Focal Meditech 872FOCPBLC00ABD187 User manual

User manual
Identifier
872FOCPBLC00ABD187
Version:
1.0
Date:
28/06/2017
Balancer
User manual

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Disclaimer
All rights reserved. Nothing in this publication may be published or reproduced without the prior written
permission van Focal Meditech BV, including reproduction by means of print, offset, photocopy or in
any digital, optical or other format, or (if necessary, in addition to copyright) reproduction (i) for the
benefit of a company, organisation or institution or (ii) for one’s own practice, study or use which is not
strictly personal in nature.
Notice of Copyright
© Focal Meditech BV. All rights reserved.
This manual may only be copied or used in accordance with the conditions of the purchase agreement
for this product. Except in situations provided for in the agreement, no part of this publication
whatsoever may be reproduced, saved in a search system or forwarded without the prior permission of
Focal Meditech BV. This applies both to written circulation and to circulation in any other format or
means, be this electronic, mechanical or otherwise.
Please address any comments about this publication to: inf[email protected]
Trademarks
Focal Meditech is a registered trademark of Focal Meditech BV.

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Contents
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................ 2
Notice of Copyright.................................................................................................................................. 2
Trademarks.............................................................................................................................................. 2
Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 4
Explanation of symbols............................................................................................................................ 5
Certification notes.................................................................................................................................... 6
Safety notes............................................................................................................................................. 6
Contact details......................................................................................................................................... 6
Intended user and use of the device ....................................................................................................... 7
Application of the device .................................................................................................................. 7
Intended use of the device............................................................................................................... 7
Risks and contra-indications.................................................................................................................... 7
Technical information .............................................................................................................................. 8
Description ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Adapting the arm balance ................................................................................................................ 9
Adapting the balancing force.......................................................................................................... 10
Folding and unfolding the Balancer................................................................................................ 10
Assembly instructions............................................................................................................................ 11
Maintenance instructions....................................................................................................................... 11
Maintenance of physical components............................................................................................ 11
Cleaning ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Recycling........................................................................................................................................ 11
Appendix 1 Declaration of conformity.................................................................................................... 12
Appendix 2 Conditions and warranty..................................................................................................... 13
Conditions and warranty, general ........................................... Fout! Bladwijzer niet gedefinieerd.
Conditions and warranty: by an authorised representative of Focal Meditech BV ........................ 13
Conditions and warranty: direct delivery by Focal Meditech BV to consumers............................. 13

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Introduction
This is the user manual for the Balancer dynamic arm support. Balancer is produced and can also be
supplied by Focal Meditech BV. This manual provides you with information about the product, its use
and the consequences of its use.
The aim of this information is to enable the user to get the best and safest use out of the dynamic arm
support over the long term. The information will tell you what you should and should not expect from
the dynamic arm support, how the device can be adjusted, and what you should bear in mind when
using it. You will also find all the supplier contact details.
Read this information carefully: a better understanding of the product will enable you to get the most
out of it and lead to better results.
Always keep this manual on hand so that you can consult it easily.

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Explanation of symbols
Symbols used in this manual
Warning!
This symbol is used to indicate important information that may
help you avoid serious personal injury, which may ultimately
result in death.
Waste
This symbol is used to indicate that this product may not be
disposed of with your household waste, in accordance with the
WEEE directive (2002/96/EC) and national legislation. When you
buy a new, similar such product, this product must be taken to a
designated collection point, or to an authorised recycling centre
for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper
processing of this type of waste can have a negative impact on
the environment and on public health resulting from potentially
hazardous substances which are commonly associated with
EEA. By helping to dispose of this product in the proper manner,
you will also be contributing to the effective use of natural
resources. For more information about where used products can
be handed in for recycling, please contact your local council
offices, waste collection point, authorised EEA body or
household waste disposal service.
Packaging
Fragile
This side up
Protect against
moisture
Do not stack

