to engage with a retaining member 2305. In this example, the rotating member includes a worm gear, which optionally extends outward from the housing 2301 toward the object 2310 and engages with an engaging portion 2306 of the retaining member 2305 adjacent to the housing. The engaging portion 2306 includes one or more grooves, recesses, or openings 2308 defined by the engaging portion 2306. The grooves 2308 engage with one or more teeth 2316 of the rotating member 2309. The rotating member 2309 is rotatable about a rotation axis 2303 which can be optionally substantially parallel to the holding member 2305 that is wound around the object 2310.

[0096] In other embodiments, the use of a worm gear in the rotating member 2309, or in other examples of the rotating members of the present disclosure, has the advantage that the teeth of the gear engage with grooves such as groove 2308, and a braking mechanism can be provided without causing extra wear and without using electricity. The use of a worm gear can reduce or eliminate the occurrence of the rotating member spinning backward, and thus unintentionally releasing the tension on the entire engaging portion 2306 and retaining member 2305.

[0097] The rotating member 2309 can be rotated by a motor 2304 controlled by a control circuit 2302 of the present disclosure. The rotating member 2309 can be rotated in a first direction 2312 to increase the tension on the retaining member 2305, and can be rotated in a second different direction 2313 to decrease the tension on the retaining member.

[0098] The automatic holding device may include at least one sensor 2314 and / or 2315 of the Disclosure, which may be arranged and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with an object 2310. Optionally, it may also include a control circuit 2302 that responds to inputs from the sensors 2314 and 2315. The control circuit 2302 may be configured to control actuators in response to inputs from the sensors, as disclosed herein, and the control circuit is configured to control a motor 2304 to actuate a rotating member 2309 to adjust the tension on the holding member based on the inputs from the sensors, thereby rotating the rotating member 2309 in a first or second direction 2312 and 2313, respectively.

[0099] The sensing parameters detected by sensors 2314 and 2315 can be any parameters relevant in determining when and to what extent the tension on the retaining member 2305 should be adjusted. If the object 2310 is a human or animal limb, examples of sensing parameters include, but are not limited to, body temperature, heart rate, nearby blood flow, nearby blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, sweating, respiratory rate, or electrical or chemical stimuli related to heart rate, stress, emotion, pain, etc. In other examples, sensor 2315 may be positioned on or adjacent to groove 2308, or as a linkage between parts of the retaining member 2305. In this case, the sensor can operate as part of the retaining member.

[0100] In another embodiment, the sensor 2314 may be attached to an object 2310 located away from the housing 2301, and a communication link may be established and maintained between the sensor 2314 and the control circuit 2302. In yet another embodiment, the sensor 2315 may be attached to or included as part of the holding member 2305, and since the holding member 2305 is in close proximity to the object 2310, a detection input can be obtained from the object 2310.

[0101] Sensor 2315 can be considered as a first sensor attached to the retaining member 2305 and can be configured to generate an input based on the tension in the retaining member. Sensor 2314 can be considered as a second sensor attached to the object 2310 that the retaining member at least partially surrounds. Each of these individual sensors (the one sensors) can be configured to generate an input based on the movement of the object 2310.

[0102] In other embodiments, the retaining member 2305 shown in Figure 23 is optionally substantially rigid and relatively inflexible. The retaining member 2305 may also have a width 2317 and a thickness 2318, and in some examples, the retaining member may be wider than its thickness. That is, dimension 2317 may be larger than dimension 2318, allowing the retaining member 2305 to optionally be thin and flat relative to its length. Retaining members, optionally elongated retaining members, and projections and recesses may be defined in a portion of the retaining member that is wider than its thickness and narrower than its length.

[0103] Figure 24 shows an actuator of the present disclosure, which includes a manual adjustment knob mechanically coupled to the rotating member of the actuator. In this example, the manual adjustment knob is optionally positioned and configured to rotate the rotating member in first and second directions to adjust the tension of the retaining member based on user input. The automatic retaining device 2400 optionally includes a housing 2402. In this example, the retaining member 2407 optionally passes into an opening defined by the housing 2402 or enters the housing. Any configuration is possible for the engagement between the retaining member and the actuator of the present disclosure (e.g., a worm gear, windlass, capstan, electric motor, etc.).

[0104] In other embodiments, a protective layer 2412 is optionally positioned between the retaining member 2407 and the object 2409 to which pressure is applied by the retaining device 2400. This protective layer 2412 can be implemented as a protective sleeve through which the retaining member 2407 passes, as a layer of material attached to the retaining member 2407, as a part of a garment that can pass through the retaining member 2407, or as any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the protective layer 2412 has a coefficient of friction smaller than that of the retaining member 2407. In other embodiments, the retaining member 2407 can move laterally across the protective layer 2412 as tension is applied to the retaining member. In other embodiments, the protective layer 2412 may move little or no with respect to the object 2409 while tension is applied to the retaining member 2407.

[0105] The actuator 2403 is optionally mounted inside the housing 2402 and optionally includes a rotating member 2406. The rotating member 2406 can be positioned to engage with the retaining member 2407 in the engagement region 2408. In other embodiments, the rotating member 2406 optionally engages with the retaining member 2407 inside the housing 2402, such as when the retaining member 2407 enters the housing and passes through an opening. The retaining member 2407 can enter the housing from the side by passing through one or more holes defined by the housing 2402. In other examples, it can enter one or more holes defined on the bottom of the housing.

[0106] The system includes a motor 2404 and can be coupled to a rotating member by a connecting member 2405 (e.g., a shaft, linkage, belt, chain, or other suitable connecting member). In one example, the rotating member 2406 can be rotatable in a first direction about the rotation axis 2410 to increase the tension on the retaining member 2407, and rotatable in a second direction to decrease the tension on the retaining member. In another example, the rotating member 2406 can optionally be rotatable in a first direction about the rotation axis 2411 to increase the tension on the retaining member 2407, and rotatable in a second direction to decrease the tension on the retaining member.

[0107] A manual adjustment knob 2401 is optionally included in the automatic tensioning device of this disclosure for manually adjusting the tension on the retaining member 2407 based on input from a user or operator. In this example, the manual adjustment knob 2401 can function as a user interface for receiving input from the user to adjust the operating characteristics of the automatic tensioning device 2400. Turning the manual adjustment knob 2401 results in the rotation of the rotating member 2406. Thus, it is considered to be an alternative means of adjusting the rotating member 2406 in the absence of the motor 2404 or in the event of a motor 2404 malfunction. In other embodiments, the manual adjustment knob 2401 can be a dedicated means for supplying torque to the retaining member 2407. In this example, torque can be applied by turning the manual adjustment knob in the absence of the electric motor 2404 and linkage 2405.

[0108] Other examples of the disclosed automatic holding device are shown in Figures 25 and 26. In this example, the automatic holding device 2500 applies pressure to the object 2501 depending on the expansion state of one or more inflatable cavities 2502-2506 positioned between the holding member 2510 and the object. In this example, actuators are positioned and configured to increase or decrease the fluid pressure within each cavity in order to optionally expand the individual cavities and adjust the compressive force applied to the object by the automatic holding device. In other embodiments, the inflatable cavities may optionally be in fluid communication with each other, i.e., expand and contract together. In other embodiments, multiple cavity sets may be in fluid communication with each other, but multiple separate cavity sets may not be in fluid communication with other sets.

[0109] The automatic holding device 2500 optionally includes a holding member 2510 that surrounds a portion of the object 2501. The object 2501 may be any object, such as a portion of the limb or appendage of a human or animal subject. One or more inflatable cavities 2502-2506 can be positioned between the holding member 2510 and the object 2501. In Figure 25, cavities 2502-2506 are shown in a partially or completely deflated state. In Figure 26, the automatic holding device 2500 is shown with cavities 2502-2506 in a partially or completely inflated state, i.e., with increased internal pressure relative to the environment outside the cavity, during or after the introduction of fluid into the individual cavities.

[0110] Optionally, actuators 2511 are positioned and configured to inflate one or more inflatable cavities to adjust the pressure applied to object 2501. Actuators 2511 can be operated to introduce any fluid into the cavity, such as water, oil, inflatable foam, air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, or any other suitable gas, and any mixture thereof. In other embodiments, sensors of this disclosure, such as those disclosed with respect to Figure 1 and elsewhere in this specification, may be included, made accessible by the device 2500, and positioned and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with one or more limbs. The automatic holding device 2500 includes, or can include, a control circuit that responds to this sensor input and is optionally configured to control actuators 2511 to adjust the inflation of the inflatable cavities in response to the input received from the sensor. In other embodiments, actuators 2511 may also include a compressor configured to introduce fluid into the cavity.

