Abstract: Low-cost, light weight portable cervical traction or spinal decompression devices for home use by a patient. A carriage is slidable along a portion of a support structure parallel to a longitudinal axis. The carriage includes a restraining mechanism adapted to releasably restrain a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is operatively coupled to move the carriage relative to the support structure when in a pressurized state. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is adapted to maintain a generally static traction force during a treatment period when in the pressurized state without additional pressurized air being supplied. A hand pump operated by the patient is fluidly connected to the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus to inject pressurized air. A pressure relief mechanism operated by the patient is adapted to release pressure from the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus.

Abstract: Improved operating features for an electrotherapy device are provided by the use of a peel off detection system which monitors device operation and provides necessary corrective action where appropriate. More specifically, the electrotherapy device monitors the connection characteristics of the electrodes, in order to determine if acceptable connections are being maintained to the patient. In order to monitor these connections, a baseline signal measurement is made when the system is first started. Subsequent measurements are then compared to this baseline measurement, to insure that the magnitude stays within an acceptable range. If the measurement shows a non-acceptable connection condition, the electrotherapy device is shut down and appropriate warning signals are provided to the user. Where multiple output channels are used, isolation circuits are included in the feedback network in order to insure no signal coupling exists.

Abstract: An iontophoresis electrode (10) is disclosed including a backing layer (22) formed of PVC or similar material including plasticizers providing softness and conformability and a conductive layer (18) formed of carbon or similar polymer material having electrical characteristics which are negatively affected with the migration of the plasticizers. A barrier layer (26) is provided to prevent the undesired migration of plasticizers from the backing layer (22) into the conductive layer (18). In one preferred form, the barrier layer (26) is a sacrificial layer, such as of identical construction as the conductive layer (18), for acceptance of the migration of the plasticizers. In another form, the barrier layer (26) is an impermeable layer formed of material in which the plasticizer is immiscible so as to prevent the migration of the plasticizers.

Abstract: The upper and lower sections (12, 14) of a splint (10) are pivotable about a pivot axis (17) by a pair of pivot assemblies (16). Each pivot assembly (16) includes a housing (18) having a cylindrical side wall (20) and a spacer (30) having a cam track (34). The housing (18) is closed by a closure plate (36) which pivotably mounts an arcuate brake shoe (46) and which mounts a cam (60). Relative rotation of the housing (18) and closure plate (36) causes the cam (60) to follow on the cam track (34) for pivoting the brake shoe (46) to engage the side wall (20) with variable braking force. In preferred forms, a compression block (80) having an aperture (82) formed therein is positioned between the brake shoe axis and the end of the brake shoe (46) to provide a visual indication of the resistance force. In preferred forms, a V-shaped projection (90) is formed on the brake shoe (46) for slideable receipt in a V-shaped groove (84) formed in the side wall (20).

Abstract: A TENS device includes a pain intensity scale input for use by a patient in starting and stopping a pain treatment. Input data, as well as time and intensity data, is stored, analyzed and displayed to help a clinician evaluate the effectiveness of the pain treatment.

Abstract: A medical stimulator provides periodic treatment modes featuring an on time in which a pulse train of stimulation signals are delivered to the patient, and an off time in which no stimulation signals are provided. The rate and/or intensity of the pulse train may be modulated during the on time cycles. An intensity control is provided to allow the patient to increase or decrease intensity at any time. When the intensity control is actuated by the patient, the pulse train is automatically switched to a continuous mode in which a continuous train of pulses is provided while intensity is adjusted.