Mechanical shape sensor and data recorder
US5193285A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1078
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mechanical shape sensor measures and provides a two-dimensional representation of the contour of a person's thighs and buttocks or the dorsal and lateral surfaces of a person's trunk for facilitating the fabrication of custom contoured seat cushions such as for use in a wheelchair. The mechanical shape sensor is integrated in a chair-like base capable of multiple adjustments to accommodate a range of dimensions and sizes of persons being measured. The mechanical shape sensor converts the three-dimensional contoured support surface of a person seated on an array of movable support elements into a two-dimensional format which is recorded on a data sheet in a form which is easily transmitted via telecommunications link to a central locatin for fabricating a custom contoured seat cushion. Each of the moveable support elements is coupled to a position marker in the data recorder. The position markers are disposed adjacent a pressure-sensitive data sheet inserted in the data recorder for engaging the data sheet and imprinting data points thereon when urged toward the data sheet by an impression-forming mechanism comprised of a pair of opposed rollers which are manually displaced in uni…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.