Body Rests, Supports Or Positioners For Therapeutic Purpose (e.g., Sexual, Postural, Head, Etc.) Patents (Class 128/845)
  • Publication number: 20130104907
    Abstract: A positioning device is described. This device includes a planar sheet having first and second side edges and a top surface. A patient is positioned on the top surface where the first and second side edges are adjacent to the patient's legs. A first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate are coupled to the respective first and second side edge of the sheet and are capable of wrapping around an adjacent leg of the patient creating a wrapped engagement. This wrapped engagement of the patient's legs prevents heat loss during pre-surgery, surgery, post-surgery or transport of the patient. Handles coupled to the sheet may be utilized for lifting or moving the sheet when the patient is supported by the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BCG MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon Cuongquoc Giap
  • Publication number: 20130098369
    Abstract: A treatment pad includes a base member, at least one treatment layer, a plurality of neck supporting members, and an adhesive layer. The treatment layer is peripherally extended from the base member, wherein the treatment layer has a mid portion and two side portions. The neck supporting members are longitudinally extended along the side portions of the treatment layer respectively, wherein each of the neck supporting members has a height gradually increasing from the an inner side edge of the corresponding side portion of the treatment layer to an outer side edge of the corresponding side portion of the treatment layer to define an inclined supporting surface of the corresponding neck supporting member. The adhesive layer is provided on the treatment layer and the neck supporting members for attaching the treatment layer and the neck supporting members on a user's neck portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Chen Qiu, Xin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130098370
    Abstract: A lightweight easy to use device for the partial weight bearing during sitting or other activities the results in pressure being applied to areas of the body for extended periods of time. The device is made by attaching material that does not slide when wrapped around a person and is in contact with said person's skin, to a device that creates a force to partially support the weight of the person using the device and remove the pressure from other weight bearing areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Clay Thomas Cacas
  • Patent number: 8425443
    Abstract: A limb support system for supporting one or more limbs of a patient during surgery is disclosed. The limb support system may include one or more joints formed from electromagnets that move locking mechanisms between locked and unlocked positions to enable a patient's limb to be supported in a desired position. At least one of the joints may be supported by a support arm that is attached to support structure. A limb support device, such as, but not limited to, an armrest or a wrist support may be attached to the housing of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Sullivan, Peter Dreyfuss
  • Publication number: 20130092175
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Nikhil BHAT, George Y. CHOI
  • Patent number: 8419594
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a posture-correcting exercise device (10) having a novel structure by which an effect comparable to traction can be easily established without resorting to use a large-scaled apparatus and which can be easily and conveniently operated and yet is expected as achieving effects of, for example, correcting spine distortion and reinforcing muscles supporting the spine to thereby fundamentally reduce the load on the spine when appropriately operated. To solve the above problem, the posture-correcting exercise device (10) has a chin rest portion, on which the chin of a user (34) is placed, at the upper end face and a setting face at the lower end face. The outer periphery of the setting face serves as a tilting face (26) in a curved shape. When the user (34) puts his/her chin on the chin rest portion, the device is tiltable at the setting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Hideki Motoyashiki
  • Publication number: 20130087154
    Abstract: A support assembly for a portion of a user's body includes a pivotable frame with a top elongated member, a bottom elongated member, a first side member and a second side member, the top elongated member and bottom elongated members each having first and second ends that are pivotably connected to top and bottom ends of the first side member and the second side member, respectively. A support element is operatively connected to the pivotable frame and a tensioner mechanism is adapted to adjust an amount of force required to move the support element relative to the first side member. The tension member is disposed within one of the top and the bottom elongated member and exerts a tensile force parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the one of the top and the bottom elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Saebo, Inc.
