Abstract: In one embodiment, a fastening mechanism is provided for a field adjustable traction device having first and second supports coupled using one or more lifting mechanisms. A set of one or more posts are configured to be inserted through a set of one or more holes formed in a back strap of a support and also through a selected one of a number of sets of one or more holes formed in a front strap of the support to position the front strap relative to the back strap. A mechanism is configured to engage the set of one or more posts to secure the front strap in position relative to the back strap.

Abstract: A torso support portion and a pair of thigh support portions are each formed of an outer layer of hard relatively stiff molded plastic material of limited flexibility and an inner layer of relatively soft cushioning material for distributing the weight of a patient over a large area. Three tightening straps serve to tighten the torso support portion about a patient with the parts of the torso support portion adjacent the free sides thereof overlapping one another in operative position. A pair of tightening straps serve to tighten each of the thigh support portions about the thighs of a patient with the free sides of each thigh support portion spaced a substantial distance from one another in operative position. Four adjustable suspension straps are provided for suspending the torso support portion and provide a quick-release feature. Each of the thigh support portions is connected to the torso support portion in depending relationship therefrom by three adjustable connecting straps.

Abstract: A traction belt, including a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion oriented generally parallel to the first elongated portion and connected thereto, a first plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the first elongated portion, and a second plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the second elongated portion. Each biasing member is oriented generally perpendicular to a respective elongated portion. Each biasing member is adapted to provide a biasing force through a respective elongated portion.

Abstract: An ambulatory support device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a user's body. At least one of the support belts includes a canting mechanism that couples opposing right and left portions of the support belt. The canting mechanism allows the opposing right and left portions to rotate about associated pivots to allow the support belt to conform to the user's body and synchronizes the movement of the opposing right and left portions of the support belt such that movement of the right or left portion causes and requires movement of the opposing left or right portion, respectively, of a substantially equivalent magnitude. The traction device also includes one or more supports. Each support is coupled between the support belts and provides stability to the user's body.

Abstract: An ambulatory trans-lumbar traction system includes a flexible mid-torso brace proportioned for encirclement of the body of the user around the rib cage starting at a level of about the T8 vertebrate, and centered at the T12 vertebrae, the brace having an enlarged dorsal width of about four vertebrae and a frontal width of about one-half of the dorsal width, and includes a tension-variable securement of ends of the brace. The system also includes a flexible pelvic brace proportioned for encirclement about the body, the brace centered at about the level of the L4 vertebrate, and having a peripheral geometry substantially similar to that of the torso brace, the pelvic brace including a tension variable securement of the ends of the brace. Further included are at least two vertically symmetrically disposed cooperative, rigid cylinder and piston pairs vertically secured between each of the dorsal and front sides of the torso and pelvic braces.

Abstract: An ambulatory hip fixation-traction splint set includes a supporting frame having an upper end arranged for positioning below an armpit of a treated patient and a lower end extending to position below a hip portion of the treated patient, and a side splint assembly including a flexible guiding frame having first and second end portions mounted to the supporting frame wherein the guiding frame has a curved guiding surface adapted for fixing on a side body of the treated patient to retain the side body thereof at a fixation position. Therefore, the ambulatory hip fixation-traction splint set not only keeps the fracture area of the patient in fixation position but also assists the patient to have a suitable movement so as to enhance the recovery of the fracture area.

Abstract: An ambulatory support device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a user's body. At least one of the support belts includes a canting mechanism that couples opposing portions of the support belt. The canting mechanism allows the opposing portions to rotate about associated pivots to allow the support belt to conform to the user's body and synchronizes the movement of the opposing portions of the support belt such that movement of one portion causes a substantially equivalent movement of the other portion. The support device also includes one or more support mechanisms. Each support mechanism is coupled between the support belts and provides stability to the user's body.

