With Intermediate Gap Patents (Class 606/243)
  • Patent number: 11801187
    Abstract: A surgical patient interface including a base; a platform coupled to the base and including a first end and a second end, the platform configured to transition between a first position and a second position about a pivotable axis stationary relative to the base; a first abutment and a second abutment each adjustably coupled to the platform. In the first position, the platform extends between the first end and the second end in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the base, and the first abutment and the second abutment are separated by a first distance along the substantially horizontal direction. In the second position, the platform extends between the first end and the second end in a substantially vertical direction such that a torso of a patient extends in the substantially vertical direction, and the first abutment and the second abutment are separated by a second, different distance along the substantially vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Wentz, Jorge Lopez Camacho, Frank Phillips, Dennis Crandall, Alexander Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11278462
    Abstract: A surgical patient interface including a patient support platform having a first end and a second end and configured for secure placement with respect to at least one surface of a building structure, wherein the patient support platform is configured to interface with a patient such that at least the torso of the patient extends in a generally vertical direction between the first end and the second end of the patient support platform, and one or more patient supports coupled to the patient support platform and configured to secure the patient to the patient support platform, such that the at least the torso of the patient is held in a substantially static condition, and such that a target portion of the patient's skin is accessible for surgical puncture or incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwardt, Michael Wentz, Jorge Lopez Camacho, Frank Phillips, Dennis Crandall, Alexander Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11166865
    Abstract: A stretching and exercising device is beneficial for torso flexibility, having a configurable structure in which the curvature of the platform is adjustable. The platform can be varied in curvature from a substantially flat configuration to a generally semi-circular configuration. The platform is supported by a gear train connected to the platform, wherein the platform has a plurality of discrete parts. An adjustment member having a manually adjustable variable length connects opposite ends of the gear train, so that the curvature of the platform is determined by the adjusted length of the adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Anthony S. Jannotta
  • Patent number: 10417768
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium. In some embodiments, the method includes: acquiring a plurality of image slices related to a vertebral column, the vertebral column including a plurality of vertebrae; obtaining a classifier for verterbrae identification; identifying, by a processor, one or more vertebral foramina in the plurality of image slices using the classifier; and determining, by the processor, the plurality of vertebrae based on the one or more vertebral foramina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Wenjun Yu
  • Patent number: 8235877
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and/or exercising a user's body through incremental, controlled inversion and lower body stretching, preferably performed in combination. The user lies atop an exercise table and restrains her lower body to a restraint movably coupled to the exercise table. The user preferably controls the actuation of a first actuator to incrementally pivot the exercise table about a support structure thereby inverting the user's body. Before or after actuation of the first actuator, but preferably concurrently therewith, the user controls the actuation of a second actuator to incrementally extend the restraint axially away from the exercise table thereby pulling the user's lower body away from the user's upper body. This combination of gravity and mechanical decompression produces greater results than either action by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: John P. Boren
  • Patent number: 8167907
    Abstract: A therapeutic treatment table includes a plurality of table sections for supporting the body of a patient, one of which sections is a drop section. The table includes an extension/flexion section which includes a frame having a pivot axis and a terminal end, and a rotary actuator that is adapted to repeatedly pivot the frame of the extension/flexion section about the pivot axis so as to raise the terminal end of the frame during an extension phase and to lower the terminal end of the frame during a flexion phase. A mechanism is provided for setting an operational range of motion for the extension/flexion section including an operational extension limit and an operational flexion limit, so that the rotary actuator will pivot the frame of the extension/flexion section between the operational extension limit and the operational flexion limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Encore Medical Asset Corporation
    Inventors: Blake Pruett, Charles Brophy, Durrell Martin
  • Publication number: 20090240282
