Abstract: For the treatment of spinal damage in medical physiotherapy, the patient's spine is stressed via the pelvis by longitudinal forces on the legs in such a way that the setting of displaced spinal components is promoted and the muscles are strengthened. With this device the tensile forces are applied to the feet by spring components which are tensioned by means of cables from the movements of the pins of linear movement components driven by an electric motor. The frequency and amplitude of these tensile forces can be changed via a control unit and thus phase shifts between the forces acting on the legs can be adjusted. During the exercises the patient can adjust the exercise programme by actuating controls connected to the supporting grips. The success of the therapy can be improved by fitting heating elements in the backrest to provide heat treatment for the patient's muscles.

Abstract: A pneumatic ambulatory traction device comprises modular components that can be readily stowed at a facility or in a vehicle with minimum as-stowed space requirements and that can be readily and quickly assembled into a compact traction device usable at a facility, in a vehicle, at an accident site and the like to provide pneumatic traction force to a patient's body in a manner that can be controlled and varied as may be needed. The traction device comprises an elongated tubular housing connectable to a support, which may include an operating table or bed or a stretcher in a vehicle or at an accident site. A pneumatic cylinder is disposed in the housing and a piston is received in the cylinder and includes a piston rod movable in response to cylinder pressure to apply a traction force correlated to the cylinder pressure via a flexible cable connected to the piston rod and to a patient's body.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a base supported on a support in a suitable inclined angle for supporting a user. An extension is slidably engaged in the base and has one end extended outward of the base and has a clamping device for clamping the feet of the user to the extension. A bracket is secured to the extension. A lever is pivotally coupled to the base and a handle is secured to the lever for rotating the lever. A cable couples the lever to the bracket for moving the extension outward of the base and and for pulling the feet of the user so as to straighten the spinal column.

Abstract: A lumbar traction apparatus for applying traction to the back of a patient includes a frame structure, a winch support structure extending above the frame structure, a winch assembly having a hand crank mounted on the winch support structure, two harnesses for wrapping around the torso of the patient, tensioning cords extending from the winch assembly each to one of the two harnesses, so that rotating the hand crank on the winch assembly gathers both of these cords and thereby pulls the harnesses apart to create traction in the back of the patient. The frame structure preferably includes a connecting segment, a first arm segment substantially perpendicular and joined to the connecting segment, and a second arm segment substantially perpendicular and joined to the connecting segment and spaced apart from the first arm segment. The connecting segment is preferably formed of two telescoping portions for convenient assembly and disassembly of the frame structure for transport and storage.

Abstract: The invention is a physical therapy table having moveable sections allowing the patient to be placed in different physical positions as part of an individual physical therapy regimen wherein the patient himself applies and controls extension, traction and mobilization therapy.

Abstract: The gravity traction device comprises an inclined platform or table having an upper inclined surface for supporting a user's upper body or torso and a generally U-shaped, head receiving portion mounted to the platform adjacent an upper end thereof and having contoured surfaces for receiving and supporting a user's head and neck and a ridge with an adjacent lift surface for engaging against the occipital bone of the user's head received in the head receiving portion.

Abstract: A lower limb traction system utilizes a perineal post for applying counter-traction and for stabilizing the patient's hips and a traction unit for supporting the leg and for maintaining traction in the leg. The traction unit is moveable along a substantially horizontal arcuate path defined by a circumferential guide and having a center of rotation that is selected to be concentric with the center of rotation location of the hip associated with the leg to be placed in traction. Abduction and adduction of a leg is achieved by moving the traction unit along the arcuate path.

Abstract: An apparatus for relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome includes restraining the elbow of the patient from movement while applying a controllable tension to the wrist in a direction away from the elbow. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for rotating the wrist while the forearm is under tension.

Abstract: A self contained portable traction or back-stretch apparatus (11) comprising a frame assembly (13) with first tensile force application means in the form of two U-shaped members (15) for supporting a person under their arms, and a second tensile force application means (17 or 57) for supporting a person about their waist and hips. The frame assembly (13) is formed of two frames (19) comprising parallel elongate struts (21) and parallel elongate struts (23) connected about a pivot pin (25) in a scissor type relationship. Separation of the force application means (15 and 17 or 57) is limited by a resiliently stretchable mat (37) which also serves to support the weight of a person therebetween. The weight of the person supported in the traction apparatus results in a downward force on the frame assembly (13) which translates to a tensile force applied between the force application means (15 and 17 or 57) and effects traction, providing a degree of intervertebral separation in the person.

