Abstract: An air hose includes a corrugated flexible hose. The air hose also includes a first hose end section mechanically coupled to the corrugated flexible hose. The first hose end section includes a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to a warming unit. The first hose end section is configured to releasably couple to a pneumatic convective device. The air hose also includes a second hose end section mechanically coupled to the corrugated flexible hose. The second hose end section is configured to couple to the warming unit.

Abstract: A virtual reality augmented massage therapy system and method is disclosed. Using this system taps into all of the key senses that people use to evaluate their surroundings, which in turn helps them to relax and feel comfortable. Simply stated, the more stimulus inputs a person's brain receives to determine its presence in an environment, the more immersed the person will become in the generated environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spa tub (and to a spa chair that includes a spa tub) that has a sprayer with a thermal meter so that an employee does not need to touch or feel the water and/or fluids to gauge the temperature of the water and/or fluids. The spa tub may also have a water pump and/or an air pump assembly that is designed and configured to be mounted to the wall of a basin for providing massage therapy to a user. In addition, the spa tub may additionally have a liner and/or an air dispenser. As a non-limiting embodiment, a spa chair includes a spa tub, a basin, a mounting housing member, and a sprayer with a thermal meter. The spa chair may also include a jet assembly, an air pump assembly a spa base, a gasket or seal, an air dispenser, and/or a liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to tremor stabilisation apparatus and methods, in particular to gyroscopic devices for use in controlling tremors of parts of the body and for reducing effects of tremors on the human body. The apparatus includes a wearable element and at least one gyroscopic device mounted or mountable to the wearable element, the gyroscopic device including a gyroscope and a gyroscope housing. The at least one gyroscopic device may be mounted within the housing such that the gyroscope may precess with respect to the housing. The mount may include a hinge to which the gyroscope is mounted and a hinge plate or hinge mount to which the hinge is mounted for rotation with respect to the gyroscope housing, such as a turntable mounted to the gyroscope housing. The gyroscopic devices may include a control arrangement to control the precession of the gyroscope.

Abstract: High frequency repetitive magnetic pulses may be used to treat pain in the foot of a person by relaxing the muscle and reducing communication of pain signals by neurons in the treatment region. A device is disclosed, which is floor mounted and incorporates a cooling mechanism and heat sink to allow high frequency magnetic stimulation to the person's foot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving mobility in patients affected by a neurodegenerative disease, through controlled and localized mechanical stimulation of the foot, at the tip of the big toe and the lower big toe metatarsal joint. Described herein is an apparatus comprising stimulators for the right and left foot and it attains such mechanical stimulation according to predetermined intensity parameters, stimulation sequence, duration and cyclical repetition. Mobility improvement was observed in particular in patients affected by Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A method and a continuous passive motion device for providing a dynamically loaded force and a static progressive force to a joint of a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which generates an image and particularly a celestial or a natural image having embedded movement that is useful in relieving conditions such as patient angst, depression and the like. The apparatus may include a control panel for adjusting the image and the movement based on the patient's condition or response to the image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydrotherapeutic stimulation using a personal water jet comprising a housing having an exterior handle portion and an interior cavity portion with a water inlet positioned in the housing for fluid communication with a water source. A power compartment is contained within the internal cavity and includes first and second chambers. A cap having a control port may form the top portion of the power compartment. A pump body positioned therein may form the bottom portion of the power compartment. A pump motor is positioned within the first chamber and a control port connects to a switch located external of the first chamber. A battery positioned within the second chamber is electrically connected to pump motor and battery. The electrically connected control circuit includes a switch, pump motor and battery for generation of a pressurized stream of water discharged through the water stream nozzle.

Abstract: An objective is to perform a leg massage under appropriate temperature conditions. The lower leg massage apparatus 1 comprises: a pair of right and left insertion recesses 4,4 in a vertically-extending continuous form, into which are inserted feet F and calves C of a user; a first massage mechanism 5 disposed within an upper part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted calves C, and a second massage mechanism 7 disposed within a lower part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted feet F. Further provided are a cover body 12 of a two-layer structure which is disposed in the insertion recess 4 so as to cover the first massage mechanism 5 and the second massage mechanism 7, and a warm air/cool air supply section 15 for supplying a warm or cool current of air to a region between the two layers constituting the cover body 12.

Abstract: An ionic foot bath array for generating an ionic foot bath includes an upper rod support structure, at least one electrically non-conductive support structure leg depending downwards from the upper rod support structure and a plurality of generally cylindrical electrically conductive ionic rods each having the same diameter, the ionic rods being removably mounted and depending downwards from the upper rod support structure, each of the ionic rods extending generally parallel with one another in spaced-apart relationship in at least two generally parallel rows, the ionic rods having an intra-row spacing therebetween of no greater than two times the diameter of each ionic rod, the rows being spaced no greater than three times the diameter of each ionic rod, with at least one of the rows being positively charged and at least one of the rows being negatively charged.