Abstract: A foot support system for actively and passively supporting a foot of an individual suffering from drop foot. The foot support system includes an upper support removably attachable to the leg, a lower support removably attachable to the foot, and an elastic member attached between the upper support and the lower support for applying an upward force upon the distal portion of the foot. The upper support and the lower support preferably include an upper loop and a lower loop respectively for catchably receiving the elastic member. The elastic member may include an engaging member attached to a first end and a hook member attached to a second end thereof for selectively engaging one another.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a portion of a user's body and one or more lifting mechanisms. Each lifting mechanism is coupled between the support belts and operable to apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the support belts are positioned around the user's body.

Abstract: A variable path infant walker having a tunnel assembly of intersecting paths. A ball assembly is arranged within the tunnel assembly and moves along any of the intersecting paths. Posts support the tunnel assembly a spaced distance above the ground. An infant seat is joined to the ball assembly by a cable which extends through an elongated slot in the bottom half of the tunnel assembly to enable an infant in the infant seat to move along an infant selected variable path.

Abstract: An traction apparatus for use in manipulating a patient's arm and wrist bones comprises a traction assembly having a plurality of finger traps, a plurality of springs with each spring capable of releasably associating with at least one trap, and a swivel base secured to each of the springs. Also, included are a traction force scale coupled to the traction assembly, a first traction force generating mechanism linked to the traction force scale, a second traction force generating mechanism coupled to the patient's upper arm, and a support attachment system for securing the subject apparatus components to a support. Additionally, a spacer for separating and positioning the patient's fingers is included.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decompressing invertebral discs, relieving back pain, and promoting back healing is provided, involving a pelvic harness, elastic member, and foot-pad-pressing unit. The pelvic harness has a back side and a front side. The back side of the pelvic harness is connected to the elastic member's top end. The elastic member's bottom end is connected to the foot-pad-pressing unit. The foot-pad-pressing unit has a centrally located connector receptacle. The centrally located connector receptacle is used to attach the bottom end of the elastic member to the foot-pad-pressing unit.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the length of a belt having first and second front portions and a back portion, the first and second front portions each moveable with respect to the back portion, includes attaching opposite ends of a strap to each of the front two portions. The strap includes a middle bonding section bound together. The method further includes coupling the strap to the back portion between the opposite ends such that movement of the first and second front portions away from the back portion causes detachment of portions of the middle bonding section and moving each of the two front portions away from the back portion.

Abstract: A pair of rigid clamping blocks, each with a length approximating the width of a human foot across the toes is applied wherein one side of each of the blocks engages a compressible pad, and the other side of the blocks provides a longitudinal groove in an outfacing surface. A clamping wrap engages the longitudinal grooves in the pair of blocks when the blocks are placed on opposing sides of the toes and the clamping wrap encircles them, for applying a compressive force to the blocks and the toes sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: A human body traction and mending apparatus consists of an inflation member, a control means mounted to the pouch, a delivery means connecting to the control means, and a fluid generation means for coupling to a human hand, leg, waist or neck to support or stretch a patient's sore body portion for achieving healing and mending purpose. The traction and mending apparatus of the invention is portable and may be worn on human's hand, leg, waist or neck for carrying outdoors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a joint of the user is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that each couple the supports and apply a decompressive force to the joint when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a substantially elliptical, noncircular cross-section and operable to contain a fluid. Each lifting mechanism also includes a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve. In other embodiments, the sleeve and piston may have circular or other suitable cross-sections.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable traction apparatus (10) for applying traction forces to a patient's limb wherein the apparatus (10) includes a base platform member (20) provided with a rail unit (14) that is raised relative to the base platform member (20) and a limb immobilizing unit (12) and pulley unit (13) slidably disposed on the rail unit (14) and adapted to be angularly adjusted relative thereto; wherein, the pulley unit (13) includes a support post member (50) and a pulley member (60) suspended from the support post member (50) and provided with a bracket element (61) whose height can be varied to the base platform member (20).

