Abstract: A compact traction device includes a housing and a plurality of constant tension spring units disposed within the housing. Each constant tension spring unit includes a cable which extends from the unit through an opening in the housing. As the cable is pulled out from the housing, a substantially constant tension is developed on the cable. Hook elements are coupled to the end of each cable to enable attaching the cable to a ring or other connecting structure which, in turn, would be attached to some part of the body of a person utilizing the traction device. A brake device is included in the housing for each constant tension spring unit to inhibit the rapid retraction into the housing of the cables when the cables are released. A clamp is mounted on the exterior of the housing to enable attaching the traction device to a support frame. The clamp allows positioning of the device to have almost any orientation.

Abstract: An iontophoretic bioelectrode includes an enclosure having a bottom wall formed of a membrane through which ions may migrate when subjected to an electric field, and an upper wall joined to the bottom wall to define an interior compartment for holding an ion-containing solution. An electrode in the form of the male portion of a conventional clothing snap is mounted to the enclosure to communicate electrically with solution contained in the interior compartment. A needle receiving element is mounted in the upper wall of the enclosure. This element is in the form of a section of conduit having a receiving end, which is directed upwardly, and a blocking end which includes a platform for preventing a needle inserted into the receiving end from passing all the way through the conduit. A resilient plug is disposed in the receiving end of the conduit to prevent solution from escaping from the interior compartment.

Abstract: An iontophoretic bioelectrode includes an enclosure having a bottom wall formed of a membrane through which ions may migrate when subjected to an electric field, and an upper wall joined to the bottom wall to define an interior compartment for holding an ion-containing solution. An electrode in the form of the male portion of a conventional clothing snap is mounted to the enclosure to communicate electrically with solution contained in the interior compartment. A needle receiving element is mounted in the upper wall of the enclosure. This element is in the form of a section of conduit having a receiving end, which is directed upwardly, and a blocking end which includes a platform for preventing a needle inserted into the receiving end from passing all the way through the conduit. A resilient plug is disposed in the receiving end of the conduit to prevent solution from escaping from the interior compartment.

Abstract: A bioelectrode for use in the iontophoretic delivery of ions into the skin or tissue of a person includes either a receptacle or a composition of material suitable for holding ions to be delivered, a metallic foil disposed on one side of the receptacle or composition of matter, and a coupling device for electrically coupling the foil to an electrical source. The other side of the receptacle or composition of material is for placement against a person's skin or tissue so that ions may be delivered thereinto. The receptacle or composition of material both include features or characteristics which inhibit the migration of ions laterally therein, i.e., in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the skin or tissue, but which allow migration in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the skin or tissue, and in particular from the metal foil toward the person's skin or tissue.

Abstract: A bioelectrode for non-invasive and inotophoretic delivery of chemical species (such as ions, polar molecules, etc.) into the skin of a person. The bioelectrode includes a pouch having flexible walls, at least a portion of which is composed of a microporous, permeable or semipermeable membrane. The pouch holds fluid which contains the chemical species to be delivered through the skin. An electrode is attached to the pouch so that when the pouch is placed against the skin, with the membrane portion in contact with the skin, and an electric potential is applied to the electrode, chemical species in the pouch are caused to migrate through the membrane and into the skin.

Abstract: A dry-state bioelectrode having a self-sealing receptacle for receiving electrolyte and/or medicament fluid contents. The receptacle is attached at its opening to a sheet-like flexible base member having an opening in common with the receptacle opening, the bottom of the base member being adapted for fixation at a skin surface. A portion of the skin surface is exposed to the fluid contents of the receptacle through the common opening. An injection site communicates through the wall of the receptacle and provides controlled access for filling. Upon completion of filling, the receptacle self seals, retaining the fluid contents therein for application of iontophoresis treatment or other procedures requiring use of a potential gradient. An electrode plate is supported at an interior surface of the receptacle for supplying the desired electric potential.