Abstract: A device for mounting onto a traction machine having a base console, an elongated standard extending upward therefrom, and an elongated traction cable suspended vertically downward from the standard and having a free end connector. The device comprises an upper arm support plate, a wrist band, and an adjustable mounting sleeve. The wrist band is arranged to be releasably secured about one wrist of a person and connected to the connection means of the traction machine to be suspended therefrom. The upper arm support plate is an elongated member releasably secured by a bracket to the sleeve for supporting the upper arm of the person and includes an adjustable strap for extending about the upper arm of the person to releasably secure it in place on support plate. The adjustable sleeve is slidably mounting on the standard and includes releasable securement means, e.g., at least one set screw, for releasably securing it at any vertical position along the standard.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction system which is designed to provide decompressional forces to the lumbosacral spine, lower body and related connective tissues at varying speeds from static to ambulation speeds up to 12 MPH. The ambulatory traction system has an overhead support assembly for horizontal linear displacement and a novel harness assembly suspended from the overhead support assembly to support and suspend the patient's body. A variable ambulation speed system is provided beneath the harness assembly which allows the patient, while being suspended by the harness assembly, to stand, walk or run thereon.

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation system is provided for improving the capability of a user to support the weight of the user's body on the user's limbs. The system comprises a walker frame capable of gliding movement across a surface, upper limb holding members on the walker frame adapted for engagement by the hands or arms of the user, and counterbalance weights on the walker frame releasably attachable to the user's body for assistance in lifting the user's body to an upright position. The counterbalance weights may be adjustable according to the need of the user. The width of the walker frame, of the upper limb holding members, and the height of the upper limb holding members are all adjustable to accommodate the size of the user. While the user is provided with a range of freedom with respect to the counterbalance weights, a safety limit is provided for restraining and supporting the user in the event of a fall.

Abstract: An exercise frame for use by individuals with limited lower body muscle control utilizing a support frame having fore and aft ends a support member for receiving an extensible means attached to said fore end three upright support members attached to either side of said frame a seat frame work pivotally attached to said upright members, leg, hip, and chest pads attached to said fore end extensible means.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis has front and rear cervical orthosis members. The front cervical orthosis member includes a chest support abutting against the region from the shoulders to the chest. Two front supporting portions are arranged from the chest support along both side portions of the anterior of neck and both side portions of the head. The rear cervical orthosis member includes a back support abutting against the region from the shoulders to the back. Two rear supporting portions are arranged from the back support along both side portions of the posterior of neck. An occipital region brace portion extends further upward from the upper end of each of the rear supporting portions so as to brace the occipital region. The cervical orthosis also has a forehead brace member abutting against the forehead and bracing the frontal region, and a cheek brace member arranged on the internal surfaces of the front supporting portions so as to brace the cheeks without disturbing the movement of the mandible.

Abstract: A traction apparatus and method for remodeling a human subject's spinal posture toward an ideal normal static spinal model includes a rectangular frame within which the subject is supported on a knee rest and a pelvic rest. A traction belt is placed around the subject's pelvis from behind and anchored to a rear vertical column of the frame. A shoulder harness is applied from behind and also anchored in the same manner. A traction belt is placed around the dorsolumbar region from the front, and secured to a front vertical column of the frame. A rigid curved fulcrum is placed behind the cervical spine from the front and secured to the front column, either directly or via a pulley mounted on a horizontal toprail of the frame. A head halter is applied over the forehead and under the chin from behind and is secured to the rear vertical column, either directly or via a pulley mounted on the horizontal toprail of the frame.

Abstract: A cervical traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the head and neck for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical region of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a frame, an upstanding neck support carried by the frame, an inflatable elongated bladder carried by the neck support, restraining straps for securing the device to the user's head such that the bladder is disposed below and adjacent the user's neck, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly and apply angular traction to the spine.