    Abstract: Therapeutic, tilting, split table, traction apparatus for home use manually operated by the user to relieve back pain and/or stretch, lumbar/spine/exercise back muscles/and provide mechanical traction with person in supine position. Apparatus having a upper tilting frame (one end being back and head support and opposing end being a rolling or sliding carriage), pivotally hinged on base frame with approximately 13 kilograms of upper body weight offset unto the back support to offset the effect of the 13 kilogram spring used to retract rolling or sliding carriage and keep body weight balanced for ease of use. Lower body is anchored by pelvic or waist harness to rolling or sliding carriage, As person releases latch, frame tilts (head lower then feet) and simultaneously pushes rod and roller assembly (hinged to under back support and under rolling carriage) up the 35 degree incline track pushing carriage away from back support creating traction/distraction force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Zoltan Joseph Mayer
  • Publication number: 20080312691
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise apparatus for backbone care, in which an exerciser's lower body is moved leftwards and rightwards when a lower body exercising panel rotates leftwards and rightwards, so that his or her upper body is moved in a direction opposite the moving direction of the lower body, and thus a slipped disk is restored to its original position and a bent section of the backbone is straightened. A sliding means or a rotation means is provided on an upper body exercising panel so that an exerciser's upper body is exercised naturally by the movement of the lower body. Thus, free rotation of the upper body exercising panel is possible even though additional power is not transmitted to the upper body exercising panel. The exercise apparatus allows exercise to be stably conducted in the shape of an S.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Hag Chung Kim
  • Patent number: 7357777
    Abstract: A spinal traction/decompression device suitable for home or clinical treatment of lumbar and cervical spine pathology. The traction apparatus has a substantially flat upper body support that is moveable with respect to a fixed base. The upper body support is adapted to receive the upper torso of an individual leaning forward in a prone position while kneeling on a knee cushion. A pelvis/hip restraining portion holds the individual's lower torso in position with respect to the fixed base when the upper body support is moved. Lumbar traction may be induced by a user positioning their upper torso on the upper body support and moving it forward or backward with respect to the fixed base. The upper body support may also be divided into two independently moveable sections such that cervical traction can be induced in a neck region of a user. The traction force is preferably supplied by the individual pushing or pulling the upper body support forward with their arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Ryan Meyers
  • Patent number: 7314431
    Abstract: A device includes a support shaft that has upper and lower sections extending orthogonal to each other and defining an arcuate elbow therebetween. The upper section defines a height of the device and a lower section defines a depth of thereof. A handle bar section is conjoined to the upper section of the support shaft and extends rearwardly therefrom. A seat section is connected to the lower section of the support shaft. The device further includes frame members that have end portions situated medially and laterally beneath the handle bar section. The medial end portions are pivotally conjoined to the support shaft and wheels are connected to the lateral end portions. Each frame member further includes a padded layer centrally registered along a longitudinal length thereof. The frame members have rectangular shapes for providing sufficient surface area on which the user's legs can be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Alexei Korotiaev
  • Patent number: 7189214
    Abstract: A multi-axis cervical and lumbar traction table and method of using same. The traction table includes a support frame with a first body supporting portion and a second body supporting portion. The first body supporting portion is moveable relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis. A securing system adapted to secure a patient to the first and second body supporting portions is provided. Linking mechanism is adapted to move the first body supporting portion along a path relative to the second body supporting portion, wherein the path comprises at least one rotational degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Saunders Group, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Duane Saunders
  • Patent number: 7127757
    Abstract: The adjustable traction table has a pair of patient supports, one of which is longer than the other. The patient supports are mounted to a base having a fixed portion and a sliding portion. A pair of screw jacks attaches each of the patient supports to the fixed portion of the base, and to the sliding portion of the base, thereby allowing the height of each end of each of the patient supports to be independently adjusted whereby each of the patient supports can slope upward toward the end away from the other patient support, downward toward the end away from the other patient support, or relatively horizontal. Further, a screw jack which is horizontally mounted between the fixed portion of the base and the sliding portion of the base provides an adjustment means which is able to provide an adjustable horizontal separation between the patient supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Matthew Roberto
  • Patent number: 7112215
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a digitized control three-dimensional spinal orthopaedic device for cure injured spinal. The device comprises a bed body, a head-chest plate and a breech-leg plate. The bed body has a frame configuration, and comprises a top bed body and a bottom bed body. The head-chest plate is fixed on the top bed body. A traction means of the head-chest plate and an angle means of the breech-leg plate are fixed into the top bed body. The breech-leg plate is supported by a swinging arm. A left-to-right angle means is located under the breech-leg plate. A connecting shaft of the angle means is connected to the up-to-down swinging arm by a cross rod, so the head-chest plate is integrated with the breech-leg plate. The present spinal orghopaedic device can enable the bed body to go up and down automatically, the head-chest plate can vibrate and be drawn at a high or low speed, and the breech-leg plate moves up to down, rotates left to right and vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Shiyou Xiao
