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 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for soothing an agitated patient, comprising:
 a) placing an artificial hand against the patient's back; and   b) energizing a motor operationally connected to the artificial hand to move the hand in a generally circular pattern.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the motor is operationally connected to a mechanical linkage; wherein the mechanical linkage is connected to the artificial hand; and wherein the mechanical linkage governs the pattern of motion of the hand. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  and further comprising:
 c) playing music while the motor is energized. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the generally circular pattern is irregular. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the generally circular pattern is randomized. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the motor moves the artificial hand through a generally circular pattern with varying speed. 
     
     
         17 . A method of soothing a distressed patient, comprising:
 a) engaging the patient's back with an artificial hand;   b) automatically moving the artificial hand in a generally circular pattern to rub the patient's back in response when the patient is distressed.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the generally circular pattern is irregular. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the generally circular pattern is randomized. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the motor moves the artificial hand through a generally circular pattern with varying speed. 
     
     
         21 . A method of soothing a disquieted patient,
 a) placing an artificial hand against the patient's back; and   b) energizing a motor operationally connected to the artificial hand to move the hand in a generally circular pattern;   wherein the artificial hand is part of an assembly further comprising:
 a motor; 
 a linkage operationally connected to the motor; 
 an armature operationally connected to the linkage; 
 an electronic controller operationally connected to the motor; 
 wherein energization of the motor enables the lifelike hand to move through a generally circular pattern to yield a rubbing motion. 
   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  and further comprising a motion sensor operationally connected to the electronic controller; wherein upon receipt of a signal from the motion detector by the electronic controller, the electronic controller automatically energizes the motor. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  and further comprising a remote actuator operationally connected to the electronic controller; wherein upon receipt of a signal from the remote actuator by the electronic controller, the electronic controller energizes the motor. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the electronic controller is programmed to move the artificial hand at irregular speed. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the electronic controller is programmed to move the artificial hand through a varied, irregular generally circular pattern.