Abstract: A continuous passive motion device comprises a leg support frame actuated by alternately, pneumatically inflating and deflating a bladder assembly. The assembly includes a series of interconnected bladders associated with a pump and a three-way solenoid valve, and provided with flaps secured at a common point which act as a hinge. The secured flaps force movement of the bladders in an arcuate path during inflation and deflation, providing an operating force against pivotal components of the device thus actuating it. A photointerrupter control device is provided that controls the angular limits of the desired therapy.

Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus is disclosed which provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a leg stretching component and an arm and back stretching component. The leg stretching component allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180.degree. or more using hand crank or motorized mechanisms. Sliding leg deck construction reduces the pressure on the user's knees during leg stretching exercises. The arm and back stretching component allows the user to maintain his or her arms and back muscles in a fully extended position without applying undue force during stretching. The arm and back stretching component includes a platform on which the user is seated and a stretching pole which can be selectively oriented in three dimensional space relative to the user's waist.

Abstract: A self-assistive shoulder stretching and rotation machine for physical therapy of the shoulder wherein a supine person's forearm is secured to a forearm support that is attached to a horizontal support such that the forearm support may be moved in a 90.degree. arc from vertical in either the left or right direction by the supine person's pulling on a rope. One end of the rope is attached to each side of the forearm support such that a continuous loop is formed. The loop is supported on one side by passing it through pulleys or eyelets attached to a vertical support at one end of the horizontal support. The patient lies in a supine position securing one forearm to the forearm support. When the patient pulls near one end of the rope, the forearm support may be moved in as much as 90.degree. or more to one direction. When the person pulls on the opposite end of the rope, the forearm support is moved back through the vertical position, 90.degree. or more in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The same orthosis can be sequentially used to bend different wrists. The orthosis may be used to bend a first wrist in flexion and a second wrist in extension. When the orthosis is to be used to bend a wrist in flexion, a pair of cuffs and cuff arms are connected with a forearm and hand with the orthosis in a first orientation relative to the wrist. At this time, the cuff arms and an actuator mechanism are disposed in an inner sector disposed adjacent to a palm side of the hand. When the orthosis is to be used to bend the wrist in extension, the orthosis is mounted on the forearm and hand in a second orientation with the cuff arms and actuator mechanism in an outer sector adjacent to the back side of the hand. During operation of the orthosis, force is transmitted from an input member through an actuator mechanism to the cuff arms to pivot the cuff arms about spaced apart parallel axes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a neuromuscular therapeutic method for the relief of pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in humans, comprising soft tissue manipulation, deep tissue manipulation and nerve entrapment manipulation, generally applied in forearm and hand massage and manipulation which is effective in reducing the pain known and associated with the medical term carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting arm movement is provided that is structurally light and simple, does not cause patients to feel restrained, is capable of controlling arm movements with a large degree of freedom and can effectively help patients to make everyday arm movements under their own volition, and to perform functional exercises.

Abstract: Bone disorders may be treated by applying a compressive preload and repetitive impacts. The patient may be maintained in a static position and the preload be provided by gravity or compression. The impact load, impact rate, and a number of impacts determined by a physician prior to treatment are chosen to generate electrical signals in the patient's bone such that the majority of energy of the electrical signals lies between 0.1 Hz and 1 kHz, and the peak amplitude values of the electrical signals lie between 15 and 30 Hz.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which is capable of producing multiple motions. The apparatus is useful in one embodiment as a continuous passive motion foot or hand machine.

Abstract: An adjustable orthotic device is disclosed for promoting joint mobility. The device is adjustable both in terms of the force applied to the joint and in terms of the direction that the force is applied to the joint. The device comprises a spring casing housing, a spring assembly, and a hinge strut assembly. The spring assembly is connected to a joint assembly via a cable and the hinge strut includes a worm gear comprising a worm and a worm wheel mechanically engaged within the joint assembly. The device is useful for sequentially treating flexion and extension contractures without removing the device from a joint of a patient.