    Inventors: Shiyou Xiao, Zaijie Guan
  • Patent number: 6821288
    Abstract: An automated therapy table having various support portions capable of being independently and automatically actuated by a physical therapist or other medical practitioner in order to move parts of a person's body medially/laterally, posteriorly/anteriorly and rotatably without causing physical stress to the medical practitioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Dwight Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 6679905
    Abstract: The invention comprises a chiropractic table having a base, a plurality of frames, a plurality of drop mechanisms, and a plurality of cushions. The base has a longitudinal axis and the plurality of frames are attached to the base. Each frame has a first lateral side and a second lateral side which are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base. In addition, each frame has a pair of transverse sides which are substantially perpendicular to the first and second lateral sides. Each lateral side includes a frame hole. The frame holes in the first lateral side of each frame are substantially identically located with respect to the transverse side associated therewith, and the frame holes in the second lateral side of each frame are substantially identically located with respect to the transverse side associated therewith. The table is also provided with a plurality of cushions, each of which is adapted to be received by a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Encore Medical Asset Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher H. Peetros, Blake Pruett
  • Patent number: 6638299
    Abstract: A chiropractic treatment table and method for treating a patient's spine for providing true longitudinal distraction alone or in combination with vertical flexion and extension, lateral flexion, and/or rotation. The treatment table includes a longitudinally moveable head support portion slidingly mounted on an anti-friction structure whereby the head support portion is freely moveable with practically no frictional or drag. In view of the anti-friction structure, the net longitudinal distraction force is primarily only that which is applied by the chiropractor thereby not requiring adjustment or compensation for drag or other forces, and thereby providing the chiropractor substantially improved control of the actual applied distraction force for administering the desired distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Cox
  • Publication number: 20030055456
    Abstract: A chiropractic treatment table and method for treating a patient's spine for providing true longitudinal distraction alone or in combination with vertical flexion and extension, lateral flexion, and/or rotation. The treatment table includes a longitudinally moveable head support portion slidingly mounted on an anti-friction structure whereby the head support portion is freely moveable with practically no frictional or drag. In view of the anti-friction structure, the net longitudinal distraction force is primarily only that which is applied by the chiropractor thereby not requiring adjustment or compensation for drag or other forces, and thereby providing the chiropractor substantially improved control of the actual applied distraction force for administering the desired distraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Cox
  • Patent number: 6277141
    Abstract: A hydraulic braking apparatus for an orthopedic apparatus having a main base which is adapted to rest on the floor and a support frame mounted on the main base. A head table, a center table, and an end table are mounted on the support frame. The end table is capable of sliding movement along the centerline of the frame, of rotative adjustment movement about the centerline, and of a swinging adjustment movement about a vertical pivotal axis passing through the centerline. An adjustment mechanism is located between the support frame and the end table to provide for the movements of the end table in adjustment and to hold the end table above the frame at the same general level as the head and center tables. The adjusting mechanism includes a cylindrical bar along which the end table is slidable and which provides for the rolling mode adjustment of the end table. The bar also pivots about a vertical axis at one end to provide for swinging adjustment movement of the end table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Intra-Med Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Chester M. Lake
  • Patent number: 6152950
    Abstract: A therapeutic traction table for the treatment of low back pain includes a bed pivotable from a vertical to a horizontal position for facilitating the placement of a person in a horizontal position on the bed. An upper body harness and underarm supports anchor the upper body of the person to the bed. A lower body harness is attached to the lower body pelvic portion of the person, and includes an inflatable air bladder for positioning within the posterior cavity of the lumbar spine formed between the lower back of the person and the bed for relaxing low back muscles during a pulling force on the spine. A traction unit includes a strap connected to the lower body harness for providing a pulling force between the upper body and the lower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Cluster Technology Corp.
