Abstract: A method of helmet treatment for deformational cranial asymmetry in which the dimensions of the therapeutic helmet cavity are prescribed in relation to specific CT scan sections of the plagiocaphalic infant's cranium. A graded series of sized helmets is provided for such treatments. Each helmet cavity is configured to accommodate and effectively treat infants of specified ages and degrees of plagiocephaly. By employing the subject off-the-shelf helmets, the time-consuming and labor-intensive fitting of individualized helmets is obviated.

Abstract: A bubble bath assembly disclosed is designed to be installed in the vicinity of the side wall of a conventional bathtub and includes a pump, a suction pipe, a nozzle and a support housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet. The suction pipe is connected to the inlet of the pump, and is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub. The nozzle is connected to the outlet of the pump. The support housing holds the nozzle in order to retain the nozzle over the water in the bathtub upon the installment of the assembly. When the pump is operated, water is drawn into the pump from the bathtub through the suction pipe, and is discharged in a jet from the nozzle against the surface of the water in the bathtub. This jet of water introduce oxygen into the bath water, resulting in the formation of a layer of minute bubbles over the surface of the bath water. When these innumerable bubbles break, they generate ultrasonic waves which help in preventing the human body from suffering from skin diseases and muscular pains.

Abstract: A hybrid composite material is constructed from woven reinforced fabrics of Kevlar 49 and biaxially reinforced fibers of graphite and E-Glass bonded together with a thermosetting adhesive, for the application of custom orthotics. The material is designed with the idea of introducing different fibers at different locations of the orthotic in order to take advantage of the unique properties of each reinforcing fibers. The resulting material creates a hybrid composite that exhibits a balance of properties, in both the longitudinal and tranverse directions, unavailable with any single reinforcing fibers. A method of orthotic manufacturing involves a hand lay-up and forming procedure. The constructed composite material is formed and pressed on a prescribed cast, then allowed to cure under pressure. The post-cured material is stripped from the cast, then cut and ground and finally finished to the required orthotic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the orthopedic treatment of a leg or other limb having a joint between its proximal and distal portions. Saddles are secured to the proximal and distal portions of the limb. A compression strut is secured between the saddles to the rearward side of the limb. A stay is secured between the proximal saddle and a saddle secured to and extending around the rearward side of the distal portion of the limb. The stay may be adjusted laterally relative to the saddles secured thereto whereby twisting force may be applied to the limb. Compression pads are disposed between the stay and the limb to either side of the joint whereby, together with the saddles, straightening forces may be selectively applied to the limb.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment table having a lifting mechanism to allow lowering of the therapeutic treatment table close to the ground support surface and having a releasable connecting means to automatically connect or release the oscillating means from the therapeutic treatment table and an adjusting means to vary the degree of oscillation of the therapeutic treatment table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively mobilizing the joints in the lower back, the sacroiliac and the lumbosacral and lower lumber intervertebral joints by simultaneoulsly manipulating the pelvis in an oppositely directed reciprocating motion while also inducing small movements over a period of time to the joints of the lumbosacral spine in a timed relationship with the reciprocating motion of the pelvis without twisting and without forceful contact or manipulation of these regions.

Abstract: A podiatric orthesis for the tridimensional plantal development of the foot of a patient, which orthesis is conceived according to medical anatomical standards. It comprises a base having a rear part in the shape of a cupola, dimensioned for adapting to the calcaneus, and a median part projecting forwardly of and as an extension of the rear part. The latter is designed to hold the vertical axis of the calcaneus coaxial with the axis of the leg. The bottom of the cupola rises forwardly at an angle of about 30.degree. with respect to the ground to orient the calcaneus forwardly and at the same angle. The longitudinal axis of the rear part is oriented toward the fifth metatarsus of the foot so as to likewise orient the calcaneus. The median part has an inner border which concavely curves to support the subtalar.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the generation and transmission of complex pressure surges to the fluid system of the inner ear, this fluid system comprising an outer fluid chamber (perilymphatic space) provided with inlet and outlet, which entirely surrounds an inner fluid chamber (endolymphatic space), the fluid volume therein regulating the hearing ability of the ear in order, through intermittent compression of said inner chamber, to reduce any impairment of the hearing which may exist due to expansion of said chamber caused by too large a volume of fluid in said inner chamber, reproducible pressure pulses or surges are produced, consisting ofa first pressure component (a) having varying pressure oscillations, anda second component (b) superimposed on said first component (a) and having a predeterminable overpressure,said first component (a), by means of rapidly repeated pressure variations, substantially blocking the passage of fluid from the outer fluid chamber, in addition to which the said component (b)

Abstract: An improved therapeutic belt which is peculiarly adapted for the sacro-lumbar region of the body is disclosed. The belt appliance, in essence, is comprised of an elongated support surface formed from material that is bendable when subjected to forces encountered thereby; a flexible cover disposed on said support surface secured thereto along its edges, thereby forming an envelope; a source of fluid; a means introducing said fluid into said envelope for inflating and retaining said fluid, causing said surface to bend to assume a predetermined curvature, which is preferably in the shape of a crescent; and a means removably securing the free ends of said support surface.

