US5083552A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer controlled massage device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-06-05
•
Granted: 1992-01-28
•
Expires: 2010-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A computer controlled message device which can massage the entire body or any selected portion thereof. The massage may be generated by a standardized program or by an individualized program created by the user. The movement of the applicator is controlled simultaneously and independently in all three axes, transversely across the boy (X axis), longitudinally along the length of the body (Y axis) and vertically on the contour of the body (Z axis). The device can also detect the perimeter of the body and prevent the massage applicator from moving beyond the outer perimeter of the body. Furthermore, a manual control system is incorporated which enables the user to override and change the parameters inserted by the program or to insert an individualized massage routine.
Inventors
- 👤 Harvey Lipowitz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H37/00; A61H2201/00; A61H2201/16; A61H2201/1602; A61H2201/1645; A61H2201/50; A61H2201/5007; A61H2201/501
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A device to massage the body of a person, said device comprising: (a) a support means; (b) applicator means supported by said support means for movement with respect thereto to engage said body or a portion thereof, to apply at least one predetermined massage stimuli to said body or a portion thereof; (c) control means coupled to said applicator means for automatically controlling the location and movement of said applicator means; and (d) first means for automatically determining the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof, and for providing a signal to said control means in response thereto.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A device to massage the body of a person, said device comprising: (a) a support means; (b) applicator means supported by said support means for movement with respect thereto to engage said body or a portion thereof, to apply at least one predetermined massage stimuli to said body or a portion thereof; (c) control means coupled to said applicator means for automatically controlling the location and movement of said applicator means; and (d) first means for automatically determining the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof, and for providing a signal to said control means in response thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said first means comprises a plurality of edge detection sensors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of edge detection sensors is mounted in a respective one of a plurality sensor tubes, said sensor tubes being mounted on said support means for movement with said applicator means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 3 wherein each of said edge detection sensors produces a respective trigger signal for use by said computer means when said sensor is located outside the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof, thereby enabling said computer means to determine the perimeter of said body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said device comprises second means for preventing the movement of said applicator means beyond the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said second means is responsive to said first means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said one predetermined stimuli comprises pressure, and said device additionally comprises pressure control means for automatically controlling the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said device additionally comprises manual means for controlling the location and movement of said applicator means and the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said second means comprises a plurality of edge detection sensors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 9 wherein each of said plurality of edge detection sensors is mounted in a respective plurality of sensor tubes, said sensor tubes being mounted on said support means for movement with said applicator means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said first means comprises the same plurality of edge detection sensors and sensor tubes as said second means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 6 wherein each of said edge detection sensors produces a respective trigger signal for use by said computer means when said sensor is located outside the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof, thereby enabling said computer means to determine the perimeter of said body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
65 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said device additionally comprises a first reversible motor for moving said applicator means in a transverse direction across said portion of said body and a second reversible motor for moving said applicator means in a longitudinal direction along said portion of said body, said first and said second reversible motors being responsive to and controlled by said computer means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
114 words
The device of claim 8 wherein said computer means comprises a master control processor and a slave microcontroller controlled by, and responsive to, said master control processor, and wherein said device additionally comprises a sensor selection means responsive to said microcontroller, for selecting an edge detection sensor adjacent the sensor producing said trigger signal, whereupon when said selected sensor triggers and sends a second signal to said computer means when it is positioned outside the perimeter of said body, said computer means causes said first or said second reversible motors to move said applicator means away from said perimeter of said body or a portion thereof, until said second signal is no longer present.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said one predetermined stimuli comprises pressure, and wherein said device additionally comprises pressure control means for automatically controlling the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
101 words
