Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A dynamic splint is provided which applies a bias force across a body joint with a magnitude which is adjustable at a pivot in the splint. At the pivot, a joint enclosure is provided to house a coiled leaf spring having one end connected to a movable adjustment mechanism. The relative magnitude of the bias is indicated by an indicator bearing numeric markings which moves with movement of the adjustment mechanism. A pin look mechanism is provided for locking pivoted strut members of the splint to prevent relative movement thereof about the pivot.

Abstract: A supination-pronation orthosis for the elbow joint of a patient which includes a hand and wrist cuff secured to the hand and wrist of the patient and an upper arm cuff secured to the upper arm of a patient to extend from adjacent to the elbow joint outwardly along the upper arm. A flexible torsion unit is mounted to extend between the upper arm cuff and the hand and wrist cuff along the forearm of the patient. This torsion unit provides a bias to selectively oppose rotation of the forearm of the patient about the elbow joint.

Abstract: A dynamic splint has a bi-directional torsional power unit fastened between first and second struts to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion. The power unit is mounted about a hinge pin and can be rotated between two positions. In the first position, the power unit is locked relative to the first strut and the torsion spring opposes relative movement of the second strut in a first direction. In the second position, the power unit is locked relative to the second strut. In this second position, the torsion spring opposes movement of the first strut relative to the second strut, providing torsion in an opposite direction from that of the first position. Self-aligning contour plates on the struts conform to the anatomy and provide a mechanical interlock to bony prominences on the patient's limbs. A universal integral soft cuff/strap design simplifies set-up and provides infinite adjustment capability for increased comfort and performance.

Abstract: A dynamic splint provides a bias force with magnitude adjustable by a mechanism located at a pivotal joint. Specific embodiments include a dynamic ankle splint incorporating a correction cradle. The correction cradle applies a torsional force to the foot, thus permitting correction of inversion and eversion of the foot in conjunction with correction of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. In another embodiment, a dynamic wrist splint attaches to the forearm and provides a novel palm interface which adjusts to apply force over a large area of the palm depending on the relative angular position of the hand. A flexion strap is provided at the back of the hand for applying flexion forces. Further aspects of the invention include visible display of the bias magnitude. The relative magnitude is indicated by numeric markings on a rotating member of the adjustment mechanism. The portion of the rotating member having the appropriate magnitude marking is visible through an aperture in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing for gas leaks in waterproof gloves and glove inserts by applying gas under controlled pressure into a confined glove or insert and measuring bubbling or lack thereof in a suitable reservoir of liquid. The glove is not wet by liquid.