Abstract: To ensure easy and secure placement of a belt for KAATSU muscle training on a target compressed site near the proximal portion of a limb. A belt 100B has a longer first band-shaped member 110 and a shorter second band-shaped member 120 both of which have a band shape and are connected to a ring-shaped joint member 130 at their respective ends. In order to place the belt 100B on the target compressed site, the limb (right leg in this case) on which the belt 100B is expected to be placed is inserted into a loop of the first band-shaped member 110 formed by passing the end of the first band-shaped member 110 through an opening in the joint member 130, and the belt is moved up to the target compressed site. Then, the first band-shaped member 110 and the second band-shaped member 120 are pulled with both hands in the opposite directions. The belt 100B is placed on the target compressed site with the belt 100B being tensioned appropriately.

Abstract: A baby walker is disclosed, comprising a base, having an adjustable link at each of its two laterals and a plurality of rollers at its bottom; and a surround, having two regulators sustained by the top ends of the adjustable links, where the two regulators are adjusted until a width is reached to accommodate each riding infant child, and some fixing members are used to encircle the child for holding his/her body, which is just like holding by somebody's hands, where the child's weight is fully sustained and his/her body is kept in a balanced gesture, which brings about good sense of security and comfort to the child whenever he/she is learning to walk.

Abstract: A hydraulic exercise machine system comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders, a mechanism coupled to at least one of the hydraulic cylinders, and a sensor assembly. Displacement of the mechanism by a person exercising on the hydraulic exercise machine displaces pistons of the hydraulic cylinders relative to the cylinders. The sensor assembly is to sense displacement of a piston relative to its cylinder over time.

Abstract: Resistance training exercise apparatus includes a poppet load system. During movement of a user-engaged exercise member in a first exercise direction, fluid flows past an open poppet in a first flow direction between housing chambers. During movement of the user-engaged exercise member in a second exercise direction, fluid flow between the chambers is blocked by a closed poppet, and instead fluid flows through an auxiliary passage through a one-way valve. Ballistic training is enabled with the addition of a second auxiliary fluid passage, second one-way valve, and a release valve.

Abstract: An air spring is used as a resistance device in exercise equipment having a lever arm for exercising arms and legs. In one embodiment, the equipment can be adapted to be used as a stair stepper. In another, it can be adapted to be used on a table surface for exercising hands, wrists and forearms. In still another embodiment, it can incorporate a bike pedal assembly to simultaneously aerobically exercise the legs and arms. The equipment includes resistance level regulating components and a visual indicator using a gauge or similar device to monitor resistance levels.

Abstract: To improve the effect and the safety of Kaatsu training, A training system includes a tight fitting device which is intended to be placed around a compressed range of an arm or a leg and which has a pneumatic bag, and a training device adapted to control the compression pressure that is applied to a compressed range by the tight fitting device by means of supplying air to the pneumatic bag of the tight fitting device or removing the air from the pneumatic bag. The training device supplies the air to the pneumatic bag and removes the air from the pneumatic bag in such a manner that the compression pressure that is applied by the tight fitting device to the compressed range oscillates between an upper peak and a lower peak within a range lower than an appropriate pressure.

Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second housings telescopically coupled together. A pneumatic cylinder is positioned inside and fixed to the first housing and includes proximal and distal ends. A piston having a piston head and shaft is situated inside the second housing, the piston head separating an interior space of the cylinder into first and second areas. Telescopic movement of the housings causes the piston head to move within the interior space. A first check valve is in fluid communication with the cylinder for adjusting an amount of resistance encountered by the piston head as it travels toward the cylinder distal end. A second check valve is in communication with the cylinder for adjusting an amount of resistance encountered as the piston head travels toward the cylinder proximal end. Pneumatic and check valve communication channels are inside the housing. The device is adaptable to exercise multiple muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise device has two identical, parallel, solid, metal bars connected by an adjustable resistance hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is attached to the lower metal bar while the piston is connected to the upper metal bar. Oversized, cushioned grips are attached to both the upper and lower metal bars for comfort and increased gripping ability. A multi-staged resistance adjustment device is located on the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder. The oil or air filled hydraulic cylinder provides resistance in both the push and pull motions. Various body positions are facilitated to target specific muscle groups. Exercises include abdominal crunches, bicep curls, triceps presses, chest flies, upright rows and leg squats.