Abstract: An ankle calf exerciser/phlebo pump adapted to reduce the development of deep vein thromboses (DVT), leg edema, muscular atrophy and ankle joint stiffness in postoperative orthopedic patients. An efficient and simple driving mechanism is provided from imparting an alternating and reciprocating movement of a pair of foot paddles. The foot paddles are coupled to the driving mechanism such that only the patient's ankles will be flexed while the knee and hip remains stationary. This device is ideally suited for patients with hip fractures, and hip replacement with prosthesis. The speed of paddle reciprocation can be selected, as can the arcuate path of travel of the foot paddles by adjusting the length of a driving rod.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus is for supportively aiding a patient's therapeutic upper limb movements and rehabilitation of those corresponding muscles. A skeletal frame has two exercise assemblies mounted on it. Each exercise assembly has a substantially horizontal boom, a first weight resistance assembly in depending relationship to the rearward end of said boom, a flexible connecting line extending from the first weight assembly and then along the boom to a sling for a patient's upper limb, and a depending leg to which the boom is pivotally mounted at its rearward end for pivot swinging adduction and abduction movement of the boom. An adjustable stop system is associated with the boom pivot mounting and permits step-wise setting of stop limits for the adduction and abduction pivot swinging movement of the boom. The flexible connecting line does not extend across the axis for the pivot of the boom. Color coded connecting lines for different slings and weight assemblies are used.

Abstract: An interactive robotic therapist interacts with a patient to shape the motor skills of the patient by guiding the patient's limb through a series of desired exercises with a robotic arm. The patient's limb is brought through a full range of motion to rehabilitate multiple muscle groups. A drive system coupled to the robotic arm is controlled by a controller which provides the commands to direct the robotic arm through the series of desired exercises.

Abstract: A therapeutic passive motion device for rehabilitating a wrist includes a main housing unit which encloses a reciprocating motion producing device. A yoke member extends outwardly from the main housing unit. A first, generally V-shaped, link mechanism is pivotally connected to an end of the yoke and carries a hand-supporting member. A second link mechanism is pivotally connected to an output member of the motion producing device and to the first link mechanism. An electric motor is advantageously employed to drive the motion producing device, whereby the hand-supporting member is caused to pivot in an oscillating fashion relative to the yoke member and the main housing unit.

Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for stretching tissue by moving a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions includes a first arm with a cuff at its outer end for releasably attaching the first arm to the first body portion, and a second arm with a cuff at its outer end for releasably attaching the second arm to the second body portion. The arms are pivotally connected at their inner ends. An actuator is connected to the arms for applying force to the arms to pivot them relative to each other to move the joint. The actuator includes flexible force transmitting element connected with at least one of the arms, and a drive assembly for applying force to the flexible force transmitting means to move the first and second arms relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible force transmitting element is a rope or cable and the drive assembly is a manually actuatable winch for winding the rope or cable.

Abstract: A device and method for rehabilitation of patients with kinesthetic injuries. The device consists of a base with non-skid feet to securely locate the device on a supporting surface. An upwardly extending guide member is located on the base. A target attachment with target is attached to the guide member. A repositionable platform assembly with a downwardly extending platform support point is placed at a receiving location on the base. From the upper surface of the repositionable platform extends a wand support with a wand tip at its upper end. Optionally, an anti-rotation member can be used to partially prevent movement of the platform. Such an anti-rotation member interacts with the guide member to restrict platform movement. In one configuration, the anti-rotation member is used to prevent yaw of the platform, but allow roll or pitching motion. In use, the patient attempts to move the platform either in single or multiple directions; i.e.

Abstract: An improved muscle exercise and rehabilitation apparatus, which includes a rotary actuator mounted for linear movement along a longitudinal path of movement, and a seat assembly which is mounted for movement along a lateral path of movement, and with the longitudinal path disposed on one side of the lateral path and having one end which intersects the lateral path at a medial location along the length of the lateral path. Also, the rotary actuator is mounted so as to be laterally offset from its supporting post so as to permit the actuator to rotate a full 360.degree. about a vertical axis, and a full 360.degree. about a horizontal axis. The resulting flexibility in the orientation and positioning of the components of the apparatus permits the apparatus to be readily configured to perform a variety of exercising routines, including gravity eliminated exercises. A novel automatic positioning system for the seat assembly and actuator is disclosed, and a novel patient stabilizing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.

Abstract: A stretching machine provides a structural framework upon which a user can perform a series of assisted stretching exercises. The framework includes a number of restraint points where the user can be positioned and stabilized, and a motor-driven tractive line that slowly and safely applies a stretching motion to the user.

Abstract: According to the invention, a stretching machine is provided that can be used both for physical therapy/rehabilitation and for physical fitness. The stretching machine includes both an arm and back stretching component and a leg, thigh, and calf stretching component. The arm and back stretching component includes a mechanism for allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly above his head, directly in front of his torso, or at any angle therebetween. In addition, the arm and back stretching component can be pivoted to an angular orientation with respect to the user's waist, thereby allowing different muscle groups to be stretched. The leg, thigh, and calf stretching component includes a pair of leg supports which when moved apart holds the user's legs in a spread orientation for a period of time to stretch the muscles.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluation of a limb of a test subject. The apparatus generally includes a pedal or grip to secure the distal end of the limb to the apparatus and a seat to secure the proximal end of the limb to the apparatus. A motor and transmission assembly is coupled to the pedal or grip to provide a controlled load to the distal end of the limb. The apparatus also includes a measurement and control system to determine the load to be applied, and to measure and compute the force on each joint of the limb while the controlled load is applied to the limb.

