Abstract: A mine effects simulator system for simulating the operation and encounter f land mines and their potential effects on an armored vehicle. The system utilizes an authentic land mine activation mechanism, radio transmitter and logic circuitry and provides a radio frequency signal when activated by the proximity of an armored vehicle. The armored vehicle has a receiver device which receives the signal to determine a "hit" or "kill" based upon the time of the mine detonation with respect to mine to vehicle position.

Abstract: A system for training or aiding an impaired individual to perform a series of tasks at spaced work sites comprises a mobile device for being worn or carried by the individual. The mobile device comprises circuits and devices for detecting the position of the mobile device relative to the spaced work sites. It further comprises a programmed computer having a memory for storing a data structure associating each task with the ordinal number of the task, a task description, the site at which the task is to be performed, a flag or pointer indicative of whether a task has been performed and messages containing cues and/or instructions for each task. The programmed computer also comprises a memory and processor for storing and executing a program which based upon the task flag or pointer and the location of the mobile module for cueing and/or instructing the individual to perform a task at a site.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a bendable elongate rod with a vertebra. The apparatus comprises a body portion having an opening for receiving the rod. A connector portion is fixed to and extends from the body portion for connecting the body portion with the vertebra. A pair of spaced apart arcuate surfaces are located in the opening in the body portion for engaging the rod at axially spaced locations.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in relieving neck and/or back pain in the person, is proposed in which the application of force to the spine is controlled by the person and is self-limiting.The apparatus provides a movable support 10 on which the upper torso of the person rests and a stationary support 18 for the lower torso. A harness co-operable with the person especially the head, and with the movable support member, is subject to a force by way of an actuating line acting through pulleys 24, 28 to give spinal traction in the lower lumber region and in the cervical region.

Abstract: A spine stretcher and aligner comprising a rigid or semirigid base having two members mounted thereon, with each member having a sustantially flat face, with the faces opposing each other so as to form a channel therebetween. Each member has an arcuate configuration at the upper edge of the face, with the highest point of said edges being closer to one end of the channel than the other. The members are composed of a compressible material which permits movement of the material toward the center of the channel when the weight of the back presses downwardly on the members. Dowels may be removably inserted in the members so as to raise the height of the edges.

Abstract: A lumbar spine fixation system which includes two spaced lumbar rods extending upwardly from the sacrum on each side of the lumbar spine. The upper ends of the lumbar rods are affixed to the spine by the use of pedicle screws. In the practice of the present invention, fixation of the lower ends of the rods is achieved by mounting an offset hook onto the lower end of each rod. The hook is configured to extend to the alar portion of the sacrum which is laterally placed from the sacral facet. The offset sacral hooks allow for the placement of the rods toward the midline and protect the laminar area of the spine which is frequently removed in a laminectomy. The sacral hooks can be further stabilized with a screw which goes from the sacral hook out laterally into the thick portion of the sacrum. This provides for further compression fixation of the sacral hook. A gear nut system is provided to facilitate the fixation of the screw holder and sacral hook.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic support construction that is attachable to the undersurface of the front portion of the sole of the shoe for treating a disorder of the foot by supporting a selected region of the foot when the shoe is worn. The support construction comprises an elongated planar sheet, preferably of rectangular form, adapted to be mounted on the shoe sole with one of its major surfaces against the undersurface of the shoe sole. The sheet is preferably formed from a flexible, resilient, shearable, and essentially inelastic material that is trimmed to the outline of the front portion of the shoe sole and cemented in place. The sheet has an elevated portion of increased thickness projecting from the other of its major surfaces so as to underlie and thereby, to support the selected region by exerting pressure through the shoe sole against the selected region.