Abstract: A wave generating apparatus for generating waves in, for example, beds, chairs and the like. The wave generating apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member. The apparatus includes a flexible member and an oscillatory drive attached to the flexible member. The oscillatory drive includes a crank assembly having an axis of rotation and at least two link members each having opposed first and second end portions. The two link members are spaced apart a first pre-selected distance from each other and each is rigidly attached at their respective first end portions to the flexible member; and at least one elongate beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a transvers traveling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a travelling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchange devices for heating and/or cooling parts of the body for therapeutic treatment of injury. The heat exchange devices include a cooling module with a housing enclosing a cooling chamber. A thermoelectric Peltier unit has a cooled surface sealed against an opening in the housing and a pump is provided for pumping heat exchange fluid through the cooling chamber directly into contact with the cooled surface and through conduits to a patient blanket. A reservoir containing refrigerant is in flow communication with the chamber in the cooling module housing and refrigerant only flows into the housing when depleted from the recirculation flow path between the cooling module and the blanket. Another device uses a thermoelectric unit disposed between two water pumps each of which pumps water to different sections of a flexible water bag which is strapped to the affected area of the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of abatement of pain using somatosensory stimulation and devices for implementing the method. The method involves application of spatially modulated temperature differences to the skin in the vicinity of pain. The application of a spatial temperature difference produces a large sensory stimulus along neural pathways the same as or adjacent to those transmitting the signals giving rise to the sensation of pain. This acts to cause the brain to block sensation from the affected area thereby alleviating the pain and the brain has no built in method of adapting or habituating to this type of sensory input. The temperature differential applied is up to 40.degree.-45.degree. C. with the high temperature maintained at or below 45.degree. C. and the low temperature at or above 0.degree. C. to prevent tissue damage.