Abstract: A chiropractic thruster for use in chiropractic treatment to apply controlled impact forces or thrusts to a human body comprises a rubber tipped free-floating punch, the length of stroke of which can be adjusted to control the force applied to the body. The punch delivers one stroke whenever the trigger of a three-way poppet valve is depressed and causes a burst of compressed air to flow from a relatively large compressed air reservoir in the thruster handle to one side of a spring-biased piston in a relatively smaller air cylinder located in the thruster. The piston comprises a piston rod which drives the punch and which, when the piston is biased to retracted position, is spaced from the inner end of the punch by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Ambulatory lumbo-sacral traction systems and methods utilize upper and lower support members in the form of belts which encircle a patient adjacent the pelvis and under the arms. The support members are held in spaced relation by struts which are longitudinally adjustable and include compression springs therein for absorbing shocks which might otherwise be transmitted to the spine.

Abstract: A cervical collar including a flexible panel and a member extending therefrom. The member is located against the outer surface of the panel when the panel is flat and flips over the panel to form a chin support member when the panel is formed into a neck encircling band.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices for applying pressure to various muscles and other parts of the body having a plurality of disc-shaped rolling elements rotatably mounted on a shaft and disposed between nonrotating handles. In one embodiment, a symetrically curved rolling element centrally disposed between smaller disc-shaped rolling elements is configured to apply pressure to certain areas of the body.

Abstract: A massaging machine promotes circulation in the lower extremities of the body of a user. It comprises massaging components formed as a pair of hollow semi-cylindrical concave dishes, which are driven by an electric motor in pivotal and oscillatory motion relative to a fixed base frame. A mounting plate is displaceable relative to the base frame and can be set in horizontal oscillations by way of a motor-driven single cam and return spring component moving along the longitudinal axis of the massaging components. An arcuate array of cylindrical bearings support each massage component, which in turn is rigidly attached to a lever arm protruding downwards. The lever arms are set in motion to carry out oscillations by way of a motor-driven double cam via rods and return springs. By way of this mechanical arrangement the massaging operation in two directions at once is achieved as in the case of manual massage.

Abstract: A full body massager apparatus is provided which is activated by water pressure from a plumbing fixture. The apparatus is held in the hand and rubbed over a persons body which is activated by water pressure from a water outlet whereby the water pressure will cause a vigorous vibration massaging effect as water passes through the apparatus over the persons body.

Abstract: A one-piece contoured neck brace or support is disclosed which provides semi-rigid support for a user's head and neck by conforming to and contacting the occiput between the ears, the posterior and lateral neck area and the suprascapular region. The support may be retained on the user's neck by an adjustable strap or collar, and has forwardly extending portions to reduce any uncomfortable pressure on the user's throat. Ear protectors may be selectively attached to the support as needed, as may a head band. The head band may be used to further secure the support, the ear protectors, or both.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an ambulatory therapeutic brace that substantially supports the lumbar or stomach area with a pneumatically cushioned and heated air chamber (24). A belt (20) surrounds the waist and contains an air chamber (24) on the back inner surface. A heater (26) is embedded integrally with the chamber and is controlled in intensity by a switch (38) attached to the belt or is integral with a buckle (22). The chamber may be inflated by a manual bulb (28), a compressed air source, or an integral electrically operated pump (46).

Abstract: An improved ventilated body or neck brace for effective removal of body heat and moisture from inside the brace utilizing a plurality of vent holes in combination with a network of air distributing channels on the inside surface of the brace.

Abstract: A cervical appliance for preventing ventral flexion of the head to reduce the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome and/or adult sleep apnea, both of which have common characteristics which are at least partially obviated with the use of the invention.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the present invention described herein, several new and improved methods and apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously massaging the upper and lower back portions of a person lying face-up in a supine position on an upwardly-facing surface.

Abstract: A massaging and scrubbing device for the human back consists of a closed cell foam plastic base member of relatively high density and rigidity and a layer of closed cell foam plastic sheet material adhered to the base member. The sheet material has a mildly abrasive exposed surface and high compressibility and flexibility so that all recesses on a human back are engaged by the sheet as the back is moved back and forth while pressed against the device. The device can be used with or without soap and water applied thereto depending on whether one wants only a massage or a combined back scrub and massage.

Abstract: A body massage apparatus for propagating vibrations of a vibrator to a selected part of the human body through a pad member. The body massage apparatus generally includes a case in which a motor is mounted for producing vibrations. The attaching components, are secured to the case for attaching a selected pad member thereto, and they comprise a dial rotatably mounted in the case, and directly accessible to the user, for engagement with the pad member.

Abstract: Device and method for treating low back pain comprising three generally rigid chemically inert members, which apply a centrally directed force to the abdomen and to the gluteal muscles; the three members are connected across the front of the pelvis by flexible connectors positioned above and below the anterior superior iliac spines.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device to be inserted through the pericardial sac for receiving a human heart in aligned position relative to the anterior interventricular line of the anterior descending coronary artery between the right and left ventricular surfaces, the device has a shell of a flexible and substantially inelastic form forming the visible surface of the device, an inner elastic membrane presenting to the ventricular heart surfaces a flexible surface for actuating the ventricular surfaces in a normal cardiac cycle, an opening in the shell to permit placement of the device around the heart with the inner elastic membrane presented to the ventricular surfaces, and provision for securing the shell to the pericardial sac in a desired position.

Abstract: One or more yielding oblate spheroids rotatably held in a support frame can roll on a support surface while the user of the device in a prone position has his or her spine resting on the rolling oblate spheriod or spheroids which gently and effectively massage the spine. The device is propelled by the legs of the user and therefore provides exercise. The tapered ends of the massage elements are releasably socketed in cup elements held on rotational bearings of the support frame.

Abstract: A rocking massage chair wherein massaging wheel elements and their drive mechanism are disposed in backrest part of the chair while a motor for driving an operating shaft of the drive mechanism is disposed in seating part of the chair, whereby the relatively heavy motor is located on forward side of a rocking center of the chair so as to keep the center of gravity of the chair always on the forward side and thus to prevent the chair from overturning rearward.

Abstract: A compact printer having a cylindrical support member and a type carrier member externally affixed to the support member. A type printing assembly is disposed within the type drum for causing characters on the type carrier member to print. A motor for rotating the type drum is connected directly to the drum and disposed immediately adjacent to the type drum with axes of rotation being colinear. A paper feed drive for feeding paper one time per revolution of the type drum includes an intermittent tooth on an end of the support member, a feed gear for being turned by engagement with the intermittent gear, and a paper feed roller driven by the feed gear to feed paper to be printed on. A generating means including a cam on the type drum, positively generates an output indicative of a given position of the type drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved therapeutic support belt adapted for the sacro-lumbar region of the human body, having a flat envelope of more or less rectangular configuration that is capable of receiving and storing fluid. The envelope is provided with a plurality of vertical ribs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelope, the ribs forming a series of intercommunicating inflatable cells. The envelope is capable of attachment to a belting or corseting material with fastening straps, and has a means of introducing fluid therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved therapeutic corset adapted for the sacro-lumbar and thoracic region of the human body. The corset has a plurality of flat envelopes of more or less rectangular configuration that are capable of receiving and storing fluid. The envelopes are provided with a plurality of vertical ribs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelopes, said ribs forming a series of intercommunicating inflatable cells. The cells may be individually pressurized so as to permit an individual variety of pressure on different sections of the back. The envelope is capable of attachment to a belting material with fastening straps and having a means of introducing fluid therein.