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Certification notes
Safety notes
Danger:
Avoid direct contact with water or other fluids. Failure to do so may lead to
incorrect functioning of the equipment or to personal injury.
Danger:
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures (see environmental conditions).
Failure to do so may lead to incorrect functioning of the equipment or to
personal injury.
Warning:
Balancing of the arm is achieved with the aid of mechanical energy. If the
arm slips out of the arm pad, mechanical energy will be released resulting
in a fast-moving arm-fitting. This may result in physical injury (for more
information, see page 9)
Warning:
Do not make changes to any part of this equipment without the
permission of the manufacturer. Failure to do so may lead to incorrect
functioning of the equipment or to personal injury.
Warning:
If the equipment is not functioning correctly, you should contact Focal
immediately. Do not try to repair it yourself. Failure to observe this
warning may lead to the termination of the warranty.
Warning:
In case of doubt about safety, please contact Focal.
Contact details
Balancer is produced and sold by:
Focal Meditech BV
Droogdokkeneiland 19
5026 SP Tilburg
The Netherlands
Tel.: [phone]
Tel.: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.focalmeditech.nl
This is a CE class 1 medical device
This label must not be removed. Removal of this label will
result in termination of the warranty.
Dutch Cliq classification:
241827030309
Forearm supports, compensation of reduced muscle function
and change in range of movement, support arm construction
241827060309
Forearm supports, control of excessive muscle function,
support arm construction
241827090309
Forearm supports, redistribution of pressure/force, support
arm construction
241827990306
Forearm pad

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Intended user and use of the device
Application of the device
Balancer is a dynamic, suspension-type arm support: the weight of the arm is compensated for from
above. A cord attached to the arm of the user fed through a system of tubes to a pre-tensioned spring
mechanism which enables the user to move the forearm freely.
Balancer is an aid to persons with a reduced arm function. It enables them to move their arms and
hands more easily. Balancer eliminates gravity by lifting the weight of the arm. The device helps
persons extend their reach, to grip and to manipulate, and to carry out everyday activities, such as
eating, drinking, using the computer, communication and games.
Intended users of the Balancer dynamic arm support are:
1. Persons who are disabled as a result of a significant muscle weakness, resulting in an inability
to carry out essential activities of daily living (ADL), including eating, drinking, facial care, use
of the computer and wheelchair controls.
2. Persons who are disabled as a result of hypertonic muscle tone –likewise resulting in the
above.
3. Persons who need to redistribute pressure and forces - likewise resulting in the above.
4. Combinations of these.
Where relevant, with a need for an aid requiring a limited amount of learning to use.
Intended use of the device
Balancer is a medical device. Balancer can be used on one or both sides. The device can be mounted
on a wheelchair, a chair or on a mobile base, as required. Due to its well-thought-out design and use
of high-quality materials, it offers easy, unimpeded use.
Balancer can be actively used in all sorts of settings: at home, at school or in the workplace, in an
institution or outdoors.
Because of the risk of physical strain, in the first instance, use of the device by persons with a limited
arm and hand movement needs to be carried out gradually and under expert supervision.
Risks and contra-indications
There are no known major risks associated in using Balancer. Balancer is a device that an intended
user must be able to use. Nevertheless, there are no known contra-indications with respect to the use
of Balancer. In order to use Balancer effectively, the user must take note of the following warnings.
Warning:
The arm support cannot be used by users as a support for raising
themselves. During the evaluation phase, ensure that the user has a
sufficiently stable sitting position, and, if required, the user is able to raise
himself/herself adequately.
Warning:
Balancer does not have any parts which can be repaired or replaced by
the user of persons in their surroundings. Opening up the device or
making modifications to it can lead to damage or defects in its proper
working and to the warranty being terminated.

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Technical information
Description
The following components of Balancer are described below:
From the user’s perspective, the point of contact with Balancer is via the wrist/arm-fitting into
which the user’s wrist/arm is inserted. As such, the arm-fitting is a component which is specific
to the individual user. The arm-fitting is connected to an attachment. When in use, the user’s
arm must remain in contact with this arm-fitting at all times.
The cord is used to transfer the force from the spring mechanism to the arm-fitting.
The horizontal arm brings the arm-fitting into the working reach of the user.
Hinge 1 can be used to rotate the horizontal arm so that the system can be folded.
The vertical arm brings the horizontal arm above the user.
Hinge 2 can be used to enable Balancer to be folded.
The spring mechanism contains the spring with which the balancing force is achieved.
Additionally, the balancing force can be adjusted using the knob.
Spring
mechanism
Cord
Horizontal arm
Hinge 1
Hinge 2
Attachment for arm-
fitting
Vertical arm

