Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the correct viscosity of a liquid, comprising member which either remains in or assumes a substantially upright or pre-determined position when placed in a fluid having at least the desired or specified viscosity and is unable to remain in a substantially upright or pre-determined position if a fluid has less than the desired or specified viscosity. The invention also relates to methods and uses of particular devices and is particularly suited to assisting patients suffering from dysphasia (or similar conditions) and who wish to thicken liquids to enable them to allow safe swallowing without aspiration to take place.

Abstract: A neck exercise apparatus includes a neck lever pivotably attached to a channel member. The neck lever has a head portion in front of the channel member. The neck lever is selectively movable along the channel member and the neck lever pivots about a pivot point that is located behind the channel member. The neck lever includes a weight attachment element configured to receive incremental additions of weight.

Abstract: A muscle therapy device is provided. The muscle therapy device includes a substantially ring-shaped member. The muscle therapy device further includes first and second protrusion members that are coupled to the substantially ring-shaped member and extend radially inwardly from the substantially ring-shaped member. The first protrusion member has a first length, and the second protrusion member has a second length greater than the first length. The muscle therapy device further includes first and second tip members being coupled to the first and second protrusion members, respectively.

Abstract: A head-mounted display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a positioning and stabilising structure structured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operational position over a user's face in use. The positioning and stabilising structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact posterior regions of a user's head and opposing temporal connectors structured and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit, the opposing temporal connectors adapted to be disposed on opposing sides of the user's head and extend along the temporal regions of the user's head. At least the rear support structure comprises a textile material configured to conform to the posterior regions of the user's head.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap that covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material that may deform on impact. The outer shell has an inner surface that allows the outer shell to slide over the surface of a helmet thereby reducing forces applied to a wearer. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the correct viscosity of a liquid, comprising member which either remains in or assumes a substantially upright or pre-determined position when placed in a fluid having at least the desired or specified viscosity and is unable to remain in a substantially upright or pre-determined position if a fluid has less than the desired or specified viscosity. The invention also relates to methods and uses of particular devices and is particularly suited to assisting patients suffering from dysphasia (or similar conditions) and who wish to thicken liquids to enable them to allow safe swallowing without aspiration to take place.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, a neck and spine strengthening device. The strengthening device includes a spinal resistance assembly configured to apply a resist force or to resist rotation about at least a first axis, and a head affixing assembly configured to secure to a head of a user during use. The strengthening device is instrumented with sensors and an embedded computing system configured to securely exchange exercise performance and configuration data with local client devices, and to monitor and record exercise activity and exercise performance data.

Abstract: A neck exercise device and system are disclosed. An implementation of the device can include a head harness having an adjustable headband and a first cranial strap having each end attached to the headband. The device can also include a second cranial strap having each end attached to the headband and an adjustable chin strap. The device can further include a plurality of attachment members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neck muscle exercise device includes: a main body part; a chair part provided at the main body part, having a seat part for supporting the buttocks of a user such that the user sits thereon, and formed such that the height of the seat part can be adjusted by an electric cylinder; and push exercise parts provided at the main body part so as to be arranged at the upper part of the chair part, and applying resistance to a motion, in which the user sitting on the chair part pushes the head thereof in at least one direction, so as to strengthen the neck muscle of the user.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application is a non-invasive means for treatment of the nasolabial fold to decrease the prominence of the fold and provide a more youthful appearance. The invention is a pair of inserts that fills the canine fossa and thus decreases the indentation of the nasolabial fold. The inserts are held in place by the anatomical structure of the area. An optional connective piece between the two inserts may also be used to provide additional stability.

Abstract: A cervical spine and muscle strengthening apparatus is provided having a faceplate configured with an opening, a plurality of fastening devices, coupling devices and a resistance source. The plurality of fastening devices may be attached to the faceplate to provide an attachment point at one end of each coupling device. The plurality of coupling devices extends away from the faceplate and attach to the resistance source at the second end of each coupling device. The faceplate may be fabricated from wood, composite, plastic, metal, metal alloy or other suitable material. Additionally, the plurality of fastening devices and coupling devices may be fabricated from metal, metal alloy, composite, plastic, or other such material.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow a practitioner to rotate a human subject's head in three-dimensional space using a robotic arm with a head mount attached to one end, while the subject is focused on a visual target. The robotic arm is controlled by a computer system operatively coupled to the various sensors and drive motors embedded with the robotic arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing virtual environments that are responsively adaptable to users' characteristics. Embodiments provide for identifying a virtual action to be performed by a virtual representation of a patient within a virtual environment. The virtual action corresponds to a physical action by a physical limb of the patient in the real-world. In embodiments, the virtual action is required to be performed to a first target area within the virtual environment. Embodiments determine that the patient has at least one limitation that limits the patient performing the physical action. A determination of whether the patient has performed the physical action to at least a physical threshold associated is made. The virtual environment is caused to adapt in order to allow the virtual action to be performed in response to the determination that the patient has performed the physical action to the physical threshold.