Abstract: Weight lifting simulator apparatus includes a primary pneumatic cylinder providing the principal resistance for simulating weight lifting exercise with at least one secondary cylinder in free fluid interconnection with the primary cylinder whereby constant and balanced loading is achieved, with provisions for dynamic simulation of weight inertia effect, and control thereof, as in lifting a real weight. The primary and the secondary cylinders are associated with a guideway, the primary cylinder being fixed to the guideway and the secondary cylinder being slidable relative to the guideway and pivotable relative to the piston rod of the primary cylinder. Variation of the securement position of the primary cylinder on the guideway is available and valving is provided in the fluid interconnection.

Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative human powered pumping device comprising a piston and cylinder pumping mechanism that is hinged off a base. In use, the piston is driven in and out of the cylinder by a handle which is pushed and pulled by the operator. The base is resting on the ground and the cylinder is hinged off the base such that the pumping mechanism can rotate with respect to the base during the pumping motion.

Abstract: APPARATUS FOR IN-WATER EXERCISES, comprising; —a structure to be submerged in a body of water; an actuator mechanism movable through the user's effort; a pump comprising a housing fixed to the structure and journalling a shaft on to which at least one first rotor is mounted coupled to the shaft, at a first housing portion, said shaft being coupled to the actuator mechanism, whereby to be rotationally driven, to pump water; a water collector coupled to the first portion of the housing to receive part of the water pumped by the first rotor; and a metering means comprising at least one first display fixed onto the structure and coupled to the water collector, whereby to indicate at least on of the outflow and volume of water pumped through the pump and, thus, the respective operation speed and/or the amount of exercise being practiced.

Abstract: This machine as a multi-purpose unit can be used at any time as a bed or couch, and at the same time you can right away exercise a handstand, sit-up, and knee folding-spreading with this machine. This machine comprises of air compressor (500); air filter (510); solenoid valves (520, 530, 540, 550); air cylinders (200, 400, 600, 700); driving shaft (153); link devices (310); hinges (530); transporting wheels (710); switch panel (570); mat (300) inserted heating wires (370); upper frame (150) and lower frame (100). This invention combines with elements organically, and the driving shaft and/or bearing rotates forward and backward with the reciprocation of the air cylinder, and then it enable to do various exercises softly with the technical application. Therefore, this exercising machine has featured for you to exercise a handstand, sit-up, and knee folding-spreading and to use it as a bed or couch equipped with heating function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-impact, time-efficient way to exercise both the cardio-respiratory system and the muscular system, particularly the abdominal and back muscles. The exerciser uses his muscles to oscillate a pivoted carriage within a frame. In one embodiment, the exerciser pedals a crank to pump hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit to a hydraulic cylinder connected between the carriage and the frame so as to urge the carriage to oscillate with respect to the frame. A limit sensor detects when the carriage is positioned at one extreme of its oscillation and signals the hydraulic circuit to reverse the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controllable load apparatus for use in machines for resistive exercise training of the human body. The apparatus comprises a pneumatic cylinder (10) having a piston (12) acting on a fluid and a piston rod (14), the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) being operated on by a person undergoing training. A pressure accumulator (20) is connected to, and pressurises the piston/cylinder unit (10, 12) at a predetermined pressure during exercise via a pneumatic control circuit (42). Once a predetermined pressure threshold is reached, a valve means operates to prevent further fluid being available for charging the accumulator (20).

Abstract: A rehabilitation aid for sexual inefficiency constituted in the following manner can recover a contracting force of a vagina, as a user feels the inserted rehabilitation aid in her vagina.

