Exercising Appliance Patents (Class 601/23)
  • Patent number: 8801638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delordosation device for users of a rehabilitation appliance, in particular for the verticalization of a sit/stand exercise machine or a wheel chair with a seating area and support aids for a user, the seating area supported in a swiveling manner swiveling for verticalization. To avoid hyperlordosis while patients with a restricted mobility are being straightened up in rehabilitation measures or a verticalization in a sit/stand exercise machine 1 or wheel chair, it is provided that the seating area is supported in a swiveling manner, and at least a portion of the seating area is mounted in a movable manner. Thus, a pelvis rotation can be initiated during verticalization, whereby hyperlordosis is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: In-Tra-Tec GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Gierse
  • Publication number: 20140221881
    Abstract: Devices and related methods of use for providing repetitive spinal extension exercise. The device includes a frame extending between a foot end and a head end, a footrest member at the foot end of the frame, and a horizontal seat member between the foot end and the head end of the frame. A height-adjustable back pad fulcrum is attached to the frame between the seat member and a pivoting post is attached to the head end of the frame. The pivoting post is positioned behind the back pad fulcrum, and may be biased to default to an acute angle relative to the seat member. The pivoting post may include a back roller or pad attached thereto (e.g., near a top end thereof) so that a user seated on the seat member may press the roller and pivoting post backwards as the user rearwardly extends an upper portion of the torso.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Better Back Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allyn D. Schlauder, Michael V. Halliday
  • Patent number: 8795207
    Abstract: The portable device for rehabilitating an impaired user having difficulties in executing simultaneous reaching and lifting tasks comprises an armrest whereto the forearm of the user can be fastened and mechanism for enabling the movement of the armrest on a surface. It furthermore comprises mechanism for monitoring the movement of the armrest and mechanism for sensing a force exercised by the arm of the user in an orthogonal direction to the surface. The device enables the user to conduct reaching movements in a large workspace having the forearm supported and fastened. The fact that the forearm is supported and fastened to the device allows for better control of the shoulder training movements, avoiding uncontrolled trajectories at the level of the elbow that are possible in case only a handle is grasped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fundacion Fatronik
    Inventors: Ettore Cavallaro, Thierry Keller
  • Patent number: 8753296
    Abstract: A method of rehabilitation using an actuator type that includes a movement mechanism capable of applying a force that interacts with a motion of a patient's limb in a volume of at least 30 cm in diameter, in at least three degrees of freedom of motion of the actuator and capable of preventing substantial motion in any point in any direction in said volume, comprising: exercising a patient at a first place of rehabilitation selected from a bed, a wheel-chair, a clinic and a home, using an actuator of said actuator type which interacts with a motion of said patient; and second exercising said patient at a second place of rehabilitation selected from a bed, a wheel-chair, a clinic and a home using a second actuator of said actuator type which interacts with a motion of said patient; wherein said first exercising and said second exercising utilize a same movement mechanism design for moving the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Motorika Limited
    Inventors: Omer Einav, Haim Einav, Benny Rousso, Doron Shabanov, Eran Katzir, Gad Binyamini
  • Publication number: 20140163434
    Abstract: A motion state of a wearable motion-assist device of a doctor is sent to the wearable motion-assist device of a patient via a network. Then, this motion state is applied to the wearable motion-assist device of the patient, so that rehabilitation is conducted for the patient. Furthermore, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device of the patient is sent from the wearable motion-assist device to the wearable motion-assist device. Then, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device is applied to the wearable motion-assist device. Accordingly, the doctor can objectively sense the state of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki SANKAI
  • Patent number: 8733362
    Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ann-Christine Krook, Jonas Norberg
  • Patent number: 8727950
    Abstract: The present invention provides an armband designed for wearing by a person who uses a hand prosthesis or a person with impaired hand function. The armband both stabilizes the attachment of the prosthesis thereby allowing pulling exercises that would otherwise be impossible and provides connection to exercise machines allowing the wearer to carry out exercises that would otherwise require the wearer to grasp an operational portion of the exercise machine. The armband is constructed from a sheet of flexible material that is sized to be wrapped around a wearer's arm enclosing substantially all of the arm and the wrist or base portion of any hand prosthesis. The wrapped armband is tightened by attached cinching straps and D-rings are provided attached to the surface of the armband for attachment of portions of exercise machines. An optional shoulder harness can be attached to the armband for additional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20140128782