Abstract: A continuous, passive motion device includes a chair to which a motivator assembly is attached for exercising the arm and shoulder of a patient seated therein. The assembly has two interconnected drive units, one of which provides elevation of the arm and the other its rotation when the arm is positioned in a connected pivotal orthosis. The drive units communicate with each other through a microcontroller programmable to avoid exercise physiologically incompatible with the patient's proper range of movement, thereby avoiding exercise-induced trauma.

Abstract: An exercise device for children with muscular impediments that permit the periodic and uniform exercising of a child's limbs. The electronic motor that drives the slidably mounted front and rear brace members can be selectively engaged or disengaged, depending on the child's needs and progress. The brace members hold the child's hands and feet and cause them to move and flex, when forced over a predetermined path defined by front and rear channel assemblies. The mechanism can be selectively engaged and disengaged depending on the needs of the child. Telescopic linkage arms are provided to adjust the extent to which the child's limbs will be moved. A canvas and a mask keep the child horizontally suspended while being exercised.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue that limits compressive forces on the soft tissue around a joint during movement of the joint. The orthosis includes two relatively pivotable cuff arms with a cuff on each arm. The cuffs clamp onto the body portions on either side of the joint. The pivot axis of the cuff arms is spaced from the pivot axis of the joint, so that movement of the cuff arms to extend the joint results in distractive forces being applied to the joint. The cuffs are selectively moved on the cuff arms, during extension and flexion, to provide the proper amount of distractive forces to the joint and to limit compressive forces on the joint. A mechanical advantage is gained through the use of a gear drive mechanism for transmitting to the joint the force applied by the patient. This allows the orthosis to be relatively small and light weight. The orthosis also provides a portable system for continuous passive motion therapy for a joint.

Abstract: A new and improved swimming simulator includes a base support assembly and a pair of arm exercising assemblies attached to the base support assembly. A pair of leg exercising assemblies is attached to the base support assembly. Each of the leg exercising assemblies includes a leg-supporting member pivotally connected to a first portion of the base support assembly. Each of the leg exercising assemblies also includes an extensible and retractable hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly which supports a portion of the leg-supporting member and which is connected to the base support assembly. A bench assembly is attached to the base support assembly and includes a bendable top member, a spring assembly located under the bendable top member and supported by the base support assembly, and a horizontal support member supporting the bendable top member. A user lies down on the bench assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for stretching tissue by moving a joint between first and second relatively pivotable body portions includes a first arm with a cuff at its outer end for releasably attaching the first arm to the first body portion, and a second arm with a cuff at its outer end for releasably attaching the second arm to the second body portion. The arms are pivotally connected at their inner ends. An actuator is connected to the arms for applying force to the arms to pivot them relative to each other to move the Joint. The actuator includes flexible force transmitting element connected with at least one of the arms, and a drive assembly for applying force to the flexible force transmitting means to move the first and second arms relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible force transmitting element is a rope or cable and the drive assembly is a manually actuatable winch for winding the rope or cable.

Abstract: A knee rehabilitating and strengthening apparatus includes upper and lower frame assemblies being securable around a thigh and a shin of a user's leg above and below a knee joint, and a pair of separate torque unit assemblies disposed between the upper and lower frame assemblies at opposing lateral sides of and in alignment with the knee joint and pivotally interconnecting the upper and lower frame assemblies. The torque unit assemblies are operable to adjustably generate resistance to fluid flow in first and second opposite directions in response to respective pivotal movements of the upper and lower frame assemblies relative to one another in opposite directions upon flexion and extension of the user's leg.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the upper and/or the lower joint of an ankle has a frame which can be placed on the floor or can be mounted on or in a bed and supports an adjustable first support of the lower leg of a patient. The first support movably carries a second support for the foot, and the second support can be moved relative to the first support by two discrete prime movers defining pivot axes one of which can be caused to coincide with the axis of the upper joint and the other of which can be caused to coincide with the axis of the lower joint of the ankle between the lower leg on the first support and the foot on the second support. The operation of each prime mover can be programmed, one of these prime movers can be mounted directly on the first support, and the other prime mover can be mounted on a yoke which is carried by the first support.

