Restrainers And Immobilizers (e.g., Strait Jackets, Etc.) Patents (Class 128/869)
  • Publication number: 20150020817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical head holder, comprising: at least two opposing engagement members (1, 2) configured to engage the head of a patient; a frame (3, 4) comprising a first (3) and a second frame section (4) which are displaceably coupled to each other, each frame section (3, 4) supporting at least one of the engagement members (1, 2); connecting means (5) which allow the first and second frame sections (3, 4) to be displaced and by means of which the first and second frame sections (3, 4) are guided and can be detachably fixed to each other; coupling means (6) which are attached to the second frame section (4) and by means of which the second engagement member (2) is displaceably coupled to the second frame section (4) and can be fixed to the second frame section (4); a force applicator (7) which is detachably coupled to the second frame section (4) and acts on the coupling means (6) so as to cause the second engagement member (2) to be displaced and/or fixed relative to the second fr
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Christian Radina, Rupert Heigl, Markus Graedler
  • Publication number: 20150000679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polymer sheet for use as an immobilization element, wherein the sheet is at least partly made of a polymer material comprising a polymer from the group of polycaprolactone, a copolymer of polyethylene with at least one ?-olefin having 3-10 C atoms, or a mixture of two or more of the aforementioned polymers, a photo-initiator, and a photo-cross-linker, wherein the polymer sheet has a thickness of 1.0 to 5 mm and wherein the polymer sheet is at least partially cured by exposing to UV radiation for the at least partially cross-linking of the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: ORFIT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Steven Cuypers, Bogdan Bogdanov
  • Patent number: 8869801
    Abstract: A cushioned restraint assembly secures a limb comfortably to a structure. The assembly includes an elongated cuff configured for encircling a limb. A band is coupled to and extends along the cuff. The band is configured for securing the cuff around the limb. A strap is coupled to and extends from the cuff. The strap is configured for coupling to a structure. A cushion is coupled to an interior face of the cuff whereby the cushion is configured for positioning between the cuff and the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8844536
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for use with a head fixation device allows for a stabilizing fixture, such as a rocker arm having a pair of skull pins, to be selectively secured so that the stabilizing fixture can be adjustably rotated to a desired position. In some version the locking apparatus includes a connector that is retained within an opening in a portion of the head fixation device. The connector can translate within the opening and is restricted from rotation. The translating of the connector permits the connector to engage an arch member that retains the stabilizing fixture. The engagement of the connector and arch member is accomplished, in some versions, by way of matching axial oriented toothed portions or starburst features. In some versions the teeth on the starburst features include a chamfer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: pro med instruments GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias E. Schuele
  • Publication number: 20140283849
    Abstract: A dental apparatus for limiting how far a person can open their mouth to hamper eating is disclosed. A first tooth interface is affixed to at least one upper tooth and a second tooth interface is affixed to at least one lower tooth in proximity to the first tooth interface. A range limiting device having at least two sections, such as two triangular shaped sections, is sequentially linked from a first section of the range limiting device to a last section of the range limiting device. Each section of the range limiting device is movably affixed to an opposing tooth interface, such that the device movably interconnects the first tooth interface and the second tooth interface, thereby allowing the person to completely close their mouth, and limiting the person to opening their mouth to a range less than fully opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Roger S. Pecina
  • Patent number: 8839794
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus are described. In one embodiment, the system is an apparatus for securing a patient to a board. The apparatus includes a board and a disposable cover that covers at least a portion of the board. The disposable cover includes a securing mechanism for securing the cover in place around a portion of the board. The disposable cover further includes at least one strap to wrap around the body of a patient or other object. The disposable cover also includes at least one second strap to wrap around the first strap. The second strap may include an adhesive material to secure the second strap around the first strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Cheri J. Tonks, Russell Tonks
  • Patent number: 8834394
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for reducing brain and cervical spine injury includes a headpiece sufficiently designed to secure to a user's head, the headpiece having a first attachment member; a support harness sufficiently designed to secure to the user's torso, the support harness having a second attachment member; and a telescoping member having a main tube and a series of progressively smaller diameter tubes nested within each other, wherein the smaller diameter tubes are adapted to extend and compress in a linear plane by the intake and outflow of fluid, wherein the telescoping member has a first engaging member for engaging the first attachment member, and wherein the telescoping member has a second engaging member for engaging the second attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jamshid Ghajar
  • Patent number: 8821423
    Abstract: A compliance strapping includes a predetermined adjustability, tamper deterring and indicating strapping, adapted, in use, to form an encircling loop. The compliance strapping is passed around an object and for further security the strap can be threaded through lining material or through a wearable article or medical device. The free end of the elongate member is passed through the loop, which may be a D-loop sewn into the strapping, thus forming an encircling loop of strapping. The second end is brought around to close proximity with a region of the strapping which has been passed through the loop and the tamper indicating means fastened known as the self locking rivet to said region of the strapping. Thus the encircling loop cannot be broken because the region of the strapping with the self locking rivet fastened thereto cannot pass back through the D-loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fastform Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Conlon, David Sheehan, Kerry Meehan
