Abstract:
A full body Gait Training Harness for children with disability may be modified for adult use to assist a trainer to teach functions such as walking with a proper gait and crawling. Shoulder straps attached to a torso-encircling belt cross at the trainee's back to eliminate slippage, allowing use on those who have no arms. Leg loops secure the harness to the thighs, rather than through the crotch, for a more secure and comfortable fit. Leg stabilization straps between the leg loops and the shoulders provide tension to encourage development of a proper gait and to prevent crossing of the trainee's legs. Shoulder handles allow a trainer to support a trainee from above without stooping, while a back handle may be used to lift a trainee or support them in a crawling position. Walking extension straps attached to the shoulders allow trainee independence while the trainer retains control.
Abstract:
Apparatus for training a body part, such as for example the feet or head, of a person is shown. The apparatus structure is configured to receive and support the body part. The structure includes a body part-supporting member defining a movement path of a selected distance to be traversed by the body part during training. At least one sensor is positioned along the movement path representing a selected distance to be traversed by the body part during trained. The sensor is physically contacted by and is actuated by the body part. A signal control circuit is responsive to actuation of the sensor for generating a feedback signal which is communicated to such person to verify that such person's body part has traversed the selected distance. A method for training a body part of a person including a head, leg or arm is also shown.
Abstract:
Presented herein is a novel exercise and mobilization device for paraplegic and motorically disabled people that enables the user to shift from a seated to an upright position and perform passive and active walking exercises, comprising a horizontal frame situated on wheels, a vertical frame, a mechanism to move the frame members between a seated and an upright position, a saddle shaped seating area, including a back and arm rest and pelvic and shoulder straps, which fully supports the user, a control panel providing the user full control of the device, and a removable foothold component that fastens to the user's feet and moves along a track mounted on the horizontal frame, which allows the user to practice walking-like motions, either passively or actively according to individual need and ability.
Abstract:
A reduction gear (49) for a walking assistance system is provided that includes first to third planetary gear mechanisms (P1 to P3) between an input shaft (Si) connected to a motor (48) and an output shaft (So), the second planetary gear mechanism (P2) being disposed radially outside the first planetary gear mechanism (P1) connected to the input shaft (Si), and the third planetary gear mechanism (P3) being disposed outside, in the direction of an axis L, the first planetary gear mechanism (P1). It is therefore possible, while reducing the speed of rotation of the input shaft (Si) in three stages by the first to the third planetary gear mechanisms (P1 to P3) and transmitting the rotation to the output shaft (So), to reduce the thickness of the reduction gear (49) compared with a case in which the first to the third planetary gear mechanisms (P1 to P3) are disposed so as to be stacked in the direction of the axis (L), thereby improving the appearance when a user is fitted with the walking assistance system.
Abstract:
A vest for a human body has a bladder coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to repeated pulses of air which applies and releases pressure to the body. The vest has a cover having a pocket accommodating the bladder, shoulder straps, and end flaps. The bladder is permanently connected to the cover. Releasable hook and loop fasteners connect the straps to chest portions of the vest and end flaps to each other. A releasable retainer secured to the end flaps prevent the end flaps and releasable fasteners from disengaging when air pressure pulses are applied to the vest. The bladder has an air chamber and a sleeve having an air receiving passage and openings to allow air to flow from the air receiving passage into the air chamber. An oval-shaped coil spring within the sleeve maintains the air receiving passage open.
Abstract:
A safety ambulatory support system for providing support for a patient. The support system includes a support garment attached by a tether line to a support carrier carried by an overhead system. The overhead system allows the support carrier to travel within the confines of the overhead system so that the support carrier may be located above a patient at any time. The support garment is configured so that the tether line extends from the patient adjacent the vertex of the patient's head thereby preventing the tether line from contacting the patient about the neck and shoulders when a support force is applied to the tether. The support system supplies a passive fall interruption device which restrain freefalling of the patient. The restraint system allows the patient, once falling, to be lowered slowly to the ground. In addition, the overhead support system of the present invention provides an accessory mount in which folding tables, IVs, monitors, and the like may be suspended from the ceiling and may be moved anywhere in the region underneath the overhead system.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for enlargement of soft tissue such as breasts or a penis is comprised of a dome configured to fit over the area of desired augmentation. The dome has a rim with a surface area equal to or greater than the normal area of the dome opening to prevent medical complications caused by excessive pressure to the skin. The dome also includes a vacuum pump with a power source, pressure sensor, and servomechanism for regulating the pressure within the dome.
Abstract:
A percussive aid provides percussive force to aid in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and other pulmonary blockage diseases. The device includes a frame with a pair of reciprocating arms mounted thereto at one of their ends. The other end of the arms mount impactor cups. A spring is associated with each of the cups. A drive mechanism is carried by the frame and moves the arms through a predetermined path of travel from a first uncocked position to a second cocked position of maximum deflection wherein the spring is placed in tension when the arm is tripped.
Abstract:
The subject apparatus comprises straps which conform snugly to the user's shoulders to limit headward motion of the user in a direction essentially parallel to the user's spine and support structure with which the user's back is in contact. One end of each strap is attached to the support structure essentially at the point of tangency of the user's shoulder with the support structure. The other end of each strap is pivotally connected to one end of one of a pair of structural arms the other ends of which are pivotally connected to the support structure some distance in the headward direction from the points of attachment of the straps to the structure. When the apparatus is engaged by a user the straps wrap around the user's shoulders from back to front and the arms are at an acute angle to the support surface with one of their ends near the front portions of the user's shoulders and the other ends at their points of attachment to the support structure. With this configuration the apparatus conforms to a variety of sizes and shapes of shoulders without adjustment and use requires no buckling or unbuckling.
Abstract:
A method and device are shown in which alternate amounts of tractive force are applied to portions of the spine at an angle to the axis of elongation of the spine. In particular, for treatment of the lumbar spine, the patient is placed on his back with his upper legs extending substantially vertically and his lower legs extending horizontally. A restraining harness is then placed about the patient's pelvic area and a lifting force is applied upwardly and forwardly in the direction of the patient's head and alternates between greater and lesser amounts of force, thereby providing a variable pelvic tilt to induce healing of the discs.