Abstract: This invention encompasses, methods, devices and system for prevention and relief of carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist through the use of traction. The device contains a wrist member, an anchor member connected at one end each of an interconnecting adjustable interface member. The apparatus for applying extremity traction contains a tensioning cable and a retaining device attached to the tensioning cable as well as an anchor member.

Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a harness coupled to a suspension assembly for suspending the harness at a predetermined height. The harness includes a neck support placed behind a user's neck and a chin rest connected to the neck support on which the user's chin rests. Hand grips extending from the chin or forehead rest allow a user to manually grasp the chin rest and support a portion of their weight as the remainder of their weight is supported by the cervical spine through the traction device. Approximately six to eight repetitions of the method, each performed for ten to twenty seconds, result in nourishment, repair, and regeneration of avascular tissues in the disks, ligaments, cartilage, and improved cervical and lumbar lordotic curves.

Abstract: A traction device utilizes a harness connected to the body of a patient, such as the head or hips. The harness is connected by a clip to a tether which passes through a ratchet pulley connected to a first end of a spring chamber. A second end of the spring chamber is connected to a support. As tension is applied to the tether, the ratchet pulley incrementally applies traction to the patient as a first spring housed within the spring chamber deflects with the application of force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decompressing invertebral discs, relieving back pain, and promoting back healing is provided, involving a pelvic harness, elastic member, and foot-pad-pressing unit. The pelvic harness has a back side and a front side. The back side of the pelvic harness is connected to the elastic member's top end. The elastic member's bottom end is connected to the foot-pad-pressing unit. The foot-pad-pressing unit has a centrally located connector receptacle. The centrally located connector receptacle is used to attach the bottom end of the elastic member to the foot-pad-pressing unit.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a plurality of measurement belts and a plurality of side plates configured to be positioned around a user's body. A plurality of locking mechanisms each operable to adjustably couple one of the measurement belts and one of the side plates. The measurement device also includes a plurality of canting mechanisms coupling the measurement belts and the side plates. The canting mechanisms allow the associated measurement belt and side plate to rotate about associated pivots to allow the measurement belt and side plate to conform to user's body. The canting mechanisms also synchronize the movement of the side plate and the measurement belt such that movement of one causes an equivalent movement of the other. The point at which each measurement belt is coupled to the associated canting mechanism and the associated side plate is identifiable by one or more measurement indicators.

Abstract: A device for holding and immobilizing the hand of a patient for wrist and shoulder arthroscopy and/or surgery, the device comprising a threaded upright tower bar for moving up and down in an operating room table, and an horizontal arm for moving back and forth in an upper end of the upright bar, the horizontal arm having a proximal end for operation of the horizontal arm and a distal end for connecting to the patient's fingers.

Abstract: A halo crown has depending posterior legs adjustable in multiple dimensions for conveniently adjusting the halo crown to a patient's skull. Each leg slides along a single axis yet provides adjustments in three dimensions due to a portion thereof extending downwardly, inwardly and rearwardly and the orientation of the axis.

Abstract: A traction device is provided that includes a harness coupled to a suspension assembly for suspending the harness at a predetermined height. The harness includes a neck support placed behind a user's neck and a chin rest connected to the neck support on which the user's chin rests. Hand grips extending from the chin or forehead rest allow a user to manually grasp the chin rest and support a portion of their weight as the remainder of their weight is supported by the cervical spine through the traction device. Approximately six to eight repetitions of the method, each performed for ten to twenty seconds, result in nourishment, repair, and regeneration of avascular tissues in the disks, ligaments, cartilage, and improved cervical and lumbar lordotic curves.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the amount of tension distributed to a patient receiving traction including a gripping structure having a switching sensor to sense action commands from the patient, a control consul communicated with the switching sensor so as to receive action commands from the switching sensor and process the action commands so as to create processed commands, and a traction device for applying tension to the patient, the traction device includes a tensioning device communicated with the control consul so as to receive processed commands from the control consul, wherein the tensioning device controls the traction device so as to engage or disengage the traction device.

