US5280265A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Strain-sensing goniometers, systems and recognition algorithms
Assignee: Leland Stanford Junior University
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Filing: 1990-12-10
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Granted: 1994-01-18
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Expires: 2010-12-10
Abstract
Abstract Goniometers are provided having internal compensation employing two opposing variable resistance strain sensing elements separated by a flexible film. The goniometers may be used in sets for detecting complex hinge or joint movements, where patterns of hinge or joint positions may be used to define symbols. Algorithms are provided for parsing values from a system of goniometers in motion having information content.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Kramer
- 👤 William R. George
- 👤 Peter Lindener
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:49
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/016; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6801; A61B5/6802; A61B5/6804; A61B5/6806; A61B5/72; A61B5/7235; A61B5/7264; A61B5/7267; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/163; G06F3/011; G06F3/014; G09; G09B; G09B21/00; G09B21/009; G09B21/04; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/02; A61B2562/0261; A61B5/103; A61B5/107; A61B5/1071; G16; G16H; G16H50/00; G16H50/70; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/92; Y10S128/925
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
50 words
A goniometer capable of following an angle of bending to at least about 115 degrees, said goniometer comprising: an inert thin electrically non-conductive flexible support backing, first and second variable resistance strain sensing elements affixed on opposite sides of said backing; and means for electrically connecting each of said elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
50 words
A goniometer capable of following an angle of bending to at least about 115 degrees, said goniometer comprising: an inert thin electrically non-conductive flexible support backing, first and second variable resistance strain sensing elements affixed on opposite sides of said backing; and means for electrically connecting each of said elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, wherein resistance of said sensing elements varies linearly with strain of said sensing elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, wherein said backing is a single film.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, wherein said backing is two films adhered together.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
A goniometer according to claim 1 in a fixed U-shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A goniometer according to claim 5, further comprising means for preventing bending beyond the minimum bend radius.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, wherein said first and second sensing elements are substantially overlapping.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, wherein each of said sensing elements is a grid comprising two or more traces of a variable resistance material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A goniometer according to claim 8, wherein said grid has an aspect ratio greater than two, wherein the primary bend axis is parallel to the shorter side and said sensing elements are in the same overlapping orientation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sensing assembly comprising: a goniometer according to claim 1; a flexible support means, said goniometer affixed at at least two points on the surface of said support means, wherein said goniometer forms a loop away from said surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, capable of following an angle of bending to at least about 115 degrees over a finger joint.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A goniometer according to claim 1, wherein said electrically connecting means are capable of connecting each of said first and second strain sensing elements as two legs in a bridge circuit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
59 words
A goniometer capable of following an angle of bending to at least about 115 degrees, said goniometer comprising: an inert thin electrically non-conductive flexible support backing of from 0.2 to 10 mils in thickness; and first and second variable resistance strain sensing elements affixed on opposite sides of said backing; and means for electrically connecting each of said elements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
59 words
A goniometer capable of following an angle of bending to at least about 115 degrees, said goniometer comprising: an inert thin electrically non-conductive flexible support backing of from 0.2 to 10 mils in thickness; and first and second variable resistance strain sensing elements affixed on opposite sides of said backing; and means for electrically connecting each of said elements.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A goniometer according to claim 13, capable of following an angle of bending to at least about 115 degrees over a finger joint.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
A goniometer according to claim 13, wherein said electrically connecting means are capable of connecting each of said first and second strain sensing elements as two legs in a bridge circuit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-01-17 | 1997-07-19 | 1998-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-17 | 2001-07-19 | 2002-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-17 | 2005-07-19 | 2006-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |