Abstract: A medical instrument clamp for removably securing an elongated medical instrument within a housing to be conductively connected to a conduit. The present invention generally includes a housing having a first opening at its first end and a second opening at its second end. The first opening leads to a first channel adapted to receive an elongated medical instrument such as a catheter guide wire. The second opening leads to a second channel adapted to receive a conduit such as a connection conduit for a medical device. A contact internal to the housing is positioned between the first and second channels to conductively connect the medical instrument with the conduit. A pair of arms and clamp are included which may be transitioned to open or close in response to manipulation of a knob. By closing the arms and clamp, the medical instrument may be removably secured within the first channel.

Abstract: An anchoring guide wire and methods for use are provided, where the guide wire comprises a non-coiled segment, a first expandable segment, and a leading segment, wherein the first expandable segment is configured to transition between a constrained state and a deployed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an angioplasty device for treating stenoses or occlusions that facilitates the diagnosis and visualisation of the stenosis and the treatment control having a duct dedicated to the injection of the contrast product.

Abstract: The medical system inflation syringe of the present invention enables a fluid communication selective interconnection of a male connector with a subset of certain female connectors, while preventing interconnection of said male connector with other subsets of female connectors, for the purpose of providing secure interconnection to achieve fluid (including gas or air) communication only with medical systems with which the inflation syringe is intended to be interconnected.

Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A body fluid drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a catheter that has an exterior surface, a proximal portion, and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. The body fluid drainage system can further include a valve device, a pressure sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the valve device and the pressure sensor. The valve device can include an actuator positioned over the exterior surface of the catheter. The actuator is movable between an open position that allows body fluid flow through the catheter, a closed position that at least substantially obstructs the body fluid flow through the catheter, and intermediate positions that partially obstruct the body fluid flow through the catheter. The controller can change the position of the actuator in response to a predetermined condition of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject diagnosed with a cancer or other disorder comprising a hyperproliferative tissue is described herein. The method includes localized delivery of a material which contains a therapeutically effective agent and/or moiety. The localized delivery of the agent is achieved using a catheter-based delivery system and an implant. An implant can include a support component, a cover component, and a valve component. The valve component can be operable to permit flow through the implant. The implant can be delivered on a catheter, with one of the ends of the implant being selectively expanded to permit temporary occlusion of a vessel while delivering a material through the valve component to a downstream target region. The other end of the implant can thereafter be released such that the implant occludes the vessel, or the implant can be removed from the vessel entirely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of a microneedle patch to a skin surface of a patient includes use of an applicator. The applicator includes a housing, a slidably disposed applicator plate, and a compression spring. The applicator plate is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and has an engaging surface suitable for mashing up against a microneedle patch and pressing it against a skin surface. A docking system transfers the microneedle patch from a support to the applicator without requiring a user to handle the microneedle patch directly. Once mounted in the applicator, the microneedle patch is deployed against a skin surface of a patient for delivery of a desired agent via a microneedle array contained on the patch.

Abstract: An agent carrier delivers an agent to biological tissues by one or more modalities. The modality of delivery may be one or more transportation stimulus that causes the agent to be transported through the agent carrier. The transportation stimulus also enhances or permits penetration of the agent into the tissue. The agent carrier has an agent carrier body that is configured to retain the agent within the agent carrier body. The agent carrier body has a tissue-contacting surface for engaging tissues under treatment. Application of the transportation stimulus causes transportation of the agent through the agent carrier body to the tissue-contacting surface.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods used to manufacture a percutaneous port for promoting tissue in-growth around the percutaneous port. In one aspect, the method includes providing a tubular structure having an outer surface and providing a coil having an outer surface and comprised of a plurality of loops. The method further includes joining at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil to the outer surface of the tubular structure.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include a percutaneous port for promoting tissue in-growth around the percutaneous port. In one aspect, the percutaneous port includes a tubular structure having an outer surface, and a coil having an outer surface and comprised of a plurality of loops. Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil is joined to the outer surface of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to flush syringe assemblies comprising an integrated contamination-prevention device integrated with device connector flushing positioned so that the practitioner cannot forget to apply disinfectant. The flush syringe assemblies comprise a barrel with an elongate plunger rod disposed therein and a cap comprising a passageway. The plunger rod includes a stopper of which at least a portion can be embedded in the passageway of the cap to form a plug in the cap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to flush syringe assemblies comprising an integrated contamination-prevention device integrated with device connector flushing positioned so that the practitioner cannot forget to apply disinfectant. The flush syringe assemblies comprise a barrel with an elongate plunger rod disposed therein and a cap comprising a passageway. The plunger rod includes a stopper of which at least a portion can be embedded in the passageway of the cap to form a plug in the cap.

