Abstract: A method for controlling an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use one of specific actions to move a first tag from a first sensing area to a second sensing area. And one of the steps of the method relocates the first tag proximate to the second sensing area to have a portion of the first tag to point at the second sensing area. The final step of the method operates the exercise apparatus from a first condition using a first value corresponding to the first sensing area to a second condition using a second value corresponding to the second sensing area.

Abstract: A headrest for a patient-bearing surface, having an approximately horseshoe-shaped form and comprising a central section (14) for supporting the back of the head or the forehead, the bearing surface thereof being at least approximately spherical shell-shaped, also comprising two side sections (16) which are arranged at a distance from each other and whose bearing surfaces conform at least approximately to a common cylindrical surface whose axis is parallel to a symmetrical line (20) of the headrest extending between the side surfaces (16). A cheekbone support (18), which protrudes in the direction of the other side section (16), is provided on each side section (16).

Abstract: A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position.

Abstract: A delivery tube assembly for delivering a breathing gas to a patient, the delivery tube includes a first lumen having an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The lumen is configured to deliver the breathing gas from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. A second lumen is configured to flow an insulating gas around the first lumen. A method of insulating a breathing gas with an insulating gas and discharging the insulating gas to atmosphere is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exercise devices for exercising the abdominal muscles and other muscle groups are disclosed. Each of the exercise devices has a housing from which opposing interconnected ends of an axle extend and a support ball that is captured within and partially extends from the housing. The housing has a cavity defining a partial sphere for receiving the support ball. Each of the exercise devices also comprises a plurality of strips which are attached to the surface of the cavity. Each of the strips includes a plurality of bearings each of which is captured within a bearing race. The strips are positioned upon the cavity surface so as to engage the support ball surface and to provide free-rolling support of the housing on the support ball in any direction when the exercise device is in use. Methods of using the exercise devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gynaecological instrument for delineating the fornix of the vagina during laparoscopic surgeries having a spring, which proximal end is securely affixed to a distal end of a solid ring and the distal end of the spring is securely affixed to a base. The extension of the base can be inserted into the head of the Valtchev® Uterine Mobilizer and locked in place. When the delineator is pushed toward the fornix of the vagina the solid ring is self-adjusting to the angle of the of the fornix and the length of the cervix. An elastic plastic ring is provided, for placing on the solid ring, in order to protect the ring and instrument which is used to open the vagina laparoscopically.

Abstract: A knee orthosis comprises an upper leg attachment and a lower leg attachment. In addition, the knee orthosis includes a hinge joint extending between the upper leg attachment and the lower leg attachment. The hinge joint includes an upper arm having a first end fixed to the upper leg attachment and a second end opposite the first end. The second end including a semi-spherical surface. Further, the hinge joint includes a lower arm having a first end fixed to the lower leg attachment and a second end opposite the first end. The second end including a semi-spherical surface that mates with the semi-spherical surface of the second end of the upper arm.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for use in orthopedic device includes, according to one embodiment, a first shell body defining first and second surfaces, and a resilient perimeter edge portion surrounding the perimeter of the first shell body. The edge portion has greater flexibility than the first shell body. The perimeter edge portion defines a lip extending over a portion of at least one of the first and second surfaces, and the lip is spaced a distance above the first shell body so as to define a clearance between the first shell body and the lip.

Abstract: The method and system ventilates a patient's airway during the inspiratory phase and expiratory phase from a source of pressurized gas, typically from a compressor. The system and method supplies, to the patient airway during the inspiratory phase, a plurality of pulses of small volumes of gas from the gas source, and adds, in succession, pulses of small volumes of gas to provide successively greater volumes of gas successively increasing in pulsatile form the pressure of the gas in the patient's airway. This addition of successively greater volumes of gas serves to provide diffusive ventilation to the patient during the inspiratory phase, and, permits the patient to exhale during the expiratory phase.

Abstract: A storable exercise apparatus for home use. The apparatus includes an upright tower, a base structure, a bench frame, and a bench attached to the bench frame. A set of flexible pull lines coupled to a resilient spring system are carried within the tower structure. The user exercises by pulling the pull lines against the bias of the spring system. The grips for the pull lines are mounted at the top of the tower and generate significant tipping force on the tower when the apparatus is in use. To prevent tipping, the bench frame has pivotal and load-transmitting connections with the tower structure; the tower is stabilized by the weight of the user on the bench. The bench may be placed in either a raised or lowered position, and can be stored by collapsing and pivoting it so that it abuts the tower vertically.

