Abstract: A method for the prevention or alleviation of a condition of osteoporosis which includes the step of placing a patient in a standing position upon a platform at a first level and repeatedly raising the platform to a second level and causing it to drop to said first level, thereby imparting force to the bones of the subject standing upon the platform for strengthening of and growth-promotion in the same, and means for carrying out the said method, are disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic support (1, 40) is disclosed in which there is provided fitting system (2, 3) for engaging body parts articulated to each other, arms (4, 5) attached to and extending form the fitting system and movable attached to each other remote from the fitting system, and tightening cables (14, 71, 21, 6, 25) attached to the fitting system and arms for dynamically and temporarily tightening the fitting system differentially and progressively on the body parts in response to movement of one body part relative to the other body part.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a joint formed of a plurality of joint members is disclosed. The brace includes first and second frame members disposed on opposite sides of the joint to be supported, and first and second hinge members disposed substantially adjacent the joint and connected to the frame members to pivot the frame members about the joint. The frame members may be formed of separable portions engageable with each other at variable locations along the length thereof. Adjustment of the engagement location being effective to vary the orientation of at least one of the frame member portions with respect to at least one of the hinges. The brace is therefore adjustable to conform to lateral curvature of the joint members. The hinge members may be formed to regulate rotation of at least one of the frame members about the joint to provide close support to the joint members during unlocking of the joint.

Abstract: A portable treatment table comprises a plurality of separate patient support table sections interconnectable for supporting a patient during treatment at a convenient working level above the floor while lying in a generally horizontal position. Each of the table sections includes a cushion assembly with drops for supporting a portion of the patient's body mounted on a frame and a plurality of support legs are pivotally interconnected with the frame for movement between a folded-up position inside the frame for transporting the table sections and a downwardly extended position for supporting the patient during treatment. Connectors are provided for detachably interconnecting the frames of the table sections and a detachable head piece assembly is provided for supporting a patient's head for cervical adjustment while lying on the interconnected table sections. When not in use, the head piece assembly is stowed for transport beneath the cushions of the table sections inside the folded-up legs and frame.

Abstract: Drooping of an upper eyelid is counteracted by applying a liquid adhesive composition that does not harm the eye along an elongated area where a healthy eyelid would normally fold. Blinking the eye or applying a flexible member to the eyelid along the elongated area of application or applying the adhesive composition to the flexible member and applying the treated member to the outer surface of the droopable eyelid causes the eyelid to fold and the eyelid portions to adhere, thus causing the eyelid to assume an undrooped condition. This invention replaces the need for a surgical procedure to sew the upper eyelid portions together or for a special applicator requiring special training to remove a preformed two-sided tape from a plastic support sheet and apply the removed tape to the outer surface of an unfolded upper eyelid. Instead, this invention provides a simple application procedure that can be performed readily by an untrained individual and apparatus for performing said procedure.

Abstract: A support is provided for a user's head and neck which provides varying degrees of support depending on the combination of support members utilized. A posterior shell which supports the occiput can be combined with either ear protectors or an anterior shell, or both and an overlying posterior shell can be utilized to provide increased support. A single posterior shell could include all support features such as the ear protectors formed as an integral port thereof. The anterior shell can have molded contours to increase its rigidity and jaw engaging side walls to reduce lateral movement.

Abstract: The application is directed to a knee orthosis having a proximal cuff, (2), engageable with the wearer's leg above the knee, a distal cuff, (4), engageable with the wearer's leg below the knee, and a pair of polycentric hinges, (6), joining the cuffs. Both of the hinges are offset in a medial direction relative to the wearer's leg to prevent pressure on the fibula head. Stop means, (110 and 112), limit the pivotal motion of both the hinges relative to the cuffs to approximately 180.degree. measured in the anterior direction to prevent the wearer's knee from canting rearwardly.

Abstract: A magnetic cylinder for use in printing or die cutting has annular spaced-apart pole pieces with flexible or pliable annular magnets in the spaces between the pole pieces, a protective covering over the magnets and supports alongside the magnets for structurally supporting the protective covering.

Abstract: A band for placement about the human anatomy with switch components on the band and displaceable from one another, upon enlargement of the band, to establish an electrical circuit to a signalling device. An elastic member retracts the band in the absence of anatomical pressure to open the circuit and terminate operation of the signalling device. The signalling device is disclosed as being of the vibratory type.

Abstract: Device and method for venous-flow stimulation, through localized periodic application of squeezing forces, essential limited to the phalanx of the digits and thumb, and to the adjacent region of the palm of the hand. To this end, an inflatable mitt is applied to the said phalanx and adjacent regions, with digits and thumb projecting beyond the mitt. The mitt may be wrapped with suitable fabric, such as surgical gauze or muslin, to provide a circumferential tie of the inflatable regions, the tie providing hoop-tension reference for inward application of a squeezing pressure/release cycle; and the squeeze is applied in unison circumferentially around each of the individual digits (and thumb) at the phalanx region. Alternatively, the inflatable mitt may be embedded in an orthopedic cast, without imparing the application of pulsed pressure local to the indicated region in this case the circumferential tie is provided by the case.