Abstract: Heart rates and beat lengths can be extracted from videos by measuring subtle head motion caused by the Newtonian reaction to the influx of blood at each beat. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method tracks features on the head and performs principal component analysis (PCA) to decompose their trajectories into a set of component motions. The method then selects a component that best corresponds to heartbeats based on its temporal frequency spectrum. Finally, the motion projected to this component is analyzed and peaks of the trajectories are identified, which correspond to heartbeats.

Abstract: An exercise device (200) which a user (220) communicates with a base unit (260) whose shape comprises of a first arm projection (340) that ends with a first end (380) located along a radiating line from the base unit (260), and comprises of a second arm projection (440) that ends with a second end (420) ending somewhat away from the base unit (260) in a shape that contacts the user's head, whereby upon the urging of the user of the first end (380) produces at the second end (420) a force onto the user when the second end (420) is at least in contact with the user's head.

Abstract: A particle filled neck brace used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient which includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace, which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace. After the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient, the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient's neck and chin. The vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient. The neck brace also forms a rigid mold over the patient's chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further distracting the patient or restricting the patient's venous return blood flow.

Abstract: A vibration elastic rope assembly includes a vibrating unit having a cylindrical shell and a vibrator disposed in the cylindrical shell, and an elastic unit having a connecting member mounted on the cylindrical shell of the vibrating unit and an elastic rope connected to the connecting member and detachably connected to a user's body or an exercise equipment. Thus, the user can perform a stretching exercise by using the elastic unit and a vibration exercise by using the vibrating unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a body part of a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a support for at least partially supporting and holding the body part and a manipulator connected to the support for supporting and maneuvering the support. The manipulator includes a parallel linkage device including a plurality of hingedly interconnected linear actuators. The parallel linkage device includes at least one hinge including a, preferably resilient, tendon joint. Further, a method, a storage medium and a piece of headgear are provided.

Abstract: Training neck muscles in such a way as to improve responsiveness to head acceleration forces, and to help prevent concussion and/or screening subjects who are at high risk of concussion, especially from contact sports or military activities, may be accomplished by a device and/or method of training that incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. The centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm, and neck muscle performance may be measured by a number of revolutions of the force arm completed over a set time period or a time required to complete a pre-determined number of revolutions of the force arm.

Abstract: The neck and shoulder exercise device is a harness worn on the head of a person. The neck and shoulder exercise device attaches to a commercially available weight machine commonly used for strength. By attaching the weights associated with the weight machine to the neck and shoulder exercise device the person can use the weight machine to train the muscles supporting the head of the person. The neck and shoulder exercise device comprises a plurality of straps, a plurality of seams, a plurality of hooks, and a fastener. The plurality of seams: 1) interconnects the plurality of straps to each other; and, 2) attaches the plurality of hooks to the plurality of straps. The fastener secures the neck and shoulder exercise device to the head of the person. The plurality of hooks are used to attach the neck and shoulder exercise device to the weight machine.

Abstract: A patient positioning device is provided for restraining movement of a body lying over a top surface of a table. The device includes a cervical-thoracic notch restraint that includes a base with a first side and an opposed second side. The first side defines a substantially flat plane with a repositionable fastener, and the second side defines a substantially flat plane with a raised, curved support extending transversely across the base. In an operational state, the curved support is configured to nest into an anatomical cervical-thoracic notch of the body lying over the table to abut a trapezius muscle of the body. In one example, a rigid support frame extends transversely over the top surface of the table, and the cervical-thoracic notch restraint is securely fixed to the upper support surface of the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for correcting facial features and oral function in a subject. Also provided are a plurality of intra-oral appliances, which make up the system. The intra-oral appliances each include an appliance body configured for engaging one or more of the gingival-buccal area, the gingivolabial area, and the vestibular area of the subject's mouth, and include one or more extensions for at least partly defining the cavity in the vestibule of the subject's mouth. The appliance bodies may also include one or more dentures disposed therein and/or one or more hearing assist devices embedded therein.