Abstract: A method for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar connected between congruent trusses freely in two dimensions. The resistance the bar offers to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The parameters of the exercise may also be recorded.

Abstract: An overhead exercise system for a complete, low impact, upper body workout emphasizes strengthening and toning the abdominal and oblique muscle groups of the human body. The system simulates an Olympic hammer throw by using adjustable resistance, such as adjustable hydraulic pressure. The system can be used in a number of positions including standing and sitting positions. A rotatably mounted arm having a handle grip is moveable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Handle pressure is independently adjustable for clockwise and counterclockwise motion. A seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally to accommodate the user.

Abstract: A device for insertion into the birth canal of a female user, comprising an asymmetrical, inflatable, bulb defining an outer surface, the bulb sized and shaped so as to define a crease along at least a portion of the surface adapted to be placed in registry with the user's urethra when the bulb is inflated, the bulb further sized and shaped to contact the bulbocavernous facia, pubococcygeal facia and illiococcygeal facia when inflated, and means for inflating and deflating the bulb.

Abstract: A training method for athletes that separates running into vertical and horizontal components. The athlete is positioned on a horizontal component training device in an upright position. The athlete contacts the horizontal component training device at a leg pad, a mid-torso location, and an upper torso location. The athlete sequentially trains for acceleration at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports specific motion. The athlete also sequentially trains the stretch-shortening cycle of at least the hip flexor and the hip extensor muscles of each leg supramaximally against the leg pad through a sports specific motion to train the stretch shortening component of hip flexion and hip extension. Training for acceleration is preferably against hydraulic resistance and training the stretch shortening cycle is preferably against isotonic resistance.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for performing power exercises with one or more weights, wherein a weight consists of a reservoir for filling with liquid and/or air. This reservoir, referred to below as weight reservoir, serves as weight resistance for a power exercise and is connected by means of a flexible liquid conduit to a liquid displacing device. This liquid displacing device can carry liquid into the weight reservoir and remove it from the weight reservoir, whereby the weight of the weight reservoir, and thus the resistance of the power exercise, becomes greater or smaller.

Abstract: The invention performing abdominal exercises includes a rigid shell having a rear portion and a sidewall rigidly attached to the rear portion and extending forward from the rear portion to define an inner chamber. The sidewall forms a rim defining an opening adapted for sealably attaching to the abdominal portion of the body. A vacuum mechanism in fluid communication with the chamber creates suction within the shell such that to contract the abdominal muscles the applied suction must be counteracted by the abdominal muscles. Contracting the muscles against the suction produced by the vacuum exercises the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: An exercise device for specific isolation and development of abdominal, pelvic, shoulder, forearm and buttock muscle groups comprises a deformable spring-resistance which is closely retained against the user's lower abdominal and upper leg region. When the device is used in a horizontal position the user kneels on the frame and grasps the frame with the hands and performs a pelvic thrusting motion against the resistance means by use of the above-stated muscle groups.

Abstract: Therapy and training equipment for constrained knee-joint movement with a lower leg accommodating arrangement, and a guiding arrangement, the arrangements being connected to one another via an articulated device, the guiding arrangement (12) cooperates with the lower leg accommodating arrangement (11, 25) in such a way that, on a rotational movement of one of the lower legs (14), the other lower leg (15) is constrained to move as a result of the knee-bending movement.

