Abstract: A support brace having a generally contoured lumbar support section and an abdominal support system, comprising an abdominal support pad elastically connected to a lateral edge of the lumbar support member and an elastic abdominal support band attached to the opposite lateral edge of the lumbar support member, and also having two inelastic straps, each being independently attached to an opposite lateral edge of the lumbar support member. The lumbar support member has a first and a second D-ring attached to its outer surface, and the abdominal support pad and the abdominal support band have single D-rings attached to their outer surfaces. The straps are independently threaded through the abdominal support system's D-ring and then turned back and threaded through the D-rings of the lumbar support member. The support brace is selectively tightened by pulling on the ends of the straps and cinching the brace to the optimal tightness, while maintaining the desired compression about the wearer's mid-section.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame that is adapted for placement on the floor, a pivot axis supported by the frame, a pedal bar which has first and second ends, a pedal that is secured to the pedal bar, an ellipse generator, and a track. The ellipse generator is secured to both the pivot axis and to the first end of the pedal bar such that the first end of said pedal bar moves in an elliptical path around the pivot axis. The track is secured to the frame and engages the second end of said pedal bar such that the second end moves in a linear reciprocating path as the first end of the pedal bar moves in the elliptical path around said pivot axis. Consequently, the pedal also moves in a generally elliptical path. As the pedal moves in its elliptical path, the angular orientation of the pedal, relative to a fixed, horizontal plane, such as the floor, varies in a manner that simulates a natural heel to toe flexure. The apparatus can also include a resistance member, a data input member, and a control member.

Abstract: A universal adjustable arm sling consisting of a sling pad with an adjustable attachment strap. An adjustable support strap extends from the attachment strap over the shoulder of the user and diagonally across the back and around the opposite side of the user's body. The adjustable support strap is engageable with the adjustable attachment strap of the sling for support strap length adjustment for the sling pad.

Abstract: A multi-axial external joint used in orthoses construction to provide support and/or limit movement of various joints of the body. In combination as a complete orthosis, a foundation is provided including a girdle section and a separate thigh cuff. A first orthotic joint member is mounted to the girdle section, and a second orthotic joint member is mounted to the thigh cuff. A bearing joins the first and second orthotic joint members for pivotal movement in three dimensions about multiple intersecting axes to support articulation of a human leg about an associated hip joint including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation of the leg. A stop assembly on at least one of the orthotic joint members enables adjustment to limit relative pivotal movement of the orthotic joint members about the pivot point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure eye patch in which an inner membrane is positioned over the patient's eye and fixed thereto by means of adhesive on its inner side with an outer membrane which is superimposed over the inner membrane, thus forming a cavity that is interposed between the outer membrane and the inner membrane. There is an elongated longitudinal slit in the outer membrane which allows the outer membrane to be opened to allow access to the cavity. Cushioning material such as sterile gauze may be inserted into the cavity through this opening. Alternatively, a cooling or heating material may also be emplaced in the cavity. Instead of the elongated slit there may be a partial peripheral opening between the front and rear membranes to allow access to the cavity.

Abstract: Support arrangement for supporting the arm of a patient in a bent position of the upper arm relative to the lower arm. The support arrangement includes a holding bag, which on an upper side is attachable in a hanging manner to a support. The holding bag forms a bottom side configured for the upper arm and forms a first side configured for the underside of the bent lower arm. The holding bag is made exclusively of textile-like material and consists of a flat cut, folded and sewn up on the upper and lower sides. A second side of the holding bag facing the upper arm is formed so as to be closeable, and at least one cord for closing the second side and at least one fastening cord for fastening the holding sack at its upper side are provided. The holding bag may be formed tapered at its width at least on the upper side. The holding bag may be formed open in the tapered region both on the side facing the upper arm and on the side turned away from the upper arm.

Abstract: An ankle orthotic of substantially resilient material is provided comprised of a heel portion, an ankle support portion, and a talofibular support portion. The heel portion is substantially rigid and form fitting, preventing excessive inversion forces from being generated at the subtalar joint. The ankle support portion is relatively resilient and extends vertically from the heel portion, with the medial aspect extending higher than the lateral aspect. This form results in creating a three-point pressure system, which resists inversion forces from displacing the ankle mortise. The proximal end of the ankle support portion is enclosed via a fastening strap to customize fit. The talofibular support portion extends laterally and distally from the heel portion and reinforces the relatively vulnerable anterior talofibular ligament, providing stabilization and decreasing injury to the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle.

Abstract: A method and device for treatment of a varicose vein is provided which includes the step of applying to the skin of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated a device including: (a) an element for securing the device to the leg of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated such as a carrier tape; and (b) a one-way valve element such as a cantilever element biased by a spring for applying a selected amount of pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced; and applying sufficient pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided having a front collar portion fabricated from a substantially incompressible plastic resin and a compressible, flexible foam strip mounted on one side of the front body section. The front collar portion includes a mandible support portion comprising a chin support portion extending transversely in an upper central portion of the front collar portion and a pair of laterally extending jaw support portions which connect at their distal ends to side portions of the front collar portion. Each jaw support portion includes at least one opening formed therein for facilitating bending of the jaw support to conform to a wearer's jaw line.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a first grip and a second grip, both the first grip and second grip having a longitudinal grip and a transverse grip, the longitudinal grip having a longitudinal diameter and the transverse grip having a transverse diameter greater than the longitudinal diameter, the second grip being torsionally connected to the first grip such that the longitudinal grips are adjacent and such that the torque required to rotate the first grip relative to the second grip can be adjusted via a threaded arrangement.