[0111] In other embodiments, the inflatable cavities 2502-2506 may optionally be distinct and clearly identifiable, and the actuator 2511 may optionally be configured to selectively inflate the first cavity 2502 at a first pressure and the second cavity 2506 at a second pressure different from the first pressure. For example, separate conduits may be provided in each individual cavity or in separate sets of cavities so that the individual inflation pressures of each cavity or set of cavities can be specifically controlled by the actuator. In other embodiments, the fluid flowing into the cavities may pass through ports such as ports 2512, 2513, and 2514. These ports may be configured with pressure limiting devices, individually or on a set basis, so that the cavities or sets of cavities can accept or hold different levels of fluid pressure. In other words, individual cavities can automatically experience different pressure levels, and these pressure levels may be specific to the location of the individual cavities or the collection of cavities relative to the object.

[0112] For example, ports 2512-2514 may include one-way valves. The one-way valves are configured to open when an actuator introduces fluid into the cavity and to automatically close otherwise to retain the fluid in the cavity. In other embodiments, different fluid ports may be configured in some of the cavities. These fluid ports may include, or may not include, one-way valves, pressure limiting devices, or other embodiments that can change their expansion rate or the passage of fluid into and out of the cavity relative to other cavities. In other words, some cavities may be configured to expand faster and / or contract slower with respect to the cavities around them.

[0113] As shown in the figure, the inflatable cavities are optionally arranged circumferentially around the inside of the retaining member 2510. However, the inflatable cavities may be arranged in any suitable configuration, such as cavities aligned longitudinally. In other embodiments, the sensor input may include sensors 2515 and / or 2516, or others, mounted on the retaining member 2510 of the automatic retaining device 2500. These sensors may be configured to generate an input based on the internal pressure of at least one of the one or more inflatable cavities. The sensors may be included in each cavity or limited to individual cavity sets. Such sensor inputs may also be used to augment sensor inputs received from other sensors disclosed elsewhere in this specification. Other sensors are configured to monitor the environment or aspects of the object 2501.

[0114] In another embodiment shown as 2700 in Figure 27, the automatic holding device includes a fluid compressor. This fluid compressor is optionally an air compressor 2701 that responds to the control circuit of actuator 2702 or any control circuit disclosed herein. In one embodiment, actuator 2702 and compressor 2701 can be mounted in a housing 2703. The housing 2703 can be coupled adjacent to the holding member 2704 such that the output port from compressor 2701 is aligned with and coupled to the input port 2705 of the holding member.

[0115] The fluid compressed by the compressor 2701 may include air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, or any other suitable gas, and any mixture thereof. In other embodiments, the fluid pressure may be supplied by a fluid in fluid state, such as water, oil, or any other suitable fluid. In another embodiment shown in Figure 28, the automatic holding device 2700 is optionally configured to receive compressed air from a reservoir 2801 rather than from the compressor 2701. In one example, the housing 2703 may be removed, and the reservoir 2801 may be used in its place to supply internal fluid pressure into individual cavities, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. In other embodiments, the reservoir may contain compressed carbon dioxide gas, or a liquid such as oil or gas, and the reservoir may include a compression valve. In other embodiments, the reservoir, compressor, or other fluid actuator may be separate from the holding device and may be coupled to the device via conduits for transporting the fluid pressure supplied into the cavities.

[0116] In operation, the control circuits and / or other electronic components in various examples of automatic holding devices disclosed herein are operable to automatically adjust the tension on the holding member. In one operational mode, the control circuit is programmed to perform a power-on process for data acquisition and control electronic components. This process can be initiated by receiving a power-on command to start the device, which includes the control circuit and any additional control electronic components. The control circuit can initiate communication with a sensor suite via a digital interface and can also initialize a file system in memory to record data and maintain configuration data, such as the configuration data discussed herein. The control circuit can also initiate calibration of all available sensors, such as any inertial sensors. This may include configuring the sensor resolution and sample rate, and may also include configuring the sensor noise filter.

[0117] The control circuit can also be configured to execute a data acquisition and control algorithm. This algorithm may include extracting a stream of available data from any available sensors, representing the values ​​of various sensing parameters generated by those sensors. The control circuit may identify important data features in the time and frequency domains of the incoming data stream by applying / updating digital filters on state data and / or using adaptive algorithms such as neural networks or similar algorithms. Using the final data, configuration parameters, and real-time data features, the control circuit can calculate one or more values ​​representing the tension to be applied to the retaining member. The control circuit can communicate these values ​​to the actuator to compare them with measured device parameters and adjust the tension accordingly. The data acquisition and control algorithm can then be repeated as needed. This algorithm can be executed multiple times per second, such as more than 10 times per second, more than 100 times per second, or more than 1 million times per second.

[0118] An example of a circuit component that processes a signal input and generates a motor control output is shown as 2900 in Figure 29. These components can be used with, or may be included in, the components discussed elsewhere in this specification, in particular, the components discussed with respect to the component shown as 100 in Figure 1. The control circuit of 2900 may include several subcircuits, such as a sensor processing circuit 2914, a memory card interface 2934, and a higher-level control decision logic circuit 2922, as well as an external current monitoring circuit 2908, a low-level proportional-integral-derivative (PID) loop 2926, and a saturation compensation circuit 2928. The external current monitoring circuit 2908 may include a hardware abort aspect that can act as a current limiter to avoid overloading the motor 2937. A motor current operational amplifier (or "op-up") 2902 passes a signal representing a data value for the motor current to a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 2904. The sensor processing circuit 2914 can include any suitable sensor, such as sensor 115 which can include a 3-axis accelerometer 2912 and a 3-axis gyroscope 2916, and can be used to estimate the motion state in 2918 by utilizing filters such as FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), FIR (Finite Impulse Response), and IIR (Infinite Impulse Response). The memory card interface 2934 can include an SPI bus and an SD card reader 2936 which can be accessed to update the configuration data 2935. The configuration data 2935 can include the user configuration change data portion (aspect) or operating parameters of the automatic holding device. The motion response executive 2920 then reads the motion state and configuration data and passes the results to the higher-level control decision logic 2922, which can then determine the target tension using the target tension generation circuit 2924. This target tension can be compared with the actual tension.The actual tension is calculated from a sensor circuit that compares motor current, or other parameters such as force, torque, or position data. This result is passed to a PID loop 2926 and a saturation circuit 2928 to generate an output such as a pulse-width modulation (PWM) output 2930. This output 2930 is supplied to the motor 2937, which can automatically control the tension on the retaining member as discussed elsewhere in this specification.

[0119] Other disclosed concepts include the following numbered examples:

[0120] Example 1: An automatic holding system for applying pressure to one or more limbs of a person or animal, the system comprising a plurality of automatic holding devices. Each automatic holding device optionally includes a holding member that surrounds a portion of at least one of the one or more limbs, and an actuator positioned and configured to engage with the holding member. The actuator is configured to actuate the holding member to adjust the tension applied to at least one limb by the holding member. At least one sensor is positioned and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with one or more limbs. Furthermore, at least one control circuit is configured to respond to at least one sensor and, in response to input received from at least one sensor, to control the actuators of the plurality of holding devices to adjust the tension applied to at least one of the one or more limbs.

[0121] Example 2: An automatic holding system of any of the aforementioned examples also includes a garment configured to surround at least a portion of one of one or more limbs.

[0122] Example 3: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices is positioned outside the garment.

[0123] Example 4: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices is positioned within a defined cavity in the garment.

[0124] Example 5: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, a holding member in at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices is knitted into the garment.

[0125] Example 6: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the garment includes an actuator mount configured to connect an actuator in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices, adjacent to the holding member.

[0126] Example 7: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, a holding member in at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices includes a fabric strap that is attached to the garment at a predetermined mounting position.

[0127] Example 8: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, a fabric strap is attached to the inside of the garment, and the garment defines an opening through which an actuator engages with a holding member to adjust the tension on the fabric strap.

[0128] Example 9: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the garment defines an internal passage, and at least a portion of one of the holding members in a group of automatic holding devices is positioned inside the internal passage.

[0129] Example 10: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one actuator of a holding member is mounted on the outside of the internal passage.

[0130] Example 11: In any of the aforementioned examples of automatic holding systems, the garment includes multiple mounts, each corresponding to a multiple automatic holding device.

[0131] Example 12: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices is mounted away from at least one control circuit.

[0132] Example 13: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices is mounted on a housing, and at least one control circuit is mounted inside the housing.

[0133] Example 14: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, a higher-level holding device of at least one automatic holding device is mounted upstream of one of the limbs, and a separate lower-level holding device of at least one automatic holding device is mounted downstream of that limb.