Abstract: A rehabilitation strap system for assisting in the rehabilitation of a damaged knee. The rehabilitation strap system includes an elongate main strap preferably secured at opposing ends forming a loop having a first side and a second side, a pair of upper handles attached to the main strap, a pair of lower handles attached to the main strap, and a plurality of rungs attached between the first side and the second side of the main strap. The user grasps either the upper handles or the lower handles after positioning their foot within one of the rungs or a bottom portion of the main strap. The user then draws the selected handles towards themselves thereby manipulating and stretching the leg thereby increasing the mobility of the leg.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: A portable cervical traction apparatus includes a head receiving member having a U-shaped configuration and a chin strap for being secured to the back of a person's head. The head receiving member includes a protrusion for engaging the occipital bone of the person's head. The apparatus includes a base member contoured to rest atop a person's shoulders. An air cylinder is attached to the base member and includes a shaft extendable therefrom by actuation of an air pump. The shaft is coupled to the head receiving member such that the head receiving member is incrementally moved away from the base member upon actuation of the air cylinder, whereby to relieve cervical pressure or tension.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an upper body support characterized by a dorsal member, having a lower portion which extends substantially rearwardly of a wearer, and at least one flexibly resilient element operatively interconnected with the lower portion of the dorsal member so that when the wearer bends at the waist, the dorsal member operates on the or each flexible resilient element in such a manner that the weight of the upper body of the wearer is borne at least partly therethrough.

Abstract: Rigid left and right side members extend vertically along the user's left and right sides. A girdle that encircles the user is suspended on adjustable straps from the upper ends of the rigid left and right side members. The adjustable straps on opposite sides of the girdle each have a first end permanently affixed to the inside surface of the girdle. The straps extend upward along the user's sides and pass through slots located near the tops of the rigid left and right side members. The straps then extend downwardly to second ends that are removably attached to the outside of the girdle at opposite sides by a hook-and loop fastener. In the front-to-rear direction, the rigid left and right side members coincide with the center of gravity of the lifted weight to avoid pitching moments. The straps by which the girdle is suspended are readily adjustable, thereby promoting the comfort of the user.

Abstract: A portable appliance for treating carpal tunnel syndrome and/or other problems of the wrist of a person. The appliance comprises a releasably securable sleeve means for securement to a person's forearm, a stationary member positioned on the sleeve means, a moveable member slidably coupled to the stationary member, a cuff means secured to an end of the moveable member and a bias means coupled between the stationary member and the moveable member.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a user's arm strength opposed by large stretch bands attached to the harness to achieve 100% of the traction force or “pull-weight.” The principal components of the device are an anchoring system, such as a frame, and a harness, which are used simultaneously as part of a single system. The user lies upon a body support atop the frame and uses his/her arm strength to slide forward by pulling with his/her hands against a harness fastened around the user's waist. The user accomplishes the sliding forward by pulling on handles attached to the top of the frame, while the harness is attached to the bottom of the frame. The effect is distraction of the lower spine. The unique mode of action of the device utilizes the user's own arm strength to achieve a completely variable traction force. The user is in complete control of the amount of traction force to be delivered at all times without any dependence upon electricity to generate force.

Abstract: A device for applying traction to, and/or relieving part of the pressure on, the human spinal column, including a lower, adjustable harness (2), being supported against the patient's pelvis/hipbone, an upper, adjustable harness (1) taking support around the patient's shoulders and under the arm pits, thus applying traction to a maximum number of the vertebrae via keybones and shoulder blades, and elastic force elements (3), striving to separate the two harnesses, symmetrically arranged between said harnesses, on both sides of the spine, said elastic force elements all being located on the front side of the patient's body and including at least two gas springs (3) having the same, pre-selectable, nearly stroke-independent force, and being symmetrically located on each side of, and equally spaced from, the body symmetry plane through the spine.

