Flexible Membrane Caused To Move By Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 601/148)
  • Patent number: 7273461
    Abstract: A leg massage using air is provided. The leg massager includes a U-shaped massaging portion, a supporting frame, an air tank, an air supply controller, a rotating plate, an optical sensor, an air pump, and a control unit. The control unit determines a rotation angle of the rotating plate through the optical sensor, to control the operation of the air pump and the supply of compressed air to the air pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Inarex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Jong Baek
  • Patent number: 7270642
    Abstract: A tubular sleeve (40) comprises an anterior portion (16) of inextensible material that comes to bear against the tibial ridge, and a posterior portion (18) of extensible material covering the region to be compressed. These two portions are connected together along two connection generator lines (20). Inflatable balloons (22) are disposed on the inside face of the anterior portion, being interposed between the inextensible material and the tibial crest. Means (24, 26, 28) are provided for inflating each of the balloons differently to a respective given pressure so as to apply deformation to the anterior portion of the sleeve that is suitable for inducing a traction force that is exerted on the extensible posterior portion; this force is distributed regularly along the generator lines and acts perpendicularly thereto, and consequently leads to compression action on the compressible region of the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Laboratoires Innothera
    Inventors: Amina Ouchene, Jean-Louis Counord
  • Patent number: 7241271
    Abstract: This massage machine comprises a seat 20, a leg-rest 50, a footrest 60, an electric extendable mechanism 80, a link mechanism 70, and a controller. The footrest is movably linked to a lower end of the leg-rest to be movable relative to the leg-rest, and is provided with air bags 63 configured to restrain a foot of the user. The electric extendable mechanism and the link mechanism are configured to move the footrest relative to the leg-rest. The controller gives the user a leg stretching mode, and in the leg stretching mode, the controller controls the electric extendable mechanism and the air bags such that the electric extendable mechanism moves the footrest relative to the leg-rest while the air bags restrains the foot of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yousuke Kurata, Yuki Yoda, Shinji Tsutsui, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Takeo Iijima, Daisuke Tsukada, Takayoshi Tanizawa, Junji Nakamura, Motoharu Muto
  • Patent number: 7226428
    Abstract: A massage system is provided that includes a motor, at least one bellows and at least one inflatable bladder connected to each bellows. Each bellows has an extended position and a retracted position, wherein operation of the motor causes each bellows to move between the extended and retracted positions. When each bellows is moved from the extended to the retracted position, air is expelled from the bellows and enters a corresponding one of the at least one inflatable bladder and when each bellows is moved from the retracted to the extended position, air is extracted from a corresponding one of the at least one inflatable bladder and enters the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Human Touch, LLC
    Inventor: Hans Dehli
  • Patent number: 7207958
    Abstract: A massage system is provided that includes a motor having an output shaft and at least one sliding block connected to the output shaft. The massage system also includes at least one bellows. Each bellows is connected to a corresponding one of the sliding blocks and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When each bellows is moved from the extended to the retracted position air is expelled from the bellows. Similarly, when each bellows is moved from the retracted to the extended position air is taken into the bellows. Operation of the motor causes each sliding block to move between a first position and a second position, such that in the first position each sliding block compresses a corresponding one of the bellows to the retracted position and in the second position each sliding block releases said corresponding one of the bellows to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Interactive Health, LLC.