    Inventor: Saebo, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8413660
    Abstract: A device 50 for supporting and positioning a part of a patient's body includes at least two joints 62, 64, 66 each having a locked state and an unlocked state and a release system for allowing an operator to select between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release system has an operator interface remote from the joints and at a location that enables the operator to support the weight of the body part while at least one of the joints is in the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samantha A. Weinstein, Thomas K. Skripps
  • Patent number: 8414514
    Abstract: A wearable ambulatory traction system for a user. The system can include a traction device with a traction head, a traction body, and a centralizer; a wearable fabric garment; and a pouch secured to the fabric garment. The traction device can be insertable into the pouch. A customizable wearable ambulatory traction system for a user that can include a customizable traction device with a shearable traction head and body which can be cut to a custom size by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jose Gomez, Jr., Victor B. Ramos
  • Publication number: 20130081636
    Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Matthias E. Schuele
  • Publication number: 20130081635
    Abstract: A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Jesse Scott Drake, Dustin T. Libby
  • Patent number: 8397731
    Abstract: A fluoroscopy chair convertible between a chair configuration for use during fluoroscopic procedures to a support table configuration. The fluoroscopy chair has a seat, a support column supporting the seat, a radiotranslucent chest support retained to an anterior side of the seat, and a back support retained to the posterior side of the seat. The back support is reconfigurable between a first configuration that forms an upstanding surface and a second configuration cooperating with the seat to form a support table. The chest support, which can have multiple, differently contoured support surfaces, can be adjusted vertically and rotated relative to the patient. A support arm attachment for use during fluoroscopic procedures in relation to a support table with a support platform with a base portion, a mechanism for selectively retaining the base portion relative to the platform of the support table, a support arm retained by the base portion, and a chest and neck support retained by the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Yakov Perper, Sergey Jivetin, Satoru W. Bauman
  • Publication number: 20130062922
    Abstract: A therapeutic leg elevation device and an associated treatment method are disclosed. The device includes a first inclined surface for supporting a patient's thigh and that tilts the thigh at an angle above horizontal that is also less than an angle that can kink the femoral vein. A second inclined surface supports the patient's lower leg and also tilts the lower leg above the horizontal at an angle sufficient to permit gravity to augment blood flow. The first and second surfaces define an angle that positions the knee and lower leg at an angle that relaxes the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscle for comfort and prevents the popliteal vein from being compressed by the tibia. The second inclined surface has a limited length that permits a patient's feet to extend over the end of the second surface to prevent pressure on the heel. The device includes an inflatable interior component and a cushion layer covering the inflatable interior component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher S. Dickson
  • Publication number: 20130061856
    Abstract: A therapeutic device is configured to be worn by a user for providing spinal support to the user's body. The therapeutic device has a first support section and a second support section that connects to the first support section. The first support section is configured to comfortably engage and support the neck of the user's body. The second support section is configured to comfortably engage and support the lower back of the user's body while the first support section engages and supports the neck of the user's body to provide maximum support for an entire spinal region of the user's body with a level of comfort while maintaining a full range of motion for the user's spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ehsan KHADEMI
  • Patent number: 8393329
    Abstract: A device for positioning an infant patient in a clinically preferred position for conducting a lumbar puncture includes a board, a positioning member adjustably coupled to the board, and a locking device coupled to the positioning member for locking the positioning member in a position relative to one or both of the board or the patient. The positioning member may be configured to induce the patient into a clinically preferred position for performing a lumbar puncture on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Marcus H. Snow, Ken Sieger
  • Patent number: 8382692
    Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: John Chao
  • Patent number: 8381734
    Abstract: A patient stabilizing strap includes a base strap, which is removably attachable to a planar surface. At least one receiving portion is secured to the planar surface by the base strap. At least one elongate stabilizing portion has longitudinally spaced first and second stabilizing portion ends separated by a stabilizing portion body. Each first stabilizing portion end is removably attachable to a receiving portion to secure the stabilizing portion to the planar surface. Each second stabilizing portion end is removably attachable to an other second stabilizing portion end to encircle at least a portion of a patient body in cooperation with the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Hedges, Jerry Faiella
