Patents Examined by Brian E. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 5584838
    Abstract: A femoral nail which can be implanted in a bone has a transverse hole, and an arrangement is provided for generating a magnetic field which has a maximum strength along an axis of the transverse hole and which decreases in strength in directions radially away from the axis. A drill guide for axially aligning a drill with the transverse hole has an axial drill opening through it, and first and second sensor arrangements are provided at axially spaced locations on the drill guide and each have a plurality of sensors which are at angularly spaced locations and are spaced radially from the opening through the drill guide. An arrangement responsive to the first and second sensor arrangements detects a deviation of the drill opening in the drill guide from coaxial alignment with the axis of the hole in the member, and provides an operator perceptible indication of a radial direction from the drill opening to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Mehmet Rona, Douglas J. Ely, James A. Evans, Matthew S. Alves, Lisa D. Sertic, Christopher D. Philipp
  • Patent number: 5584797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a massager, and the method for its production, in which the motors of vibrators to be arranged in groups of desired numbers in vertical and lateral directions and power lines are connected not using the conventional ways of soldering or the like while at the same time, power lines of the motors are, after correct arrangement, fixed firmly on the supporting member by compression by heat. Thereby, both the inner and outer shells of the body of the massager are combined into one and can be used as the supporting member, the wiring of the power lines thus being made easy and simple at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Young-Yoon Yoo
  • Patent number: 5582581
    Abstract: A massaging, cleansing apparatus comprises a vibratory massaging portion and a formed soap bar. The massaging portion is dimensioned and configured to releasably receive the soap bar. The apparatus provides a vibratory massage during use of the soap bar, and also allows for non-destructive changing of soap bars, replacement of used soap bars, and continued use of the massaging portion after depletion of the soap bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Azor Horton
  • Patent number: 5582582
    Abstract: A back massaging mechanism for massaging a user's back including a first pair of spaced parallel bars; a pair of downwardly extending telescopic legs coupled to each bar and positionable upon a recipient surface to thereby create a space for accommodating a user lying in a generally horizontal position with his back facing upwards; an elongated cross rail extended between the bars; a guiding mechanism for guiding movement of the cross rail along the bars; a massaging mechanism including a housing coupled to the cross rail for longitudinal slidable moveable therealong, a plurality of rotatable heads with extending fingers coupled to and projected downwards from the housing and with the fingers of the heads positionable upon the user's back, and a first drive mechanism for moving the housing along the cross rail and for simultaneously rotating the heads; and a second drive mechanism for moving the cross rail along the bars and with the fingers of the heads thus longitudinally and transversely moveable for massa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Nicki C. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5578038
    Abstract: A jig for use in connection with a tibial osteotomy procedure. The jig is for locating a curvilinear-cut axis prior to making a desired curvilinear cut through the tibia so that such axis is approximately normal to a plane substantially parallel to the sagittal plane. The jig includes positioner structure lying in a jig plane for positioning adjacent a desired tibial region, and aligner structure for adjusting the jig so that the jig plane is substantially parallel to a plane parallel to the sagittal plane. The positioner structure also includes locator structure that is usable, with the adjusted jig, to locate the curvilinear-cut axis. In a preferred embodiment, the positioner structure includes first and second elongate members that are pivotably interconnected with respect to each other. The first and second members are also provided with marking structure for marking the located curvilinear-cut axis and with respective first and second pins for linking the jig to the corresponding tibial bone sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: D. Barclay Slocum
  • Patent number: 5577997
    Abstract: A dual purpose massage and foot and body maintenance device for imparting a massaging action to the body and for removing dry skin and calluses from the feet and body. The tool has top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral wall extending circumferentially therearound. The peripheral wall is inclined downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and provides a gripping surface for holding the tool. The top surface being adapted for the massaging function and the bottom surface adapted for the foot and body maintenance function. The top surface has a plurality of generally hemispherically shaped protrusions adapted to contact and massage the body. The bottom surface performs the foot and body maintenance function. A plurality of depressions and riser portions or grooves is formed in the bottom surface of the tool. These grooves may be used to remove dry skin and calluses from the feet and body by rubbing the bottom of the tool against the dry skin and calluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: Kumail Thariani, Ann Thariani
  • Patent number: 5577995
