Abstract: A power-assisted wheelchair is disclosed that is particularly well suited for use by a person capable of exerting some hand/arm force in attempting to propel the wheelchair while seated therein, but incapable of exerting sufficient force, at least in some instances, to achieve satisfactory overall non-assisted operation of the wheelchair. Power-assist is provided by an electrical power unit that includes a motor for driving each main wheel of the wheelchair, with the power unit being removable to facilitate folding of the wheel chair when not in use. Motor energization is initiated when the user exerts force on the hand rims, connected with the drive wheels, in an attempt to propel the wheelchair. Displacement of the handrim relative to the associated drive wheel caused by the user exerted force is sensed and an electrical signal is produced to cause motor energization, with structure and feedback circuitry also being included for enhancing the efficiency of the power assist thus provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for promoting resolution of infection at an externally accessible wound site, such as a skin tear or ulcer, of a patient using antibiotic agents (normally comprising one or more antibiotic drugs) in combination with electrical stimulation. The antibiotic agents administered to the patient enter the blood stream of the patient, and the electrical stimulation is applied, while the antibiotic agents are in the blood stream, to the patient through one or more active electrodes to cause increased circulation of blood to the wound site to thereby enhance resolution of the infection at the wound site.

Abstract: A disposable wound treatment electrode is disclosed that is usable in combination with a releasable connector for enabling effective delivery of an electrical signal to a patient. The electrode and connector are configured so that the connector provides a readily accessible tool to facilitate disposal of the electrode after use, and a method of utilization for effecting this end is also disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically non-conductive cover sheet, an electrically conductive and preferably non-metallic disperser formed at least in part by carbon and having a portion, preferably integral with the remainder of the disperser, that extends through an aperture in the interior portion of the cover sheet, and a non-adhering wound contact sheet.

Abstract: Pulse compensation is disclosed for electronic devices capable of producing a pulse output signal suitable for therapeutic purposes with pulse compensation being automatically provided upon sensing of a change in the conditions being monitored. The electronic device, which preferably includes a micro-computer, has externally accessible pulse width and intensity controls for determining the width and amplitude of pulses then being delivered. Upon each sensing of a change in a monitored condition capable of causing user discomfort or possible injury, the intensity of the pulses then being delivered is quickly reduced and then gradually increased toward the full intensity requested by the intensity control.

Abstract: A device utilizing capacitive coupling to provide an output indicative of angular relationship. Relatively rotatable units have paired electrical signal paths on closely adjacent portions to establish capacitive coupling therebetween. A high frequency AC signal is conducted through the electrical signal paths, which paths are preferbaly shielded, with the capacitance of one of the paired electrical signal paths being dependent upon the angular relationship between the closely adjacent portions of the units and with the capacitance of others of the paired electrical signal paths being substantially independent of the angular relationship between the closely adjacent portions of the units.

Abstract: An elongated strip electrode arrangement and method are disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically conductive layer having a layer of conductive adhesive at one side and an electrically non-conductive layer at the other side with the non-conductive layer having a series of longitudinally spaced pairs of apertures therein through which a connector pin is insertable to establish and maintain electrical contact between the pin and the conductive layer. The apertures of each aperture pair are closely spaced from one another so that a connector pin when inserted through one of the apertures a sufficient distance can extend from the electrode through the other aperture. The longitudinally extending series of aperture pairs enables selection of electrode strips of different lengths from a roll of the strip electrode.

Abstract: An electronic device and method are disclosed for effecting both nerve fiber and body tissue stimulation. Nerve fiber stimulation is primarily effected by application of pulses, and preferably by application of biphasic pulse pairs the pulses of which are spaced from one another in a pattern such that nerve fiber stimulation applied through plural active electrodes enhances pain suppression. Body tissue treatment is primarily effected by application of a net DC charge, and preferably by application of biphasic pulses that includes a greater number of either negative or positive pulses so that a net DC charge results. The DC charge level is maintained at a substantially constant selected value regardless of pulse variations within established broad limits, and the DC charge level is adjustable between operational modes, as needed.

Abstract: The lumbar roll is particularly usable by a person seated for extensive periods of time, as, for example, a computer operator, to alert the user to various conditions such as poor posture and/or a need to exercise. The lumbar roll includes a piece of foam material surrounded by a zippered casing of nylon or the like. A battery powered electronic unit is encased in the foam material, and a pressure switch is also positioned in the foam material so that the switch is closed by user pressure exerted on the roll. After user pressure closes the pressure switch, the electronic unit turns on and timers are activated to provide an audible alert if the pressure switch should open for a predetermined period of time thereafter to indicate a condition such as poor posture, for example, or if the pressure switch is not opened for a predetermined period of time thereafter to provide a different audible alert of a second condition such as a need for exercise, for example.

Abstract: An electronic stimulating device is disclosed, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through electrode pairs noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at a biphasic output stage associated with each electrode pair, and the generated biphasic output pulses are capacitively coupled from each output stage which also includes a bleeder network for effecting capacitor discharge. Stimulation may be continuously applied at a level selected by the user or may be applied in timed varying intensities the maximum level of which is selectable, and displays of intensity and sensed faults, including low battery voltage, are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for effecting battery management in a battery powered electronic stimulating device, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. The output power is in the form of biphasic constant current output pulses generated at one or more biphasic output stages. Each output stage receives high voltage, derived from the battery, along with microprocessor generated control pulses. Battery management is effected by detecting predetermined voltage levels and responsive thereto decrementing the output power to maintain the battery voltage at a selected lower level with termination of operation occurring when such decrementing can no longer maintain the lower battery voltage. A battery warning indicator is also provided for advising of battery condition.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for effecting timed treatment of varying intensity in an electronic stimulating device, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through electrode pairs noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at a biphasic output stage associated with each electrode pair. Stimulation may be continuously applied at a level selected by the user or may be applied in timed varying intensities the maximum level of which is selectable, with a display also being provided of selected and applied intensity levels.

Abstract: A biphasic pulse output stage is disclosed for an electronic stimulating device, such as a transcutaneous nerve stimulating device capable of effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through an electrode pair noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at one or more biphasic output stages each of which is associated with an electrode pair, and the generated biphasic output pulses are capacitively coupled from each output stage which also includes a bleeder network for effecting capacitor discharge.

Abstract: Pulse compensation is disclosed for electronic devices capable of producing a pulse output signal suitable for therapeutic purposes with pulse compensation being automatically provided upon sensing of a change in she conditions being monitored. The electronic device, which preferably includes a microcomputer, has externally accessible pulse width and intensity controls for determining the width and amplitude of pulses then being delivered. Upon each sensing of a change in a monitored condition capable of causing user discomfort or possible injury, the intensity of the pulses then being delivered is quickly reduced and then gradually increased toward the full intensity requested by the intensity control.