Abstract: A method for providing a therapeutic benefit to a person wearing an article having first and second tactile stimulators bilaterally positioned in the article to be in therapeutic contact with the person when the article is worn by the person. A controller (mobile device) activates the first tactile stimulator to provide a first stimulation for a first time period and activating the second tactile stimulator to apply a second stimulation for a second time period beginning at least commensurate with a cessation of the first time period. This process is repeated for a therapeutically effective number of repetitions so that the first and second stimulations are applied bilaterally to the body of the person without a perceivable pause in stimulation between the first stimulation and second stimulation to provide the therapeutic benefit to the person.

Abstract: A method for providing a therapeutic benefit includes receiving sensor data from one or more physiological sensors and environmental sensors associated with a person and determining whether the sensor data exceeds a threshold. When the sensor data exceeds the threshold, a controller activates a first tactile stimulator to provide a first stimulation for a first time period when the sensor data exceeds the threshold and then activates a second tactile stimulator to apply a second stimulation for a second time period beginning at least commensurate with a cessation of (at the same time or overlapping) the first time period. The bi-lateral stimulation is repeated for a therapeutically effective number of repetitions such that the first and second stimulations are applied bi-laterally to the body of the person without the individual perceiving a pause in stimulation between the first stimulation and second stimulation to provide the therapeutic benefit to the person.

Abstract: A flexible vibrating mat for soothing a child includes a plurality of electric vibratory motors and a plurality of cylindrical motor casings. Each motor casing is associated with a single electric vibratory motor and is generally the same size as the associated electric vibratory motor. The mat additionally includes a controller. The controller is configured to selectively electrically couple the plurality of electric vibratory motors to an electric power supply. The mat further includes a flexible core coupled with the plurality of motor casings and a water-resistant cover covering the core, the plurality of motor casings, and the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is a vibrational roller utilizing a motorized vibrational drive using a plurality of eccentric weights and associated supports. The weights are positioned along the axis of rotation in a manner to synchronize them and minimize vibrational dissipation throughout the roller. Each weight has at least one associated support. The supports then transmit vibrational forces to the surface of the roller in an evenly distributed manner. A second co-operational motor may be used to extend motor life and aid in initiating vibrations. A control panel and associated circuitry are utilized to alter vibrational characteristics. The roller may be battery powered or powered through a standard wall outlet. The roller itself is manufactured of a durable yet deformable material, such as foam rubber, and may be inserted into selectable sleeves of varying physical properties for desired effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel implementation of a low cost eccentric mass motor vibrotactile transducer providing a point-like vibrational stimulus to the body of a user in response to an electrical input. Preferably the eccentric mass and motor form part of the transducer actuator moving mass. The actuator moving mass is constrained into vertical motion by a spring between the actuator housing and moving mass. The actuator moving mass is in contact with a skin (body) load. The actuator housing is in simultaneous contact with the body load. The body load, actuator moving mass, spring compliance and housing mass make up a moving mass resonant system. The spring compliance and system component masses can be chosen to maximize the actuator displacement and/or tailor the transducer response to a desired level.

Abstract: An eccentric mass (EM) motor in a vibrotactile transducer provides a wide band vibrational stimulus to a mechanical load in response to an electrical input. The eccentric mass and motor may form part of the transducer actuator moving mass, which is in contact with a load, i.e, the skin of a user. The moving mass and the actuator housing may be in simultaneous contact with the load. The moving mass may be guided by a spring between the actuator housing and the moving mass. The load, moving mass, spring compliance, and housing mass make up a moving mass resonant system. The spring compliance and system component masses may be configured to maximize the actuator displacement and/or tailor the transducer response to a desired level. This configuration may be implemented as a low-mass wearable wide-band vibrotactile transducer.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.

Abstract: A massage apparatus having a main unit in operative association with a first massage actuator and a second massage actuator is disclosed. A hollow prosthetic member having a plurality of annular protrusions encases the first massage actuator, while the second massage actuator may be engaged to a detachable connecting ribbon that may be secured to different portions of the plurality of annular protrusions in order to change the position of the second massage actuator relative to the first massage actuator.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include a motor, including a housing with a flange, an adjustable mattress support having a lateral surface, and an opening with a perimeter disposed within the lateral surface; at least one bracket coupled to the mattress support providing a lateral support surface inside the perimeter of the opening, the lateral support surface shaped and sized to laterally support the flange such that the motor is positioned to impart vibration to a mattress on the mattress support; and a resilient material disposed between the flange and the lateral support surface to provide mechanical insulation therebetween.

Abstract: In combination, vertically percussive vibration and non-symmetrical forces are applied to a patient. The non-symmetrical forces may be generated by a variety of unevenly applied weights that are supported at appropriate body locations in a manner that upsets normal body load symmetry. The non-symmetrical forces in combination with vertically percussive vibrations induce neuromusculoskeletal proprioceptive re-education and development within a living body to correct musculo-skeletal disorders including but not limited to scoliosis. A special posture modifying chair and head-orienting glasses may be used instead of or in addition to unevenly applied weights. An additional force concentrating treatment apparatus is also presented.

Abstract: A massage apparatus having a main unit in operative association with a first massage actuator and a second massage actuator is disclosed. A hollow prosthetic member having a plurality of annular protrusions encases the first massage actuator, while the second massage actuator may be engaged to a detachable connecting ribbon that may be secured to different portions of the plurality of annular protrusions in order to change the position of the second massage actuator relative to the first massage actuator.