Abstract: A device and a method of using and assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient are provided. The method of assembling includes providing a support article configured to be connected to a torso of a patient, wherein the support article includes a front portion and a back portion, connecting a support member to the support article, and connecting an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to extend in a generally superior direction relative to the support member to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso.

Abstract: An exercise harness has a band (1) that is retained partially encircling the user's head, by a chin-strap (3) and inter-connected head-straps (4). The straps (3, 4) are attached to individual spaced locations of the band (1) by press-studs (6, 7) or two-part fabric fastenings. A cord (13) extending through a pulley-block (14) is clipped at its ends (12) to rings (11) at respective ends of the band (1). Load from a weight or from reaction to head movement is applied to the pulley-block (14) via a swivel connection (15) for equalisation and balancing out of asymmetrical tensioning of the two ends of the band (1) for extension exercise of muscles of the spinal cervix. Unsafe or inappropriate loading causes break-out of one or more of the press-studs (6, 7) or other fastenings to give audible warning of it and a measure of relief.

Abstract: Disclosed is a neck therapy exercise apparatus, comprising a helmet having a weighted flexible rod which may be either permanently or detachably affixed to the top exterior center of the helmet. The flexible rod consists of a first end which may have a connector enabling the attachment of various sized weights to the first end, and a second end, affixed to the helmet. The helmet is custom-sized to a user's head and securely fastened to the head. Therapeutic exercise is accomplished by the user, while wearing the helmet, and weighted flexible rod, slowly rotating his/her head 360 degrees in a generally horizontal plane in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. In different embodiments, the user may replace the weights at the end of flexible rod with increasingly heavier weights as strength is gained during the exercises.

Abstract: A running form diagnosis system capable of automatically scoring a running form of a runner is provided. The running form diagnosis system obtains body motion information as to a test subject running on a treadmill, and calculate a running form score of the test subject by applying obtained characteristics to a given operation expression. The operation expression is generated based on correlation between characteristics of a plurality of test runners and comprehensive evaluation given by an expert with respect to the plurality of test runners.

Abstract: The invention provides an exerciser for use in activating deep posture and antigravity muscles in the body. The exerciser (1) comprises a headpiece (2) having at least: a first member (6) which fits around the head of a wearer in a transverse plane above the ears when the headpiece is in situ; and, a second member (7), the ends of which are fixed to the first member and which crosses the head of the wearer (5) at about the coronal plane thereof when the headpiece is in situ. The exerciser further comprises at least one flexible strap (3) on each side of the headpiece which is attached at or near the end of the second member and has at least one portion within its length that is elastic; and, an adaptation (4) at the free end of each the flexible straps to permit extension of the strap by a limb of the wearer (5). Each strap of the exerciser has a length and elasticity which allow a smooth, low velocity movement by the wearer (5) at least involving axial movement of the limb away from the head.

Abstract: Training neck muscles in such a way as to improve responsiveness to head acceleration forces, and to help prevent concussion and/or screen subjects who are at high risk of concussion, especially from contact sports, the neck muscles may be trained to improve strength and responsiveness to head acceleration. This may be accomplished by a device and/or method of training that incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. The centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm. Neck muscle performance may be measured by the number of revolutions of the force arm completed over a pre-determined time period or the time required to complete a pre-determined number of revolutions of the force arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to neck and jaw exercising and rehabilitation and more in particular to a device encompassing a method or methodology for configuring the device for use in strengthening, toning the neck and jaw muscles by implementing a consistent means of isotonic resistance. The present invention includes a telescopic longitudinal “spine” consisting in two parts with means to lock in place as well as a chin brace or support each adjusting to meet the user's specific anatomical features. Further elements of the present application includes a fixed padded latitudinal forehead support as well a centralized weighted “receiver” just above the aforementioned forehead support which secures the source of weighted resistance. Securing the device is an adjustable elastic strap attached to the latitudinal forehead support which reduces lateral shifting and insuring a safe isotonic movement.

