159 results about "Repetitive motion" patented technology

Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful.

A repetitive motion pacing system for pacing a user that comprises a user profile database that contains a plurality of user-defined parameters that include at least a pre-selected interval type, a pre-selected interval profile, and a target tempo value for a repetitive motion activity. A data storage and playback device is programmed to identify tempo information of one or more data files and matching or closely matching the tempo of the one or more data files with the target tempo value. A communications device for transferring the matched or closely matched one or more data files to the user.

Methods and systems for moving a cursor quickly, efficiently, and accurately on displays with increasingly higher resolutions, for moving a cursor when the motion and range of the input device (mouse, keyboard, joystick, trackpad™, trackpoint™, etc.) is constrained, and for avoiding the problem of large repetitive motions when using an input device to move the cursor on computer displays.

Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide an elongated clearing member having a first end that is coupled to a driving mechanism and having a second working end that is subjected to repetitive motion for clearing blockages within the artificial tube. The elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices / methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation / aspiration feature.

The present invention provides for retractable coverings for architectural openings utilizing a control system having a single operating element allowing a user to move a retractable covering between extended and retracted positions by imparting a repetitive motion to the operating element. The control system may include an input assembly, a transmission, and an output assembly cooperatively engaging to convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement of a head roller in the required direction to provide movement of the covering in the desired direction and distance. The input assembly may convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement imparted to the transmission. The input assembly may also engage the transmission to effect the direction of rotational output from the transmission. The transmission imparts rotational movement to the output assembly, which interfaces with the head roller to rotate the head roller and to provide a braking feature.

An audio player comprises a means of dynamically sensing the rate of repetitive motion of the user, a means for storing digital music files, a means for retrieving and dynamically playing at least one of said music files at a rate approximately equal to the sensed rate of repetitive motion of the user, and a means for dynamically calculating and displaying information and / or statistics regarding at least one of the music file and the user. Such a device can play music, or other audio content with a repetitive beat, in substantial synchrony with the repetitive motion of the user. The device also allows the user to dynamically choose or change the music file playing. The device may detect, calculate, and display to the user various information.

The invention provides a redundant manipulator motion planning method which comprises the following steps that: (1) an upper computer analyzes the inverse kinematics of a manipulator on a velocity layer through quadratic optimization, the designed minimum performance index can be velocity norm, repetitive motion or kinetic energy and is bound by a velocity jacobian equation, an inequation and a joint angular velocity limit, and the angular velocity limit changes with a joint angle; (2) the quadratic optimization of step (1) is optimized into a quadratic programming problem; (3) the quadratic programming problem in step (2) is calculated by a linear variational inequation primal-dual neural network solver or a numerical method; and (4) the calculation result in step (3) is transmitted to a lower computer controller to drive the manipulator to move. The redundant manipulator motion planning method is based on the primal-dual neural network of the linear variational inequation, has global exponential convergence, does not involve matrix inversion and other complicated operations, greatly improves the calculation efficiency, and simultaneously has strong real-time performance, and can adapt to the changes to the joint angular velocity limit.

An apparatus, method, and software product are used to sense a repetitive motion, such as walking, running, or tapping. Thus, a rate of the repetitive motion is determined. A piece of music is then selected in response to the determined rate, and the piece of music is played. This piece of music has a tempo selected to match or approximate the rate of the repetitive motion, so that the repetitive motion and the music are substantially in harmony.

This system includes a self-contained, non-invasive system for collecting work and power performance data on nearly any kind of repetitive-motion exercise. See the glossary for definitions of terms used in this specification. It is non-invasive in that no permanent modifications need made to existing exercise equipment. It is a battery-powered system that remotely senses iterations of a moving part or body member, and records them with a time-stamp. It also records weight and distance of travel if they are input-but for some exercises this function may be deemed not necessary, or ignored. If time, weight, and distance are known then work and power metrics can be calculated on the data when it is analyzed on a host computer. This data can then be graphed to provide comparisons from workout session to workout session. The user can detect trends, and differences in performance as workout variables are manipulated. Workout variables include, but are not limited to: weight, distance of travel, time, order of exercise stations, number of sets, number of repetitions per set, pattern of weight increase / decrease for a given exercise station over the sets, pattern of extension and contraction per repetition, etc.

An ultrastiff precision sonic bearing assembly and method thereof for controlling an effective coefficient of friction between two elements in slidable contact configured along an interface under a force sufficient to maintain contact and having static friction therebetween, by inducing a repetitive motion in one of the elements parallel to the interface thereby altering the effective coefficient of friction therebetween. The bearing assembly also provides for additional and independent electronic control over the average thickness thereof and senses the force thereon to allow the bearing assembly stiffness to be altered.

