The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 11, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 07, 1996
Kazumi Ookawa, Hikone, JP;
Masatoshi Dairin, Hikone, JP;
Haruo Sugai, Hikone, JP;
Hikoyoshi Hara, Hikone, JP;
Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A massaging apparatus has a capability of self-adjusting a massage strength for giving an optimum massaging effect for individual users. The apparatus includes a supporting frame on which a user rest and an applicator projecting from the supporting frame to be pressed against a user's body. The applicator is driven to move for applying a massaging force to the user's body. A pressure sensor is provided to monitor a pressure applied back to the applicator from the user's body as a counter-action of applying the massaging force to the user's body and to provide an output indicative of the monitored pressure. A strength-adjustor is included to vary a projecting amount of the applicator from the supporting frame and/or an operational speed of moving the applicator in order to adjust a massage strength applied to the user's body. The massaging apparatus is characterized to include an auto-controller which is connected to receive the output from the pressure sensor and actuates the strength-adjustor in order to increase and decrease the massage strength in such a manner as to follow the monitored pressure. Whereby, the apparatus is enabled to self-adjust the massage strength in proportion to a force at which the user has its back or desired portion pressed against the applicator.