    Abstract: A therapeutic device to mobilize the spinal joints and soft tissues surrounding the human spine. The device includes two substantially solid spherical balls mounted on a shaft for independent rotation. In one embodiment, the balls have a spherical to elliptical configuration and comprise an inner ball portion of a variable density synthetic plastic material and with an outer covering or portion comprised of a flexible material. The balls have a confronting area forming a substantially elliptical shape extending from a major spherical ball portion. Another embodiment comprises two spherical rubber balls having an inner ball formed of hard material to assist in the mobilizing operation and an outer flexible rubber cover. In either embodiment, the balls may be mounted on the shaft via suitable sleeves disposed through the inner ball portions. The device may be used in self-treatment or may be applied by another person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Grace L. Walker
    Inventors: Grace L. Walker, Rex O. Bare
  • Patent number: 5577516
    Abstract: A plurality of devices are provided for dressing wounds, injuries, and inserted intravenous (IV) catheters on a body portion of a patient. Each device has a pressure plate for being positioned in engagement with the wound, injury, or inserted IV catheter, and at least one securing strap to secure the pressure plate in engagement therewith. An embodiment having a bandage secured to an elongated pressure plate with a flexible center portion may be applied to a wound in the area of a body joint. Another embodiment having a bandage secured to each of two pressure plates may be applied to a wound comprising first and second wound areas located in the same general lateral portion of a body portion. Still another embodiment having a raised portion at one end of the pressure plate generally shaped to correspond to the external portion of an inserted IV catheter may be applied to secure the IV catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Stat Emergency Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney D. Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 5575760
    Abstract: A roller therapeutic appliance has a pressure roller of an elastic material rotatably disposed in a center portion of an operational axis having grips at both ends. An annular magnetic field generating source is embedded adjacent an outer periphery of the pressure roller, which contacts with a human body. The pressure roller is applied and rotated with pressure on a diseased part of the patient. A pressing force due to the pressure roller and also a magnetic field due to the magnetic field generating source embedded in the pressure roller act on the diseased part, thereby imparting both a massaging effect and a magnetic therapeutic effect. Moreover, the annular magnetic field generating source can easily be embedded a predetermined depth and at predetermined positions in the pressure roller is not exposed on the surface of the pressure roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Nihon Kenko Zoushin Kenkyukai Corporation
    Inventor: Isamu Masuda
  • Patent number: 5575761
    Abstract: A vibrating massager includes a housing and an elastic strap, which is fastened into a loop to hold a protrusion extending from a surface of the housing against a pressure point of the human body. Mechanical vibrations, produced by a small electric motor spinning an eccentrically mounted weight, are transmitted to the protrusion. The motor is driven according to a pattern of pulses, between which the vibrations are interrupted. The length of time between vibrating pulses is adjusted with a first know on the device. The speed of the motor is adjusted using a second knob on the device, varying the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations. An extension strap is used to facilitate attachment of the strap around larger body members such as the head, as well as around smaller body members, such as the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Mohammed-Ali Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 5573499
    Abstract: A vibrating device having a body with a hollow including a shaft portion and an impression portion within the hollow which corresponds to the shape of a casing which encloses a motor and spinner. A plug and sheath having dimensions corresponding to the shaft portion of the hollow is wedged into the hollow after the casing has been placed in the impression portion of the hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Health Devices Corporation
    Inventor: Ron McAllister
  • Patent number: 5573500
    Abstract: A housing having an inclined surface and a pair of footrests is provided. A plurality of impact rods are disposed in perpendicular to the inclined surface and axially slidably mounted in the housing. An impact head is secured to a top of each of the impact rods. A reciprocating device is provided for reciprocating the impact rods so as to impact a sole of a user mounted on the footrest. A reciprocating device and a drive motor for actuating the reciprocating device are disposed in a mass block that is suspended from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Biopit Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Katsunuma, Tomio Fujikawa, Seiya Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 5569169
    Abstract: A flexible strand is provided with pressure applying nodules spaced therealong so that the strand may be looped around various deeper body muscle groups to apply pressure to the muscle groups and relieve muscle pain. An optional bar may be also used, either by itself, or with the flexible strand, to apply pressure to muscles which are close to the surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Maylon J. Lewark, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5558626