Abstract: A progressive resistance exercise device is provided. The progressive resistance exercise device includes a vacuum chamber of the progressive resistance device having a size to span an abdomen of the user from approximately just below a breastbone to approximately just above a pelvic bone of the user and a vacuum source coupled to the vacuum chamber, said vacuum source and vacuum chamber together being operable to provide progressive resistance to abdominal contractions of the user.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bench mounted to a base frame. A foot truck is slidably mounted to the bench to secure the feet of the user. A tiltable upper body support is mounted to the base. A first belt is provided for securing the legs of a user to the bench. A second belt is provided for securing the pelvic area of the user to the base. A third belt is connected to a support slidably mounted to the upper body support for mounting in a vertical direction. The third belt is used to secure the user to the upper body support. A first pneumatic cylinder is provided for extending the foot track to a selected forward position. A second pneumatic cylinder is provided for tilting the upper body support to a selected tilt position. A third pneumatic cylinder is provided for forcing a pelvic pad toward the lower back area of a user. A fourth pneumatic cylinder is provided for forcing a seat pad against the user at a selected position adjacent the upper back or neck of a user.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus, and methods of use thereof. The apparatus can include a lower frame structure having forward and rearward portions; an upper frame structure extending upwardly from the forward portion of the lower frame structure; a forward engagement structure coupled to an upper portion of the upper frame structure; and a counter-resistive treading mechanism supported by the lower frame structure. In use, a user of the apparatus engages the forward engagement structure with an upper body portion of the user; engages the counter-resistive treading mechanism with the feet of the user; and displaces the counter-resistive treading mechanism by pushing rearwardly with the user's feet.

Abstract: A combined exerciser and physical fitness performance monitoring apparatus and related methods. The apparatus includes at least one fluid working device, such as a pneumatic ram, which serves to provide an adjustable load. The fluid working device is movable using an adjustable mount to vary the compression ratio and loading rate. The fluid working device is connected to a user interface, such as foot pedals or hand holds, using a connection linkage. The apparatus also preferably includes a load modifier which adjustably engages the connection linkage and allows the rate of mechanical loading to be varied. This construction allows a large range of loads and force rates to be achieved.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed for exercising the pubococcygeal or pelvic floor muscles, for example in the treatment of incontinence. The device includes a cylindrical, deformable probe for insertion into the vagina or rectum of a user. The probe is connected to a pressure transducer, which detects the pressure applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and displays a pressure indicator to the user to help direct the contraction of the appropriate muscles. The pressure indicator may take the form of a series of nested figures, such as curves or concentric semi-circles, that incrementally converge toward a common point as pressure on the probe increases. The nested figures incrementally retreat from the common point as pressure on the probe decreases. The training unit guides a user through an exercise routine by tracking the overall exercise time and the timing between flexing and relaxation cycles.

Abstract: Training equipment with a first (2) and a second (4) weight magazine, which produce a variable resistance force in a line in the shape of a first toothed belt (10), to which a draw handle is connectable for the application of muscle force (F1) . The first toothed belt (10) loaded by the mass (M1) of the first weight magazine (2), and a second toothed belt (12) is loaded by the mass (M2) of the second weight magazine (4), which second toothed belt furthermore is connected to a pneumatic operating cylinder (26), which is supplied by means of an operating unit (28). The toothed belts are connectable by a locking yoke (32), and the operating cylinder is activable depending on control signals from the operating unit (28), which in turn reacts on signals from sensors (50, 54, 58) depending on the position (V1; V2) of the first magazine (2).

Abstract: A resistance device for use in an exercising apparatus having one or more resistance elements, a force transmission device and a resistance adjusting device. Through the force transmission device, a user can apply an exercise force to the resistance elements which in general provide a resisting force derived from atmospheric pressure. To adjust the total resistance, the user may operate the resistance adjusting device to determine which resistance element(s) is(are) enabled to adjust the level of resisting force.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed for exercising the pubococcygeal or pelvic floor muscles, for example in the treatment of incontinence. The device includes a cylindrical, deformable probe for insertion into the vagina or rectum of a user. The probe is connected to a pressure transducer, which detects the pressure applied to the probe by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and displays a pressure indicator to the user to help direct the contraction of the appropriate muscles. The pressure indicator may take the form of a series of nested figures, such as curves or concentric semi-circles, that incrementally converge toward a common point as pressure on the probe increases. The nested figures incrementally retreat from the common point as pressure on the probe decreases. The training unit guides a user through an exercise routine by tracking the overall exercise time and the timing between flexing and relaxation cycles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device including a piston disposed within a cylinder having a first open end and a second end having a valve which independently controls air intake and exhaust through the second end of the cylinder, thereby controlling the air pressure exerted on the piston and hence the force required to raise the piston. A flexible connector is attached to the top of the piston, exits through the open end of the cylinder, and passes through a series of pulleys such that force exerted by the user on the opposite end of the connector is transmitted to the piston, whereby the piston slides within the cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to exercise apparatus 210 for exercising the human body 12 and in particular the cardiovascular system and selected muscle groups. The exercise apparatus includes application means 211 for applying a force to a person's body and support means 214 for supporting the person's body in an attitude whereby they may oppose the application of said force.