    Inventor: Hans Dehli
  • Patent number: 7195604
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a massage unit wherein means for massaging the affected part of the person to be treated is provided with means for moving the affected part so as to give massage to a desired position. The massage unit of the invention comprises a recessed receiving portion 14 having a bottom wall 18 and opposite side walls 20, 21 extending upward from respective opposite sides of the bottom wall 18 for accommodating the affected part of the user therein, position adjusting means 15, 15a provided on the inner surfaces of the respective side walls 20, 21 of the recessed receiving portion 14 and movable toward the other side wall, and massage means 24 disposed on the bottom wall 18 of the recessed receiving portion 14 for massaging the affected part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakamura, Toshiki Koma, Takamasa Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7150720
    Abstract: A foot massaging device has a body section. A pair of foot holding devices are coupled to an interior of the body section. The foot holding device has an elongated housing for holding a foot and an opening located at a top section of the elongated housing for inserting the foot into the elongated housing. At least one massaging device is coupled to an interior section of the elongated housing for massaging the foot and for applying pressure to certain areas of the foot to relieve body aches based on reflexology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Victor J. Adkins, Chikae Adkins
  • Patent number: 7060044
    Abstract: A massage device includes a mat device having a chamber formed between two layers for receiving fluid and for supporting users, and having a groove formed in the middle portion for engaging onto the users' heads and for attaching the mat device onto the users. A container is used for receiving the fluid and coupled to the inlet and the outlet of the mat device, and a pump is used for pumping the fluid into and out of the chamber of the mat device. The mat device has one or more seals formed between the layers for forming a fluid passage in the mat device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Chi Fang Keng
  • Patent number: 7060085
    Abstract: An abdominal muscle and spine exercising device includes a frame having a top and a bottom surface with first and second bladders disposed on the top surface for bearing directly against thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral vertebrae of a users spine in vectored directions in order to enhance an elliptical arch in the lower spine. A second arch projection is disposed on the bottom surface of the frame for enabling the frame and bladders to be rocked by the user in a transverse direction to a longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Richard A. Graham, Denise M. Pauck
  • Patent number: 7044924
    Abstract: A massage device for massaging a body part of a person in an unsupervised and unattended setting. The massage device includes a garment, shaped to provide a snug fit and having a plurality of bladders arranged along the garment to massage the body part. An inflation assembly supplies fluid pressure to each of the bladders to inflate the respective bladders. The bladders may have approximately the same inflated volume thereby equalizing the inflation volume of the respective bladders whereby substantially even inflation timing, with substantially even applied pressure, and, thus, overall smooth massage dynamics may be provided without overly complicated inflation fluid control (e.g., an inflation assembly which supplies a substantially constant inflation capacity to each of the bladders). The garment may include a pocket having an opening communicating with the respective bladders and tubing from the inflation assembly extends into this pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Midtown Technology
    Inventors: Rochelle B. Roth, Brian Smith, William Brazis, Roger H. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6986779
    Abstract: A glove that when worn by a user quickly, comfortably, conveniently and effectively applies a specific amount of pressure to a particular point on the wearer's hand, thereby relieving and/or eliminating pain of the wearer such as from a type of headache. A glove worn by the person with pain, such as a headache, includes an internal pressure point applicator and an inflatable bladder to apply pressure to a desired point on the wearer's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Karen Begley, legal representative, Ricky Lee Begley, deceased
  • Patent number: 6969361
    Abstract: A leg massage device which comprises a power transmission means having an adjusting stand disposed on a chair. On the adjusting stand a driving shaft is defined having a lateral end connected to a power supplier. Two rollers are coaxially disposed at both ends of the driven shaft of the power transmission means, each of which is provided with a pair of opposite discs and a pair of opposite rotor discs respectively. An oscillating board assembly including two outer oscillating boards and two inner oscillating boards which is fixed to the rotor discs of the two rollers respectively in a manner that the outer oscillating boards located opposite to the inner oscillating boards in pairs. Two wheel units are coaxially disposed around the periphery of the two rollers respectively and located between the outer oscillating boards and the inner oscillating boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Hsu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6958046
