4732 results about "Assistive device" patented technology

The invention relates to a listening assistance device (1) comprising hearing modules (3) mounted on the ends of the arms of an eyeglass frame (2), said modules being designed to support the eyeglass frame on the ear of the user. The hearing modules also have a formed part (5) which extends into the auditive canal without closing the latter and which includes the sound outlet hole (6) of the module. The modules comprise a speech spectrum frequency response and linear dynamics in order to improve speech intelligibility. This makes it possible to provide a listening assistance device compensating for mild hearing loss that can be produced easily and economically, is more comfortable to use and is not regarded at first sight as a hearing aid by an observer.

A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and / or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A separating member may be provided to remotely separate the wire guide from the elongate medical device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permits the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary system such that a secondary access device, such as a balloon, biopsy device, stent delivery catheter, dilator, etc., can be introduced to perform a second medical operation without a traditional over-the-wire exchange being required. In another example of the method, a prosthesis, such as a valve or stent, is placed within the work site coupled to a wire guide which is remotely disconnected within the work site and a secondary device, such as a dilation balloon or second prosthesis, is introduced into the work site after the first delivery system is removed.

The present invention provides a human engineered power and control system for artificial hearts or assist devices configured for ease of use, ruggedness, and high reliability. Battery powered systems of the prior art have required multiple cables and connectors that are subject to failure due to damage or wear. In the present invention, direct connection of the batteries to the control system eliminates multiple cables and connectors used with previous designs. A novel method of connecting batteries to the control system and exchanging batteries without interruption of power is provided in a compact user friendly configuration. The control system may provide periodic reductions in assist device flow to permit the natural ventricle to eject blood through the natural outflow valve, open the valve leaflets to prevent them from adhering together, and achieve sufficient washout to prevent thrombosis. Using either software based control or software independent electronic circuitry, the flow pumped by the artificial heart is reduced for a long enough period of time to permit at least a few beats of the natural heart to generate sufficient pressure to open the outflow valve. In a control system embodiment in which the patient manually adjusts the pump speed to incremental settings for rest and exercise conditions, a pulsatile flow mode is disclosed which provides approximately the same flow at a given incremental setting as the pump produces when running in a constant speed mode at the same setting. As the patient learns which speed setting is best for daily activities, the patient may use the same setting with either a pulsatile or constant pump speed mode.

The present invention is directed to a visual mobility assist device which provides a conformal, augmented display to assist a moving body. When the moving body is a motor vehicle, for instance (although it can be substantially any other body), the present invention assists the driver in either lane keeping or collision avoidance, or both. The system can display objects such as lane boundaries, targets, other navigational and guidance elements or objects, or a variety of other indicators, in proper perspective, to assist the driver.

A portable lancing aid for providing liquid samples comprises a lancet system having at least one lancet, a tensioning device, and an electromechanical actuator. The tensioning device can be tensioned by the electromechanical actuator. The portable lancing aid may further include an energy source for storing electrical energy that is connected to the electromechanical actuator. Additionally, the portable lancing aid may include an interface for charging the energy source where the interface is externally accessible from the lancet system. The invention is ergonomical and easy to handle for children and patients with physical limitations. Furthermore, a lancing system for collecting liquid samples is provided with a portable lancing aid that is detachably mountable to a charging station for charging the portable lancing aid.

A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and / or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permit the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system. After performing a first medical operation, the devices are uncoupled with the wire guide being left within the biliary system such that a secondary access device, such as a balloon, biopsy device, stent delivery catheter, dilator, etc., can be introduced to perform a second medical operation without a traditional over-the-wire exchange being required. In another example of the method, a prosthesis, such as a valve or stent, is placed within the work site coupled to a wire guide which is remotely disconnected within the work site and a secondary device, such as a dilation balloon or second prosthesis, is introduced into the work site after the first delivery system is removed.

A combined lancing and auxiliary device includes a lancing device with a lancing auxiliary device attached thereto. The lancing auxiliary device can be, for example, a compartment for securely and removably containing items associated or unassociated with lancing, a timer or personal digital assistant device for assisting in documentation, or an illumination device for illuminating a target site. The lancing auxiliary device can be permanently or removably attached to the lancing device.