Abstract: An objective is to perform a leg massage under appropriate temperature conditions. The lower leg massage apparatus 1 comprises: a pair of right and left insertion recesses 4,4 in a vertically-extending continuous form, into which are inserted feet F and calves C of a user; a first massage mechanism 5 disposed within an upper part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted calves C, and a second massage mechanism 7 disposed within a lower part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted feet F. Further provided are a cover body 12 of a two-layer structure which is disposed in the insertion recess 4 so as to cover the first massage mechanism 5 and the second massage mechanism 7, and a warm air/cool air supply section 15 for supplying a warm or cool current of air to a region between the two layers constituting the cover body 12.

Abstract: A device for applying treatment, or therapy, to a body part directs air efficiently and effectively to the body part by using an air diverter. In particular, a device for treating a body part, such as a massager, has one or more treatment areas positioned to deliver treatment to the body part and an air blower having an air outlet that creates a flow of air in an outward direction from the air outlet. The air diverter is positioned to divert the flow of air to the one or more treatment areas.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a control system of the reciprocating object comprising a microprocessor (01), a reciprocating mode control circuit (02), a reciprocating travel control circuit (03), a power supply circuit (04) and a motor driving circuit (05), with the microprocessor (01) provided with matrix type on-off signal input-outputs. The reciprocating mode control circuit (02) consists of matrix column branches and matrix row branches, allowing the limited number of the on-off signal ports of the microprocessor (01) to be connected to a plurality of on-off controlling elements thereby realizing a multiple of control modes and diversifying the control modes. The circuit construction according to the present invention is relatively simple, which is helpful to a tidy wiring and layout of the elements and therefore the circuit is easy for manufacturing, assembling, trouble shooting and maintenance.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a mattress envelope having a compartment and comprising a thermal functional layer and an outer layer overlapped thereon and an air cushion including a plurality of individual air chambers evenly disposed in the compartment of the mattress envelope and an air supplying tube communicatively interconnecting the air chamber with each other. A thermal control arrangement includes a liquid supplying tube spirally extending at the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope for guiding a flow of thermal liquid and a thermal energy generator arranged to regulate a temperature of the thermal liquid such that when the thermal liquid passes through the liquid supplying tube, the thermal liquid thermo-communicating with the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope towards the outer layer so as to regulate a temperature of the mattress envelope.

Abstract: A self-contained appliance for passive therapy of arthritis discomfort in a bone joint, including a bone joint encompassing element formed of a moisture impermeable barrier material and defining a therapy region about one or more bone joints, and a desiccative agent disposed within the therapy region.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing blood flow by applying positive pressure to extremities of a mammal and/or controlling the temperature of the mammal. The device includes one or more collapsible and pliant body elements capable of expanding and flexibly applying pressurized compression forces to the extremity of the mammal by attaching one or more pressure-applying gas plenums as close to the extremity as possibly. The flexible extremity device can be used independently or can be used in conjunction with thermal pads disposed to the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Alternatively, the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements can be manufactured into thermal pads.

Abstract: A warm air massager for heating and massaging a body part includes a massage node which includes openings for directing streams of heated air to the body part being massaged. The body part is massaged by the reciprocating motion of the massage node produced by an internal massage motor. The massage motor may rotate to cause an eccentric connector to impart reciprocating motion to a shaft coupled to the massage node. The massage motor may be located within the housing, within the massage node, or there may be multiple massage motors located in each of the housing and the massage node. Intake ambient air enters the massage housing by means of a fan which withdraws ambient air from outside, directs the ambient air through a heater element and directs streams of the heated air through the massage node to the body part being massaged. Each of the fan, the heater element and the massage motor or motors may include multiple settings. The fan and massage motor are preferably separately controlled.

Abstract: An arthritic hand or foot treatment apparatus and system for applying dried, pressurized and/or heated air to a user's hand or foot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating excessive pressure development on a body area includes a cushion having bottom and top surfaces which are spaced apart. The top surface has a plurality of channels formed therethrough. A compressible inner layer is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of elongate, inflexible members are supported by the inner layer and are disposed at least partially within the channels. The members have first ends that extend through the channels to project beyond the top surface. Pressure applied to the first ends causes the members to be displaced axially along the channels toward the bottom surface without deformation. Pressure produced by body contact creates point pressures on the body area, and displacement of the members maintains the plurality of point pressures on the body area, alleviating excessive pressure. The apparatus includes a enclosure cover and the members have large, tapered ends.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus for performing a combination of compensating and sucking chi. Generally, the device includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a first treating member connected to the inlet of the housing, having a terminal opening and a plurality of holes in the housing close to the terminal opening. The device further includes a second treating member having a heating device connected to the outlet of the housing; and an air pump arranged in the housing to communicate the outlet with the inlet. The invention also provides an apparatus with a plurality of first treating members and second treating members. With the apparatus of the invention, a vacuum can be formed in the first treating member by driving the pump when the first treating member is contacted with and covers a location of the patient's body.

