Abstract:
A chest compressor includes a piston (14) that moves in downward and upward strokes, with the piston undergoing a smooth reversal at the bottom of the downward stroke. A compression spring such as a wave spring (60), is positioned to engage the piston only near the end of its downward stroke, to smoothly reverse the piston motion, limit downward force on the patient at the end of the stroke, and avoid a downward pulse due to the momentum of the downwardly-moving piston. A stop (90, 92) is latchable in an inward position to allow reduction in the piston stroke by engaging an outward flange (56) on the piston before the piston has moved fully downward.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an apparatus for treatment, in particular physiotherapeutic treatment, of a part of the human body, in particular an arm, comprising a holder for fixing the body part to be treated, comprising a traction element, which acts on the body part with a predeterminable tension. The tension is applied by one or more weights acting on the traction element via a tension transmitter, it being possible for the tensile force acting on the body part to be varied or stopped at the beginning, during and/or at the end of the treatment by a counteracting force applied by a motor.
Abstract:
A stretching apparatus for a knee flexor enables a patient having spasticity in a knee flexor and/or contracted muscle to be stretched for treatment and maintain the stretched position without help from another person such as a therapist. The stretching apparatus includes a support part adjustable in angle with respect to a floor, and arranged to support a rear part of the trunk and head of a user; a backing part for supporting a lower limb of the user in a stretched position, the backing part having one end hingeably connected to the support part; and an adjustment part for rotating the backing part at a predetermined angle with respect to the support part. The lower limb of the user can be rotated at the predetermined angle with respect to the trunk and head, thereby stretching the knee flexor.
Abstract:
A low-cost, light weight portable lumbar fraction device for home use by a patient including a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage includes a restraining mechanism adapted to releasably restrain a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. The pneumatic fraction force generating apparatus includes at least one pneumatic chamber and at least one air inlet. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is operatively coupled to both the carriage and the support structure to move the carriage relative to the support structure when the at least one pneumatic chamber is in a pressurized state. The pneumatic fraction force generating apparatus is adapted to maintain a generally static fraction force for a period in excess of 10 minutes when in the pressurized state without additional pressurized air being supplied. A hand pump operated by the patient is fluidly connected to the at least one pneumatic chamber for injecting pressurized air into the at least one pneumatic chamber. The hand pump is capable of injecting at least 138 kPa (20 psi) of pressure into the pneumatic chamber. A pressure relief mechanism operated by the patient is adapted to release pressure from the at least one pneumatic chamber.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for providing rapid compression to at least one appendage positioned within an inflatable sleeve are disclosed. Rapid compression is provided by filling the inflatable sleeve containing the appendage with a gas. A portion of the gas is then repeatedly withdrawn and inserted back into the inflatable sleeve to apply a compression therapy to the at least one appendage.
Abstract:
A traction device, comprising a stationary support and a movable carriage mounted on the stationary support. A mechanism is provided for moving the moveable carriage between a first position and a second position. A wedge system is mounted to the moveable carriage and a stand is adjustably mounted to the stationary support. The stand provides different adjustable angles for the wedge system.
Abstract:
A portable traction device suitable for cervical or lumbar traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.
Abstract:
Machines for treating or preventing neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patientcontrolled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.
Abstract:
A leg-propulsion assistance device for improving the individual field of a mobility of a human being. The device provides a saddle supplied with a hip fastening device. A saddle joint allows for the swiveling movement of two telescopic rods, the extension force of which is derived from a compressed spring or fluid generated under pressure, by a motor-compressor set. A link arm transmits the movement to a fixed joint in front of the user's shoe. A joint which becomes freed automatically at the end of each propulsive stride allows the link arm and foot to be raised. An automatic piloting system synchronizes the motive force with the muscular extension force of the leg and foot. The invention relates to all applications necessitating propulsion by the legs of an individual capable or not capable of exerting an intense muscular effort.