    Abstract: A chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Warren J. Warwick, Leland G. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6913572
    Abstract: A spa capsule has a cabinet and a hinged lid forming an enclosed space for accommodating a person. Within the enclosed space an environment is simulated by stimulating the auditory, olfactory, optic and tactile senses of the person, in a temperature controlled environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: Allen Licht, Alex Spivak, Ilya Spivak
  • Publication number: 20040260217
    Abstract: Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2) The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilising two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Gardner, Arthur M Newsom Gardner
  • Publication number: 20040236257
    Abstract: A leg massage device which comprises a power transmission means having an adjusting stand disposed on a chair. On the adjusting stand a driving shaft is defined having a lateral end connected to a power supplier. Two rollers are coaxially disposed at both ends of the driven shaft of the power transmission means, each of which is provided with a pair of opposite discs and a pair of opposite rotor discs respectively. An oscillating board assembly including two outer oscillating boards and two inner oscillating boards which is fixed to the rotor discs of the two rollers respectively in a manner that the outer oscillating boards located opposite to the inner oscillating boards in pairs. Two wheel units are coaxially disposed around the periphery of the two rollers respectively and located between the outer oscillating boards and the inner oscillating boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Hsu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040230141
    Abstract: Foot elevator comprising a compound prismatoid capable of controlled vertical and horizontal expansion is described. The foot elevator comprising an inflatable material that describes a compound prismatoid when deployed, an air pump for inflating the foot elevator, an electric operated vibrator that can provide movement of the surface of the foot elevator during use. The foot elevator is designed to provide relief and relaxing feeling to the lower extremities of the human body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Faye B. LeVert, Francis Edward LeVert
  • Publication number: 20040204742
    Abstract: An abdominal muscle and spine exercising device includes a frame having a top and a bottom surface with first and second bladders disposed on the top surface for bearing directly against thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral vertebrae of a users spine in vectored directions in order to enhance an elliptical arch in the lower spine. A second arch projection is disposed on the bottom surface of the frame for enabling the frame and bladders to be rocked by the user in a transverse direction to a longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Richard A. Graham, D.C., Denise M. Pauck, R.N.
  • Publication number: 20040198570
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel therapy cushion for use in conjunction with a conventional blood pressure cuff. The cuff is inserted into the cushion, and the cushion with inserted cuff is placed between the legs (or against one leg). The cuff is inflated and used as calibrated resistance training device for therapeutic/rehabilitation purposes. The device is especially effective following hip or knee replacement surgery. The manometer (on the blood pressure cuff) serves to indicate resistance level. Other variations are possible for other exercises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Alexander Tanglos
  • Publication number: 20040193078
    Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Roland E. Flick, Raymond P. Paolini, Jeffery Joseph Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040193081
    Abstract: A method of pressing on pressure points and/or muscles in a back or other part of a user using a round ball is improved by pressing on the pressure points and/or muscles using a gel ball having a diameter of between about 45 and 70 millimeters. The density of the gel ball ranges between about 0.75 and 1.2 gm/cm3, and the ball being made of a polyether polyol gel material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Sils
  • Publication number: 20040171971
    Abstract: A foot mobility device includes a base, a foot rest hingedly coupled to the base, and an inflatable lifting bladder between the base and the foot rest. The footrest preferably has a massage sock which contains a plurality of inflatable massage bladders. Each of the bladders is provided with a pressure sensor and is selectively coupled to a pressure source (including an air pump) by an electrically operated valve. A control circuit is electrically coupled to the valves, the sensors, and the pump. The control circuit selectively inflates and deflates the bladders according to a cycle which raises and lowers the foot rest and inflates/deflates the massage bladders. The control circuit is preferably provided with a synchronization link which is used to electrically couple two foot mobility devices (one for each foot) such that they operate in an alternating rhythm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Arvik Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Sundaram Ravikumar, John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6770043