The device of claim 15 wherein said control means comprises computer means and wherein said pressure control means comprises a reversible motor responsive to, and controlled by said control means and coupled to said support means, whereupon when said reversible motor rotates in a first direction said applicator means moves towards said body or a portion thereof, increasing the pressure applied by said applicator means thereto and when said reversible motor rotates in a direction opposite to said first direction said applicator means moves away from said body or a portion thereof, decreasing the pressure applied by said applicator means thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
76 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said reversible motor comprises a shaft and wherein said pressure control means additionally comprises force detector means for measuring the pressure applied by said applicator means to said body or a portion thereof and generating signals representative thereof, and an encoder, mounted on said shaft, for generating an encoder signal representing the position of the said shaft of said reversible motor and for providing said signal to said computer means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
112 words
The device of claim 17 wherein said pressure control means additionally comprises motor control means, said computer means providing a pressure command signal to said motor control means indicating the amount of pressure to be applied by said applicator means to said body or a portion thereof, said motor control means comparing said pressure command signal to said force detector signals and to said encoder signal for varying the speed of rotation of, direction of, and location of the shaft of said reversible motor to increase or decrease the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means to equal the pressure represented by said pressure command signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
120 words
The device of claim 17 wherein said pressure control means additionally comprises motor control means and servo control means, said computer means providing a pressure command signal to said servo control means indicating the amount of pressure to be applied by said applicator means to said body or a portion thereof, said servo control means comparing said pressure command signal to said force detector signal and sending a signal to said motor control unit to vary the speed of rotation of, direction of, and location of the shaft of said reversible motor to increase or decrease the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means to equal the pressure represented by said pressure command signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 15 wherein said control means comprises computer means, and wherein said device additionally comprises manual means for enabling said person to manually control the movement of said applicator means with respect to said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 20 wherein said manual means enables said person to manually control the stimuli provided by said applicator means to said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said manual means comprises a remote control panel and a display and audio means responsive to said computer means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 22 wherein said computer means comprises a CRT display, wherein said remote control panel comprises an alpha-numeric display and an audio transducer, and wherein said display and audio means comprises said CRT tube, alpha-numeric display and transducer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 23 wherein said manual means comprises a joy stick controller.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
66 words
The device of claim 24 wherein said joy stick controller is arranged to establish the position of said applicator means as a function of the orientation of said joy stick controller, and wherein said manual means additionally comprises switch means, whereupon when said switch means is operated, the position of said applicator means as defined by said joy stick control is entered into said computer means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 25 wherein said stimuli comprises pressure and said manual means additionally comprises a manual pressure establishing means to allow said person to manually control the amount of pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
The device of claim 26 wherein said manual pressure establishing means comprises pressure control means for varying the amount of pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means, and graph means for producing a graphic display of pressure responsive to said pressure control means produced by said computer means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 27 wherein said manual means additionally includes a direct pressure applying means for varying the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof when said applicator means is in engagement therewith.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 28 wherein said manual means additionally comprises timer means for setting a desired time period for operation of said device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 29 wherein said timer means comprises a timer control and a time display.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 30 wherein said device additionally comprises prompt means to alert said person to the fact that said computer means wishes to communicate information to said person or that input is required from said person.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 31 wherein said prompt means comprises a visual display and means for producing an audible signal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 21 wherein said manual means additionally comprises a manual reset means for stopping the movement of said applicator means and removing said applicator means from said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 33 wherein said manual reset means comprises a switch, which when operated sends a stop command signal to said computer means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises computer means for controlling the location and movement of said applicator means in a transverse direction across said body or a portion thereof, and in a longitudinal direction along said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device of claim 35 wherein said device additionally comprises a first reversible motor for moving said applicator means in said transverse direction and a second reversible motor for moving said applicator means in said longitudinal direction, said first and said second reversible motors being responsive to, and controlled by, said computer means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
120 words
