Abstract: A splint for flexing or straightening a joint of a hand or foot. The splint includes a support plate including a planar portion to be mounted on the hand or foot in a stationary position relative to one of the distal bone and proximal bone of the joint. A rod is mounted above the support plate and serves as a pivot axis for one or more elongated bent bars. A finely threaded, adjustable screw is mounted at one end of each bar and has a tip which bears against the support plate. A support pad is adjustably mounted at the other end of each bar and engages the hand or foot along the other of the proximal bone and distal bone of the joint. The pivotal angle of the bar relative to the support plate is vernierly adjusted by turning the adjustment screw. As a result of adjustment of this pivotal angle, the joint can be gradually flexed or straightened. The splint is particularly well-suited for flexing a metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of hand.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in dystrophy therapy employs a compression spring which provides an adjustable resistance force. Manual application of a push-type force to a handle actuates a cumulative timer circuit for recording the elapsed time at which an exerted force exceeds a pre-established threshold force. The exercise device may also be converted to a pull mode wherein a pull force exerted between a plate and a handle connecting the exercise device actuates a cumulative timer circuit. The threshold force is adjustable by changing the axial position of the compression spring seat.

Abstract: A radiation beam that passes through a container but which is severely attenuated or blocked by particulate material within the container is scanned across a container at a desired top layer of particulate material. Radiation emerging from the container during the scanning is detected as to intensity level. Alternatively, a radiation beam is reflected from the material to a detector. The intensity level is sampled at periodic intervals during the scan to determine at periodic positions across the container whether the height of the material therein is above or below the desired fill level. The proportional number of points that are above and below the fill level are compared to a desired threshold for either accepting the container as properly filled or rejecting it as improperly filled.