    Inventors: C. Norman Shealy, Carlos Becerra, Joseph Medeiros, Charity Martin
  • Patent number: 6123680
    Abstract: A centrifugal force device and method for treating neck and back pain associated with intervertebral disc disorders is described. The patient is secured to a table in vertical position with the table being oriented about its vertical axis so as to maximize the delivery of centrifugal force along an appropriate vector. The patient is then rotated about the vertical axis of the device in a speed and time duration controlled manner so as to subject the patient's spinal column to a predetermined level of centrifugal force. Under these conditions intervertebral discs and/or disc material pathologically displaced in a manner to cause the patient signs or symptoms will be forced away from the pathological positions within the spinal column toward a more desirable position as determined by an appropriate clinician. The table can be made with a top section movable upwards in relation to a fixed bottom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Eric Brummer
  • Patent number: 6102882
    Abstract: Physiotherapy apparatus for the treatment of articular stiffness including a table for a patient having a static board, a moving board which is displaceable towards and away from the static board and a device for applying a traction force between parts of the patient's body. The moving board is mounted such that it can also rotate about a horizontal axis between a horizontal position and an inclined position, and about a vertical axis between two extreme positions which are symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis of the table. The device for applying a traction force includes a traction cord and a system of pulleys with which the cord is associated in order to apply the traction to a joint of the patient in a desired direction. The apparatus is highly versatile, permitting treatment of cervical and lumbar vertebrae, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Bernabe Cobo Cobo
  • Patent number: 5957955
    Abstract: A back stretching system is provided including a stationary rest. A movable rest is slidable with respect to the stationary rest in constant coplanar relationship therewith. The movable rest and stationary rest further reside in a common angled plane during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: James Thomas
  • Patent number: 5642542
    Abstract: Portable apparatus to be carried and set up at selected locations and taken down by a masseur or physical therapist, comprising a basic frame having downwardly extendable legs and formed by parallel co-extensive side members held together by a first rigid transverse bar secured at corresponding ends of the side members, and a second such bar secured at a preselected distance from each of the other ends of side members to leave trailing free end portions from which extend a plurality of upwardly projecting elements. A pendant knee support may extend below the trailing free ends of the side members and the intermediate transverse bar, and/or a lower body support may be attached to the ends of the trailing members. A face support desirably is provided to extend from the first transverse bar and the inner areas defined by the frame, and the lower body support may be provided with sheet or mesh material supported around its edges. Cushions may be provided for the face support and frame defined areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: George Kometani
  • Patent number: 5515562
    Abstract: The present invention provides for perineal and sacral padding of a patient undergoing surgical procedures using manipulation or traction of the patient's lower extremities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Health Care Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Miller, Darrell G. Hill, Shelly Perpich
  • Patent number: 5500002
    Abstract: A continuous passive motion physical therapy device for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. An improved pivoting support displacement device, comprised of first and second actuators, for oscillating at least one pivoting support member is provided. The first actuator is associated with the upper torso support member and includes an output cam for imparting substantially linear motion to a connecting rod. The connecting rod is pivotally secured to one end of the output cam and at a selected location to an actuator cam. The actuator cam is secured to the axle to which is releasably secured a displacement cam. A push rod is releasably and pivotally secured between the displacement cam and the upper torso support member. The second actuator is associated with the lower body support member and includes an actuator cam and a displacement cam, each being substantially similar to those of the first actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: United Apothecary, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Riddle, Ronnie J. Withrow, George M. Cox
  • Patent number: 5458618
    Abstract: A passive body motion generating table for therapeutically exercising a lumbar recovering patients body, the table having a pivotally mounted leg support section, a pivotally mounted upper body support section, and a stationary lumbar support section, the pivotally mounted sections being pivotally movable in a generally vertically oriented arc by means of a power mechanism which does not employ drive belts, chains or the like, but rather direct bearing-to-rod linkage, wherein the linkage is also constructed to provide asymetric, adjustable pivotal travel of the pivotal support sections above and below a horizontal plane, and further to provide for adjustment of the degree of travel of the pivotal support sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: James M. Steinke
  • Patent number: 5320641
    Abstract: A spinal diagnostics/therapy device that is computer controlled such that all motions thereof can be automated if desired. Individual and joint motions of body support portions are generated by computer controlled actuators which derive operating signals from a CPU. Memory units within the CPU and/or inserted for a particular patient control the program of the diagnostics or therapy of a patient. As a result, no physical adjustment of support elements need to be made by a person supervising the diagnostic or therapy session. During an initial session, a patient can help by inputting information as to the limits of motion that can be tolerated. For repeat sessions, the machine can be pre-programmed to give specific exercises to the spine of the patient. The actuators are provided with position sensors to produce feedback signals related to axial movement to the CPU. The actuator units are selected from electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Riddle & Withrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie Riddle, Ron J. Withrow
  • Patent number: 5320640
    Abstract: A continuous passive motion cervical spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscles surrounding the spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. The continuous passive motion cervical spine therapy device (10) includes a frame (12) for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes at least a first stationary support (64) for supporting at least a portion of the back of a patient and a pivoting support (78) for supporting the head of a patient. A headrest (198) is carried by the pivoting support (78). A motor (92) is provided for driving a pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillator (18) being provided to displace the pivoting support (78) a selected angle with respect to the horizontal. A displacement adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: United Apothecary, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Riddle, Ronnie J. Withrow, George M. Cox, James L. Aslinger
  • Patent number: 5300090
    Abstract: A multiple movement exercising machine is powered by an electric drive motor which is used to effect movement of various exercising components. The drive motor drives a shaft on which a plurality of pulleys are rotationally mounted. A selector arrangement is used to connect a selected one of the pulleys within the shaft so that the pulley rotates with the shaft and drives an exercising component linked to that pulley by a belt. One end of the machine is preferably pivotable relative to the remainder of the machine about a vertical pivot axis. The extent of pivotal movement is preferably selectably variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Challenge Machinery (Proprietary) Ltd.
