Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A tennis elbow band with a body having an end tab at one end, a strap portion, a thermal packet pocket secured to the strap at a position remote from the end tab, and a combination leverage loop and shield at the far end remote from the end tab to give mechanical assistance in tightening the band prior to securement by the end tab overlapping a portion of the strap. The thermal packet pocket is positioned immediately at the leverage loop at the end of the strap and removably receives a thermal packet. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to determining the condition of the patient, and thereafter removing the thermal packet and conditioning it to the desired temperature of either cold or heat and thereafter inserting the same into the band pocket.

Abstract: A non-contact heated wound covering preferably having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A method and system for treating the human knee having a patella and musculature including vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) muscles. A patella tracking medial force is applied to the patella, the medial force tracking vertical and horizontal movements of the patella. A current of selected wave shape, amplitude, duration and frequency is applied to the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle so as to stimulate the VMO muscle and thereby tend to correct the reuslting vector force of the VMO, VLO, and RF muscles on the patella. Preferably the current is applied transcutaneously.

Abstract: A non-contact wound covering for covering a wound. A peripheral sealing ring is covered by a barrier layer and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive. The barrier layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume over the wound. The barrier layer may include active and passive heaters and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is the transfer of a heated fluid to the wound covering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a protein solder, a bioactive compound, and a vehicle for delivering the bioactive compound into a target cell having a genome. The present invention also provides a method for delivering a bioactive compound into a target cell having a genome comprising (a) contacting a tissue with a composition comprising the protein solder, a bioactive compound, and a vehicle for delivering the bioactive compound into the target cell, and (b) exciting the protein solder to effect delivery of the bioactive compound into the target cell.

Abstract: A heat dressing for treatment of skin areas and comprising a heat generating unit and a liquid-absorbing adhesive layer which prior to use is coated with a strippable release layer. The adhesive layer is preferably of a hydrocolloidal material and may optionally contain one or more medicaments or be coated with alginate fibre mats. The heat generating unit generates heat preferably by means of galvanic or chemical energy, and the heat dressing may further comprise elements for controlling the heat development and/or the surface temperature.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: A brace for disposition on a part of a person to provide heat retention, electrical stimulation, compression and/or support thereto. The brace basically comprises a sleeve for disposition around the body part, an electrically conductive fabric located on the inner surface of the sleeve, and at least one electrical connector, e.g, a snap means, for releasable electrical connection to an electric source providing High Voltage Pulsed Current. The sleeve is formed of an electrically insulative, thermally insulative, resilient or elastomeric material, e.g., neoprene rubber. The electrically conductive fabric is stretchable and flexible and arranged for direct engagement with the skin of the person when the brace is in place so that electrical stimulation is provided to the body part by the engagement of the electrically conductive fabric to the skin, while the sleeve retains heat in the portion of the person's body about which the sleeve is disposed and also provides mechanical compression and/or support.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrapping device for a limb, particular the ankle includes a wrapping member cut and sewn from an elastic fabric and defining a central strip portion with an opening for engaging over the heel and two wing portions for wrapping over the top of the ankle. Three separate bags are provided each containing a thermal gel material and each having a hook and loop fastener strip for engaging a cooperating strip on an inside of the wrapping member. The strips on the wrapping member are arranged so that two are at the top of the device spaced either side of a center line and the third is below the opening and arranged across the center line. The bags are placed over the strips so that two are arranged each on a respective side of the Achilles tendon and the third lies under the foot.

Abstract: A device for preventing or reducing the incidence or intensity of pain occurring in a region of the body of a wearer, includes insulating material (2) which is arranged to be worn in conformity and close proximity with the body region. The insulating material has at least one layer (14) for reducing heat loss from the body region by convection and at least one reflective layer (13) for reducing heat loss from the body by radiation, whereby a targeted local warming effect is achieved in the body region such that the skin and underlying musculoskeletal structures are in such an active state that they can function properly to provide a clinical benefit to the body region.

Abstract: An orthopaedic splinting or casting material comprises a substrate which carries a hardenable resin containing a multi-functional vinyl ether monomer, an agent which when mixed with the monomer increases the viscosity thereof and a catalyst capable of causing the resin to harden when exposed to actinic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved absorbent pad and thermal pack for absorbing a liquid discharged from a patient. The absorbent pad and thermal pad comprises an outer sheet made of a liquid impermeable material and an inner sheet of a liquid permeable material. An absorbent sheet is disposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. A flexible liquid impermeable container having a chemical mixture which undergoes a thermal reaction upon activation thereof is interposed between the outer and inner sheets to enable the thermal source to be applied to the patient and to enable any liquid from the patient to permeate through the inner sheet to be absorbed by the absorbent sheet. The inner sheet of a liquid permeable material provides a moderate insulation barrier whereas the absorbent pad provides a substantial insulation barrier for directing the thermal source to the patient.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a training pant includes a moisture barrier, an absorbent assembly, and a temperature change member. The temperature change member includes a temperature change substance that provides a possible total energy change of from about 6 to about 30 cal/cm.sup.2 to assist the wearer in recognizing that urination has occurred.

