Patents Examined by Danton D. DeMille
  • Patent number: 6790188
    Abstract: A foot-immersing massaging machine includes a body and an immersing vessel combined on the body. The body has a housing, a motor, a switch, a power cord, and a vibrator. The vibrator is fixed on an upper end of the shaft of the motor, and produces vibration when rotated by the motor. The immersing vessel has a vessel body and a soft massage cushion. The vessel body has a through hole in the bottom center for an upper portion of the vibrator to extend through upward, and the massage cushion is placed on the bottom of the vessel body and closes up the through hole, covering the vibrator with a gap between itself and the vibrator. Then a user can put the feet in the immersing vessel and receive massage performed by the vibrator at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Chao Yang Chen
  • Patent number: 6790216
    Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment appliance consists of: an ultrasonic transducer unit having an ultrasonic transducer, which produces ultrasonic waves, incorporated in a hand-held piece; a probe connected to a horn for amplifying ultrasonic waves produced by the ultrasonic transducer, and serving as a vibration transmission member; a treatment member located at the distal end of the probe, having an ultrasonic treatment surface that is parallel to the longitudinal axial direction of the probe and is flat, exhibiting a larger section modulus at the proximal end thereof than at the distal end thereof, and having ultrasonic waves transmitted thereto; a clamping member, opposed to the treatment member, for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the treatment member; and a clamping manipulation member for use in moving at least one of the treatment member and clamping member so as to clamp a living tissue between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6786879
    Abstract: A gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a pressure-based system controller for controlling transfers of air from a source of pressurized air to inflatable chambers of a limb sleeve, so that a prophylactic modality is provided to the limb. The controller also includes a plurality of feeder valves pneumatically connected to each of the chambers and a microprocessor-based control unit for opening only one of the feeder valves at a time during an inflation cycle, so that each of the chambers can be independently inflated to predetermined pressure levels. The control unit also regulates the pressures in each of the chambers at the respective pressure levels by repeatedly independently measuring the pressures in the chambers and adjusting the pressure levels upward or downward, if necessary. The predetermined pressure levels can be default levels or selected by a user or health care professional for a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Bolam, James Arthur Borgen
  • Patent number: 6776767
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a portion of the user's body is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that each couple the supports and apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a non-circular cross-section and operable to contain a fluid. Each lifting mechanism also includes a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: AMEI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Reinecke, Allan D. Luce, Mark J. Strehlke
  • Patent number: 6770040
    Abstract: Rehabilitation device for persons with paresis of lower limbs enabling them to walk, comprising rocking elements having at their lower part foot elements with platforms for user's feet, said rocking elements being connected, at their upper part by a frame constituting a jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Barbara Perner, Grzegorz Kordyl, Michal Kenner
  • Patent number: 6770042
    Abstract: Multiple frequency bands with nonlinear frequency variation are combined to enhance the effectiveness of therapy delivered by an infrasonic transducer or other delivery mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Richard H. Lee
  • Patent number: 6770041
    Abstract: An applicator for applying an external counterpulsation to a body portion is provided. The applicator including: an outer shell for covering the body portion, the outer shell having a length in a longitudinal direction and a circumference in a circumferential direction; a balloon disposed in the outer shell, pressurization of which applies an external pressure to the body portion; and at least one anti-deformation member for reducing an amount of deformation of the outer shell caused by the pressurization of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: P.P.T.T. L.L.P
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Harry Soroff
  • Patent number: 6764454
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a fitness stick and particularly to a fitness stick with a sheath and a moxibustion instrument, comprising a flapping bat, a sheath and a moxibustion instrument, having many protuberances on the surface of sheath for massaging, the moxibustion instrument is assembled inside the handle of the flapping bat with a separable spring coil and could be separated from the stick for isolated use with both functions of moxibustion and massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Tu
  • Patent number: 6764455
    Abstract: A pneumatic chest compression vest is disclosed for the purposes of clearing the lungs of mucus and producing quality sputum samples for analysis. The vest is comprised of a belt and a front panel which has an air bladder that applies a compressive force to the region of the chest that encompasses the lungs mounted on its inner surface. The belt extends around a patient to hold the vest in the correct position during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Respiratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Van Brunt, Donald J. Gagne
  • Patent number: 6758826
    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, vibratory sources, and vibratory controls. 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 source may be mounted in the head or anywhere along the length of the J-shaped tubular rod. The vibratory source 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski
  • Patent number: 6758793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to repetitively bounce into the air, includes a first and second support, each having a first and second end. A base being coupled to the first and second supports at the second ends. At least one compression resistance system being coupled with the base. The compression resistance system is configured to provide an uncompression force. First and second handles being coupled with the first ends of the first and second supports, respectively. When in use a user stands on the base between the first and second support and provides a first force on the apparatus. The user releases the first force and receives a second force. The user then stops exerting the second force and repeats the steps of providing the first force, releasing the first force and receiving the uncompression force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Eldridge