This invention relates to a method of conducting search of moving picture data stream and repeating playback of a data stream section based on the caption information, which is displayed with moving pictures, and a reproduction apparatus using such method. The present method creates and stores link information between caption data and position of moving picture stream which is reproduced concurrently with the caption data; displays a part of the caption data during playback; searches for a moving picture data section, which is concurrently presented with a particular caption chosen from the displayed caption data by a viewer, based on the created link information; and repeats playback of the found moving picture data section. This method is very useful to language practice because it can repeat to play a video section containing captions that a viewer wants to listen repeatedly.

A virtual wheel provides a leg pair as a conveyance mechanism for a land vehicle. The virtual wheel propels the vehicle across a surface using a repetitive motion of the legs that contact the ground as would a wheel, due to their geometry. Vehicle embodiments include at least two-, three-, four- and six-wheeled vehicles, both transverse and in-line. Additionally, the invention provides a bipedal walking robot. One embodiment provides a robotic mule—a payload-carrying vehicle. The invention combines the flexible mobility of bipedal vehicles with the stability and functionality of very large-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, a bimodal conveyance mechanism readily converts between walking and rolling modes

A method of mopping including the use of unique mop handle means which allows an offset gripping of the handle intermediate its ends and utilization of rotatable swivel grip on one end, which enables the user of a mop to mop more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury including repetitive motion injuries and the like.

The present invention provides for retractable coverings for architectural openings utilizing a control system having a single operating element allowing a user to move a retractable covering between extended and retracted positions by imparting a repetitive motion to the operating element. The control system may include an input assembly, a transmission, and an output assembly cooperatively engaging to convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement of a head roller in the required direction to provide movement of the covering in the desired direction and distance. The input assembly may convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement imparted to the transmission. The input assembly may also engage the transmission to effect the direction of rotational output from the transmission. The transmission imparts rotational movement to the output assembly, which interfaces with the head roller to rotate the head roller and to provide a braking feature.

The invention provides a repetitive motion planning method for a redundant manipulator, which comprises the following steps of: 1) resolving a manipulator repetitive motion scheme on an acceleration layer by adopting quadratic model optimization through an upper computer, designing the minimum performance index as repetitive motion, and restraining by an acceleration Jacobian equation, a joint angle limit, a joint speed limit and a joint acceleration limit; 2) converting the quadratic model optimization in the step 1) into standard quadratic programming; 3) solving the standard quadratic programming in the step 2) by using a linear projection equation-based primal-dual neural-network solver or quadratic programming numerical method; and 4) transmitting a solving result in the step 3) to acontroller of a lower computer for driving the manipulator to move. The method realizes the repetitive motion of the manipulator on the acceleration layer, has good control effect on the redundant manipulator inconvenient to control, and can effectively prevent the manipulator from exceeding the limits and being physically damaged according to various joint limits.

An ultrasound system having a transducer probe unit including at least one transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, wherein the transducer is moved with respect to the probe unit in a repetitive motion by an ultrasonic motor.

Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful. Other features of the invention include providing target- or pace-specific advertisements, and broadcasting target- or pace-specific information about athletes.

A virtual wheel provides a leg pair as a conveyance mechanism for a land vehicle. The virtual wheel propels the vehicle across a surface using a repetitive motion of the legs that contact the ground as would a wheel, due to their geometry. Vehicle embodiments include at least two-, three-, four- and six-wheeled vehicles, both transverse and in-line. Additionally, the invention provides a bipedal walking robot. One embodiment provides a robotic mule—a payload-carrying vehicle. The invention combines the flexible mobility of bipedal vehicles with the stability and functionality of very large-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, a bimodal conveyance mechanism readily converts between walking and rolling modes

A knitting needle with one or more elevation changes that provide ergonomic benefit on the portions of its shaft typically held by knitters during stitch / loop creation, to allow knitting with enhanced comfort, faster knitting, and / or knitting for longer periods of time with less risk of hands becoming prematurely tired, numb, or aching from the repetitive motion inherent in knitting activity. The needle may also have different cross-sectional configurations that provide additional ergonomic benefit, in place of the traditional circular shape still most commonly used. The elevation changes are not positioned on the pointed tip of the needle, or within approximately one-and-one-half to two inches thereof, and are not so configured or pronounced as to interfere with the easy movement of stitches along the needle's shaft. A tube or post may further be added to the end cap on the non-pointed end of a single-point needle for convenient point protector mounting.

