Wright State University

Harry H Heaton, Iii

Jerrold S Petrofsky

Roger M Glaser

Chandler A Phillips

Steven H Petrofsky

A therapeutic device for reversing osteoporosis in human limbs which comprises a crank assembly adapted to attach to the distal ends of a pair of human limbs such as the legs, a motor for rotating the crank assembly so that the limbs move along a predetermined path, a vibrator for vibrating the crank assembly, thereby transmitting vibrations to the limbs, and a control for regulating the amplitude of the vibrations transmitted to the limbs. In a preferred embodiment, the control includes an accelerometer adapted to be mounted on a supported limb to generate a signal proportional to the amplitude of the vibrations actually felt by the limbs. The signal is used to modify the amplitude of electric current generated by the control to power the vibrator such that the amplitude of driving vibrations generated by the vibrator is proportional to the amplitude of vibrations felt by the limbs so that the amount of vibration of the limbs is maintained within a predetermined range.

Therapeutic device

A computer algorithm and hardware are disclosed for feedback control of movement in man for standing and walking. The system measures motion of the hips, knees and ankles and generates control signals for ten different muscle groups. Hip and knee supports are provided for restricting hip and knee movement to a common plane.

Feedback control system for walking

An exercising method and apparatus for use in the treatment of paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load, and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. The exercise routine is disclosed as being conducted upon the leg of a subject seated in a specially designed exercise chair.

Method and apparatus for exercising

Apparatus and method for therapeutic treatment of persons having paralyzed legs. The apparatus and method make use of four sets of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed above the iliac and quadriceps muscles of the paralyzed person. The person is seated upon an exercycle, and a series of pulsed stimulation signals are applied to the electrodes to cause coordinated contraction of the iliac and quadriceps muscles. This causes pedaling of the exercycle by the paralyzed legs. A position sensor senses the position of the pedals and transmits an indication thereof to a computer which generates control signals for stimulation driving circuits connected to the stimulation electrodes. A pair of paddle controllers are connected to the computer for manual adjustment of the stimulation amplitude.

Growing community of inventors

Beavercreek, OH, United States of America

Harry H Heaton, Iii