A motion assistance device has a biological signal detection means for detecting a biological signal from the wearer of the device; a motion assistance device installation member having a drive source for applying torque acting to the wearer by use of each joint of the wearer as a rotating shaft; a control means for controlling the drive source to generate torque corresponding to the biological signal detected by the biological signal detection mean; a drive torque estimation means for estimating the drive torque generated by the drive source; a joint angle detection means for detecting angular displacement of a joint; and a parameter identification means for substituting the drive torque estimated by the drive torque estimation means and the angular displacement detected by the joint angle detection means into an equation of motion to specify the wearer-specific dynamics parameter, the equation relating to the entire system and including wearer-specific dynamics parameter. The control means controls the drive source according to a predetermined control method, based on the equation of motion into which the dynamics parameter identified by the parameter identification means is substituted.

[Problem to be Solved]The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the load applied to the wearer by correcting a parameter in correspondence with detectivity of biosignals.[Means to Solve Problem]The calibration controlling part 162 of the movement assisting apparatus 10 enables the power amplifying part 158 to apply a driving force of the driving source 140 as a load (input torque) from the load generating part 164 to the wearer 12 when the wearer 12 wears the movement assisting wearing device. Then, the wearer 12 applied with the driving force of the driving source 140 generates power from the skeletal muscles by performing a predetermined calibration operation. Accordingly, the physical phenomenon detecting part 142 detects joint angle along with the calibration operation, and the biosignal detecting part 144 detects myoelectric signals. In the parameter correction part 156, a parameter K is corrected based on the difference between the load (input torque) and the driving force (muscular strength) being calculated by the difference deriving part 154 with respect to the phase identified by the phase identifying part 152.

A method and apparatus for influencing movement of a handle of a floor treatment device, such as a vacuum. The floor treatment device may include a handle portion that is attached to a base, which includes a floor treatment portion. The handle portion may be pivotally movable about a rotation axis relative to the base between at least first and second positions, where the rotation axis lies in a vertical plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the handle when the handle portion is in the first position and the longitudinal axis is a non-vertical position. A pivot assist device may apply a bias to the handle portion that urges the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position, e.g., to help support the weight of the handle when a user steers the floor treatment device across a floor.

A pelvic support and walking assistance device is disclosed which includes a trunk support member and a thigh lifting member coupled to each other at a pivot joint positioned opposite a hip joint of a user. The device functions to prevent pelvic sway. With a spring coupled with said pivot joint, the device further provides a thigh lifting torque to partially compensate for proximal leg weakness. The spring assistance pivot device includes a winding device that can be adjusted in use for varying forward torque for varying situations.

A wearable type movement assisting apparatus includes a movement assisting glove including a finger insertion part into which a finger of a wearer is inserted, a driving part arranged on a backhand side of the movement assisting glove and configured to drive the finger insertion part, a linear member arranged along the finger insertion part and configured to transmit a driving force of the driving part to the finger insertion part, a biosignal detection part configured to detect a biosignal that causes the finger of the wearer to move, and a control part configured to output a drive control signal to the driving part based on the biosignal detected by the biosignal detection part. The driving part is configured to move the linear member in an extending direction or a bending direction of the finger insertion part based on the drive control signal from the control part.

A device disclosed is a device for protecting soft tissues and for assisting in the performance of surgical procedure involving incision of tissues. The incision having a longitude section and two ends, and the device comprises a flexible sheet configured to be placed on the tissue, wherein the sheet outlines the tissue. According to one preferred embodiment the device provides indication for the location for performing the incision. According to further embodiments the device can comprise attaching means for attaching the device.

A ventricular assistive device (VAD) based on a progressive cavity pump includes a pump housing having an inlet and an outlet, a pump stator contained within the pump housing, a pump rotor rotatably disposed within the pump stator, a motor including a motor rotor contained within the pump housing and a direct drive means connected between the motor rotor and an axial shaft of the pump rotor for rotating the pump rotor. The motor rotates the motor rotor, which in turn rotates the pump rotor through the direct drive means. The rotation of the pump rotor within the pump stator forms a plurality of cavities that carry blood forward through the pump housing from the inlet to the outlet as the motor drives the direct drive means.

