Abstract: An inflatable support device for supporting the lower back of a user especially when the user is sitting. The device includes an elongate flexible belt adapted for wrapping around the waist area of a wearer. An inflatable waist bladder is coupled to the belt such that the waist bladder is wrapped around the waist area of the wearer when the belt is wrapped around the waist area of the wearer. An elongate lower support bar downwardly depends from the belt. The lower support bar is designed for positioning adjacent the spine region of the lower back area of the wearer to provide support to the lower back area of the wearer. The lower support bar has opposite top and bottom ends, and a pair of side edges extending between the top and bottom ends of the lower support bar. The top end of the lower support bar is attached to the belt. A flexible flap is extended from the bottom end of the lower support bar. The flexible flap is designed for sitting on by the wearer.

Abstract: A light weight, inflatable, readily compactible, inexpensive bed sore treatment and prevention method and apparatus. Two inflatable wedges are held in close approximation to a patient/person by a plurality of straps that each encircle the person and the two wedges to a moderate and readily adjustable degree of snugness. Internal partitions help maintain the shapes of the respective wedges. The edges of the wedges can be rounded to optimize comfort for the user. The device is readily portable due to its light weight and its fabrication from flexible, foldable material, which can be plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material that is durable, resilient, and air tight. The wedges are used for a predetermined period of time to maintain the person in one position, after which the person is moved to a different position. The wedges can be used to treat and/or prevent various conditions, such as sleep apnea, snoring, bed sores, etc.

Abstract: A field splinting device that can also be used instead of a fiberglass or cardboard cast for injured limbs, particularly severe sprains and fractures is proposed. The device is waterproof and is radiotranslucent. The device utilizes two sets of multi-layer formable materials, such as fiberglass shims located in pouches in first and second members having re-sealable bladders or sheaths to provide structural support on each side of the limb. Pressurizable-bladders are located to the inside of the formable materials to provide cushioning for the limb, and may be inflated by attaching a small inflation bulb to an inlet/outlet port located at each end of the bladder. Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to a desired inflation level. A further embodiment is shown having a single sheet of formable material and a single bladder.

Abstract: A hip and knee abductor having a pair of leg securing members and a center pocket integrally attached therebetween. The center pocket receives an air inflation means capable of receiving, retaining and expelling air. The introduction of air in the air inflation means permits abduction of contracted legs. The unique use of the air inflation means permits the use of the abductor with fully contracted legs. A pair of rigid plates are inserted within retaining pockets formed in the pair of leg securing members for communicating with the expandable air inflation means and thereby applying lateral pressure to an inner portion of contracted legs.

Abstract: An inflatable boot and method for its manufacture, in which the boot includes a bladder for encasing at least a portion of a human foot and at least a portion of an ankle. The bladder is defined by an inner and an outer layer of substantially gas-tight material, and includes fluidically interconnected wall and sole portions. The wall portions are sized and shaped for collectively encasing a human ankle and the sole portion is sized and shaped for encasing a sole of a human foot. A structural interconnection joins the inner layer of the bladder substantially directly to the outer layer at a location interposed the sole portion and one of the wall portions to create a foot-supporting contour for the sole portion of the bladder when the bladder is inflated. The bladder for the boot is manufactured in a flattened condition, and then folded over and joined at seams to define a boot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compression sleeve for use in systems for applying compressive pressure to a patient's leg. The sleeve has an improved design for facilitating proper placement on the leg and for providing increased comfort for the patient wearing the sleeve.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a weakened knee joint wherein lower and upper anchor bands are carried by a sleeve for location upon and attachment to the lower leg and the upper leg adjacent the knee joint, with essentially inextensible support straps following respective helical paths around the knee joint between the lower and upper anchor bands, and inflatable elements juxtaposed with the lower and upper anchor bands which subsequently are inflated to anchor the attached lower and upper anchor bands in place for firm and accurate securement upon installation in the desired location and for maintaining the desired location during use.