    Abstract: An improved therapeutic spa, hot tub, or hydrotherapy system includes one or more jet assemblies to form streams of water which translate in at least two degrees of freedom over a substantial portion of the user's body. The jet assemblies preferably move in patterns under automatic computer control as well as manual feedback by the user. The system preferably includes a body support, such as in the form of a chair. The support is at least partially water permeable so that the streams of water impinge the user through the body support. The jet assemblies preferably include unitary nozzles, pumps, and motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Rocky Kahn
  • Patent number: 6767331
    Abstract: A backload-responsive fluidic switch having high pressure recovery of more than 50% comprises a body member with a power nozzle having a width W and a centerline CL which is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid under pressure for issuing a jet of fluid along the centerline. A pair of diverging fluid flow passages have a common connection with the power nozzle and respective bounding walls, each respective bounding wall diverging from the centerline no more than about 50°, and a splitter defining respective inner walls of the pair of diverging walls, the splitter being spaced a distance of about 3W from the power nozzle. Inflatable bladder(s) connected to the diverging fluid flow passage(s), and a vent connected to the other of said fluid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Stouffer, Gregory A. Russell, Aland Santamarina
  • Publication number: 20040097837
    Abstract: A postural awareness apparatus includes a pad, signal means for producing a signal, detection means for determining a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal means when the weight exceeds a predetermined weight, means for producing an output when the detection means determines the weight, and means for recording the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Lee Brandon, Michael M. Gerardi, Elizabeth M. Wojciechowski
  • Publication number: 20040068210
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a shockwave source to the body of a patient is provided. The apparatus may include a coupling bellows that is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The coupling bellows may include a coupling portion that is configured to provide a coupling surface relative to the body of a patient and is transmissive to shockwaves. The coupling bellows may also include an outer portion that is sound-insulating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Dornier MedTech Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Eizenhofer
  • Patent number: 6709246
    Abstract: The invention is drawn to an apparatus for supplying fluid, such as air, under pressure to a fluid accommodating means such as an air mattress and automatically adjusting the fluid pressure. The apparatus has a coupling device which attaches the apparatus to the air mattress. A housing encloses a motor, an impeller, a two-way valve and a solenoid. The solenoid opens the two-way valve to allow inflation or deflation of the air mattress. The motor is reversible and the impeller is used to force fluid into or out of the mattress. A controller is used to inflate and deflate the mattress. The controller can be attached to the apparatus or it can be a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Boyd Flotation, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Boyd
  • Publication number: 20040031492
    Abstract: There is provided a gear for preventing a user from lapsing into an apneic state by maintaining the body of said user in an inclined posture during said user's sleep. The gear includes a clothing body worn by said user and a pad. The clothing body includes a back body and a front body. The pad is attached to the back body of the clothing body and extends in the longitudinal direction. The pad includes a plurality of segments arranged along the longitudinal direction, capacities of the segments are different from each other, and each segment is expanded in accordance with the capacity thereof by a fluid to be supplied to each segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Yasuo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6681770
    Abstract: A spinal treatment table includes a head support, a leg support, and a contoured spinal support there between defined by separate support segments of different heights. The segments are supported within a frame and connected by a scissors hinge. A first end segment is anchored to the frame, and the other segments are movable longitudinally within the frame. A linear drive is connected to a second end segment. All the segments are moved by the same amount relative to adjacent segments whenever the second end segment is moved by the linear drive to adjust the length of the spinal support for supporting spines of different lengths. A spinal manipulation device is movable within a longitudinal slot in the spinal support for evenly applying therapy to the length of the spine. The spinal manipulation device may be a reciprocating device, a roller device, or a water jet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Shane Dreher
  • Publication number: 20040015108
    Abstract: A passive exercise apparatus for use in an erect, non-recumbent seating position that provides an unstable platform capable of encouraging an omni-directional involuntary rocking motion that will result in the involuntary contractions of muscles involved in maintaining muscle tone and promoting proper posture (viz., the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles, external oblique muscles, and other muscles in the abdominal, lumbar/sacral, and pelvic regions) in order to counterbalance the rocking forces. The purpose of the device is to provide continuing involuntary contractions of these muscle groups (a recognized form of EXERSITTING, which is the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention in order to help maintain muscle tone and encourage good seated posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Lynda Jeanne McNally, Cynthia Nuzzi Prunty