Abstract: An applicator (11a-g) for the surface application of a gaseous medium to a part of the body of a living human or animal organism, comprising a gas passage side (21) provided with a plurality of through openings (22) oriented towards the part of the body to be treated during application. A device (13) is also provided for supplying a gas or gas mixture to or onto the gas passage (21), embodied in such a way that at least a part of the gas supplied during operation of the applicator flows through the through openings (22) of the gas passage side (21). A three-dimensional structure (15) is provided on the gas passage side (21) to enable the gas to be finely distributed parallel to the gas passage side (21), whereby the medium flowing out of the gas passage side (21) has an even temperature and volume distribution.

Abstract: A foot treating apparatus comprising a basin that is adapted for accepting and containing bathing water and is shaped and arranged to accommodate two human feet within the bathing water. A steam generator is included and adapted to accept and contain steamable water, to convert the steamable water into steam, and to direct the steam through a steam vent disposed above the bathing water and at one or both of the soles of those feet when the feet are removed from the bathing water. Dry massage means, heating means, vibration, and aeration are also provided.

Abstract: A warm air massager for heating and massaging a body part includes a massage node which includes openings for directing streams of heated air to the body part being massaged. The body part is massaged by the reciprocating motion of the massage node produced by an internal massage motor. The massage motor may rotate to cause an eccentric connector to impart reciprocating motion to a shaft coupled to the massage node. The massage motor may be located within the housing, within the massage node, or there may be multiple massage motors located in each of the housing and the massage node. Intake ambient air enters the massage housing by means of a fan which withdraws ambient air from outside, directs the ambient air through a heater element and directs streams of the heated air through the massage node to the body part being massaged. Each of the fan, the heater element and the massage motor or motors may include multiple settings. The fan and massage motor are preferably separately controlled.

Abstract: A multisensory stimulation system and method of use. The system includes a housing articulate on a support so as to align a marked viewport with an individual. The housing defines a viewing chamber which is an extension of a reflective light and image optical system chamber which receives light and images from one or more video monitors or images projectors and, in some embodiments, from alternate sources such as black lights and strobe light devices. The system also includes an aromatic sensory component, tactile sensation devices, an audio input system, and audio delivery devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, such thermal energy transfer occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A foot treating apparatus comprising a basin that is adapted for accepting and containing bathing water and is shaped and arranged to accommodate two human feet within the bathing water. A steam generator is included and adapted to accept and contain steamable water, to convert the steamable water into steam, and to direct the steam through a steam vent disposed above the bathing water and at one or both of the soles of those feet when the feet are removed from the bathing water. Dry massage means, heating means, vibration, and aeration are also provided.

Abstract: A convertible isolation pod for an individual patient formed from sealable flexible plastic sheeting including an air intake grommet at the head end and an air exhaust grommet at the foot end of the pod each of the grommets being equipped with a valve to provide unidirectional air flow within the pod where the air is filtered to remove contaminants.

Abstract: A condition is detected between an inlet port of an inflatable thermal device, such as an inflatable thermal blanket, and an end of an air hose through which a flow of pressurized, thermally treated air is provided to the device by way of the inlet port. The condition may be disconnection of the end of the air hose from the inlet port or the identification of a particular style of inflatable thermal device. A response to the condition may include provision of a perceptible indication that the condition has occurred. Other responses may include cessation of the flow of air or changing an air flow characteristic.

Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-comforming sleeves reduce a person's temperature by evaporative and/or conducting cooling. An open cell foam pad defines an internal air flow passages proceeding according to serpentine or other desired routing. The pad is wetted, and a blower circulates air through the air flow passage and evaporatively cools the pad by removing warm water vapor. By contacting the cooled structure, the person is conductively cooled. The pad also employs evaporative cooling if water is permitted to seep from the foam pad onto the person's skin and subsequently evaporate. Another cooling device is a multi-layer evaporative cooling mattress. The mattress comprises an open cell foam structure having a person-receiving side and a base side. At the person-receiving side lies an absorbent layer with internal liquid delivery lines, and optionally having an outer film applied thereto.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal blanket with a multilayer sheet and a method of use are disclosed for delivering thermally-controlled air to a person. The apparatus includes an inflatable structure formed from joining a first sheet and a second sheet. An inlet is provided into the inflatable structure for receiving thermally-controlled air. A multilayer sheet, made from a plurality of sheets releasably attached together, is attached to the second sheet. Means are provided for exhausting the thermally-controlled air from the inflatable thermal blanket. In the method of use, the inflatable thermal blanket is deployed in a first use and a source of thermally-controlled air is attached to the inflation port admitting thermally-controlled air into the inflatable structure and exhausting thermally-controlled air.

