Abstract: An instrumented orthopedic restraining device is provided. The device includes an ambulatory housing, including first and second distal end portions, and restraining means for restraining movement of the first and second distal end portions relative to one another. The restraining device preferably includes an elongated restraining bar equipped with a stress sensing mechanism for sensing stress on the restraining bar. A control unit is provided for indicating sensed stress based upon outputs from the stress sensing mechanism. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of strain gauges attached to the elongated restraining bar and interconnected with the control unit which preferably includes a recording mechanism and a microprocessor mechanism. The elongated restraining bar alternately includes an adjustable hinge interconnecting distal end sections of the elongated restraining bar, wherein the angle between the respective distal end sections can be adjusted relative to one another.

Abstract: A personal orthopedic restraining device for use to restrain flexibly connected body portions of an individual and a method of use are provided. The personal orthopedic restraining device includes a restraining mechanism which restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second flexibly connected body portion. A stress sensor is operatively attached to the restraining mechanism to provide an output signal representative of a sensed stress in the restraining mechanism. A memory storage device is also included. A controller is operatively coupled to the stress sensor and the memory storage device to process the stress sensor output signal according to a previously programmed routine to obtain a routine result. The controller stores the routine result in the memory storage device such that the routine result can be used by the personal orthopedic restraining device to monitor movement of flexibly connected body portions.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopedic restraining device is provided. The device includes an ambulatory housing, including first and second distal end portions, and restraining means for restraining movement of the first and second distal end portions relative to one another. The restraining device preferably includes an elongated restraining bar equipped with a stress sensing mechanism for sensing stress on the restraining bar. A control unit is provided for indicating sensed stress based upon outputs from the stress sensing mechanism. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of strain gauges attached to the elongated restraining bar and interconnected with the control unit which preferably includes a recording mechanism and a microprocessor mechanism. The elongated restraining bar alternately includes an adjustable hinge interconnecting distal end sections of the elongated restraining bar, wherein the angle between the respective distal end sections can be adjusted relative to one another.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopedic restraining device is provided. The device includes an ambulatory housing, including first and second distal end portions, and restraining means for restraining movement of the first and second distal end portions relative to one another. The restraining device preferably includes an elongated restraining bar equipped with a stress sensing mechanism for sensing stress on the restraining bar. A control unit is provided for indicating sensed stress based upon outputs from the stress sensing mechanism. Preferred embodiments include a plurality of strain gauges attached to the elongated restraining bar and interconnected with the control unit which preferably includes a recording mechanism and a microprocessor mechanism. The elongated restraining bar alternately includes an adjustable hinge interconnecting distal end sections of the elongated restraining bar, wherein the angle between the respective distal end sections can be adjusted relative to one another.

Abstract: A support or pillow for supporting the abdomen of a pregnant primate female in a normal central position when the female is lying on her side. The pillow is a one-piece foam plastic body having a front containing a concave pocket. The pocket is of a size to accommodate the side of an abdomen of a female when lying on either her right or left side. In one form of the abdomen support, a back rest is attached to a pillow section to retain the abdomen in the pocket. Releasable fasteners connect the back rest to the pillow section.