The device of claim 36 wherein said support means comprises a base rail positioned alongside and generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of said body, a carriage mounted for riding along said base rail and a vertical arm mounted on said carriage, said carriage being coupled, via gear means, to said first reversible motor and to said base rail so that when said first reversible motor rotates in a first direction said carriage and said vertical arm move on said rail in one longitudinal direction and when said first reversible motor rotates in a direction opposite to said first direction said carriage and said vertical arm move on said rail in a longitudinal direction opposite to said one longitudinal direction.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 37 wherein said support means additionally comprises a cross arm mounted on said vertical arm, said applicator means being mounted on said cross arm.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
101 words
The device of claim 38 wherein said cross arm is mounted on said vertical arm in a plane perpendicular to the plane of said base rail and said vertical arm, said applicator being coupled, via gear means, to said second reversible motor, whereupon when said second reversible motor rotates in a second direction said applicator means moves transversely across said body or a portion thereof, toward said vertical arm and when said second reversible motor rotates in a direction opposite to said second direction said applicator means moves transversely across said body or a portion thereof, away from said vertical arm.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 36 wherein said computer means comprises a second slave microcontroller connected to, and responsive to, said master control processor, said second slave microcontroller controlling the the location and movement of said applicator means in the transverse direction across said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
103 words
The device of claim 40 wherein said second reversible motor comprises a shaft and wherein said device additionally comprises a second motor control unit and second motor feedback unit providing an input signal to said second motor control unit, said units being connected to and responsive to said second slave microcontroller, said device also comprising a second shaft rotation encoder mounted on said shaft of said second reversible motor and providing an input signal to said second motor feedback unit, and a second motor driver unit connected to said second reversible motor and receiving an input signal from said second motor control unit.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
69 words
The device of claim 41 where said device additionally comprises a second limit switch for producing a second limit signal when said applicator means reaches a predetermined limit of transverse travel, said second limit signal being provided to said second microcontroller, said second motor unit, and said second motor driver to stop said second reversible motor and prevent said applicator from moving past said predetermined limit of transverse travel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 36 wherein said computer means comprises a master control processor and a first slave microcontroller connected to, and responsive to said master control processor, said first slave microcontroller controlling the location and movement of said applicator means in the longitudinal direction along said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
102 words
The device of claim 43 wherein said first reversible motor comprises a shaft and wherein aid device additionally comprises a first motor control unit and a first motor feedback unit providing input to said first motor control unit, said units being connected to and responsive to said first salve microcontroller, said device also comprising a first shaft rotation encoder mounted on said shaft of said first reversible motor and providing an input signal to said first motor feedback unit, and a first motor driver unit connected to said first reversible motor and receiving an input signal from said first motor control unit.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
69 words
The device of claim 43 where said device additionally comprises a first limit switch for producing a first limit signal when said applicator means reaches a predetermined limit of longitudinal travel, said first limit signal being provided to said first microcontroller, said first motor control unit, and said first motor driver unit to stop said fist reversible motor and prevent said applicator means from moving past said predetermined limit.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 45 wherein said computer means comprises a second salve microcontroller connected to, and responsive to, said master control processor, said second slave microcontroller controlling the the location and movement of said applicator means in the transverse direction across said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
103 words
The device of claim 46 wherein said second reversible motor comprises a shaft and wherein said device additionally comprises a second motor control unit and second motor feedback unit providing an input signal to said second motor control unit, said units being connected to and responsive to said second slave microcontroller, said device also comprising a second shaft rotation encoder mounted on said shaft of said second reversible motor and providing an input signal to said second motor feedback unit, and a second motor driver unit connected to said second reversible motor and receiving an input signal from said second motor control unit.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
69 words
The device of claim 47 where said device additionally comprises a second limit switch for producing a second limit signal when said applicator means reaches a predetermined limit of transverse travel, said second limit signal being provided to said second microcontroller, said second motor unit, and said second motor driver to stop said second reversible motor and prevent said applicator from moving past said predetermined limit of transverse travel.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
56 words
