Abstract: A continuous passive motion physical therapy device for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. An improved pivoting support displacement device, comprised of first and second actuators, for oscillating at least one pivoting support member is provided. The first actuator is associated with the upper torso support member and includes an output cam for imparting substantially linear motion to a connecting rod. The connecting rod is pivotally secured to one end of the output cam and at a selected location to an actuator cam. The actuator cam is secured to the axle to which is releasably secured a displacement cam. A push rod is releasably and pivotally secured between the displacement cam and the upper torso support member. The second actuator is associated with the lower body support member and includes an actuator cam and a displacement cam, each being substantially similar to those of the first actuator.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion cervical spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscles surrounding the spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. The continuous passive motion cervical spine therapy device (10) includes a frame (12) for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes at least a first stationary support (64) for supporting at least a portion of the back of a patient and a pivoting support (78) for supporting the head of a patient. A headrest (198) is carried by the pivoting support (78). A motor (92) is provided for driving a pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillator (18) being provided to displace the pivoting support (78) a selected angle with respect to the horizontal. A displacement adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement.

Abstract: An improved lumbar spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy such as to allow normal collagen formation to occur. A frame (12) is included for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes a stationary support (64) for supporting the buttocks region of a patient a pivoting support (78) for supporting the torso and pivoting leg supports (220A,220B) for supporting the legs of a patient. A motor (92) is provided for driving at least one pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillators (18) being provided to oscillate each pivoting support (78) independently. An amplitude adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement. A control box (22) is provided for carrying the motor controls, including at least a patient control button (24) and an emergency stop button (26).

Abstract: A lumbar spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy such as to allow normal collagen formation to occur, thus minimizing scarring and quickening a return to normal function and development of strength in both the muscles of function as well as the secondary support system. The lumbar spine therapy device (10) includes a frame (12) for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes a stationary support (64) for supporting the buttocks region of a patient and pivoting supports (78) for supporting the torso and legs of a patient. A motor (92) is provided for driving at least one pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillators (18) being provided to oscillate each pivoting support (78) independently. An amplitude adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically controlling a pellet mill. Dry material from a feeder and steam from a valve are supplied to a conditioner, in which the dry material is mixed with the steam to form a hot and moist conditioned mash. The mash is fed into a motorized die or other pellet producing means. During operation, the current load of the die motor and the temperature in the pellet mill are continuously monitored. At period intervals, the system determines whether the current is within a certain tolerance of a predetermined target value. If the current is not within tolerance, the rate of input of raw material is increased or decreased. For each such change in input of raw material, an adjustment is made to the amount of steam input. If the current is within tolerance, the system determines whether temperature of the conditoned mash is near a predetermined target value, and if not, the system adjusts the steam input.