Abstract: A limb support assembly for typical use in supporting the legs of a person to keep the heels of a person suffering from a decubitus condition or burned areas on a limb above and out of contact with a bed. The assembly basically includes an inflatable tubular bladder, a soft absorbent sock over the bladder, attachment devices such as cords attached to the bladder ends and attachable to a bed frame, and a pump for varying bladder inflation pressure. The assembly is placed on a bed or other support at a suitable location for elevating a limb. The attachment is then installed by fastening the cords to the bed frame or other fixed part of the support. A board may be secured to the bladder assembly to further restrict movement of the assembly on the bed or other support surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow for holding a person's legs together during sleep includes a generally upwardly sloping and then generally downwardly sloping base. A first thigh receiving region extends upwardly from the base while a second thigh receiving region extends upwardly from the base in mirror-image symmetrical fashion to the first thigh receiving region. A first calf receiving region extends upwardly from the base while a second calf receiving region extends upwardly from the base in mirror-image symmetrical fashion to the first calf receiving region.

Abstract: The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is a new method for combining five fundamental methods of orthopedic immobilization into one multipurpose utility, integrated synergistic emergency spline (30) that operates using various integrated synergistic combinations of rigid fixation, soft fixation, inflation-actuated fixation, vacuum-actuated fixation, and traction-actuated fixation methods for strengthening and providing backup immobilization of each single method. Splint (30) is of layered design and function, comprised of an anatomically shaped unibody envelope (32) with a medial long axis monostay pocket (102) for retaining a removable central stiffening monostay (100), and a plurality of self-stowing, orbital compression, isokinetic tensing straps (34a-l) for circumferential closure. Contained within unibody envelope (32) is a stiffening framesheet (94) which provides shape, a malleable support platform, and energy transfer base for detachable traction system (71).

Abstract: A spinal traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the spine for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical, cervico-thoracic, thoraco-lumbar, and lumbar regions 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 cervical unit and a thoraco-lumbar unit and is designed so each unit can work independent of each other or in conjunction with each other. The device includes a frame, upstanding neck and back supports carried by the frame inflatable bladders carried by the neck and back supports, restraining arms or straps for securing the device to the user's body such that the bladders are disposed below and adjacent the user's spine, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladders to force the cervical, cervico-thoracic, thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spine to curve forwardly and apply angular/circular traction to the spine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable lumbar traction vest capable of both preventing spinal injuries, and facilitating the healing of existing spinal injuries. As disclosed, the vest of the present invention comprises an upper torso member, a lower belt member, and a plurality of vertical support members fixedly attached at each end to the upper and lower members, wherein each of the vertical support members contains therein an inflatable bladder in fluid connection to an inflation means.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating blood flow velocity in a leg of the body for the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis in an effective and relatively painless manner which, in one case, includes an apparatus for compressing a foot in a manner to drive a substantial amount of blood from veins of the foot therein into blood vessels of the leg and an apparatus operably associated with the compressing apparatus for electrically stimulating leg muscles as the driven blood from the foot passes therethrough such that the muscles drivingly enhance blood flow velocity.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a method and apparatus for vein location. The apparatus includes a vein locating device composed an inflatable bladder attached between two covers and including a holding straps for attaching the device to a limb of a human patient. The method described herein sets for the steps of placing the apparatus on the limb of a human patient and inflating the device so as to constrict veins in a desired area so as to permit the location of a particular vein or veins.

Abstract: A flexible expandable inter vivos tube includes at least one arched segmented portion and at least one positioning mechanism, the at least one arched segmented portion and at least one positioning mechanism forming a flexible closed longitudinally extending tube, preferably an endotracheal tube for introduction of oxygen and other anesthetic gases from a source thereof into the lungs of a surgical patient or similar mammal. The positioning mechanism is preferable an H-shaped connector having at least one cul-de-sac receptacle cavity for variable slidable movement of at least one tapered tongue free end portions of the at least one arched segment therein.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace which includes a pump, the orthopedic knee brace also including a thigh cuff and a pair of inflatable air pillows interposed between the thigh cuff and the thigh of the wearer to prevent slippage. The pillows are mounted on the thigh cuff in positions located on the opposite side of the femur of the wearer within the medial femoral hollows in position to engage the femoral condyles. The pump is mounted on the thigh cuff, and it serves to inflate and deflate the air pillows. The pump includes a hollow housing, together with a release valve mounted at an accessible position on the housing to permit the air pillows to be conveniently deflated when desired.