  • Publication number: 20130042874
    Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to medical devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a kyphopad and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the kyphopad can provide support for the area of the body that actually receives pressure. The device can include a first concave-shaped recess receiving a lumber portion of the patient and a second concave-shaped recess receiving a thoracic and cervical portion of the patient allowing medical imaging of a head and spine. The device can be made of radio-translucent material such that the entire kyphopad can be placed within a medical imaging device. In one embodiment, the kyphopad can be adjusted through at least one pad for thoracic spine exams or lumbar spine exams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Rebecca Gordon
  • Patent number: 8378321
    Abstract: The invention comprises a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Publication number: 20130037036
    Abstract: A radial artery of a patient is made accessible to an operator on the right side of the patient for performing a left radial artery accessed cardiac catheterization with a forearm and hand positioning device which includes first and second inflatable air bladders. The first air bladder extends longitudinally with an upper surface that, when the air bladder is inflated, supports and positions the forearm and hand of a patient with a radial artery of the patient remaining accessible to the operator. The second air bladder extends longitudinally beneath and is connected to the first air bladder and when inflated elevates the first air bladder and a forearm and hand of the patient held therein above a support for the patient's arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jennifer Bennett Carlin
  • Patent number: 8371305
    Abstract: A fluoroscopy chair convertible between a chair configuration for use during fluoroscopic procedures to a support table configuration. The fluoroscopy chair has a seat, a support column supporting the seat, a radiotranslucent chest support retained to an anterior side of the seat, and a back support retained to the posterior side of the seat. The back support is reconfigurable between a first configuration that forms an upstanding surface and a second configuration cooperating with the seat to form a support table. The chest support, which can have multiple, differently contoured support surfaces, can be adjusted vertically and rotated relative to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Yakov Perper, Sergey Jivetin
  • Patent number: 8371306
    Abstract: A surgical drape, system and method of using comprise a surgical drape having a fenestration to be placed over a surgical site of a patient. The surgical drape includes a barrier removably attached to the surgical drape and adapted for placement over a portion of the fenestration to prevent the start of the surgical procedure. Upon verification of a set of predetermined conditions, the barrier is removed by a member of the surgical staff in order to begin the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly M. Haines, Robert A. Lockwood, Francis A. Czajka
  • Patent number: 8365739
    Abstract: A patient support device for use in patients undergoing spinal or epidural procedures while seated on a standard labor and delivery, operating room or other table or bed is described. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes an upper body support tray and a foot support tray which are independently adjustable along the length of an extendable pole assembly. The pole also connects to a base which provides a stable support and slides under the bulky support bases which are a part of modern hospital beds used in labor and delivery and operating rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Jones
  • Publication number: 20130028391
    Abstract: A head holder for imaging is provided. The head holder includes a base, a head rest configured to receive a head of a subject, the head rest pivotally connected to the base and rotatable about a rotational axis defined through a lower end of the head rest, and a stopper configured to be inserted between the base and the head rest to support the head rest and fix the head rest at a tilt angle that corresponds to an insertion position of the stopper in a body axis direction of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Naoki Nakamura, Kiyoshi Matsumura
  • Publication number: 20130019873
    Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: George Y. CHOI, Nikhil BHAT
  • Publication number: 20130019877
    Abstract: A surgical head holder and accessories for use with the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a horseshoe shaped head support includes two wings pivotally coupled that adjust the angle therebetween. Arcuate base members are coupled to the wings to accept a plurality of placement subassemblies, which are circumferentially adjustably positioned and secured within the channels. Each placement subassembly is configured to receive a skull pin and provide adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning of the skull pin with respect to the arcuate base. A table attachment supports the horseshoe shaped head support and is adapted to be selectively and rigidly coupled to an operating table. The table attachment includes a vertical body, a horizontal generally u-shaped bar adjustably intersecting therewith, and an attachment member extending therefrom for coupling to the operating table. Various neurosurgical accessories may be rigidly coupled to the table attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick H. Sklar
