Abstract: An electronic gas flow triggering circuit for use in an aerosol drug dispensing device has a voltage source and a self-nulling circuit to which voltage is supplied from the voltage source. A hot wire anemometer filament forms a component of the bridge circuit which is adapted to maintain a constant resistance of the anemometer filament, the bridge drive voltage being dependent upon the gas flow across the anemometer filament. A comparator compares the bridge output voltage with a reference voltage and provides a triggering signal to operate the device if the bridge drive voltage is greater than the reference voltage.

Abstract: A respiratory device is provided with a display showing a respiration signal related to a breathing pattern of a patient. This signal is derived from the difference between a sensed signal indicative of the respiration and airflow generated by the device and a baseline signal. The parameter is adjusted so that the respiration signal is restricted to a predetermined dynamic range. A short term average of the respiration signal (taken over about 0.5 seconds) and a long term average of respiration signals (taken over about 12 seconds) are calculated based on the CPAP measure. These averages are used to monitor the dynamic change in the respiration signal. If a large variation in either average is detected, the baseline is set to a value selected to rapidly reduce the respiration signal to a lower offset.

Abstract: The pulmonary oxygen flow control system delivers oxygen from a source of pressure to a nasal cannula worn by the patient. Between the source and the nasal cannula is a pendant flow structure which includes an orifice followed by a gas dynamic valve. When the downstream pressure in the cannula is high, the gas dynamic valve diverts the oxygen flow through the orifice to a flexible reservoir. Upon inhalation, the pressure at the cannula falls so that the gas dynamic valve delivers the orifice flow to the cannula and also utilizes a Venturi effect to withdraw oxygen from the reservoir and deliver it to the cannula. The cannula has nasal tubes which have angular faces and which are positioned farther into the nares to deliver the oxygen more efficiently.

Abstract: A fitness method for an exerciser in a format that utilizes a moving surface (the moving belt of a standard treadmill); and two types of fixed surfaces: the first type being the narrow platform edges that run along the right and left sides of the moving belt of standard treadmills; the second type of fixed surface being the floor space immediately surrounding the treadmill 3 to 5 feet out and away from it on all 4 sides, front, back, night and left. The format involves specific movements of the feet that take the practitioner from occupying a position on the moving surface (the moving belt of a standard treadmill) to occupying a position on either of the 2 types of fixed surfaces (the narrow platform edges that run along the right and left sides of the moving belt of standard treadmills or the floor space immediately surrounding the treadmill 3 to 5 feet out and away from it on all 4 sides, front, back, right and left) and back to the moving surface one time or more repeatedly.

Abstract: An Improved Facial Rejuvenation Device and Method. The device is small and portable. The device further has an ergonomic nozzle shape defined by a housing having a suction bore defined by a throttle positioned within it. The throttle may perform its throttling action by adjusting the diameter of the suction bore formed within the housing. The method employs the unique device to create a localized suction force to the skin in the vicinity of a previously-applied medicinal formulation. The device further may have a housing defined by a conical outer shape terminating in a sealing ring at its tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: The present invention includes an adhesive bandage for use in one or more disorders of a joint and/or associated appendage. The method of the present invention includes placing a user's joint in a corrective orthopedic position, and adhering an adhesive bandage onto an external surface of the user's joint, such that the adhesive bandage stimulates a somatic reflex arc when the user's joint deviates from the corrective orthopedic position to prompt the user to return the joint to the corrective orthopedic position.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for increasing intrathoracic pressure for resuscitating cardiac arrest patients. The apparatus comprises a flexible, substantially inelastic belt wrapped around the patient's chest and attached to a force converter. The force converter converts a downwardly directed force into a chestward resultant, which depresses the sternum, and two belt tightening resultants. The force converter comprises a pair of arm assemblies, each having a pair of spaced arms, which are pivotably mounted to a base. The base is positioned near the patient's sternum and the ends of the belt attach to one end of each arm assembly. The opposite, handle ends of the arm assemblies are depressed toward the chest causing tightening of the belt and compression of the chest cavity.

Abstract: Occlusive dressing system, which comprises an endless, elongated, flexible, adhesive barrier, adapted to be arranged in a closed configuration, whereby to bound and define a surface area, and an impermeable sealing film adapted to overlie said surface area and to isolate it from the environment, when superimposed to said barrier arranged in said configuration, said barrier forming a gas-tight seal with said sealing film when the two are applied to and pressed against one another. A spreading mechanism that alows a single person to spread the sealing film over the occluding barrier and to detach the film from the main roll and ports (inlet and outlet) that can be placed across the barrier or the occluding film.

Abstract: A vibratory exercise apparatus capable of providing sufficient vertical movement force is provided that adopts a structure of a bobbin coil connected with a vibration plate employed in a magnetic gap of a magnetic circuit using a permanent magnet that can generate a strong magnetic force, thereby providing sufficient vertical movement force to the vibration plate for vibratory exercise.

