Hand And Finger Patents (Class 601/40)
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Patent number: 8932240Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Lantz Medical Inc.Inventor: Robert T. Kaiser
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Patent number: 8888724Abstract: An apparatus for passive extension and flexion of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: M.A.R.B. Rehab International, LLCInventors: Ned B. Armstrong, David Mitchell
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Patent number: 8814812Abstract: An apparatus for passive contraction of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: M.A.R.B. Rehab International, Inc.Inventor: Ned B. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20140128783Abstract: System, method and apparatus for carrying out isometric exercises for therapeutic purposes. As employed in a therapeutic mode the apparatus may only be programmed within mandated therapeutic parameter limitations. During therapeutic trials, the user is visually and aurally cued throughout the test sequence and the therapeutic data evolved during the regimen is recorded and recoverable from archival memory. Particular target force modes can be selected to allow stimulation of nitric oxide release.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Ronald L. Wiley
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Publication number: 20140128784Abstract: System, method and apparatus for carrying out isometric exercises for therapeutic purposes. As employed in a therapeutic mode the apparatus may only be programmed within mandated therapeutic parameter limitations. During therapeutic trials, the user is visually and aurally cued throughout the test sequence and the therapeutic data evolved during the regimen is recorded and recoverable from archival memory. Particular target force modes can be selected to allow stimulation of nitric oxide release.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Ronald L. Wiley
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Patent number: 8668659Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a finger motion assisting apparatus that can be attached to a user without precise positioning or aligning the mechanism parts and substantially without size-fitting operation caused by physical size difference. According to the finger motion assisting apparatus of the present invention, the wire guide group 30 includes the first wire guide group 31 located on the palm side of the phalanxes 10, and the second wire guide group 32 located on the back side of the phalanxes 10, the wire is fixed to the finger holding member 20 located on the distal phalanx, the wire 40 includes the first wire 41 inserted through the first wire guide group 31, and the second wire 42 inserted through the second wire guide group 32, and the driving unit 53, 54 loosens the second wire 42 when the first wire 41 is pulled, and loosens the first wire 41 when the second wire 42 is pulled.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Takashi Kawakami
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Patent number: 8652076Abstract: A hand movement device comprises a glove for positioning about a hand of a user, a first anchor element adapted to be positioned about a base surface of glove, a second anchor element adapted to be positioned at a tip of a finger portion of the glove, an active spring member positioned between the first and second anchor elements, said active spring member being fixedly secured to said first anchor element and moveable through said second anchor element to thereby allow said spring member to bend about a joint of the finger when said finger is flexed, an activating element positioned adjacent the active spring member to heat or cool said active spring member thereby causing the spring member to bend or straighten, and an intermediary support device for housing said spring element and for connecting the first anchor element to said second anchor element.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Edward M. Land, H. Lee Mantelmacher, Rebecca German, Marlis Gonzalez-Fernandez, Gad Alon, John Staehlin, Ken Silver, Wayne E. Moore
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Publication number: 20140046226Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: MOUNT SINAI SCHOOL OF MEDICINEInventors: Donald J. Weisz, Preeti Raghavan
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Patent number: 8636624Abstract: A cylindrical gear ring assembly is provided for use as a decorative wearable ornamental device useable as a ring or other piece of jewelry, a toy, and a therapy tool, and more specifically to a ring with a rotatable mechanism comprising movable cylinders which rotate against gear mechanisms and method of using the same.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Kinekt Design, LLCInventors: Glen Liberman, Ben Hopson
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Patent number: 8622939Abstract: An apparatus for applying movement to the joints of a human patient is provided. The apparatus includes an exoskeleton assembly with segments that can be secured to the patient. One or more motor modules are removably coupled to a supporting structure of the exoskeleton assembly, and each motor module includes multiple motor drives. A plurality of actuating members is operatively connected to each motor module. A first end of each actuating member is connected to one of the motor drives and a second end of each actuating member is coupled to a segment of the exoskeleton assembly. Each actuating member can be driven by a respective motor drive to impart movement in multiple degrees of freedom to individual joints.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: BES Rehab Ltd.Inventor: Chau Hoang Thanh Nguyen
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Patent number: 8597212Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takashi Kawakami, Toshihiko Ishiko, Keisuke Ueda
