Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating a shoulder joint, by independently manipulating the upper arm in two directions. One direction is “longitudinal”, wherein the upper arm moves substantially along its longitudinal axis. The second is “lateral”, in which the upper arm moves laterally from a first to a second position, with the second position being spaced apart from the first and such that the longitudinal axes of the upper arm in the two positions are substantially parallel. The apparatus is adjustable, but includes two parts stationary during use; an elongate yet platelike “upper arm supporting plate” configured to be situated under the upper arm of the patient (extending proximate the armpit and extending proximate the elbow) and an elongate “forearm member” configured to be positioned proximate the forearm of the user when the user's arm is in position bent approximately 90 degrees.

Abstract: A hose-clamp system for securing a hose to an air connector that engages an inflation port of a garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow of a human foot. The system includes a fitting having an internal stem and an external stem, the internal stem configured to engage an inside diameter of an end of the hose, a cradle configured to received the internal stem and the end of the hose and having opposing locking protrusions, and a seal positioned from the locking protrusions at substantially the length of the internal stem and configured to engage the external stem.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device kit comprises a cervical traction/stretch device including an expandable bellows section which is made of non-elastic and non-stretchable material. The device further includes a shoulder section which can be fixed to or made integral with the bellows section. At least two, preferably three, interchangeable head sections are provided so that substantially all human head sizes can be supported by the device. Also provided is a head frame section which is releasably assembled with one of the head sections, the bellows section and the shoulder section to provide a cervical traction/stretch device. The bellows section, the shoulder section and the head section have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive and support a patient's neck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a splint for a joint connecting two parts of a human body or of an animal, such as the ankle, knee or elbow for example, comprising at least one rigid shell (1,2), globally concave, for positioning around the joint in order to support said joint. The splint comprises, on the internal face thereof, in other words the concave face, a chamber (3,4) made from a flexible plastic material which may be placed under pressure by any suitable means, and positioned on the internal face of the shell (1,2) to provide a supportive cushion between said shell (1, 2) and the joint and covering at least a part of the internal face of the shell (1,2).

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A joint therapy system and method is shown for proving thermal therapy and joint stability in dual modes of operation. In some embodiments, a treatment system is shown utilizing an orthopedic support for supporting a joint region and having one or more of temperature control capabilities, compression capabilities, and bracing capabilities that may, for example, be used to reduce recover time, limit edema, and protect joints from improper movement while healing from orthopedic surgeries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt-type wrinkled band used for healing a hernia of intervertebral disk or protection the intervertebral disk. In particular, the expansion and contraction by air-injection can be achieved, without using a rubber tube for the contraction and expansion.

Abstract: Active suctioning is used to evacuate a fabric, film or membrane for the purpose of securing orthotic, prosthetic, or other body worn articles, including sports-related articles. In contrast to the straps and tight-fitting approaches of existing devices, the inventive methods and apparatus provide for a slip-free seal to surrounding body parts, thereby simplifying construction, reducing weight, and enhancing comfort. The invention is applicable to any type of orthosis, prosthesis, foot wear, mitts, gloves, and so forth, including apparatus associated with the ankle and foot, knee, hip, back and neck, shoulder, elbow and hand.

Abstract: An air-tight foam-filled bladder is used for varying massage intensity in a massage chair, massage mat, or other massage device. The bladder may be compressed from a default or relaxed thickness by evacuating air from the bladder. The thickness of the foam-filled bladder may be reduced to a collapsed thickness in which the foam is compressed within the bladder. In use, the foam-filled bladder is placed proximate a conventional fixed massage mechanism in a massage device, such as in the back rest of a massage chair. By controlling the amount of air evacuated from the bladder, the intensity of the massage is controlled by varying the amount of pressure exerted by the fixed massage mechanism on the user. In the case of a massage chair, the user may advantageously sit back in the chair without discomfort when the user does not want a massage, and may control the intensity of the massage provided by the chair.

Abstract: A limb wound treatment device is described having a first end, a second end and an interior therebetween for accommodating a treatment gas. The device can include a flexible housing that can be inflated or a rigid housing. The first end can include an inflatable cuff seal for hermetically sealing against the limb being treated. The second end can include a closed end or an access port that is releasably sealed with a clamping mechanism. Further, the device can include a controller that can inflate that housing, inflate the cuff seal and provide treatment gas to the interior, in response to pressures within the cuff seal and the housing. Further, the device can accommodate different types of wound treatments, such as hyperbaric therapy, compression therapy or negative pressure therapy.

Abstract: A flexible fluid filled actuator has an elastic bladder and a guide surrounding the bladder. The guide has asymmetrical elastic properties. When the bladder is inflated the guide directs the bladder to expand preferentially in a selected direction or directions. The actuator has utility in the traction and/or unloading of portions of the body. A fluid-filled traction apparatus is disclosed which has particular advantages in spinal unloading.

