Intellectual Property Law

US Patent 7426873 - MEMS pressure sensors for footwear

This patent from Sandia teaches a system for measuring the gait of human movement by embedding micromechanical sensors in footwear. The patent specification describes applications as part of a robotic exoskeleton (BLEEX). Another potential application is as a video game controller (such as a Wii controller for your feet). Claim 1 reads:

1. Footwear comprising:

a sole; and

a plurality of sealed cavities contained within the sole; and,

a plurality of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors respectively contained within the sealed cavity plurality.

Full post as published by TinytechIP on September 23, 2008 (boomark / email).