Abstract: A physical therapy device for increasing lumbar spine extension range of motion, comprising a cylindrical rod for elastic material capable of repeated flexing without taking a set or deformation, and having its central patient-contacting portion covered by a cylinder of padding material. The roller thus formed is tethered to a treatment surface by a pair of straps or belts, each having one end attached to the treatment surface and the other attached by means of a snap ring and swivel to a ring carried by a collar on the extremities of the rod. The collars can be moved along the rod and secured where desired, to alter the force potential effective through varying the lever arm, and thus the amount the rod will flex. The ring is located in a portion of the collar having a reduced diameter and is free to rotate with respect to the collar and hence the roller.

Abstract: A trunk-twist exercise device comprises a shaft, preferably adjustable in length, having a blade mounted at either end thereof and having handles closer to the end of the shaft than its mid point. The shaft may be straight in which case the handles are normally perpendicular to the shaft or it may be yoke-shaped in which case the handles may be co-axial with the shaft. The angle at which the blades are set is also preferably adjustable.

Abstract: A continuous passive orthopedic device for the exercising of limbs for therapy, rehabilitation or healing, including a compact drive mechanism which permits the device to be located solely within the confines of a standard hospital bed and permits the leg of a patient to be supported in a near horizontal position when it is straight. Control of the angle of flex is accomplished through a control instrument located at the knee joint. The control instrument includes a pair of adjustable indicators which can be moved to the desired end points of flexure. The device includes a narrow base plate which allows the patient to keep his legs closer together during use. Also included is a mechanism whereby the ankle can be flexed between preset angles simultaneously with the flexing of the knee.

Abstract: A pocket exercising device wherein a central hollow annular ring is coupled to a pair of line loops which are threaded through apertures in the central ring and cross within the inner space of the annular ring and the lines are each connected to separate handles.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed that operates with a swinging door to assist one in doing situps and related exercises. The device has a pair of wedge stops and strap means are secured to the stops and extended therebetween. Adjustment connection means are formed in the strap means to allow the separation of the strap means into two separate pieces each secured to one of the stops, and further to allow for adjustment of the overall length of the strap means. The strap means is formed of an inelastic but flexible material possibly 20 to 40 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. Each stop has a base surface and a wedge surface angled from one another between 25 and 50 degrees, being between 1.5 and 2.5 inches high at the end surface. The stops fit on one side of the door, with the base surface on the floor and the wedge surface against the bottom of the door and with the strap means passing under the door.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise apparatus has a pair of interchangeable lever arm assemblies which can be moved to provide a plurality of exercise positions. The apparatus has a frame with a seat on the frame and the lever arm assemblies are interchangeably mounted on opposite sides of the ends of the frame in various configurations to provide the exercise positions.

Abstract: A tubular member of the cuff is of toroidal shape and of an elastic nature for retention on the user's wrist or ankle during exercising. A fabric exterior overlies a foam rubber component. The tubular member is charged with lead shot.

Abstract: A device for stimulating the human respiratory system by making breathing more difficult and limiting lung ventilation. The device comprises a mouth-piece for insertion in the mouth of a person, or a mask attachable to the face of this person. The mouth-piece or mask has a central opening through which the person may breathe. A tubular body defining an air duct is connected at one end to the mouth-piece or to the mask with the air duct in alignment and communication with the opening. The device also comprises a membrane mounted in the tubular body at the other end thereof to put up a breathing resistance in at least one respiratory direction. Proper stimulation is obtained when use is made of a tubular body long enough to increase the dead space of the respiratory system of the person using the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for enabling changes in the height of a cross bar in athletic equipment, such as pole vaulting equipment. The apparatus generally comprises a pair of adapters for attachment to the upright standards which have a plurality of outwardly extending arms thereon. The adapters also have arms which can be located above the uppermost of the arms on the standards or below the lowermost of the arms on the standards and which arms on the adapters are also located to receive and hold the cross bar thereon.

Abstract: The robot is composed of a figure simulating a boxer which is mounted to a post. A first arm is mounted to the post for pivoting in a vertical plane. A second arm is mounted to a vertical rod mounted within the figure. A prime mover causes the rod to rotate and as it does so, the second arm rotates in a horizontal plane. A roller is connected to the rod and periodically contacts the second arm thereby causing the arm to elevate. Gravity causes the second arm to fall when it is not contacted by the roller. The roller is so positioned to the rod that it causes the second arm to elevate when the first arm is behind the figure and allows the second arm to fall when the first arm is in front of the figure.

Abstract: In an apparatus for passive leg-exercises comprising a pedal bearing which is supported by a floor stand and a pedal crank with pedals driven by a driving motor, the invention provides that above the floor stand, which forms a lower apparatus section, there is an independent upper section which carries handle bars. This upper section is connected with the floor stand by a tube of flat cross sectional configuration and is inclined from the vehicle in the direction towards the user. The knees of the user are maintained relatively apart by smooth walls of the upper section. The user can operate the apparatus from a wheelchair so that it is possible to treat particularly patients suffering from illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or paralysis. The pedals are suspended and therefore allow, even where full control function is lost in the patient's feet, an optimal anatomically correct position at all times while the crank is turning.