Abstract: A heat dressing for treatment of skin areas and comprising a heat generating unit and a liquid-absorbing adhesive layer which prior to use is coated with a strippable release layer. The adhesive layer is preferably of a hydrocolloidal material and may optionally contain one or more medicaments or be coated with alginate fibre mats. The heat generating unit generates heat preferably by means of galvanic or chemical energy, and the heat dressing may further comprise elements for controlling the heat development and/or the surface temperature.

Abstract: Combinations of IPN type molecular or intramolecular materials, which are thermoadhesive at temperatures not exceeding 90.degree. C. and which can be molded and shaped at said temperature, are characterized in that they contain a first rubber-like elastoviscous constituent having a softening point not exceeding 90.degree. C. and a second, semi-cristalline constituent essentially of the polyester type having a fusion temperature of 35.degree. to 80.degree. C. These combinations have controlled adhesiveness and adequate fluidity for application by hand particularly in do it yourself applications, orthopedics, sport and physiotherapy, and as an adhesive material on rough or porous bodies.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for therapeutically treating injuries using ultrasound. The apparatus includes an ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer treatment head module partially fabricated with a conductive plastic material. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, the transducer treatment head module is positioned adjacent the area of the injury and excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that the transducer treatment head module is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the transducer.

Abstract: A thermal bandage apparatus for simultaneously dressing and thermally treating a wounded bodily area includes a fluid absorbent member having a wound contacting surface for absorbing bodily fluids produced by an open wound and holding means adjacent and connected to the fluid absorbent member for holding a thermal medium against the fluid absorbent member such that heat is transferred between the thermal medium and the open wound by thermal conduction through the fluid absorbent member. There is also disclosed an arrangement for providing a continuous supply of heat or cold to a wound.

Abstract: A device for treating an enlarged prostate which comprises inserting snugly between the legs beneath the outside area of the prostate of a subject afflicted therewith a specially pre-shaped device previously frozen which thereby temporarily relieves the pressure of the prostate gland on the urethra (the tube that passes through the prostate from the bladder to the penis) thereby allowing a man with an enlarged prostate to urinate more freely.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic brace having strategically located pockets that receive and contain reusable, alternatively insertable hot and cold pods which can be tailored to a specific injury management program of use. The brace body portion which may be a hand/wrist, neck/cervical collar, knee/elbow/ankle brace has a main section of elasticized material construction with adjustable fastening means and fitted pockets formed from breathable, four way stretch nylon (LYCRA) spandex for receiving the hot or cold gel filled reusable pods to be held adjacent the appropriate body part area.

Abstract: A back treatment device and method of using is disclosed. The back treatment device includes a chair-like seat, body support members including a pair of movably supported crutches, a pair of movably supported forearm rests and a pair of adjustable exercise handles. Each pair is arranged to relieve upper body weight from the lumbar spine. The movable forearm rests allow arm mobility and hand interaction for doing desk work during the treatment period. Feedback from a spring scale allows the user to accurately control gravity traction. A treatment system provides heat or cold treatments adjustably positioned on a back rest. In an alternative embodiment, a diagnosis system positioned on a back rest can provide information regarding a patient's back.

Abstract: A slippery orthopedic cast tape produced by depositing onto a substrate a layer of microencapsulated lubricating or friction-reducing material. The substrate is impregnated with a material which is hardenable upon exposure to an activating agent. The coating of each one of the microgranules is formed of a material which is removable upon the application thereto of a removing stimulus. The microencapsulated lubricious material is applied to the inner end of a rolled cast tape so that it will be adjacent the outer layers of a formed cast. In one embodiment, the microgranules are formed of a water-insoluble polymeric coating over a polyethoxylated surfactant which serves as the lubricious material, the polymeric coating being rupturable upon the application of pressure in order to release the lubricious material.

Abstract: Free flowing, conformable powder-like mix of silica particles and a phase change material (p.c.m.) is disclosed. The silica particles have a critical size of about 7.times.10.sup.-3 to about 7.times.10.sup.-2 microns and the pcm must be added to the silica in an amount of 80 wt. % or less pcm per combined weight of silica and pcm. The powder-like mix can be used in tableware items, medical wraps, tree wraps, garments, quilts and blankets, and in cementitious compositions of the type in which it is beneficial to use a pcm material. The silica-pcm mix can also be admixed with soil to provide a soil warming effect and placed about a tree, flower, or shrub.

Abstract: A lumbar support heating/cooling support belt is adapted to be worn over the lumbar spine and around the back of the user for back pain. The support has one pocket in the lower back section of the support. The pocket is capable of removably receiving a packet to create a thermal change in the pocket or provide air or foam rubber packets for support. There is an optional secondary support that runs over and attaches to the primary support. This provides additional desired muscular support by tightly or snugly adjusting via Velcro attachments around the back and sides. Then there are two criss-cross supports over the outer primary support which provide optional stiffness if desired by user. The two criss-cross supports both have an attached pocket which can house plastic or metal stays for even more support. This support provides the user many options and combinations in which to wear the support using all or some of the optional supports.