    Abstract: This is an apparatus used to support a paretic or paraplegic user in a standing position. The apparatus includes a top tubular frame supported by a plurality of vertical tubular members attached to a base. The top frame is open at the front such that a user may position a wheelchair at the opening, in close proximity to the apparatus, and transfer from the wheelchair to the apparatus. The apparatus further includes flexible straps attachable to the two vertical tubular members nearest the opening of the frame. The flexible straps, after having been positioned in strategic locations along the user's lower limbs, function to maintain the user in a standing position. The apparatus further includes a positionable attachable table that augments a user's ability to perform other tasks while standing. The apparatus further includes a wedge upon which the user may stand to maintain dorsiflexed feet position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Zack Andrew Williamson, III, Garett Lang Williamson
  • Publication number: 20140121573
    Abstract: An exoskeleton includes two torque generators, two thigh links, and a supporting trunk rotatably coupled to the thigh links. When a wearer bends forward in the sagittal plane such that the supporting trunk extends beyond a predetermined angle A with respect to vertical, at least one of the torque generators imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and a corresponding thigh link, thus imposing a force onto a wearer's trunk and thighs to aid in supporting the wearer in a bent position. The exoskeleton may include an active or passive means for actuating the generators. When the supporting trunk does not extend beyond the predetermined angle A, the torque generators do not impose resisting torques between the supporting trunk and the thigh links during the entire range of motion of the thigh links, thus enabling a wearer to walk, run and sit without constraint while in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Erich Hacker, Lee-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 8702632
    Abstract: A wearable robot for assisting muscular strength of the lower extremity of a user: The wearable robot can be worn on user's legs and includes a central securing part, a hip joint part hingably coupled to either side of a lower end of the central securing part, a femur part fastened to the hip joint part and having rigidity, a knee part including an outer frame and a knee assistant, and a drive unit fastened to one of the hip joint part and the knee joint part to allow operation of the joint part. The outer frame includes an upper side outer frame fastened to a lower end of the femur part and a lower side outer frame fastened to the upper side outer frame by a rotatable knee joint part Both the upper side outer frame and the lower side outer frame are fastened to the knee assistant worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)
    Inventors: Chang-Soo Han, Jung-Soo Han, Jae-Ho Jang, Seung-Nam Yu, Hee-Don Lee, Seung-Hoon Lee, Wan-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8696604
    Abstract: A muscle force assisting can increase a bending angle of a second attachment with respect to a first attachment. The muscle force assisting device includes the first attachment arranged along one bone of a joint, the second attachment arranged along the other bone of the joint, and an artificial muscle having one end provided on the first attachment and having the other end provided on the second attachment, an actuator that is extensible or contractible by supplying or discharging a substance such as gas, liquid and solid, or a mixture thereof is used as the artificial muscle, and the muscle force assisting device assists motion of a user's elbow, knee and wrist, the one end of the artificial muscle can be displaced with respect to the first attachment, the one end of the artificial muscle is displaced, and a bending angle of the second attachment with respect to the first attachment is increased as compared with a case where the one end of the artificial muscle is not displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kawakami, Toshihiko Ishiko, Keisuke Ueda
  • Patent number: 8696606
    Abstract: There is provided a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine with integrated mechanical deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis for providing simultaneous CPM therapy and DVT prophylactic therapy to a human patient. The passive motion machine may include a base, at least one motor, one or more hinged frame rails, one or more support or suspension structures and a roller assembly. The hinged frame rails are driven to impart CPM to a patient's limb. The roller assembly can be a single roller, a multiple roller unit, or a belt and roller apparatus. A motor and connecting drive rotates the roller assembly. The roller assembly engages the patient's limb and the one or more rollers apply a mechanical DVT prophylaxis therapy to the limb, reducing the risk of blood clotting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Continuous Motionflow, LLC
    Inventors: David Jacofsky, Jeffrey Lyman
  • Publication number: 20140100491
    Abstract: To achieve “ecological” robotic rehabilitation therapy, the present invention provides the system capacity of training of patients in different ambulatory tasks utilizing motorized footplates that guide the lower limbs according to human gait trajectories generated for different ambulatory tasks of interest. A lower extremity robotic rehabilitation system comprises an active pelvic/hip device which applies series elastic actuation to achieve an intrinsically safe and desirable impedance control. A robotic unit features the telepresence operation control that allows a patient stay at home or nursing home to continue his or her rehabilitation training under a physician's remote supervision and monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Jianjuen Hu, Yi-Je Lim, Paolo Bonato, Jienan Ding
