Abstract:
A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.
Abstract:
Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.
Abstract:
A walking aid has been configured with static padding and air bags to protect the user in case of a fall. The air bags are generally not deployed. However, the walking aid has a tilt sensor which, when a fall is detected, triggers air bag ignitors. In one embodiment, the tilt sensor may comprise one or an array of sensors, and may further be coupled through microprocessor control to a dynamic active suspension that controls both the height of the walker and the height of individual legs such that the walker will land softly, while adjusting individual leg heights where necessary or appropriate to stabilize the user to reduce the chance of a fall. In addition to providing more extensive protection for the user, the walking aid has several additional options which increase the comfort and convenience it offers. Such options can include locking hinges, allowing the walking aid to fold up; rubber on the end of the legs where they contact the ground; wheels on the legs; brakes for the wheels; height adjustable legs; a water bottle holder; a basket; a removable or folding seat; a dashboard including various communications devices such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like; and audio-video devices.
Abstract:
Various implementations are disclosed for an instrumented mobility assistance device, such as an instrumented walker. The device includes an attached sensor that is operable to convert an operational action of a user of the mobility assistance device into a sensor signal. A use analyzer is operable to relate the sensor signal to a contact attribute associated with a contact of the user of the mobility assistance device with an underlying surface. The use analyzer is further operable to determine a gait characteristic of the user, based on the contact attribute. The sensor may include a force or moment sensor. The contact attribute may include a foot-initial contact, or a foot-off contact. In this way, gait characteristics of the user may be determined during normal operation of the instrumented device. Also, the sensor may be used to determine a stability measure associated with the device.
Abstract:
Nerve treatment/mobilization apparatuses are configured to mobilize a user's peripheral nervous system. The nerve treatment apparatus includes a back support, a pair of force applying members and a neck cradle. Additional optional attachments include upper body nerve mobilization tracks and a lower peripheral nerve mobilization device.
Abstract:
A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads. The emergency switch closure also remotely induces a ground fault, tripping the GFCI. A sensing circuit allows the controller system to sense the presence of the emergency switch system, and issues a warning and prevents normal operation of the pool and spa system if not connected. A gas pressure sensor monitors the natural gas line, and the heater is disabled and a warning given under low pressure conditions. Abnormal filter backpressure triggers a warning when the filter needs service. A temperature sensor has parallel sensing elements in a common housing to provide separate sensing circuits.
Abstract:
The invention is an apparatus for increasing intrathoracic pressure for resuscitating cardiac arrest patients. The apparatus comprises a flexible, substantially inelastic belt wrapped around the patient's chest and attached to a force converter. The force converter converts a downwardly directed force into a chestward resultant, which depresses the sternum, and two belt tightening resultants. The force converter comprises a pair of arm assemblies, each having a pair of spaced arms, which are pivotably mounted to a base. The base is positioned near the patient's sternum and the ends of the belt attach to one end of each arm assembly. The opposite, handle ends of the arm assemblies are depressed toward the chest causing tightening of the belt and compression of the chest cavity.
Abstract:
A control system is adapted for use In association with a therapeutic motion and splinting device. The therapeutic device has at least one component that is monitored. The system comprises the steps of defining the range of motion, defining the maximum reverse on load, monitoring the reverse on load and moving the device through its range of motion. A first and second maximum limit of range of motion in a first and second direction are respectively defined. A maximum reverse on load is defined and is monitored whereby the deformation of the at least one component is monitored and the load created is interpreted. The device is cycled between a first and second position defined by one of the first maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load and one of the second maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load respectively.
Abstract:
A continuous passive motion device is provided having specific application to rehabilitative treatment of the elbow or shoulder. The device includes a motorized winch displacable in a first or second direction, a cord suspended from the winch by a variable extension length, which increases when the winch is displaced in the first direction and decreases when the winch is displaced in the second direction, and an arm harness associated with the cord. An arm of a patient is suspended from a suspension point on the cord and the motorized winch is activated to alternately displace the winch in the first and second directions, thereby providing a plurality of repetitive treatment cycles. Each treatment cycle moves the suspension point and correspondingly the elbow or shoulder from a lower treatment limit to an upper treatment limit and back to the lower treatment limit.
Abstract:
Walking aid apparatus comprises handle portion and a shaft portion including a ground-contacting ferrule, the shaft portion comprising telescopically-mounted cylindrical spindle and sleeve elements and a spring means acting between seats of said spindle and sleeve elements resiliently to restrain relative axial sliding movement, in which the apparatus includes a sliding friction-reducing means between at least one end of the spring means and the associated seat, whereby the handle portion and the ferrule are axially rotatable to accommodate twisting movement as between the user and the ground in use. The sliding friction-reducing means results in controlled rotation as between the spring means and the spindle and/or elements with considerable benefits to the user in avoiding tortional loading to the twist, elbow and/or shoulder joints which can be especially painful to those who suffer from arthritis.