Abstract: A system for compression therapy comprises a patient-support apparatus and a compression sleeve assembly that is coupleable to the patient-support apparatus. In some embodiments, the patient-support apparatus comprises a hospital bed; and in other embodiments, the patient-support apparatus comprises a mattress for a bed. The compression sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve that couples to a patient's limb and that inflates to promote blood flow. The compression sleeve assembly also comprises a conduit and a compression module that is operable to inflate the sleeve through the conduit. The conduit may be routed, at least in part, through the associated patient-support apparatus. The compression module may be situated, at least in part, in a cavity of the associated patient-support apparatus. A compression module that couples to an architectural structure, such as a headwall unit, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising two table-like supporting plates, which serve as operating and functional units. The supporting plates each have a longitudinal and transversal extension, are arranged parallel to one another in a frame that can be immobilized in a fixed manner, and are each mounted so that they can spatially move with three-dimensional degrees of freedom that are independent of one another. In addition, a motor-operated drive is provided that can set the supporting plates in oscillatory motion at least in a one-dimensional direction and independent of one another.

Abstract: A vaporizer apparatus for vaporizing medical herbs and essences is described that uses an electrical power driven medium to vaporize the herbs and essences. The vaporizer apparatus has a heating element assembly mounted at an angle within an enclosure. The heating element assembly also includes an insulating shield which covers the heating element and which has a mating section for mating with a hand piece. The hand piece includes a vaporization chamber where herbs are packed, an inlet for connecting with the mating section of the shield, and an outlet for inhalation by a user. Methods for using the vaporizer apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: An air pulse generator includes a housing having a front wall and a back wall defining an interior region and a shell having a front portion and a back portion defining an air chamber. The front wall of the housing has first and second air openings. The front portion of the shell has first and second air ports in communication with the air chamber. The first and second air ports are aligned with the first and second air openings when the shell is mounted within the interior region of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit for flow regulation for use in an apparatus for testing the delivery of a dose of powder from a powder inhaler, a collecting tube for use in conjunction with the control unit and an apparatus containing the control unit and the collecting tube.

Abstract: A thermal-type drop generator having a geometry that is configured so that the ejection of liquid from the chamber has the effect of separating the ejected volume into a number of small droplets. The relationship between the thickness of the liquid chamber and the area of the heat transducer used to eject the liquid is controlled to provide the separating aspect so that the resultant droplets have very small volumes, in the range of tens of femtoliters. Such small droplets are readily entrained in an aerosol and especially useful for pulmonary delivery of medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A system is provided by applying pressure to a portion of a body of an individual in a chamber having an aperture along a vertical axis for receiving the portion of the body of the individual. A pressure sensor is coupled to the chamber for measuring a pressure inside the chamber. A negative feedback control system, calibrates, adjusts and maintains the pressure inside the chamber.

Abstract: By the combined use of ultrasonic vibration generated by a pair of ultrasonic vibrators that are alternately driven asynchronously with the heartbeat, and stereo music vibration waves generated by a pair of music vibrators, the brain is gently and effectively provided with massage without subjecting the head to excessive massage. Blood flow can be stimulated deep within the brain. As the rise and fall of the vibration energy generated by the ultrasonic vibrators are mitigated by the modulators, impact applied by the vibration to the head of the wearer is reduced.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an improved air pulse generator. The air pulse module has a reduced size and improved shape for ease of use by a patient.

Abstract: A gas mask for normal pressure operation and overpressure operation allows changeover of the expiration valve (4) from normal pressure operation to overpressure operation is made possible in a simple manner. The pretension of the valve spring (7) of the expiration valve (4) is adjusted by an angle lever (10) pivotable about an axis of rotation (13).

Abstract: Disclosed is a foot massaging apparatus, which comprises a housing for supporting user's foot, a rotatable roller unit mounted on the housing, and a toe-region pinching unit mounted on the housing and located in front of the rotatable roller unit. The toe-region pinching unit has an air cell adapted to be inflated and deflated, respectively, by charging and discharging air thereto and therefrom, so as to repeatedly pinch the toe region of the user's foot. The foot massaging apparatus can repeatedly perform a pressing operation for the foot or other leg region using the rotatable roller unit and a massaging operation for the toe region to prevent the user from getting bored.

Abstract: A composition including a base and a plurality of abrasive particles. An apparatus including a head, and an applicator coupled to the head, the applicator having dimensions suitable for contacting localized areas of human skin. A method including applying a composition to an area of human skin, the composition comprising a base and a plurality of abrasive particles, and manipulating the composition over the area of human skin with a handle-operated instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure (10) comprises a back plate (100) for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part (200) for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part (200) can comprise two legs (210, 220), each leg (210, 220) having a first end (212, 222) pivotably connected to at least one hinge (230, 240) and a second end (214, 224) removably attachable to said back plate (100). Said front part (200) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit (300) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part (200) is attached to said back plate (100).

Abstract: A method and device for the rehabilitation of patients that have suffered loss of motor control of an appendicular joint due to neurological damage. The method includes attempted contraction by a patient of a muscle that serves to move an affected joint coupled with the production of a perception by the patient that the joint is being moved more than it really is. The method results in dramatic non-transient improvements in motor control of the joint. The device provides an apparatus for performance of the method.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitating a patient suffering partial or total loss of motor control of an appendicular joint caused by injury or neurological disorder but exhibiting clinically plegic (i.e., paralyzed) muscles and retaining minimal ability to weakly contract the muscles develops overt movement at a joint and ultimately leads to improved functionality. The method entails use of feedback in which the patient views and/or hears a signal related to the intensity of electromyographic (EMG) activity the patient produces in the appropriate muscles while attempting to move the paretic or plegic joint. The method is intended as an alternative form of feedback for highly disabled patients while they receive therapy using an Assisted Movement with Enhanced Sensation (AMES) device providing joint torque feedback.

Abstract: A shoulder sling is provided for the treatment of, for example, gleno-humeral dislocations and subluxations, capsular shifts, postoperative rotator cuff repair, postoperative Bankart procedures and soft tissue strains and repairs. The sling includes a support pillow abuts the wearer's torso, and a pouch that receives the wearer's arm. A plurality of straps suspend the pillow and pouch from the wearer's non-treatment shoulder. One of the straps prevents the pillow from shifting relative to the user, thus securely maintaining the wearer's arm at desired angles of abduction and external rotation. The pillow further includes an attached exercise grip and an indicator line that aids a physician in properly fitting the sling to the wearer.

Abstract: A tendon and ligament support for a limb joint, such as an ankle joint, in particular a horse's fetlock joint. A first collar (1) is adapted to embrace the limb above the joint and a second collar (3) is adapted to embrace the limb below the joint. A connection provides articulation between and separation of the two collars, and is adapted to provide limited elongation of the ligaments and/or tendons under load, and includes a resistance-exerting pivot arrangement (11) resisting joint flexion or extension over a predetermined range of joint rotation, and an essentially inelastic part (12) for limiting joint extension across the posterior side of the joint connected to one or more points on each of the collars, and preferably adapted so as to mimic an artificial tendon or ligament arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging calves is able to adjust a distance between two plates, the apparatus having at least two plates that are arranged at a distance from one another and that come into contact with the calf during massage on both sides thereof, and having a drive shaft, the plates being connected to the drive shaft by coupling members in such a manner that a rotational movement of the drive shaft brings about a movement of the plates for carrying out the calf massage. A distance adjusting mechanism is also provided in order to adapt the distance between the two plates to the size of the calf to be massaged.