The present invention relates to a mobility aiding device, such as a walker, a wheelchair, a transport chair, a shower seat or a rollator, for use in providing support to injured or ailing persons during activity or movement. According to the present invention a solid two-piece seating platform is provided with a structural support for distributing the weight of the user to the frame. Furthermore, the two pieces of the seating platform are inter-hinged, enabling the entire device to fold up into a storage position. A lock is provided for maintaining the structural support in place, and a handle is provided for facilitating folding the device into the storage position.

An airway device is provided for opening a patient's airway. The airway device provides dual tubes which allow the patient to breathe on his / her own, to be ventilated, or to be intubated. The airway device includes a camera which provides constant visualization of the patient's tissues during insertion of the airway device and during the entire medical procedure. A transmission lumen monitors heart and breath sounds. Information from the camera and the transmission lumen is relayed to a microprocessor to allow for monitoring which may be remote. An airway assist device may be used with the airway device for properly positioning the patient's tongue is also disclosed. The airway assist device is inserted into the patient's vallecula to manipulate the patient's tongue.

A physical therapy apparatus for use in conjunction with a treadmill provides an assistive force to a forward movement of the legs. A force assistance device is adapted to attach to the feet or legs of a patient positioned on a motorized treadmill to assist in walking therapy by providing an assistive force to a forward movement of the patient's feet or legs. An adjustment device may vary an interface of attachment, for example, the height or direction, between the force assistance device and the patient's feet or legs. A force arresting device may arrest the assistive force provided by the force assistance device during the forward movement of the patient's feet or legs. The force assistance device provides a substantially constant assistance force during the forward movement of the patient's feet or legs. The physical therapy device may also include a force adjustment device connected with the force assistance device to vary the magnitude of the assistive force.

A mobility aiding device, such as a walker, a wheelchair, a transport chair, a shower seat or a rollator, are used in providing support to injured or ailing persons during activity or movement. A solid two-piece seating platform is provided with a structural support for distributing the weight of the user to the frame. Furthermore, the two pieces of the seating platform are inter-hinged, enabling the entire device to fold up into a storage position. A lock is provided for maintaining the structural support in place, and a handle is provided for facilitating folding the device into the storage position.

In order to provide a walking assistance device capable of favorably providing an assisting force for maintaining the upright posture while reducing the sense of pressure when worn by the user, a hip support member (1) of the walking assisting device, which comprises an assisting force generator (hip joint actuator 10) disposed at least on a side of a hip joint to provide an assisting force to a movement of a lower limb, is provided with: a back support (4) equipped with pads (18, 19, 20) for respectively abutting an intermediate portion between right and left erector spinae muscles, lateral outer sides of the spinae muscles and right and left iliac crests; and a belt (5) connected to the back support for tightening a lower part of the rectus abdominis muscle. In this way, a supporting force can be provided to the lumbar vertebrae to steadily keep the upright posture while reducing a resistance to a bending movement of the waist caused by the support member. Further, the drive torque from the assisting force generator can be supported by the whole hip portion and this can contribute to preventing inadvertent move of the support member.

An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body having a proximal end portion; an intubation assistance instrument having an elongated insertion section for insertion into a target site or its vicinity of a patient from a mouth cavity of the patient, the inserting section being formed with a tube guide for leading the intubation tube toward the observation site; and an imaging device for taking an image of an observation site at a distal end portion of the insertion section as an electronic image. The main body includes a display having a screen for displaying the electronic image taken by the imaging device, and the screen of the display is adapted to indicate a target mark for adjusting or setting an advancing direction of the intubation tube to the observation site displayed on the screen in the electronic image displayed on the screen.

A digital broadcast receiver is disclosed. The method of processing an application in a digital broadcast receiver connected with an interactive network includes receiving, from a broadcast network, broadcast audio / video (A / V) content and application information table (AIT) data, wherein the AIT data includes a linkage descriptor, parsing the linkage descriptor, wherein the linkage descriptor comprises a field identifying a type of at least one secondary device able to process the application, displaying an indicator informing that the application is able to be accessed by using at least one secondary device, searching at least one secondary device connected to the digital broadcast receiver, receiving a request signal for the application, and transmitting the application or an IP address of the application to the secondary device.