[0134] Example 15: In any of the previously mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the upstream and downstream portions of the limb are joined together by the limb's joint.

[0135] Example 16: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a frame configured to receive at least a portion of one of one or more limbs, and at least one of a plurality of holding members is attached to the frame.

[0136] Example 17: In any of the previously mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, a frame is included having two frame members on opposite sides of the limb, and the two frame members are aligned longitudinally with a reference plane.

[0137] Example 18: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a plurality of support elements coupled to each other and further coupled to a frame, the plurality of support elements also aligned with a reference plane, the plurality of support elements and the frame coupled together and rotatable substantially parallel to the reference plane, and prevented from rotating away from the reference plane by a plurality of protruding members positioned within corresponding cavities of the support elements.

[0138] Example 19: An automatic holding system of any of the preceding examples includes a frame comprising an upper portion attached to the upper part of one or more limbs and a lower portion attached to the lower part of the limb, wherein the upper and lower parts of the limb are connected to each other by joints, and at least one upper holding member of the holding device is attached to the upper part and surrounds at least a portion of the upper part of the limb, and at least one other holding member of another separate holding device is attached to the lower part and surrounds at least a portion of the lower part of the limb.

[0139] Example 20: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one control circuit comprises a plurality of individual control circuits, and a plurality of automatic holding devices respond separately to one or more separate control circuits of the plurality of individual control circuits.

[0140] Example 21: In any of the aforementioned examples of automatic holding systems, a separate control circuit communicates with and responds to at least one other control circuit from among a plurality of individual control circuits.

[0141] Example 22: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one sensor comprises a plurality of individual sensors, and a plurality of individual control circuits respond separately to one or more of the plurality of individual sensors.

[0142] Example 23: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automated holding system, at least one sensor includes a blood pressure sensor, a temperature sensor configured to determine limb temperature, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor configured to determine ambient temperature around the limb, an accelerometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), or a sensor that measures oxygenation, respiratory rate, sweating, brain function in a brain-machine interface and performs cognitive function assessment, or a combination thereof.

[0143] Example 24: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, at least one control circuit is a single control circuit operably coupled to a plurality of automatic holding devices.

[0144] Example 25: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, at least one sensor includes a first sensor attached to a holding member of a plurality of automatic holding devices, configured to generate an input based on tension in the holding member, and a second sensor attached to an object that the holding member at least partially surrounds, wherein at least one sensor is configured to generate an input based on the movement of the object.

[0145] Example 26: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a cable located inside a conduit, coupled at a first end to an actuator in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices, and a cable actuator coupled at a second end to the cable, which responds to a control circuit, wherein the cable is selectively movable inside the conduit in accordance with the movement of the cable actuator, and the actuator is configured to adjust the tension applied by the holding member in accordance with the movement of the cable relative to the conduit.

[0146] Example 27: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system includes a cable actuator including an electric motor mechanically coupled to a rotating member, the electric motor responding to a control input from at least one control circuit, the at least one control circuit being programmed to control the electric motor to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to this first direction in order to adjust the position of the cable relative to the conduit.

[0147] Example 28: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system includes a conduit optionally fixed at a first end to a first cable mount of at least one automatic holding device, the conduit being fixed at a second end to a second cable mount of a cable actuator.

[0148] Example 29: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a garment configured to enclose at least a portion of one or more limbs, the garment defining an internal passage, and the cable and conduit being positioned inside this internal passage.

[0149] Example 30: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a plurality of cables separately positioned inside individual conduits, the plurality of cables connecting a plurality of automatic holding devices to a separate actuator and at least one control circuit, the plurality of cable actuators responding to the control circuit, each individually coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of cables, the plurality of cables being selectively movable within individual conduits in accordance with the movement of the cable actuators, the separate actuator coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of cables, the separate actuator configured to adjust the tension applied by the corresponding holding member in accordance with the movement of each cable within the individual conduits.

[0150] Example 31: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, an actuator in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices includes a rotating member having a plurality of teeth that engage with one or more recesses defined by a holding member, wherein the rotating member is rotatable in a first direction to reduce tension on the holding member, and the rotating member is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to increase tension on the holding member, and the actuator is mechanically coupled to the rotating member and is arranged and configured to rotate the rotating member in the first and second directions in response to an input from a control circuit to increase or decrease tension on the holding member.

[0151] Example 32: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the holding member is an elongated holding member, and one or more protrusions and recesses are defined in the portion of this holding member that is wider than its thickness and narrower than its length.

[0152] Example 33: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, at least one of one or more recesses and protrusions includes through holes scattered along the holding member.

[0153] Example 34: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the rotating member rotates about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the holding member.

[0154] Example 35: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the rotating member rotates about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the holding member.

[0155] Example 36: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the tension of the holding member is adjusted by rotating the rotating member in a first direction, thereby displacing the first part of the holding member relative to the second part of the holding member.

[0156] Example 37: In any of the above-described examples of an automatic holding system, an actuator in at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices includes an electric motor mechanically coupled to a rotating member, the electric motor responding to a control input from at least one control circuit, the at least one control circuit programmed to control the electric motor to rotate in first and second directions in order to adjust the tension of the holding member.

[0157] Example 38: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, an actuator in at least one of a plurality of automatic holding devices includes a rotating member that engages with at least a portion of a holding member, wherein the rotating member is rotatable in a first direction to reduce tension on the holding member, and is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to increase tension on the holding member, and the actuator is mechanically coupled to the rotating member and is arranged and configured to rotate the rotating member in the first and second directions in response to an input from a control circuit to increase or decrease tension on the holding member.

[0158] Example 39: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, a portion of the holding member engages with the rotating member and is positioned and configured to wrap around the rotating member as the rotating member rotates.

[0159] Example 40: In any of the above-mentioned automatic holding systems, at least one control circuit is configured to control an actuator according to values ​​for one or more operating parameters and criteria for one or more rules.

[0160] Example 41: In any of the previously mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the control circuit is configured to receive one or more values ​​for operating parameters from a remote computing device via a communication link.

[0161] Example 42: In any of the previously mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the control circuit is configured to receive decision criteria for one or more rules via a communication link from a remote computing device.

[0162] Example 43: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the control circuit is configured to automatically determine and update at least one value for one or more operating parameters and at least one criterion for one or more rules.

[0163] Example 44: In any of the above-mentioned automatic holding systems, the control circuit includes a memory, and the control circuit is configured to maintain an operating history of the operating parameter, including a first value of the operating parameter held in memory at a first time point in time and a second value of the operating parameter held in memory at a second later time point, the first and second values ​​being used to determine a third new value for the operating parameter.

[0164] Example 45: In any of the aforementioned examples of automatic holding systems, the operation history of the automatic holding device is sent to a remote computer via a communication link.

[0165] Example 46: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, at least one of the multiple automatic holding devices includes an actuator mechanically coupled to a rotating member, the manual adjustment knob being positioned and configured to rotate the rotating member in first and second directions to adjust the tension of the holding member based on user input.

[0166] Example 47: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes one or more inflatable cavities positioned between the holding member and at least one limb, and an actuator is arranged and configured to inflate one or more of the inflatable cavities in order to adjust the pressure exerted on at least one limb by the holding member.

[0167] Example 48: An automatic holding system for applying tension to one or more limbs, the system further comprises a plurality of automatic holding devices, each including a holding member surrounding a portion of at least one of the one or more limbs, the plurality of automatic holding devices each including a holding member surrounding a portion of at least one of the one or more limbs, one or more inflatable cavities positioned between the holding member and at least one limb, and actuators positioned and configured to inflate one or more inflatable cavities to adjust the pressure applied to at least one limb by the holding member, the plurality of automatic holding devices each including at least one sensor positioned and configured to detect changes in sensing parameters associated with one or more limbs, and at least one control circuit responding to at least one sensor, the control circuit configured to control actuators of the plurality of holding devices to adjust the inflation of one or more inflatable cavities in response to input received from at least one sensor.

[0168] Example 49: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the automatic holding device includes one or more inflatable cavities, such as a first and second cavity that are distinctly recognizable, and the actuator is configured to selectively inflate the first cavity at a first pressure and the second cavity at a second pressure different from the first pressure.

[0169] Example 50: In any of the aforementioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system includes an automatic holding device having one or more expandable cavities that are in fluid communication with each other.

[0170] Example 51: In any of the aforementioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system includes an automatic holding device having one or more inflatable cavities arranged circumferentially around a holding member.

[0171] Example 52: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a fluid compressor that is in fluid communication with one or more of the inflatable cavities of the automatic holding device, the fluid compressor being arranged and configured to introduce fluid into the cavities in order to inflate one or more of the inflatable cavities.

[0172] Example 53: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a fluid compressor comprising an air compressor that responds to at least one control circuit, wherein the compressed fluid is air.

