131results about How to "Limit range of motion" patented technology

An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second screws adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated ligament with a first end connected to the first screw and the second end operatively connected with the second screw. The ligament is made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have ductile inelastic properties at body temperature and is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the second pedicle screw includes a bearing for receiving the ligament in a slideably engageable relationship. The device further includes optional first and second dampening members surrounding the ligament for restraining the spinal column during flexion and extension. Other preferred devices and kits containing such devices are also described.

An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second anchors adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated bridge with first and second ends operatively connected to the first and second anchors, respectively. The bridge contains an implantable ligament made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have inelastic properties at body temperature, wherein the bridge is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the device further includes a dampening member surrounding the ligament, which may be a wire, tube or band. In another preferred embodiment the device includes rigid rod members each correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with anchors. The rigid rod members are correspondingly connected to either end of the ligament. In yet another preferred embodiment, the device includes plate segments correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with a plurality of anchors. Other preferred devices and kits containing such devices are also described.

A stabilization system including a platform supported by two or more rotatably-coupled gimbal frames each having a pivot assembly disposed at its rotation axis to couple an actuator to a rotation sensor having a rotation-sensitive sensor axis that is fixedly disposed with respect to the rotation axis, and a controller including means for accepting the sensor signals and for producing each motor signal needed to dispose the platform in a predetermined angular position with respect to each rotation axis independent of changes in the base orientation. A motion simulator embodiment includes controller means for accepting an external slew signal sequence and means for producing the motor signals needed to move the platform along a predetermined sequence of positions represented by the slew signal sequence.

A seal assembly is provided which includes a gimbal-like structure permitting rotation of a mounting member relative to the housing. The rotation of the mounting member allows the seal member to align with an instrument being inserted therethrough. The seal assembly is adapted to be detachably mounted to a cannula assembly for use in endoscopic surgery.

A method of objectively quantifying assessments of joints having arthritis for purposes of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The objective measurements utilize known imaging modalities including 3D scanning, thermal imaging, visible and near-infrared imaging and two-dimensional imaging to quantify swelling, heat distribution, erythema, and range or motion. The objective measurements can be combined in various ways to assess the extent of the disease and can be used to adjust treatment protocols.

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.

An assembly for promoting the growth of plant tissues that includes a plurality of plates each defining an array of wells wherein each of the wells contains a tissue sample. Support for the plates is provided by a rack having a plurality of vertically stacked shelves that may include one or more register depressions that urge the plates into predetermined positions. Light for the tissue samples is provided by a plurality of light-emitting diode arrays each mounted on a circuit board. Each circuit board is supported by a respective card edge connector of the rack so that the light-emitting diodes are in proximity to the plates supported on one of the shelves therebelow. Preferably, the light-emitting diode array corresponds to the well array supported in the registered position on the shelf therebelow so that each light-emitting diode is centered above a respective one of the wells.

A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed. The device includes a strut having a pair of relatively moveable strut members. One of the strut members is associated with the helmet, and the other strut member is associated a harness assembly. The device also includes a brake assembly, with the assembly providing a plurality of arrest rates. Each of the arrests rates corresponds with a rate of relative motion (or acceleration) and a corresponding force experienced between the pair of strut members.

Adjustable support pants or briefs are provided which include one or more of a waist section, hip support section, or leg section with leg openings. The support pants or briefs include first and second adjustable members positioned on opposite sides of a sagittal plane of the support pants or briefs which extend generally longitudinally along the garment. The adjustable members are adapted to increase or decrease at least one of the waist, hip, or leg opening circumferences to reduce the time and effort needed to don (and take off) the garment. The adjustable features of the support pants or briefs also permit the wearer to tighten one or more sections of the garment to accommodate the different physiques of wearers while providing a snug fit and support during athletic or work activities.

A mattress support element is presented formed from a combination of natural plant material and processed plant material. The processed plant material forms a framework of cells. Each cell contains one or more freestanding cylindrical sections. The cylindrical sections provide limited range piston-like movement within the cell, and may be made of natural plant materials. The cylindrical sections and the framework rest on a fabric base. The cylindrical sections stand taller than the framework. A ceiling layer of fabric overlays the cylindrical sections and framework, thereby constraining the cylindrical sections to remain in their respective cells. One or more layers of upper padding or cushioning may rest over the support element, and one or more layers of lower padding may rest under the support element.

An apparatus for training a runner a proper arm-swing technique includes a body harness, and first and second engagement members for engaging the wrists or hands of the user. In one embodiment, the engagement members are grips that the user grasps while running. The apparatus further includes first and second upper straps configured to attach to the body harness and to the wrist coverings. The apparatus also includes first and second lower straps configured to attach to the body harness and to the wrist coverings. The body harness may be configured as a vest or formed from a plurality of straps. The arm-swing apparatus may further include first and second back springs configured to attach to the body harness and to a belt configured to fit around the waist of the runner. A method of using the arm-swing training apparatus is also disclosed.

In a fluid system such as irrigation system, fluid conduit attachment is facilitated through the use of a coupling. The coupling may have a body with a first end attached to a component such as an irrigation component, and a second end designed to receive an end of a conduit. The first end may be integrally formed with the component or separately attached thereto. The second end has a bore into which the end of the conduit is inserted. A gripping mechanism is seated in the bore to grip the end of the conduit. A release mechanism slides to release the conduit. The coupling may have a bend and/or branches extending to extra ends. A second coupling may be added to form a rotatable swing joint. An indicator such as a blue color may be used to indicate compatibility of the coupling with the conduit.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, and one or more pairs of arm assemblies. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheel chair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters can selectively engage the arm assembly based on at least one of a seat position, position of the arm assembly and surface conditions of ground surface. The arm limiters can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.

In some embodiments, a forceps may include at least two arms, at least one finger grip, and a hinge. Finger grips may be positioned on an arm. A hinge may couple two or more arms together In an embodiment, a hinge may allow 60 degrees of separation between coupled arms. A hinge may allow uninhibited movement of one arm relative to the other arm.