  • Patent number: 8808212
    Abstract: A shoulder support device includes a flexible elastic continuous ring band and a slide adjustably movable on the band that divides the band into a pair of loops defining arm receiving apertures that are cupped over the curved deltoid region of each shoulder of a wearer to pull the shoulders back and downward under tension to achieve a correct posture position. The slide is moveable to adjust tension distributed to the wearer's shoulders. When the slide is positioned midway between the shoulder blades at the back of the wearer, it provides equal distributed tension on both shoulders. Moving the slide more to the left or more to the right allows the wearer to selectively adjust which shoulder receives more tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Virginia Obana Redmond
  • Patent number: 8795213
    Abstract: An orthosis for the treatment of congenital, developmental and degenerative spinal deformities or misalignments, including an upper thoracic component adapted to cover part or the whole thorax and made in non-elastic material, a pelvic component adapted to encircle the pelvis and made in elastic-material and reinforced with non-elastic materials, a non-elastic strapping system adapted to encircle the pelvis transversely and providing a stable fitting, resistant to transverse plane rotations and proximal migration, and at least four removable, corrective elastic bands running obliquely around part or all of the body circumference and attach from the thoracic component (right shoulder, left shoulder, right distal thorax, left distal thorax) to posterior-lateral and/or anterior sections of the pelvic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Spinecorporation Limited
    Inventor: Andrew James Mills
  • Patent number: 8783264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the position of a user of a wearable positional therapy device are provided. The wearable position therapy device can be configured to monitor and store physiological signals that can be used to assess sleep quality and sleeping position of a user. The device can be configured to be worn around the head, the neck, or body of the user. The device can be configured to provide feedback to a user if the user is sleeping or is positioned in a target position to induce the user to change positions. The feedback can be provided by one or more haptic motors that can be configured to provide various levels of feedback and the level of feedback can be customized based on the user's reaction to the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Levendowski, Timothy Zavora, Philip R. Westbrook, Mirko Mitrovic, Bratislav Veljkovic, Chris Berka, Jonny Trejo
  • Publication number: 20140182603
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include preforms used to be formed into an immobilizer for use with a patient. The preform includes a preform member that is formed from a thermoplastic material and a filler material. The preform member is relatively rigid at a first temperature and formable at an elevated second temperature. The preform member is opaque at the first and second temperatures. The preform also includes at least one indicator associated with the preform member. The at least one indicator is formed from a thermoplastic material and is opaque at the first temperature and translucent at the second temperature. The at least one indicator can provide a visual indication of readiness to form the preform into the immobilizer upon heating the preform member to the second temperature at which the indicator is translucent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: QFIX SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Coppens
  • Patent number: 8763177
    Abstract: A positioning device is described for supporting an infant with myelomeningocele during surgery, transport and pre- and post-operative procedures. The device allows the patient to be expeditiously re-positioned from prone to supine and lateral positions and vice versa before, during and after surgery. The device allows access to the myelomeningocele while the patient is secured in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mercy Medical Research Institute
    Inventors: Bharat Shah, Dawn Zablocki, Sami Khoshyomn
  • Patent number: 8733365
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrain movement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasably restrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or a leg. In one embodiment of the invention, a first piece is releasably positioned at a part of the body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and a second piece is positioned at the desired location of restraint. The first piece and the second piece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as by magnetic forces, the attractive magnetic forces of two or more magnets, or by mechanical forces such as by a snap, button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Louis Krenzel
  • Patent number: 8734371
    Abstract: An ankle brace is configured with a lateral anterior talofibular (ATF) strap and an inversion control strap affixed to a non-rigid brace body coupled to a semi-rigid orthotic arch support. The brace may be quickly donned and doffed by a wearer, and provides prophylactic or post-injury support to the ATF ligament without unduly restricting the wearer's motion. As a result, the wearer may participate in physical activity without significant impairment in range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Eddy Leonard Robertson
  • Patent number: 8728019
    Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen, Gert Nijenbanning
  • Patent number: 8720447
    Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to concurrently rest at a back side of the individual and an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes a flexible attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended, partial captured configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine and in concurrent contact with the bed surface to prevent a supine sleeping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Family Concepts TJH, LLC
    Inventor: Vaughn W. North
  • Patent number: 8701674
    Abstract: An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Lisa Tweardy, Jeff Nemeth, Yessenia Lopez, Scott Alan Allread, Joseph Marlin Shook, II
  • Patent number: 8706189