Abstract: This utility is concerned with an improvement in a breast massager equipped with a steam generator and a set of suction generator. The half part of the breast cup of said massager is designed to have double walls separated between and the space surrounded by said walls forms a vapor room. The internal wall of said breast cup facing the breast is all over bored with a plurality of vapor holes through which vapor can run. During operation, a set of suction generator, consisting of a vacuum compressor and a on-off electromagnetic valve controlled by an electronic timer, can operate to suck and release the breast through said breast cup and meanwhile the warm vapor produced by a stream generator can flow into the vapor room penetrating through said holes and spreading over and warming the breast. Therefore, the above-mentioned functioning is surely possible to accomplish the breast beautification.

Abstract: A martial arts practice device (2) is provided for programmably simulating the breaking of a variably selective number of boards with actual breakage of smaller less costly slats (4, 76), but requiring comparable impact. A pair of hinged arms (16) and (18) mounted on a frame (6) have one or more slats (4, 76) mounted adjacently therebelow which are broken by the practitioner's impact on the top of the hinged arms (16 and 18). After breakage, the arms are pivoted back to a horizontal position and new slats are loaded for the next sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high frequency, high mechanical energy output apparatus comprising a transducer, a filter circuit, and a driving circuit. The transducer and the filter circuit are serially coupled together, and the transducer operates at its fundamental frequency of oscillatory motion. The driving circuit serves to drive the transducer at its fundamental frequency and comprises first and second active devices, wherein each active device has an output circuit and a control circuit. Each of the active devices are cooperatively connected together and are responsive to control signals for producing an alternating output signal. There is also provided means coupling the output circuits of the active devices to the transducer so that an alternating series current signal is applied serially through the transducer.

Abstract: A patient-initiated response device and method for re-educating debilitated muscle tissue. The method comprises the detection of an electromyographic signal in a muscle group, which is used to trigger an artificial stimulation signal of a higher pre-determined intensity and transmit such a signal to a debilitated muscle group. The patient-initiated electromyographic signal may be detected in a debilitated or non-debilitated muscle group. The device detects an electromyographic signal of a pre-determined intensity and then generates and transmits an artificial stimulation signal to a muscle group at a frequency and intensity determined by the device operator.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a mandibular plate for supporting a patient's chin, an occipital plate for supporting the occipital region of the patient's head, flexible front and rear neck supports extending around the opposite sides of the patient's neck from the mandibular support plate and the occipital support plate, and releasable fastening means on the front and rear supports for providing circumferential support around the patient's neck. A sternal plate rests on the patient's sternum, a scapular plate on the scapular region of the patient's back, and lower front and rear flexible shoulder supports extend over the right and left shoulders of the patient. Releasable fastening means adjust the circumferential size of the shoulder supports. An elongated rigid front support bar extends from the mandibular plate to the sternal plate. Cooperating fasteners on the front support bar and on the sternal plate releasably adjust the height of the mandibular plate independently of the the sternal plate.

Abstract: A traction device in which the user himself applies the traction force. A harness runs under the user's body to the dorsal and lumbar region thereof. A strap is attached to the harness and is used to apply traction thereto, the opposite ends of the strap being attached to the ends of a traction bar. The traction bar has attachment means at its center and to the left and right of center, a line or cable being selectively attached to one of these attachment means. This line fits through a suitable fitting and is attached to a force indicator device which is within the user's view. A line runs from the indicator device to a force input drive member adapted to be engaged by the user's feet or hands. In using the device, the user applies the desired amount of force to the force input drive member, as indicated on the indicator device, this force being delivered to a selected portion of the user's back through a suitable applicator member.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable exercising apparatus for simulating the running. The exercising apparatus include a frame including first and second inverted U-shaped mounting members which are parallelly disposed to each other and each of which has front and rear legs. The frame also includes first base and second members fixedly coupled to the front and rear legs, respectively, of the first and second mounting members. The exercising apparatus also includes an inverted V-shaped supporting member which has front and rear legs fixedly coupled to the first and second base members, respectively, a driving mechanism for providing a user with resistance to driving in response to his movement of the set of pedals mechanically coupled to the supporting member and to the first and second mounting members, and a pedal mounting mechanism for mounting a set of pedals.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion therapy device with drive means carried on the patients hand or arm having a gear train extending down the patients hand and movable drive arms connectable at a plurality of locations along the gear train to selectively exercise the metacarpophalangeal joint or the interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: A treadmill is provided in a tank in which there is sufficient water to provide considerable buoyancy to a person walking or running on the treadmill. The treadmill operates a water pump, and means are provided to restrict the pump output to the extent desired to provide the desired load or resistance to movement by the treadmill.