[0173] Example 54: In any of the above-mentioned examples of automatic holding systems, the system further includes a fluid compressor including a compression valve, wherein the fluid is air.

[0174] Example 55: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, the system further includes a one-way valve configured to open when a compressor introduces fluid into the cavity and to close automatically at other times to hold the fluid in the cavity.

[0175] Example 56: In any of the above-mentioned examples of an automatic holding system, at least one sensor includes a first sensor attached to a holding member of a plurality of automatic holding devices, configured to generate an input based on the internal pressure of at least one inflatable cavity, and a second sensor attached to an object that the holding member at least partially surrounds.

[0176] Glossary of Definitions and Substitutions Examples have been shown in the drawings and described herein, but this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. This disclosure is essentially typical and includes all variations, equivalents, and modifications that constitute the essence of the invention as defined in the claims. Detailed descriptions are included herein for the purpose of discussing the embodiments of the examples shown in the drawings, for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the principles of the invention. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any variations and further modifications in the examples described herein, as well as any other applications of the principles described herein, would be commonly conceivable to those skilled in the art in which the invention relates. Some examples have been disclosed in detail, but some features that are not relevant have been omitted for clarity.

[0177] Where there are citations to publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein, it is implicitly understood that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is included by reference, specifically and individually, as if to indicate that it is included in this Application by reference, and that the whole is explicitly stated herein.

[0178] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple objects unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, when referring to "a device" or "the device," it also refers to one or more such devices and their equivalents.

[0179] Terms indicating direction, such as "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "fore," "aft," "lateral," "longitudinal," "radial," and "circumferential," are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader to aid in understanding the illustrated examples. The use of these directional terms does not in any way limit the features described, illustrated, and / or claimed to any particular direction and / or orientation.

[0180] When multiple related items are shown in a drawing, the same part number is used, but separate individual examples can be distinguished by letters. These can also be referred to collectively by a distinguishable part of the whole name and / or by numbers only. For example, if multiple “laterally extending elements” 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D are shown in a drawing, in this disclosure they can be referred to by a distinguishable part of the whole name, such as “laterally extending elements 90A-90D,” or “laterally extending element 90,” or “element 90.”

[0181] The language used in this disclosure is assumed to have only its ordinary meanings, except as expressly defined below. The words used in the definitions contained herein also have only their ordinary meanings. Such ordinary meanings include all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recent editions of Webster's and Random House dictionaries. As used herein, the following definitions correspond to the following terms or their common variations (e.g., singular / plural, past / present tense, etc.).

[0182] When "about" is used in reference to a number, it usually refers to a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, if the stated value is 4.375, the expression "about 4.375" typically means a range between 3.9375 and 4.8125.

[0183] "Activate" is usually synonymous with "supply power" or means "enable a specific function" of a circuit or electronic device that already has power.

[0184] An "actuator" typically refers to a device that initiates or controls the action of an actuated device. This may include, but is not limited to, moving or controlling movement. An actuator may be an element or aspect of an actuated device, as in the case of a valve, which includes an actuator that opens and closes a valve. An actuator may actuate the operation of a device by direct mechanical linkage, by a signal sent to the device by electromagnetic energy transmitted through wires, optical fibers, or air, or by activating an intermediary device that causes the target device to perform the desired actuation.

[0185] In this specification, "and / or" is inclusive and means not only "or" but also "and". For example, "P and / or Q" includes P, Q, and P and Q, and such "P and / or Q" may also include other elements.

[0186] An "antenna" or "antenna system" usually refers to any suitable configuration of an electrical device or set of devices that converts electrical power into electromagnetic radiation. Such radiation may be vertically polarized, horizontally polarized, or circularly polarized at any frequency along the electromagnetic spectrum. An antenna transmitting in circular polarity may have either clockwise or counterclockwise polarity.

[0187] In the case of radio waves, antennas can transmit at frequencies along the electromagnetic spectrum, from extremely low frequency (ELF) to extremely high frequency (EHF). It is natural that an antenna or antenna system designed to transmit radio waves includes a configuration of metal conductors (elements) electrically connected (often through transmission lines) to a receiver or transmitter. The oscillating currents of electrons pushed through the antenna by the transmitter can form an oscillating magnetic field around the antenna element, while the electron charges also form an oscillating electric field along the element. These time-variable fields radiate into space away from the antenna as moving transverse electromagnetic field waves. Conversely, during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of the incoming electromagnetic wave exert a force on the electrons in the antenna element, causing them to move back and forth and generating oscillating currents in the antenna. These currents can then be detected and processed by the receiver to extract digital or analog signals or data.

[0188] Antennas can be designed to transmit and receive radio waves substantially equally in all horizontal directions (omnidirectional antennas) or preferably in specific directions (directional or high-gain antennas). In the latter case, the antenna may also include additional elements or surfaces, which may or may not have any physical or electrical connection to the transmitter or receiver. For example, parasitic elements, parabolic reflectors or horns, and other such non-energized elements, play a role in guiding the radio waves into a beam or other desired radiation pattern. In other words, the antenna can also be configured to exhibit an increase or decrease in directivity or "gain" by the installation of these various surfaces or elements. A high-gain antenna can be configured to guide substantially the majority of the radiated electromagnetic energy in a given direction. A given direction may be vertical, horizontal, or any combination thereof.

[0189] Furthermore, antennas can be configured to radiate electromagnetic energy within a specific range of vertical angles relative to the Earth (i.e., the "takeoff angle") in order to concentrate the electromagnetic energy toward the upper layers of the atmosphere, such as the ionosphere. By inducing electromagnetic energy toward the upper atmosphere at a specific angle, and by transmitting the electromagnetic energy at a specific frequency, a specific jump distance can be achieved at a specific time.

[0190] Other examples of antennas include emitters and sensors that convert electrical energy into pulses of electromagnetic energy in the visible or invisible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Examples include light-emitting diodes, lasers, and the like, configured to generate electromagnetic energy at frequencies ranging from far-infrared to extreme ultraviolet along the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0191] An "appendage" or "limb" usually refers to any part of the human or animal body. Examples include the neck, arms, legs, fingers, torso, head, and feet.

[0192] A "battery" typically refers to an electrical energy storage device or system that includes multiple energy storage devices. A battery comprises one or more separate electrochemical cells, each, through a chemical reaction, converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy to produce an electromotive force (or "EMF," measured in volts). Each battery cell may have a positive terminal (anode) with a higher potential and a negative terminal (cathode) with a lower potential than the anode. Any suitable electrochemical cell can be used, employing any suitable chemical process, and includes galvanic cells, electrolyte batteries, fuel cells, flow cells, and voltaic piles. When a battery is connected to an external circuit, the electrolyte can move as ions within the battery, completing chemical reactions at separate terminals and thus enabling the transfer of energy to the external circuit.

[0193] The battery may be a “primary” battery that can generate current immediately upon assembly. Examples of this type include alkaline batteries, nickel oxyhydroxide, lithium-copper, lithium-manganese, lithium-iron, lithium-carbon, thionyl chloride-lithium, mercury oxide, manganese, zinc-air, zinc-chlorine, or zinc-carbon batteries. Such batteries are generally not rechargeable and are discarded or recycled after discharge, and are therefore often referred to as “disposable.”

[0194] The battery may also be a “secondary” or “rechargeable” battery that can generate little or no current until it is charged. Examples of this type include lead-acid batteries, valve-controlled lead-acid batteries, sealed gel batteries, and various “dry cell batteries” such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

[0195] A "braking mechanism" typically refers to a selectively engageable mechanism configured to reduce or stop the movement or rotation of one object relative to another. For example, a braking mechanism uses friction between two selectively pressed surfaces to convert the mechanical energy of a moving or rotating object into heat, but other energy conversion methods can also be employed. Regenerative braking converts much of that energy into electrical energy, which can be stored for later use. Alternatively, mechanical energy is converted into potential energy in a stored form, such as pressurized air or pressurized oil. Eddy current brakes use a magnetic field to convert mechanical energy into an electric current in a brake disc, fin, or rail, which is then converted into heat. Even further braking methods transform mechanical energy into a different form, for example, by transferring it to a rotating flywheel.

[0196] Another example of a braking mechanism is the ratchet. This prevents movement in the reverse direction while allowing continuous linear or rotational motion in only one direction. A ratchet can include a series of engaging members, such as teeth arranged around a gear or on a linear rack. Swiveling, spring-loaded fingers called pawls engage with the teeth. The teeth are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a gentle slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other. When the teeth move in an unconstrained direction (i.e., forward), the pawls slide easily along the gently sloping edges of the teeth, and as they pass the apex of each tooth, a spring-like displacement element pushes them into the recess between the teeth. When the teeth attempt to move in the reverse (backward) direction, the pawls prevent any further movement in that direction by catching on to the steeply sloping edge of the first tooth they encounter, thus preventing any further movement in that direction until the pawl is released.