    Abstract: A combined PET/MRI device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the PET/MRI device includes an MRI unit for exciting nuclear spins in an examination volume and for receiving signals generated by the excitation in the examination volume, and a PET unit with a detector which surrounds the examination volume at least in part and is used for detecting radiation emanating from the examination volume, with, firstly, damping of the radiation emitted by the examination volume and, secondly, undesired interactions with electromagnetic fields of the MRI unit on the components of the PET/MRI device arranged between the examination volume and the detector being avoided due to the material properties and/or structural design of the components. Corresponding components such as, for example, patient couches, bearing or support apparatuses and local coils, are both MRI and PET compatible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions, Siems Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Hagen, Benedikt Hartinger, Volker Matschl, Rainer Paul
  • Patent number: 8695137
    Abstract: A portable diaper-changing restraint system is provided that includes a resilient, substantially U-shaped body having two cantilever arms and a removable cover assembly configured to fully enclose the U-shaped body. The cover assembly includes a strap having a first end attached or attachable to one arm and having a second end configured with an attached fastening device for attaching to the opposing arm. In use, the infant is positioned on the strap with the U-shaped body brought over and onto the infant's waist; then the strap is attached. Thus the U-shaped body is positioned around the infant's torso with the ends of the cantilever arms resting on the surface upon which the baby is lying, reducing the ability of the infant to turn and holding the infant's hands away from the diaper area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Lisa Cash Hanson
  • Patent number: 8689799
    Abstract: A reversible orthosis is configured to support and/or immobilize at least one limb of a patient, including a textile article with first and second faces. The faces are equally able to contact a limb or limbs of the patient. The device includes at least one fastening tab having an active face with fastening elements cooperable with first or second securing device arranged respectively on the first and second faces and an inactive face opposite the active face. The fastening tab is fixed non-removably via its inactive face on a zone of the textile article contiguous to one of the edges of the textile article, allowing a pivot, about a pivot axis substantially parallel to this edge, between a first position, in which the active face catches by contact on the first securing device, and a second position, in which the active face catches by contact on the second securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Richard Freres SA
    Inventor: Dominique Richard
  • Patent number: 8679041
    Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source is arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tatsuya Noda
  • Patent number: 8662083
    Abstract: A blank for a head restraint is disclosed. The blank includes a frame and a sheet extending across the frame wherein a main aperture and a pair of auxiliary apertures are provided in the sheet. The arrangement of the apertures is such that when the sheet is deformed upon placement on a patient's head, the main aperture is such to leave a patient's face substantially free of the sheet and the auxiliary apertures are such to cause a retaining strut to be formed by portions of the sheet between the main aperture and the auxiliary apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Vision RT Limited
    Inventors: Ivan D Meir, James O Turner
  • Patent number: 8663142
    Abstract: A joint having two-axis construction having a distal member and a main member joined in co-linear pivotal relation that provides enhanced joint strength and compactness. Hydraulics further provide variable extension assist and an infinite number of flexion stops for controlled flexion flow, and two gears provide a functional gear ratio that also promotes compact construction by reducing the amount of hydraulic piston travel required for maximum joint extension. A drive gear associated with the main member is positioned between the distal end of the piston and a transfer gear partially press-fit into a cut-out in the distal member, to provide needed radial hydraulic force transfer. Although it is contemplated for joint use to be primarily in orthotic devices that assist the movement of an inadequately functioning body limb, any application for which the mechanical joint's compact configuration would provide assistance or technical advantage is considered to be within its scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Pansiera, David L. Stubbers
  • Patent number: 8657767
    Abstract: An orthopedic boot has two leg supports connected adjustably to a foot support via two joint assemblies. Each joint assembly has a securing panel, a connecting panel, a guide panel, two limiting members and two holding members. The securing panel is mounted securely on the foot support and has two engaging grooves each having engaging cavities. The connecting panel is mounted securely to one leg support and is pivotally connected to the securing panel. The limiting members has a resilient segment, an engaging pin and a locking tab. The engaging pin is mounted slidably in one of the engaging grooves, engages one of the engaging cavities and selectively abuts the connecting panel. The locking tab is spaced from a periphery of the guide panel to define a locking gap. The holding members are held respectively in the locking gaps and abut respectively against the locking tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chan
  • Patent number: 8657769
    Abstract: A thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis includes an upper body support for use with a torso orthosis. The upper body support has an anterior assembly including an anterior plate secured to the torso orthosis, a sternal assembly connected to the anterior plate, and a pectoral assembly connected to the sternal assembly. A posterior assembly is connected to the torso orthosis and is connected to the pectoral assembly by at least one strap. The sternal assembly has at least one pivot point arranged to pivot the sternal assembly relative to the anterior plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Brice Robertson, Duane Romo
  • Patent number: 8656919
    Abstract: System 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 spring assemblies which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid and/or outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the spring assemblies may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: PRS Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikhil Bhat, George Y. Choi
  • Patent number: 8640707
    Abstract: A multipurpose site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites, sensitive areas, and for pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a base and a sidewall that forms a cover over the site. Improvements to this invention include holding the guard in place with a fabric connector having closure means, cushioning the guard's base with a soft material, and a hole disposed in the hollow member for providing access to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: I.V. House, Inc.