Abstract: A birthing aid comprised of a rectangularly shaped compliant band dimensioned to be wrapped around the shin or thigh of a patient who is engaged in the birthing process. A compliant handle is attached to the outer surface of the band and positioned so that when a birthing aid is mounted on each leg, the patient may comfortably grasp the handles. A fastening system such as Velcro® is attached to each surface of the band in order fix each mounted band in place. Alternatively, the bands may be held in place by a quick-drying adhesive or instant glue. Other embodiments include a tapered cylinder, a series of loops, and a boot. These are all comprised of a compliant material. All have handles. The patient uses the handles to draw her legs toward her, thus assuming the preferred drawn-up legs position.

Abstract: A vertebral traction device for applying traction to the cervical vertebral column. A method for applying traction to the cervical vertebral column.

Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally delayed person, such as a child, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the child can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame having an upstanding base legs with a connecting frame extending therebetween. A body suit glidable support dolly is mounted upon the frame, and travels longitudinally, traversely and rotationally thereupon. The body suit is suspended from the suit glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit glidable support dolly. The body suit is suspended from the seat-support leg by the connector straps that extend between the body suit and fasteners.

Abstract: A device for exerting force between two portions of the human anatomy, such as a back or neck. The device includes an upper brace for attachment to an upper portion of the human anatomy and a lower brace for attachment to a lower portion of the human anatomy. The first and the second fluid containing cylinder, each cylinder having a lower portion and a telescopically extendable upper portion, have attachment means thereon and extend generally in a longitudinal direction of a patient. The first cylinder upper portion is attached to the upper brace, the first cylinder lower portion is attached to the lower brace. The second cylinder upper portion is attached to the upper brace and the second cylinder lower portion is attached to the lower brace. The first and second cylinders are positioned on opposite sides of the human anatomy with the fluid within the cylinders being compressive and under compression providing a constant force urging the upper brace away from the lower brace.

Abstract: A tendon guide device comprising a net (1) consisting of a wire mesh made of metal or a synthetic material, for supporting a tendon (10). The device is provided with a malleable tail (7) with a rounded end (9) extending away from the closed end (5) of the net for leading the tendon into a passage in a bone, and an insertion guide (12) enabling the tendon (10) to be inserted into the open end (3) of the net (1). The meshes (2) of the mesh are flexible and thus adjustable between a loosened position in which the tendon (10) is readily insertable by way of the guide (12) and a tightened position in which the tendon may be trapped without using anchoring mechanisms when the two ends of the net (1) are pulled apart.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable apparatus for providing lumbar traction in the home or while traveling which is used in conjunction with a door or gate. The apparatus includes an anchoring device which fits over the top of an ordinary door. The anchor is connected to an adjustable support strap which is attached to a junction box. An adjustable rope passing over a pulley in the junction box is provided with a grip at one end, and a pelvic traction belt at the other end. A locking mechanism is provided on the junction box to set the adjustable rope attached to the traction belt in a desired position. The device is attached over a door, and the user puts on the traction belt and lies down on the floor with knees bent, the soles of both feet flat against the door. By pulling the grip of the rope, the traction belt can be raised to a desired position for traction, and then locked in place. After an appropriate period of traction, the user disengages the lock, and lowers the traction belt.

Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally developed person, such as a child, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the child can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame having an upstanding base legs with a connecting frame extending therebetween. A body suit glidable support dolly is mounted upon the frame, and travels longitudinally, traversely and rotationally thereupon. The body suit is suspended from the suit glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit glidable support dolly. The body suit is suspended from the seat-support leg by the connector straps that extend between the body suit and fasteners.

Abstract: The pneumatic lumbar traction device comprises two separable parts, namely an upper hollow shell and a lower plate or frame. The plate or frame has a pneumatically operated piston and cylinder mechanism located centrally thereof with a piston rod extending outwardly to engage a guided bar guided in a guideway mounted to the plate or frame. The guided bar extends outwardly of a foot end of the hollow shell and the plate or frame has an outer perimeter. The hollow shell has an inner perimeter which is sized to seat over and around the outer perimeter of the plate or frame, such that the outer perimeter of the plate or frame can bear against the inner perimeter of said hollow shell at a head end of the device when traction is placed on the lumbar region of a users back. The hollow shell has the foot end and a head end. The opening at the foot end allows the guided bar to extend therethrough.

