Abstract: A walker and/or wheelchair distance measuring device comprising a wheel assembly, a measuring assembly and a display. The wheel assembly is capable of attachment to a walker, and includes a support and a wheel. The measuring assembly comprises a sensor having a trigger associated with one of the support and the wheel and a pickup associated with the other of the support and the wheel. The processor is electronically coupled with the sensor. The processor is capable of interpreting the information received from the sensor. The display is associated with the processor for displaying results computed from the processor.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes a module attached at an inner surface portion of the windshield of the vehicle. The module includes at least one microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output signal indicative of the audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system. A control is operable to receive the output signal from the at least one microphone and is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals. The module includes at least one additional accessory. The module attaches at the windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment.

Abstract: A digital sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes at least a first microphone and a second microphone. The first microphone generates a first signal indicative of a vocal input with vehicle cabin noise included therewith and the second microphone generates a second signal indicative of a vocal input with vehicle cabin noise included therewith. A digital signal processor is provided that processes the first signal and the second signal and that provides an output signal with reduced vehicle cabin noise. The digital signal processor preferably comprises a microprocessor executing at least one million instructions per second.

Abstract: The interior cabin of a vehicle is provided with a vehicular sound-processing system that comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, the mirror assembly including a mirror housing and a reflective element. An accessory is located in the interior cabin. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user-interaction site for a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system communicating with the accessory. The user-interaction site comprises at least one microphone for producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input of a human speaker in the interior cabin with the vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon. Preferably, the user-interaction site further comprises at least one manually operated control input. The restricted-range wireless communication system preferably comprises one of a radio frequency restricted-range wireless communication system and an infrared restricted-range wireless communication system.

Abstract: A walker and/or wheelchair distance measuring device comprising a wheel assembly, a measuring assembly and a display. The wheel assembly is capable of attachment to a walker, and includes a support and a wheel. The measuring assembly comprises a sensor having a trigger associated with one of the support and the wheel and a pickup associated with the other of the support and the wheel. The processor is electronically coupled with the sensor. The processor is capable of interpreting the information received from the sensor. The display is associated with the processor for displaying results computed from the processor.

Abstract: A knee extension apparatus comprising a base, a pad assembly and at least one strap member. The base includes a first end and a second end. The pad assembly includes a pad member and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly facilitates attachment of the pad member in at least two different locations along the upper surface of the base, proximate the second end thereof, so as to vary the distance between the first end and the pad member. The at least one strap member is associated with the base and positioned between the first end and the second end of the base member. The at least one strap member is capable of encircling a leg of a patient proximate a knee portion thereof.

Abstract: A pressurizing compression device capable of providing pressure to a body extremity. The pressurizing compression device comprising a flexible wrap material and means for creating a pressure gradient. The flexible wrap material includes an upper end, a lower end and opposing side edges. The opposing side edges are positioned in proximity of each other so as to define a flexible wrap which is capable of surrounding a body extremity of a patient. The pressure gradient creating means creates a pressure gradient at least partially along the flexible wrap which decreases from the lower end to the upper end.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a rearview mirror mount, a rearview mirror, and a rearview mirror support. The support is pivotally attached to the mirror mount by a first pivot element, and to the rearview mirror by a second pivot element. The mirror mount, support, a rearview mirror housing, and the pivot elements are each formed by molding from polymeric material having a respective color. In various embodiments, the colors may all be substantially the same, such as black, gray, tan, brown, burgundy, green, or another color, or may be different. In one form, the rearview mirror housing includes at least one electrical accessory. Electrical conductors may extend through the pivot elements and mirror support to the rearview mirror housing to provide an electrical connection for the electrical accessory to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A stethoscope apparatus comprising a body, a sensor assembly and an output indicator device. The body includes a body interfacing surface. The sensor assembly includes a sensor associated with the body interfacing surface. The output indicator device is coupled with the sensor assembly so as to provide at least one of a visual, audio and tactile indicators of the condition of the sensor. A storage device may be included to store data pertaining to the sensor. Similarly, a remote communication assembly may be incorporated to provide remote communication with the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A physical therapy apparatus comprising an at least partially flexible vessel and a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge is associated with the at least partially flexible vessel. The pressure gauge is configured to monitor the change in pressure of the at least partially flexible vessel. The at least partially flexible vessel is inflated to a pressure which permits a patient to compress the flexible vessel between two limbs or other parts of the body of a patient, to selectively increase the pressure therewithin.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element and a first polymeric pivot joint allowing pivotal adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a polymeric support element, a polymeric rearview mirror mount, and a second polymeric pivot joint. The polymeric support element includes one of a first polymeric ball member and a first polymeric socket. The polymeric rearview mirror mount is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The support element pivots about the rearview mirror mount by means of the second polymeric pivot joint. At least one of the pivot joints includes frictional resistance modification means generating frictional resistance to movement of a ball member in a socket, such means preferably comprising at least one of an interference fit, a textured surface, a raised projection and annular ridges on the ball member or socket.

Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror assembly, at least one microphone and a control. The at least one microphone receives audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generates an output signal indicative of the audio signals. The at least one microphone provides sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system. The control is operable to receive the output signal from the at least one microphone, and is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals. The control distinguishes the vocal signals from the non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2:1.

Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.

Abstract: A digital sound processor is provided to enhance the vocal to non-vocal noise ratio of the signal processed by a vehicle audio system such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device. Optionally, an indicator is provided for use with the vehicular audio system in order to provide a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone of the audio system may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of microphones comprise at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin. The at least two microphones are (i) positioned within an interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly, or (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield. The audio system further includes a control which is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out the non-vocal signals.

Abstract: A digital sound processor is provided to enhance the vocal to non-vocal noise ratio of the signal processed by a vehicle audio system such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device. Optionally, an indicator is provided for use with the vehicular audio system in order to provide a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone of the audio system may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.

Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.

Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.