Abstract: A therapy device is provided for trismus prevention and treatment, and includes a first arm hingedly connected to a second arm, and a spring device disposed therebetween to press the first and second arms apart. A pair of bite pads are provided at the ends of each of the first and second arms and are designed to be engaged by a user's teeth or gums in order to bite down on the device to exercise the user's jaw, and more specifically, the muscles of mastication.

Abstract: Training neck muscles in such a way as to improve responsiveness to head acceleration forces To help prevent concussion and/or screen subjects who are at high risk of concussion, especially from contact sports, the neck muscles may be trained to improve strength and responsiveness to head acceleration. This may be accomplished by a device and/or method of training that incorporates an adjustable centripetal force about a fixed axis on the head. The centripetal force may be adjusted through varying the weight and/or length of a force arm. Neck muscle performance may be measured by the number of revolutions of the force arm completed over a pre-determined time period or the time required to complete a pre-determined number of revolutions of the force arm.

Abstract: A head and neck exercise apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than the threshold pressure. The head and neck exercise apparatus may also include a member operatively arranged with an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, without a valve mechanism, to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than a threshold absolute pressure.

Abstract: Methods for instructing a user to perform head and neck exercises with head and neck apparatuses are disclosed. The apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than the threshold pressure. The head and neck exercise apparatus may also include a member operatively arranged with an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, without a valve mechanism, to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than a threshold absolute pressure.

Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus and method of use. The exercise arm comprises at least one finger, a spindle attached to the finger, and weights sized to reside on the spindle. One end of the exercise arm is rotatably attached at a pivot point to a frame or to a vertical surface; a belt is attached to an opposite end of the exercise arm by means of a belt line. Where the exercise arm is rotatably attached to a frame, dip bars and chin bars are disclosed wherein an exerciser may perform dips and chins. Upward motion by an exerciser wearing the belt is impeded by spindle weights, a belt elastic attached at one end to the belt and at an opposite end to the exercise arm, and/or an elastic member attached at one end to the frame and at an opposite end to the exercise arm.

Abstract: A rest for supporting the head or neck, the rest accommodating one or more rotatable reels with pulling members, such as cables or the like, a mechanism for rotating the reel or reels and handles connected to the pulling members on the sides of the rest for pulling the pulling member or pulling members, and a resistance provided in the rest for adjusting the force of the pulling movement required by the pulling member.

Abstract: An example exercise device includes an arm structure configured to pivot in response to a movement of at least a portion of a head of a user. An example method of exercising includes moving a portion of a head to pivot a weight arm that resists the moving.

Abstract: A neck exercise machine is provided for standing use. The machine has a head pad which can be vertically adjusted to accommodate different user heights. The head pad is mounted on an arm, which is pivotally connected to the machine frame for movement about a first horizontal axis, so that the arm and head pad can be raised and lowered, and then locked in place for use. The head pad is connected to a cam for rotation about a second horizontal axis in use, with selected resistance.

Abstract: A portable neck exercising device comprising an adjustable frame that can be securely and removably positioned between two sides of a door frame, a set of pulleys attached to the frame, a head band, and flexible tensioning bands attached to the head band, threaded through the pulleys, and removably connected to the frame using various tensions, such that a user can variably exercise their neck muscles by moving their head, neck, and torso in a variety of directions.

Abstract: A head-wearable training tool used for functional neck musculature training to help lower the risk and reduce the number of sport-related concussions. The head-wearable training tool is weighted in a manner to have a substantially identical weight to that of and identified sport (e.g., football) helmet. An associated method involves off-season training using the head-wearable training tool.

Abstract: A neck therapy device adapted to exercise a user's neck is described. The neck therapy device includes a headpiece on which resides a plurality of loops, and through which a strap extends. The strap is typically elastic. The headpiece includes a band portion adapted to encircle a user's head like a headband, extending across the user's forehead and back of head. A user typically grasps ends of the strap in order to modulate neck movement.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a body support assembly in pivotable engagement with the frame, and a counter balance assembly connected to the body support assembly, wherein, in operation, the body support assembly is pivotable from a downward position to a top position. The counter balance assembly partially balances a body weight of a user in a prone position against the body support assembly as the body support assembly is pivoted from the downward position to the top position. The counter balance assembly may include a reaction arm extending from a rear portion of the body support assembly and pivotable about the frame, and may include a weight bearing end opposite the body support assembly. A method of using an exercise machine includes positioning a user body prone against a body support assembly, wherein the body support assembly is pivotally engaged with an exercise machine frame and counterbalancing the user's bodyweight.

