Abstract: A method of making an electrode that includes dispersing a pH buffering agent within a first absorbent material to form a pH buffer component or coating the pH buffering agent on the first absorbent material to form the pH buffer component, positioning a component for delivering medicament adjacent to and in contact with the pH buffer component where the medicament delivery component is formed of a second absorbent material, and placing an electrical connection in electrical communication with the buffer component.

Abstract: A process for making a medical electrode component that includes dispersing a pH buffering agent within a first absorbent material that is capable of absorbing electrolytic solution or applying the pH buffering agent as a coating on a substantially planar surface of the first absorbent material, forming a first web having first and second surfaces from the first absorbent material, forming a second web from a second absorbent material that is capable of absorbing electrolytic solution, cutting through the first web to form a first web portion having a first surface and a second surface, cutting through the second web to form a second web portion having a first surface and a second surface, and securing the second surface of the first web portion and the first surface of the second web portion in contact to secure the first web portion and the second web portion in layered relation.

Abstract: An iontophoresis electrode that includes a reservoir for holding electrolytic solution, a mechanism for scavenging ions in the electrolytic solution, without releasing ions into the solution and an electrical connection in electrical communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: An iontophoresis electrode that includes a reservoir for holding electrolytic solution, a pH buffer, the pH buffer immobilized within the reservoir and the pH buffer having a buffering capacity of at least about 0.5 milliequivalents of acid or base per gram of pH buffer, and an electrical connection in electrical communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: A range-of-motion orthosis for applying torque across a forearm of a patient is disclosed. The orthosis includes a support hook for supporting a hand of the patient. First pivot means pivotally connects the support hook to a forearm bracket. The forearm bracket includes first and second portions interconnected at an angle of between 80.degree. and 100.degree.. Second pivot means pivotally connects the forearm bracket to an upper arm bracket such that the first portion of the forearm bracket is capable of rotation about an axis intersecting the second pivot means. A first upper arm hook is connected to the upper arm bracket for supporting an upper arm of the patient. Torque applying means interconnects the forearm bracket and the upper arm bracket and applies torque between the forearm bracket and the upper arm bracket, thereby rotating the first portion of the forearm bracket about the axis intersecting the second pivot means.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode comprises molding a plurality of spaced conductive sections which include a pin receptacle for receiving a connector pin of a wire harness. A skeleton of conductive sections, connector pins and lead wires are placed in a mold which defines the electrode. A non-conductive polymer is molded to the skeleton to form an integral electrode having a elongated body of conductive sections separated by non-conductive sections. Multiple durometer polymers may be used to achieve desired levels of flexibility of the electrode.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: An electronic pain feedback system for use by a patient in determining the effectiveness of a pain treatment. The system includes an input device connected to a memory device. The input device includes a scale on which the patient enters perceived pain level data to initiate the pain treatment. The input device signals this data to the memory device where it is recorded. The electronic pain feedback system can alternatively include a dock and intensity sensor for recording a treatment session duration and intensity. The data received and recorded can be used by the electronic pain feedback system to evaluate the effectiveness of the pain treatment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode comprises molding a plurality of spaced conductive sections which include a pin receptacle for receiving a connector pin of a wire harness. A skeleton of conductive sections, connector pins and lead wires are placed in a mold which defines the electrode. A non-conductive polymer is molded to the skeleton to form an integral electrode having a elongated body of conductive sections separated by non-conductive sections. Multiple durometer polymers may be used to achieve desired levels of flexibility of the electrode.

Abstract: A range-of-motion splint for applying torque to an ankle joint of a patient is disclosed. The splint includes a foot plate for supporting the foot of a patient. First and second foot brackets are connected to the foot plate via first and second fastening means, respectively. First and second pivot means pivotally connect a first and a second ankle bracket to the first and second foot brackets, respectively. First and second torque applying means are connected to the first and second foot brackets and the first and second ankle brackets, respectively. The first torque applying means applies torque between the first foot bracket and the first ankle bracket, while the second torque applying means supplies torque between the second foot bracket and the second ankle bracket. Calf securing means are connected to the first and second ankle brackets for securing the first and second ankle brackets to a calf of the patient.

Abstract: A range-of-motion splint for applying torque to a wrist joint of a patient is described. The range-of-motion splint is designed so that it provides for the natural motion of the wrist joint which is a three-dimensional motion including medial rotation of the hand at the wrist joint in conjunction with a flexion or extension motion of the wrist joint. The range-of-motion splint includes a palm plate for supporting a palm of the patient. First pivot means pivotally connects a hand bracket to the palm plate such that the palm plate is capable of moving laterally with respect to the hand bracket. Second pivot means pivotally connects a wrist bracket to the hand bracket. Torque applying means is connected to the hand bracket and the wrist bracket for applying torque between the hand bracket and the wrist bracket.

