Abstract: A manhole cover tool useful in unsealing and moving a manhole cover over a predetermined distance along a surface, including: i) A handle end; accommodating an operator; ii) A fulcrum end distant the handle end; suitable for engagement and stabilizing the tool on the surface; iii) A rod of a predetermined length for connecting the handle end t o the fulcrum end; iv) A manhole cover engagement rod of a predetermined length having a first end and a second end; the first end connected to the rod, and said second end being a manhole cover engagement tool.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a two pillars anchored to the ground or a stable platform. One or more linkage elements are connected between pillars. A support plate is slidably situated on the linkage elements approximately midway between the pillars. The support plate provides support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. As the user leans forward, the lean forces are transferred through the linkage elements to the pillars, causing the pillars to flex, and thus provide support to the user. The height of the pillars and the stiffness of the flexible portion of the pillars are adjustable during the operation of the device.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a hinge joint provided on a base plate. A central pillar extends upwards from the hinge joint, the hinge joint enabling movement of the central pillar through a range of motions. A support plate is situated on the central pillar at an opposite end from the hinge joint, the support plate providing support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. At least one resistor element is operably associated with the central pillar to receive stresses delivered via at least one linkage unit during periods of forward lean, thereby transferring at least a portion of the upper body weight to the at least one resistor element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject's body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject's waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or at least one joint of the back and/or neck.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a hinge joint provided on a base plate. A central pillar extends upwards from the hinge joint, the hinge joint enabling movement of the central pillar through a range of motions. A support plate is situated on the central pillar at an opposite end from the hinge joint, the support plate providing support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. At least one resistor element is operably associated with the central pillar to receive stresses delivered via at least one linkage unit during periods of forward lean, thereby transferring at least a portion of the upper body weight to the at least one resistor element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject's body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject's waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or at least one joint of the back and/or neck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject's body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject's waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or at least one joint of the back and/or neck.