Abstract: The present invention relates to a body thermal regulation system. The system includes a fluid-circulating garment having a plurality of fluid-impervious compartments where each compartment is in contact with a different part of a body. The system also includes an expandable bladder to accommodate changes in pressure in the fluid circulation system. At least one heating/cooling unit is positioned to heat and/or cool fluid circulating to the fluid-impervious compartments in the garment. The system also includes a fluid circulation system positioned to circulate fluid between the heating/cooling unit and the plurality of fluid-impervious compartments in the garment. The present invention also relates to a method for measuring heat fluxes in different parts of a body. The method involves providing to a subject the body thermal regulation system according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a walker having a main supporting frame, a superstructure frame and a body support means. The superstructure frame is operatively arranged for vertical adjustment relative to the main supporting frame and includes an adjustable interior opening for accommodating a user and an entrance gate operatively arranged to provide access to the adjustable interior opening. The body support means is secured to the superstructure frame and operatively arranged to support the user. Furthermore, the walker may include four wheels, each of which may include a directional locking apparatus and/or braking system, and the walker may include at least one arm support operatively arranged for supporting the user. The walker may also include at least one handle operatively arranged for transmission of the walker.

Abstract: An improved method of altering a fluid-borne contaminant includes the steps of: providing a pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at a pressure ratio of at least 2.0 so as to sufficiently elevate the temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump, or, alternatively, operating the pump so that the outlet temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing therethrough is at least about 200° C.; and controlling the time during which the temperature of the fluid and contaminants are elevated; thereby to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.

Abstract: An improved method of altering a fluid-borne contaminant includes the steps of: providing a positive-displacement pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at a pressure ratio sufficient to elevate the pressure and temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite insulation material. The composite insulation material includes a syntactic foam component and a plurality of aerogel inserts. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite insulation material. The present invention further relates to a method for enhancing the flexibility of a solid material.

Abstract: An improved method of altering a fluid-borne contaminant includes the steps of: providing a pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at a pressure ratio of at least 2.0 so as to sufficiently elevate the temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump, or, alternatively, operating the pump so that the outlet temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing therethrough is at least about 200° C.; and controlling the time during which the temperature of the fluid and contaminants are elevated; thereby to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite insulation material. The composite insulation material includes a syntactic foam component and a plurality of aerogel inserts. The present invention also relates to a method of making a composite insulation material. The present invention further relates to a method for enhancing the flexibility of a solid material.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided. An embodiment which is preferable for production by vacuum forming is disclosed. A method of using the apparatus for incrementally adjusting the position of a patient's head or the curvature of a patient's spine is disclosed.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer by means of a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided.

Abstract: A four limb exercising attachment for wheelchairs which will permit the occupant of the wheelchair to exercise all four limbs simultaneously, thereby affording proper bilateral movement of the arms and legs. The exercising attachment will also propel the wheelchair when operated in a suitable manner. The attachment may be used with most standard wheelchairs of the type having right and left front and rear wheels. The attachment includes right and left mounting assemblies, each mounting assembly being securable to the frame of a standard 4 wheel wheelchair at three or more spaced apart locations. A common input shaft will extend between the left and right mounting assemblies after they are mounted upon the wheelchair.