[0197] A "cable" typically refers to one or more elongated strands of material that possess tensile and / or compressive strength. In other words, a cable can also be a relatively flexible, elongated structure of one or more strands that tends to resist being pulled apart or stretched, and / or generally can resist being compressed together. Examples include wire ropes, flexible shafts, Bowden cables, coaxial cables, stranded-to-electrical wires, solid wires, and even non-wire ropes made from natural or synthetic fibers.

[0198] A "communication link" typically refers to a connection between two or more communication entities, and may or may not include a communication channel between those entities. Communication between communication entities can be carried out by any suitable means. For example, the connection can be implemented as an actual physical link, electrical link, electromagnetic link, logical link, or any other suitable linkage-facilitating communication.

[0199] In the case of actual physical links, communication can be achieved by multiple components in a communication link configured to respond to each other through the physical movement of one element relative to the other. In the case of electrical links, a communication link can consist of multiple conductors electrically connected to form this communication link.

[0200] In the case of electromagnetic links, connection can be achieved by transmitting or receiving electromagnetic energy at any suitable frequency, thus allowing communication to pass as electromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves may or may not pass through a physical medium such as optical fiber, or through free space, or any combination thereof. Electromagnetic waves can pass through at any suitable frequency, including any frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0201] A communication link may include any suitable combination of hardware, which may also include software components. Such hardware may include routers, switches, networking endpoints, repeaters, signal strength enters, hubs, and the like.

[0202] In the case of a logical link, the communication link can be a conceptual linkage between a transmitter and a receiver, such as a transmitting station at a receiving station. A logical link can include any combination of physical, electrical, electromagnetic, or other types of communication links.

[0203] A "computer" typically refers to any computing device configured to calculate a result from any number of input values ​​or variables. A computer may include control circuits for performing calculations and processing inputs or outputs. A computer may include memory for storing values ​​processed by the processor or for storing the results of previous processing.

[0204] Furthermore, a computer can be configured to accept input and output from a wide range of input and output devices that receive or transmit values. Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial instruments, and systems or machines of all kinds and sizes. For example, a computer can control a network or network interface to perform various network communications as needed. A network interface may be part of the computer or may be characterized by being separate and isolated from the computer.

[0205] A computer may be a single physical computing device, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer; it may consist of multiple devices of the same type, such as a group of servers operating as a single device in a networked cluster; or it may be a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as a single computer and connected together by a communication network. Furthermore, the communication network connected to the computer may be connected to a broader network, such as the internet. In short, a computer may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuits, and may also include any suitable type of memory.

[0206] Furthermore, the computer may be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or variable number of physical processors and memory or memory devices. In other words, the computer may be physically located in one geographical location, or it may have multiple processors connected together by a communication network to operate as a single computer, and may be physically spread across a wide variety of scattered locations.

[0207] The concepts of “computer” and “processor” within a computer or computing device also include any such processor or computing device that functions to perform calculations or comparisons as part of the disclosed system. Processing operations related to threshold comparisons, rule comparisons, calculations, etc., performed within a computer can be performed, for example, on separate servers, on the same server with separate processors, or in a virtual computing environment with an unknown number of physical processors as described above.

[0208] A computer can optionally be coupled to one or more visual displays and / or include an integrated visual display. Similarly, the displays may be of the same type or a heterogeneous combination of different visual devices. Furthermore, a computer can include one or more operator input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, laser or infrared pointing device, or gyroscope-type pointing device, to name a few typical examples. In addition to displays, it can also include one or more other output devices, such as a printer, plotter, industrial production machine, or 3D printer. Therefore, a wide variety of display, input, and output device configurations are possible.

[0209] Multiple computers or computing devices can also be configured to communicate with each other or with other devices via wired or wireless communication links to form a network. Network communications can pass through various computers acting as network appliances, such as switches, routers, firewalls, or other network devices or interfaces, and then through other, larger computer networks, such as the Internet. Communications can also pass through a network as wireless data transmissions carried over transmission lines or electromagnetic waves in free space. Such communications include transferring data using Wi-Fi or other wireless local area networks (WLANs), or cellular transmitters / receivers.

[0210] A "controller" or "control circuit" typically refers to a machine or electronic device configured to control the behavior of another machine or electronic device. A controller or "control circuit" is optionally configured to supply signals or other electrical impulses that are received or interpreted by the controlled device to indicate how it should behave.

[0211] A "connecting device" typically refers to a device that connects one object to another. Some non-exclusive examples include belt buckles, zippers, latches, padlocks, trailer hitches, clothing buttons, electrical connectors, snowboard or snowski fasteners, and foot straps for waterskis, kiteboards, surfboards, wave boards, and sailboards.

[0212] "Data" typically refers to one or more values ​​of a quantitative or qualitative variable, usually the result of a measurement. Since data is a finite, individual unit of specific information, it can be considered "atomic." Alternatively, data can be thought of as a set of values ​​that include a frame of reference indicating some meaning associated with the value. For example, the number "2" alone is a meaningless symbol without any context. The number "2" can be considered "data" when it is understood, for example, to represent the quantity of items produced in one hour.

[0213] Data can also be organized and represented in structured formats. Some examples include a table-like representation using rows and columns, a tree representation with pairs of nodes considered to have parent-child relationships, or a graph representation with pairs of connected nodes.

[0214] The term "data" can also refer to raw data, such as numbers, characters, or any collection of other symbols representing individual facts or opinions. Data can be collected by sensors in controlled or uncontrolled environments, or it can be generated by observation, recording, or processing of other data. The word "data" can be used in both singular and plural forms. The older plural form, "datum," may also be used.

[0215] A database, also called a data store, data repository, or knowledge base, typically refers to an organized collection of data. Data is usually organized to model aspects of the real world, typically to aid in the process of deriving information about the world from it. Access to data is usually granted by a Database Management System (DBMS). A Database Management System consists of individual computer software programs or an organized set of software programs that allow a user to interact with one or more databases that grant access to the data stored within them (user access restrictions may be introduced to limit access to certain parts of the data).

[0216] In other aspects, a DBMS provides various functions that enable the input, storage, and retrieval of large amounts of information, as well as methods for organizing and managing that information. While databases are generally not migrateable across different DBMSs, different DBMSs can interoperate through the use of standardized protocols and languages ​​such as Structured Query Language (SQL), Open Database Access Standard (ODBC), Java Database Access Standard (JDBC), and Extensible Markup Language (XML), which allows a single application to work with more than one DBMS.

[0217] In other embodiments, the database may also implement “smart contracts.” A smart contract contains rules written in computer code that automatically perform specific actions when certain conditions are met and verified. Examples of such actions include, but are not limited to, releasing funds to the relevant parties, registering a vehicle, sending notices, and issuing certificates of ownership transfer. The database can then be updated when the transactions specified in the rules encoded in the smart contract have been fully executed. In other embodiments, the transactions specified in a role may be irreversible and executed automatically without the possibility of human intervention. In other embodiments, only the parties specified and authorized in the rules of the smart contract may be notified and allowed to view the results.

[0218] Databases and their corresponding database management systems are often classified according to the specific database model they support. Examples include relational database management systems (RDBMS), which rely on a "relational model" for storing data. Such systems commonly use some variation of SQL to perform functions including querying, formatting, administering, and updating RDBMS. Other examples of database models include the "object" model, the chained model (e.g., for "blockchain" databases), the "object-relational" model, the "file," "indexed file," or "flat-file" model, the "hierarchical" model, the "network" model, the "document" model, the "XML" model (using some variation of XML), and the "entity-attribute-value" model.

[0219] Examples of commercially available database management systems include PostgreSQL, provided by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group; Microsoft SQL Server, provided by Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington, USA; MySQL and various versions of the Oracle DBMS, often simply called "Oracle," provided separately by Oracle Corporation in Redwood City, California, USA; the DBMS commonly called "SAP," provided by SAP SE in Walldorf, Germany; and the DB2 DBMS, provided by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in Armonk, New York, USA.

[0220] Furthermore, databases and DBMS software are sometimes collectively referred to as "databases." Similarly, the term "database" can refer collectively to a database, its corresponding DBMS software, and a physical computer or a collection of computers. In other words, the term "database" can refer to data, the software that manages the data, and / or a physical computer that contains some or all of the data and / or the software that manages the data.