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Publication number: 20130310717Abstract: An apparatus for distal extremity rehabilitation includes a mechanical ground subassembly for disposition on a dorsal side of a patient's distal extremity, at or near a joint of the patient. The distal extremity may include the hand/wrist complex or the ankle/foot complex. The mechanical ground assembly may be constructed to match contours of the patient's distal extremity. The apparatus further includes a distal effector subassembly for disposition upon one or more distal appendages of the patient, the distal effector subassembly coupled to the mechanical ground subassembly. The apparatus also includes an LED thimble subassembly for disposition on one or more finger tips of the patient, and an LED object subassembly with which the patient interacts by manipulating the LED thimble with respect to the LED object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITYInventors: Richard RANKY, Craig PACELLA, Nisha PAREKH, Abnishek SINGHAL, Aaron BICKEL, Constantinos MAVROIDIS
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Patent number: 8574178Abstract: A rehabilitation system for training hand movement of a user, the system comprising: a platform to be attached to the hand of the user; a plurality of finger assemblies operatively connected to the platform, each finger assembly having: a motor, a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint having a proximal rail guide operatively connected to the motor, and an intermediate follower assembly for a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint having an intermediate rail guide operatively connected to the proximal follower assembly; wherein a knuckle joint indicator of the proximal rail guide corresponds to a first virtual center and knuckle joint indicator of the intermediate rail guide corresponds to a second virtual center, the alignment of the knuckle joint indicators to the virtual centers enable motion of the finger to be controlled and maintain rotational axes of the finger about each virtual center when the proximal and intermediate follower assemblies are actuated by the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityInventors: Kai Yu Tong, Peter Man Kit Pang, Mo Chen, Sze Kit Ho, Hongfu Zhou, David Tai Wai Chan
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Publication number: 20130261514Abstract: A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicants: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Rehab-Robotics Company LimitedInventors: Michael Kam Fai TSUI, Kai Yu Tong
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Patent number: 8535205Abstract: A multi-functional group of hand/forearm exercise tools wherein each tool permits the user to strengthen one or more muscles associated with the hand/forearm of the user, and/or to increase radial and ulnar deviation and forearm pronation and supination, or permits the user to mimic a functional task, such as turning a door knob, opening a bottle cap, inserting and turning a key, turning and tightening a nut, and turning and tightening a bolt.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Carolyn Sarah Barnes
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Publication number: 20130237885Abstract: The present invention is a physical therapy device that includes a plate of aluminum, an aluminum base that is perpendicularly attached to the plate of aluminum, a weld that attaches the plate and base together and a plurality of aperture rows that are disposed on the plate of aluminum. The device also includes a plurality of screws and are inserted through the aperture rows disposed on the plate of aluminum, a plurality of locknuts that are twisted onto each screw and a screw driver that includes a distal end with a screw head disposed on the distal end of the screw driver that correspondingly receives and accommodates the screw head of the screws. The user of the device turns and twists the screw driver resulting in a therapeutic strengthening, exercising and rehabilitation of the user's hand, wrist, and forearm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Tony Deering
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Patent number: 8523792Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Mount Sinai School of MedicineInventors: Donald J. Weisz, Preeti Raghavan
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Patent number: 8460222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Philippe Garrec
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Publication number: 20130138021Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital instrument for use in physical therapy, including a gripping force measurement bar which measures the gripping force of a hand when the bar is grasped, a sensor portion which measures the rotation of a wrist when the wrist is turned while the gripping force measuring bar is grasped, a display device which visually displays the degree of the gripping force or the extent to which the wrist is rotated, and a memory portion which stores the degree of the gripping force of a measured value relating to the rotation of the wrist. The invention also relates to a physical therapy method using the instrument. According to the present invention, the degree of motion is assessed on a real-time basis, the degree of motion is easily controlled, and an exercise activity is rendered more interesting since the degree of the gripping force or the extent to which the wrist is rotated is measured and visually displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Daniel Mikesell, Hyoen-Hui Kim