Abstract: Improvements in fluid volume measurement systems are disclosed for a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump in general, and a peritoneal dialysis cycler using a pump cassette in particular. Pump fluid volume measurements are based on pressure measurements in a pump control chamber and a reference chamber in a two-chamber model, with different sections of the apparatus being modeled using a combination of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic processes. Real time or instantaneous fluid flow measurements in a pump chamber of a diaphragm pump are also disclosed, in this case using a one-chamber ideal gas model and using a high speed processor to obtain and process pump control chamber pressures during fluid flow into or out of the pump chamber. Improved heater control circuitry is also disclosed, to provide added or redundant safety measures, or to reduce current leakage from a heater element during pulse width modulation control of the heater.

Abstract: Electrode devices having directional electrodes for use in deep brain stimulation or other uses. In one aspect, an electrode assembly comprises an elongate lead and a lead guide that are engageable with each other in a coaxial relationship. When the elongate lead and the lead guide are engaged with each other; the two components are rotationally fixed in relation to each other. In another aspect, an elongate lead comprises a radiologically-visible feature for indicating the orientation of the elongate lead. In yet another aspect, an electrode system is capable of determining the position and/or orientation of an electrode positioned within a body. In other aspects, methods for electrically stimulating a target site in the body are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting wall breach in inflatable prostheses rely on intrusion of a body fluid or inflation medium to electrically alter a signaling circuit. In one embodiment, an open portion of a circuit is closed to enable or modify a transmitted signal. In another embodiment, electrical current is generated to power an electrical transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrotherapy and measuring by means of electric currents for diagnostic purposes, and more particularly to an electrode arrangement for facilitating wound healing, a method for measuring wound healing and a wound dressing having an electrode arrangement. A wound dressing according to the present invention comprises at least two impedance reference electrodes, a frame like counter-electrode and stimulation electrodes in a form of an array; and a bioadhesive affinity layer surrounding the stimulation electrodes; said wound dressing being suited for applying on top of the wound so that the stimulation electrode array is on the wound area, and that the at least two impedance reference electrodes and the frame like counter-electrode are suited for placing in contact with the healthy skin surrounding the wound area; which electrodes, are suited for applying LIDC type electrical stimulation current to the wound area and for bioimpedance measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a gastrointestinal condition. In some embodiments, the method generally includes administering a chemical or electrical stimulus to an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a nerve supplying an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, and/or a nerve supplying a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, wherein the chemical or electrical stimulus is effective for treating a gastrointestinal condition.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention disclosed herein provides systems, devices and methods for providing electrical stimulation to a patient. An electrical mechanical interconnection is provided to facilitate user friendly systems and devices. Exemplary therapeutic electrical stimulation devices include a shoe connected mechanically and electrically to a conductor that provides signals for electrical stimulation.

