Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing joints based on sensed joint vibrations. Accelerometers disposed on the skin adjacent to the joint detect vibrational patterns during movement of the joint. These patterns are then processed by one processor to generate a predetermined set of data parameters descriptive of the vibration pattern. Also, the position and velocity of the joint during the vibration is recorded. This information from numerous patients with known joint conditions is used to train a adaptive interpreter, such as a neural network, to produce an output in response to these inputs which is indicative of the known joint condition. Once trained, the adaptive interpreter can then interpret this set of parameters for an unknown joint to generate a fast and reliable diagnosis. The result is a non-subjective joint disorder classification system that can be utilized by persons without particular expertise in analyzing joint vibrational patterns.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot splint which is attached to the shoes of a user to correct for a toe-in or toe-out condition is disclosed. The foot splint includes a pair of shoe engaging plates and an elongate connecting mechanism. A swivel is provided between the shoe engaging plate and the end of the connecting mechanism so that the shoe of the user can rotate about a vertical axis. The swivel includes a stop which is adjustable to restrict the movement of the swivel so that the toe or heel of the shoe swivels either towards or away from the connecting mechanism from an initial position where the longitudinal axis of the shoe engaging plate is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting mechanism. A mechanism for locking the shoe engaging plate against swiveling movement is also provided. The connecting mechanism can include two bars, a central pivot, a central hinge, and lateral hinges. At least one bar is also laterally extendable according to the needs of the user.

Abstract: An adjustable orthopedic foot splint is disclosed which maintains a desired angle between the feet of the user and which otherwise allows virtually full freedom of movement of the feet except for an undesired movement of one foot in front of or too close to the other foot as the user walks. The orthopedic foot splint includes a linkage having two pairs of parallelogram links. These parallelogram links are pivotable in a horizontal plane relative to each other and relative to the plate which engages the shoe. Attached between opposed links of one pair of parallelogram links is a tether. The tether prevents the one pair of links from pivoting beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Bacteria, particularly coliform bacteria, present in a liquid, are rapidly detected. A sample of the liquid to be tested is admixed with an enzyme-inducing agent which induces the production of an enzyme in the bacteria, the enzyme being capable of reacting with a fluorescent conjugate ingested by the bacteria to release its fluorescent portion. Conditions are controlled such that a sufficient number of molecules of enzyme are produced per bacterium present in the liquid sample to effect release of the fluorescent portion. A fluorescent conjugate, capable of being ingested by the bacteria, is admixed with the liquid sample for reaction with the enzyme to release the fluorescent portion of the fluorescent conjugate. The liquid sample is then formed into microdroplets in a liquid carrier such that the fluorescent material is retained in the microdroplets.