  • Patent number: 6676615
    Abstract: A user-controllable massage device is for a vehicle seat that operates via a wireless communications link. The massage device may include a plurality of vibration transducers to be positioned adjacent the vehicle seat, a wireless receiver, and a power controller connected to the wireless receiver for selectively powering the plurality of vibration transducers based upon signals received from the wireless receiver. The massage device may also include a wireless remote controller to be operated by the user for communicating with the wireless receiver to selectively operate the plurality of vibration transducers. The remote controller may transmit a unique code which can be learned by the power controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Flick, Michael Lee
  • Publication number: 20040002669
    Abstract: A massage device includes a mat device having a chamber formed between two layers for receiving fluid and for supporting users, and having a groove formed in the middle portion for engaging onto the users' heads and for attaching the mat device onto the users. A container is used for receiving the fluid and coupled to the inlet and the outlet of the mat device, and a pump is used for pumping the fluid into and out of the chamber of the mat device. The mat device has one or more seals formed between the layers for forming a fluid passage in the mat device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chi Fang Keng
  • Patent number: 6629938
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of Ménière's disease by intermittently increasing air (gas) pressure, in an air (gas) pressure chamber in communication with an outwardly sealed external ear volume bordering the tympanic membrane, comprises a peripherally fixed flexible circular diaphragm forming a wall of the chamber and being displaceable in a perpendicular direction essentially without being tensioned. Displacement of the diaphragm away from the chamber is effected by air pressure built up in the chamber, not by a separate displacement device. The apparatus further comprises a linear electromagnetic device for displacing the diaphragm. The apparatus may include systems for gas pressure sensing; chamber pressure equalizing; and microprocessor control, for controlling the displacement of the diaphragm and the pressure equalizing device by a signal input from the pressure sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Engvall, Anders Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6592533
    Abstract: In an air massager, a seat, backrest, etc. are provided with cushion units. Each cushion unit includes a pad member, consisting mainly of a fiber-filler, and airbag apparatus put on top of the pad member. The airbag apparatus can be inflated or deflated as air is fed into or discharged from it by means of a pumping device. A compressible distance in the thickness-direction of the pad member is greater than a maximum inflated thickness of the airbag apparatus. The pad member has a thickness, softness, and restorability such that it allows the inflated airbag apparatus to go down into the fiber-filler and incline along a seater's body surface when the airbag apparatus is pressed by the body surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuhisa Yonekawa, Shoji Hoshino, Hiroaki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030125650
    Abstract: A portable, inflatable lumbar belt cushion for providing support to the lower spine and surrounding paralumbar musculature of the wearer while seated. The present invention is for an inflatable belt cushion which adjustably reinforces the small of the back to support the lower spine in a proper lorsdosis, alleviating lower back pain caused by improper posture and fatigue. The belt encircles the wearer's waist and contains a compartment with an inflatable cushion centrally located in the back of the belt which is superimposeable in the small of the wearer's back. The inflatable cushion is of a hemi-elliptical design which is positioned horizontally in the small of the back such that the thicker center portion of the cushion supports the spine and the thinner end portions support the surrounding musculature. The cushion extends outwardly from the outer surface of the belt and thus does not create a compression between the belt and the spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: William M. Grosso
  • Publication number: 20030125649
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing therapy for acute or chronic wounds and other clinical conditions, and/or for altering flow of bodily fluids, that uses pressure and temperature to promote healing or comfort. The pressure can be negative, positive, or cyclic to promote bodily fluid flow, particularly in cases of venous insufficiency. The pressure is supplied by a chamber that encases the desired site and seals to the skin of the patient, and a pump that controls the pressure within the chamber. The temperature is supplied by a heat exchange surface in proximity to the skin within the area surrounded by the pressure chamber, and can be any temperature within the range of physiological tolerance; including temperatures both above and below normal physiological temperatures. The temperature of the heat exchange surface is controlled by an apparatus outside the chamber, and may be continuous or cyclic. The heat exchange surface may have a disposable covering that serves as a wound dressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Laura Janet McIntosh, Barry Hickerson