Abstract: Arrangements are described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array having multiple stimulation contacts. An audio input preprocessor receives an input audio signal and generates band pass signals that represent associated bands of audio frequencies. A band pass signal analyzer analyzes each band pass signal to detect when one of the band pass signal components reaches a defined transition event state. A stimulation signal generator generates a set of electrode stimulation signals for the stimulation contacts from the band pass signals such that the electrode stimulation signals to a given stimulation contact: i. use a transition event stimulation pattern whenever a transition event is detected in a band pass signal associated with the given stimulation contact, and ii. use a different non-transition stimulation pattern after the transition event stimulation pattern until a next subsequent transition event is detected.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating various neurological disorders using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) without causing electrochemical damage. Examples of the various neurological disorders can include pain, muscle spasticity, hyperhidrosis, vertigo, sialorrhea, or the like. The methods can include placing an electrode contact in electrical communication with a nerve that transmits a signal related to the neurological disorder. The method also includes applying an ENCB to the nerve through the electrode contact. The electrode contact can include a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products at a charge delivered by the ENCB. The method also includes blocking transmission of the signal related to the neurological disorder through the nerve with the ENCB to treat the neurological disorder.

Abstract: An implantable wireless lead includes an enclosure, the enclosure housing: one or more electrodes configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to a neural tissue; a first antenna configured to: receive, from a second antenna and through electrical radiative coupling, an input signal containing electrical energy, the second antenna being physically separate from the implantable neural stimulator lead; one or more circuits electrically connected to the first antenna, the circuits configured to: create the one or more electrical pulses suitable for stimulation of the neural tissue using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes, wherein the enclosure is shaped and arranged for delivery into a subject's body through an introducer or a needle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a sexual disorder such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). An electrical stimulation system may include an implantable stimulation unit, an external patient controller, and an external physician controller. The implantable stimulation unit has an array of electrodes disposed on one or more flexible substrates configured to conform to a patient's anatomy at the pelvic plexus. Post-implantation, the physician controller may direct the stimulation unit to stimulate with select electrode(s) of the array to determine which electrode configuration provides optimal sexual arousal. The patient controller may be used to cause the stimulation unit to stimulate using the optimal electrode configuration at desired times.

Abstract: A method may include delivering autonomic neural stimulation (ANS) therapy, including delivering stimulation pulses to evoke physiological responses. The method may further include recording physiological parameter values, including recording first population data, the first population data including evoked response (ER) values corresponding to the evoked physiological responses, and recording second population data, the second population data including reference values that include no effect (NE) values corresponding to times without an evoked physiological response. The method may further include quantifying a relationship between the first population data and the second population data, and analyzing the quantified relationship for a signature to indicate if the stimulation pulses are evoking desired physiological responses.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving device therapy such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) by determining a desired value for a device parameter are described. An ambulatory medical device can receive one or more physiologic signals and generate multiple signal metrics from the physiologic signals. The ambulatory medical device can determine a desired value for a device parameter, such as a timing parameter used for controlling the delivery of CRT pacing to various heart chambers, using information fusion of signal metrics that are selected based on one or more of a signal metric sensitivity to perturbations to the device parameter in response to a stimulation, a signal metric variability in response to a stimulation, or a covariability between two or more signal metrics in response to a stimulation. The ambulatory medical device can program a stimulation using the desired device parameter value, and deliver the programmed stimulation to one or more target sites to achieve desired therapeutic effects.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a cardiac condition in a human or animal patient comprises contacting an area of skin spanning the chest area of the patient with at least two patches or electrode paddles that apply low voltages and currents in a rotational manner to pre-stimulate that area, followed by applying a high voltage shock in rapid succession through the patient's heart through at least two electrode pad patches or paddles, wherein an amplifier-based external defibrillation cardioversion system is used. Also, an external pacing system is employed using ascending ramp or any arbitrary ascending or level waveform for transcutaneous pacing which employ a constant current delivery mode. Treatable conditions include atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial tachycardia (AT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Abstract: Cardiac defibrillation or cardioversion waveform energy control systems employ transvenous ICDs or subcutaneous SICDs for treating cardiac arrhythmias. The systems comprise differentially driven amplifier circuit operational modes to control the delivery of defibrillation or cardioversion electrical shocks, wherein the shock waveforms are constant current, constant voltage, or constant energy. Biphasic arbitrary shock waveforms deliver increasing and or level energy with increasing time as represented by phase 1 ascending ramp, ascending exponential, ascending chopped, ascending stepped, ascending curved, square, rectilinear or level and or any combination of geometric shaped ascending or level waveforms.