    Abstract: An improved sling for maintaining a patient's hand in an elevated position while permitting substantially unrestrained mobility of the patient's shoulder consists essentially of an arm strap wrappable about the patient's upper arm and lower arm to form a loop with overlapping end portions having surfaces which face each other. These overlapping, facing surfaces are provided with removable adhesive material, such as hook-and-loop material so as to form (when the elbow is bent) an arm loop of adjustable length to establish the bend of the patient's elbow and elevation of the patient's hand. A palm band (or hand loop) for receiving and locating the patient's hand in predetermined position is fixed to one end portion of the arm strap, the latter having a length and width matched to the size of the patient's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Elizabeth Holtzman, Lynn Bassini, Mukund R. Patel
  • Patent number: 5558102
    Abstract: A limb restraint device is for ready assembly/detachment with a patient, and while in use, for remote anchoring to limit exaggerated limb flexing. It includes a flexible fabric member of rectangular configuration having a ribbon-like member presenting a closed circle which is secured to one short end and so secured as to provide two hemispherical loops for engaging a tethering strap. Complemental adhering members are provided adjacent to each transverse end and are adapted to interruptably engage each other when a patient limb is enclosed. An elongate anchoring strap is operably connected to the loops serving to reinforce the fabric member enclosure and concurrently tether the limb to a remote anchoring post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Andrew D. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 5554102
    Abstract: A portable massaging device comprises a cylindrical body in which a power unit is housed and over which a massaging set is fitted. The power unit is composed of a motor, a battery set, a cam and a conducting member. The massaging set is composed of a plurality of fitting members and massaging nipples. The fitting members are provided respectively with a plurality of receiving recesses in which the massaging nipples are held. The fitting members are further provided respectively in the connection ends thereof with a plurality of mortises and tenons, by way of which the fitting members are held together. An end cap is fastened to one end of the cylindrical body for locating the massaging set and for shielding the power unit. A handle is fastened at one end thereof with the end cap and at another end thereof with the conducting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Shih-Kuen Chiou
  • Patent number: 5551949
    Abstract: A heated massage therapy device has a hand-held housing, a mechanical vibration generator disposed within the housing, the mechanical vibration being transmitted to at least a heat-conductive, preferably infrared transparent portion thereof, and at least one source of infrared radiation disposed within the housing, the infrared radiation being applied to at least the heat-conductive portion of the housing. A corresponding number of first fresnel lenses formed in the heat portion of the housing concentrates infrared radiation such that it may more efficiently be applied to the user. Second fresnel lenses may be formed about all of the individual infrared radiation sources as a group to further concentrate the infrared radiation applied to the user. An infrared reflective member disposed proximate the infrared radiation sources reflects infrared radiation not incident upon the heat-conductive portion of the housing theretoward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Interport International, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 5549612
    Abstract: An osteosynthesis plate system is particularly well adapted to securely fuse adjacent cervical vertebrae. The plates are adapted for mounting upon the anterior or posterior surfaces of the vertebrae. Plates for mounting on the anterior vertebral surfaces have a concave bone contacting surface and a bone screw locking mechanism integral with each screw hole. Moreover, the bone contacting surface of the plate has a plurality of bone penetrating protrusions to more securely affix the plate to bone. Plates for mounting on the posterior vertebral surfaces also have bone penetrating protections on their bone contacting surfaces. Such plates are formed so as to have a curved bone contacting surface that is concave in the transverse axis of the plate and convex in the longitudinal axis of the plate. The screw holes of such plates are constructed so as to guide a bone screw along a desired angle to improve the anchoring of the screws in bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Yapp, Charles B. Worrick, III
  • Patent number: 5542909
    Abstract: A hand-held, self-contained, self-powered, submersible, portable water pump appliance having physical dimensions and weight enabling it to be hand-held and transportable by a person. The appliance can recirculate water in a pool of water, as in a bathtub or spa, and is useful for providing massage and stimulation to the body of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory T. Camp
  • Patent number: 5540651
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy bed includes a substantially water-tight enclosure having an open top. The top of the enclosure is covered by an upper and lower layer of thin rubber having an intermediate layer of thixotropic gel approximately one half inch thick. The rubber layers are mounted in a peripheral groove using a strip of T-shaped molding and a supporting net is mounted beneath the lower rubber layer in another peripheral groove by attaching edge loops of the net to a plastic coated half hinge which is inserted into the peripheral groove. A pair of parallel tracks is mounted inside the enclosure and an array of upwardly directed water jets is carried on a cross member which is movable along the tracks. The cross member is coupled to an endless cable wound around pulleys mounted at ends of the tracks. One of the pulleys is coupled to a motor which drives the cross member along the tracks. The cable is kept from crossing over itself on the drive pulley by threading it through a TEFLON.RTM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Thomas M. Risch
    Inventors: Thomas M. Risch, Bryon Bourgeois