  • Patent number: 6585669
    Abstract: A medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a subject's foot, the device including a platform with at least three independently actuable inflatable bladders staggered therealong to solely underlie the subject's heel, his plantar arch and his foot's front portion including its metatarsals and its toes, respectively, whereby a travelling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Medical Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Dan Manor, Roni Bibi, Eli Levy, Ascher Shmulewitz
  • Publication number: 20030120190
    Abstract: The device for massaging a lower leg comprises a base pad (2) arranged in an area of the sole and a bladder (1) arranged in the region of the lower leg. A tubular connection is provided between the inner spaces of the base pad (2) and of the bladder (1). A frame (8) comprising a base part (12) and at least one side part (13, 7) projects upward from the tubular connection. The frame is mountable inside a shoe with the bladder (1) being fastened to the side part and the bladder (1) being positioned on the frame (8) in such a manner that it comes to lie above the perforating vein in the ankle area. A pressure is exerted by the bladder (1) onto the leg through the body weight applied to the base pad (2) when the foot is loaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Onorio Miotto, Axel Kubelka
  • Patent number: 6572570
    Abstract: A submerge massaging system controlled by a no-moving part backload responsive fluidic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Sean T. Burns, Kenneth J. Morrison, Robert E. Bower
  • Publication number: 20030078526
    Abstract: A device for regulating and controlling urinary incontinence, comprising a fluid pump, a rigid chamber interconnected to the pump having an outlet for fluid flow, and extension member connected to said outlet, the extension member is of a pliable material and cylindrical in shape and adapted for insertion into a woman's vagina, to enable a woman's pelvic muscles to be exercised and toned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Farley
  • Patent number: 6551263
    Abstract: A neck massage apparatus for use in a spa hot tub system. The massage apparatus includes a pair of rotating jet nozzles located at a height near the neck of a user thereof sitting in the spa, wherein the jet nozzles are coupled to a source of water and air, respectively. A pliable membrane is disposed over the jet nozzles for restraining the water and air and for imparting a massage sensation to the user in response to movement of the water and air. Controlled size orifices are placed in the back of the apparatus to allow the water and air to escape. The size of these orifices are controlled to be slightly greater in area than the area of the combined air and water source pipes, thereby placing adequate pressure on the membrane to adapt to the shape of the user's neck and to impart a massage sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Denis P. Turner
  • Patent number: 6544203
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous passive motion back support for a person comprising a fluid-inflatable bag disposed between a static structure and the back of a person, the fluid-inflatable bag including a back-engaging surface cyclically moveable to increase and decrease the distance between the static structure and the back-engaging surface thereby to cycle the lower back through a substantial range of lordosis, a conduit adapted to conduct the fluid between the reservoir or the atmosphere and the fluid-inflatable bag, and programmable circuitry for adjusting a voltage supplied to an electrically-powered pump, whereby fluid flow in the conduit is effected by adjustably operating the electrically-powered pump. Various multiple bag embodiments are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a baseline support pressure during continuous passive motion for the lower back of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ergomedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rowland G. Hazard
  • Patent number: 6517500
    Abstract: A chair-type massager is provided which includes a chair body for use as a support member for supporting a user's body and a massage apparatus located in a seat back of the chair body. The massage apparatus includes a base member and a pair of massage units, right and left, provided on the base member. Each massage unit has a movable element. The movable element is provided with a tilt member. A treatment member is attached to the tilt member. The tilt member is driven by means of an airbag. The movable element is rotated around a shaft by means of a motor so that the treatment member can move along a curved surface of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba Tech Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6494852
    Abstract: An automatic portable ambulant miniaturized system for applying pneumatic pressure to a body limb including a portable ambulant hand-held fluid source unit, a conduit for delivering fluid generated by the unit, and a sleeve coupled to the conduit and adapted to envelop a body limb. The sleeve contains one or more individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into two or more longitudinally extending confluent compartments along the axis of the body limb. The compartments are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously by the portable fluid source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Compression Systems (DBN) Ltd.
