Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. The apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. The apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member.

Abstract: A wave generating apparatus for generating waves in, for example, beds, chairs and the like. The wave generating apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member. The apparatus includes a flexible member and an oscillatory drive attached to the flexible member. The oscillatory drive includes a crank assembly having an axis of rotation and at least two link members each having opposed first and second end portions. The two link members are spaced apart a first pre-selected distance from each other and each is rigidly attached at their respective first end portions to the flexible member; and at least one elongate beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. The apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a transvers traveling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a travelling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for the synovial joints and surrounding soft tissue of the human body, more specifically to the upper extremities. The device includes an upper arm support suitably fixed to a drive actuator and a adjustable forearm support attached to the rotational center of the drive actuator so that pivotal movement of the output causes the forearm support to pivot about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the forearm support. Various cuffs are provided so a patient can secure their upper arm above the elbow and the upper forearm below the elbow to the device with the actuator located either forward of or behind the elbow. The rotational motion of pronation and supination is created by aligning the rotational center of the actuator output with the anatomical rotational center of the forearm. The rotational centers are concentric to minimize stresses on the affected limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchange devices for heating and/or cooling parts of the body for therapeutic treatment of injury. The heat exchange devices include a cooling module with a housing enclosing a cooling chamber. A thermoelectric Peltier unit has a cooled surface sealed against an opening in the housing and a pump is provided for pumping heat exchange fluid through the cooling chamber directly into contact with the cooled surface and through conduits to a patient blanket. A reservoir containing refrigerant is in flow communication with the chamber in the cooling module housing and refrigerant only flows into the housing when depleted from the recirculation flow path between the cooling module and the blanket. Another device uses a thermoelectric unit disposed between two water pumps each of which pumps water to different sections of a flexible water bag which is strapped to the affected area of the user.

Abstract: An active and continuous passive motion (CPM) devices for exercising and/or providing therapy to the upper and lower extremities comprising a frame, a disc pivotally mounted to the frame and hand or feet support members attached to the disc. A motor is provided and is coupled to the disc for rotating the disc in the active mode. A control circuit is provided for adjusting the speed of the disc in the passive mode and for adjusting the resistance to movement of the disc in the active mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous passive motion (CPM) devices for joints. An ankle CPM device includes a lower leg support attached at its lower end to a semi-circular track. An actuator slides along the track and can be locked in any desired position on the track. A shaft is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the actuator and a shoe is attached at the other end thereof. When the actuator is positioned at the bottom of the track the ankle joint of the patient undergoes inversion/eversion motion. When the motor housing is rotated 90.degree. and positioned near the top of the track plantar/dorsi flexion movement is obtained. A combination of both types of joint movement are obtained for the actuator in intermediate positions. A wrist CPM device includes a brace for the forearm attached to a semi-circular track on which an actuator is mounted. A hand grip is mounted on a semi-circular bracket and a shaft extends between the actuator and a coupling slidably mounted on the semi-circular bracket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of abatement of pain using somatosensory stimulation and devices for implementing the method. The method involves application of spatially modulated temperature differences to the skin in the vicinity of pain. The application of a spatial temperature difference produces a large sensory stimulus along neural pathways the same as or adjacent to those transmitting the signals giving rise to the sensation of pain. This acts to cause the brain to block sensation from the affected area thereby alleviating the pain and the brain has no built in method of adapting or habituating to this type of sensory input. The temperature differential applied is up to 40.degree.-45.degree. C. with the high temperature maintained at or below 45.degree. C. and the low temperature at or above 0.degree. C. to prevent tissue damage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for imparting passive motion exercise to a lower limb of a patient. The apparatus includes a base and a thigh support member having a pair of elongated parallel spaced-apart brace members pivoted at their respective first ends to the base. The other ends of the thigh support brace members terminate at a mechanical hinge. A lower leg support includes a pair of parallel spaced-apart brace members extending from the mechanical hinge. The base is provided with a slide surface for supporting the other ends of the brace members of the lower leg support while allowing for extension and retraction thereof. The mechanical hinge includes at least a shaft fixed to the thigh support with the brace members lower leg support journaled to the shaft. An electric motor is mounted to the lower leg support to drive the shaft such that the angular movement is provided between the thigh support and the lower leg support, whereby the angular speed is maintained constant when motor speed is constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting back and forth motion in a slow rhythmic cycle for mobilizing a human joint. An elongated support is provided with a traveller mounted thereon for reciprocating linear movement relative thereto. The traveller is provided with a connector for operatively engaging a limb of the body adjacent to the joint to be mobilized. A reversible motor is provided for driving the traveller through a reciprocating linear stroke and for reversing the direction of travel of the traveller at any point in its path of travel in response to a sensed predetermined load.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying continuous passive motion to the joints of several fingers of the hand at the same time. It includes a support housing for mounting it on the forearm, carrying a motor and a traveller movable by a motor through an elongated path in a reciprocating movement. A connecting rod connects the traveller to a manifold block which, in turn, has elements connected to several fingers whereby their joints are mobilized simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus having an elongated base from the proximal end of which a reclining patient's leg is extended to an elevated connection of the foot with a foot rest. Mechanism is provided for moving the foot rest so that the hip and knee may be mobilized to the exclusion of the ankle or vice-versa, by applying forces similar to those applied manually by a physiotherapist. This mechanism translates the longitudinal reciprocal stroke of a motor driven carriage into a combination longitudinal and arcuate motion of the foot rest. The foot rest is mounted on the upper end of an actuating arm whose lower end has a pivotal connection with a carriage movable along the base, in linear strokes, toward and from the proximal end.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for imparting continuous passive motion to a human joint. A support is provided for harnessing to parts of the body at one side of the joint and conveyor means movable relative to the support is provided for connection to a part at the other side of the joint, so that the latter forms a link which is flexed as the conveyor means moves back and forth relative to the support. Drive means insures that a substantially continuous slow rhythmic reciprocating movement is applied to the joint.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for imparting continuous passive motion to a human joint. A support is provided for harnessing to parts of the body at one side of the joint and conveyor means movable relative to the support is provided for connection to a part at the other side of the joint, so that the latter forms a link which is flexed as the conveyor means moves back and forth relative to the support. Drive means insures that a substantially continuous slow rhythmic reciprocating movement is applied to the joint.