A pneumatic system includes a fluidic switching module, an air connection inlet configured for connection to a source of pressurized air, a plurality of air connection outlets each in fluid communication with the air connection inlet, a first cascading subsystem downstream from and in fluid communication with the air connection inlet and configured to receive a pressurized airflow from the air connection inlet, a second cascading subsystem downstream from and in fluid communication with the first cascading subsystem, and a third cascading subsystem downstream from and in fluid communication with the first cascading subsystem. The fluidic switching module is configured to cyclically and sequentially direct the pressurized airflow between the plurality of air connection outlets without any moving parts or external controls.

A negative pressure massage apparatus includes a vacuum pump, two solenoid valves and a control board. The vacuum pump is used to generate a negative pressure outside the negative pressure massage apparatus. Two solenoid valves are used to control a gas flow input into the negative pressure massage apparatus. The control board is used to activate or stop at least one of the vacuum pumps, and the two solenoid valves. The present disclosure further includes a method of using the negative pressure massage apparatus.

In device for placing a toe of a patient's foot in traction may broadly include a shoe portion (e.g., a sole, counter, and strap(s)); a toe attachment apparatus (e.g., a Chinese finger trap) having a cable extending therefrom; a pulley, with the cable wrapped about the pulley; and an apparatus (e.g., a ratchet, an actuator, and the like) configured to apply tension to the cable to create traction in the toe. A second actuator may adjust lateral positioning of the pulley relative to the shoe portion to set a desired angle of adduction for the traction provided to the toe by the cable. A meter may be coupled to the cable to indicate an amount of tension provided thereto. Another actuator may adjust elevational positioning of the pulley relative to the shoe portion to set a desired angle of dorsiflexion for the traction provided to the toe by the cable.

An external counter pulsation system (ECP) and method for using the system to improve circulation as well as cardiovascular related diseases. The ECP system of the present invention comprises a helical air bladder for modulating blood flow of major veins and arteries of the thigh. High efficiency is realized with the helical shape of the air bladder to lower the cost, weight and size of the ECP of the present invention.

An adjustable gripper mechanism for male masturbation devices that allows for adjustment in gripper diameter based on individual variations in the girth of penises or based on individual preferences regarding tightness. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable gripper mechanism comprises a left tubular portion, a right tubular portion, a hinge connecting the two tubular portions on one side of the tubular shape, a screw connecting the two tubular portions on the other side of the tubular shape, and a screw adjustment mechanism allowing for adjustment of the diameter of the tubular shape by turning of the screw. In some embodiments, the screw adjustment mechanism may be motorized, such that the gripper diameter may be adjusted electronically.

A device for use by an individual for sexual pleasure varying in form, i.e. shape, during its use and allowing for the user to select multiple variations of form either discretely or in combination and for these dynamic variations to be controllable simultaneously and interchangeably while being transparent to the normal use of the device, including the ability to insert, withdraw, rotate, and actuate the variable features manually or remotely. According to embodiments of the invention localized and global variations of devices are implemented using fluidics and electromagnetic pumps/valves wherein a fluid is employed such that controlling the pressure of the fluid results in the movement of an element within the device or the expansion/contraction of an element within the device.

A seat cushion includes a plurality of inflatable cells, a pumping mechanism, and a manifold or valve system fluidly between the pumping mechanism and the inflatable cells. The manifold or the valve system, which may include a clutch and a motor, connect the pumping mechanism with the inflatable cells such that a plurality of zones are created. A valve assembly can include a plurality of valves and is adjustable among at least three valve configurations to vary fluid connections to the inflatable cells to produce rearwardly advancing waves. The pumping action produced by the inflation and deflation of the inflatable cells assists in pumping blood in a user's legs back toward the heart.

Air cushion assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, comprising at least an air cushion and an air supply system for variably pressurizing the air cushions of the air cushion assembly with air. A respective supply line comprising a shut-off valve leads from the air supply system to each air cushion, where a pulsation module is provided and configured to act upon each air cushion with a pulsation. The pulsation module comprises a pneumatic element which is connected in a pressure-equalized manner to at least one supply line, and an actuating element for transmitting a mechanical motion to the pneumatic element for changing the volume of the pneumatic element in order to generate a pulsation.

In one aspect, a computerized method for implementing voice and acupressure-based lifestyle management includes the step of measuring a speed at which a user is speaking. A wearable device records the user's voice with a microphone and communicates a digital recording of the user's voice to a computer processor. The method includes the step of measuring a time spacing between a set of user's words and a length of the set of user's words. The method includes the step of determining at least one anomaly by comparing the digital recording of the user's voice with a benchmark recording of the user's voice. The method includes the step of alerting the user of the detected anomaly.

A pneumatically-actuated soft robotics-based variable stiffness haptic interface device for rehabilitation of a hand includes a body having a flexible outer wall and a cavity defined by the outer wall, the outer wall including a plurality of grooves configured to receive a fiber wound around the outer wall. The device further includes a pneumatic actuator in communication with the cavity and configured to provide pressure to the cavity.