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Patent number: 8425438Abstract: A motion assist apparatus is provided with an attaching member that has a glove shape with finger portions and a middle hand portion that is attachable to one of hands of a user, a back-side actuator that is freely expanded and contracted, and bridged between a tip of each of the finger portions and the middle hand portion on the back side of the attaching member, and a palm-side actuator that is freely expanded and contracted, and bridged between the tip of each of the finger portions and the middle hand portion on the palm side of the attaching member, and in this structure, the palm-side actuator is provided with a wire unit formed of two wires that are disposed on each of the finger portions on the palm side from the tip of each of the finger portions on the back side to the middle hand portion along the finger portion, passing through two side portions of the finger portion, so that intervals therebetween are made different at respective positions corresponding to joints of the finger portion, and rubberType: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Activelink Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiromichi Fujimoto, Go Shirogauchi, Keisuke Ueda, Motoshi Hori, Tatsuro Mizutani
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Publication number: 20130072829Abstract: A hand rehabilitation device (10, 10?), used in rehabilitation therapies of the motility and functionality of metacarpus-phalanx, proximal interphalanx and distal interphalanx joints, injured or reduced subsequent to trauma or the like, in the post-surgery period, or in the case of hand paresis or paralysis subsequent to central nervous system diseases, spinal cord injuries, peripheral neuropathies or the like and/or when the hand joint movements are to be improved in association with the physiotherapist's treatment during rehabilitation sessions, said device flexible, modular, light and comprising a brace (17, 90) fitted to partially cover the patient's hand (19) and forearm (13), the device comprising, all placed on the back of the hand with the palm totally free, flexible rods (36, 58, 104) for a passive and assisted active, concurrent and/or selective, bending/extension of the five fingers according to a complete bending movement or to different angular positions, grasping of objects and/or simulation ofType: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Davide Fausti, Carlo Seneci
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Patent number: 8343014Abstract: A reversible toe manipulation device comprising a separator for inserting between two toes of the human foot, the separator including a duality of shaped openings, each shaped opening adapted for receiving at least one toe and the shaped openings being from 0.25 to 2.0? in depth, at least one of the shaped openings fully attaching around one or more toes so that the separator is attached to the feet and toes, the separator further comprising an adjustable stretch width section that can be altered using a removable stretch width section to the width desired by the wearer, said adjustable stretch width section interposed between the shaped openings, the separator spreading the toes between 0.25 to 2.0? in width, such that when the toes are inserted into the shaped openings the toes are contactless.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventor: Kurt Charles Findeisen
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Patent number: 8328744Abstract: A dynamic hand splint includes as elements thereof: a forearm support section and a hand support section that are configured to be releasably attached to a forearm; and one or more finger tensioners that are releasably attached to the hand support section and that are configured to be releasably attached to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position. A method includes: attaching a forearm support section and a hand support section to a forearm; attaching finger tensioners to the hand support section; and attaching each of the finger tensioners to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Saebo, Inc.Inventors: John Fletcher Farrell, Henry B. Hoffman
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Patent number: 8255079Abstract: A grasp assist device includes a glove portion having phalange rings, contact sensors for measuring a grasping force applied by an operator wearing the glove portion, and a tendon drive system (TDS). The device has flexible tendons connected to the phalange rings for moving the rings in response to feedback signals from the sensors. The TDS is connected to each of the tendons, and applies an augmenting tensile force thereto via a microcontroller adapted for determining the augmenting tensile force as a function of the grasping force. A method of augmenting a grasping force of an operator includes measuring the grasping force using the sensors, encoding the grasping force as the feedback signals, and calculating the augmenting tensile force as a function of the feedback signals using the microcontroller. The method includes energizing at least one actuator of a tendon drive system (TDS) to thereby apply the augmenting tensile force.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Douglas Martin Linn, Chris A. Ihrke, Myron A. Diftler
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Publication number: 20120059291Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating joints of a limb of a patient is provided. The limb comprises a plurality of limb segments, Each limb segment connects one or more joints. The apparatus includes one or more motor modules removably coupled to a supporting structure configured on the limb, each motor module including a plurality of motor drives. The apparatus also includes a manipulating exoskeleton assembly comprising a plurality of exoskeleton segments removably secured on a limb segment. Further, a plurality of actuating members is operatively connected to each motor module of the one or more motor modules. A first end of each actuating member is operatively connected to a motor drive of a motor module and a second end is removably coupled to an exoskeleton segment of the plurality of exoskeleton segments. Each actuating member is driven by a motor drive operatively connected to the each actuating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: BES Rehab Ltd.Inventor: Chau Hoang Thanh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20120059290Abstract: A wearable device (10) for daily finger rehabilitation, the device (10) comprising: a textile material (20); and electroactive polymer (EAP) matrix sets (30) operatively connected to the textile material (20) to form an EAP actuator for a finger (5); wherein at least one EAP matrix set (30) corresponds to a finger joint of the finger (5) for movement of the finger about the finger joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventor: Joanne Yiu Wan YIP