  • Patent number: 6758825
    Abstract: A portable physical therapy apparatus for providing physical therapy for selected portions of a user's body. The portable physical therapy apparatus includes a support base; and also includes a lever being hingedly attached to the support base and being adapted to support a user's appendage near a user's joint such as a foot; and further includes a plurality of strap members being attached to the lever for fastening the user's appendage to the lever; and also includes an assembly of pivoting the lever upon the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Mathew
  • Patent number: 6755797
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing oscillation of a bladder includes a three-legged fluid passage element which has first, second and third legs. An air pump is connected to one leg of the fluid passage element, an inflatable bladder connected to a second leg of the fluid passage element, and a valve having hysteresis is mounted on the third leg of the fluid passage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 6752771
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for inflating an inflatable vest to assist the heart in patients suffering from heart failure. The inflation of the vest is synchronized with on-set of the systole phase of the heart, when the left ventricular compresses to force blood out of the heart and through the aorta. The inflated vest compresses the patient's chest and increases the intrathoracic pressure. This increase in pressure assists the heart in moving blood out of the heart and through the aorta. In addition, the vest is arranged to leave the patient's abdomen free of restraint so that the increase in intrathoracic pressure due to the vest moves blood into the abdomen, and to allow the abdomen to dynamically recoil in response to the vest inflation. In addition, ECG signals from electrodes applied to the patient are processed to trigger the vest inflation in real time with the current heartbeat cycle, such that the vest inflation is triggered when the heart begins to contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Revivant Corporation
    Inventors: Neil S. Rothman, Mark Gelfand, Daniel Burkhoff, Myron L. Weisfeldt
  • Patent number: 6752773
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable bubbling bath mat having two or more interconnected segments and a number of air channels with two or more apertures located in a bottom surface of the air channels. The bubbling bath mat is adapted to produce varying sized air bubbles and, thus, improve the overall therapeutic massaging effect on a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Kit Lun Leung, Chung Shun Tse, Kam Fai Fung
  • Patent number: 6746419
    Abstract: A pulsed irrigation handpiece comprises a pulsed irrigation liquid outlet for applying liquid pulses to a surgical site, a pump unit reciprocatingly driveable for pumping pulses of irrigation liquid through the outlet, an electric powered drive unit for reciprocatingly driving the pump unit, and a housing containing the pump and drive units. A irrigation inlet hose leads from the pump unit out of the handpiece housing and is connectable to a remote irrigation liquid source. An irrigation inlet hose adjacent the remote end thereof and electric conductors extending along the irrigation inlet hose transfer electric power from the supply unit to the drive unit in the handpiece. Removable tips are alternatively removably attachable to the irrigation liquid outlet adjacent the front end of the handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Arnett, Nicholas V. Gately, David H. Grulke, Ruth A. Hilsbos, James L. Sertic
  • Patent number: 6745501
    Abstract: A removable orthotic insert for improving the gait of a person suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other condition that impairs proper transfer of weight to the forefoot. There is a rigid cap member having a downwardly extending, transverse ridge located proximate the junction between the arch and forefoot portions of the insert, behind the metatarsal head area of the foot. The ridge engages the underlying insole of the shoe to form a pivot point that enables the insert to rock forwardly and rearwardly in the shoe. As the person's foot moves through the gait cycle, the transfer of weight towards the forward end of the foot causes the rigid cap member to tilt forwardly in the shoe, enhancing the angular orientation of the foot as the toe-off position is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis N Brown
  • Patent number: 6740056
    Abstract: A universal carpal tunnel device for supporting the hand in a neutral position to alleviate and prevent the carpal tunnel syndrome. The device includes a pad for placement against a wearer, a base attached to the pad, a stay disposed between the pad and base, and an adjustment strap for attaching the device to the wearer. The pad or the base can be provided with a recessed channel for receiving the stay. The pad, base and stay form a palmar section of the device which extends over the heel of the hand and terminates prior to the palmar fold of the hand so to not unnecessarily restrict movement of the wearer's hand and digits, and a main section for engaging the forearm of the wearer. The palmar section also has a sufficient width for preventing opposition between the thumb and the fifth digit of the hand. The device laterally has first and second sides which are mirror images of each other so that the carpal tunnel device can be used on either the right or left hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: FLA Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Gerald Slautterback
  • Patent number: 6740052
    Abstract: A foot scrubbing implement used in the shower or bath to wash and exfoliate skin of feet. The foot scrubber (1) holds a washing and scrubbing surface (8) in an outwardly curved, dome like shape. This domed shaped scrubbing surface (8) allows all areas of the feet (Balls of feet, toes, arches and side of foot and heal) to be scrubbed. The scrubbing surface (8) is made from materials suitable for cleaning and exfoliating the tougher skin of the feet. The foot scrubber (1) is held in place by standing on the flat bottom portion (2) with one foot, thus allowing the other foot to rubbed back and forth on the top portion. The shape and texture of the scrubbing surface provides an effective way to exfoliate both bottom and sides of feet. The foot scrubber is small and lightweight. It is constructed of materials that rinse out and dry quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Regner
  • Patent number: 6740051
    Abstract: A passive therapy device useful for bringing back mobility to the wrist, forearm and/or elbow after immobilization. The device provides therapy to restricted tissue in the wrist, forearm and/or elbow while applying passive tension during therapy. The therapy device is able to readily convert from supination therapy to pronation therapy. In addition, the device can be converted for either right hand use or left hand use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Dynasplint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hepburn, Russell Vedeloff