Abstract: The present device discloses a complete body passive exercise machine. A motor drives a crank shaft which rotates two foot plates about a given point. These foot plates are attached to limited slide joint assemblies which cause the foot plates to flex forwardly and rearwardly while they are being moved in a circle thereby exercising the legs and ankles. The crankshaft is also operatively attached to arm levers which are held onto by the user. The arm levers work such that the one of the user's arms is fully extended while the other is close to the user's body thereby working the arms as well as pivoting the torso.

Abstract: A dynamic orthosis incorporating proportional resistance across a major joint connecting proximal and distal body portions (e.g., the elbow connecting the upper arm and forearm), includes a first orthotic coupler for grasping the proximal body portion for movement therewith and a second orthotic coupler for grasping a distal body portion for movement therewith. A connector connects portions of said pair of couplers and permits said first and second couplers to pivot freely relative to one another about the pivotal axis of the major joint. A resistance is disposed between and operatively connects the couplers for creating a bidirectional velocity proportional resistance in both tension and compression modes to relative pivotal movement of the couplers, whereby rapid dysmetric relative movement of the proximal and distal body portions is dampened more by the resistance than is slow controlled relative movement thereof.

Abstract: A proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise device including a drive motor, gear mechanism connected with the drive motor, a control connected with the motor for operating the motor in either direction, and a rotating member connected with the gear mechanism and adapted to be coupled to a body member of a user for moving the body member in the desired direction. The movable member moves in increments and is lockable at desired positions for holding the body member against a force tending to return it to normal position or a force in the opposite direction. One exercise device rotates the upper torso relative to the spine. Another of the exercise devices rotates the upper legs of a user relative to the hip joints and lower legs relative to the knees. A further device operates the arms forward and backward relative to the shoulder joint and includes parallel vertical shafts movable together and apart to adjust for difference distances between the shoulder joints of a user.

Abstract: A patella exercise device for continuously exercising the patella during continuous passive movement of the knee includes a patella contact pad mounted to a (CPM) device for contacting the patella while the knee is moved in flexion and extension by the (CPM) device. The patella contact pad is adapted to contact and push the patella from a neutral anatomical position during operation of the (CPM) device. Depending on the positioning of the patella contact pad with respect to the patella, the patella is either pushed superiorly or inferiorly during flexion and extension of the knee. The patella is then compressed and tightened during the opposite movement. The patella contact pad may be driven by a spring like cam member to exert a predetermined force against the patella. The patella exercise device is useful for therapy of a knee following injury or surgery and helps prevent patella baja.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joint controlled training of different motoric units for development of functional muscle strength and proprioceptiviety, wherein the direction of action of the resistance is adjusted in relation to the muscle groups or motoric units to be trained. In the method and apparatus all joint positions are arrested for the joints associated with the groups of muscles or the motoric units to be trained. The apparatus incorporates orthoses (1, 4, 5) for arresting positions of all joints which are affected by the muscle groups or motoric units to-be-trained, as well as a non-resilient strap (8). The strap (8) facilitates adjustment of the angle under which a load (12) is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting continuous passive motion to one or more joints, ligaments, or tendons is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing, an actuator, and a flexion/extension assembly. In preferred form, a main flexion cable links the actuator to a joint support member pivotally attached to flexion/extension assembly. Reciprocating motion of the main flexion cable causes the support member to oscillate. A restoring force, preferably a second main cable cooperative linked to the actuator, is present so as to urge the support member to its initial position. The path of motion of the support member can be altered, while the apparatus is in operation, by a cable deflecting assembly. By controlling the degree of cable deflection, the degree of support member motion can be altered.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a tensioned closed looped belt driven by a manually operated force-transmitting member which grips the belt between a cylinder and a support rod in one direction of movement and releases the belt in the opposite direction of movement. The exercise apparatus includes a frame unit, a belt assembly unit and user engagement members, the frame unit being collapsible into a compact unit for storage. The frame unit supports a seat with an adjustable back whereby, through the user engagement members, upper and lower body exercises may be practiced while the user remains seated. A basket may be provided for storage of user engagement members and other elements as desired.

Abstract: Closed system, combined suction and ventilation medico-surgical tube devices include (1) a suction catheter, (2) a suction control valve positioned at the distal end of the system, (3) a multi-port coupling unit through which the catheter is fed for aspiration of a patient, (4) a flexible tubular sheath providing a sterility protective enclosure for the catheter fixed at its distal end to the proximal end of the coupling unit and (5) a sheath relief valve. The coupling units (4) have two separate members, one of which is fitted axially into the other so they may rotate relative to each other about their longitudinal axes to close and open access of the catheter from the sheath through the coupling unit into the patient. The suction control valves (2) have first and second substantially identical parts positioned together along a longitudinal side in sliding engagement with each other for movement between an open and a closed position of the valves.