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Publication number: 20120029399Abstract: A wearable type movement assisting apparatus includes a movement assisting glove including a finger insertion part into which a finger of a wearer is inserted, a driving part arranged on a backhand side of the movement assisting glove and configured to drive the finger insertion part, a linear member arranged along the finger insertion part and configured to transmit a driving force of the driving part to the finger insertion part, a biosignal detection part configured to detect a biosignal that causes the finger of the wearer to move, and a control part configured to output a drive control signal to the driving part based on the biosignal detected by the biosignal detection part. The driving part is configured to move the linear member in an extending direction or a bending direction of the finger insertion part based on the drive control signal from the control part.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sankai
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Patent number: 8096924Abstract: Hand therapy methods and hand therapy exercise tools used with graded resistance putty to simulate fine/gross motor skills to improve hand/digit/forearm conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Carolyn S. Mittelsteadt
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Publication number: 20110282253Abstract: A wrist exoskeleton is disclosed. The wrist exoskeleton includes a first means for imparting motion on a wrist of a user in a first degree of freedom corresponding to a flexion/extension of the wrist, and a second means for imparting motion on the wrist of the user in a second degree of freedom corresponding to a radial/ulnar deviation motion of the wrist. The wrist exoskeleton further includes a hand support adapted to be worn on a hand of the user corresponding to the wrist. The hand support and said first and second means for imparting motion on the wrist of the user in the first and second degrees of freedom interoperate with each other in a manner that permits the pronation and supination motion of a same forearm of the user corresponding to the wrist.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Carlo MENON, Kaminska Bozena, Zhen Gang XIAO
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Publication number: 20110264018Abstract: A universal haptic drive system for arm and wrist rehabilitation that includes a hand accessory and a vertical handle for carrying the hand accessory, the vertical handle being movable in a transversal plane. The system furthermore includes a haptic actuator system for applying a force to the vertical handle. The vertical handle includes a universal joint with locking ability. When the universal joint is unlocked, it enables movements for wrist rehabilitation, and when it is locked it causes a stiff substantially vertical handle enabling movements for arm rehabilitation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Zlatko Matjacic, Imre Cikajlo, Jakob Oblak
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Patent number: 8029414Abstract: A finger glove for use in gripping movements with one or more fingers of a human hand enclosed in the glove. The glove includes glove fingers and a palm. At least one glove finger is adapted to include on each side an artificial tendon that extends along an inside of the glove. A yoke is fitted in a tip of the at least one glove finger and intended to surround a tip of an enclosed finger. At each side of the glove finger artificial tendons are connected to the yoke. A system including the finger glove having a force detecting sensor is situated on the inside of the at least one glove finger and is adapted to detect a force between a finger enclosed in the glove finger and a contact surface applied to the finger.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Bioservo Technologies ABInventors: Johan Ingvast, Hans Von Holst, Jan Wikander
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Publication number: 20110071443Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: Mount Sinai School of MedicineInventors: Donald J. Weisz, Preeti Raghavan
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Patent number: 7892194Abstract: A dynamic hand splint includes as elements thereof: a forearm support section and a hand support section that are configured to be releasably attached to a forearm; and one or more finger tensioners that are releasably attached to the hand support section and that are configured to be releasably attached to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position. A method includes: attaching a forearm support section and a hand support section to a forearm; attaching finger tensioners to the hand support section; and attaching each of the finger tensioners to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Saebo, Inc.Inventors: John Fletcher Farrell, Henry B. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7862522Abstract: A Sensor glove is an instrument, in the same way that a piano is an instrument. The Sensor glove is purchased and the owner then learns to use it and the sensors therein to develop the performance of a sound, character or model, or to “conduct” or “play” the sensor movements and experience the response of the model in real time. Several performers with a number of the Sensor glove can control over 200 motors or hundreds of control points on a character at one time, manipulate audio data, or computer images etc. The characteristics of the sensors on the gloves can be adjusted to the needs and demands of the wearer or the many performer and wearers in those venues where multiple performers are used with many gloves to control or produce the motions and sounds of many distinct characters in a screen play.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventors: David Barclay, Glenn Silver, Johan Versteegh, Bruce Lanoil
