Abstract: A method and device for administering pulmonary physical therapy to a patient. The device comprises a control console comprising a sound generator for generating sounds, and a patient contact board. The control console has knobs for adjusting the frequency, wavelength, duration and volume of the sounds from the sound generator, and a power cord for connecting the control console to a power source. The patient contact board is connected to the control console. The contact board has a plurality of speakers mounted on the front face of the board and connected to said sound generator for transmitting the sounds generated by said sound generator. There is a soundproof lining along the back face of the board. The method involves holding the board to the patient's chest or having the patient lean against the board and administering low frequency sound waves to the patient's chest via the control console to loosen chest secretions.

Abstract: An external fixator for setting fractured bones, comprising a flexible, articulable column comprised of a series of ball and socket members linked by a tensioning cable threaded therethrough. Tightening the cable forces the ball and socket members together and makes the column rigid. There is a mechanism for tightening the cable and keeping the cable in a tightened position to allow the bones to set without moving. A plurality of pivotable pin holders are arranged along the column for attaching to pins inserted into the fractured bones, thus attaching the column to the bones to be set. There is also a mechanism for fixing each pin holder into a rigid position so that there can be no pivoting motion after the proper position of the fixator has been achieved. The external fixator according to the invention has the advantage of added flexibility during positioning of the fixator onto the fractured bones, while being able to obtain the necessary rigidity for proper bone setting.