Abstract: A feeding device for use by persons with limited or no use of their arms, wherein a spoon is mounted on supporting and counterbalancing levers and is associated with a mouth-piece in such a manner that the user can manipulate the spoon to lift food from a dish, can then place the spoon on a fixed support and then adjust the spoon to a position for convenient eating of the food. The spoon mounting includes an adjustable support for a counterbalancing spring. All the parts are mounted on a flat base which is adapted also to support the food dish.

Abstract: A cane holder for holding upright a walking cane at the side of a bed has a generally planar frame to be inserted between a mattress and a box spring of a bed. A clamp on a side of the frame protrudes to one side of the bed. A walking cane held in the clamp provides a convenient hold for a person rising from the bed. The cane can then be released from the clamp for use as a walking aid away from the bed. A preferred walking cane has a foldable mid-height hand grip in addition to a top handle to provide two holds at different heights on the cane.

Abstract: Hand, knee and elbow orthosis each have a deformable semi-rigid stiffener having two end plates joined by a narrow midportion and contained between thin foam sheets to make an insert. A finger separator may be attached and adjustably positioned on the hand orthosis. The finger separator may include a plurality of upstanding partitions and an elastic element for releasably securing the separator to the orthosis.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance orthopedic splint has two arms hinged to each other, each arm having two parallel spaced apart tubular segments joined by an application pad. A cable stretched between the arms is contained in the tubular segments and partially wrapped around the hinge. The cable is held under tension by an adjustable spring assembly to apply a variable torque urging the arms apart towards extension about the hinge.

Abstract: A reclining seat back replaces a canvas seat back in a wheelchair frame. The reclining back has left and right brackets which attach to existing upright back supports of the wheelchair frame. A reclining back pivoted to the brackets is adjustable to a desired recline position.

Abstract: A portable commode with spring assisted lifting seat has a lightweight self-supporting stand, a seat hinged to the frame and a pair of pneumatic springs for lifting the seat to an elevated position. The springs yield under the body weight of the user to depress the seat to a lowered position. The springs can be easily set at different positions on the seat to adjust for users of different body weights. A removable waste receptacle on the frame permits the commode to be used by itself, as at a bedside location, or over a conventional toilet bowl installation.

Abstract: Hand, knee and elbow orthosis each have a deformable semi-rigid stiffener having two end plates joined by a narrow midportion and contained between thin foam sheets to make an insert. A launderable cover of terry cloth fabric with permanently attached straps and a zippered opening fully envelops the insert. The hand orthosis has symmetrical left and right thumb extenders for ambidextrous application. The elbow and knee orthosis are symmetrical in length and width for convenient application insensitive to orientation of the orthosis on either a right or left limb.

Abstract: An orthopedic splint has two end plates connected to an intermediate hinge which flexes in a plane transverse to the plates and attaches to a limb in a less obtrusive position behind the joint rather than on opposite sides of the joint. The hinge has continuously adjustable stops for limiting flexing and extension and a spring contained in the hinge for preloading the splint. The entire splint including the hinge may be enclosed and contained in a zippered moisture absorbent contour fitting cover for improved esthetic appearance and comfort.