Microcontroller based massage system
US6039702A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2201/5097
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A computer controlled massaging system includes a pad; a plurality of motorized vibrators in respective regions of the pad; a heater element in the pad; a microprocessor controller; an array of input elements responsive to operator input for signaling an intensity control value, at least one region signal relating motors to be activated, and a heat control input; and a plurality of motor drivers and a heater driver responsive to the controller. The motors can be variably driven using pulse-width modulation, with duty cycle compensation for voltage drops resulting from added loads, and with current limiting when, for example, the system is powered from an AC line using a low-voltage transformer of limited capacity. Also disclosed is a corresponding method for massaging. The system can have a power detector for identifying sources of power having greater and lesser voltage drops as loads are added, the controller being programmed for increasing a base duty cycle and reducing a load increment duty cycle during operation from the power source of lesser voltage drop. A configuration selector can signal particular components being electrically connected in the system for utilizing a sing…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.