  • Patent number: 8690802
    Abstract: A motion state of a wearable motion-assist device of a doctor is sent to the wearable motion-assist device of a patient via a network. Then, this motion state is applied to the wearable motion-assist device of the patient, so that rehabilitation is conducted for the patient. Furthermore, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device of the patient is sent from the wearable motion-assist device to the wearable motion-assist device. Then, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device is applied to the wearable motion-assist device. Accordingly, the doctor can objectively sense the state of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: University of Tsukuba
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
  • Patent number: 8679041
    Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source is arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tatsuya Noda
  • Publication number: 20140081185
    Abstract: This application discloses a hip joint apparatus, or hip harness, configured to align with the femoral head of a user's hip joint for application of pressure, while maintaining proper anatomic position of the femoral head—i.e., aligned behind the actalum—which in turn helps reduce the incident of labral tears and irritation caused when the user squats or lunges too deeply. Thus, the hip harness helps hold the femur head posteriorly from shifting forward during a squat or deep lunge, which in turn, may help to prevent labral tears and irritation. The hip harness apparatus comprises a primary waist belt configured for adjustable attachment around a waist of a user; a secondary thigh belt configured for adjustable attachment around the upper portion of a user's thigh; and a pressure pad, wherein the pressure pad is configured for adjustable attachment with the secondary thigh belt and wherein the pressure pad is configured in shape and size to abut a femoral head of an anterior portion of the user's hip joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Emily Azevedo, Curtis Tomasevicz
  • Publication number: 20140081184
    Abstract: Kneed-A-Hand is a practical device strap worn over the knee that enables its user to lift/raise their leg(s). Kneed-A-Hand measures approximately fourteen inches in length and three quarters inch in width. This strap comprises a main strap that is circular in design to keep the knee at the center. It is manufactured of lightweight, breathable material such as cotton or spandex. The proximal strap lies above the knee and contains a secondary hand strap for lifting the knee. Kneed-A-Hand secures to the knee with a side strap that wraps around the back of the knee and fastens with Velcro or other similar hook and loop fastener. To fit both average and large knees, the loop part of the fastener extends to cover approximately seven inches and the potion cover approximately four to five inches. When wearing Kneed-A-Hand the user simply pulls the hand strap to lift their leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Gilbert Brian Fredrick
  • Patent number: 8663133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lite Run, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Johnson, John A. Hauck, Odd Osland, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8632480
    Abstract: A jointexercising device suitable for both lying and sitting patients comprises a tubular frame (11) having an inclined surface (20, 21), and a leg support (31) movable on the surface via an axle (39) and wheels (40). The support is attachable to the axle either via foot portion (33) or leg portion (32), and in either orientation. The inclination of the frame (11) is adjustable. Fences (51) allow leg lifting exercises without disengagement of the wheels (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Malvern Orthopaedic Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew David Gardner, Petrus Van De Walt
  • Publication number: 20130345603
    Abstract: A medical rehabilitation device includes an inflatable body which is formed of a resiliently deformable, slightly elastic material, the exact configuration and construction of the body, however, being greatly variable. The body may be spherical, or elliptical, ovoid or even hemispherical in shape. A pressure monitoring unit is linked to the device and monitors changes in the internal pressure in the inflatable body in response to deformation of the body as a result of external pressure exerted on the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Andries Willem PIENAAR
  • Patent number: 8613715
    Abstract: A passive exercise therapy station moves a patient's limb or body part through a prescribed range of motion without stress to the patient's limb or associated joints. A frame is formed of a pair of arches joined in parallel to one another, with a pair of overhead horizontal rails. One or more main cables extend over guide pulleys on the frame and past an adjustable guide carriage that travels along the overhead rails. An actuator positions the guide carriage at a desired location on the overhead rails. An exercise cable descends from the guide carriage to the patient. The exercise cable may be a web attached to the main cable. The exercise therapy station may be wheeled between rooms for therapy of a given patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Wright Wellness Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wright, Paul Lindsay, Robert Metzger, Ramona Wright, Deborah Metzger
  • Publication number: 20130324893
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of differential air pressure systems and methods of using such systems. The differential air pressure system may comprise a chamber configured to receive a portion of a user's lower body and to create an air pressure differential upon the user's body. The differential air pressure system may further comprise a user seal that seal the pressure chamber to the user's body. The height of the user seal may be adjusted to accommodate users with various body heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Eric R. Kuehne, Mark A. Shughart, Sean T. Whalen, Douglas F. Schwandt, Robert T. Whalen