Abstract: A support device (1) comprises a first support structure (6) which is conformable to an object to be supported, and a second support structure (2) which has an activated state in which the second support structure substantially locks the first support structure into a conformed shape, and supports tensile loading on the support device, and an inactivated state in which the first support structure is able to conform to an object.

Abstract: A compression device for applying compression to a part of a wearer's body. The device includes a bladder including first and second of fluid impermeable layers secured to one another to define an inflatable chamber. The device includes a substantially rigid counterforce component having an opening. An attachment member extends outward from the first layer of the bladder. The attachment member is received in the opening of the counterforce component to attach the counterforce component to the bladder.

Abstract: A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising: a first sleeve comprising a multiplicity of pressure-applying resilient protrusions configured to apply a therapeutic pressure to a surface of the body part of a patient; and a second sleeve slidably received over the first sleeve, the second sleeve configured to apply a pressure to the first sleeve, thereby increasing the therapeutic pressure applied by the first sleeve on the limb.

Abstract: A neck support/brace for protecting a neck has a flexible collar with a top wall, bottom wall, sidewalls and sectional walls disposed therebetween that form compartments therein. A plurality of cells are disposed within the compartment. Each of the fluid cells have a valve element disposed therein. When the pressure acting upon the cells is below a threshold pressure, fluid or air flows through the valve element to allow movement of the neck. Alternatively when the pressure on the cells is above the threshold pressure the valve element closes preventing fluid or air flow out of the fluid cell thus causing the cell to stay inflated and provide resistance to a neck movement.

Abstract: A multi-fit orthotic structure including an attachment system for coupling the orthotic structure to a wide variety of subjects without requiring a custom fit. In one embodiment, active mobility assistance is provided via an orthotic system capable of integrating a linear actuator and linkage system to deliver torque to the lower leg of a subject to facilitate flexion and/or extension motion of the subject's leg. The orthotic structure is attached to the subject using a textile suspension system which does not require the orthotic structure to interface directly in the knee region or at the lateral areas of the thigh and calf of the subject, thus providing an ideal fit for the widest possible range of subjects with the minimum number of required sizes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for reducing anterior shoulder dislocations in a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a humeral cuff, an inflatable bladder, a source of pressurized gas in select fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, and at least one elongated belt attached to the humeral cuff. In another embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises the apparatus of the present invention and at least one weight configured to selectively couple to at least a portion of the at least one elongated belt. In a further embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise positioning the patient in a substantially prone position, providing the system of the present invention, selectively positioning the humeral cuff in an operative position, and attaching at least one weight to at least one elongated belt such that downward graviational force is applied to the patient's arm to effect the desired reduction.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air bladder chamber to the extremity. An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. One or more fluid-filled pressurized members are provided, each separate and distinct from the flexible member and the air bladder chamber and thus readily moveable relative to the flexible member and the air bladder chamber. The pressurized member(s) preferably includes a sponge on its underside and is operably disposed between the extremity and the flexible member whereby it applies increased localized pressure to the extremity during use.

Abstract: An inflatable splint is presented. The splint comprises integral foot-accommodating portion, calf-accommodating portion and intermediate, ankle-accommodating portion. The splint is configured to be fitted over a leg part comprising a foot, ankle and calf such that front faces of the leg part are exposed. The splint has a collapsed state and has an open state in which it can be mounted on the leg part. When opened, the splint assumes the general form of the leg part.

Abstract: A device intended to provide stabilization of a subluxed joint through a pneumatic air chamber combined with a plurality of straps designed to provide ease of use to the patient with a subluxed shoulder joint. This pneumatic sling will allow the user to operate this device with one upper extremity and improves independence to this population. The combination of the air chamber to the sling will provide added comfort by conforming to the discrepancies of an individual's body contours. The design of this invention with the manual pump and release valve will allow the ease of donning and doffing the device.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder position a distance from a joint is attached to an external structural support which crosses the joint but does not support it. By inflating the bladder one limb segment is forced towards the external support thereby increasing the ranges of motion of that joint. Further, the inflatable bladder has an instant release valve which, when pressed, will instantly release the pressure within the bladder. The limb is positioned intermediate the bladder and the external structural support for optimal biomechanical efficiency.

Abstract: The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, and at least one rigid member. The rigid member includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably provided in the rigid member for drawing air from between the rigid member and the liner, i.e. to create a vacuum. Furthermore, an external, internal or integrated chamber or rigid reservoir is preferably included, and is in communication with the wick filled area between the rigid member and liner, to hold a vacuum.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed within the boundary of the least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a fracture sight that employs a membrane or covering that wraps and seals the outside of a breathable, orthopedic cast and typically includes an array of spaced apart protrusions on an inside surface to facilitate generally even airflow, thereby providing comfort and/or improved hygiene for the patient when an air moving device is connected to the apparatus and the air moving device is powered on.