Abstract: The invention concerns how the loop portion of a VELCRO fastener can be RF welded to a compression sleeve or other similar article. By using a simpler two-step method, in which the loop portion is provided with a backing laminated thereto, both labor and material costs have been reduced over the prior art five-step method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing therapeutic intermittent pneumatic pressure to a body portion. An air reservoir receives a substantially steady flow of pressurized air from a pump. Pressure is applied as a rapid pulse from the reservoir to a cuff means in contact with the body portion so as to promote acceleration of venous blood flow in the body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic pressure is applied in a graduated manner and/or sequentially distally to proximally along the body portion. A simplified carrying arrangement is provided for the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward providing a method and a brace for supporting a knee joint to permit movement of the joint in first selected directions and to restrain movement in second selected directions. The brace comprises a flexible sheet and at least two enclosed inflatable chambers contained in the flexible sheet. The chamber is formed of a material which is light and flexible when uninflated but is relatively rigid when inflated. Each inflated chamber follows a path corresponding to that of one of the cruciate ligaments and together they support the joint and prevent unwanted movement of the portion to be restrained from movement. However, the material has sufficient flexibility and when coupled with the flexible sheet serves to prevent abrasion of the sensitive areas of the joint being confined. The flexible sheet, while very flexible, also protects against the transmission of shock to the joint.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a weakened knee joint and a method for attaching the brace wherein lower and upper anchor bands are located upon and attached to the lower leg and the upper leg adjacent the knee joint, with essentially inextensible support straps following respective helical paths around the knee joint between the lower and upper anchor bands, and inflatable elements within the lower and upper anchor bands subsequently are inflated to anchor the attached lower and upper anchor bands in place for firm and accurate securement upon installation in the desired location and for maintaining the desired location during use.

Abstract: A walking brace is disclosed having inflatable air cells to provide therapeutic pressure to the patient's leg and which requires no external equipment or oral inflation tube for reinflation. Each air cell contains a piece of resilient foam, which allows air to come in through an external connection to inflate the air cell when the foam within the air cell expands and the external connection is open. Similarly, when the external connection is open, air leaves the air cell through the external connection in response to pressure on the air cell. However, once the external connection is closed, the air cell maintains its volume of air.

Abstract: The pivotable cervical traction/stretch and neck curve support device comprises a base portion having an upper inclined surface for supporting a person's upper body or torso, a table or platform situated adjacent the base portion and having an upper surface and a bottom surface, a pivotable mounting mechanism attached to the base for pivotally and rotatably mounting the platform to the base in a manner allowing rotation of the platform about any one of or all of an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis. The mounting mechanism includes structure for securing the platform in a desired position, a head portion having an inner surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being in sliding contact with the platform, the head portion also having specially contoured surfaces for receiving a person's head, and a mechanism for incrementally moving the head portion on the platform away from the inclined surface.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for a joint includes a support mechanism attached to limb members on either side of the joint for providing support to the joint and for permitting a predetermined range of movement of the joint. The support mechanism defines a void space substantially surrounding the joint between the support mechanism and the joint. An inflatable air bag that preferably includes several air cells substantially surrounds the joint in the void space. At least one sensor attached to the support mechanism provides a trigger signal in response to a predetermined, potentially injurious condition, such as a severe force, stress, strain or acceleration. An inflation mechanism operatively connected to the air bag and the sensor inflates the air bag in response to the trigger signal, thereby providing additional support to the joint before the joint is injured.

Abstract: A cloth body having a central elbow portion wrapped around a patient's elbow to treat elbow flexion contractures. Hook and loop material secure the cloth body to the patient's elbow. A longitudinally extending pocket contains an air bladder. Inflation of the air bladder supports the patient's elbow in a rigid position. Latitudinally extending pockets surrounding the anterior portion of the forearm and upper arm contain a flexible support element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving the circulation of blood through a patient's heart and extremity. The method comprises applying external positive regional pressure on an extremity synchronously with the patient's heartbeat. An adjustable timing cycle is initiated at the QRS complex of the arterial pulse cycle. The timing cycle is based on an average time period between QRS complexes, which is calculated from a measurement of several successive QRS complexes in the patient's heart rate. Pressure pulses are applied in the end-diastolic portion of the arterial pulse cycle to reinforce the pulse that forces blood into the extremity. The pressure is then relieved prior to the next projected QRS complex to enable the next pulse to enter the extremity without undue obstruction, thereby promoting circulation of blood through the extremity. To promote circulation of blood through the heart, compression of the extremity is released shortly before the next projected QRS complex.

