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

Abstract: A patient transfer and training aid includes a chassis to which a lifting unit is attached. The lifting unit includes a lifting arm assembly and an active foot support assembly fixed to the chassis. The device also includes a control unit which operates motors of the lifting arm assembly and the active foot support assembly. A patient can activate the foot support assembly to provide vibratory movement of the foot support assembly in order to provide muscle toning and training able to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of the patient. The device can also be used to aid in the transfer of a patient from one location to another. The device can be used in a variety of different configurations to provide different forms of patient support and training.

Abstract: Spinal pedicle screws are placed into vertebrae from the same approach and the same anterior, anterolateral or anterior/lateral exposure that is used for an anterior/lateral spine operation, during the same surgical procedure as the spine operation. Once the anterior spine operation is complete, pedicle screws are placed into the vertebrae with a front-to-back trajectory, in a generally anterior, lateral, anterolateral, or contralateral trajectory, avoiding the need for a second operation exposing the posterior spine.

Abstract: A device is taught that rejuvenates the skin of a users brow, eyes and body which consists of a vibrating sheet. The vibrating sheet of flexible contains a series of holes through the surface in a parallel array. An acrylic sphere partially passes through each hole permitting containment therein. A layer of silicone, the same thickness as the sheet, sandwiches the spheres, and a coin-sized vibrating motor powered by a battery is adhered to the body with a belt member retaining the device onto the user.

Abstract: A vibration-exercising machine has a supporting frame, a main platform being mounted on the supporting frame, at least one additional platform being mounted on the supporting frame and multiple vibrators being mounted in each corresponding platform. The vibration-exercising machine allows different parts of a user to be vibrated and exercised efficiently at the same time with easy and comfortable poses.

Abstract: An amplitude change-over device for a body vibration machine includes two eccentric units respectively fixed on the opposite ends of a rotating shaft driven by a motor. Each eccentric unit contains an eccentric driving plate secured with the rotating shaft for rotating together and an eccentric driven plate movably fitted on the rotating shaft at one side of the driving plate. Either one of the driving plate or the driven plate has a surface bored with a slide groove with the rotating shaft acting as a pivot, and another one has a surface provided with a projecting stud inserted in the slide groove. The motor is a right-handed and left-handed one. When the motor is chosen to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, the included angle of the driving plate and the driven plate is changeable and hence amplitude power is adjustable by using a single motor.

Abstract: A playing rack intended for stimulating children having functional disorders includes a base and a platform, on which a child can stand, holding onto and/or be held by a holding device, e.g., a hand railing. An intermediate plate is mounted between the base and platform to give the platform a limited movability. To achieve a stimulation of the growth of the child's skeletal structure the platform can be vibrated by vibrators. To stimulate the child's motor function and give a positive playing experience the platform can be given other movements. Thus, fluid operated bellows can raise, lower and tilt the platform. Motors attached between the base, the intermediate plate and the platform can displace the platform in a controlled way in various ways, e.g., rotating it. Inputs are mounted at the railing to be operated by the child, giving signals to a computer connected to the vibrators and motors to make the platform vibrate and perform other movements as controlled by the child's input.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: At least one apparatus capable of producing resonant vibrations, such as at least one vibrational therapy apparatus that includes at least one platform member having at least one vibrating plate assembly for providing vibrational energy is disclosed. The platform member is configured for mounting to a patient support structure such as a bed or a surface of a pallet. The vibrational therapy apparatus includes a mounting apparatus configured to receive the at least one vibrating plate assembly for securely positioning and removably mounting the at least one platform member to the patient support structure, such as with respect to a surface of the bed or of the pallet. A mounting apparatus is configured to support at least one apparatus capable of producing resonant vibrations, wherein the mounting apparatus is configured for and adapted for mounting the at least one apparatus capable of producing resonant vibrations to a patient support structure.

Abstract: A belt for weight reduction having a buckle that fits over the abdomen and stomach, the buckle having one or more air bladders with pressure sensors, an air pump, and a massager. The air bladders are maintained at a constant pressure as signals from the pressure sensors activate the air pump to fill or deflate the air bladder. The constant pressure applied chronically to the abdomen reduces hunger and food intake to produce weight loss. Activation of the massager helps to further control hunger between meals.

Abstract: The invention teaches the use of a surgical instrument for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.

Abstract: A passive-motion having a support surface provided by a plurality of bellows-like or bladder-like cells which are sequentially or independently inflatable and deflatable to alter the configuration of the support surface continuously to cause a person seated on the support surface to continuously and instinctively adjust the additude of his spinal column and associated muscles.

Abstract: Apparatus for massaging the body by subjecting the body to impacts from reciprocating plungers. The plungers are secured in a flat array within a flexible pad. Each plunger has an associated solenoid device which alternately causes the plunger to project from the pad and to retract within the pad. An electrical circuit includes a power cord and plug assembly, manual controls disposed serially on the cord and plug assembly, and a controller generating operating signals randomly to the solenoids. A heating element is optionally included in the flexible pad, with a suitable controller provided among the controls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of improved water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a reclining or prone position on a top membrane of a enclosure which contains heated water, and air. A water pump recirculates the water which is drawn out of the enclosure through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced into the interior of the enclosure through venturi air intake as waterjets that are mixed with air. The air enriched waterjets drive through a layer of water and impinge on the underside of the top membrane to produce massage effects on the person. The air is captured inside the enclosure in a chamber or pocket which rises above the water level within the sealed enclosure and is drawn out of the interior enclosure to the air inlet waterjet venturi for recirculation of air throughout and within the sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A massaging device is so arranged to allow a massaging member thereof to simultaneously perform a vibrating action and a kneading action on the same body part to be massaged, and not to require any increase in the size thereof. The present invention provides a vibrator-type massaging device including a casing and a vibrating plate provided on top of the casing so as to vibrate at a high speed. A massaging member is provided on the vibrating plate and includes a top surface serving as a contact surface for contact with a human body. A kneading means having a pair of kneading balls which swing in the same plane as that of the contact surface of the massaging member is provided inside the casing so as to knead a human body.

Abstract: A double-sided massager includes a housing with a slot sized for receiving a hand. Opposing sets of massaging members are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the slot for simultaneously massaging both sides of the hand. The massaging members are driven in a reciprocating up and down motion by crankshafts driven by a motor. One set of massaging members is attached to a movable carrier, which is adjustable so that the spacing between the opposing sets of massaging members can be varied for fitting hands of different thickness. In a second embodiment, the housing is wide enough for massaging both hands simultaneously. In a third embodiment, a pair of housings, each sized for receiving one hand, are hinged together for massaging the hands in a vertical position.

Abstract: A massaging device is so arranged to allow a massaging member thereof to simultaneously perform a vibrating action and a kneading action on the same body part to be massaged, and not to require any increase in the size thereof. The present invention provides a vibrator-type massaging device including a casing and a vibrating plate provided on top of the casing so as to vibrate at a high speed. A massaging member is provided on the vibrating plate and includes a top surface serving as a contact surface for contact with a human body. A kneading means having a pair of kneading balls which swing in the same plane as that of the contact surface of the massaging member is provided inside the casing so as to knead a human body.

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