    Inventors: Jakob Barak, Yoav Naveh, Sharon Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6491652
    Abstract: A massage device capable of applying favorable pressure stimulation owing to expansion and shrinking of air bags irrespective of thickness of portions to be massaged such as legs or arms. The massage device has supporting bodies, strap bodies made of pliable material that are attached to the supporting bodies at their ends to form U-shaped sections, air bags provided at inner surfaces of strap bodies for receiving portions of a human body such as legs or arms to be massaged, and an air supply means for expanding and shrinking of the air bags. Upon locating portions to be massaged on the strap bodies, the strap bodies assume shapes that fit along the shapes of the portions of the body to be massaged to thus support the portions to be massaged on the strap bodies. Pressuring stimulation can then be applied to the portions to be massaged by making the air bags perform expansion and shrinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Hata, Shigeru Dono, Yukihiko Kitano, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Shinji Tsutsui, Yuichi Nishibori, Toshiaki Nanno
  • Patent number: 6478757
    Abstract: A device for applying pressure to a body limb comprises a sleeve containing individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into longitudinally extending confluent compartments that are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously. A messaging sleeve, an inflation unit for intermittent inflation of selected cells of the sleeve, and a detecting unit for detecting a temporo-spatial regime of cell inflation are provided. Applications include immobilization of fractured bones, and messaging of limbs to promote blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Compression Systems (D. B. N.)
    Inventor: Jakob Barak
  • Publication number: 20020128572
    Abstract: An air cushion bed with massaging device, including at least one air cushion, vibrating motor, motor casing, massaging plate and adhesive strip. The air cushion comprises a multiple of air bladders that are linked together, and the vibrating motor is installed in the motor casing, whereon the massaging plate is installed. At lease one adhesive strip is installed on the outer surface of the motor casing so that the motor casing can be fixed on the air bladders of the air cushion, making the present invention a detachable device. The present invention utilizes microcomputer to activate the vibrating motor, which brings the motor casing to vibration, and further brings the massaging plate to vibration, thus the patient resting on the massaging device can be massaged on the back portion through the vibration of the massaging plate, and the patient's blood circulation can be enlivened and capillaries working normally to avoid possible bedsores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chi - An Chang
  • Patent number: 6440093
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the application of a varying pressure to a limb from a sleeve positioned on the limb in order to augment the flow of venous blood and thus reduce the incidence of embolism and deep venous thrombosis in the limb. The apparatus includes a transducer for producing a sleeve pressure signal that is indicative of pressure applied by the sleeve to the limb. This signal is used for periodically measuring the value of a preselected pressure waveform parameter (such as maximum pressure produced in the sleeve). The microprocessor-controlled apparatus also generates an interval signal that is indicative of a time interval during which the value of the selected waveform parameter remains within a particular range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: James Allen McEwen, Michael Jameson, Jonathan J. Nakane
  • Patent number: 6440092
    Abstract: A harmonic vibration massage device for generating harmonic vibrations and including a transmitting plate and at least two vibration generators mounted underneath the transmitting plate. The transmitting plate has a plurality of protruding fingertips thereto. The at least two vibration generators generate two distinct vibrations at two distinct areas on the transmitting plate, where the two distinct vibrations are coupled together to produce harmonic vibrations such that the harmonic vibrations are transmitted to and through the transmitting plate which in turn is transmitted to and through the plurality of fingertips and the body part positioned on the massage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: D2RM Corp.
    Inventors: Robert D. Leventhal, Paul B. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020111529
    Abstract: A spa capsule has a cabinet and a hinged lid forming an enclosed space for accommodating a person. Within the enclosed space an environment is simulated by stimulating the auditory, olfactory, optic and tactile senses of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Allen Licht, Alex Spivak, Ilya Spivak