  • Publication number: 20130019876
    Abstract: A breast treatment device including components to allow the positioning of a patient for medical treatment and ensuring the proper positioning of the patient's other breast to avoid its inadvertent treatment. A breast support is used to grip and securely hold the non-treatment breast in position on a sternal bridge which is easily positioned as warranted for a particular patient. The sternal bridge is positioned by moving support arms. The device includes cushions/supports for the patient's head, sternum, forearm, elbow, upper arm and hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas Zacharopoulos, Andrew J. Tamas, Milan Markovic
  • Publication number: 20130019875
    Abstract: A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window comprising a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Elizabeth Chabner Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130019874
    Abstract: A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window comprising a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Elizabeth Chabner Thompson
  • Patent number: 8356601
    Abstract: An arm stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar and one or more modular attachments that can be detachably secured to the stabilizer bar. A wrist support attachment can be secured to the distal end of the stabilizer bar. A reducer attachment can be secured to the stabilizer bar between the wrist support attachment and the proximal end of the stabilizer bar. The reducer attachment includes a telescoping post with a rest plate that provides a support for applying reduction force to the arm. The reducer attachment can be moved along the length of the stabilizer bar at various angular orientations. A removable wrist pad and a removable brace pad are also provided. In some embodiments stabilizer bar is pivotable about a base to allow the stabilizer bar with attachments to be pivoted away from the patient and repositioned at various points in space during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Alton Lee Hunter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8357108
    Abstract: The physical therapy tools, systems, kits and methods described herein may be used to apply gentle, passive and progressive amounts of pressure (including numerous repetitions of small movements) to achieve therapeutic mobilization of a spinal joint. The tools described herein may include a plurality of pads and actuators, where the pressure within each actuator is controlled so that a continuously varying pressure may be applied to mimic the pressure applied by human hands. These tools may also include a controller and one or more user inputs. The physical therapy tools may be operated at different operating modes (e.g., continuously varying pressure modes, step-pulse high frequency modes, step-pulse low frequency modes) for treating a subject's spine, and may be part of a system or kit. Methods of treating a subject using these physical therapy tools are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Therapy Systems LLC
    Inventor: Alan R. G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8353288
    Abstract: A patient care unit (1) with a reclining surface has one or more docking devices designed as inductive coupling sites (7) for medical technical devices (10, 11, 12), which consume electrical energy and can be connected to the patient care unit. The inductive coupling sites (7) also supply the patient care unit (1) with electrical energy by means of an external line connection, which is likewise coupled inductively with the patient care unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: DrƤger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Schermeier, Hans-Ulrich Hansmann, Henning Gerder
  • Publication number: 20130008452
    Abstract: A device includes a frame having a longitudinal support extending along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The device includes a first body support portion carried by the longitudinal support, the first body support portion configured to rotate about the longitudinal support relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The device includes a second body support portion carried by the longitudinal support, the second body support portion configured to rotate about the longitudinal support relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Evangelos
  • Patent number: 8347889
    Abstract: A positioning device to facilitate the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head under anesthesia during an operation or procedure comprising at least one adjustable support including a plurality of segments or sections selectively positionable relative to adjacent segments or sections and selectively lockable relative to each other having a patient engaging member coupled to the proximal end portion thereof to engage a portion of the patient's head to maintain the position of the patient's head during an operation or procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Joseph Farnum
