TIME-BASED CONTROL OF ACTIVE TOSO SUPPORT

摘要

An active torso support is described which is capable of applying force to a torso of a subject with controlled delay and/or duration, in response to user input, sensed events, or signals from a timing device, for example. Sensed events can include, but are not limited to changes in gait, posture, or activity of the subject. Related methods and systems are described.

主权项

1. A torso support comprising:
at least one force applying element adapted to apply force to at least a portion of a torso of a subject wearing the torso support; at least one positioning element adapted to position the at least one force applying element with respect to the torso of the subject such that the at least one force applying element is located between the at least one positioning element and the torso of the subject and arranged to apply force to the at least a portion of the torso of the subject in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the at least a portion of the torso of the subject; electrical circuitry adapted to control the actuation of the at least one force applying element to apply force to the at least a portion of the torso of the subject, the electrical circuitry including:
initiation circuitry adapted to generate a start signal;timing circuitry configured to control timing of actuation of the at least one force applying element by the electrical circuitry to:
apply force during an application time period having an application duration responsive to receipt of a start signal; andrelease at least a portion of the applied force at the end of the application time period;a data storage location adapted to store the application duration.