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Publication number: 20100249675Abstract: A motion assist apparatus is provided with an attaching member that has a glove shape with finger portions and a middle hand portion that is attachable to one of hands of a user, a back-side actuator that is freely expanded and contracted, and bridged between a tip of each of the finger portions and the middle hand portion on the back side of the attaching member, and a palm-side actuator that is freely expanded and contracted, and bridged between the tip of each of the finger portions and the middle hand portion on the palm side of the attaching member, and in this structure, the palm-side actuator is provided with a wire unit formed of two wires that are disposed on each of the finger portions on the palm side from the tip of each of the finger portions on the back side to the middle hand portion along the finger portion, passing through two side portions of the finger portion, so that intervals therebetween are made different at respective positions corresponding to joints of the finger portion, and rubberType: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: ACTIVELINK CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiromichi Fujimoto, Go Shirogauchi, Keisuke Ueda, Motoshi Hori, Tatsuro Mizutani
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Publication number: 20100249676Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a finger motion assisting apparatus that can be attached to a user without precise positioning or aligning the mechanism parts and substantially without size-fitting operation caused by physical size difference. According to the finger motion assisting apparatus of the present invention, the wire guide group 30 includes the first wire guide group 31 located on the palm side of the phalanxes 10, and the second wire guide group 32 located on the back side of the phalanxes 10, the wire is fixed to the finger holding member 20 located on the distal phalanx, the wire 40 includes the first wire 41 inserted through the first wire guide group 31, and the second wire 42 inserted through the second wire guide group 32, and the driving unit 53, 54 loosens the second wire 42 when the first wire 41 is pulled, and loosens the first wire 41 when the second wire 42 is pulled.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Takashi Kawakami
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Publication number: 20100130895Abstract: An apparatus for passive extension and flexion of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Ned B. Armstrong, David Mitchell
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Publication number: 20100042023Abstract: A hand rehabilitation device includes a hand support assembly and a drive mechanism. The hand support assembly being movable to flex and extend the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of a user's hand independently.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITYInventors: Edward Jung Wook PARK, Benjamin John BIRCH, Clifford Edmund HASLAM, Nikolai DECHEV, Imtehaze HEERAH
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Publication number: 20090192420Abstract: An apparatus for passive contraction of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Ned B. Armstrong, David Mitchell
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Patent number: 7481782Abstract: The present invention concerns movement facilitation devices for facilitating movement between a first portion of a first object and a second portion of the first object. One or more of the movement facilitation devices may be combined to form a movement device for facilitating movement of at least one joint or limb of a patient's body. One form of a movement device according to the invention is a glove which at least partially encloses the joint or limb. The invention also encompasses systems for applying Continuous Passive Motion therapy to a joint or limb of a patient using the devices of the invention. The invention also encompasses the use of shape memory materials and of conducting polymers in the devices and systems of the invention, as well as the design of force transducers and actuators that may be used in the devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Northern Sydney Area Health ServiceInventors: Timothy Roderick Dalkeith Scott, Veronica A. Vare, Peter Puya Abolfathi, Gordon G. Wallace, Dezhi Zhou
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Publication number: 20080312564Abstract: Hand therapy methods and hand therapy exercise tools used with graded resistance putty to simulate fine/gross motor skills to improve hand/digit/forearm conditionsType: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Carolyn S. Mittelsteadt
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Publication number: 20080146973Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing feedback regarding chest compressions in CPR comprises a measuring unit, a processing unit and a display unit, where the measuring unit comprises a depth measuring device, a force measuring device, or both. The processing unit comprises a depth signal device and/or a force signal device and a threshold device. The processing unit is structured to output a signal depending on the values of depth and/or force signals with respect to the thresholds. The display unit comprises at least one indicator and is structured to activate the indicators based on the output from the processing device. The system thus measures and processes chest compressions and provide feedback to the user with respect to the characteristics of the compressions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Laerdal Medical ASInventors: Borge Lund, Joar Eilevstjonn, Jon Nysaether, Mathias Molden, Geir Strand
