A full body elevator includes an inflatable upper body elevator having a sloped backrest panel and a generally flat, horizontal butt rest panel extending from the backrest panel; and an inflatable lower body elevator having a leg portion with a leg support panel sloping from the butt rest panel and a foot portion with a foot support panel selectively inflatable and extendable with respect to the leg portion.

A full body elevator includes an inflatable upper body elevator having a sloped backrest panel and a generally flat, horizontal butt rest panel extending from the backrest panel; and an inflatable lower body elevator having a leg portion with a leg support panel sloping from the butt rest panel and a foot portion with a foot support panel selectively inflatable and extendable with respect to the leg portion.

A method of pressure control in the pneumatic compression bandage and a pneumatic compression bandage includes a cuff with a chamber to be filled with a pressurized fluid. The device has a harness to fasten the cuff in the wound area and a control and pumping unit (6) connected pneumatically to the chamber in the cuff via a hose. The unit includes an electrical pump, an electromechanical valve connected electrically with the unit, a pressure sensor connected electrically with the unit (6). The controller of the pressure in the cuff chamber is of the PID type, including a proportional, integral and derivative modules, to control the electric pump to increase pressure in the cuff chamber and to control the valve to reduce pressure in the cuff chamber.

A method of pressure control in the pneumatic compression bandage and a pneumatic compression bandage includes a cuff with a chamber to be filled with a pressurized fluid. The device has a harness to fasten the cuff in the wound area and a control and pumping unit (6) connected pneumatically to the chamber in the cuff via a hose. The unit includes an electrical pump, an electromechanical valve connected electrically with the unit, a pressure sensor connected electrically with the unit (6). The controller of the pressure in the cuff chamber is of the PID type, including a proportional, integral and derivative modules, to control the electric pump to increase pressure in the cuff chamber and to control the valve to reduce pressure in the cuff chamber.

A knee brace of near universal application for any patient needing left or right knee stabilization, and/or suffering from arthritis, bone on bone contact, and/or narrowed joint spacing in either left or right knee. Brace is mountable on outside or inside of left or right knee. Brace includes a selectively activated force device for exerting pressure directly by pushing at a joint line of a knee or indirectly by pulling on a knee strap wrapped around knee and force device. A base, adjacent to the force device, at least partially resists pressure of force device, and is adjacent a flexor that allows knee flexing when brace is worn. Extensions connect flexor with base and force device to thigh and calf attachment straps. A knee strap may be used with force device. Knee strap has opening to fit over patella and straps for wrapping around knee without hampering knee flexion.

A knee brace of near universal application for any patient needing left or right knee stabilization, and/or suffering from arthritis, bone on bone contact, and/or narrowed joint spacing in either left or right knee. Brace is mountable on outside or inside of left or right knee. Brace includes a selectively activated force device for exerting pressure directly by pushing at a joint line of a knee or indirectly by pulling on a knee strap wrapped around knee and force device. A base, adjacent to the force device, at least partially resists pressure of force device, and is adjacent a flexor that allows knee flexing when brace is worn. Extensions connect flexor with base and force device to thigh and calf attachment straps. A knee strap may be used with force device. Knee strap has opening to fit over patella and straps for wrapping around knee without hampering knee flexion.

A spinal treatment system includes a traction device, an exercise device adapted for imparting curvature to the lumbar or sacral spine of a user and for manipulating the spine and intervertebral discs with decompression force, and a cushion coupled to the traction device and configured to bear against one or both of a head of the user and the thoracic spine of the user. The exercise device includes a frame for placement on the floor. A pad or inflatable bladder is carried by the top surface of the frame. A body strap attachment portion encompasses the thoracic-sacral spinal vertebrae region of the user and secures the frame to the user. The cushion includes one or more pad sections or inflatable bladder sections.

An ankle support assembly includes a body having a plurality of fabric layers. The body extends along a longitudinal axis. A sealed, inflatable chamber is supported by the body. A valve member is supported by the body and in fluid communication with the chamber. A plurality of retaining members are positioned relative to the chamber. The retaining members are spaced apart from each other. The retaining members are configured to limit expansion of the chamber in at least one direction. The retaining members are positioned relative to the chamber such that the body has a variable stiffness along the longitudinal axis when the chamber is inflated.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to variable stiffness devices, including orthoses, that use the principles of granular jamming. In some embodiments, a device may comprise a cell having an air impermeable outer bladder. The outer bladder of the cell can define an internal pocket. A plurality of granular particulates may be disposed within the first cell. The stiffness of the cell can be altered by altering the negative internal pressure of the cell, thereby causing the granular particulates to compact, or jam. In some embodiments, a plurality of cells may be disposed within a device. The location of each of the plurality of cells may correspond to a location of a user's foot. The mechanical characteristics of each cell of the plurality of cells may be independently adjusted by adjusting the negative internal pressure of the cell.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to variable stiffness devices, including orthoses, that use the principles of granular jamming. In some embodiments, a device may comprise a cell having an air impermeable outer bladder. The outer bladder of the cell can define an internal pocket. A plurality of granular particulates may be disposed within the first cell. The stiffness of the cell can be altered by altering the negative internal pressure of the cell, thereby causing the granular particulates to compact, or jam. In some embodiments, a plurality of cells may be disposed within a device. The location of each of the plurality of cells may correspond to a location of a user's foot. The mechanical characteristics of each cell of the plurality of cells may be independently adjusted by adjusting the negative internal pressure of the cell.