Abstract: A flexible cup-shaped keyboard cap formed from transparent colored plastic enables a subset of keys to be distinguished by color while maintaining visibility of the key designation.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing pressure pulses intended for application to the external acoustic meatus of a patient, for the purpose of influencing the hydrodynamic system of the inner ear in the treatment of certain diseases, particularly Menieres disease, comprises two rotary air-pumps (1, 2) of variable, controllable speed. Respective pressure sides of the two pumps (1, 2) can be selectively connected to and disconnected from a common pressure-pulse output line (7), by means of a respective controllable valve (5, 6). The pumps are driven by electric motors (3, 4) and the rotational speed of the motors and the settings of the electrically operable valves (5, 6) are controlled by a control unit (9) incorporating a microprocessor, in response to a program relating to a desired shape, frequency, amplitude, duration etc. of the generated pressure pulses, this program being stored in the control unit.

Abstract: A reusable ankle brace for preventing lateral ankle sprains. The brace is constructed from an ankle cuff and a foot piece, with three straps emanating from anchor points on the foot piece for engagement with the ankle cuff. A first strap extends across from the heel end of the lateral side of the foot and across the front of the ankle, and is secured to the ankle cuff at the anteriomedial aspect. A second strap extends from the outside arch side portion of the foot vertically upward to a lateral side portion of the ankle cuff. A third strap is attached from the front end of the outside of the foot around the rear of the ankle and attaches on the posteriormedial aspect of the ankle cuff. The straps may be removably anchored on the ankle strap with hook and loop fasteners threaded through rings secured to the ankle cuff or removably anchored to the exterior counter portion of a shoe.

Abstract: The therapy equipment for the human body serves to enhance the feeling of good health by exposure of a part of all of the body, to accoustic irradiation with frequencies in the sub-audio, audio and ultrasonic regions. The therapy equipment consists of at least one oscillator plate which is arranged in bodily contact with the body of the person who sits, lies or stands on it, in which the oscillator plate is made to oscillate by sound waves, whereby corresponding oscillation generators are secured in bodily contact to the oscillator plate. The frequency of the sound waves is adjusted to the reabsorption frequency of individually selected organs and parts of the body, to treat selective individual organs or parts of the human body.

Abstract: The bed comprises a plurality of rollers (9, 10) disposed in parallel side by side relation to one another for supporting the person in bed, and a mechanism for imparting to these rollers a relative movement relative to the body of the person in bed whose bearing points on the rollers change constantly.

Abstract: A knee brace (10) is provided with a thigh collar (12) and a tibia collar (40) for securing the brace to the user's leg. A hinge (20) is connected to the thigh collar (12) and the tibia collar (40) in order to allow extension and flexion of the leg. The tibia collar (40) is connected to the hinge (20) via a connecting rod (26) upon which the tibia collar (40) may rotate and piston vertically. The desired range within which tibia collar (40) may rotate and piston may be adjusted by cams (34 and 36). An elastic wrap (56) is attached to the thigh collar (12) and the tibia collar (40) in order to facilitate proper rotation of the leg.

Abstract: A portable seat support and restraint system intended to be positioned on a conventional seating surface is comprised of a contoured chair having molded base and back portions. The base and back portions form a substantially continuous support surface capable of positioning an occupant's pelvis in a fixed position and properly aligning an occupant's muscles and skeletal frame. In addition, the seat support and restraint system includes an adjustable frame internal to the base and back portions of the contoured chair, independent footrest and tray assemblies adjustably secured to the base portion and a headrest adjustably secured to the back portion of the contoured chair.

Abstract: A back preserver traction device which is comprised of holster-like plates for application of stretching pressure to a patient's back. The device comprises a pair of thigh conformable plates, each having an inner surface and an outer surface. A hand grip is mounted on the outer surface of each plate for grasping by a patient's hand and application of pressure along the spine, away from the head. The thigh-conformable plates are strapped together with a holding strap which surrounds the patient's waist, holding the plates against the thigh in a position similar to the position in which holsters are held.

Abstract: A pneumatic massage device for applying suction to the skin including a suction cup member, a solenoid operated needle valve and a solenoid operated vacuum pump is provided. A pair of positioning straps are attached to the suction cup member to facilitate a person positioning the suction cup member on any desired area of his body without the assistance of another person. Each strap includes a form-fitted handle with a push-button switch to independently control the needle valve and vacuum pump.

Abstract: An anti-choke releaser apparatus is provided and consists of a spring activated mechanism that is anchored to a flat vertical surface and which will apply a sharp blow to the upper abdomen to aid in the expulsion of an obstruction from the larynx of a choking victim. In a modification the apparatus is in the shape of a gun which can be easily held in the hand and contains a piston that is activated by a trigger releasing gas from a carbon dioxide cartridge to fire the piston having an impact plate into the upper abdomen.

Abstract: A surgical accessory, and method for using it, for facilitating manual cardiac massage. The device is a generally disc-shaped pad adapted to receive the thumb of the user and to append from the inner thumb surface. The pad is approximately 3-10 centimeters in diameter, 0.5-2 centimeters in width and may secure the thumb by a loop, indentation aperture or the like. The generally disc-shaped pad may be a fluid-filled, foam or solid resilient structure. In order to use the present device, the practitioner attaches the disc to the inside surface of the thumb on the hand which he or she intends to use for cardiac massage. The disc is aligned to oppose the curved surface defined by the palmar skin on the fingers. Cardiac massage is executed as usual, and the device displaces the pressure exerted by the thumb over the myocardial surface in contact with the disc. A more even pumping pressure is thus exerted, and the chances of perforating or distressing the heart with the thumb are minimized.