  • Patent number: 8597212
    Abstract: A wrist assisting apparatus can smoothly bend and stretch a joint even if a turning shaft of a joint and a rotation shaft of a wearing tool are deviated from each other. Also, an excessive load is not applied to a user. The wrist assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a palm support member for supporting a hand, angle changing members connected to sides of the palm support member, a front arm wearing tool disposed along the front arm, and joint members for forming a rotation shaft of the angle changing member with respect to the front arm wearing tool, wherein the angle changing members are provided on both sides of the palm support member, the joint members are provided on the angle changing members, respectively, and the joint members are located on both sides of a wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kawakami, Toshihiko Ishiko, Keisuke Ueda
  • Publication number: 20130310716
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Jay L. Alberts
  • Patent number: 8579771
    Abstract: A method for reducing an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, David Haaroff, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8562548
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rehabilitation device using a walking assistance device (1) having an actuator which generates and provides torque to a lower limb joint of a wearer wearing the walking assistance device (1), comprising a floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330) configured to store a reference floor reaction force pattern; a control target floor reaction force setting unit (340) for determining a control target floor reaction force based on the floor reaction force pattern stored in the floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330); a target torque calculating unit (350) for calculating a target torque of the actuator to achieve the control target floor reaction force determined by the control target floor reaction force setting unit (340); and an actuator output controller (150) for controlling output of the actuator such that the actuator generates a torque matching the target torque calculated by the target torque calculating unit (350); wherein the floor reaction force that the we
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Shimada, Ken Yasuhara, Tetsuya Ido, Shuichi Wakita
  • Patent number: 8556836
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control system for an exoskeleton haptic device, having: a frame structure, to be coupled to the body of a subject; actuators, carried by the frame structure and operable to cause movement of a number of joints of the body; and sensors, coupled to the body to detect first signals indicative of an intention of movement of the subject. The control system is provided with: a feedback stage, controlling a position of the joints based on a reference position; a feedforward stage, controlling a compliance presented by the exoskeleton haptic device to the subject based on the detected first signals; and a combining block, combining outputs from the feedback stage and feedforward stage in order to generate a driving signal for the actuators, thereby imposing a controlled position to the joints. This primary control action may also be integrated with a posture equilibrium control, for controlling postural equilibrium of the subject during the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Syco di Hedvig Haberl & C.S.A.S.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Menga
  • Patent number: 8551027
    Abstract: In the assist device, the output of an actuator is adjusted so that it becomes lower as a state of charge of a battery exceeds a first threshold value, and also so that it becomes lower as the state of charge of the battery becomes lower. The output of the actuator is controlled on the basis of the state of charge of the battery, so that it is possible to make the agent recognize the change in the state of charge of the battery by changing the output of the actuator, and as a result, to avoid the situation where the agent feels strange with respect to stopping the operation of the assist device following thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Endo, Keishiro Kikuchi, Ritsuo Hara
  • Patent number: 8540652
    Abstract: The present invention relates a system and method to allow users to train different joints of a limb in different planes. The rotation of the system can be driven by a motor to assist or resist the motion for training purpose. By the present invention, the user can use the device to switch training between the vertical and horizontal planes, without changing the device and any module. The system is also adjustable to meet different users' body sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Kai Yu Tong, Rong Song, Chiu Hoi Lam, Wai Man Tam, Shu To Ng, Tak Chi Lee, Man Kit Peter Pang, King Lun Kwok, Yin Bonn Philip Tsui, Woon Fong Wallace Leung
  • Patent number: 8529418
    Abstract: A balance board including a standing platform connected to a pivot ball. The standing platform provides an area for a subject to stand and can be moved by a set of deflector actuators. The deflector actuators can move the platform in both the lateral and vertical directions. A braking assembly is connected to the ball and the braking assembly increases or decreases rotation resistance to the ball. When resistance is increased to the ball, resistance to rotation for the platform is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Falconworks
    Inventors: Duncan Stewart, Thomas D. Meyer, Travis J. Miller, Holden D. Leute, Christopher M. Schroer