Abstract: A device for applying cryogenic compression for use in diminishing hemorrhage and edema in acute trauma of body extremities is formed by a sleeve having a plurality of adjacent non-communicating cryogenic chambers and a plurality of coextensive pressure chambers, there being a pressure chamber for each cryogenic chamber. There are fill openings for each cryogenic chamber and inlets for each pressure chamber. A pump is connected to all of the pressure chamber inlets to apply intermittent pressure to one or more of the pressure chambers to thereby apply intermittent cryogenic pressure to an area of a body extremity coextensive with one or more of the cryogenic chambers.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap for the treatment of injuries having an elongated strip of stretchable material, a base connected to the elongated strip and formed of substantially non-stretchable material, two loops connected to the base for the attachment of the wrap and for the application of even pressure to the treated area, and may also contain a receptacle connected to the elongated strip to receive a cold or hot pack, a cold pack for the application of cold therapy to the treated area, mating fasteners attached to one side of the elongated strip to assist in the attachment of the therapeutic wrap.

Abstract: A garment including a torso portion includes a right and left leg, with the right and left leg including arcuate confronting surfaces. The right confronting surfaces mount wedge-shaped pads therewithin to maintain proper spacing of an individual's upper leg portions for corrective alignment during sleep of an individual. A modification of the invention includes pockets arranged for receiving the wedge-shaped members which may be in the form of pneumatic chamber. Optionally, rheostat heating pad structure is directed within the garment directed coextensively adjacent and in contiguous communication with the right and left pockets.

Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation orthosis for restoring locomotion in paraplegics is described. The orthosis has knee locks for each leg to enforce knee extension in a standing position, and a sensor located on each leg for sensing knee flexion. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on each leg to stimulate extension and flexion movements under the control of the patient. The orthosis can be used with crutches and stimulation of flexion and extension movement can be effected manually or automatically using an open-loop or closed-loop system. Various embodiments and modifications of the invention are disclosed. The orthosis can also be used in combination with other orthosis such as a foot ankle orthosis to provide a hybrid orthosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic thermal wrap kit to be used for treatment of body discomfort, such as muscle and/or ligament stress (e.g., tennis elbow, tendonitis of the knee, chronic sore shoulder, etc.). The therapeutic thermal wrap kit comprises a thermal compress, a holder for the compress, a container around which the holder containing the thermal compress is wrapped, and an insulated bag in which the assembled components are placed and transported. The container may contain a substance, liquid at 25.degree. C. which, along with the thermal compress, can be thermally adjusted to a temperature of from -20.degree. to 120.degree. C. The kit remains at a therapeutically effective temperature for at least 10 hours due to the synergy of the four elements in combination. When needed, the holder containing the compress and the container are removed from the insulated bag, the container is then separted from the holder, and the compress is applied to the affected body part using the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regulating the growth of connective tissue proper in vivo are provided. The apparatus includes a magnetic field generator and a magnetic field detector for producing a controlled, fluctuating, directionally oriented magnetic field parallel to a predetermined axis projecting through the target tissue. The field detector samples the magnetic flux density along the predetermined access and provides a signal to a microprocessor which determines the average value of the flux density. The applied magnetic field is oscillated at predetermined frequencies to maintain a preselected ratio of frequency to average flux density. This ratio is maintained by adjusting the frequency of the fluctuating magnetic field and/or by adjusting the intensity of the applied magnetic field as the composite magnetic flux density changes in response to changes in the local magnetic field to which the target tissue is subjected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing and therapeutically treating osteoporosis are provided. The apparatus includes a magnetic field generator for producing a controlled, fluctuating, directionally oriented magnetic field parallel to a predetermined axis projecting through the target bone or skeletal system. In one aspect, a field detector samples the magnetic flux density along the predetermined axis and provides a signal to a microprocessor which determines the average value of the flux density. The applied magnetic field is oscillated at predetermined frequencies to maintain a preselected ratio of frequency to average flux density which controls osteoporosis. This ratio is maintained by adjusting the frequency of the fluctuating magnetic field and/or by adjusting the intensity of the applied magnetic field as the composite magnetic flux density changes in response to changes in the local magnetic field to which the target bone is subjected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regulating the growth of living tissue are provided. The apparatus includes a deformable magnetic field generator and a magnetic field detector for producing a controlled, fluctuating, directionally oriented magnetic field parallel to a predetermined axis projecting through the target tissue. The deformable magnetic field generator includes a pair of field coils embedded in a flexible material which allows the field coils to be plastically deformed to fit the contour of a body region such as a patient's limb. The field detector samples the magnetic flux density along the predetermined access and provides a signal to a microprocessor which determines the average value of the flux density. The applied magnetic field is oscillated at predetermined frequencies to maintain a preselected ratio of frequency to average flux density.