Abstract: A new detachable padding for a neck brace for providing contoured pads that are shaped to fit the contours of a neck brace. The inventive device includes a plurality of pads mountable to the front and back portions of a neck brace. Each pad includes a liquid permeable top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable bottom layer, and a liquid absorbing inner padding layer interposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The back surface of the bottom layer is designed for adhesively coupling to another surface, such as the inside of a neck brace.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment attached to the bifurcated member. Selected portions of the apparatus can be constructed from a memory metal alloy, such as nitinol, to allow the surgeon to adapt the apparatus to a particular surgical procedure. The bifurcated member can be either fixably or pivotally attached to the handle segment. The apparatus may further comprise an attachment or inlay to prevent lateral movement thereof when being used in the surgical procedure. The apparatus may additionally include a cleat for securing a portion of the surgical thread used during the surgical process. Another aspect of the present invention is a member slidably attached to a portion of the handle segment that is movable between a position compressing an artery to reduce or stop blood flow and a position spaced apart from the artery.

Abstract: A method for anatomical reduction of the bones of the pelvis includes a belt having a clasp or other fastening member. The device also includes at least two inflatable bladders slidingly positionable along the belt. Operationally, the device is positioned to encircle the hips of a patient with a bladder positioned over each of the patient's hip bones. The clasp is fastened to hold the belt in place and a pump is used to selectively inflate each of the bladders. Inflation of the bladders applies a compressive force in excess of five hundred pounds to the pelvic bones of the patient reducing the intra-pelvic volume, thereby minimizing blood loss attributable to fractures or diastasis of the pelvis.

Abstract: A variable friction resistance exercise machine 10 including a pair of friction wheels 31 rotatably suspended by axles 30, 30' in a framework member 20. The axles 30, 30' are operatively connected to coiled lengths 41 of cable attached to one end to clutch rewind assemblies 40. The friction wheels 31 are provided with adjustable friction means 33, 35, 36, 37, and 38 to vary the frictional resistance required to rotate each friction wheel 30, 30' relative to the framework member 20.

Abstract: A system for preventing and treating most lower back disorders provides an upwardly and forwardly directed compressive force exerted against the sacroiliac joint of the human body. Particularly, an inventive back brace is disclosed as including a support dimensioned to extend along the backside of the body generally from the lumbar region of the spine downwardly at least to the ischial tuberosity of each of the pelvic bones. A pair of adjustable leg straps and a flexible wrap dimensioned to extend around the lower torso are operatively connected to the support for tightening the support against the buttocks of the wearer so as to provide the desired compressive force against the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is walking aid which provides mobility to an injured, elderly or physically challenged persons which leaves the hands free to hold, reach for or carry items. The walking aid of the present invention allows the user to stand upright and operates with minimal usage of the user's legs and also provides a stable surface on which a user may rest. Optionally, the walking aid of the present invention may be equipped with accessory items such as aids to reach articles which have fallen on the floor, and is readily collapsible for transportation and storage.

Abstract: The invention is a ventilation sleeve for reducing skin irritation and odor associated with broken limbs which are immobilized for significant periods of time by casts or the like. The ventilation sleeve is an elongated flexible bag which is positioned between the cast and skin. One side of the bag has a plurality of ventilation openings through which pressurized air aerates the cast.

Abstract: A cushion article, such as a wrist support or the like, and a method of manufacturing same are provided. The cushion article includes a multiple density, cushioned surface bonded to a molded foam shell. The saddle includes a contoured fabric surface with an underlying layer of soft gel. The gel may be molded to form embossment or imprinting in the fabric surface. A method of the invention includes the steps of disposing the saddle shell having a fabric sealed thereto, into a mold having a molding surface defining a desired contour and/or a desired pattern of embossment to be formed in the fabric. A thermoplastic gelable liquid is injected between the shell and the fabric. The fabric is contoured and or embossed by allowing the gelable liquid to cool while the shell is disposed in mold. The shell may be made of a foam material which is compressed into a desired shape and heat treated to form a shell having firmer, more dense portions and softer, less dense portions.

Abstract: A wrist support device including a modular body having an upper portion and a separate lower portion removably attachable to the upper portion. A glide mechanism, such as felt for lower friction surfaces or plastic for high friction surfaces is disposed in an indentation formed on a lower surface of the lower portion. Different lower portions may be provided with different glider mechanisms to suit the intended surface. The upper portion has an upper surface flexibly movable between a convex orientation and a concave orientation. The upper surface is biased in the convex orientation and facilitates separation between the skin of the wrist and the upper surface caused by sweat and oil. The upper portion has a perimeter wall surrounding the upper surface for biasing the wrist into a laterally inclined orientation and nesting the wrist into the approximate center of the upper surface. A cushion is disposed in a cavity formed between the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable elastic thermal knee wraps having one or more thermal packs comprising a plurality of heat cells, wherein heat is applied to the user's knee. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable elastic thermal knee wraps having good conformity to user's knee which provide consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application.