Abstract: A system for intermittent, sequential, graduated compression of a multicompartment inflatable cuff by means of a single pulsing air pump and a single air tube connecting the pump to the cuff. Each more proximal compartment is inflated through a fluid restrictor communicating with its adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most proximal compartment is limited by a fluid restrictor bleeding air to atmosphere and the pressure in the most proximal compartment is always less than the pressure in the adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most distal compartment is controlled by a pressure relief valve. In a second embodiment, deflation is through a restrictor located in the supply line to the cuff and deflation of each more proximal compartment is through a one-way check-valve that permits flow of air from a proximal compartment to a distal compartment but not in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A single-chambered static pressure device and method for supporting and protecting a human lower extremity and for normalizing the pressure and forces acting thereon includes an inflatable wrap or boot-like device having a single internal air chamber and including an interior plastic sheet and an exterior plastic sheet joined peripherally together forming said air chamber therebetween, a nozzle valve for admitting air into the air chamber, and fasteners for releasably securing the inflatable device about the lower extremity. The plastics sheets forming the single air chamber have a plurality of aligned openings extending therethrough and the sheets are joined about the circumference of each hole for providing heat and moisture dissipation, ventilation and visibility therethrough.

Abstract: An abduction pillow used to immobilize a patient's legs after hip surgery has a wedge-shaped body constructed of a resilient deformable material which positions the legs in a forgiving, fixed divergent position. The body is wedge-shaped and preferably air filled, and has a pair of opposing sides which taper outwardly in a divergent manner from a narrow anterior end adapted to be located adjacent the groin area of a patient, toward a wider distal end. The body has an upper surface which inclines downwardly from the distal end toward the anterior end. A longitudinal arcuate recess is formed in the upper inclined surface and has a depth sufficient to support one of the patient's legs. The vertical distance between a plane in which the other of the patient's legs lies and the bottom of the longitudinal arcuate recess, is equal to the width of the wedge-shaped body at any transverse plane taken through the pillow.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device comprises a hollow inflatable body made of an elastically expandable material and includes a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows portion which is integrally formed with the head portion and to the shoulder portion. The bellows portion, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a user's neck. Pumping structure is connected to the body for pumping air into the body and for relieving or releasing air out of the body and the head portion. The bellows portion and the shoulder portion have an un-inflated condition, a first inflated condition and a second inflated condition where the bellows portion acts against and between the head portion and the shoulder portion.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for applying compressive pressures against a patient's foot. The device comprises first and second panels of flexible material secured to one another to form an inflatable bag to be fitted upon the foot. The bag has first and second separate fluid bladders. The first fluid bladder is adapted to engage a first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder is adapted to engage a second portion of the foot. A boot is provided for holding the inflatable bag to the foot. A fluid supply is provided for applying pressurized fluid to the first and second fluid bladders such that the first fluid bladder applies a first compressive pressure upon the first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder applies a second compressive pressure upon the second portion of the foot.

Abstract: The cervical traction device comprises: a body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows which extends substantially across the width and height of the body between and connected to the head portion and to the shoulder portion and acting against and between substantially the full inner end surface of the head portion and the full inner end surface of the shoulder portion. The bellows, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a patient's neck. A hand operated air pump is connected to the bellows for pumping air into the bellows and for relieving or pumping air out of the bellows.

Abstract: A portable, hydraulic extremity pump apparatus for treatment of edema is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a flexible compression unit that wraps around an individual's extremity. The compression unity has a plurality of prefill bladders each containing a separate compression bladder. The bladders are connected to a hydraulic pump through valves. Pressure sensors are connected to prefill bladders. The valves, the pump and the pressure sensors are all connected to a programmable control processor to operate the valves and pump and to monitor the bladder pressures. The valves to the prefill bladders are closed at an appropriate pressurization and the pump is shut down to mold the compression unit around the extremity. The occurrence of edema may then be detected by the monitoring of the pressure in the prefill bladders.

