Patents Examined by Lawrence W. Trapp
  • Patent number: 4230098
    Abstract: A rhythmical traction type instrument for medical treatment including a couch having a movable frame mounted thereon in reciprocating fashion and a motor for moving said movable frame. This couch is fitted with a roller for correcting the backbone, a vibrator, a reciprocating roller for massaging the lumber and a roller for massaging the lower half of one's body. Each of the rollers and vibrator is provided with a motor for causing up or down movement thereof. Such instruments may also include a control circuit for actuating the required rollers according to a predetermined program or separately and an operation circuit for sending a signal to said control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Kazuma Uematsu
  • Patent number: 4230102
    Abstract: A device for training a urine bladder which has lost its elasticity due to long term catheterization, whereby it comprises a pressure sensitivity system being arranged to the urethra catheter and a closing-opening unit being controlled by said pressure sensitivity system, which unit is arranged after the pressure sensitivity system seen from the urine bladder. A pressure, which is obtained in the catheter, actuates via the pressure sensitivity system a motor which is arranged to open and close the catheter by means of a mechanical clamping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: Astra-Sjuco AB
    Inventor: Fred V. G. Ekbladh
  • Patent number: 4228794
    Abstract: A massager comprises a dumbbell-shaped housing having a relatively large upper part, a narrow intermediate part, and a relatively large lower part. An electric motor is housed in the upper part and has an at least partially flexible shaft extending through the intermediate part and connected via a transmission in the lower part to massage fingers extending axially from this lower part. A fan mounted on this shaft in the intermediate portion sucks air in through slots through which the massage fingers extend, moves it axially through the housing, and expels it from holes in the upper end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Hans Boller
  • Patent number: 4228793
    Abstract: The combination of an improved pressure-switch operated vibrating motor, enclosed either within a a cushioned housing or a non-cushioned housing. The improved pressure switch means comprises a combination of an enlarged pressure plate having a first, conductive element incorporated therein which, in its normal position is overlyingly spaced from a second conductive member located on a support means for the vibratory motor and a power source. Contact of the first and second conductive elements is readily made by application of compressive force to depress the pressure plate means and electrically interconnect the first and second conductive members, and engergize the motor. Release of the compressive force immediately de-energizes the vibratory motor. Incorporation of the pressure switch operating vibratory unit within a cushioned housing, as in a pillow or stuffed animal damps the vibrations and creates a useful vibratory pillow or toy item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Carol a/k/a Carali Ramey
  • Patent number: 4226231
    Abstract: A fracture board for use by emergency personnel for immobilizing an injured patient. The board features a head portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a plurality of longitudinally extending spaced slots, a pair of angular slits extending toward the centerline from the top edge, and a pair of bottom notches. The board can be made of fiberglass and one embodiment includes a rigid foam insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Inventor: Arthur L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 4224931
    Abstract: A vibrating apparatus comprising a pair of arms supported each in cantilever manner from an off-center vibrating motor and disposed in separate but substantially parallel planes, said arms being in structural communication at their free ends and configured to each transmit to the other a vibratory force which is amplified by the receiving arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Leon Nelkin
  • Patent number: 4224932
    Abstract: A handle for a vibratory massage unit of the type including an applicator head which translates laterally in a circular motion upon rotation of a drive shaft. The handle solves the problem of excessive vibration by providing static and dynamic balancing of the moving parts so as to prevent operator fatigue. A pair of offset bearings provide the transition from pure rotational motion to translational motion and an oppositely offset counterweight provides the static and dynamic balancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Norman E. Farb
  • Patent number: 4224933
    Abstract: A sexual stabilizer and stimulator worn on a penis for exciting both partners of a sex act; the device including a tubular sleeve of thin latex, constrictions at opposite end portions thereof, several stiffening stays imbedded in the sleeve extending longitudinally, a zig-zagged row of balls tethered on the outer side of the sleeve, and a band adjustably attached to straps near a base end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Joseph William Reiling
    Inventor: Joseph W. Reiling
  • Patent number: 4224936
    Abstract: A transit isolator which comprises: (i) a first frame including (a) a pair of spaced generally parallel horizontal members, from which is slidably suspended an isolator in the form of a flexible film envelope having a plurality of sleeves in the sides thereof, (b) a basal structure, preferably comprising a stretcher, adapted to support said horizontal members, and (c) an end frame defining a closable port through which a patient may be conveyed into and out of the flexible film envelope; and (ii) a second frame comprising an end section adapted to slide along the horizontal members of said first frame and to which is attached that end of said flexible film envelope remote from the closable port, whereby movement of said end section along the horizontal members of the first frame causes the flexible film envelope to become compressed in the manner of a concertina in the direction towards said closable port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Vickers Limited
    Inventor: Walter H. Cox
  • Patent number: 4224934
    Abstract: A prosthetic check valve which allows unrestricted fluid flow in a forward direction and is capable of being repeatedly pulled open to allow reverse fluid flow. The valve comprises a valve body having an extensible section which houses a valve seat and a valve support. A resilient member is attached to the valve support and resiliently supports a valve member so as to force the valve member towards the valve seat. When the extensible section is contracted, the valve acts as a check valve to allow fluid flow only in a forward direction from a supply tube, through the valve support and valve seat, to a demand tube. When the extensible section is extended, fluid is allowed to flow both in the aforesaid forward direction and in a reverse direction through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: American Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: F. Brantley Scott, John H. Burton
  • Patent number: 4224930