Abstract: A device is provided for use by a physician to relocate a dislocated shoulder of a patient. The device includes a bent rigid member, an upper arm connecting member attached to one end of the bent rigid member, a lower arm connecting member attached to the other end of the bent rigid member, a loop attached to the bent rigid member. The device is also supplied with belt means for attaching the loop to the physician in order to allow him to apply force to the bent rigid member by using his body weight.

Abstract: Venous blood flow in a non-ambulating human leg is involuntarily promoted in a repeating cycle of successively actuated venous pumps, in imitation of the pump-actuating sequence which characterizes normal walking. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the proximal calf pump and the distal calf pump are operated, in that sequential order, following a given operation of the foot pump and prior to the next successive operation of the foot pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating the human body to reduce body dimensions and minimize the undesirable appearance of cellulite. The method includes combining a mineral solution with body wrap material, then wrapping this material on the body portion to be treated, and then passively exercising that body portion.

Abstract: A portable spring leveraged device adapted for attachment to the hips in a manner that allows a person engaged in so-called "stoop labor" to bend or flex at the hips with less physical exertion, and with less stress and strain on involved musculature and vertebral joints. The device consists of a U-shaped metal or plastic frame, hinged in each arm of the U and provided with spring resistance at each hinge point. The frame is belt-mounted at the wearer's waist with the hinge points adjacent the hips and with the bottom of the U and arms providing padded contact at the wearer's chest and thighs, respectively. The two arms provide for independent leg movement for walking while the chest contact resiliently supports a major portion of the wearer's upper torso weight during leaning and stooping, thus relieving the stresses and strains normally imparted to the back muscles, ligamentous and bony support, and especially the low back structure, during, for example, use of a short hoe and/or lifting produce boxes.

Abstract: An articulated mechanical joint for use in knee apparatuses such as knee braces allowing extension and flexion of the wearers' knees to which the braces are applied, artificial articulated knees of leg prostheses, and the like, comprises a pair of elongated femoral and tibial links edgedly facing each other at one end and a pair of cheek plates one on each side over the links. Each cheek plate is pivotally connected to both links up their edgedly facing ends, one plate independently of the other so that each end of each link has two pivots connecting to the two plates. The pivot axes of the different pivots are so positioned that the rotation axis of the pivotally connected links is so shifted as to reproduce accurately the complex rotation of the knee. Moreover, because of the strengthening cheek plates, the mechanical joint provides a better resistance to sidewise motion of the tibia and femur of the leg.

Abstract: A motion restraining knee brace has a pair of articulated side portions each defined by elongated thigh and calf support members pivotally interconnected by an adjustable hinge mechanism. Each hinge mechanism has a single adjustment dial that cooperates with a pair of stop members to selectively limit the relative pivotal movement between the thigh and calf support members associated with the hinge. Outer ends of the thigh and calf support members are securable to the leg by connecting straps which encircle the leg and have independently adjustable anterior and posterior portions. Each of the thigh and calf support members is formed from two adjustably interlockable longitudinal sections releasably held together by a pivotable clip member to thereby provide for rapid support member length adjustment.

Abstract: A comfortable, inconspicuous foot support device is provided to assist a person suffering from foot-drop, the device being adapted to work in combination with a shoe worn by the person, the device having a support member adapted to engage a posterior ankle section of the leg and having strap means for providing dorsiflexion and eversion assistance, the strap means being connected to the support member and attached to predetermined points on the shoe.

Abstract: A device for stimulating the soles of a person's feet comprises a plastic holder having a central recess. A multiplicity of spherical plastic bearings of different sizes are supported within the recess in a loosely-packed layer. A dampening medium such as a gel surrounds the bearings to dampen their movement. A plastic film overlays the bearings and conforms to the shape of the underlying bearings when stepped on by the feet. A user simply stands on the plastic film and rocks thereby displacing the bearings and stimulating various parts of the bottoms of his feet.

Abstract: Device and method for venous-flow stimulation, through localized periodic application of squeezing forces, essentially limited to the phalanx of the digits and thumb, and to the adjacent region of the palm of the hand. To this end, an inflatable mitt is applied to the said phalanx and adjacent regions, with digits and thumb projecting beyond the mitt. The mitt may be wrapped with suitable fabric, such as surgical gauze or muslin, to provide a circumferential tie of the inflatable regions, the tie providing hoop-tension reference for inward application of a squeezing pressure/release cycle; and the squeeze is applied in unison circumferentially around each of the individual digits (and thumb) at the phalanx region. Altervatively, the inflatable mitt may be embedded in an orthopedic cast, without impairing the application of pulsed pressure local to the indicated region in this case the circumferential tie is provided by the case.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a non-invasive technique and apparatus for artificially stimulating the venous-return flow of blood from the foot by inducing sharply pulsed squeezing or necking-down of the vessels of the venous-pump mechanism within the foot. The sitmulation results from transient flattening of the plantar arch, in that an induced transient spread of the heel with respect to the ball of the foot stretches, and therefore necks-down involved blood vessels; stimulation also results from such a squeeze of the plantar-arch region as to concurrently squeeze the involved blood vessels. Cyclically inflatable devices, local to the foot-pump region, are disclosed for inducing either or both of the indicated actions.