Abstract: A method for making a heating element adhered to a substrate by applying a photocurable composition to a flexible substrate in a pattern having one or more grid lines is provided. The photocurable composition is curable into an electrically conductive layer and volatile organic compounds are present in an amount of less than about 10% total weight of the photocurable composition. After the pattern is deposited on the substrate is cured by illuminating the photocurable composition with light for a sufficient period of time to cure the photocurable composition. Heating elements made by the method are also provided.

Abstract: A brace for applying a dynamic force to a jointed limb of a patient is provided. The brace includes a first brace portion adapted for connection to a first portion of a patient's limb on a first side of a joint in the limb, and a second brace portion adapted for connection to a second portion of the patient's limb on a second side of the joint. A pivotal connection is provided between the first and second brace portions, and is adapted to be generally aligned with the joint in the limb when the brace is attached to the patient's limb. A drive unit is connected to the first and second brace portions for imparting a moment on one of the first and second brace portions relative to the other of the first and second brace portions. A tension module is connected to the drive unit which imparts a dynamic, moment generating force on the drive unit.

Abstract: A therapeutic continuous passive motion device for rehabilitating a user's hand that includes a prime mover which provides for reciprocating motion. The therapeutic passive motion device comprises first, second and third links which cause the fingers of a user's hand to be moved in a path substantially defined by an epicycloid curve. The device can be configured to flex only MCP or only DIP and PIP joints or all three sets of joints. The therapeutic passive motion device applies a perpendicular force to the fingers so as not to irritate the tissue surrounding the bones of the fingers receiving recuperative therapy.

Abstract: A therapeutic passive motion device for rehabilitating a wrist includes a main housing unit which encloses a reciprocating motion producing device. A yoke member extends outwardly from the main housing unit. A first, generally V-shaped, link mechanism is pivotally connected to an end of the yoke and carries a hand-supporting member. A second link mechanism is pivotally connected to an output member of the motion producing device and to the first link mechanism. An electric motor is advantageously employed to drive the motion producing device, whereby the hand-supporting member is caused to pivot in an oscillating fashion relative to the yoke member and the main housing unit.

Abstract: A therapeutic passive motion device for rehabilitating a wrist includes a main housing unit which encloses a reciprocating motion producing device. A yoke member extends outwardly from the main housing unit. A first, generally V-shaped, link mechanism is pivotally connected to an end of the yoke and carries a hand-supporting member. A second link mechanism is pivotally connected to an output member of the motion producing device and to the first link mechanism. An electric motor is advantageously employed to drive the motion producing device, whereby the hand-supporting member is caused to pivot in an oscillating fashion relative to the yoke member and the main housing unit.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for a limb having pivotally connected first and second body portions. A first carriage member receives the first body portion and is pivotally connected to a second carriage member which receives the second body portion. A drive mechanism reciprocally moves the first carriage member with respect to the second carriage member. A brace is provided for receiving at least the first body portion. A connection device is connected between the brace and the first carriage member for quickly connecting and disconnecting the brace and the first carriage member such that a user can utilize the CPM device without removing the brace from the limb. The connection device connects the brace and CPM device such that the pivot axes of the brace and CPM are aligned during use of the CPM.

Abstract: A support for the wrists and forearms of a user performing manual tasks, such as operating a keyboard, assembling small parts and the like, includes a rectangular flat work-supporting frame and a pair of arms pivotally mounted on the frame. An elongated cushioned forearm and wrist support is mounted on the outer end of each arm to support the user's forearms and wrists so that the fingers can be used to perform a manual task.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion orthosis device for a toe of a foot including a base having first and second mounting members for receiving the calf and foot, respectively. A pivotable carriage member is positioned proximate the second mounting member and has a first end for receiving the toe and a second end. A drive mechanism is interconnected between the second end of the carriage member and the base for oscillating the first end of the carriage member about its second end with respect to the second mounting member to thereby move the toe between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.

Abstract: A bilateral anatomically correct continuous passive motion orthosis device for a limb having pivotally connected first and second body portions. The device includes a base having a proximal end and a distal end. A first carriage member receives the first body portion and is pivotally connected to a second carriage member which receives the second body portion. The second carriage member is also pivotably connected to the base. A drive mechanism moves the first carriage member between the distal and proximal ends of the base. A speed control device controls the velocity of the first carriage member between the distal and proximal ends of the base such that the first carriage member pivots about a first support pivot axis with respect to the second carriage member at a predetermined angular velocity. A biasing mechanism is provided to assist the drive mechanism in lifting the limb.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion orthosis device for a limb having pivotally connected first and second body portions. The device includes a base having a proximal end and a distal end. A first carriage member receives the first body portion and is pivotally connected to a second carriage member which receives the second body portion. The second carriage member is also pivotably connected to the base. A drive mechanism moves the first carriage member between the distal and proximal ends of the base. A speed control device controls the velocity of the first carriage member between the distal and proximal ends of the base such that the first carriage member pivots about the first support pivot axis with respect to the second carriage member at a predetermined angular velocity. A biasing mechanism is provided to assist the drive mechanism in lifting the limb.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing roof shingles includes an elongated body having a handle at the upper end and a pivotally connected lift plate at the lower end. A piston and cylinder actuator mounted on the body and activated by a trigger mounted on the handle. A lift plate is pivotally mounted on the lower end of the body. A toggle linkage connects the actuator to the lift plate for pivoting the forward edge of the plate about a heel structure under the lift plate.

Abstract: A bed (A) has side rails (20, 22) and defines a patient supporting surface (38). A mounting assembly (B) includes a transverse member (50) which is clamped to the bed side rails and an upstanding post (58). A power module mounting bar (70) is slidably positioned on the upstanding post to be mounted thereto in a selectively adjustable vertical position and to be selectively swung about the axis of the post to a storage position. A power module (C) drives a shaft (98) through reciprocating angular displacement at a selectively adjustable speed and between selectively adjustable angular displacement limits. A patient joint flexing assembly (D) is connected with the power module shaft to flex a selected one of the patient's joints under motive force supplied by the power module. Commonly, a plurality of joint flexing assemblies are provided, each particularly adapted for flexing one of the patient's joints, such as a knee flexing assembly, an elbow flexing assembly, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating athletic running, throwing and swinging movements and for exercising and strengthening leg, arm, wrist, shoulder and back muscles used in such athletic movements. The apparatus is operated by the athlete and utilizes the athlete's body as a fulcrum to develop rotational motion such as arises in running, pitching, throwing and swinging motions. The exercise apparatus has an elongated rigid tubular member, with an attached hand grip at one end thereof. An exercise grip member is attached by an elastic cord to the opposing end of the tubular member and is used by the athlete to exercise the throwing/swinging arm or leg. Simulation of actual throwing and swinging motion, with greater freedom of movement on the part of the athlete during such exercises may be carried out with the device.

Abstract: A method for individual, patient-applied therapy for rehabilitation of arm and shoulder injuries. The method is self-applied by the patient, using a rigid member which has an exercise gripping member attached at one end of the rigid member by an elastic connecting means. The method is practiced by (i) grasping the elongated rigid member with the non-injured arm, (ii) grasping the exercise gripping member with the hand of the injured arm, (iii) moving the elongated rigid member with the non-injured arm to rotate the injured arm to an extreme position, (iv) reciprocating the rigid member along a desired exercise path to likewise reciprocate the injured arm of the patient, and (v) repeating this sequence to increase the extent of available movement of the injured arm.