  • Patent number: 8529479
    Abstract: A shoulder continuous passive motion (“CPM”) device is provided. The shoulder CPM has a motor and a drive mechanism configured to move a slidable arm holder linearly back and forth. The motor can move the drive mechanism linearly back and forth. The drive mechanism can be attached to the arm holder. A user can insert at least a portion of his arm into the arm holder, such that the shoulder CPM device moves his arm linearly back and forth, thereby providing therapeutic treatment to the shoulder of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8523792
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rehabilitative training device for use with a stroke patient includes a first component that is operatively coupled to a first body part (unaffected body part) of the patient and a second component that is operatively coupled to a second body part (affected body part) of the patient. The first component and second component are operatively coupled to one another such that motion of the first component as a result of movement of the first body part by the user causes the second component and second body part to move in a symmetrical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
    Inventors: Donald J. Weisz, Preeti Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20130226046
    Abstract: The J Walker Rehabilitation “Learn to Walk Again” System is the first of its kind, portable and affordable piece of rehabilitation equipment designed for physical therapy centers and home use. The J Walker is an advanced parallel bar incorporating a unique overhead Travel Bar and Travel Ring System with a harness designed to support patient during therapy. The harnessed patient is attached to the Travel Ring that runs along the Travel Bar. Whether marching in place, taking first steps, or performing more difficult movements, patients can exercise safely in the care of a therapist or caregiver. If the patient loses balance or strength, the harness prevents the patient from falling. The J Walker is equipped with vertical and horizontal adjustable handrails. Handrails are adjusted based on the patient's arm length for optimal comfort. The J Walker has locking wheels that can be rolled to any desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: John Gilbert Salazar
  • Patent number: 8485996
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for improving the object's motion. Data indicative of a measured motion of the object is processed, and a relation between the measured motion and a predetermined correct motion is determined. This relation is indicative of an error in the measured motion. Based on the determined error, an operating signal may be generated to be used to apply an effecting force to the object. The operating signal is such that the effecting force, when applied to the object, will increase a value of the error in the object's motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bioxtreme Ltd.
    Inventor: Nini Bluman
  • Publication number: 20130178767
    Abstract: A physical therapy support device. The device includes a framework sized for surrounding a user. The framework has a frame and legs extending downward from the frame to casters positioned at lower ends of the legs. The support device also includes a harness assembly attached to the frame for suspending a user in the framework. The harness assembly includes a leg loop sized for surrounding a leg of the user and a suspender connected to the leg loop and the frame for suspending the leg loop from the framework to suspend the user inside the framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: RETRAINER INC.
    Inventor: Edward Ronald Dreske
  • Patent number: 8480602
    Abstract: Rehabilitation apparatus for use with unweighting apparatus including a vest having shoulder straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. Also included are a pair of thigh cuffs having resistance straps connected to the unweighting apparatus and a pair of foot straps having gait straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. An elongate roll is suspended from the vest and extends across the patient adjacent the pelvis area of the patient. The resistance straps and gait straps are threaded through loops provided on the front fact of the elongate roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Publication number: 20130158444
    Abstract: A robotic system for simulating a wearable device actuation delivery mechanism and the source removed from the actuation delivery mechanism that is linked to the actuation delivery mechanism by at least one cable. A sensing system detects a physiological feature of the subject and, based on feedback from the sensing system, a control system linked to both the sensing system and the actuation source modulates the actuation source, and thereby modulating actuation of the joint of a subject in response to the physiological future sensed by the sensing system. A method for simulating a wearable robotic system employs the robotic system of the invention to thereby provide a model on which to base design of an ambulatory prosthetic for a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Patent number: 8460222
    Abstract: Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Philippe Garrec
  • Patent number: 8449481
    Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting birth are disclosed. The device is constructed from an elastic material with an elongated center and handles at both ends. A patient grasps the device at one end, while the other end is secured. When the patient experiences a contraction, the patient pulls on the device at a downward angle. The device elastically stretches and causes the patient to utilize correct abdominal muscles for pushing a fetus down a birth canal, thus reducing second stage of labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Birthbuddies Inc.