    Inventors: Betty M. Rozier, Lisa M. Vallino
  • Publication number: 20140026898
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for limiting the range of motion of a first portion of the body of a user relative to a second portion of the user's body. A body attachable device is secured to the first and second portion of the user's body. At least one elongated member extends between the first and second portions of the user's body for moving longitudinally as the user's body moves. A range of motion limiter restrains further longitudinal movement of the elongated member at the desired terminal end of the range of motion by receiving an adjustable stop secured to the elongated member. A stop adjustment enables the stop to be moved positionally to an adjusted position, whereby the terminal end of a range of motion can be adjusted by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Farhad M. Limonadi
  • Patent number: 8632484
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing supplemental support to the arm and/or elbow region of an individual. In one exemplary implementation, a brace for a user's arm is provided comprising a rigid element including arm-engaging portions and a strap of flexible material configured to encircle the arm. Moreover, the exemplary rigid element and strap may be further characterized in that the strap comprises an elastic nature or portion that provides a force (such as a compressive or constraining force) to the user's arm, the arm-engaging portions include muscle/tendon-engaging regions that each engage the user's arm along a leading face/edge, with various leading faces/edges corresponding to the muscle/tendon-engaging regions being positioned in relationship with each other to apply a desired pressure or force to the user's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Squarehit Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bowmar Rodgers, Jr., Maurice Arthur LeBlanc, Jr., Raymond Neil Bilsey
  • Patent number: 8628488
    Abstract: A compression wrap for providing pressure to an injured portion of a joint of a limb is provided. The compression wrap includes a pocket portion for receiving compression insert. The compression wrap further includes a strap connected to the pocket portion and adjustably securing the compression wrap to the limb. A buckle loop connected to the opposite side of the pocket portion as the strap adjustably receives the strap to adjust the size of the strap. Further, the strap portion and the pocket portion are configured such that when the compression wrap is attached to the limb of a person having an injury proximate the joint, the pocket portion is positionable to apply a load to the location of the injury while the strap portion is spaced away from the crease of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Richard J. Serola
  • Patent number: 8597219
    Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, braces that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's limb and has an adjustable casing and compressible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Hargrave, Eugene Prais
  • Patent number: 8578936
    Abstract: In order to improve a support (2) for supporting a patient, particularly for surgical procedures in the shoulder region, said support comprising a substantially flat body part (4) and a bowl-shaped head part, said body part (4) comprising a back part (6) and a thorax part (8) tapered in relation thereto, the head part (10) being disposed on said thorax part by means of a transitional region, with the thorax part (8) and the transitional region sloping upwards such that the head part (10) is higher than the back part (6), and with said head part being adapted to the human profile and comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements, the invention proposes that the transitional region be designed as neck part (12) and also be adapted to the human profile, comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samarit Medical AG
    Inventor: Willi Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8555439
    Abstract: A padded head support for use during surgery includes a head wrap and a chin wrap. The head wrap includes a headrest pad adapted to cover the back of a patient's head and a forehead band having a first portion and a second portion extending from the headrest pad to form a first closed loop around a patient's head. The chin wrap includes a chin pad adapted to cover the bottom of a patient's chin and a chin band having a first portion and a second portion extending from the chin pad to form a second closed loop around a patient's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Orlando Soto, Dustin T. Libby, Thomas K. Skripps
  • Patent number: 8551027
    Abstract: In the assist device, the output of an actuator is adjusted so that it becomes lower as a state of charge of a battery exceeds a first threshold value, and also so that it becomes lower as the state of charge of the battery becomes lower. The output of the actuator is controlled on the basis of the state of charge of the battery, so that it is possible to make the agent recognize the change in the state of charge of the battery by changing the output of the actuator, and as a result, to avoid the situation where the agent feels strange with respect to stopping the operation of the assist device following thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Endo, Keishiro Kikuchi, Ritsuo Hara
  • Publication number: 20130239979