Abstract: A combined exerciser and physical fitness performance monitoring apparatus and related methods. The apparatus includes at least one fluid working device, such as a pneumatic ram, which serves to provide an adjustable load. The fluid working device is movable using an adjustable mount to vary the compression ratio and loading rate. The fluid working device is connected to a user interface, such as foot pedals or hand holds, using a connection linkage. The apparatus also preferably includes a load modifier which adjustably engages the connection linkage and allows the rate of mechanical loading to be varied. This construction allows a large range of loads and force rates to be achieved.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic cylinder consists of a cylindrical body having an inner wall and an outer wall and a piston rod attached with a piston movably mounted within the inner wall and dividing a space within the inner wall into a rear chamber and a front chamber. A rear seat is mounted on a rear end of the body and defines a first bypass communicating a first space between the inner and outer walls with the rear chamber. A front seat is mounted on a front end of the body. A block is mounted between the piston and the front seat and defines a second bypass communicating the first space and the front chamber. The front seat defines a first control channel and a second control channel which communicate with each other at a common end and a communication conduit in communication with a communication tube in communication with the rear chamber.

Abstract: A stepper/climber machine includes a frame supported on a base with the frame being comprised of first and second hollow columns connected to a hollow cross-beam. Within the first and second hollow columns, there are first and second rigid struts, respectively. Each of the rigid struts has a foot pedal and handgrip fixed thereto. The rigid struts are connected by a cable which is trained through the hollow cross-beam so that as one strut moves upwardly, the other strut moves downwardly, thereby raising one handgrip and pedal while allowing the other handgrip and pedal to lower. The first and second struts are connected to one another through a hydraulic circuit which includes a branched portion with legs having opposed one-way check valves in series with solenoid valves. A selector determines the lengths of the strokes by opening and closing the solenoid valves alternately so that fluid can only flow in one direction through the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: Exercising apparatus includes a reservoir unit for receiving and dispensing fluid. An arm exercising unit includes at least two hollow paddles with fluid. Each of the hollow paddles may be connected to the reservoir unit by a flexible feedline and return line. A pump may pump fluid from the reservoir unit to each of said hollow paddles via said feedline. A return mechanism may allow flow of the fluid from the hollow paddles to the reservoir unit via the return line.

Abstract: A leg exercise equipment is disclosed, which includes a base plate, a supporting frame foldably mounted to the base plate, and a crank mechanism. The crank mechanism includes a swinging arm, of which one end is connected with a hydraulic cylinder through a shaft. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected with a connecting pin which is fixedly fastened to the supporting frame. A leg holder is mounted on one end of the swinging arm. When the user's leg exerts force to the leg holder, the force will be transmitted to the hydraulic cylinder to drive the same to move back and forth so as to cause the leg muscle and hip muscle to be exercised evenly.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic cylinder consists of a cylindrical body having an inner wall and an outer wall and a piston rod attached with a piston movably mounted within the inner wall and dividing a space within the inner wall into a rear chamber and a front chamber. A rear seat is mounted on a rear end of the body and defines a first bypass communicating a first space between the inner and outer walls with the rear chamber. A front seat is mounted on a front end of the body and defines a second bypass communicating the first space and the front chamber and a first control channel and a second control channel which communicate with each other at a common end by a communicating channel in communication with the first space.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.

