Abstract: The present invention is a biofidelic manikin neck comprising a butyl rubber beam inserted between an aluminum base and an aluminum top, with a stainless steel cable assembly in the middle of the beam connecting the top to the base. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pivot joint is bolted to a lug in the neck top. The joint is attached to a head mounting plate to provide head nodding action. An outer cylinder, comprised of a thick sheet of butyl rubber attached vertically around the head mounting plate and the neck base, allows the head moment to respond to the angle between the head and the torso. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a torsion release swivel joint instead of a pivot joint, and uses additional strips of butyl rubber to stiffen the neck response. A third preferred embodiment uses a rectangular inner beam, and a roughly oval-shaped outer support structure.

Abstract: A movable thumb brace is provided preferably having a plurality of hinged sections. The tip section has a relatively rigid casing having an upper surface portion and a tip portion. The tip portion includes an outer liner and an inner liner with the outer liner having a cover. The outer liner and the cover extend downwardly along the tip portion. The outer liner extends downwardly beyond the cover and then curves upwardly to its distal end. The inner liner extends downwardly adjacent the outer liner and has a distal end located between the outer liner distal end and the cover. The tip section also has a thumb surface portion which is secured to the tip portion. Adjacent to the tip section is section having a casing for placement adjacent the upper surface of a thumb with this section having an upper surface portion and sidewall portions.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a magnetic ring for stimulating the correspondence part at the fingers or toes using the pressing, magnetic and metal-ionic effects of the ring. The magnetic ring of this invention comprises a multi-angled and coiled string which presses the fingers by its elasticity, a round magnet which is inserted in the coiled string to give the magnetic effects to the fingers or toes, and means for connecting both ends of the coiled string in order to make a round shape of the ring.

Abstract: The person's head is supported and moved continuously along a path in a manner compatible with a possible movement of the person's head. The apparatus is used to induce relaxation or reduce tension, and may comprise: a head support for securely holding the person's head; a base; a motor provided on the base; and a mechanical linkage driven by the motor and connected to the base and to the head support for supporting the head support on the base and for moving the head support along the path when the person rests on a first surface and the base is supported by a second surface, the second surface being fixed with respect to the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic table for the treatment of spinal ailments which consists of a horizontal platform or table divided into three segments. An upper segment supports the patient's torso and head, a center segment supports the pelvic region of the patient and a lower segment supports the legs of the patient. The patient, while lying on his or her back, is securedly strapped to the upper and center segments, whereupon the center segment is caused to move upward diagonally at approximately a 45 degree angle. This linear, angled motion, which is reciprocally repeated, results in simultaneous arching and tractioning of the patient's spine, thereby decompressing the vertebrae and providing therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A method and exercise device using air pressure to apply a high force to the body is provided. The force, although not gravity, resembles gravity in its influence on the musculoskeletal mechanics of locomotion because of the method of application (air pressure), and point of application (centroid of cross-section of waist/hip area), and constant, controllable magnitude (regulated by the level of the pressure difference). The device also has possible wide applications on Earth in the areas of high performance athletic training and rehabilitation of trauma victims, low level paraplegics, orthopaedic hip implant recipients, and as a general exercice aid for elderly.

Abstract: A device for supporting a spinal column includes a screw having a U-shaped head, a joining element received within the head, a threaded bolt received within and threadedly engaging the head, and a cap covering an upper portion of the head. The head is internally threaded. The threaded bolt engages the joining element to block relative movement between the joining element and the screw. The cap avoids spreading of the head upon tightening of the bolt in the head.

Abstract: A therapeutic back support device for use in applying force to vertically opposite sides of a human spine at any selected one of a plurality of different vertical levels. The device includes a back support plate which is coupled to a human body to forwardly direct the plate. A pair of force concentrating members are mounted on the front face of the plate between the plate and the body for concentrating the forwardly directed force of the plate to a specific portion of the back. The force concentrating members may be laterally and vertically moved to apply the force to any selected one of a plurality of vertically spaced spinal vertebrae.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving motor improvement of a neurologically and/or orthopedically disordered limb of a patient is provided along with a method of use. The apparatus incorporates a frame supported panel on which is adjustably and diagonally mounted an elongated member that has associated therewith a releasable attachment member. A releasably supportable portable marker member that is also releasably engagable with the releasable attachment member is provided. Thus, the patient after being suitably oriented relative to the apparatus, can raise a limb, fasten the marker member to the elongated member, and then lower the limb in a controlled, repetitive manner.

Abstract: A device for strengthening extensor muscle groups of the forearms and hand consisting of a leaf spring with a generally planar portion and an integrally formed arcuate portion containing a plurality of tines. The user straps the device onto the posterior surface of the forearm and inserts his/her fingers into the finger sleeves resulting in a closed fist position of the hand. The user uses the exterior muscle group to straighten his/her hand against the spring force of the device. The device is intended as a therapeutic implement for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow and wrist tendinitis and similar injuries or for general muscle strengthening.

Abstract: An inflatabled leg-supporting bolster includes a pair of flexible side panels joined to opposite side edges of a connecting flexible sheet that encircle them. A horizontal web and a plurality of upright webs are provided at the interior of the bolster to define lateral and upright configurations required for proper leg support when used by a person lying in a supine position.

Abstract: A biofeedback activated orthosis for foot-drop rehabilitation is provided including a lifting mechanism, a control circuit, a muscle activity sensing mechanism, and an electrogoniometer. The lifting mechanism lifts a foot through the swing phase of a gait cycle by way of a drive motor mechanism which pulls a cable passing between a foot brace and a shin brace. The drive motor mechanism allows the cable to unwind upon heel-strike by way of a slip coupling. The drive motor mechanism is controlled by a control circuit which assimilates and processes an incoming electromyographic (EMG) signal from the muscle activity sensing mechanism detected by EMG electrodes placed on the skin above the dorsiflexor muscles of the user. The control circuit also processes a leg position information signal obtained by a radial resistor attached to a knee brace strapped to the knee for sensing the angular position of the lower leg.

Abstract: There is disclosed an orthotic device adapted for use with a hand of a user to restore grasping function. The device includes a finger retaining member and thumb support. The finger retaining member is pivotally moveable from a first open or non-grasping position when the finger retaining member is spaced from the thumb support, to a second position where the two are adjacent. The device achieves this function by incorporating a suitable shape memory alloy suitably associated with the finger retaining member and thumb support.

Abstract: A knee brace includes an upper support assembly pivotally attached to a lower support assembly. A magnetic assembly secures the upper and lower support assemblies to a leg of a wearer above and below the knee joint, respectively. The upper and lower support assemblies each include a pair of support elements engageable with the medial and lateral sides of a wearer's leg. A pair of polycentric hinge members pivotally connect the upper support elements to respective lower support elements. Flexible padded bands attached between the pairs of upper and lower support elements engage the thigh and calf of the leg. Stop members associated with the polycentric hinge members and support elements restrict extension of the wearer's leg. The magnetic assembly includes implanted magnets mounted directly to each of the medial and lateral sides of the femur and tibia beneath the tissue of the leg.