The invention discloses an on-vehicle traffic light assisting device in the technical field of intelligent transportation, which comprises a traffic light map module, a global positioning system (GPS) module, an image sensor, a traffic light detection and identification module, a lane identification module and a traffic light state display and prompting early warning module. The on-vehicle traffic light assisting device solves the problems of safe driving of groups with visual disturbance such as color weakness, color blindness and the like, can reduce the probability of traffic accidents caused by the running of the red light of a driver under exceptional conditions, and improves transportation efficiency at crossings.

A method for restoring functional ambulation in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries which includes partial weight bearing therapy followed by epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) to facilitate partial weight bearing therapy and over-ground walking. Electrical epidural stimulation (EES) is generated by an implanted device during partial weight bearing therapy on a treadmill. The subject is then transitioned to full weight bearing gait training on a treadmill with EES to over-ground gait training with EES and a walker, and finally to full weight bearing independent stepping over-ground with EES with or without an assistive device.

The present invention provides a walking assistance device comprising a pelvis support member (10) adapted to be worn on a hip of a wearer; a thigh support member (20) adapted to be worn on a thigh of the wearer; a leg support member (40) adapted to be worn on a leg of the wearer; a knee joint hinge (60) disposed at a position corresponding to a side part of a knee of the wearer and connecting the leg support member (40) to the thigh support member (20) in a manner that enables back-and forth rotation of the leg support member (40) with respect to the thigh support member (20); and a power generator assembly (100) mounted to the pelvis support member (10) at a position corresponding to a side part of a hip joint of the wearer; wherein the power generator assembly (100) comprises a hip joint power generator (110) and a knee joint power generator (120) each having an output member (116, 126, respectively), with the output member (116) of the hip joint power generator (110) being connected to the thigh support member (20) in a power-transmittable manner and the output member (126) of the knee joint power generator (120) being connected to the leg support member (40) via a power transmitting mechanism (90) which transmits power generated by the knee joint power generator (120) to the leg support member (40).

A wearable action-assist device for assisting the wearer to act or doing an action for the wearer (1) comprises an action-assist wearable tool (2) having an actuator (201) to give the wearer a mechanical force, a biosignal sensor (221) for detecting a biosignal of the wearer (1), a biosignal processing means (3) for obtaining, from the biosignal (a) detected by the biosignal sensor, a neurotransmitting signal (b) to move the musculoskeletal system of the wearer (1) and a muscle potential signal (c) generated when a muscle activity occurs , a voluntary control means (4) for generating, using the obtained neurotransmitting signal (b) and muscle potential signal (c), a command signal (d) to generate a mechanical force reflecting the intention of the wearer (1) in the actuator (201), and a drive current generating means (5) for producing, according to the command signal (d), currents corresponding to the neurotransmission signal (b) and the muscle potential signal (c) respectively and supplying them to the actuator (201).

A diaphragm assist device includes a magnetic mat adapted for mounting inside a human body adjacent the diaphragm. The mat is made from a material responsive to application of an electromagnetic field so as to be movable into compressive relation with the diaphragm in response to application of the electromagnetic field thereto and movable out of the compressive relation to permit the diaphragm to relax when application of the electromagnetic field is discontinued. The device also includes an electromagnetic assembly adapted for surrounding the torso of the human body in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat, and for alternately generating and discontinuing the electromagnetic field so that the mat alternately moves into and out of the compressive relation with the diaphragm. The device also includes a controller constructed and arranged to control an intensity level of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic assembly.

A wearable device monitors a wearer's physical activity and provides assistance to the wearer. The device includes physiologic sensors that provide sensor data of the wearer to a processor, a user interface that provides information to the wearer, a network interface that provides a network connection between the device and a remote computer, and a memory that stores instructions. The processor executes the instructions to collect physical activity data of the wearer using the sensors, to provide the collected activity data to the remote computer via the network interface to create or update a parameterized rule-based custom data model for the wearer, to receive the custom data model for comparison to collected activity data, and to communicate with the wearer via the user interface when a check of the wearer's activity data against the custom data model indicates that the wearer's activity is not consistent with the custom data model.