    Inventor: Heinrich L. Primic
  • Patent number: 5282835
    Abstract: An exercise machine for passive exercise of a patient. The machine has a patient support platform having first and second parts which are adapted to support the upper and lower parts of a patient's body. Mechanisms are provided for applying a cyclic movement to the first and second parts of the support platform. Supports are pivotally coupled to each of the first and second parts and adjustable whereby the position of the pivotal coupling of each support to the respective first and second parts can be individually adjusted relative to at least one reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventors: Howard S. Wright, Robin A. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 5258019
    Abstract: An improved lumbar spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy such as to allow normal collagen formation to occur. A frame (12) is included for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes a stationary support (64) for supporting the buttocks region of a patient a pivoting support (78) for supporting the torso and pivoting leg supports (220A,220B) for supporting the legs of a patient. A motor (92) is provided for driving at least one pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillators (18) being provided to oscillate each pivoting support (78) independently. An amplitude adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement. A control box (22) is provided for carrying the motor controls, including at least a patient control button (24) and an emergency stop button (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: United Apothecary, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Riddle, George M. Cox, Ronnie J. Withrow, James L. Aslinger
  • Patent number: 5217488
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Kuang-Hsing Wu
  • Patent number: 5192306
    Abstract: A new and improved treatment table for supporting a patient in a face down prone position for chiropractic manipulation of the cervical vertebrae patient's spine includes a base extending upwardly of the floor to a convenient working level and a thoracic cushion for supporting a patient's body below the neck in the prone position at the work level. A headpiece is pivotally interconnected relative to the thoracic cushion for supporting the patient's head during manipulation treatment. The headpiece is pivotal about a laterally extending horizontal axis spaced at a level above the thoracic cushion and just below or at a level coincident with the patient's spine. The headpiece is also movable in lateral flexion about an upwardly extending axis and is rotatable about a roll axis generally coincident with the patient's spinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Standex International
    Inventors: Gerald R. Scott, James M. Cox
  • Patent number: 5171260
    Abstract: A passive body-motion generating apparatus having a base, a lower body support, an upper body support, the top of each said suport providing a body contact surface, said supports each having a pivot end portion lying substantially adjacent each other, cooperating pivot mechanisms on each of the pivot end portions and base for allowing rotative motion of each body support through an arc sector, the pivot axes of the pivot mechanisms being substantially parallel and in proximity to each other, and a power train mechanism on the base in operative association with both body supports for imparting simultaneous rotative force thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: William A. McIlwain
  • Patent number: 5141483
    Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the lumbar and truncal regions of a person. A rigid framework supports two generally horizontal turntables at opposite ends thereof. A person reclines the upper region of his torso on one turntable and lower region of his torso on the other turntable, thereby permitting cyclic bending of the torso and, as a result, working of the paraspinous and associated muscles. An adjustable headrest extends from one turntable, and an adjustable footrest extends from the other turntable. Each turntable may be adjusted toward or away from the other, set at a predetermined tilt with respect to the rigid frame, and set at a predetermined degree of rotational resistance. A cyclic motion driving means and a cycle counter are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: David C. Smith
  • Patent number: 5123916
    Abstract: A lumbar spine therapy device (10) for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy such as to allow normal collagen formation to occur, thus minimizing scarring and quickening a return to normal function and development of strength in both the muscles of function as well as the secondary support system. The lumbar spine therapy device (10) includes a frame (12) for engaging a support surface (32). A body support (14) is provided for supporting the body a patient and includes a stationary support (64) for supporting the buttocks region of a patient and pivoting supports (78) for supporting the torso and legs of a patient. A motor (92) is provided for driving at least one pivoting support oscillator (18), the oscillators (18) being provided to oscillate each pivoting support (78) independently. An amplitude adjuster (20) is connected to each oscillator (18) for altering the amplitude of displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: United Apothecary, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Riddle, Ronnie J. Withrow, George M. Cox, James L. Aslinger
  • Patent number: 5094228
    Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of the back is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table for supporting a patient lying on this back. Traction units are provided to place the patient's spine in traction, one side independent of the other, as he lies on the table. A back support is positioned underneath the patient's back for engagement with an area of the back to be treated. The back support is connected to a lift mechanism to move the back support laterallly toward one side or the other and vertically and in an inclined direction with is the resultant of a horizontal and vertical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Otto C. Reinert