Mobility Research, Inc.

Dave Dilli

Ryan Bellman

Amir Seif

Mohammed Ehsan

A gait training apparatus for determining, in real time, how much weight is being supported on each side of the patient, even when the patient's shoulders are rotating as they do when walking. The apparatus employs two force sensors in an upper assembly that is connected to a supporting frame. The patient's harness is attached to a lower assembly which is rotatably suspended from the upper assembly. When a harnessed patient walks, the weight of each side of the patient is mechanically transferred from the rotating lower assembly to the force sensors on the non-rotating upper assembly. Each force sensor emits an electronic signal proportional to the load on the sensor, and enables the apparatus to measure in real time the weight supported on each side. A processing unit calculates the weight supported on each side of the patient and the total amount of the weight supported.

Gait training apparatus for measuring supported weight on each side of a patient in real time as the patient is walking

This gait analysis apparatus comprises three, and preferably four, vertical force sensors disposed between a treadmill and the ground. When a person walks on the treadmill belt, each force sensor emits an electronic signal proportional to the load on the frame. The sensors measure the load hundreds of times per second and that data, in combination with the speed of the treadmill belt, enables a processing unit to calculate many gait parameters. The resultant calculations are displayed to the clinician in numeric and graphical formats. Due largely to the few number of force sensors, the apparatus is relatively inexpensive compared to existing gait parameter apparatuses and can be easily retrofitted to existing treadmills by either replacing the treadmill's existing ground supports with force sensors or resting the treadmill on top of a frame that has integral force sensors.

Treadmill apparatus that measures gait parameters using four or fewer load cells

A lightweight treadmill for walking which utilizes a short walking surface, a small and lightweight motor, strong but minimized frame design; and a remote display to make a compact, relatively lightweight and portable treadmill. In the preferred embodiment the treadmill uses. In the preferred embodiment a servomotor and pulley system to generate high-torque, thereby enabling walking at very slow speeds. The servomotor and pulley system fit within the low-profile treadmill base, eliminating the need for a housing at the front end of the treadmill. A walker may be attached to the treadmill for increased stability while walking.

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Phoenix, AZ, United States of America

Dave Dilli