The device of claim 48 wherein said device additionally comprises a manual reset switch which when operated by said person produces a second signal which is connected to said first and second microcontroller, said first and second motor drive units, and said first and second motor control unit to stop said first and second reversible motors.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said perimeter determining means comprises a means for positioning said applicator and switch means for entering information, representing the position of said applicator, into said control means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device of claim 50 wherein said positioning means comprises a joy stick and wherein said perimeter determining means further comprises a means for informing said control means that said position of said applicator represents the position of said perimeter of said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said device additionally comprises second means for preventing the movement of said applicator means beyond the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 52 wherein said second means is responsive to said first means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said one predetermined stimuli comprises pressure, and wherein said device additionally comprises pressure control means for automatically controlling the pressure applied to said body or a portion thereof, by said applicator means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 1 wherein wherein said control means comprises computer means for controlling the location and movement of said applicator means in a transverse direction across said body or a portion thereof, and in a longitudinal direction along said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for massaging said body or a portion thereof, of a person comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the outer perimeter of a body or a portion thereof to generate a generating a program for a computer means to control the movement of an applicator means transversely across said body or a portion thereof, and longitudinally along the length of said body or a portion thereof, said transverse and said longitudinal movement being independent of each other; (b) inserting said program into said computer means; (c) connecting said computer means to said applicator means; (d) placing said body or a portion thereof, on a platform beneath said applicator means; (e) applying power to said computer means, whereupon said applicator means massages said body, or a portion thereof, as established by said program.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for massaging said body or a portion thereof, of a person comprising the steps of: (a) sensing the outer perimeter of a body or a portion thereof to generate a generating a program for a computer means to control the movement of an applicator means transversely across said body or a portion thereof, and longitudinally along the length of said body or a portion thereof, said transverse and said longitudinal movement being independent of each other; (b) inserting said program into said computer means; (c) connecting said computer means to said applicator means; (d) placing said body or a portion thereof, on a platform beneath said applicator means; (e) applying power to said computer means, whereupon said applicator means massages said body, or a portion thereof, as established by said program.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 56 wherein said method additionally comprises the step of: (a) adjusting the position of applicator means in response to said signal to said computer means to prevent said applicator means from moving outside the perimeter of said body or a portion thereof.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 57 wherein said method additionally comprises the step of programming said computer means with the amount of pressure to be applied by said applicator to said body or a portion thereof, during said message.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
91 words
The method of claim 58 wherein said method additionally comprises the steps of: (a) determining the pressure exerted by said applicator means on said body or a portion thereof, and providing a first signal indicative thereof; (b) comparing said first signal to a signal representing desired amount of pressure to be applied and providing a second signal indicative thereof; and (c) adjusting the position of said applicator means in response to said second signal, whereupon the pressure applied by said applicator means is made equal to the desired amount of pressure.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method of claim 59 wherein said method additionally includes the steps of: (a) providing a manual control system to allow the user to insert applicator positioning and movement information; (b) positioning and moving said applicator means transversely and longitudinally of said body or portion thereof with controls of said manual control system; (c) generating electronic signals representing said positioning and movement; (d) entering said signals into said computer means; and (e) programming said computer means to massage said body or a portion thereof, in response to said signals.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 60 wherein said method additionally comprises the steps of: (a) generating a manual reset signal with a manual reset switch and providing said reset signal to said computer means; (b) programming said computer means to stop movement of said applicator means and to lift said applicator means off said body or a portion thereof, in response to said manual reset signal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said method additionally comprises the steps of: (a) setting a desired pressure level for said massage with said controls; (b) generating pressure level signal representing said desired pressure level; and (c) programming said computer means to move said applicator means to apply said desired pressure level to said body or a portion thereof, during said massage, in response to said pressure level signal.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method of claim 62 wherein said method additionally comprises the steps of: (a) setting a desired time period for said massage with said controls; (b) generating a time period signal representing said desired time period; and (c) programming said computer means to massage said body or a portion thereof, for said desired time duration, in response to said time duration signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-01-27 | 1995-07-29 | 1996-01-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-27 | 1999-07-29 | 2000-01-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-27 | 2003-07-29 | 2004-01-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |