Abstract: A balance rehabilitation and training apparatus and method of using the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support member, an optional base member, a handle carriage structure, a free-floating handle container member and a free-floating handle member. The apparatus allows the user to perform balance enhancing exercises while holding the free-floating handle member within the area inscribed within the free-floating handle container member thus allowing the user to experience postural sway during the course of the exercise to reinforce the appropriate motor program. The apparatus provides rehabilitation and training in balance impaired patients and in individuals without balance impairment but who seek to enhance postural stability.

Abstract: Echocardiography table with an access cushion hinged within an access recess and a patient support cushion that swings out about a pivot from a swung in position within a patient support recess and a swung out position clear of the patient support recess. Retainers such as locking elements keep the patient support cushion in either the swung in or swung out position, as applicable. The patient support recess may have opposite walls that diverge and complement the tapering sides of the patient support cushion. The access cushion may be hinged to either rotate upright or swing to a hanging position.

Abstract: Encapsulation of an inner facing surface of a lead shield of a radiopharmaceutical pig. The inner facing surface defines a chamber in which is inserted a radiopharmaceutical syringe. The encapsulation protects the inner facing surface against contamination due to leaks of the contents of the radiopharmaceutical syringe and further obviates the need for a sharps container to enclose the syringe during transport. The outer facing surface may likewise be encapsulated and secured to the encapsulation of the inner facing surface.

Abstract: A radiopharmaceutical pig device that includes two pig sections and two complementary engaging elements that engage each other. One of the two complementary engaging elements in integral with one of the two pig sections. By holding the other of the two complementary engaging elements stationary while the two complementary engaging elements are engaged, the other section of the pig may be removed from the pig without having to grasp the sidewall of the one of the two pig sections. This other of the complementary engaging elements may be part of a pig retainer brace, a shipping container, and L-Block shield or a counter top.

Abstract: An inflatable suspension harness/body jacket and method of use in medical partial weight-bearing therapy. The suspension harness/body jacket is fit onto a patient and has bladders that are inflated sufficiently to achieve a tight conforming fit. Deflating and re-inflating the bladders where necessary to re-achieve the tight conforming fit allows for successful weight-bearing therapy without discontinuing the therapy for an extended period or removing the patient. The suspension harness/body jacket has shoulder straps and jacket portions that may pass through D-rings that, when attached to a frame or other apparatus, provide additional offloading capacity.

Abstract: Encapsulation of an inner facing surface of a lead shield of a radiopharmaceutical pig. The inner facing surface defines a chamber in which is inserted a radiopharmaceutical syringe. The encapsulation protects the inner facing surface against contamination due to leaks of the contents of the radiopharmaceutical syringe and further obviates the need for a sharps container to enclose the syringe during transport.

Abstract: A cyclocentric ergometer and method in which a relative position of a seat on a seat slide rack is adjusted, a load is applied on the seat slide rack with elastic cords to confine back and forth movement of the seat slide rack to within a range, and a user sits on the seat and pedals while the load is applied. The seat and seat slide rack move in unison together.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gait rehabilitation aid and to a method for aiding gait rehabilitation. The gait rehabilitation aid resides in a treadmill having a belt which speed matches a user's own step cycle based on let length and which provides feedback in the form of an evaluation with respect to the user's length, cadence, gait velocity and gait pattern. A controller that is responsive to a user input device is employed to input information that inputs information pertaining to any one of cadence and leg length sets the belt speed to match an appropriate step cycle. In addition, footprints are scrolled on a display together with foot falls that correspond to actual heel strike events on the treadmill belt. The footprints appear in accordance with the user's own step cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceutical substances. The apparatus comprises a radiation shielding pig having an elongated sidewall that extends between two ends and that defines an elongated, interior chamber. The sidewall is thinner than each of the ends. A radiation shield defines at least one cavity. The shield has two open ends and a central area between the open ends that is thicker than each of the two open ends. Also, a method of assembling and disassembling the apparatus includes, placing a syringe filled with a radiopharmaceutical substance into the pig; placing the pig containing the filled syringe in the radiation shield; placing the pig and the shield into an ammunition can for transporting the radioactive substance contained in the syringe.

Abstract: A transportable offloading weight apparatus for supporting a portion of a patient's weight undergoing gait training is provided. The offloading weight apparatus employs a resilient suspension system to reduce the amount of weight borne by a patient. The offloading weight apparatus includes a frame having a connection linkage, a rope routed in the frame through a pulley system, a resilient cord that is attached to the frame at one end and connected to the connection linkage through one end of the rope, a harness support assembly secured to another end of the rope and a tension adjustor for applying tension to the resilient cord.

Abstract: A muscle exercise and rehabilitation apparatus including a patient chair having a first side and a second side is disclosed. Structure is provided for the rehabilitation and exercise of a patient seated in the patient chair. Structure is provided to move the rehabilitation and exercise structure between a first position adjacent the first side of the patient chair and a second position adjacent the second side of the patient chair in a first linear path. Structure is provided to support the patient chair for movement along a second linear path toward and away from the exercise and rehabilitation structure.