  • Publication number: 20130000651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic device which reverses symptomatic hemorrhoids. The device comprises a volumetric object and is formed by a base supporting stairs of different heights. An element is disposed between the two stairs; said element is quite taller than the stairs. When used, the device reverses or alleviates hemorrhoids symptoms, due to the force of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Sergio Adrian Pleszowski
  • Patent number: 8336554
    Abstract: A device to hold one's foot in a neutral position while sitting in order to aid in healing includes a large plastic panel with a set of parallel plastic strips extending upward. These strips are adjustable upon the surface of the board using a series of small holes and corresponding pins. The strips are thus aligned to match the width of one's foot being held in a shoe. When aligned upon the floor, the foot, in a normal shoe without the use of a brace, is held in a neutral position which helps prevent contracture of the leg and foot muscles thus promoting faster healing after surgery. Additionally, the current device does not provide for pinching or twisting as commonly occurs with conventional prosthetic braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120318277
    Abstract: An orthosis (protective pad) for placing on a supporting surface to lie adjacent the breasts of a subject lying prone on the surface, the orthosis comprising: (a) a central portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the orthosis to be receivable between the breasts of the subject to support the sternum; and (b) opposed portions extending bilaterally outwardly from a cephalad end of the central portion to support the clavicle and/or upper ribcage/costal cartilage (ā€œcephalad portionsā€); and/or (c) opposed portions extending bilaterally outwardly from a caudal end of the central portion to support the lower ribcage/costal cartilage and/or upper abdomen (ā€œcaudal portionsā€), the portions being configured such that spaces are defined laterally outward of the longitudinal axis and the breasts are displaced laterally and/or superolaterally to occupy the spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Evans
  • Publication number: 20120318278
    Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is a device or fixture for positioning, adjusting, and stretching a patient's extremity for surgical procedures where alignment is critical and minute adjustments may be required. The device prevents the patient's extremity to move once the physician has selected the precise position for the elected procedure, using a combination of an articulating and rotating frame or support plates and support rings attached to the extremity surgical positioning system which acts as a limb splint that firmly attached to the surgical table. The support plates are attached to the patient via a series of adjustable straps preventing the extremity from moving independently of the support plate. A locking rack and gear configuration and a myriad of adjustable locking pivot points positioned along and within the outer/inner proximal tube and outer/inner distal tube to either lengthen or rotate various portions of the extremity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Emad S. Aboujaoude, Paul W. Scott, IV
  • Patent number: 8332978
    Abstract: A pillow is provided for the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. The pillow may have arms which define a void with varying diameters to facilitate holding an infant's head to cause reshaping of the posterior of the skull. An anchoring mechanism may also be included to hold the pillow in place. A webbing may also be used between the arms to encourage the arms to remain against the infant's head and/or to engage a surface on which the pillow rests and limit sliding or the pillow or the infant's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Warnock
  • Publication number: 20120312306
    Abstract: A device and method for maintaining a user's legs in an elevated position is presented. In particular, the embodiments comprise a base plate having a front surface and a rear surface, a calf cup and heel cup integrated with the front surface, a plurality of retractable leg members, a plurality of hinges, an attachment means comprising preferably a plurality of hook and loop fasteners, and a plurality of gripping caps. The base plate is adaptable to attach with the user's leg or footwear. The plurality of retractable leg members is adaptable to operate in a deployed configuration allowing the user's leg to rest thereon and/or in a stored configuration wherein the leg members become parallel with the rear surface of the base plate, and a locking mechanism is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Miller
  • Patent number: 8327853
    Abstract: A bistable magnetic holding device, which includes: a nonmagnetic support casing in the form of a channel with a rectangular cross-section; a magnetic core including a base and three legs set perpendicularly to the base, the two outer legs and the base forming a ā€œUā€; a permanent magnet in the form of a bar inserted between the base and the middle leg; a coil surrounding the middle leg; a flat movable part; and a return motion and guidance means built into the inside walls of the support so as to allow return motion, toward the upper part of the support casing, of the magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Dominique Ponsort, Alain Riwan, Julie Bonnemason
  • Publication number: 20120305006
    Abstract: A surgical boot includes a shell shaped to receive a patient's foot and a main strap assembly. The main strap assembly includes at least two straps that secure a patient's foot in the shell and that are pulled downwardly by a tensioner unit located behind the shell to tighten a patient's foot with the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Darwin Keith-Lucas, Orlando Soto, David E. Chella