[0221] "Electrically connected" typically refers to a configuration that allows electricity to flow between or through two objects. In one example, two conductors are physically adjacent to each other and close enough to allow electricity to pass between them. In another example, two conductors are physically in contact, allowing electricity to flow between them.

[0222] A "gear" typically refers to a mechanical part that has engaging teeth or cogs, which extend outward away from the body of the gear. The teeth are configured to mesh with other parts that have corresponding teeth or holes. The corresponding teeth or holes are similarly spaced apart and extend into at least part of the path through which the other parts pass. Some non-exclusive examples of gear types include spur, helical, skew, double helix, bevel, spiral bevel, hypoid, crown, worm, non-circular, rack and pinion, epicyclic, sun and planet, harmonic, cage, cycloidal, and magnetic.

[0223] A worm gear is similar to a screw and meshes with a worm wheel. A worm wheel looks similar to a spur gear. A worm-and-gear set is a simple and dense way to achieve high torque and low gear ratios. A worm gear is a type of helical gear, but its helical angle is usually somewhat larger (close to 90 degrees), and its body is usually quite long in the axial direction. These attributes give worm gears screw-like qualities. The difference between a worm and a helical gear is that at least one tooth persists for one rotation around the helix. A worm gear can also be considered to have one tooth if the tooth persists for several rotations around the helix. A worm gear can also be considered to have more than one tooth when viewed perpendicular to the long axis of the gear. Therefore, teeth that periodically reappear along the length of the worm can also be considered multiple teeth.

[0224] In a worm gear system, the worm can always drive the gear. However, when the gear attempts to drive the worm, it may or may not succeed. In particular, if the lead angle is small, the gear teeth may simply lock against the worm teeth because the circumferential force component on the worm is not sufficient to overcome the friction. However, in conventional music boxes, the gear drives the worm because it has a large helical angle. A worm gear system can also be described as "self-locking" because when you want to set the position of the mechanism by rotating the worm, it allows the mechanism to hold that position without having to rotate it in reverse. One example of this is the machine head found in certain stringed instruments.

[0225] A "hole" typically refers to a hollowed-out area defined by a solid body or surface. A hole may reach the interior of a solid or surface without penetrating all the way through, as in the case of an indentation, depression, or pit. A hole may also penetrate from one side of an object to the other, thus completely penetrating the object. The second side may be identical to the first, as in the case of an inner loop in a solid. A hole can have any suitable shape, such as a circle, rectangle, ellipse, square, or triangle.

[0226] An "identifier" is usually a name that identifies (i.e., indicates the identity of) something unique or a class of something unique. Here, "object" or class may be an idea, a physical object (or its class), or a physical entity (or its class). The abbreviation "ID" often refers to identity, identification (the process of identifying), or identifier (i.e., an instance of identification). Identifiers may or may not include words, numbers, letters, symbols, shapes, colors, sounds, or any combination thereof.

[0227] Words, numbers, letters, or symbols may follow an encoding system (in which case the letters, digits, words, or symbols represent ideas or longer identifiers), or they may simply be arbitrary. When an identifier follows an encoding system, it is often called a code or ID code. Identifiers that do not follow any encoding system are often said to be arbitrary IDs, because they do not make sense in any other context and are assigned arbitrarily beyond identifying anything.

[0228] "Input" typically refers to something that is input, and can include a physical entity being input (e.g., incremental fuel input), power or energy input into a machine or system, usually intended for sizable recovery in the form of output, elements of production (land, labor, or raw materials, etc.), signals, data, or information, advice or comments supplied to a computer, or stimuli acting on and integrating with a bodily system. In the case of information provided to a computer, the input can be generated by a sensor that detects a detection parameter. In this example, a time-variable value of the detection parameter would be at least part of the input.

[0229] "Memory" typically refers to any storage system or device configured to hold data or information. To name just a few examples, each memory can include one or more types of solid-state electronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. Memory can use any suitable storage technology or combination of storage technologies, and may be volatile, non-volatile, or a hybrid of various volatile and non-volatile varieties. As a non-limiting example, each memory can include solid-state electronic random-access memory (RAM), sequentially accessible memory (SAM) (various first-in, first-out (FIFO) or various last-in, first-out (LIFO) configurations, etc.), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electronically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0230] Memory can refer to dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) or any variant, and includes static random-access memory (SRAM), burst SRAM or synchronous burst SRAM (BSRAM), fast page-mode DRAM (FPM DRAM), enhanced DRAM (EDRAM), extended data output RAM (EDO RAM), extended data output DRAM (EDO DRAM), burst extended data output DRAM (REDO DRAM), single data rate synchronous DRAM (SDR SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), direct rhombus DRAM (DRDRAM), or high data rate DRAM (XDR DRAM: Extreme Data Rate DRAM).

[0231] Furthermore, memory can also refer to non-volatile storage technologies, including non-volatile read-access memory (NVRAM), flash memory, non-volatile static RAM (nvSRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), phase-change memory (PRAM), conductive-bridging RAM (CBRAM), silicon oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), domain wall memory (DWM), "racetrack" memory, nano-RAM (NRAM), or millipede memory. Other non-volatile memory types include optical disc memory (such as DVDs or CD-ROMs), magnetically encoded hard disks or hard disk platters, floppy disks, tapes, or cartridge media. The concept of "memory" includes the use of any suitable storage technology, or any combination of storage technologies.

[0232] A "motor" typically refers to a rotating machine that converts electrical or chemical energy into mechanical energy, usually by rotating an axis. Examples include electric motors and internal combustion engines.

[0233] "Movement" usually refers to an act that changes physical attributes, some of which are not limited to position, dimension, posture, angle of incidence, or location. The movement of an object can be caused by the object itself, by the activities of other objects acting directly or indirectly on it, and / or by the action of environmental forces such as gravity and wind.

[0234] As used herein, "multiple" is synonymous with "plurality," meaning more than one, or more specifically, two or more.

[0235] A "network" or "computer network" typically refers to a telecommunications network that enables computers to exchange data. Computers can pass data to each other along a data connection by converting the data into a collection of datagrams or packets. The connection between computers and the network can be established using cables, optical fibers, or, for wireless network devices, by electromagnetic transmission.

[0236] Computers connected to a network can also be called “nodes” or “hosts,” and can send, broadcast, direct, or accept data from the network. Nodes can include any computing device, such as personal computers, telephones, servers, and specialized computers called “network devices,” which operate to maintain the flow of data across the network. Two nodes can be considered “networked together” when one device can exchange information with another, regardless of whether they have a direct connection to each other. Wired network connections may include digital subscriber lines (DSL), coaxial cables, or fiber optic cables. Wireless connections may include any wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) implemented using BLUETOOTH®, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared channels or satellite bands, or the IEEE 802.11 standard (for example, 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 802.11(g), or 802.11(n)). Wireless links may also include or use any cellular network standard used to communicate between mobile devices, including 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G. Network standards can be approved as 1G, 2G, etc., by meeting specifications and standards, such as those maintained by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). For example, a network can be called a "3G network" if it conforms to the criteria in the International Mobile Communications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, regardless of what else it may be called. A network can be called a "4G network" if it conforms to the requirements of the International Mobile Communications-Advanced (IMTAdvanced) specification. Examples of cellular networks or other wireless standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTEAdvanced, MobileWiMAX, and WiMAX-Advanced.

[0237] Cellular network standards can utilize various channel access methods, such as FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. Different types of data can be transmitted via different links and standards, and the same type of data can also be transmitted via different links and standards.

[0238] The geographical reach of networks can vary considerably. Examples include body area networks (BANs), personal area networks (PANs), low-power wireless personal area networks using IPv6 (6LoWPANs), local area networks (LANs), urban area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), or the internet.

[0239] A network can have any suitable network topology that defines the number and use of network connections. The network topology can be any suitable form and may include point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, or tree. The network may also be an overlay network, which is virtual and consists of one or more layers that use or sit on top of other networks.

[0240] Networks can utilize different communication protocols or messaging techniques, including or incorporating a stack of protocols. Examples include the Ethernet protocol, the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP / IP), the ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technique, the SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking) protocol, or the SDH (Synchronous Digital Layer) protocol. The TCP / IP Internet Protocol Suite can include the application layer, transport layer, internet layer (e.g., including IPv6), or link layer.

[0241] When used in this specification, "optionally" means at one's discretion, not required, possible but not mandatory, or left to personal preference.

[0242] A “personal computing device” typically refers to a computing device configured for use by individuals. Examples include mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, wearable computers (such as those in glasses), laptop computers, portable music / video players, in-car computers, or smartphones. Personal computing devices can also be devices that are not typically portable, such as desktop computers, game consoles, or server computers. A personal computing device may include any suitable input / output devices and may be configured to access a network, such as via wireless or wired connections and / or other network hardware.

