Abstract: The invention relates to facial stimulation apparatus configured to be worn in a generally horizontal orientation on a user's head, and which uses the ear (14) as an anatomical reference to ensure correct and repeatable placement of skin electrodes (16a,16b) overlying the human facial nerves (1-5) to facilitate Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). The apparatus is provided with a headband (22) having a bend or inclination (24) proximate a distal portion (20) thereof on which the electrodes (16a,16b) are attached. The apparatus is provided with an unambiguous location feature such that a vector component between said location feature and the electrode pair (16a, 16b) is fixed and non-adjustable thus ensuring repeatable and accurate positioning of each electrode (16a, 16b). The apparatus overcomes problems inherent in known devices and, in particular, requires no anatomical knowledge on the part of the end user for its safe and most effective placement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a connection with a part of a body to transfer an electromagnetic signal for a predetermined purpose, the apparatus including: a garment including one or more electrode capable of passing the signal to or from the part of the body; and a controller for controlling the nature of or processing the signal dependant on one or more parameters in order to vary the nature of the signal dependant on the purpose; wherein at least one parameter of the one or more parameters is stored on a data storage device included in the garment.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable load apparatus for use in machines for resistive exercise training of the human body. The apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder (10) having a piston (12) acting on a fluid and a piston rod (14), the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) being operated on by a person undergoing training. A pressure accumulator (20) is connected to, and pressurizes the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) at a predetermined pressure during exercise via a pneumatic control circuit (42). Once a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, a valve means operates to prevent further fluid being available for charging the accumulator (20).

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode in a general direction towards a corresponding one of the right and left mid-axillary lines of the torso intermediate the rib cage and corresponding right and left iliac crests. By applying at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes, abdominal muscles of the subject are stimulated.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism that further comprises a main locating element for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes, and two secondary locating elements disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. A receiver is also provided for receiving a signal generated by a signal generator for generating at least one pulsed signal. A selector is also provided for selecting one or more of the electrodes through which a pulsed signal is to be applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable load apparatus for use in machines for resistive exercise training of the human body. The apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder (10) having a piston (12) acting on a fluid and a piston rod (14), the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) being operated on by a person undergoing training. A pressure accumulator (20) is connected to, and pressurises the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) at a predetermined pressure during exercise via a pneumatic control circuit (42). Once a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, a valve means operates to prevent further fluid being available for charging the accumulator (20).

Abstract: A method for stimulating abdominal muscles of a subject, comprising the steps of providing at least three electrodes, one of the at least three electrodes being a central electrode and the other two of the at least three electrodes being side electrodes located on the subject spaced apart from the central electrode on respective sides thereof, and passing at least one pulsed signal subcutaneously through the subject between selected electrodes of the at least three electrodes.

Abstract: An electrotherapeutic device for stimulating muscles of a muscle group of a subject, comprising a plurality of electrodes for placing on the subject for applying at least one pulsed signal to the subject for stimulating the muscles. The device further comprises a signal for generating the at least one pulsed signal, and a generator selector for selectively selecting the electrodes in electrode pairs for selectively applying the at least one pulsed signal to the selected electrode pairs for selective stimulation of the muscles of the muscle group.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism that further comprises a main locating element for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes, and two secondary locating elements disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. A receiver is also provided for receiving a signal generated by a signal generator for generating at least one pulsed signal. A selector is also provided for selecting one or more of the electrodes through which a pulsed signal is to be applied.

Abstract: A method for stimulating abdominal muscles of a subject, comprising the steps of providing at least three electrodes, one of the at least three electrodes being a central electrode and the other two of the at least three electrodes being side electrodes located on the subject spaced apart from the central electrode on respective sides thereof, and passing at least one pulsed signal subcutaneously through the subject between selected electrodes of the at least three electrodes.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode in a general direction towards a corresponding one of the right and left mid-axillary lines of the torso intermediate the rib cage and corresponding right and left iliac crests. By applying at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes, abdominal muscles of the subject are stimulated.

Abstract: Electrical muscle stimulation is effected by means of a body garment having a plurality of body contact electrodes secured in it. The garment is wired to provide a single contact area for all the electrodes. The electrodes are selectively energized through a multiple contact switch associated with said contact area, so that the electrical muscle stimulating pulse output of a generator may be applied to a desired electrode pair through the switch.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for application to a patient's skin comprises an electrically insulating substrate 13 bearing at least two spaced apart electrodes 18, and an electrically conductive layer 14 on the substrate which covers the electrodes and which in use of the assembly is applied to the patient's skin. The electrical impedence of the region of the layer 14 overlying each electrode 18 is less than the electrical impedence between the electrodes laterally through the layer.

Abstract: A muscle stimulation system which stimulates muscles with electrical pulses supplied to electrodes applied to the skin overlying the muscle comprises a system controller and one or more personally portable stimulator units, each provided with electrodes. The system controller stores data relating to the characteristics of pulses to be applied to the muscle e.g. Trophic or functional or a combination thereof, and is adapted to down-load this data to a personal stimulator unit either by an infra-red link or by programming a programmable memory module which is then connected into the stimulator unit. The electrodes are applied to the skin of the patient and supplied with the pulses programmed into the stimulator unit, the stimulator unit being carried by the patient. The system controller may be adapted to be controlled by a personal computer and may also be provided with its own muscle stimulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable load apparatus for use in machines for resistive exercise training of the human body. The apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder (10) having a piston (12) acting on a fluid and a piston rod (14), the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) being operated on by a person undergoing training. A pressure accumulator (20) is connected to, and pressurizes the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) at a predetermined pressure during exercise via a pneumatic control circuit (42). Once a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, a valve means operates to prevent further fluid being available for charging the accumulator (20).