Abstract: A spinal traction device comprising a bench for supporting a user; a first tensioning arm having a base end, a tip end, and a location therebetween pivotally coupled to one end of the bench with the tip end extending upwards above the bench and with the base end extended downwards; a second tensioning arm having base end, a tip end, and a location therebetween pivotally coupled to the other end of the bench with the tip end extending upwards and with the base end extended downwards; a third tensioning arm having a base end, a tip end, and a location therebetween pivotally coupled to the bench below the first tensioning arm with tip end extended upwards and with the base end extended downwards; rod mean device secured between the base end of the first tensioning arm and the base end of the second tensioning arm and secured between the tip end of the second tensioning arm and the base end of the third tensioning arm; an upper belt secured to the first tensioning arm and securable about user laying upon the benc

Abstract: A leg suspension device is provided enabling rehabilitative exercise of the leg, and specifically enabling passive or active range of motion exercise of the knee or hip joint. The leg suspension device includes a bar having proximal and distal segments, and a fulcrum rotatably engaging the bar between the proximal and distal segments to permit rotation of the bar about the fulcrum in a vertical plane. Upper and lower leg cuffs are connected to the proximal and distal segments, respectively, suspending the upper and lower legs while isolating the knee joint. A base is provided to free-standingly support the device during use, or, alternatively, the device is adapted for affixing to an overhead anchor. For passive motion exercise, the thigh and ankle are suspended from the cuffs and the user drives rotation of the bar solely with the upper body muscles about the fulcrum in alternate opposing directions, causing alternate passive flexion and extension of the knee and hip joint.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment machine for alternatingly applying equal amounts of compression and traction to the body of a patient includes a platform having an upper body support pad with selectively controllably resistance to forward and backward displacement, rotatable rollers to support the lower back, buttocks and thighs of the patient, and a selectively controllable motor driven foot support platform displaceable forward and backward predetermined distances and speeds. The distance between the upper body support pad and the foot support platform is adjustable to accommodate differences in patient torso lengths and the magnitude of compressive and tractional force can be selectively controlled by the patient.

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

Abstract: A ramped and horizontal stretching bench for relieving spinal and muscle conditions contributing to back pain. More particularly a stretching bench that has moveable and adjustable settings for increasing the effectiveness of such relief. An arm brace and hand grip assembly is located under a horizontal bench portion that receives and supports a user's upper torso. The arm brace is readily adjustable as stretching exercises are on-going and without the user leaving the bench proper. Additional bench adjustments provide an individualized height setting, and these combined adjustments allow the bench to be personalized for each given individual in order to increase the effectiveness of certain on-the-bench stretching activities.

Abstract: For applying traction to an arm or a leg, an elongated body of elastic fabric is provided, which has a plurality of evenly distributed pockets that are elongated transversally of the body. Thin lead strips fit in the pockets as stiffeners. Complementary hook and loop fasteners secure the device around the girth of the arm or leg, so that all of the limb is surrounded by stiffener strips. The inner face of the elastic fabric is provided with a layer of anti-slip material, such as foam rubber, which extends beyond the elastic fabric, both lengthwise and widthwise, of the device. By preference, the device is arcuate in plan and the pockets and stiffener strips correspondingly trapezoidally shaped, when intended to fit around the tapering part of a limb.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying cervical traction to a user (22) with a head halter (24) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame (24), a tensioner assembly (34), a cord (42), and a pulley (44). The frame has a generally straight section (28), a curved section (32), and a shoulder brace (30). The straight section has a head portion (68) extending behind the head of the user and a tail portion (70) extending behind at least a portion of the back of the user. The shoulder brace is coupled to the straight section at the end of the head portion opposite the connection to the curved section and is oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the straight section. The curved section generally forms a C-shape. The C-shape of the curved section opens toward the head of the user. The tensioner assembly is coupled to the end of the curved section opposite the attachment to the straight section. The tensioner assembly is also coupled to the halter through the cord.

Abstract: A mechanized traction chair is disclosed that employs a motor operated underarm support device that in combination with a restrictive seat belt provides forced traction to the upper torso. A lower seating assembly provides a variable articulating motion to the lower torso.

Abstract: A chiropractic table for the treatment of the muscular and skeletal cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas of the patient's spine. The chiropractic table includes a base frame having an upright support with a table top disposed above the base frame and coupled to the upright support such that different segments of the table top may be articulated to assist in the treatment of the patient. A drive assembly is provided for reciprocating at least a portion of the chiropractic table. The drive assembly is isolated from the base frame and table top by a plurality of isolators, which attenuate the noise and vibration produced by the drive assembly while reciprocating the table top.

Abstract: An improved chiropractive table having a seat portion and a back-rest portion. Non-invasive traction devices are attached to the table for applying an upward force and a lateral force to a desired portion of a patient's anatomy. The combined forces produce a stretching force and a rolling moment to provide the desired therapy to the patient.

