Device for inducing and registering imbalance

Claim 1

A device for registering and evaluating the response of a human subject in a stationary, standing position to induce imbalance which comprises a single, unitary horizontal platform means for accommodating said human subject; said platform means comprising a single horizontal surface mounted on linear bearing rails and connected to means for causing controlled linear displacement of said surface in a horizontal plane to cause said induced imbalance; displacement control means for controlling the speed, acceleration, duration and distance of said linear displacement; and means for causing said displacement causing means to return said platform to its initial position subsequent to said displacement; means for detecting said imbalance and the response of said subject thereto comprising a pair of pads adapted to be worn on the feet of said subject while standing on said platform means and providing with pressure responsive switches for producing signals which characterize movement of the feet of said subject caused by said imbalance and response; means for transmitting said signals to evaluation and recording means for displaying measured time intervals between said controlled displacement of the platform means and induced imbalance and response thereto by said subject.

Claim 2

A device for registering and evaluating the response of a human subject in a stationary, standing position to induce imbalance which comprises a single, unitary horizontal platform means for accommodating said human subject; said platform means comprising a single horizontal surface mounted on linear bearing rails and connected to means for causing controlled linear displacement of said surface in a horizontal plane to cause said induced imbalance; displacement control means for controlling the speed, acceleration, duration and distance of said linear displacement; and means for causing said displacement causing means to return said platform to its initial position subsequent to said displacement; means for detecting said imbalance and the response of said subject thereto comprising a pair of pads adapted to be worn on the feet of said subject while standing on said platform means and providing with pressure responsive switches for producing signals which characterize movement of the feet of said subject caused by said imbalance and response; means for transmitting said signals to evaluation and recording means for displaying measured time intervals between said controlled displacement of the platform means and induced imbalance and response thereto by said subject.