[0243] As used herein, "predominately" is synonymous with "more than 50%."

[0244] A “processor” typically refers to one or more electronic components configured to operate as a single unit configured or programmed to process inputs and produce outputs. Alternatively, in a multi-component configuration, a processor may have one or more components that are located apart from the other components. Each processor’s one or more components may be various electronic circuits that define digital circuits, analog circuits, or both. For example, each processor is a conventional integrated circuit microprocessor configuration, such as one or more PENTIUM® i3, i5, or i7 processors supplied by INTEL Corporation in Santa Clara, California, USA. Other examples of commercially available processors include, but are not limited to, the X8 and Freescale Coldfire processors manufactured by Motorola Corporation in Schonburg, Illinois, USA; ARM and TEGRA system-on-chip (SoC) processors manufactured by Nvidia in Santa Clara, California, USA; POWER7 processors manufactured by International Business Machines in White Plains, New York, USA; any of the FX, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron, or Opteron processors manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices in Sunnyvale, California, USA; or Snapdragon SoC processors manufactured by Qalcomm in San Diego, California, USA.

[0245] Furthermore, processors also include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). An ASIC is an integrated circuit (IC) customized to perform a specific set of logical operations that control a computer in order to perform a particular task or function. An ASIC is an example of a processor for an application-specific computer, rather than a general-purpose processor. Application-specific integrated circuits are generally not programmable to perform other functions and can only be programmed once when manufactured.

[0246] In other examples, the processor may be of the "field-programmable" type. Such processors can be programmed multiple times "in the field" after they have been manufactured to perform various special or general-purpose functions. A field-programmable processor may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) within the integrated circuit of the processor. The FPGA can hold a specific set of instructions in its non-volatile memory cells and can be programmed to execute this specific set of instructions. The FPGA can be configured by the customer or designer using a hardware description language (HDL). The FPGA can be reprogrammed using another computer to reconfigure the FPGA and implement a new set of commands or operational instructions. Such operations can be performed by any suitable means, such as by firmware updates to the processor circuitry.

[0247] Just as the concept of a computer is not limited to a single physical device in one location, the concept of a “processor” is not limited to a single physical logic circuit or circuit package, but may include one or more such circuits or circuit packages housed in multiple computers in numerous physical locations, or even across multiple computers. In a virtual computing environment, an unknown number of physical processors can actively process data, and this unknown number can also change automatically over time.

[0248] The concept of a "processor" includes devices configured or programmed to perform logical operations, such as threshold comparisons, rule comparisons, calculations, or applying rules to data to obtain logical results (e.g., "true" or "false"). Processing activities can also occur on multiple individual processors on separate servers, on multiple processors in a single server with separate processors, or on multiple processors physically separated from each other in a separate computing device.

[0249] A "portion" means a part of the whole, something that is separated from it or integrated with it.

[0250] "Remote" typically refers to a physical separation or distance. When used herein, this term naturally does not imply anything greater than ordinary physical separation. Separations less than 10 feet can be considered "remote," as can separations greater than 10,000 miles or 1 light-year.

[0251] A “retention member” typically refers to an element, component, part, piece, or assembly configured to hold a first object in relation to a second object, or to apply tension or pressure to an object as a whole. The second object may be the retention member itself, for example, when the purpose of a retention member is to hold itself in a position relative to the first object. A retention member may also be an assembly of multiple interconnected members that act together as a retention member, such as multiple interconnected segments, threads, or other elements that are intertwined or otherwise joined together.

[0252] Examples of retaining members include, but are not limited to, elongated structures such as straps, chains, cables, wires, belts, strings, etc. The retaining member can also include coupling devices such as snaps, latches, couplers, fasteners, or hooks. Other examples include fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, split pins, nuts, or staples.

[0253] A "rule" typically refers to a conditional statement having at least two outcomes. A rule can be exemplified by available data that can result in a positive outcome (all aspects of the conditional statement of the rule are satisfied by the data) or a negative outcome (at least one aspect of the conditional statement of the rule is not satisfied by the data). An example of a rule is shown below as pseudocode of an "if / then / else" statement coded in a programming language and executable by a processor within a computer.

[0254] if(clouds.areGrey() and (clouds.numberOfClouds > 100)) then { prepare for rain; } else { Prepare for sunshine; }

[0255] A "sense parameter" typically refers to an attribute of an environment that can be detected by a sensor. As used herein, a sense parameter can be synonymous with an operating condition, an environmental factor, a sensor parameter, or an environmental condition. Sense parameters can include temperature, atmospheric pressure, velocity, acceleration, tension, weight, force, deflection angle of an object with respect to another object or with respect to gravity, presence or intensity of sound or light or other electromagnetic phenomena, strength and / or direction of a magnetic or electric field, etc. Other examples include heart rate, change in position by a location service such as a global positioning system (GPS), blood pressure, etc.

[0256] A "sensor" generally refers to a transducer configured to detect or sense the characteristics of the environment local to that sensor. For example, a sensor can be constructed to detect an event or change in a quantity or sensed parameter and supply a corresponding output, typically as an electrical or electromagnetic signal. The sensitivity of a sensor indicates how much the output of the sensor changes when the input quantity being measured changes.

[0257] A "signal" generally refers to a function or means for representing information. This can also be considered as the output of a conversion or encoding process. This concept generally includes a change in the state of a medium or carrier wave that conveys information. The medium can be any suitable medium such as electromagnetic energy like in the case of air, water, electricity, magnetism, or radio waves, pulses of visible or invisible light, etc.

[0258] As used herein, a "signal" implies the representation of significant information. Any change or random change in the state of the carrier medium is generally not considered a "signal" and can be considered "noise". For example, any binary data stream is not considered a signal. On the other hand, analog signals and digital signals which are representations of analog physical quantities are examples of signals. A signal is generally not useful without some means of transmitting or sending the information and a receiver that responds to the transmitter in order to receive the information.

[0259] In a communication system, for example, a transmitter encodes a message into a signal and the signal is carried by a communication channel to a receiver. For example, the statement "The current time is 12 o'clock" could be a message spoken towards a telephone. Then the transmitter of the telephone can convert the sound into a voltage signal. This signal is transmitted to the telephone that receives it via a wire and in the receiver, the signal is reconverted into sound. Signals can be thought of as either "discrete" or "continuous." Discrete-time signals are often called time series in other fields. Continuous-time signals are often called continuous signals even when the signal function is not continuous, such as in a square wave signal.

[0260] Other classifications include "discrete-valued" and "continuous-valued" signals. In particular, in digital signal processing, a digital signal may be defined as a series of discrete values, which may or may not be derived from an underlying continuous-valued physical process. In other contexts, a digital signal is defined as a continuous-time waveform signal in a digital system, representing a bit stream. In the first case, a signal generated by a digital modulation method can be considered as having been converted to an analog signal, while in the second case, it can be considered a digital signal.

[0261] As used herein, "surround" means "to enclose at least a portion of." It implies a physical or conceptual perimeter around an object that is at least partially surrounded by another object, or an arrangement of multiple objects. This includes completely enveloping, enclosing all sides, and / or extending completely around the margin or edge. The term can also refer to intermittent spacing between arrangements of objects around a portion of another object, such as chairs said to surround a table, or police officers surrounding a building. Furthermore, the term can be used abstractly, such as when a person's activity is secretly surrounded.

[0262] "Triggering a rule" typically refers to the result that occurs when all elements of a conditional statement explicitly stated in a rule are met. In this context, when compared with available data, a conditional statement can result in either a positive outcome (all conditions of the rule are met by the data) or a negative outcome (at least one of the conditions of the rule is not met by the data). A condition explicitly stated in a rule is triggered when it causes the program execution to proceed along a different path than when all conditions are met and the rule is not triggered.

Claims

1. An automatic holding system for applying therapeutic pressure to one or more limbs of a human or animal, Multiple automatic holding devices, wherein at least two of the multiple automatic holding devices are A retaining member that surrounds a portion of at least one of the one or more limbs, An actuator positioned and configured to engage with the retaining member, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the retaining member in such a way that it adjusts the therapeutic pressure applied to the at least one limb by the retaining member to restrict or allow blood flow to the at least one limb; An automatic holding device, At least one sensor arranged and configured to detect changes in detection parameters associated with blood flow in one or more limbs, At least one control circuit that responds to the at least one sensor, and is configured to coordinately control the actuators of the plurality of automatic holding devices in order to adjust the therapeutic pressure applied to the upstream and downstream portions of the one or more limbs with respect to the joint in response to the input received from the at least one sensor, An automatic holding system equipped with the following features.

2. An automatic garment holding system according to claim 1, comprising a garment configured to surround at least a portion of one of the one or more limbs.