Abstract: A device for studying patello femoral articulation in a magnetic resonance machine has an armature with a step-cut slot. The armature is pivoted to a base frame. A leg lever has two ends, a first end with a padded cross-member for accommodating lower legs or ankles, and a second end that is pivotally mounted to the base frame. The leg lever is interconnected with the step-cut slot, so that the leg lever may be positioned in vertical increments within the slot. A secondary lever is pivotally mounted to the base frame at the same location as the leg lever, and is also fixedly attached to an end portion of the leg lever. The leg lever can be incrementally raised and lowered within the step-cut slot. Furthermore, the first end of the leg lever is biased upward. The apparatus may be substantially metal-free so that the device will not distort the magnetic field inside the magnetic resonance machine.

Abstract: A lumbar traction device for applying a controlled traction force to particular low back regions of a subject's back by the use of the subject's weight. The device comprises a belt having a predetermined width and length for securement about a subject's abdomino-lumbar region, and impinging upon the lower chest area. An attachment secures the belt about the subject's abdomino-lumbar region. A link chain is connected to each of two antero-lateral connecting points and two postero-lateral connecting points of the belt. Each chain has a connecting frame for securing same to a superior support structure, and an attaching portion for independent adjustable securement to a respective one of the connecting points. The belt and the chains support the subject freely in the air whereby the weight of the subject is caused to apply a traction force to the particular low back region. The method of effecting the controlled traction is also described.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus for use with an adjustable hospital bed and capable of being operated by a patient within the bed to independently get in and out of the traction apparatus without the help of another person.

Abstract: Traction apparatus for treating vertebral problems comprising a tripod type self-standing support having a block and tackle unit suspended from the tripod apex. The lower block includes a T-bar upon which triangular cushions are supported for location under the knees of a supine patient, and a torso encircling belt includes a strap passing through the patient's legs adjustably attachable to the lower block. The block and tackle tension member includes a tail passing from the upper block to the patient permitting the patient to raise and lower the leg supporting cushions to adjust the degree of back tension being achieved, and a lock mechanism mounted on the upper block permits automatic positioning of the degree of leg lift as determined by the tension produced in the block and tackle tail by the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic table for manipulation of the spine and pelvis of a patient supported thereon. The table includes a tiltable frame mounted to a base, and a torso support member carried by the frame. A drive shaft carried by the frame is connected by a hinge to a driven shaft extending rearwardly of the torso support member. The driven shaft in turn carries a pelvic/lumbar spine support member on which a patient may kneel. When the hinge connecting the two shaft portions is adjusted to a non-zero angle, rotation of the shaft induces a circumductive motion in the pelvic/lumbar spine support member, the degree of such motion being dependent on the angle of the hinge.

Abstract: A table for effecting the stretching of the paravertebral muscles, comprising a tubular footing supporting a board (1) and formed of two vertical front legs (2) and two obliquely arranged rear legs (3), rigidly fastened on both sides to two horizontal tubes (22) constituting the edges of the table.The board (1) is at a height which permits a patient lying prone to have his or her legs in empty space, and the table has vertical tubular handles (5) located in the extension of the rear legs (3) and two L-shaped tubular elements (6) sliding perpendicularly to the longitudinal edges (22) of the board and adapted to be locked in position, its rear legs (3) being provided with rungs (31, 32, 33; 41, 42, 43) forming two half ladders (50, 40) spaced apart by a distance (d) which permits the passage of the legs of the patient.The table of the invention is intended for patients suffering from back pains and particularly for kinesitherapeutists.

Abstract: A method for enabling a person to apply gentle gravity traction to his spine by suspending his body by the arms while supporting some of his weight with his legs. The method, which is a modified form of "long axis-extension" gravity traction, describes a procedure wherein a trained therapist designs and supervises a treatment program unique to the individual based on a number of factors. The patient is at all times able to control the amount of weight that is applied to the injured portion. The patient is instructed in carrying out a treatment program and monitored as to progress and possible changes to the program. An apparatus is disclosed that is uniquely designed for use with the method. It is preferably constructed entirely of wood except for fastener elements and may be assembled and disassembled quickly without the use of any tools.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device 10 including an elongated upright ladder section 14 which has at an upper end a body support section. There is a base 12 adapted to rest on a horizontal surface and support in a stable, vertical orientation the upright section. The body support section includes a seat rest support member 16 oriented substantially horizontally and adapted to be sat upon by a user and a second support member spaced from the seat rest support member and adapted to be gripped by the user with either legs or hands depending on the exercise being performed. A generally flat, planar, back support 84 has its upper end pivotally mounted to the seat rest support member 16 and a lower free end movable between a first position where the back support is generally vertical and a second position where the back support pivots and is at an acute angle with respect to the upright section 14.

