Abstract: A device for being externally positioned on a body of a person having linkable segments with protruding contact elements. The device preferably is flexible and may have flexible linkages such that the segments may be linked side-by-side, or end-to-end. Alternatively, the device may have a single segment, having a plurality of contact elements and an apparatus for positioning the device on the wearer.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.

Abstract: A dynamic splint for a joint of a limb undergoing rehabilitation. The splint having a pair of elements each comprising a first tubular strut, a second lever-like strut and an intermediate gear housing mounted on one end of the first strut. A first toothed gear is rotatively mounted on a first shaft in the gear housing and is located adjacent the first strut. A second cooperating toothed gear is rotatively mounted on a second shaft in the gear housing adjacent the second strut. The first gear is missing at least one tooth. The second gear is missing a plurality of teeth in a row. The second strut is pivoted to the second shaft and is attached to the second gear at one of a plurality of selectable positions thereabout. A cam wheel is rotatively mounted on the first shaft and is affixed to the first gear. A compression spring is mounted in the tubular first strut. A cable is affixed at one end to the cam wheel and is operatively adjustably affixed to the spring.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for motioning selected body portions and supporting other body portions of a user seated thereon is provided. The device comprises a base member, a peripheral member, and an ischial pad. The ischial pad is operably connected to the body member and at least partially surrounded by the peripheral member. The ischial pad undulates about two orthogonal axes and relative to the peripheral member. The ischial pad isolates and engages the right and left ischial tuberosities of the user seated on the device for simulating the natural motion of the user's spine. The peripheral member supports the user's body portions proximate the ischium.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: To provide controlled amounts of resistance to movement in exercise equipment or in orthotic devices, a control module has cooperating resistance elements. The force between the elements is varied in accordance with the position of the elements with respect to each other. For example the control module can connect two splints of a knee brace so that the resistance to flexion and extension are programmed in accordance with the position of the leg and thigh with respect to each other.

Abstract: A gluteal exercise system (10) for imparting a resistive force responsive to a displacement force applied by a user (1) is provided. The gluteal exercise system (10) includes a lower body section (100) having a lower coupling portion (110) and a pair of engagement bars (120, 120') for concurrently engaging the feet of the user (1). The gluteal exercise system (10) also includes an upper body section (200) which is displaceably coupled to the lower body section (100). The upper body section (200) is formed with an upper coupling portion (210) and a pair of engagement arms (220, 220') extending transversely therefrom for concurrently engaging portions of the legs of the user (1). The gluteal exercise system (10) also includes a tension mechanism adjustably coupled to the lower and upper coupling portions (110, 210) for imparting the resistive force in opposition to the force imparted by the user (1) to displace the upper body section (200) relative to the lower body section (100).

Abstract: An exercise machine of light weight and portable construction adapted for storage in a highly compact configuration. The device can be deployed quickly and easily for use in performing a variety of different exercises routinely.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for the synovial joints and surrounding soft tissue of the human body, more specifically to the upper extremities. The device includes an upper arm support suitably fixed to a drive actuator and a adjustable forearm support attached to the rotational center of the drive actuator so that pivotal movement of the output causes the forearm support to pivot about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the forearm support. Various cuffs are provided so a patient can secure their upper arm above the elbow and the upper forearm below the elbow to the device with the actuator located either forward of or behind the elbow. The rotational motion of pronation and supination is created by aligning the rotational center of the actuator output with the anatomical rotational center of the forearm. The rotational centers are concentric to minimize stresses on the affected limb.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a carrying case/base unit, an adjustable inclined back support member; a retractable buttocks support; and a pair of trackways, one pivotally mounted to the carrying case/base unit on either side of the retractable buttocks support. Each of the pair of trackways includes a handle slidable along a respective trackway that is biased in a first direction by an elastomeric resistance band.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise machine having parallel ski bases on which skis are rollably or slidably engaged, the skis having foot restraints for receiving a user's feet. An upright ski pole is attached at an end to each ski using a pivot connection, and the ski pole is also pivotally connected to a fulcrum at a point near the midpoint of the ski pole. The fulcrum comprises a brace attached to a frame. The ski poles provide support to a user and are pushed and pulled for upper-body exercise. Where the user has little or no lower-body muscle control, the ski poles function as supports and levers to transfer a passive, reciprocating, back and forth motion to the user's legs. Alternatively, the exercise machine can be used for active exercise of both the upper and lower body. The exercise matching provides access for persons with physical handicaps and support for such users in the standing position, thereby allowing such persons to exercise while standing.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which rockingly interfaces with a support surface for performing a number of exercises and particularly is directed to performing reverse crunches. The exercise device includes a light easily foldable frame having a pair of laterally spaced curved rails movable by the action of the user's thighs when the user is positioned in a supine position on a support surface between the curved rails. The exercise device includes arcuate and rocker members which may be rotatably folded to provide a low volume storage mechanism space.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus gives a patient a rotational motion at a discretionary controlled speed suitable to medical treatment and at the same time can continuously supply the patient in rotation with oxygen for inhalation by means of oxygen supply equipment. The apparatus is characterized in that a chair 1 on which a patient is sitting is driven, via a rotary shaft 6, by a driving system 3 installed in a control base 2 to rotate, and oxygen for inhalation to be supplied to the patient in rotation is guided to pass through the interior of the rotary shaft 6 and supplied by a mouthpiece 23 provided at the top end of an oxygen supply tube 21 to a position suitable for the patient to breathe.

Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus is disclosed which provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a leg stretching component and an arm and back stretching component. The leg stretching component allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180.degree. or more using hand crank or motorized mechanisms. Sliding leg deck construction reduces the pressure on the user's knees during leg stretching exercises. The arm and back stretching component allows the user to maintain his or her arms and back muscles in a fully extended position without applying undue force during stretching. The arm and back stretching component includes a platform on which the user is seated and a stretching pole which can be selectively oriented in three dimensional space relative to the user's waist.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating abdominal exercise (10) which includes a frame (12) having a central portion (20) between left (14) and right (16) hand engaging portions, the left (14) and right (16) hand engaging portions extending forward from the central portion (20), the central portion and the left and right hand engaging portions being essentially co-planar. A receptacle (18) is attached to the central portion, the receptacle (18) having a concave back of a head receiving portion (50) and an elongate groove neck receiving portion (52) extending from the back of the head receiving portion (50), the receptacle (18) extending transverse the plane of the frame.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for applying compressive pressures against a patient's foot. The device comprises first and second panels of flexible material secured to one another to form an inflatable bag to be fitted upon the foot. The bag has first and second separate fluid bladders. The first fluid bladder is adapted to engage a first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder is adapted to engage a second portion of the foot. A boot is provided for holding the inflatable bag to the foot. A fluid supply is provided for applying pressurized fluid to the first and second fluid bladders such that the first fluid bladder applies a first compressive pressure upon the first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder applies a second compressive pressure upon the second portion of the foot. A safety vent is associated with one of the inflatable bag and the fluid supply.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise apparatus has an elongated rigid member for positioning between a user's back and a support surface for executing a crunch. A grasping mechanism, such as a strap member, is attached to the rigid member to allow the user to lift the head end of the rigid member from the support surface by contracting the abdominal muscles. A pivot member is connected to the rigid member adjacent the user's lower back and positioned to engage the support surface. A weight retaining mechanism, such as a post, adapted to receive weighted plates, may be attached to the rigid member to enhance the workout to the abdominal and lower back muscles.

Abstract: A body exerciser, which can perform boat rowing action exercise and bench pressing exercise, includes a pair of handles which are free to rotate from 0 to 360 degrees and rotatably connected at two corresponding sides of the base frame. When the handles are turning, a pair of draw bars which are connected to the handles would also be simultaneously displaced. Thus, the user sitting on a cushion would experience an up and down repeated motion. Furthermore, the moment of the force between the two draw bars and the handles can be adjusted according to the ability of the user, so that the user can get a complete workout from the body exerciser of the present invention.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device (10) is disclosed to facilitate exercise of the abdominal muscles. The device includes a foam pad support (12) to support the head, upper back and neck. A strap (14) is secured to the support (12) by a plurality of ties (24). The strap forms first and second handles (34, 36) which extend to first and second ends (16, 18). First and second grips (20, 22) are mounted at the first and second ends (16, 18), respectively. The length of the handles (34, 36) are adjustable. The user positions the support (12) behind the neck and grasps the grips (20, 22) to assist in abdominal muscle exercise.