3. An automatic holding system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is positioned outside the garment.

4. An automatic holding system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is positioned within a cavity defined within the garment.

5. An automatic holding system according to claim 2, wherein a holding member in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is knitted into the garment.

6. An automatic holding system according to claim 5, wherein the garment includes an actuator mount configured to connect to an actuator in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices, adjacent to the holding member.

7. An automatic holding system according to claim 2, wherein a holding member in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices includes a fabric strap that is attached to the garment at a predetermined mounting position.

8. An automatic holding system according to claim 7, wherein the fabric strap is attached to the inside of the garment, the garment defines an opening, and the actuator engages with the holding member through the opening to adjust the tension on the fabric strap.

9. An automatic holding system according to claim 2, wherein the garment defines an internal passage, and at least a portion of the holding members of the plurality of automatic holding devices are positioned inside the internal passage.

10. An automatic holding system according to claim 9, wherein the actuator of the holding member is mounted on the outside of the internal passage.

11. An automatic garment holding system according to claim 2, wherein the garment includes a plurality of mounts corresponding to each of the plurality of automatic garment holding devices.

12. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is mounted separately from the at least one control circuit.

13. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is mounted on a housing, and at least one control circuit is mounted inside the housing.

14. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein a higher-level holding device of the plurality of automatic holding devices is mounted upstream of one of the one or more limbs, and a separate lower-level holding device of the plurality of automatic holding devices is mounted downstream of the limb.

15. An automatic holding system according to claim 14, wherein the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the limb are joined together by the joint of the limb.

16. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, The frame is configured to receive at least a portion of one of the one or more limbs, An automatic holding system in which at least one holding member of the plurality of automatic holding devices is attached to the frame.

17. An automatic holding system according to claim 16, wherein the frame includes two frame members on opposite sides of the limb, and the two frame members are aligned with a reference plane in the longitudinal direction.

18. An automatic holding system according to claim 17, It comprises a plurality of support elements that are connected to each other and further connected to a frame, and the plurality of support elements are also aligned with the reference plane, An automatic holding system in which the plurality of support elements and frames are coupled together and rotatable substantially parallel to the reference plane, and are prevented from rotating away from the reference plane by a plurality of protruding members positioned within corresponding cavities of the support elements.

19. In the automatic holding system according to claim 16, the frame is An upper part attached to the upper part of one of the one or more limbs, A lower part attached to the lower part of the limb, Includes, The upper and lower parts of the limb are connected to each other by a joint. At least one upper holding member of the automatic holding device is attached to the upper portion and surrounds at least a portion of the upper portion of the limb, An automatic holding system in which at least one other holding member of another separate automatic holding device is attached to the lower portion and surrounds at least a portion of the lower portion of the limb.

20. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein at least one control circuit comprises a plurality of individual control circuits, and the plurality of automatic holding devices respond separately to one or more separate control circuits of the plurality of individual control circuits.

21. An automatic holding system according to claim 20, wherein the separate control circuit communicates with and responds to at least one other control circuit among the plurality of individual control circuits.

22. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a plurality of individual sensors, and the plurality of individual control circuits respond separately to one or more of the plurality of individual sensors.

23. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a blood pressure sensor, a temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the limb, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor configured to determine the ambient temperature around the limb, an accelerometer, an inertial measuring unit (IMU), or a combination thereof.

24. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one control circuit is a control circuit operably coupled to the plurality of automatic holding devices.

25. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor attached to a holding member among the plurality of automatic holding devices, configured to generate an input based on the tension in the holding member, and a second sensor attached to an object at least partially surrounded by the holding member, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to generate an input based on the movement of the object.

26. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, A cable located inside a conduit, which is coupled to an actuator in at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices, adjacent to its first end, Adjacent to the second end is a cable actuator that responds to a control circuit coupled to the cable, Equipped with, An automatic holding system in which the cable is selectively movable within the conduit in accordance with the movement of the cable actuator, and the actuator is configured to adjust the compressive force applied by the holding member in accordance with the movement of the cable relative to the conduit.

27. In the automatic holding system according to claim 26, the cable actuator is An electric motor mechanically coupled to a rotating member, which responds to a control input from at least one control circuit, including an electric motor An automatic holding system in which at least one control circuit is programmed to control the electric motor to rotate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction in order to adjust the position of the cable relative to the conduit.

28. An automatic holding system according to claim 26, wherein the conduit is fixed at a first end to a first cable mount of the automatic holding device, and the conduit is fixed at a second end to a second cable mount of the cable actuator.

29. An automatic holding system according to claim 26, An automatic holding system comprising a garment configured to enclose at least a portion of one of the one or more limbs, wherein the garment defines an internal passage, and the cable and conduit are positioned inside this internal passage.

30. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, Multiple cables, each separately located inside an individual conduit, connecting a separate actuator of the multiple automatic holding device to at least one control circuit, A plurality of cable actuators responding to the control circuit, each of which is individually coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of cables, Equipped with, An automatic holding system in which the plurality of cables are selectively movable within the individual conduits in accordance with the movement of the cable actuators, the separate actuators are coupled to the second ends of each of the plurality of cables, and the separate actuators are configured to adjust the therapeutic pressure applied by the corresponding holding members in accordance with the movement of the individual cables within the individual conduits.

31. In the automatic holding system according to claim 1, the actuator is The rotating member includes a plurality of teeth that engage with one or more recesses defined by the retaining member, wherein the rotating member is rotatable in a first direction to reduce the tension of the retaining member, and the rotating member is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to increase the tension of the retaining member. An automatic holding system in which the actuator is mechanically coupled to the rotating member, and the actuator is arranged and configured to rotate the rotating member in a first direction and a second direction in response to an input from the control circuit to increase or decrease the tension of the holding member.

32. An automatic holding system according to claim 31, wherein the holding member is an elongated holding member, and one or more recesses are defined in a portion of the holding member that is wider than its thickness and narrower than its length.

33. An automatic holding system according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the one or more recesses includes through holes scattered along the holding member.

34. An automatic holding system according to claim 31, wherein the rotating member rotates around a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the holding member.

35. An automatic holding system according to claim 31, wherein the rotating member rotates around a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the holding member.

36. An automatic holding system according to claim 31, wherein, in order to adjust the tension of the holding member, the rotating member is rotated in a first direction to displace a first portion of the holding member relative to a second portion of the holding member.

37. In the automatic holding system according to claim 31, at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is an actuator, An automatic holding system comprising an electric motor mechanically coupled to the rotating member, wherein the electric motor responds to a circuit input from the at least one control circuit, and the at least one control circuit is programmed to control the electric motor to rotate in the first and second directions in order to adjust the tension of the holding member.

38. In the automatic holding system according to claim 1, at least one of the plurality of automatic holding devices is an actuator, The device includes a rotating member that engages with at least a portion of the retaining member, wherein the rotating member is rotatable in a first direction to reduce the tension of the retaining member, and the rotating member is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to increase the tension of the retaining member. An automatic holding system in which the actuator is mechanically coupled to the rotating member, and the actuator is arranged and configured to rotate the rotating member in a first and second direction in response to an input from the control circuit to increase or decrease the tension of the holding member.

39. An automatic holding system according to claim 38, wherein a portion of the holding member engages with a rotating member and is arranged and configured to wrap around the rotating member as the rotating member rotates.

40. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, wherein a control circuit in at least one of the control circuits is configured to control the actuator according to a value for one or more operating parameters and a criterion for one or more rules.

41. An automatic holding system according to claim 40, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive one or more values ​​for the operating parameters from a remote computing device via a communication link.

42. In the automatic holding system according to claim 40, the control circuit is configured to receive a decision criterion for one or more rules from a remote computing device via a communication link.

43. An automatic holding system according to claim 40, wherein the control circuit includes a memory, and the control circuit is configured to hold an operation history of an operation parameter, including a first value of the operation parameter held in the memory at a first time point in time and a second value of the operation parameter held in the memory at a later second time point in time, and the first and second values ​​are used to determine a third new value for the operation parameter.

44. An automatic holding system according to claim 43, wherein the operation history is sent to a remote computer via a communication link.

45. In the automatic holding system according to claim 31, the actuator is An automatic holding system including a manual adjustment knob mechanically coupled to the rotating member, wherein the manual adjustment knob is positioned and configured to rotate the rotating member in first and second directions to adjust the tension of the holding member based on input from a user.

46. An automatic holding system according to claim 1, An automatic holding system comprising one or more inflatable cavities positioned between the holding member and the at least one limb, wherein the actuator is arranged and configured to inflate the one or more inflatable cavities in order to adjust the therapeutic pressure applied to the at least one limb by the holding member.

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