Patent ID: 6038935
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: A61B,G01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring the magnitude, distribution and timing of forces applied against a hoof of a quadruped, said apparatus comprising:(a) a substantially rigid shoe assembly shaped for interconnection to a hoof of said quadruped, said shoe assembly comprised of an inner-shoe and an outer-shoe, said inner-shoe operatively coupled to said outer-shoe to receive individual force sensing elements between said inner-shoe and said outer-shoe, said force sensing nodules having a plurality of individual force sensors interconnected thereto which can detect the magnitude, distribution and timing of vertical, horizontal and tangential forces acting on said substantially rigid shoe assembly;(b) attachment means for securely holding said inner shoe to said hoof of said quadruped;(c) coupling means for securely engaging said outer-shoe to said inner-shoe;(d) signal receiving means for transmitting or processing signals from said individual force sensing elements which are indicative of the magnitude, distribution and timing of vertical, horizontal and tangential forces applied to said substantially rigid shoe assembly;(e) securement means for attaching said signal receiving means to a leg of said quadruped in a manner which does not alter the natural movement of said quadruped; and(f) interconnection means for transferring one or more signals between said individual force sensing elements and said signal receiving means.