Abstract: A thoracolumbosacral and a lumbosacral orthosis with sagittal-coronal control are disclosed. The orthoses have two rigid anterior and posterior plastic shells. The anterior shell extends from the pelvis to the sternum. The posterior shell extends from the pelvis and terminates just inferior to the scapular spine. An interior surface of the anterior shell has pressure pads that apply pressure to locations on the patient's anterior torso and the interior surface of the posterior shell has pressure pads that apply pressure to locations on the patient's posterior torso when the anterior shell and the posterior shell are secured to the patient's torso. The pressure pads may be inflatable air bladders.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector apparatus that the approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provides pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected to facilitate uninterrupted operation of a timed pressure source having pneumatic sensing capability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating obesity comprising an inflatable balloon attached to an inner portion of a belt. The belt is wrapped around an individual's abdomen in the vicinity of the stomach. The balloon is inflated prior to consuming a meal and left in place for a certain period of time. The apparatus is then removed from the individual's abdomen.

Abstract: A device for administering cold therapy to a human ankle, and a method for administering cold therapy to a human ankle using the device. In accordance with the invention, two opposing flexible sheet members are connected via a web that spans a gap between them. At least one insert that includes a flexible, fluid-tight pouch containing at least a chilled, non-gaseous, temperature retaining fluid is releasably secured to one of the flexible sheet members. The insert is positioned adjacent to either the lateral or medial side of the human ankle. Bottom portions of each of the opposing flexible sheet members are secured to each other underneath the human's foot. Straps extending from the opposing flexible sheet members are drawn in opposite directions, one over the ankle ligaments on the top of the foot and another around the leg above the ankle, to secure the device to the human's ankle and thereby provide cold therapy and compression thereto.

Abstract: A wearable device having feedback characteristics including a compliant article that is arranged to extend over an anatomical portion of a wearer. Sensors provided with the wearable device detect the orientation of a joint and send signals to a processor for analysis. When the processor determines that the joint is in an unsafe or potentially injurious configuration, a feedback or response mechanism is activated to alert the user to such a condition and/or to provide substantially rigid structural support to the joint. The device may also be used to condition users to maintain the joint in proper orientations to avoid injuries, or to condition an amputee to use more effective motions to achieve a more natural gait.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with a bottom portion having a first pressure element positioned to contact the hypothenar region of the patient's hand and a second pressure element positioned to contact the thenar region of the patient's hand, and a top portion having a central longitudinal pressure element positioned to contact the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand.

Abstract: A joint aspirate-facilitating device is provided including a flexible main panel that is secured to the joint to be aspirated. An inflatable bladder is secured to the main panel and is placed in contact with the soft tissues overlying and surrounding the joint space. The bladder is used to apply pressure to selected areas of the joint to compress the fluid sacs in the joint. An access opening is formed in the main panel designating the location where joint fluid is to be aspirated. The joint fluid is directed to flow to the area of the joint exposed at the access opening based on the shape of the bladder that compresses surrounding areas of the fluid sacs. A conventional hand pump may pressurize the bladder or the bladder may be filled with a viscous gel material to generate pressure. Multiple access openings may be formed on the main panel designating locations where aspiration is to be conducted.

Abstract: A compression device includes an inflatable member mounted on a mounting layer. The device may include a second layer secured to the mounting layer to form an envelope member in which the inflatable member is disposed. The second layer may be a non-mounting layer, to which the inflatable member is not secured, or another mounting layer, to which the inflatable member is secured. A securement mechanism by which the inflatable member is secured to either the mounting layer or both the mounting layer and the second layer allows the inflatable member to move independently relative to either the second layer or to both the second layer and the mounting layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to orthotic apparatuses configured to apply a controllable, therapeutic force to a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure and an actuator system operable to provide input energy of a first type (e.g., fluid pumped by a pump or an applied voltage). At least one strap structure is attached to the frame structure and operably coupled to the actuator system. The at least one strap structure may be configured to convert at least a portion of the input energy to energy of a second type, the energy of the second type being strain energy. Additional embodiments are directed to inflatable structures and methods of operating the orthotic apparatuses and inflatable structures disclosed herein.

Abstract: A compression device has improved cooling capability. The device includes a wicking layer adapted to move moisture. A portion of the wicking layer is exposed from under bladder material defining a bladder. In use, the wicking layer wicks moisture from the patient's limb and the wicked moisture is able to evaporate through the device at the portion of the wicking layer that is exposed.

