Mechanical device for soothing agitated patients

Abstract

A system for soothing an agitated patient, including a motor, a linkage operationally connected to the motor, an armature operationally connected to the linkage, and a lifelike hand connected to the armature. Energization of the motor enables the lifelike hand to move in a generally circular, rubbing motion.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . An assembly for providing tactile relief to an agitated patient, comprising:
 a base subassembly;   a hand subassembly; and   an armature subassembly connected to the base subassembly and the hand subassembly;   wherein the base subassembly may be energized to provide an urging force; and   wherein when the hand subassembly receives the urging force from the base subassembly through the armature subassembly, the hand subassembly moves in a predetermined circuit.   
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the base subassembly further comprises:
 a plate member;   an electric motor mounted to the plate member;   an electronic controller mounted to the plate member and operationally connected to the electric motor;   a linkage mounted to the plate member and operationally connected to the electric motor;   wherein energization of the electric motor urges mechanical movement of the linkage;   wherein the armature subassembly further comprises:
 an adjustment member operationally connected to the linkage; 
 an elongated member mechanically connected to the adjustment member; and 
 a first connection member connected to the elongated member; and 
   wherein the hand subassembly further comprises:
 an artificial human hand; and 
 a ball joint insert positioned within the artificial human hand and connectable to the first connector; 
 wherein the ball joint insert restricts the rotational freedom of the artificial human hand around the first connector; and 
 wherein movement of the linkage urges the hand member to move in a generally circular pattern. 
   
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8  and further comprising an audio playback unit operationally connected to the electronic controller. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 8  and further comprising a clip operationally connected to the base subassembly for providing secure connection of the assembly to a piece of furniture. 
     
     
         11 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A device for soothing a distressed patient, comprising:
 a motor;   a linkage operationally connected to the motor;   an armature operationally connected to the linkage; and   a lifelike hand connected to the armature;   wherein energization of the motor enables the lifelike hand to move in a generally circular, rubbing motion.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  and further comprising an electronic controller operationally connected to the motor. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13  and further comprising an audio playback unit operationally connected to the controller. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13  and further comprising a ball joint connector positioned inside the hand for connection to the armature; wherein the ball joint connector operates to limit the freedom of motion of the hand relative the armature. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the electronic controller is remotely operated. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 13  and further comprising a pulse width modulator operationally connected to the motor. 
     
     
         19 . A mechanism for providing comfort to a disquieted patient, comprising:
 a motor;   a base plate connected to the motor;   a lifelike artificial human hand;   an elongated armature having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the motor and wherein the second end is connected to the lifelike artificial human hand;   an electronic controller mounted to the plate member and operationally connected to the electric motor;   wherein the electronic controller may be actuated to energize the electric motor;   wherein energization of the electric motor urges the elongated armature to move the lifelike artificial human hand through a predetermined generally circular pattern.   
     
     
         20 . The mechanism of  claim 19  wherein the lifelike artificial human hand is positioned against a patient's back. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the plate is connected to a chair. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 19  wherein the electronic controller may be actuated to play music. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 19  and further comprising a patient agitation sensor operationally connected to the electronic controller, wherein upon receipt of a signal from the pateitn agitation sensor, the electronic controller energizes the motor.