Abstract: An inflatable garment applies compression to a limb for the treatment of vascular disorders. The garment is made with an inflatable chamber formed from a blank of superimposed layers of sheet material. Side portions of the blank are joined together in the garment to encompass the foot. An inflatable tongue is located to lie under the foot. The side portions of the blank and the tongue form intercommunicating inflatable sacs. The tongue itself is not laterally joined to the side portions of the blank. The resulting inflatable garment is more comfortable to wear and more effective therapeutically.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a human shoulder, and for supporting the wrist of the arm associated with that shoulder, comprises three inflatable bladders joined together to form a triangular wedge. The wedge is positioned underneath the patient's arm such that one bladder is positioned along the patient's side, and such that the patient's arm rests on another of the bladders. The bladder that supports the patient's arm is provided with an inverted cup joined to an elongate step which supports the patient's hand and wrist.

Abstract: Various support devices have one or more balloons that are strapped around a portion of the body with a soft layer between them and the body. In some devices, the balloons are separably mounted a strap that encircles a portion of the body. Various forms of balloons are disclosed. In other devices, the balloon has an open area that is disposed over a bony prominence or ulcerated area. An insert for applying medicine may be disposed within the open area. Certain devices are for body joints and therefore have multiple parts that can move toward and away from each other as the joint flexes.

Abstract: A pressure sock for the ambulatory treatment of venous ulcers about the ankle and lower portion of the leg of a patient. The sock has a lamina provided with a network of spaced apart, interconnected chambers which can be inflated by the introduction of fluid to exert pressure on the foot and lower leg. The sock has and an inner lining of a relatively soft, non-allergenic material and a non-distensible outer jacket.

Abstract: The novel air pressure knee brace apparatus is comprised of a unit that is capable of allowing the user to provide the amount of support pressure that he or she desires for the knee joint. The apparatus is comprised of a flexible material wrap that is designed to fit around the knee of an individual. The rear portion of the wrap can be made of a mesh material that permits a cooling of the leg area. The frontal portion of the material contains an air bladder retained in position by a mesh perimeter and overlay and contains an air valve that can be inflated as desired to provide the needed support for the knee joint and, at the same time, allow for freedom of motion of the knee joint. Adjustment units are attached to the apparatus to permit tightening or loosening of the entire apparatus around the leg.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward providing a method and a brace for supporting a joint of the body to permit movement of the joint in a first selected direction and to restrain movement in a second selected direction. The brace comprises a flexible sheet and an enclosed inflatable chamber contained in the flexible sheet. The chamber is formed of a material which is light and flexible when uninflated but is relatively rigid when inflated. The inflated chamber supports the joint and prevents unwanted movement of the portion to be restrained from movement. However, the material has sufficient flexibility and when coupled with the flexible sheet serves to prevent abrasion of the sensitive areas of the joint being confined. The flexible sheet, while very flexible, also protects the transmission of shock to the joint.

Abstract: In an orthopedic support pad with semi-permanent relief zones, an airtight bladder is filled with a material which retains its shape when air is evacuated from the bladder during the formation process. The afflicted areas of an appendage are temporarily covered with padding and the support pad is then conformed to the wearer's particular anatomy. When the padding is subsequently removed, areas of pressure relief for the afflicted areas are maintained in the support pad.

Abstract: A medical appliance is disclosed employing multiple inflatable components which cooperate to apply compressive pressure to each leg of a person. The appliance includes physically separate upper and lower leg components each having individual chambers joined together with flexible straps for attachment to the wearer. The appliance can further include a physically separate inflatable bladder elements for attachment to the wearer's pelvic region.

Abstract: A one-piece slipper construction, into which an inflatable foot-pump bag or bladder is permanently integrated and wherein a thin reinforcement panel is fully contained and located within a flat-foldable wrap, for selective completion of the circumferential tie that is needed for assurance of stimulated foot-pump action. In the preferred embodiment, the wrap is so further devised as to provide a flexibly reinforced, non-stretch backing reference for a laterally extending portion of the inflatable bag, for active stimulation of the adjacent dorsi-medial region, where further blood accumulates as part of the pool from which venous return flow can be driven.