Abstract: A J-shaped vibrating massager and method for manufacture thereof. The J-shaped massager may consist of a J-shaped tubular rod, a head, one or more handles, control means, and vibratory means. Generally, the J-shaped tubular rod may also consist of a J-hook and a barrel. Typically, the head is located at the end of the J-hook opposite the barrel, while the vibratory means may be mounted in the head or anywhere along the length of the J-shaped tubular rod. The vibratory means induces vibrations in one or more portions of the J-shaped tubular rod, generally including the head. The vibrations massage surfaces in contact with the invention. Because the invention is generally J-shaped, a user may reach his or her own back with the head of the J-shaped massager in order to give himself a back massage. The invention may include a variety of tips having different sizes, materials, and shapes.

Abstract: The present devices apply resistance force to a user's body in close simulation of the impact and resistive forces experienced in martial arts techniques and interactions to provides more effective muscle and neurological training of the user. The devices include a conformable grip that accepts a user's fist for directing resistive force in a distributed manner to the outside surface of the user's fist. Flexible straps extend from the side of the grip to be positioned, in use, on the sides of a user's arm. The straps are connected by additional cross-straps to allow for transfer of force to the user's forearm. The configuration of straps allows transfer of varying proportions of the resistive force to the fist, and separately, the forearm. A system for physical training includes a resistance device.

Abstract: A cervical collar including a collar member, a chin strap member having a first arm attached to the collar member; and a fastening element coupled to a second arm of the chin strap member. The fastening element attaches the second arm of the chin strap member to the collar member at a time of use. The fastening element includes a pull cord member that pulls the fastening element into an aperture in the collar member to attach the second arm of the chin strap member to the collar member at the time of use. One or more of the components of the collar may be made from materials having an antimicrobial additive which enable the cervical collar to be reused.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise belt which is placed around the abdomen and lower back of a user has one inflatable air chamber for the abdomen and two spaced apart inflatable air chambers for the lumbar region of the back. When worn by the user and inflated, the two inflatable chambers exert pressure upon the upper and lower portions of the lumbar vertebrae. The belt also has elastic portions which enable it to better conform to the body of the user.

Abstract: Known climbing frames having a support frame, in which a rope net is rigged, are not very attractive as individual playing devices, as no considerable 3-dimensional net volume is provided and on the other hand as the device cannot be combined by modular elements to larger units. According to the present embodiment, the support frame consists of at least one pentagonal frame element, wherein a separate rope net is rigged within each frame element. The frame elements can thus be assembled in a modular manner to form complex 3-dimensional structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for adjusting lumbosacral area, which corrects misalignment of the vertebrae in the lumbosacral area by applying pressure on the lumbosacral area. The present invention simultaneously applies vertical and horizontal forces to the lumbosacral area where vertebral displacement has occurred to adjust the vertebral displacement in the lumbosacral area and remove stress concentrated on the lumbosacral area. Accordingly, the lumbosacral area where the vertebral displacement has happened can be easily adjusted. Also, when the apparatus is manually operated, there is an effect that muscular strength can be increased while adjusting the lumbosacral area. In addition, stress concentrated on a lumbosacral joint wherein the lumbar vertebrae and the sacral vertebrae meet together is removed, so that a user can enjoy physically and mentally healthy life.

Abstract: A pelvic compression belt may be comprised of a belt body constructed and arranged for positioning relative to a pelvic region of a human body. The pelvic belt may have at least one tightening member constructed and arranged to be independently and removably engaged to said belt body. Each tightening member may have identical or varying levels of elasticity. Furthermore, each tightening member may be positioned at any desired location about said belt body to provide anterior and/or posterior compressive forces for treatment of muscular and/or joint dysfunction.

Abstract: A sleeve-type wrist brace made of elastic material has a finger end and a forearm end, with an adjustable curved thumb strap and adjustable wrist straps.

Abstract: An ankle brace comprising a base of flexible material shaped to wrap around the sides of a foot and ankle and underneath a portion of the foot, with a support strap for protecting the anterior talofibular ligament. The two ends of the support strap are fixed to the base at or near the forward edges of the base. The strap is not otherwise fixed to the base underneath the sole of the foot, allowing the strap to move freely under the foot to conform to the particular size and shape of the foot of a particular wearer. The ankle brace features a symmetric construction which allows the ankle brace to be worn on either the left or the right foot, simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a stream of steam for direction against an area of skin of a person includes a water vessel for retaining a quantity of water, the vessel having an upright tubular vessel side wall and a vessel bottom wall and a vessel mounting structure, and a water heating mechanism mounted outside and in thermal proximity to the vessel including a heating element and a power source connection structure for generating heat for transfer into the water vessel to heat the quantity of water sufficiently to progressively transform the quantity of water into a stream of steam; a steam guidance framework including a vessel cover structure having a structure upper surface and a structure lower surface, a vessel engaging structure for suspending the vessel from the vessel cover structure, the vessel cover structure having a steam port over the water vessel for passing a stream of steam from the water vessel; a steam delivery tube including a steam delivery tube receiving end and a steam delivery tube disc