    Inventors: Sonja C. Rohde, James V. Rohde
  • Patent number: 8435192
    Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed. The exercise device includes an ankle rest structure and a housing. Within the housing, a drive mechanism is provided that is connected to the ankle rest structure. The drive mechanism moves the ankle rest in a reciprocating motion along a generally horizontal plane. The exercise device also includes a knee rest structure spaced away from the ankle rest and connected to the housing. In one embodiment, the knee rest is movable in a horizontal and vertical direction with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: George E. Belin
  • Patent number: 8409119
    Abstract: A walking assistance device including a pelvic frame (10) extending from a lower back to each lateral side of a user, and a belly belt (20) for securing the pelvic frame in position. A power generator (30) is attached to each lateral side of the pelvic frame. A power transmitting arm (40) can be attached to an output member (33) of the power generator simply by hooking an upper part of a base end (41) of the power transmitting arm onto an upper groove (38) of the output member, and pushing a latch member or a slider (46) provided in a lower part of the base end onto a lower groove (39) of the output member. The user wearing the pelvic frame (10) can easily attach the power transmitting arm (40) to the output end of the power generator (30) by easily using a single hand without requiring help.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Shimizu, Tatsuya Noda, Taiji Koyama
  • Patent number: 8409118
    Abstract: An exoskeleton having a first cuff adapted to be coupled to a user's lower limb is disclosed. The exoskeleton also includes a second cuff adapted to be coupled to the user's upper limb and a third cuff adapted to be coupled to the user's body. A first motor is mounted on the third cuff and has a first motor output coupled to the first cuff. A second motor is mounted on the third cuff and has a second motor output coupled to the second cuff. A processor is operatively coupled to the first and second motors to manipulate the first cuff and the second cuff relative to the third cuff such that the first cuff and the second cuff are able to move the user's lower limb and upper limb. A method of operating the exoskeleton is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Sunil Agrawal, Venketesh Dubey, John Gangloff, Elizabeth Brackbill
  • Patent number: 8409060
    Abstract: An exercise bike for rehabilitation includes a frame, on which a first exercise module designed for training hands, a second exercise module designed for training feet, and a damping device to provide the first and second exercise modules loadings are provided. The first and second exercise modules each has two opposite one-way clutches that user may use to independently train his/her hand or feet without interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gee Hoo Fitec Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8398528
    Abstract: A spinal correction device that corrects the spinal column of a user comprising a lower limb exercising part that swings the lumber region to impart a symmetrical motion to positions symmetrical with respect to the spinal column of a user facing forward with his or her trunk erect, a pair of gripping parts provided in a position in front of the lower limb exercising part and gripped by both hands of the user, and a control unit that relatively moves the gripping parts with respect to the lower limb exercising part between the position in front of the lower limb exercising part and a lateral position, with the lower limb exercising part in a driven state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Mikio Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 8359123
    Abstract: A robotic system for rehabilitation using EMG signals to provide mechanical help includes EMG electrodes (6) sequentially connected in series, a DAS card (2) and a control portion (1), and further includes an actuator (3) connected to the DAS card (2) and an additional moment providing portion (4) connected to the actuator (3). The EMG electrodes sense EMG signals corresponding to the muscle of suffering joint, and input the sensed EMG signals to the control portion (1) through the DAS card (2). The control portion (1) uses the input EMG signals and a constant moment set as desired to calculate an additional moment to be applied to the suffering joint, and additional moment providing portion (4) is controlled to apply the corresponding additional moment to the suffering joint through the DAS card (2) and the actuator (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Kaiyu Tong, Rong Song
  • Patent number: 8353854
    Abstract: Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tibion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Kern Bhugra
  • Patent number: 8348869
    Abstract: An upper limbs rehabilitation device includes a main body, a rail, a movable member and a grip, wherein the main body has a first link and a second link pivotably connected to the first link. The rail is connected to the second link. The user holds the grip that is pivotably connected to the movable member and swings the upper limb to move the movable member along the rail so as to exercise the upper limb in multiple degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: SU, Fong-Chin
    Inventors: Fong-Chin Su, Wei-Jr Lin, Chih-Han Chang, Li-Chieh Kuo, Cheng-Chun Chen, Chung-Ying Tsai
  • Patent number: 8257284
    Abstract: A training device isolates muscular force direction from force magnitude to provide improved feedback to a user over conventional exercise equipment which implicitly conflates magnitude and force direction in producing purely kinematic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kreg G. Gruben, Matthew W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8257285
    Abstract: A traction bed having a planar table on which a patient may lie with the head disposed at one end and the feet disposed at the other end. A vibration platform is disposed on the planar table for imparting vibration motion to the patient. A pelvic belt is fitted on the patient and a first strap is connected to one side of the pelvic belt and a second strap is connected to the second side of the pelvic belt. Apparatus is included for selectively applying a tension force to the first and second straps in a direction toward the foot end of the table. Further, a chest harness is fitted on the patient and includes a pair of shoulder straps extending toward the head end of the table. Apparatus is provided for selectively applying a tension force to both shoulder straps toward the head end of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Patent number: RE44360
    Abstract: A vibratory exercise apparatus capable of providing sufficient vertical movement force is provided that adopts a structure of a bobbin coil connected with a vibration plate employed in a magnetic gap of a magnetic circuit using a permanent magnet that can generate a strong magnetic force, thereby providing sufficient vertical movement force to the vibration plate for vibratory exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Seong Bae Kim