    Abstract: An animal restraining device and method provide dual capability for restraining an animal and administering medications. A first embodiment provides an administration tube connected to a body with handles which can be grasped by user to position the device either for restraining or administering medications. A second embodiment is a continuous hook-shaped member having a hollow passageway in order to introduce medications. The second embodiment is reversible to place either end of the device in the animal's mouth for restraining or administering medications, depending upon the size of the particular animal. The method of restraint includes positioning the device in the animal's mouth and applying a force to elicit a natural response by the animal which causes the animal to pause or remain motionless for a period of time while a caregiver may treat or examine the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Grant A. Ritchey, Craig E. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 8529484
    Abstract: An orthotic foot brace for a person wearing a footwear includes: a lower leg holder; a lower leg strut extending downwardly towards the footwear; a foot strut having a rear section secured to the vertical strut, at least one of a median section and a lateral section located on a respective side of the footwear and extending outwardly thereof, and a front section securable to an instep section of the footwear; and a brace retaining member secured to the foot strut juxtaposed to the footwear, and extending from the median side of the footwear to the lateral side of the footwear, outwardly thereof, and restraining a rearwardly pivotal movement of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ortheses Turbomed Inc./Turbomed Orthotics Inc.
    Inventors: Stéphane Savard, François Côté
  • Patent number: 8517965
    Abstract: An orthopedic brace having length adjustable supports is provided. The brace comprises upper and lower supports rotatably connected by a hinge. Each of the supports comprises an elongate portion having a channel along part of its length, and a sliding upright nesting within the channel. The upright is longitudinally translatable within the channel so that the support length is adjustable. Flanges are provided along edges of the channel to prevent lateral separation of the upright from the channel. A spring-biased button protrudes from a surface of the channel. The button cooperates with one of a plurality of holes in the upright, providing a positive lock to retain the upright in one of a number of predetermined positions. The upright is also completely removable from the channel. Removal of the upright shortens the brace. Straps cooperate with brackets on the supports and/or uprights to secure the brace to a patient's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Del Ray Doty, Alexis Erwin Doty
  • Patent number: 8505543
    Abstract: A male chastity apparatus, system and method are disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a housing, a protrusion, and a lock. The housing is configured to contain a shaft of a penis of a user. The housing, in certain embodiments, is made of a substantially rigid material that prevents the user from stimulating the shaft of the user's penis. The protrusion is configured to engage a piercing in the user's penis. The protrusion, in certain embodiments, is also made of a substantially rigid material. The lock is configured to engage the protrusion and to attach the protrusion to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: A.L. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Frank Miller
  • Patent number: 8500670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable tension chest support for use by patients having undergone thoracic surgery. The chest support may be worn directly on the skin of a patient and comprises a band of stretchable material and one or more grips which are wholly or partially concealed within pockets with which the patient may alter the tension of the chest encircling band. The device allows a patient to modify the level of tension applied to the chest, thus managing the recovery process, while providing a basic level of support at all times the support is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Doris Hjorth Hansen
  • Patent number: 8479743
    Abstract: Support devices and pods for the head and neck region of patients undergoing radiation therapy are provided herein. The pod generally includes a support shell shaped to generally conform to the shape of the head and neck region of the patient, a foam insert that conforms to the head and neck region of the patient, and an immobilization facemask attached directly to the shell, thereby facilitating close placement of the radiation beam delivery device to the patient and reducing any attenuation and perturbation of radiation doses directed at the patient. The components of the pod are made from materials having properties that reduce any attenuation and perturbation of prescribed radiation doses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical Center
    Inventor: Michael F. Moyers
  • Publication number: 20130167847
    Abstract: Described are surgical drapes and system with universal application to heavy equipment useful in operating room environments. Surgical drape systems of the invention are particularly capable of covering patient support machinery such as hoists, lifts, and slings, whether the equipment is mobile or stationary, or configured as a floor-based or as an over head support/lifting system. The drapes of the current invention provide for protecting the equipment from exposure to surgical biohazard waste e.g.; blood or body fluids, as well as providing the ability to use equipment that is otherwise not presently allowed to enter into an operating room because of the impossibility to render such equipment sterile. The drapes further allow for the holding, lifting and positioning of the patient whole body or limbs while maintaining sterility during prepping and surgical procedures. Also included are support slings for use with the drapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kurk Anthony Rogers
  • Publication number: 20130139831
