Patent ID: 7445608
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: A61F,A61H

Abstract:
1. An ambulatory spinal unloading apparatus configured to provide a desired amount of traction force to a spine of a patient and to absorb an intermittent and/or unexpected shock and/or vibration, with the traction force provided via a plurality of lifter assemblies, comprising: a vest that comprises wherein the plurality of lifter assemblies each comprising a worm gear turning a threaded rod or a piston actuated fluidic lifting device that independently expands or retracts to control distance between the orthotic belts to provide the traction force to a spine of a patient, and each of the lifter assemblies further comprises a residual cushioning device wherein the residual cushioning device comprises a spring and/or damper, that independently provides a desired residual cushioning effect by compression of a spring and/or damper to thereby absorb an intermittent and/or unexpected shock and/or vibration, wherein the spring and/or damper is effective to provide the residual cushioning for the rod or for the piston actuated fluidic lifting device in a deactivated state.