    Abstract: An elongated block-like stool has first and second downwardly extending slots which respectively receive the ankle portion of the lower leg and foot of a prone person with each slot having a plurality of openings in which a protruding peg can be removably mounted. Such a peg is positioned in accordance with the size of the foot of the user to engage a nerve ending in the ankle area of each foot of the user to apply pressure to the nerve ending and create a generally beneficial effect on the user. In another embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the inner surface of a strap positionable over the ankle portion of the user with the protrusion being similarly engaged with a nerve ending to effect the beneficial results on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Hugo Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4223670
    Abstract: A restraint for use in performing a Lumbar Puncture procedure on a pediatric patient, the restraint including a flexible panel having a plurality of portions, openings and straps for securing predetermined parts of a patient's body and securely holding same immobilized in a forwardly arched position with the subject's back fully exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventor: Judith C. Cramer
  • Patent number: 4223668
    Abstract: A cosmetic mask in the shape of a cone and made of transparent slightly flexible material, adapted to fit in watertight engagement around the face of a user; a nose hole is provided, having an opening in the top surface of the mask and a bulbous portion at its lower end into which the nose of the user is inserted. A hose, adapted to be attached to a standard water tap, has a rigid inner end projecting a short distance inside the mask and includes thereon rotatably mounted radial branches which rotate under the pressure of water flowing through them, spraying water inside the mask towards the face of the user. Each branch is provided with a rotatably mounted nozzle which can be positioned to adjust the direction of the spray inside the mask. A drainage means is provided at the bottom surface of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventors: Noella Forget nee Lamy, Maurice Forget
  • Patent number: 4222376
    Abstract: An exercise machine for restoring lost movement to joints and muscles includes a base to which a chair upon which the user is seated may be mounted, to prevent the machine from tipping, and includes a vertical standard mounting a rotatable handlebar assembly and a crank assembly. The handlebar assembly includes a sloping stem rotatable on the vertical standard and handlebars rotatable on the upper sloping end of the stem, whereby propelling the handlebars about for a circular path of the stem upper end provides a wide range of movement to the arms and upper torso. The crank assembly is made up of upper and lower bicycle-type crank mechanisms, for the arms and legs, coupled by a V-belt so that strong, readily moved legs may be utilized to restore movement to arms whose range of movement is impaired, or vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventor: Louis Praprotnik
  • Patent number: 4220145
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy apparatus having a single nozzle which is continuously rotated through a circular path by a water wheel. Conduits divide a source of pressurized water into first and second portions, the first portion flowing past the water wheel before rejoining the second portion. Thereafter both portions flow through a venturi where they are aerated, through the center of the rotating flywheel, and through the rotating nozzle from which they are discharged. A valve can be manually adjusted for varying the amount of pressurized water that flows past the water wheel to alter its speed of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Inventors: Roger A. Stamp, Farrell D. Williams
  • Patent number: 4220143
    Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for the prevention of ischemic ulcers and treatment for the soreness and stiffness of joints of patients suffering from arthritis, Parkinson's disease and the like. In the apparatus a patient rests on a surface such as that provided by a conventional mattress and bed which surface is oscillated through an included angle in the range of about 2 to 6 degrees in a generally vertical plane extending generally parallel to the longitude of the patient at a rate of about 15 to 150 seconds per each sweep through the included angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Inventors: James M. Cummins, Gilbert E. Pierfelice
  • Patent number: 4220144
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device to be secured to a first end section (16). A gingivae massage element (22) is secured to a second end section (18) of the toothbrush (12). The massage element (22) substantially defines a chordal segment of a cylindrical contour which has an arcuate contour outer surface (24) for compressively interfacing with the gingivae of a user. The gingivae massage element (22) includes a planar chordal surface (26) which is secured to the second end section (18) of the toothbrush (12). In this manner, the gingivae massage element (22) is compressively and deformably pressed against the gingivae lining during a massaging motion with a minimization of the possibility of injury to the tissue through any force application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Inventor: Marcelino P. Balais
  • Patent number: 4217892
    Abstract: A hydro-therapy machine includes a massage tank connected to a diaphragm pump by means of a pair of conduits with which communicate with apertures in the bottom and side walls of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Inventor: Joseph H. Brill
  • Patent number: 4216766
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of tissue located in a specified reg of a mammal, the region being proximate to a gas filled cavity which is contained in a fluid medium within the mammal. The resonance frequency of the cavity is determined, and an acoustic signal having a frequency which is equal to the resonance frequency is directed upon the cavity to resonate the cavity, at a selected level of intensity, until a first phase of treatment has been concluded. Thereupon, a selected second phase in the treatment of the tissue is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ludwig R. Duykers, Joseph L. Percy
  • Patent number: 4214577
    Abstract: An orthosis for passive and active movement of a joint of a body limb, permitting application of adjustable flexion or extension bias to that limb without the application of direct force on the joint. A spaced pair of proximal and distal shafts for medial and lateral positioning about the joint and proximal and distal parts of the limb are provided, these cooperating proximal and distal shafts being joined at a pivot. The pivots are juxtaposed the joint and permit pivoting the distal shafts in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the distal part of the limb. Cuff and strap means are secured between opposite proximal and opposite distal shafts to releasably secure the orthosis to proximal and distal parts of the limb. Securing means are associated with portions of the proximal and distal shafts at positions spaced from the pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Inventor: Mansell I. Hoy