Abstract: A range-of-motion splint for applying torque to an ankle joint of a patient is disclosed. The splint includes a foot plate for supporting the foot of a patient. First and second foot brackets are connected to the foot plate via first and second fastening means, respectively. A first flexible grommet is positioned about the first fastening means to flexibly separate the foot plate from the first foot bracket, while a second flexible grommet is positioned about the second fastening means to flexibly separate the foot plate from the second foot bracket. First and second pivot means pivotally connect a first and a second ankle bracket to the first and second foot brackets, respectively. First and second torque applying means are connected to the first and second foot brackets and the first and second ankle brackets, respectively.

Abstract: An incontinence electrode for controlling urinary incontinence in women is made of alternating bands of conductive and non-conductive polymers molded to form a tubular body. Electrical receptacles, formed in the molding process at the interior circumferential surface of the conductive polymer bands, accept metal contacts attached to electrical leads to make a secure and durable, mechanical and electrical connection between the conductive polymer bands and the leads. The leads are coupled to a controller and carry electrical current to and from the metal contacts which then distribute the current to the conductive polymer bands to cause a contraction of the vaginal muscles responsible for controlling urinary incontinence in women.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microprocessor based system utilizing electromyographic sensor to monitor muscle force for lift training and exercise training. In the lift training embodiment the electrodes of the electromyographic sensor are secured to a belt so that they are located adjacent to the lower back of the user when wearing the belt. The lift training embodiment is also provided with a goniometer to measure lifting angle during training, which together with muscle force generated by the lower back is compared in the microprocessor to a programmed lifting parameters and if these parameters are exceeded the user is warned by and audible indicator. The lift trainer embodiment also periodically measures interelectrode impedance to insure actual usage. The exercise training embodiment has a bar graph display displaying muscle intensity and two light emitting diodes alerting a user when to contract or relax a monitored muscle group.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode comprises molding a plurality of spaced conductive sections which include a pin receptacle for receiving a connector pin of a wire harness. A skeleton of conductive sections, connector pins and lead wires are placed in a mold which defines the electrode. A non-conductive polymer is molded to the skeleton to form an integral electrode having a elongated body of conductive sections separated by non-conductive sections. Multiple durometer polymers may be used to achieve desired levels of flexibility of the electrode.

Abstract: A range-of-motion splint for applying relatively constant torque across a joint undergoing rehabilitative therapy. The splint includes a first brace section configured to engage a portion of a patient's body on a first side of a joint, and a second brace section configured to engage a portion of the body on a second side of the joint. A first arm extends from the first brace section and a second arm extends from the second brace section. The first and second arms are connected by a dual axis pivot mechanism for rotational motion about both a primary joint axis and a lateral axis generally perpendicular to the primary joint axis. A first spring-engaging mount is located on the first arm at a position spaced from the primary joint axis. A second spring-engaging mount is located on the second arm at a position spaced from the primary joint axis. An eccentrically mounted spiral spring has an inner end mounted to the first spring-engaging mount, and an outer end mounted to the second spring-engaging mount.

Abstract: An iontophoresis controller is configured for connection to an iontophoresis electrode pair. The controller controls infusion of a selected dose of ionic drugs into a patient through the electrode pair during a treatment period. The controller includes an electrode driver channel having an electrode output configured for electrical connection to the electrode pair. The electrode driver channel delivers a substantially constant electrode output current at a selected treatment level through the electrode output during the treatment period. The electrode output current rises exponentially from approximately zero to the selected treatment level, remains at the selected treatment level during the treatment period, and then falls exponentially to approximately zero. A microprocessor controls operation of the electrode driver channel to generate the electrode output current during the treatment period.

Abstract: A range-of-motion splint for applying constant torque across a joint undergoing rehabilitative therapy. The splint includes a first brace section configured to engage a portion of a patient's body on a first side of a joint, and a second brace section configured to engage a portion of the patient's body on a second side of the joint. A first arm extends from the first brace section and a second arm extends from the second brace section. The first and second brace section arms are pivotally connected about a splint pivot axis by a pivot mechanism. A driven pulley is mounted to the second arm about the splint pivot axis. A drive pulley is rotatably mounted to the first arm about a drive axis which is spaced from the splint pivot axis. Torque is applied to the drive pulley with respect to the first arm by a spiral spring positioned about the drive axis.