Abstract: A head restraint for immobilizing a patient during tomographic examination. A two part cover, each part enclosing a pneumatic, inflatable member, is adjustably assembled so as to locate each inflatable member on opposite sides of the patient's head. A strap encircles the forehead, maintaining the restraint on the patient. A hand held squeeze bulb simultaneously and equally pressurizes both inflatable members so as to occupy all space between the patient's head and a U-shaped head holder typically provided with tomography X-ray machines. The inflatable members establish a comfortably fitting, flexible, large patch of contact with the patient's head and with the head holder. These characteristics immobilize a patient's head sufficiently to enable clear images to be developed. The inflated members are depressurized by a manual valve, and the restraint is readily removed from the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage provides a removable bandage article that can be readily wrapped and fastened around an injured joint. The bandage includes an internal air bladder that can be selectively inflated to provide compression to the injury, and an internal coolant bladder that can be selectively chilled to provide cooling therapy to the injury.

Abstract: An air massaging device having at least one inflatable air bag adapted to be laid against a portion of the human body. The device includes an air pump generating a pressurized air and a distributor valve which has an open position of feeding the pressurized air to the air bag and a closed position of allowing the pressurized air to be discharged from the air bag to the atmosphere in order to repeat inflating and deflating the air bag. A single pressure sensor is disposed upstream of the distributor valve to monitor a pressure level developed on the side of the air pump. A control circuit is included to activate the air pump on a time-period basis in order to give a desired pressure level to which the air bag is inflated. The control circuit operates to provide one or more initial inflation cycle and subsequent inflation cycles alternated by deflating cycles.

Abstract: An abduction pillow used to immobilize a patient's legs after hip surgery has a wedge-shaped body constructed of a resilient deformable material which positions the legs in a forgiving, fixed divergent position. The body is wedge-shaped and preferably air filled, and has a pair of opposing sides which taper outwardly in a divergent manner from a narrow anterior end adapted to be located adjacent the groin area of a patient, toward a wider distal end. The body has an upper surface which inclines downwardly from the distal end toward the anterior end. A longitudinal arcuate recess is formed in the upper inclined surface and has a depth sufficient to support one of the patient's legs. The vertical distance between a plane in which the other of the patient's legs lies and the bottom of the longitudinal arcuate recess, is equal to the width of the wedge-shaped body at any transverse plane taken through the pillow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving the circulation of blood through a patient's heart and extremity. The method comprises applying external positive regional pressure on an extremity synchronously with the patient's heartbeat. An adjustable timing cycle is initiated at the QRS complex of the arterial pulse cycle. The timing cycle is based on an average time period between QRS complexes, which is calculated from a measurement of several successive QRS complexes in the patient's heart rate. Pressure pulses are applied in the end-diastolic portion of the arterial pulse cycle to reinforce the pulse that forces blood into the extremity. The pressure is then relieved prior to the next projected QRS complex to enable the next pulse to enter the extremity without undue obstruction, thereby promoting circulation of blood through the extremity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal column correction device and in particular to one including a head rest having a first raised support, a second raised support formed with a recess at the intermediate portion, a groove between the first raised support and the second raised support, a triangular region extending downwardly from the second raised support, and a Velcro strap at the lower edge of the head rest, a lumbar rest having a Velcro strap at the upper edge and the lower edge, a swollen region at the intermediate portion, a spine line at the center, a triangular region at the upper portion, and two recesses at the lower portion for receiving two hips of an user, and a bottom rest having two recesses for receiving two feet of an user and a swollen region between the two recesses for resting the feet, whereby the device may effectively correct the spinal column of an user.

Abstract: An adjustable ankle compress (10) in the shape of a boot (12) with an ankle portion (18) and a foot portion (16) for receiving the ankle and foot and having a sole (14) on the boot (12) that is adjustable in width for varying the size of the boot (12) to accommodate a foot and ankle of various sizes. The boot (12) has a fluid-tight compartment (36) formed therein for substantially surrounding the ankle and the top of the foot.

Abstract: An ankle brace designed to be worn under the shoe has a first bladder which is filled with the high viscosity gel resistant to rapid deformation to apply pressure to the ankle and conform to its shape to provide support to the ankle. A second bladder inflatable with air is juxtaposed the first bladder to provide a uniform compressive force upon the bladder filled with the gel. A canvas ankle brace holds a pair of air and gel bladders along each of its sidewalls and is wrapped about the lower extremity and snugly fit thereto. Once the brace is in position, air is introduced into the second bladder to press the first bladder against the ankle and to conform to the shape thereof. Broad elastic straps may be secured to the lower rear of the brace to extend over the front of the ankle and the instep in a cruciate configuration.