  • Publication number: 20120305007
    Abstract: A cradle for positioning an anatomical portion of a patient during treatment includes a plurality of expandable fluid chambers and a pressure regulator configured to supply fluid to and withdraw fluid from each of the fluid chambers. A system for positioning an anatomical portion of a patient during treatment includes the aforementioned cradle and a control unit configured to control the pressure of each of the fluid chambers. A method for positioning an anatomical portion of a patient during treatment comprises the steps of placing the anatomical portion in the aforementioned cradle and adjusting the pressure of each of the fluid chambers to hold the anatomical portion in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: WILLIAM BEAUMONT HOSPITAL
    Inventor: Di Yan
  • Publication number: 20120305005
    Abstract: A surgical boot includes a shell shaped to receive a patient's foot. The shell has a plurality of handles molded integrally with a main body. The handles are sized and arranged for gripping by a surgeon during surgery to reposition the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Darwin Keith-Lucas, Orlando Soto, David E. Chella
  • Publication number: 20120310079
    Abstract: In a medical apparatus and method, the apparatus installation has a placement device for a patient, into which placement device is integrated at least one electromechanical sensor. A signal evaluation device is supplied with the measurement signals generated with the at least one electromechanical sensor, for evaluation. The medical apparatus is connected with the signal evaluation device, and the medical apparatus acquires measurement signals that relate to breathing and/or cardiac activity of the patient with the at least one electromechanical sensor upon support of the patient on said placement device. Trigger signals are generated with the signal evaluation device based on the measurement signals which relate to breathing cycle and/or cardiac cycle of the patient. The operation of the medical apparatus is controlled based on the trigger signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Andre Henning
  • Patent number: 8322342
    Abstract: A limb positioner includes a multi-axis positioner, a lock supporting the multi-axis positioner, and a limb support. The multi-axis positioner includes a variable resistance locking mechanism adjustable to vary the resistance of each axis to movement, the multi-axis positioner including a first pivot pivotable about a first axis. The limb support is supported by the multi-axis positioner and includes a frame configured to support a limb such that a joint of the limb is indexed to the first pivot for movement of the limb about the joint. The limb support includes disposable dressing positioned on the first and second extensions, the disposable dressing including a plurality of flexible restraints for securing the limb of a patient to the limb support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Orlando Soto, Dustin T. Libby, Thomas K. Skripps
  • Patent number: 8322343
    Abstract: A lower extremity exerciser and positioning device includes a generally wedge-shaped inferior and a generally wedge-shaped superior support. Each support has a top surface and curved trailing edge. A limb-cradling furrow extends across the top surfaces and trailing edges. The inferior support may be used alone, or with the superior support stacked on top. Spacers may be added to extend and elevate the device. Releasable attachments are provided to secure together adjacent components. The device may be configured to accommodate various patient physiques; used to relieve heel, sacral and buttock pressure for purposes of avoiding pressure ulcers; and used to allow patients to independently perform various knee and hip exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Grace Cardin
  • Publication number: 20120298113
    Abstract: A restorator chair which is selectively pivotally movable between a first position, wherein the patient sitting in the chair is in a generally upright position, and a second position wherein the patient is generally in a supine position. The chair includes various pressure sensitive sensors which are actuated when the patient applies pressure thereto. The chair includes a heel rest, a back and arm rest, a right thigh support, a left thigh support, a right leg support having a right foot support at the lower end thereof and a left leg support having a left foot support at the lower end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan Hruska
  • Patent number: 8316855
    Abstract: A meditation pillow using craniosacral therapy is disclosed. The meditation pillow includes a columna vertebralis supporting part formed in a user's neck direction to support a part of a columna vertebralis located thereon, an occipital region supporting part formed at a rear of the columna vertebralis supporting part to support an occipital region of a head located thereon, and an occipital region acupressure part protrudingly formed along a superior nuchal line between an atlas and an occipital bone to stimulate nerve fibers of the occipital region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Jinbiotech Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Young-Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20120291786
    Abstract: A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Randal Haworth, Corbett W. Stone