Abstract: A portable phototherapy apparatus for treating a skin disorder in a patient. The apparatus includes an illumination source, an image capture device, a projecting system and a controller. The illumination source is configured to irradiate the patient's skin. The image capture device for capturing an image of lesion areas of the patient's skin needing treatment. The projecting system includes a therapeutic light source for generating UV radiation. The controller configured to cause the projecting system to form a shaped treatment image comprising the UV radiation on the patient's skin based on the image of the lesion areas captured by the image capture device such that the therapeutic light source delivers a dose of the UV radiation only to the lesion areas of the skin.

Abstract: A photonic treatment apparatus and apparatus for patient care, using a film, such as a phosphorous plate and a casing comprising an aperture provided for films that may be positioned therein to allow for desired treatments of a user, a photonic engine, positioned behind the film, to create photonic pressure. The photonic engine directed toward the film energizes the film achieving a desired wavelength emanation, a first zone of wavelengths that originate from the photonic engine, and a second zone of wavelengths emanating from the film that can be directed toward a target area and used in a method for treating patient conditions. A specific phosphor plate can be used for a desired treatment to customize the output to a specific wavelength necessary for treatment of specific conditions or other possible uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation treatment collimator having a multilayered linkage structure, the collimator providing various shapes of spaces and configuring a radiation area, which transmits radioactive rays, the collimator including: a fixed frame disposed on a plate; multiple pixel board layers fixedly stacked at predetermined intervals on top of each other inside the fixed frame, each pixel board layer being configured in a lattice form and having pixel covers disposed correspondingly to the respective lattices in such a manner as to be open and closed individually; control units disposed on both sides of the fixed frame to individually control the operations of the pixel covers of the pixel board layers; and power source units disposed on the front and rear sides of the fixed frame to supply the pixel board layers with operating power.

Abstract: When an energy of a particle beam to be emitted from an accelerator is set for every slice group including two or more adjacent slices and an attenuation amount is set for each slice in the slice group, the energy to be emitted from the accelerator is set, for every slice group, higher than an energy corresponding to the slice at a deepest location in that slice group so that a transmissive plate has a predetermined thickness for the slice at the deepest location; and, with respect to a thickness of the transmissive plate to be set for every slice group, the thickness set for the slice group at a deep location is larger than or equal to the thickness set for the slice group at a shallow location, and the thickness set for the slice group at a deepest location is thicker than the thickness set for the slice group at a shallowest location.

Abstract: A particle beam transport section comprises a horizontal deflection electromagnet which deflects a particle beam to a direction which is parallel to an accelerator median plane of a circular accelerator, a first perpendicular electromagnet which deflects a particle beam whose travelling direction is deflected by the horizontal deflection electromagnet to a direction which is different from a direction which is parallel to the accelerator median and a second perpendicular electromagnet which deflects the particle beam whose travelling direction is deflected by the first perpendicular deflection to a direction which is parallel to the accelerator median plane, wherein the horizontal deflection electromagnet is provided on a floor which is different from a floor where a particle beam irradiation unit is provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition associate with accumulation of an agent in cells in a patient includes exposing the cells to ultrasound, to selectively kill or induce apoptosis in the cells. The cells include the accumulated agent.

Abstract: A safety airbag device for cushioning the free fall of a person or object from an elevated height. The airbag device includes an inflatable base bag capable of sustaining an air pressure and an inflatable structure coupled to the base bag, where the inflatable structure is in air communication with the base bag. A net is coupled to a top portion of the inflatable structure for decelerating and supporting the individual from free fall. A top cover is coupled to the base bag that substantially encloses the inflatable structure.

Abstract: Speech enhancement apparatus and respirator masks including speech enhancement apparatus, as well as methods of enhancing speech transmission for the wearer of a respirator mask are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the speech enhancement apparatus and methods described herein detect acoustic energy within a first frequency range in the clean air envelope of a respirator mask and deliver compensating acoustic energy outside of the clean air envelope using a speaker. The compensating acoustic energy is, in one or more embodiments, delivered in one or more predetermined attenuated frequency ranges that cover less than all of the detected first frequency range. In one or more embodiments, the compensating acoustic energy may be delivered with an attenuated amplitude profile that uniform or that is non-uniform over the one or more attenuated frequency ranges.