Abstract: The penile traction device includes a preferably reusable or disposable foam pressure dissipation friction pad having a preferably felt-like backing positioned around the penile shaft for dissipating applied force and frictionally holding the device to the shaft. A weight supporting means has a strap that surrounds and transfers force to the pressure dissipation friction pad. The weight support strap receives force from a selective weight means. A resilient and/or shock absorbing connector can be placed between the weight support means and selective weight means. A two-section weight relief means is also connected to the selective weight means. A handle on the relief means allows the patient or attendant to manually lift all or a part of the weight from the weight support means. The two sections of the relief means are adjustable to vary the overall length of the relief means.

Abstract: A body stretching and decompression system for use on a horizontal surface is disclosed. The system includes a frame having first and second portions adjustably connected together. A pair of hand grips are secured to the second portion of the frame. The system also includes a cuff assembly to be secured to a user, a rollable positioning member for allowing a user to move on the horizontal surface in a direction away from the first portion of the frame, and a resilient coupling resiliently attaching the first portion of said frame to the cuff assembly. When the cuff assembly is secured to a user and the user is disposed on the positioning member in an initial position with respect to the first portion of the frame, the user may apply a user-selected amount of traction to the user's skeletal system by grasping the hand grips and moving the user's body to an extended position. The amount of traction is generally proportional to the distance between the initial and extended positions.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance that is designed to assist in the reduction of an anterior dislocation, during a course of treatment given to a person who is laying horizontal on a table or similar elevated surface, with the affected arm hanging directly downward. The appliance eliminates the need for a person to grip or in any way consciously hold on to weighted objects, thereby allowing the patient to fully relax during the treatment procedure. The appliance comprises one or more forearm straps which are wrapped around the forearm of the person receiving treatment, where one or more weighted units are attached to the forearm straps, with extending supports so that the weights hang down, so that a direct downward pull on the affected arm is possible. Said weighted units may be attached to the forearm straps using one or more descending loops, in which weights such as dumbbells may be placed.

Abstract: Compression/traction device for use with internal imaging devices including a stabilizing member for engaging a portion of the thorax of a patient's body and a force generating device to apply a force to the patient's body remote from the thorax. A load simulation table for imaging devices such as X-ray, CAT scan, MRI or tomography instruments is also disclosed, which includes a thorax engaging member and a force generating device to apply a force to the patient's body remote from the thorax portion. A method for simulating a load on a patient's body during imaging procedures is also disclosed and includes the steps of positioning a patient on a flat surface to subject the patient to an imaging procedure, engaging a portion of the thorax of the patient's body, applying a force to a portion of the patient's body at a location remote from the thorax and performing an imaging procedure while applying the force to the patient.

Abstract: A mobile back mounted supporting device for relieving pressure off of the back of a person who has to endure frequent bending. This device permits a wearer to bend over and remain parallel to the ground for extended periods of time without discomfort. It allows maximum movement for the operator since the operating parts do not get in the way. This device consists of a frame to which a chest harness, belt clip, and leg extensions are attached. The chest harness is worn by the worker and is supported by a system of elastic cord and pulleys. The harness pulls up on the upper body as the worker bends forward and thus provides support. The farther the wearer bends forward, the more tension is placed on the cords, and thus more support is given to the back.

Abstract: For the purpose of supporting the subject's head corresponding to the motion of the subject's neck, there is provided a neck fixing apparatus comprising a base disposed on a surface on which the subject is mounted, an arm extending along the body axis of the subject to be mounted and pivotally attached to the base, and a head rest 82 for mounting the subject's head, movably attached to the arm and movable along the arm 60.