Abstract: A face mask assembly and method of assembling a face mask is provided for a patient that includes a face piece sized to fit over the patient's nose and mouth. The face mask assembly forms a mask chamber between the face piece and the patient's nose and mouth. An inhalation adapter is coupled to the face piece to deliver medication to the chamber. A filter housing is coupled to the face piece and includes a flange section that defines a passageway to connect the mask chamber and the flange section. A filter is positioned in the filter housing. A cover is coupled to the flange section and has an exhalation opening or vent to allow gases from the mask chamber to pass through the filter and escape from the passageway to the atmosphere. In a second embodiment, the filter housing is modified by providing a frame adjacent the bottom with a cross-shaped structure and a retainer button attached to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise device that allows the user to strengthen the muscles that close the hand, against the resistance of a flexion member, as well as to strengthen the muscles that open the hand and spread the digits, against resistance of an extension member, all through full natural planes of motion, without lulls of resistance during the exercise. The device is always taut, due to its unique design, either resisting finger and thumb flexion and adduction or finger and thumb extension and abduction. The result of consistent use is maximum strength, balance and blood flow to the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow.

Abstract: A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurised gas, preferably pressurised air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomised is therefore substantially atomised only in the inhalation phases.

Abstract: An exercise computer monitors the exercises of a user, especially a child, and provides rewards for exercises done well and regularly, thereby motivating the user. Rewards take the form of video games, cartoons, music, and merchant coupons. The exercise computer also provides encouragement and advice as the user progresses in skill level. Exercises may be prescribed. A record of exercise performance can be produced, to track the user's progress over time. The system and method can readily utilize the current install base of handheld computers and video games pre-existing in the marketplace.

Abstract: A fault indicator for a strip advancement mechanism comprising a base that defines a fault sensing portion of a path for at least a component of a strip, an element for bearing against a strip, or a component of the strip, while it passes through the fault sensing portion of the path, wherein the element is adapted to move from that bearing or non-fault position, to a fault indicating position in the event of the strip or the component of the strip ceasing to pass through the fault sensing portion of the path.

Abstract: An adaptable mounting plate is secured to and thereby combined with a stilt boot plate. The mounting plate pivotally couples a quick-release ratcheting strap and an adjustable arched heel backer to the stilt boot plate. The mounting plate and backer keep a user's feet in correct position, thereby providing both lateral and forward stability needed during movement. The pivotal quick release ratcheting strap simultaneously drives the user's heel into the arched heel backer, ensuring a secure coupling therebetween, and draws the user's shoe or boot tightly down against the stilt boot plate. The toe strap is also preferably a quick-release ratcheting strap, and is preferably attached in existing toe strap mounting holes. Likewise, the upper calf support utilizes the same type of quick-release ratcheting strap as the ankle, and is preferably mounted with nylon lock nuts through mounting holes on the calf support.

Abstract: A modular splint system having a base for securing to the limb, with various intervening components for joint positioning, with outriggers for mounting various tensioning devices and secured to the base with reclosable fasteners for precise alignment of forces.

Abstract: A medical dressing for an open wound includes a base, and a raised flexible therapeutic cover formed with base. The base has opposing inside and outside major surfaces, and continuous inside and outside peripheral edges. The inside peripheral edge defines a wound site opening and designed to surround the open wound. The raised-flexible therapeutic cover extends over and above the wound site opening defined by the inside peripheral edge. A compression spring resiliently spaces the therapeutic cover from the open wound.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle orthosis comprising a U-shaped support stirrup made of a flexible material, the sides of which stirrup converge beneath the foot in a web projecting as a tab toward the metatarsus, extend past the bones, and are held together at their end regions by a fastening strap wrapping around the leg. The tab has a convexity, which presses against the cuboid bone of the foot due to a preloading of the tab.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 12 that includes a sorbent filter material 42, an end-of-service-life (ESLI) indicator 40, a housing, and a housing cover 24. The housing 22 has a sidewall 26 that has a window pane that allows the ESLI 40 to be viewed through it. The cover 24 is secured to a first perimeter 28 of the housing sidewall 26 and has an air throughput surface 32 and an opaque extension 36. The opaque extension 36 is positioned on the cover 24 such that the extension is juxtapositioned against an outer surface of the housing sidewall 26. The cover extension 36 also has a window pane located in it so that the ESLI 40 may be viewed through it too. The provision of an opaque extension 36 on the cover 24 and a window 38 in the extension 36 allows the ESLI 40 to be appropriately masked such that the sensor registration position is consistently achieved during manufacture of the filter cartridge 12.