Abstract: A snap hook that includes a body, a gate, a connection link and a breakable fastener is provided. A central portion of the body is positioned between an upper portion and a lower portion. The gate is pivotally coupled proximate the central portion of the body. The gate and the body selectively forming a closed configuration that defines a hook connection passage and an open configuration that provides access to the hook connection passage. An upper end of the connection link is pivotally coupled proximate the central portion of the body. A lower end of the connection link includes a body connection aperture. The breakable fastener couples the lower end of the connection link proximate the lower portion of the body. The breakable fastener is configured to break when a select amount of force is applied to the lower end of the connection link to transfer the force from the lower portion of the body to the central portion of the body.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric includes flame retardant fibers and binding material mixed with the flame retardant fibers. The binding material sets a thickness of the fabric. Application of a flame to the fabric causes the binding material to degrade and the flame retardant fibers to expand to prevent a flame from passing through a hole in a wall of an appliance, a building, or an appliance and/or to protect wiring of an appliance, a building, or an appliance.

Abstract: A container ignition and fire suppression system, comprising means for removing volatile gases present prior to and produced during and after loading the container with a volatile liquid based on a weight capacity of the container; filling a headspace above a level of the volatile liquid with a blanket composition of inert gas(es); pressurizing the volatile liquid and the predetermined composition of inert gas(es) to a predetermined pressure to retard outgassing of the volatile liquid into the head space occupied by the inert gas(es); discharging a fire retardant foam at onset of a rupturing of the predetermined blanket composition, the discharge adapted to smother, extinguish and prevent a fire from igniting via a spark, a rupture and other combustible processes; and a monitor and control apparatus adapted to determine and adjust a plurality of conditions regarding the inert gas(es) and the volatile liquid in the container via telemetry.

Abstract: An anti-fire protection device for a starter-controller device of an electrical installation is able to be connected to an electrical power conductor and includes thermal monitoring of the electrical power conductor to detect a temperature rise of greater than a predetermined threshold. This anti-fire protection device can be fixed mechanically to the starter-controller device via at least one mechanical linking member. The thermal monitoring includes at least one temperature sensor and a cartridge including a fire extinguishing agent and at least one injection element, situated on the same face of the protection device as the temperature sensor, the cartridge being situated inside the protection device and connected to the temperature sensor, the injection element being able to inject the fire extinguishing agent towards the electrical power conductors subsequent to a detection, by the temperature sensor, of a temperature of greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler system is described which includes a piping system having at least one dual-use pipe providing both an air conveying inlet and a fire extinguishing fluid conveying outlet. The pipe has at least one air sampling opening allowing ambient air flow into the pipe and at least one fire sprinkler for ejecting a fire extinguishing fluid from the pipe in the event of a fire. An air sampling detector is fluidly connected to the pipe and tests the ambient air within the pipe to detect the presence of the fire. A valve, disposed between the source of the fire extinguishing fluid and the pipe, is in communication with the air sampling detector and operable to open, upon detection of the fire based on the ambient air tested by the air sampling detector, in order to fill the pipe with the fire extinguishing fluid.

Abstract: Integrated flow control backflow preventer valve (“IFCBPV”) for new and existing wet- and dry-barrel fire hydrants, with barrel drain assemblies for dry-barrel hydrants, and hydrants equipped with such IFCBPVs, are presented. An exemplary IFCBPV can have a retaining screen comprising equidistant concave radial spokes intersecting at a central ring structure, a freely suspended check ball, and a lower ball seat with a seal. The upper surface of the retaining screen can be affixed to the hydrant's axial shaft, and can thus be used to open and close the hydrant via the ball. Alternatively, the retaining screen can be fixed and the axial shaft provided with a cup on its bottom that mates with the freely suspended ball that is caged between the retaining screen and the ball seat. An exemplary barrel drain assembly can comprise a spring-loaded piston, or alternatively, a check ball design as in the main barrel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a safe and effective system for removal of a range of common pharmaceutical compounds. The formulation comprises activated carbon, accompanied by some larger pebble-like material to help break up capsules and tablets upon shaking, in the presence of an acidified liquid medium. Drugs are added to the bottle and the bottle is shaken so that the drugs are dissolved by the liquid solution and are irreversibly adsorbed onto activated carbon, thereby sequestering them from further use.

