US 6,540,707 B1 · Orthoses

Abstract

Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An orthopedic device comprising:

(a) a frame that restrains a first flexibly connected body portion of an individual relative to a second flexibly connected body portion;
(b) a bladder held by said frame, where said bladder contacts at least one of said flexibly connected body portions when said frame is restraining said flexibly connected body portions;
(c) a pressure sensor attached to said bladder such that pressure within said bladder is measured as a pressure measurement;
(d) a digital computer microprocessor operably connected to said pressure sensor to receive said pressure measurements, where said microprocessor monitors variations in pressure, provides instructions on exercises, and evaluates performance of the exercises based on pressure measurements;
(e) nonvolatile storage connected to said microprocessor;
and
(f) a display connected to said microprocessor to display a value related to said pressure measurements and said instructions on exercises.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Orthoses

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Orthoses

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18