A piezoelectric actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base substrate provided with cantilevers and a piezoelectric element formed on each cantilever. The piezoelectric element includes: a lower electrode layer; a piezoelectric layer formed on the lower electrode layer; and an upper electrode layer having a conductive oxide layer formed on the piezoelectric layer. Because the conductive oxide layer has covalent bonds or ionic bonds, and therefore produces little plastic deformation, relaxation of the stress is less likely to occur. Thus, even with repetitive motion in the piezoelectric actuator, the as-deposited internal stress (film stress) can be stably maintained for a long period of time.

Methods for video stabilization during movement include capturing a video stream by an imaging system of a video stabilization system. The video stream includes a plurality of image frames. As the video stream is captured, a motion sensor of the video stabilization system detects a pattern of recurring motion. Motion sensor data is generated for the sequence of image frames that characterizes the pattern of recurring motion. At least one image frame of the sequence of image frames is edited based on a comparison of the motion sensor data for the sequence of image frames to motion sensor data for a region of interest for the imaging system.

In order to provide proportional control of a poppet valve or a gate valve, adapted for fluid power applications, an electrical voice coil is used to move the gating element. Further, a preferred embodiment includes a feedback means for detecting and regulating the position of the gating element, for example to compensate for any perturbing mechanical vibrations. The result is a valve which closes securely, is infinitely variable within a range, and can make up to a full stroke, from fully closed to fully open, within 3 to 10 milliseconds, compared to the 15 milliseconds needed by a solenoid. Due to its fast response time, the improved valve mechanism provides much faster tracking of any changes in an applied command signal. Suitable applications are mechanical testing devices, and other repetitive motions situations, such as industrial automation and animatronics.

System, apparatuses, and methods can provide customized exercise sessions and customized videos corresponding to the exercise session. Recorded video content of a person performing a repetitive exercise can be obtained from multiple cameras. Metadata can identify certain decision points in the video tracks. At decision points, a decision can be made about switching to a different video track, e.g., to obtain a customized video with a specified amount of the repetitive motion.

A crochet hook with one or more elevation changes associated with the exterior surface of its elongated shaft that provide ergonomic benefit on the grip area of the shaft typically held by a person crocheting, to allow crocheting with enhanced comfort, faster crocheting, and / or crocheting for longer periods of time with less risk of hands becoming tired, numb, or aching from the repetitive motion inherent in crocheting activity. The hook's shaft may also have different cross-sectional configurations that provide ergonomic benefit, such as that of a triangle with softened edges, instead of the traditional circular shape still most commonly used. The elevation changes typically extend longitudinally along the crochet hook shaft a minimum of approximately two-and-one-half to three inches, and are not usually positioned on the hook associated with the crochet hook's shaft, or within approximately one to one-and-one-eighth inches thereof.

A method of mopping including the use of unique mop handle means which allows an offset gripping of the handle intermediate its ends and utilization of rotatable swivel grip on one end, which enables the user of a mop to mop more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury including repetitive motion injuries and the like.

A travel-size exercise device used in pairs to induce muscle-building effect on both upper and lower body comprising an elongated length-reducible rigid member (100) attached to an elongated flexible foot traction member (106). A set of holding provisions comprise a primary handle (44) forming a T-connection due-top on rigid member (100), and an auxiliary handle (54) forming a perpendicular protrusion midwards on member (100). A set of limb-fastening provisions comprise an ankle strap (110) mounted at right angles upwards on rigid member (100), and a corresponding knee support (112) layered upon auxiliary handle (54). Rigid member.(110) has a bottom end engaged to a revolving shoe (62) removably capped with a friction-tip (64) for stable ground engagement. A traction member (106) has one end comprising a spring clasp (72) attached to shoe (62) of rigid member (100), and an intermediate section comprising a foot strap (76) followed by an array of bumps (78) equidistantly spaced thereafter towards the other end. An operator selectably interfaces with the device, so that enough ground reaction force is transferred through a pair of rigid members (100) to oppose body-weight displacement induced by repetitive motion of the operator's arms or legs.

An ultraviolet water disinfection system in which the power source to operate the system is human motion. The human power source is any form of repetitive motion such as pedaling, stepping, cranking, winding, shaking, etc. This repetitive motion is converted to electrical energy of sufficient magnitude to power a small water disinfection system using ultraviolet irradiation principles.