Abstract: A condition is detected between an inlet port of an inflatable thermal device, such as an inflatable thermal blanket, and an end of an air hose through which a flow of pressurized, thermally treated air is provided to the device by way of the inlet port. The condition may be disconnection of the end of the air hose from the inlet port or a change in the value of an air flow characteristic such as temperature or velocity. A response to the condition may include provision of a perceptible indication that the condition has occurred. Other responses may include cessation of the flow of air or changing an air flow characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a facial steamer machine with detachable function units, in which all kinds of skin care appliance are independently constructed into a plurality of function units which are adapted to incorporate with the facial steamer machine, so that the user may selectively combine several function units to detachably connect and equip with the facial steamer machine to form a single skin care system. The facial steamer machine of the present invention can also reduce the overall manufacturing cost by utilizing some common components such as the movable stand and the power wiring arrangement. Therefore, the present invention occupies less storage space and operating space. Moreover, it is easier to maintain too.

Abstract: The present invention is a facial iron comprising a heating element and separate charging base. The facial iron heating element has a spoon shaped heating surface for applying heat to a users skin. The heating surface is attached to a handle having LED's for indicating the charge state of the heating element. The facial iron is constantly being recharged when it is in the charging base. A thermostatically controlled circuit activates the heating element when the temperature of the heating surface falls below a certain temperature. It activates the heating element when the temperature of the heating element reaches a preset temperature. The invention also comprises a three position switch allowing the invention to be shut off and stored in a charged condition for later use.

Abstract: A foot stool with a top that opens up and has a foot warming device fastened to the underside of the top. The top is hinged to one side of the foot stool and opens up to a point where the top is at an angle to the side it is hinged to. At this point the users feet can be inserted into the foot warmer and the feet will be at a comfortable position. When the foot warmer is not in use it is stored inside of the foot stool when the top is in the closed position.

Abstract: A cosmetic foot stool for grooming and massaging the feet comprises a foot support mounted to a base with the foot support being adjustable in height with respect to the base in order that the user may position the foot support in such a way that it is comfortable during use. The foot support defines a recess in an upper surface thereof for receiving a foot of the user. The recess has an inclined surface for receiving the sole of the foot. This inclined surface faces towards the user so that the foot is perpendicular to the line of vision of the user. The foot support is provided with a vibrating device which can be connected to a shoe into which the user can position his foot for receiving a massage. As the foot stool is used for grooming the feet and, for instance, for applying nail polish to the toes thereof, a blower is provided in the foot support with apertures being defined in the inclined surface thereof in such a way that air displaced by the blower flows through the apertures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a patient by electrotherapy and fluidized bed thermal therapy. A body portion of a patient is submerged in a fluidizable bed of solid particles, and the bed is selectively fluidized and de-fluidized as desired while controlling the temperature of the bed of solid particles. Electrotherapy treatment is applied to the portion of the body of the patient submerged in the bed of solid particles through electrodes attached to the body part which are connected to an electrical generator which produces radio frequency signals in continuous or modulated modes. The electrotherapy and fluidized bed thermal therapy may be applied consecutively or concurrently to the body part for treatment thereof.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) device for a limb having pivotally connected first and second body portions. A first carriage member receives the first body portion and is pivotally connected to a second carriage member which receives the second body portion. A drive mechanism reciprocally moves the first carriage member with respect to the second carriage member. A brace is provided for receiving at least the first body portion. A connection device is connected between the brace and the first carriage member for quickly connecting and disconnecting the brace and the first carriage member such that a user can utilize the CPM device without removing the brace from the limb. The connection device connects the brace and CPM device such that the pivot axes of the brace and CPM are aligned during use of the CPM.

Abstract: A method of stimulation of a body surface with application of a fluid matter pressure over a part of the body surface, a mechanical pressure on local points of the body surface, and a temperature change of the part of the body surface, the method comprises the steps of applying a negative fluid matter pressure over the whole part of the body surface; increasing the mechanical pressure on the local points distributed over the whole part of the body surface simultaneously with the applying the negative fluid matter pressure; cooling the part of the body surface simultaneously with the applying the negative fluid matter pressure and increasing the mechanical pressure on the local points; maintaining said negative fluid matter pressure, said increased mechanical pressure on the local points and said cooling over a preset period of time; then raising the pressure of the fluid matter over the whole part of the body surface; reducing the mechanical pressure on the local points of the part of the body surface simulta