Abstract: A therapeutic bed mattress. In one embodiment, the bed mattress includes a mattress frame (1A), rope elements (26) are secured substantially to an upper surface of the bed frame. The rope elements are secured between at least two sides of the bed frame. At least one vibration member (16) is attached to and below the rope elements. The vibration member includes a shaft (12), a pulley (13) attached axially to one end of the shaft, and a counterweight (11) attached to the shaft. At least one motor (10) including an output shaft (12) and a motor pulley (14) axially attached to the output shaft vibrates the rope elements. At least one belt (9) is secured between the pulley of the vibration member and the motor pulley of the motor, such that when the motor is powered, the output shaft of the motor rotates the motor pulley which rotates the belt such that the pulley of the vibration member is rotated to rotate the shaft of the vibration member and the counterweight, in order to vibrate the rope elements.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having an upper frame mounted to translate with respect to a lower frame. A center support is connected to the upper frame and has a head support pivotally connected to one end thereof. A thigh support is pivotally connected to the other end of the center support and a foot support is connected to the other end of the thigh support. The bed includes an improved mounting for a massage motor in which a resonator board is mounted on resilient spacers on an upper surface of a support platform.

Abstract: A vibrating massage table includes a base, a plurality of resilient support members secured to the base, and a platform supported by the resilient support members. An eccentric drive is connected to some of the plurality of resilient support members, such that eccentric operation of the eccentric drive transmits vibrations along the resilient support members to the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the coating of a human body with a tanning composition, such as a sunless tanning composition, wherein an arm with a plurality of nozzles thereon traverses within a booth to spray coat a body in the booth. The spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air flows and excessive air flows which cause inefficient and uneven, dripping or streaking in the deposition of tanning composition on the skin. In another aspect, the apparatus provides for a foot rinser to rinse the feet of a user while the apparatus applies a sunless tanning composition to the user to avoid overly darkening the user's feet. In yet another aspect, the apparatus provides for a sanitation system to wash-down the spray booth between successive uses.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus utilizing a hand held controller includes a microcontroller to actuate a plurality of vibrators positioned within a cushion using pulse width modulated signals. The microcontroller is programmed such that each zone may be actuated independently and continuously, simultaneously and continuously, or sequenced at a selectable rate controlled by the user. The hand held control uses multiplexing of the switch inputs and LED outputs to control twelve LEDs and five vibrating motors via eight switch inputs using a microcontroller having only thirteen I/O lines. A warning timer is also provided to remind the user that the device is turned on at periodic intervals.

Abstract: An audio-responsive massage system includes a pad for contacting a user of the system; a plurality of vibratory transducers, each transducer having an eccentric element for vibrating the pad at variable intensity and associated vibration frequency in response to a power signal; a microphone for response to a remotely located source to provide an audio signal; an audio filter for selecting a desired frequency characteristic of the audio signal; a detector circuit for producing a control signal as an amplitude envelope of the audio signal and including a detector diode connected for feeding a low-pass filter; a power amplifier for producing the power signal in response to a control signal; and a sequencer for periodically activating different ones of the transducers for drive by the power amplifier.

Abstract: A hot and cold massaging unit (10) comprises a housing (12) having a receptacle (26) therein. A plurality of vibrators (36) are surrounded by padding (34) in the housing. A plurality of gel packs (32) which are capable of retaining heat and cold, are insertable within receptacle (26) which is then closable by a zipper (28). Gel packs (32) can therefor also be removed from and replaced in the receptacle.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus with audio signal control that includes an elongated pad, a power supplying system, a hand-held controller, an audio signal input system, and a plurality of vibration generators. The vibration generators are mounted in the elongated pad. The audio signal input system receives an external audio signal source either by a signal input line in wireless receiving mode or a microphone in wire receiving mode. The vibration generators are actuated under control of the controller responsive to the signal amplitude and frequency of the received audio signal. The controller is further provided with a plurality of LED indicators for visually indicating the operation of the vibration generators responsive to the signal amplitude and frequency of the audio signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a massaging device and vibrator for providing soothing vibrations to the body of a user. One aspect of the massaging device includes an article of furniture, a vibrator comprised of an electric motor with an eccentric rotor, and means for attaching the vibrator to the article of furniture so that the rotor rotates and induces vibrations in a plane that is parallel to the user contacting surface of the furniture. The vibrator itself is constructed to enable it to be easily attached to articles of furniture that are constructed in various ways from varying materials. A further aspect of the massaging device comprises a pad device having a soft, flexible, upper supporting surface, and a vibrating device with an eccentric rotor mounted in the pad device so that the rotor has an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the upper supporting surface of the pad.

Abstract: A power supervised emergency warning device provides a shaking motion to a piece of furniture coupled thereto upon receipt of an electronic actuating signal from an external closed contact type device. A backup battery provides power to the device in the case of a main power outage. External warning devices may be coupled to the device which are activated upon receipt by the device of the actuating signal. Additional external device hook-ups are provided as well as the ability to be coupled to auxiliary modules. The auxiliary modules accept actuating signals from additional external closed contact type devices to produce shaking. Additional indication devices may also be coupled thereto. Additional auxiliary modules may also be chained thereto.

Abstract: A portable, compact, self-contained child pacifying device is disclosed for use with infant support structures. The device may be attached to such infant support structures through attachment means allowing ready attachment and removal of the pacifying device. The attachment means may include projecting tabs or a pivotable retaining arm located proximate a vibration dampening means. A biasing means retains the attachment means and the pacifying device in position. The device comprises an integral outer case structure within which a battery powered vibratory source is mounted to produce a vibrating motion. The outer case structure attaches to the child carrier through a mounting arrangement fixedly attached to the exterior of the case structure and attachable to the infant support structure.