Tekscan, Inc.

Cybergear, Inc.

Tectrix Fitness Equipment, Inc.

Sentek, Incorporated

Michael H Benjamin

Robert M Podoloff

Aaron F Bobick

W Thatcher Ulrich

Harvey A Koselka

Robert F Golden

William L Maness

Jay Winters

An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user's mind and body. The apparatus comprises an exercise mechanism and a steering mechanism for manipulation by the user to achieve exercise and to indicate a direction of motion. The exercise mechanism can be, for example, the steps of a stair climbing simulator or the pedals of a bicycle, preferably a recumbent bicycle. A simulated environment (e.g., an interactive simulated three-dimensional environment or an interactive simulated three-dimensional fluid environment) is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system for the user. The user manipulates. the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to travel substantially unrestricted throughout the simulated environment. The computer controls the exercise mechanism and monitors the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to determine user position in the simulated environment. The display provides a visual display of the user's position in the simulated environment. A plurality of the interactive exercise apparatus can be networked together to allow group participation in the simulated environment.

Interactive exercise apparatus

An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user's mind and body. The apparatus comprises an exercise mechanism and a steering mechanism for manipulation by the user to achieve exercise and to indicate a direction of motion. A simulated environment is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system for the user. The user manipulates the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to freely navigate through the simulated environment. The computer monitors the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to determine user position in the simulated environment. The display is periodically updated by the computer to provide a continuous visual display of the user's position as the user travels through the simulated environment. A plurality of the interactive exercise apparatus can be networked together to allow group participation in the simulated environment.

An interactive exercise apparatus engages a user's mind and body. The apparatus comprises a support structure for supporting a user. An exercise mechanism and a steering mechanism are proximal to the support structure. A simulated environment is generated by a computer and displayed on a display system. The user manipulates the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to freely navigate through the simulated environment. The computer monitors the exercise mechanism and the steering mechanism to determine user position in the simulated environment. The display is periodically updated by the computer to provide a continuous visual display of the user's position as the user travels through the simulated environment.

A force and pressure sensor is provided having two sets of parallel electrodes which are positioned facing one another and arranged so that electrodes of one set cross the electrodes of the second set at an angle to create a plurality of electrode intersections. Pressure-sensitive resistive material lies between the electrodes at each intersection. An adhesive layer is applied to at least one of the electrode sets in areas between electrode intersections to secure the first and second electrode sets in facing relationship, the adhesive layer preferably being applied in a pattern which provides passages where the adhesive layer does not exist to allow air to escape from interior areas of the electrode set. The thickness of the adhesive layer may be adjusted to permit preloading or to provide a threshold level for the sensor. In order to permit electrodes of the electrode set to be trimmed around their periphery, electrical contact to each electrode of the electrode sets is made intermediate the ends of the electrodes. This is accomplished by providing an insulating layer over the rear of each electrode set having holes therein at the desired intersection points and having a plurality of connecting conductors on the back of the insulating sheet, one for each electrode, which make contact with the corresponding electrode through the hole in the insulating sheet.

Flexible tactile sensor for measuring foot pressure distributions and

A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The sensor is especially useful for measuring dental occlusion. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed on a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are separated by a thin, pressure-sensitive resistive coating such as molydenum disulphide. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. Several arrangements of resistive coating over electrodes as disclosed. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes. The resistance between electrode intersections changes as pressure on opposite sides of the intersection changes. The sensor output is dynamic in that the resistance will vary as external pressure is repeatedly applied and removed. The sensor may be made extremely thin and can provide high resolution capable of distinguishing between contact points separated by 0.050 inches or less. A new circuit is provided which measures the resistance between each electrode intersection and provides an output representative of the opposing forces at the intersection. The circuit limits the maximum possible current which can flow in the sensor and provides increased resolution in measuring pressure between contacting surfaces.

Pressure and contact sensor system for measuring dental occlusion

A contact sensor for detecting points on a grid where the sensor is being contacted on opposing sides by teeth surfaces or other contacting points. The contact sensor includes two sets of parallel electrodes which are each formed of a thin, flexible supporting sheet. The electrodes are coated with a thin, resistive coating. Two such electrode structures are oriented at approximately right angles to create a grid where the intersecting electrodes cross separated by the resistive coatings. The resistive coatings may be made from conventional resisitive inks and are optionally separated by a separation material, such as talcum or mesh. In the absence of an external force, the material between the electrodes sets provides a high resistance between intersecting electrodes. The novel composition of the intermediate layer results in a structure which provides a 'switching' effect such that the resistance between electrodes is very high where there is no external pressure and changes to a comparatively low value at locations where external pressure is applied by two contacting points or surfaces. The sensor output is dynamic in the sense that the resistance will change back and forth between high and low resistance states as external pressure is repeatedly applied and removed. The sensor may be made extremely thin and can provide high resolution capable of distinguishing between contact points separated by 0.050 inches or less. Additionally, the sensor output may be provided by means of a small computer or similar digital processor which monitors the signals from the sensor grid and which provides an output which indicates the variation in contacting points with time.

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Quincy, MA, United States of America

Michael H Benjamin