Abstract: A system for producing mild traction on intervertebral discs by supporting a person in water in a deep spa or pool either by means of a soft neck collar supported by the water or a soft, flexible floating annular floatation device engaging undersides of the person's arms adjacent to the person's armpits without compressing the person's chest and constricting the person's breathing. The spa or pool is sufficiently deep that the person's feet cannot touch the bottom thereof. A submerged weight belt is supported on each of the person's ankles, the weight belts each having a buoyant weight in the range from one to two pounds. The temperature of the water in the spa is maintained at approximately 96 degrees Fahrenheit by conventional heating and thermostatic devices to allow adequate removal of the person's metabolic heat without causing tonicity of the person's muscles.

Abstract: A traction device for relieving back pain has a flexible strip (1) which is held around a person's waist by a belt (2). Two adjustable straps (3) are attached at one end to the belt (2) and are provided with stirrup loops (12) at their opposite ends. The stirrup loops (12) fit around the person's feet and the person can self-apply a traction force to his spinal column by extending his knees.

Abstract: A support device (10) intended for use by people who suffer from neck dysfunction resulting in loss of head control is described. The support device is designed to support the head while reducing undesirable head motions relative to the torso. The support device includes a stiff support means mounted on the torso such as a yoke (13) worn over the shoulders and the upper torso and a mast (11) that extends upward from the yoke, behind the wearer's head to a rear portion of the head at a height approximately equal to the head's center of gravity (approximately eye level). A head harness (30) is worn on the head. A tether system (20), consisting of one or more tethers (25), is attached between a slider line (21) mounted on the head harness and a portion of the mast, adjacent the rear portion of the head of the person. The head harness connects the head harness to the mast to couple the head and the torso.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a spinal condition for which traction is recommended, that includes: suspending the patient's body to extend generally vertically in a water pool; the suspending including exerting downward pulling on the patient's body, at or below waist level; and the suspending including suspending the patient's body at or above shoulder level, to resist the downward pulling, and thereby create force transmission tending to decompress the patient's spine.

Abstract: An orthopedic back harness is provided for alleviating muscle and back pains. The harness is comprised of a wide flexible belts having some degree of stiffness and substantial padding. The belt is fitted above the breast and under the arm pits of the user in such a manner that when connected to an elevated support, such as a ceiling, the weight of the user is borne by the belt and pads under the arms at the arm pit area. Padding sections on the belt provide a thickness such that the user can support upper portions of the arms on the belt to share the body load upon the back. A second belt may be fitted around the waist of the user and connected to the upper wide belt by flexible straps to share the weight load of the user. When the body of the user is fully supported by the aforementioned belts, strain and tension on the back and back muscles can be used to alleviate back and back muscle pains and soreness.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a static or passive spinal alignment device includes a first elongated section and a second elongated section spaced therefrom. The first section and the second section are each dimensioned to buttress a respective side of a patient lying supine on a generally flat surface. The side buttressing straightens the alignment of the spine and maintains the spine of the patient in a spaced relationship to the surface between the thoracic vertebra and a sacrum of the spine. Body weight then urges the spine downwardly to reduce lumbar lordosis. Means are provided for attaching the first section to the second section and for supporting each of the first section and the second section on the surface.

Abstract: A motor-operated traction device includes an actuator consisting of a DC motor and a worm shaft assembly and controlled by a controller to reciprocate a rocker arm causing a horizontal pull rod to pull a waist harness and a neck harness so as to apply traction to the patient's spine.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for strengthening the muscles of the lower back and discloses an apparatus for practicing the method the invention. The method permits the user to partition the load between the back muscles and the arm muscles. In practicing the method, the user positions him/herself on a platform having a protrusion and an ankle engaging element. With the pelvic area supported by the protrusion and the ankles restrained by the ankle engaging element, the user engages supports with his/her hands. The user then lowers and raises his/her torso, distributing the load between the back muscles and the arm muscles, repeating the movements a number of times. At the user's discretion, the weight load can be redistributed between the back muscles and the arm muscles by reducing or increasing the load supported by his/her arms.

Abstract: For treating scoliosis and deviations of the human spinal cord in general, a patient is supended under gravity by straps and a corset in a frame. The patient is immobilized by transverse arms with end pads which engage the torso, and lateral shear forces are applied to the spinal column by a transversely extending power-operated pusher.