    Abstract: This application presents retention devices that afford the user quick and easy placement. These retention devices may accommodate objects of various shapes and sizes. The device provides sturdy means for retaining and securing an object to a surface without the need to handle and position flaps of tape. The device allows easy removal from the retained object without adhesives directly contacting or damaging it sensitive surfaces. The retention described here may be used to quickly secure anatomic structures during operations, such as securing the penis against the abdomen during vasectomy, without causing discomfort or damage to sensitive skin during application or removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: California
    Inventor: Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California
  • Publication number: 20130125903
    Abstract: A fracture alignment device to immobilize a patient's limb during a surgical procedure comprising an inner flexible layer and an outer flexible layer of fluid impervious material each including a central major portion or body having a plurality of lateral minor extensions or fingers extending outwardly therefrom to form a fluid tight chamber coupled to a pressure regulator to control the pressure within the fluid tight chamber and an alignment retainer to position and maintain the inner flexible layer in contact with the patient's limb when the pressure within the fluid tight chamber is sufficiently different from the ambient pressure outside the fluid tight chamber to immobilize the patient's limb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: George J. Haidukewych
  • Patent number: 8429775
    Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to rest at a back side of the individual when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Vaughn W. North
  • Patent number: 8425442
    Abstract: An ankle brace is configured to provide lateral and/or medial support of an ankle joint between the leg and foot and broadly includes an upper brace anchor secured to the leg above malleoli of the ankle joint and a lower brace anchor secured below the foot. The anchors are interconnected by a stabilizing strap that is tensioned between the anchors and serves to restrict inversion and/or eversion of the foot. The anchors and strap are also dimensioned and configured to permit dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie C. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8424533
    Abstract: A strait jacket is disclosed, which is adapted to fit wearers of more than one clothing size. The strait jacket has a jacket torso body comprising at least two panels, each panel terminating at a lower edge located adjacent to but below the wearer's underarms. Sleeves extend from the torso body to distal ends, and each sleeve has a length greater than the length of the wearer's arms. The distal end of each sleeve includes a fastening device to permit the sleeve to be fastened to the opposite sleeve and to a belt by suitable fasteners at a position behind the wearer's back. An annular jacket collar is located above the jacket torso body, and a strap extends downwardly from the collar. In one embodiment of the invention, the strap extends under the wearer's crotch. A belt strap is adapted to be secured about the wearer's mid rib cage and is further adapted to be attached to the chest strap at a posterior position; and, if desired, at an anterior position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Stockroom, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerardo Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8418696
    Abstract: An arm board securement arrangement for comfortably and safely securing a patient's arm to an arm board during an operative procedure, comprising a flexible sheet of conformable material having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side with a central portion therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart wrap members extend from the central portion on the first side thereof. A plurality of spaced apart wrap members extending on the second side from the central portion. A gripping or securement member is arranged on each of the wrap members to permit the wrap members to correspondingly engage one another about an arm of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick V. Marasco
  • Patent number: 8419665
    Abstract: An inflatable garment for applying to parts of the body such as the calf of the leg as a means of enhancing blood circulation in the body. The garment is of universal application in the sense that it comprises two wrap halves (8, 9) provided with inflatable bladders (4, 5, 6). The two wrap halves can be selectively coupled together in such a way as to provide a variable overall length of garment wrap to suit calf's of differing size while at the same time maintaining the integrity of fluid communication between the bladders on the respective wrap halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Gordon John Cook
  • Patent number: 8414512
    Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is provided having an arm support and an optional arm spacer connected to the arm support. The arm support includes an arm retainer and a supportive strapping system. One optional arm spacer includes a pair of individual pillows which are attachably combinable with one another at a first face of the first individual pillow and a face of the second individual pillow to form one combined pillow having a first shape. The individual pillows are alternately attachably combinable with one another at a second face of the first individual pillow and the face of the second individual pillow to form another combined pillow having a second shape different from the first shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Breg, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Fout