Abstract:
According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to implement a joint assembly operating similar to a user's actual ankle joint. An ankle joint included in a walking assistant robot is pivotable around a rotation axis located outside the ankle joint.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a control method of a wearable robot, including: generating reference gait data based on the results of sensing by a sensor unit included in a structure; estimating, when a wearer walks, the wearer's gait phase based on the results of sensing by the sensor unit; detecting a gait phase having a minimum difference from the estimated gait phase from the reference gait data; and driving a driver of the structure, according to a control signal generated based on the estimated gait phase and the detected gait phase.
Abstract:
The invention comprises a heart assist device. In one embodiment, the heart assist device comprises a compressible sleeve about a body part, where one or more portions of the sleeve compress to provide a force on blood generating a flow or pulse of blood in the human circulatory system. In one case, the sleeve is external to the body, such as circumferentially about a limb or about a body extremity. In another case, the sleeve is internal to the body, such as circumferentially about an artery or vein. In still another case, two or more sleeves cooperatively function in parallel and/or in series. The heart assist device is optionally configured to auto-start in an emergency system, is in on-demand or in continuous contact with an emergency response system, and/or is linked to a medical professional's system.
Abstract:
Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.
Abstract:
A non-aerobic garment to be worn to promote weight-loss during a wearer's daily activities from a targeted area of the wearer's body includes: (a) a sleeve having a configuration adapted so that the wearer can place the sleeve around the targeted body area, (b) a top and bottom means for holding the sleeve's top and bottom ends in close proximity to the top and bottom portions, respectively, of the targeted body area so as to trap an enclosed air layer around the targeted body area, and (c) wherein the materials of construction of this sleeve is a non-breathable material that has high thermal insulation and low water vapor permeability properties.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating pelvic pain and related urinary and sexual dysfunction includes a rod having a first end and a second end. A pressure applicator is attached to the second end of the rod. The pressure applicator is adapted to be inserted into a patient's body cavity for engagement with a myofascial trigger point. A sensor produces an output signal in response to deflection of the rod when pressure is applied to the myofascial trigger point by the pressure applicator.
Abstract:
A pelvis interface may include a subject attachment module including a waist attachment and a back attachment. The interface may further include an arm assembly coupled to the subject attachment module, the arm assembly including a plurality of arms so coupled to one another and/or to the subject attachment module as to permit the subject attachment module at least one pelvis translation degree of freedom and at least one pelvis rotation degree of freedom. The interface may further include motors so coupled to the arm assembly as to actuate at least one pelvis translation degree of freedom and at least one pelvis rotation degree of freedom.
Abstract:
A method of operating an exoskeleton device includes: receiving sensor information; connecting a clutch system to a pulley system in; determining whether to engage a drive train gear to the clutch system based on the sensor information; engaging the drive train gear through the clutch system when determined to engage the drive train gear; and powering a first motor to drive the drive train gear for controlling a joint or segment of exoskeleton device.
Abstract:
A massage apparatus is provided with a housing, and a substrate mounted for rotation to the housing and driven by a motor. A massage node and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater are mounted to the substrate. A pair of contacts and a pair of brushes maintain electrical engagement of the PTC heater with the housing during rotation of the substrate. Another embodiment provides an infrared light emitting diode (LED) beneath the massage node in electrical communication with the housing due to the contacts and brushes. Another embodiment provides a method for imparting a heated massage effect by providing a massage apparatus with a message mechanism, a PTC heater and a plurality of infrared LEDs. A massage effect is imparted and a warm-up operation is initiated of the PTC heater and the LEDs. The warm-up operation of the PTC heater is discontinued upon the massage mechanism reaching a predefined temperature.
Abstract:
A physical therapy apparatus includes an elongated body support sized to substantially support the user's torso with the user's spinal column oriented and aligned in positions which maximize the intervertebral spacing along the anterior regions of the spinal column. The body support is provided with a support pad which extends from a forward end to a rearward end having a longitudinal length of between about 0.6 and 2 meters. An upwardly curving convex portion is positioned adjacent each of the forward and rearward ends, with an upwardly middle concave saddle portion connecting each convex portions. A first convex portion has a curvature selected to provide supporting contact to the user's lumbar and thoracic regions of the spine in the performance of one procedure, and the sacral and pelvic regions in another procedure. Optionally, the concave saddle portion may be scalloped or otherwise contoured to facilitate the proper alignment of the user's buttocks and legs in one procedure and the upper back and shoulders in another procedure thereon.