Abstract: A pneumatic traction device is provided which includes a pneumatic cylinder having a patient engaging device mounted to a pneumatic piston slidably positioned in the pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder in turn is connected to a mounting device which can be mounted to a wall, for example. Compressed air, provided by a motor driven compressor, is directed on a timed basis to a chamber on one side of the pneumatic piston to move the pneumatic piston in a direction which pulls on the patient engaging device to provide traction to the patient. An electrically controllable relief valve is also provided by which the compressed air in the pneumatic cylinder can be bled into the atmosphere when the relief valve is opened. A controllable switch is provided for selectably controlling the operation of the compressor and relief valve.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic device and method for correcting spinal curvatures of a patient by specific stabilization of the patient's pelvis and spine and then exercising the spine through active range of motions. The inventive method of spinal curvature correction re-educates the patient's muscles, ligaments, and nervous system which collectively are responsible for maintaining spinal posture, to properly maintain the spinal column in a desired alignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented in which a generally vertical force is applied to a person's lower spine in approximately a perpendicular direction to the axis of elongation of the spine. In particular, the person is placed on his back in a substantially supine position. A restraining belt is then placed about the person's pelvic area and a lifting force is applied in an upward direction. The person can then apply pressure to one of various footrests to adjust the amount and direction of the force applied to the spine for maximum relief from lower back discomfort. The method and apparatus may also be used to adjust other body areas, such as the shoulders or neck, by applying the belt to the pertinent body area.

Abstract: A chair has two parallel posts extending upward from the seat. A pair of housings slide up and down on the posts. Each housing supports a pair of padded arms pivoted on opposed ends of the housing to swing through a horizontal plane. Each arm on the lower housing may be locked against pivoting. Each housing may be locked at a vertical level by a housing locking mechanism. The user is seated on the seat with the posts behind the back. The lower housing is adjusted vertically so that the padded arms engage the upper margin of the pelvis and the arms and lower housing are locked in place. The upper housing is adjusted so that its padded arms engage the armpits and it is locked at that elevation. When the user's arms are forced down on the upper padded arms, the spine is stretched between the upper and lower housing pulling up on the shoulder girdle and holding the pelvic girdle down.

Abstract: A person's cervical spine is progressively remodeled to a normal anterior-posterior curve be seating the person on a chair in an upright position with a lumbar fulcrum pad located in the small of the person's back. An anterior fulcrum strap extends around the neck and is pulled forwardly and upwardly at a preselected angle and with a predetermined force to set the cervical or neck spine with a near normal or slightly forward curve. A headband extends around the person's forehead and the lower part of the skull, and a pair of stabilizer straps extend upwardly from the chair and pull the headband rearwardly with a predetermined force. The forces are applied to the straps by front and rear weights connected to the straps through cables extending around vertically adjustable pulleys. The weights are removable or lifted from the straps by power driven winches movable with a pulleys and controlled by the person.

Abstract: A traction wrap for suspending a patient's hand and arm in a substantially elevated position during a surgical procedure includes a hand wrap for maintaining the patient's hand in a closed fist condition. A flexible panel is draped over a bar and is secured to the hand wrap along substantially the entire length of the patient's fist on both the palm and back sides. When the patient's hand is in closed, the fist defines a substantially conical shape. The lifting force exerted by a traction device is applied to the elongated bar and flexible panel member, which in turn applies the lifting force through the wrap substantially uniformly across the conical surface of the patient's closed fist. In this configuration, the lifting force does not exert excess pressure at a particular position, such as on the patient's wrist as in prior art devices, so that the flow of blood to and from the patient's hand and fingers is not constricted.

Abstract: A head, neck and shoulder therapeutic exercise device which mechanically assists the human head and neck with intermittent rearward/forward movement in order to help correct or attenuate by means of muscular conditioning the cervical misalignment associated with forward head and flexible cervical lordosis. Mounted on a chair, an adjustable frame supports above the patient's head a motor assembly in fixed position and a motion-assist assembly which is horizontally moveable. The latter comprises in part a roller block with affixed roller bearing plate extending down behind the patient's head. The motor shaft, also behind the patient's head, has a cam which rides against a roller bearing in the roller bearing plate. As the cam's high side rotates against the bearing, the bearing plate moves away from the patient, thereby transferring rearward tension to the head by means of stretchable straps attached to said bearing plate and placed around the patient's forehead and chin.