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Publication number: 20080139976Abstract: A fingertip stimulating apparatus that can be easily handled by any one, that can ensure stimulating a fingertip of a hand, and that can stabilize a body temperature of a person similarly to a body temperature of a healthy person by fingertip stimulation is provided. The fingertip stimulating apparatus (1) includes a fingertip arranging unit (3) on which the fingertip of the hand is arranged and a near-infrared generating member (4) irradiating a near-infrared ray onto a region near a border of a fingernail of the fingertip arranged on the fingertip arranging unit (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Toshiki Sugiyama, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Fumikazu Ishiwata
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Patent number: 7273463Abstract: A dynamic gauntlet including at least two of a base, a hand piece, and a thumb piece. At least one of the base, hand piece and thumb piece is constructed of an elastomeric material and includes an anchor having an attachment element extending toward the at least one other of the base, hand piece and thumb piece, which includes an attachment area. The attachment element is secured to the attachment area in a variety of pre-selected locations, thereby providing variable tension in the anchor to reconfigure the hand or digits. A method of the invention includes applying at least two of the base, the hand piece and the thumb piece to a wrist, arm or hand, and securing an anchor attachment element of one or more of these components to a pre-selected location on an attachment area of these components to reconfigure the hand or digits in a desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Allan T. Priore
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Patent number: 7238161Abstract: A therapy apparatus includes a container having an interior volume and having an opening providing access to the interior volume and massaging elements freely located in the interior volume of the container. Each massaging element has a generally spherical exterior and has multiple protrusions projecting from its generally spherical exterior. A patient's hand may be inserted into the container through the opening and be moved among the massaging elements to be stimulated by massaging elements contacting the fingers and both the front and the back of the hand.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Andrei V. Komkin, Alexander S. Pervov
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Patent number: 6942631Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel. There are also disclosed a centralizing means which allows for accurate placement of the means for apply pressure to the top of the hand and also a means for further spreading and fixing the spread in the carpal tunnel region.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Dynasplint Systems, Inc.Inventors: George R. Hepburn, Russell Vedeloff, Terry A. Meharry
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Patent number: 6911011Abstract: A digit therapy device and method for progressively desensitizing a patient's sensitive digit tip such as a sensitive tip of a finger, thumb, toe or big toe. In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one elongated flexible member and an optional torsion adjuster for varying the torsion of the at least one elongated flexible member. In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one ridge and/or at least one strip adapted for progressively desensitizing a sensitive digit tip. In a further embodiment, a novel method is provided for desensitizing a sensitive digit tip comprising, for example, the step of repeatedly running a sensitive digit tip across at least one elongated flexible member, ridge or strip adapted to facilitate the desensitization of the sensitive digit tip.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Inventor: Jody R. Haag
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Patent number: 6908475Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Dynasplint Systems, Inc.Inventors: George R. Hepburn, Russell Vedeloff, Terry A. Meharry
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Publication number: 20040210169Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying graded compression to the hand to remedy the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The device is a passive therapy device which receives the palm of the hand and applies graduated pressure to the top of the hand to relieve carpal tunnel region of the hand by spreading the area of the carpal tunnel. There are also disclosed a centralizing means which allows for accurate placement of the means for apply pressure to the top of the hand and also a means for further spreading and fixing the spread in the carpal tunnel region.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: George R. Hepburn, Russell Vedeloff, Terry A. Meharry
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Patent number: 6740051Abstract: A passive therapy device useful for bringing back mobility to the wrist, forearm and/or elbow after immobilization. The device provides therapy to restricted tissue in the wrist, forearm and/or elbow while applying passive tension during therapy. The therapy device is able to readily convert from supination therapy to pronation therapy. In addition, the device can be converted for either right hand use or left hand use.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Dynasplint Systems, Inc.Inventors: George R. Hepburn, Russell Vedeloff