Abstract: athletic physical training system is configured to be worn on a human body. The physical training system includes a flexible article of footwear, a torso member, and an elastic resistance band. The flexible article of footwear includes a fabric panel configured to receive a foot of the human body. At least one first strap is connected to the fabric panel and extends over a dorsal side of the fabric panel from a lateral side to a medial side of the fabric panel. The torso member is configured to engage the torso of the wearer. The elastic resistance band extends between the at least one first strap and the torso member.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise device includes, among other things, an attachment structure configured to be mounted to a support assembly, a first arm directly pivotably connected to the attachment structure, a second arm directly pivotably connected to the attachment structure, a bracket directly pivotably connected to the first arm and directly pivotably connected to the second arm, and a catch member configured for accepting a weight bar. The catch member is pivotably connected to at least one of the first arm, the second arm, or the at least one bracket such that the at least one catch member is pivotable relative to the at least one bracket.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a guide member coupled with a portion of the frame, a weight stack including a plurality of weight plates associated with the guide member and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism has a first end attached to a pull handle and a second end being attached to a weight attachment mechanism. Further, a resistance selector has a pin coupled to the weight attachment mechanism and is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the weight attachment mechanism. When the pin is in the first position the weight attachment mechanism is interlocked with a plate of the weight stack and when the pin is in the second position the weight attachment mechanism is freed from the weight plate and the pin has an engagement structure that is shaped to interlock with a profile of an edge of the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which prevents weights from being misplaced within an exercise environment. The system prevents a weight from being placed in an incorrect position of a weight rack. By using a keyed weight and weight rack the user is required to place the weight correctly in order for the weight to properly seat on the weight rack. The weights are keyed in such a way as to allow use on any properly sized dumbbell or barbell whilst limiting placement on an incorrect weight rack. This system eliminates the need to sort weights and therefore drastically reduces the amount of effort required to maintain the weight system in addition to reducing the time which is required to locate a specific weight plate.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer is adapted to be arranged with a bicycle to simulate riding a bicycle on an outdoor road. The bicycle includes a stand, a roller, a first resistance source and a second resistance source. The stand is adapted to support the bicycle. The roller is pivoted to the stand and is adapted to contact a bicycle wheel of the bicycle. The first resistance source is coupled to the roller and provides resistance to the bicycle wheel via the roller. The second resistance source is coupled to the roller and provides resistance to the bicycle wheel via the roller.

Abstract: The exercise device includes a wheel having a side and an axle assembly including an axle and a handle section extending from the axle outwardly of the sides of the wheel. A coil spring is situated within the wheel, surrounding the axle and is operably connected between the wheel and the axle such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on said spring. The handle assembly also has a circular member situated proximate and parallel to the side of the wheel. The member is fixedly mounted to and radially extending from the axle such that the member and the axle move together as a unit. Accordingly, the wheel can move relative to the axle/member unit without irritating the user's hand gripping the handle section.

Abstract: A jaw exerciser for providing passive motion therapy such as that used to treat trismus is provided. The jaw exerciser has a user-adjustable distance between the upper jaw support and the lower jaw support. The jaw exerciser includes a shaft, a first or upper jaw support frame including a first jaw support, a second or lower jaw support frame including a second jaw support, a distance adjuster which may be in the form of a jack screw for manually adjusting the distance between the first jaw support and the second jaw support, and a retaining screw. The jack screw may be received by the second or lower jaw support frame and engage the first or upper jaw support frame. Removable bite pads may optionally be provided for installing on the first jaw support and the second jaw support.