Abstract:
Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.
Abstract:
The invention relates to improvements in surface disinfection apparatus and in particular to apparatus which may be used to disinfect wounds using high concentration aqueous ozone. The Apparatus comprises application means for applying the fluid to the surface to be treated, fluid delivery means for delivering the fluid to said application means and catchment means for collecting the fluid after it has been applied to the surface. Fluid return means are provided for removing the fluid from the catchment means and means for creating a vacuum in the fluid return means. The apparatus further comprises a releasable coupling having two engagable parts and comprising a plurality of channels, at least one of which channels is connected to the fluid delivery means when the parts are engaged and at least another of which channels is connected to the fluid return means when the parts are engaged. Each channel comprises valve means which open when the engagable parts are engaged to allow fluid to flow through the coupling and are closed when the engagable parts are disengaged to prevent fluid flow. Pressure monitoring means measure the pressure in the fluid return means, wherein the measured pressure is compared to a plurality of pre-set pressure values to determine the correct functioning of the apparatus. If the measured pressure is lower than a first pre-set pressure value fluid is prevented from being delivered to the application means.
Abstract:
A wound treatment system including a treatment chamber, a source of an aqueous antibiotic, a source of an oxygen-enriched gas, and a control system adapted to alternately surround a human limb with antibiotic mist and the oxygen enriched gas, which can be used to heal lesions such as foot ulcers. A method of treating lesions such as foot ulcers is also disclosed, that includes bathing the lesion in antibiotic mist and contacting it with oxygen gas.
Abstract:
A system includes a sequential compression device (SCD) used by a patient as part of a sequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol. The system also includes a computer device that determines whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time in compliance with the protocol. The computer device initiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.
Abstract:
The walker with integrated illumination means and alarm wires an alarm and lights into at least one side of a walker. The alarm includes a panic button located adjacent onto of the handles, and upon depression shall signal an alarm via a speaker located elsewhere on said walker. The illumination means includes at least one light that is operated via an on/off switch located adjacent one of the handles. The walker with integrated illumination means and alarm may be of foldable construction or a wheeled construction. An embodiment may include illumination means located and operated on a left side of said walker, whereas another illumination means is located and operated on a right side of said walker. The illumination means and alarm are portably powered, and increase the overall weight of the walker by a negligible margin.
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 pneumatic accumulator integral to a structural member of a person-support apparatus to store air is disclosed. The accumulator serves as a reservoir available for rapid changes in demand for pressurized air, for use by a variety of devices integral or external to the person-support apparatus or for extension and retraction of at least one portion of the person-support apparatus. A pump supplies air to the accumulator. The pump and at least one pressure sensor are in communication with a controller. At least one valve in the fluidic path is in communication with the controller and meters the supply of air. The controller may further be connected with an alarming unit, hospital network, activity log, communication station nurse call system or electronic medical records.
Abstract:
System and method for giving an audible direction indication towards an eyewash. A first input device may receive a first indication from a user, the first indication suggesting that the eyewash is needed. An audio device may generate an audio signal, upon the receiving of the first indication, the audio signal indicative of the location of the eyewash.
Abstract:
Provided is a comfortable and discrete device wearable by a patient to restore balance and gait. The device re-establishes the sensorimotor loop by providing the patient with a secondary signal to healthy nerves around the knee to alert the patient that the patient's heel has just struck the ground. In this regard, the device monitors the patient's leg movements to detect when the patient's heel strikes the ground and sends the secondary signal, i.e., vibrotactile stimulation, in response to the detected heel strike. The central nervous system incorporates the new signal and the motor system responds as if there is not loss of sensation in the foot and returns to its normal gait.
Abstract:
A hip traction device and associated methods is disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide, a tensioner coupled to the base and configured to provide a force to the carrier to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism being removably attached to the carrier and being configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg when the body coupling mechanism is detached from the carrier.