Abstract: A limited durability fastening for a garment. The garment is provided with fastening members which engage to close the fastening and the fastening members are provided with means for controlling the degradation of the closure strength of the fastening as it is opened and closed and thus the number of permissible closures of the fastening having a pre-determined closure strength. The garment is particularly useful when fitted to a foot where short life is desirable at low cost or to a garment where re-use is to be discouraged for either clinical or commercial reasons.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved inflatable compression dressing (10) for use in controlling swelling and promoting healing to wounds subsequent to surgery while allowing visual inspection of the wound during healing. The dressing comprises a bladder (138) formed by an outer wall (114) secured to an inner wall (112) to define an elongated, cup-shaped cavity for receiving an appendage (136); an air supply delivering air to the bladder; and a sensor monitoring air pressure within the bladder and indicating said air pressure to an air pressure control (140). The air pressure control provides air to the bladder at a rate which substantially matches air leaked from the bladder. Thus, the air supply inflates the bladder so as to provide uniform air pressure to the appendage, wherein the appendage is an arm or a leg.

Abstract: A negative pressure, compression therapy device is described in this application. It has (a) a heel care boot having a fluid, (b) a pressure bag having an opening that receives the patient's foot and the heel care boot, and (c) a vacuum system that generates a modulatable negative pressure in the pressure bag. The negative pressure in the pressure bag is sufficient to cause the patient's veins to vasodilate and the negative pressure modulates to cause the fluid in the heel care boot to provide compression therapy to the patient.

Abstract: Provided is a wearable joint driving device in which a plurality of frame members are attached to a wearing body so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the wearing body. Between the frame members, there is mounted a fluid pressure type actuator. The fluid pressure type actuator has an expansion/contraction member and a net-like covering member covering the outer periphery of the expansion/contraction member. The fluid pressure type actuator undergoes a reduction in length through expansion of the expansion/contraction member to thereby generate a driving force. The frame members have a predetermined level of rigidity.

Abstract: Cast air delivery systems, cast ventilation sleeves and methods of manufacturing cast sleeves are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing cast ventilation sleeves includes forming an elongated cylindrical sleeve from a breathable, elastomeric material. The method can further include providing an air delivery tube configured to receive pressurized air. The method can also include disposing a plurality of spaced apart holes in the air delivery tube, wherein the holes can be positioned to disperse the pressurized air along a tube length. Additionally the method can include coupling the air delivery tube to the elongated sleeve to form a cast ventilation sleeve stock. The air delivery tube can be positioned to be generally parallel to a sleeve length and the tube length can be generally equal to a sleeve length. The elongated sleeve can be cut to a selectable length for use under an orthopedic cast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means of joint and body protection using engineered textiles to provide dynamic kinematic control within the device itself and for the underlying body part. The apparatus may be used in apparel or orthosis wherein a textile is organized about the proximal and distal aspects of a joint or body part and uses the mechanical and material characteristics of the engineered textile to dynamically control the kinetics of the body part and more specifically to prevent the body part from reaching extremes in range of motion. The engineered textiles can be designed to provide non-uniform increases in stiffness in any direction. The engineered textile may incorporate strain or strain rate dependant materials in which case stiffness properties would vary non-uniformly with velocity and/or acceleration within the device allowing for protection from blunt trauma, blast, or ballistic events anywhere on the body.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for providing continuous passive motion of a limb comprising a brace for supporting said limb. A programmable motor, mechanically connected to the brace, provides continuous passive motion of a limb. The movement of the limb is controlled in two control points of movement at the lower arm. Flexible positioning means are provided with a fastening means positioning the brace and the programmable motor on the body of a person carrying said device in a stable position. The programmable motor is partially housed within the positioning means. The invention is particularly suitable for use in paramedical and orthopedic applications. It allows adduction and abduction, rotation and exo/endo rotation of a limb.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that includes a first bladder supported about a limb. A second bladder is supported about the limb. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source and the bladders are inflated such that the first bladder is inflated for a first time period and the second bladder is inflated for a second time period. The second time period is initiated within the first time period. A single pressure sensor communicates with the first bladder and the second bladder.

Abstract: A pulmonary therapy system includes a chest binding apparel apparatus including a plurality of air bladders. The chest binding apparel apparatus is configured to be supported proximate the chest of a patient.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: A compression apparatus including an expandable body configured for disposal about a foot. A strap extends from the body. The strap is configured for disposal about the foot adjacent an ankle. The strap has a first layer configured to engage an outer surface of the foot adjacent the ankle, a second layer and a third cushion layer disposed therebetween. The body may include a metatarsal portion. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to provide a barrier to the third cushion layer. The first layer may be configured to prevent engagement of the third cushion layer with the outer surface of the foot.