Abstract: An exercise machine utilizing a Exercise Resistive Device in conjunction with a Counter Compressive Force Device. The Exercise Resistive Device applies a resistive force to the users body in such a manner that it requires that the users muscles contract in order to execute an exercise. The Counter Compressive Force Device produces a counter force that opposes compressive forces acting on the body resulting from said exercise. Frictional and other destructive internal forces upon the body are consequently reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A longitudinal, substantially cylindrical shaped inflatable bladder for inserting within the palmar region of a constricted hand to extend the fingers outwardly and to promote exercise of the constricted hand. The bladder has a channel for receiving an end portion of a static hand orthosis permitting the inflatable bladder to be attached to a static hand orthosis. The bladder is further provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending partitions forming a network of connected fluid retaining pockets. The fluid retaining pockets permitting the bladder to inflate such that pressure is applied to the palmar region of the constricted hand between three natural arches of the hand promoting restoration of the concave depression of the palm and a functional position of the hand.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for exercise equipment and a method of providing resistance to piston motion in exercise equipment.

Abstract: A Mobil Variable Hydraulic Resistance Exerciser which allows a user to be in motion throughout the complete exercise movement. This exercises the muscles of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, legs and trunk of the body by providing a constant resistance to the user while in motion. A variable hydraulic reservoir is used to regulate the amount of resistance applied thru the Mobil Exerciser.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and-deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.

Abstract: A recumbent bilateral reciprocal isokinetic leg exerciser wherein first and second reciprocating members are slidingly coupled to a linear track so that they move with linear bilateral reciprocal motion. Both reciprocating members are coupled to associated hydraulic cylinders so that hydraulic fluid is drawn into or forced out of the hydraulic cylinders as the reciprocating members move along the track. A valve assembly is coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling fluid flow into and out of the hydraulic cylinders so that the reciprocating members move isokinetically. The valve assembly may be set for simultaneous movement of the first and second reciprocating members or for movement of one reciprocating member by itself. To ensure accurate measurement of patient effort, a strain gauge assembly is disposed on each reciprocating member for detecting deformation of the reciprocating member along multiple axes.

Abstract: Exercising device comprising a moving unit (1-6'), a motion-transferring mechanism (7, 10-11') connected to the moving unit, and a hydraulic system (8-9, 12-17) connected to said motion transferring mechanism for controlling the motions of the moving unit. The invention is characterized in that the moving unit comprises a substantially vertically movable, tubular rod (1) with an integrated mounting (2, 2') at each end, and two separate, flexible and elongate elements (4, 4'). Each element is fixedly attached to a stationary fastening means (5, 5', 6, 6') above and, respectively, below the rod (1). Moreover, each element is arranged to extend through the tubular rod between the associated upper and, respectively, lower fastening means. The motion-transferring mechanism comprises at least one flexible, elongate member (7, 7') which is fixedly attached to one mounting (2) of the movable rod and to the through piston rod (8) of a piston cylinder (9) included in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising an individual's muscles, including a hollow housing having a central hollow cylindrical section and a flange at one end of said cylindrical section. The flange end of the housing is mounted to a wall and an elbow joint permits the housing to be pivoted with respect to said wall. The side of the housing opposite the flange is provided with a support surface. An airtight disc or piston is movably positioned within said cylindrical section and is movable along a longitudinal axis of said cylindrical section. A rod extends from the center of a piston through said support surface and terminates in a handle. A cover plate which faces said support surface is removably attached to said rod; and a series of replaceable suction cup are fastened onto said cover plate which faces said support surface.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus having a closed loop, hydraulic controller which provides a user selectable resistance to movement over an operating path. A restrictor valve assembly controls fluid flow in an exercise direction and includes a sealed valve body and a rotatable stem piece having a number of flow bores of differing relative dimension to a primary flow path. A pair of separable interlocking piston head pieces at a piston shaft control a reduced bypass resistance with return travel. Alternately disclosed modular frameworks, which include stationary and carriage portions, permit physical motion in relation to a measurement means which displays relative exertion.