Abstract: A device for traction medical therapy exerts a force on the patient as selected via a patient or doctor-controlled hand-held unit. The unit sends signals to a traction puller device which may be secured to the end of the patient's bed, or on some other appropriate framework. Traction force is developed by a small fluid pump, preferably a vacuum pump, acting to evacuate a cylinder with a piston which is connected to a traction pulling line or cord connected to the patient. The patient can increase the traction force by further evacuation of the cylinder, and can lighten traction force by operating a valve which gradually vents vacuum from the system. In a preferred embodiment, the piston and cylinder have a rolling diaphragm, making the cylinder completely leak proof so that traction force will not dissipate over time.

Abstract: A mirror construction and method wherein shatter resistant optical quality first surface mirrors may be inexpensively fabricated. A styrene sheet is press polished and the polished surface is coated with a reflective layer. The press polished, reflectively coated styrene sheet may be subjected to further processing steps in order to produce a highly rigid and flat mirror. A surface of the styrene sheet is scored along a straight line to a depth that does not penetrate the front mirrored surface, but rather leaves a relatively thin region along the scored line having a minimal extent in the plane of the sheet. The styrene sheet is then folded, bringing portions on either side of the scored line towards each other and partially splitting the thin region. A membrane remains along the scored line to form a semi-flexing hinge. The ability of the membrane to withstand cracking can be improved somewhat by carrying out the folding step at a temperature generally greater than approximately 20.degree. C.