Abstract: An elastomeric dental appliance to reduce the effect of facial age lines has a U-shaped channel piece with a continuous bottom wall, walls extending from the bottom wall inner and outer edges, bite pads on the upper and lower surfaces of both legs of the channel piece, and a wing extending upwardly from the top edge of the outer wall of each channel piece leg to engage the inside of the lips in the areas of the naslobial fold lines and push them outwardly. During fitting the appliance is placed in a heated liquid to soften, the user protrudes the lower jaw by a distance of from 1-3 mm from the normal position and bites into the bite pads to make teeth impressions so that the appliance in use provides a vertical separation of about 3 mm between the opposing teeth occlusal surfaces with the jaw protruding forward.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for exercising muscles of a body part, especially the neck, waist, torso, legs, and glutes from any angle with variable resistance while taking up minimal floor space. The apparatus improves the ability of athletes, including football players and wrestlers, to better prepare for contact from any angle while engaged in their sport. The apparatus includes a ring having a guide track therein. Another inner ring may also be provided in different sizes and shapes to accommodate a variety of users. A car connected to a source of resistance rides freely along the guide track. The source of resistance may be other gym equipment including a bungee cord, a cable cross over machine, springs, and the like. As the user freely exercises by moving the body part the car adapts to the user's position to facilitate a full range of motion.

Abstract: A Halo Posture head weight is comprised of two consecutive rings. A lower ring is hollow and conformal while also being shape-sustaining to fit comfortably around the skull at approximately the level of the forehead. An upper ring has metal shot in the forward half to apply weight load at the frontal section of the head. Both rings have adjustable closures at the back of the head for a comfortable, adjustable, and secure fit. Additional pads are provided for coupling extra weight, to permit correction of tilt or adjustment of weight loading. In a preferred embodiment, the rings are fabricated from a single strip of double-backed neoprene that is formed using two longitudinally extensive stitch lines, and an additional resilient fabric bag is provided for securing the metal shot in the upper ring.

Abstract: A multi-station exercise apparatus includes a station for performing abdominal exercises. The abdominal exercise station is combined with another exercise station, such as a press exercise station, a high pulley station or a leg extension/leg curl station. The apparatus for performing an abdominal exercise includes a pad for the head and/or neck of the exerciser that is pivotally connected to the frame of the exercise machine. A pair of hand grips are connected to the head/neck pad and disposed so that the exerciser may grasp the hand grips in order to pull forward in a “crunch” exercise. Exercise resistance is provided by means such as a weight stack that is shared by the various stations of the exercise machine. The head/neck pad may be “docked” when not performing an abdominal exercise to prevent looseness and serve as a fixed headrest for other exercises.

Abstract: An apparatus for muscle conditioning comprises a supporting body, a hood-shaped pad, moveable relative to the body, and resistive means in the form of a weight stack and suspension mechanism. The weight stack is coupled to the hood-shaped pad via the suspension mechanism, such that a resistive force can be applied against movement of the hood-shaped pad from a first position relative to the body to a second position relative to the body. The apparatus enables the conditioning of the muscles required for successful rugby scrummaging.

Abstract: A facial exercise device includes a handle, ring, tongue arm and flexible cheek arms. The device is inserted into a person's mouth and the person's cheeks are tightened against the resistance provided by the flexible cheek arms. An optional eyepiece includes connected flexible right and left eye portions and two or more protrusions extending outwardly.

Abstract: A device for abatement to snoring and snoring disorders which tones and strengthens soft palate muscles. The device comprises inserting a tube into one's mouth; pressing the tube up to the hard palate; holding the tube in the mouth at the hard palate using the tongue; and initiating a sucking process over the tube. The sucking process requires the person to maintain constant suction on the tube member for between about 5 to 15 seconds followed by a relaxation for between about 5 to 20 seconds and repeating this process of suction, hold, and relaxation for between about 10 to 20 times. The device automates the process and records and stores data personal to the person.

Abstract: A neck exercise machine includes a position plate fixed to a cam for rotation therewith about an axis of rotation. The position plate has a multiple of apertures which defines a multiple of start positions for the arm.