Abstract: A device and method for a flexible stabilization system for a vertebral column is disclosed. The device includes a strong, non-metallic stabilization element or elements for providing flexibility. The stabilization elements are secured to the vertebrae and wherein, when secured, the stabilization element or elements stabilize the vertical column while still allowing for flexibility. In a preferred embodiment the stabilization elements are anchored to the vertebrae by a bone screw having an upper shank portion and a lower threaded portion having segmented area. Still further, the bone screw and stabilization elements may be porous and produced from material made by the replamineform process.

Abstract: A traction seating device 10 includes a base support 11 on which first and second arm assemblies 15 and 16 are mounted. Preferably, the arm assemblies 15 and 16 are pivotally mounted and torso embracing members 29 and 30 are cooperatively connected thereto. A seat 43 depends from the arm assemblies 15 and 16 and as a person using the device 10 sits on the seat 43, the arms assemblies 15 and 16 are brought inward to move the device from an unengaged to an engaged position wherein the stress may be transferred from the lumbar spine to the rib cage of the person using the device.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring stress from a lumbar spine to a rib cage includes an abdomen surrounding member and first and second support bars cooperatively connected to the sides of the abdomen surrounding member. The abdomen surrounding member is secured in an engaging position and a base support is adapted and configured to receive the first and second support bars. The device may also provide the additon feature to gain physically beneficial exercise in conjunction with gravity traction.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring stress from the lumbar spine to a rib cage of a person is disclosed. The device (10) includes support members (60 and 61) for engaging and support the person below a rib cage. The supports bars (40 and 41) support the support members (60 and 61). The support bars are positioned substantially below the support members. A seat member (30) is positioned below the support members (60 and 61). The person assumes a seating position on the seat member (30) and is also supported thereby. A safety strap (120) is connected to the support members (60 and 61). The amount of support provided the person by the seat member and the support member may be varied. In addition, the invention includes a method of transferring stress utilizing the device (10). The device (10) may also provide the additional feature to gain physically beneficial exercise in conjunction with gravity traction.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring stress from the lumbar spine to a rib cage of a person is disclosed. The device (10) includes support members (60 and 61) for engaging and support the person below a rib cage. The supports bars (40 and 41) support the support members (60 and 61). The support bars are positioned substantially below the support members. A seat member (30) is positioned below the support members (60 and 61). The person assumes a seating position on the seat member (30) and is also supported thereby. The amount of support provided the person by the seat member and the support member may be varied. In addition, the invention includes a method of transferring stress utilizing the device (10). The device (10) may also provide the additional feature to gain physically beneficial exercise in conjunction with gravity traction.

Abstract: A method for a flexible stabilization system for a vertebral column is disclosed. The device includes a strong, non-metallic stabilization element or elements (18) for providing flexibility. The stabilization elements (18) are secured to the vertebrae (11) and (12) wherein, when secured, the stabilization element or elements stabilize the vertical column while still allowing for flexibility. In a preferred embodiment the stabilization elements are anchored to the vertebrae by a bone screw (15) having an upper shank portion (16) and a lower threaded portion (17) having segmented area (17c).

Abstract: A gravity traction vest for secure attachment to a patient is disclosed. The patient has a torso with a rib cage having a plurality of ribs including a lowest rib, the rib cage forming at its front a generally inverted U shaped area. The vest (10) is adapted to be secured to the patient and attached to a support structure, whereby the patient is suspended from the support structure with the head of the patient in a generally upward direction. The vest (10) includes a torso surrounding member (11) having a first section (12) and a second section (13). The sections (12) and (13) are constructed of a rigid material and the first section (12) is shaped to surround a first side of the torso and the second section (13) is shaped to surround a second side of the torso. The back edge (12a) of the first section (12) is cooperatively connected to the back edge (13a) of the second section (13).

Abstract: A vest (48) and vest insert (78) are the subjects of this patent application. The vest (48) is for use in a GRAVITY LUMBAR REDUCTION THERAPY PROGRAM apparatus, and the insert (78) extends along the bottom edge (56) of the vest (48) to engage the bottom surface (80) of a patient's lowermost rib (82) to support the patient (16) during treatment.

Abstract: An improved surgical headlight that includes a headband for supporting the light on the head of the wearer. The headband carries an appropriate support for frictionally engaging a ball joint member which is carried by and above a light projecting element so that the wearer can manually manipulate the light projecting element to cause the ball joint member to be rotated in the support and frictionally held in a selected position until such time as the light projecting element is manipulated into a different position. These improved surgical headlight systems preferably include means for adjusting the vertical relationship between the ball joint member and the light projecting element so that the wearer may raise or lower the light projecting means to assist in the alignment of the axis of the light projector with the visual axes of the wearer's eyes.

Abstract: This is an orthopedic lumbar traction brace which is specifically designed to be attached to the lower rib cage of a patient in a manner to comfortably and safely support the patient at the desired hanging angle to provide gravity traction on the lumbar vertebra of the back, as when used in a gravity lumbar reduction system as described in the co-pending application of Charles V. Burton, M.D.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a patient by the upper body below the neck and above the lumbar spine on an inclined member for lumbar reduction therapy under the force of gravity. The inclined member preferably has an adjustable angle of tilt. The patient is supported at an angle and for a period of time commensurate with his ability to tolerate stress.

Abstract: A tape electrode usable for the transmission of electrical signals into the human body through the skin. The electrode is flexible in construction so that it may be applied to the skin to secure good electrical contact therewith and remain in place for extended periods despite movement, perspiration and the presence of water on the skin surface. The tape construction includes a surface of a conductive material combined with an adhesive on one surface and the conductive material with a magnetic powder on the second surface together with a coupler through a permanent magnet or magnetic substance to which a lead wire is connected to effect electrical connection through the conductive material in the adhesive and retain the lead wire in position through the magnetic attraction of the permanent magnet to the magnetic material.

Abstract: A tape form electrode is provided which is usable for transmission of electrical signals into the human body through the skin. The electrode is of a construction so that it can be applied to the skin to secure good electrical contact therewith and remain in place for many days despite normal movement and the normal activities of the subject such as perspiring, and washing. The construction utilizes a porous backing material which has an adhesive layer on one side thereof and over the adhesive layer a second layer which has incorporate therein a quantity of finely divided silver metal. The composition construction is of a thickness and selection of materials such that it readily "breaths" thereby permitting escape of normal amounts of perspiration from the skin of the subject. The adhesive is normally "dry" and is activated at the time of application by a suitable solvent.