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Adapting the arm balance
Balancer can be designed with both a wrist- and an arm-fitting. This enables the forearm to be
balanced.
Warning:
The functioning of Balancer is to a large part determined by the settings
on the wrist- and arm-fitting. Altering these settings can result is a
significant deterioration in performance or the Balancer not functioning at
all. For that reason only qualified persons are permitted to adjust the
settings on the wrist- and arm-fittings.
Wrist support
The desired balance for the forearm can be adjusted by shifting the forearm in relation to the
wrist-fitting. For that reason, try to seek a balance whereby the forearm can be tilted easily
back and forth in the support unit.
The more the wrist-fitting is moved backwards (i.e. towards the elbow),
the easier the arm and hand can be tilted downwards.
If the wrist-fitting is moved forwards, the arm and the hand can be
tilted upwards more easily.
Arm-fitting
The desired balance for the forearm can be set by shifting the spindle in relation to the rod.
For that reason, try to seek a balance whereby the forearm can be tilted easily back and forth
in the support units.
The spindle can be moved by loosening the
socket-head screw underneath. Slide the rod into
the spindles and re-tighten the screw.
The more the spindle is moved backwards (i.e.
towards the elbow), the easier the arm and hand
can be tilted downwards.
If the spindle is moved forwards, the arm and the
hand can be tilted upwards more easily.
In both cases, the settings should be such that the forearm is able to rest on the lowest position of the
armrest or, if required, in the user’s lap.

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Adapting the balancing force
To enable the arm to move freely, the weight of the arm is compensated for using a balancing system.
Considerable forces are required to compensate for the weight of the arm. In order to use the system
safely, it is essential for the arm to be in a stable position in the arm-
fitting
The balancing force can be modified by turning the knob on the spring
mechanism. Turn the knob in an anti-clockwise direction to increase the
balancing force. For less balancing force, the knob first must first be
retracted and turned in a clockwise direction whilst retracted.
Folding and unfolding the Balancer
1 Unfolding the Balancer
From its storage position, the vertical rod is unfolded by placing it in a vertical position. The
shaft on the vertical rod is then fixed in position by firmly turning the black lever to the right. Do
not pull the lever outwards. Repeat the same procedure for the shaft on the horizontal rod.
The lever should only be pulled outwards to fix this in its optimum position after unfolding.
2 Folding the Balancer
Start by loosening the shaft on the vertical rod. This will avoid the user’s head coming into
contact with it when Balancer is being unfolded. This is loosened by turning the black lever
anti-clockwise through 90 degrees. Do not turn this any further.
Warning:
If you turn this through more than 90 degrees, this may result in
the small locking pin under the black disc on the rear of the shaft
(not visible during normal use) no longer holding this disc in
position.
Should the locking pin no longer function as a result of turning the
lever too far and the rear disc starts to rotate freely, the following
needs to be done:
Push the shaft back so that the rear disc fits onto the
shaft mechanism.
Rotate this disc using the hand until the locking pin clicks
back into position in its hole.
Warning:
If you feel that the arm is not stable and may slip out of the arm pad, it will
be necessary to position the arm back in the system.

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Assembly instructions
The horizontal arm of Balancer should be positioned slightly above the user’s head.
The position of the housing with the spring mechanism depends on the available space. It’s important
that you do not select a setting that brings about an unfavourable horizontal arc (the range of the
rotating arm). The technician can adjust this range.
Warning:
When installing Balancer, you should take note of the horizontal
(sideways) range of the horizontal arm. At all times this needs to stay
within the dimensions of the wheelchair. This is because the horizontal
arm might otherwise get jammed in a doorway or narrow opening and
cause irreparable damage.
Maintenance instructions
Maintenance of physical components
All housings and the cord must be inspected on a regular basis. If these parts are visibly damaged, the
device should not be used. It is not permitted to make any alterations to Balancer. There are no
components in Balancer which can be maintained by parties other than Focal. Please contact Focal if
you have any questions about maintenance. When Balancer is not mounted on its mounting unit, the
device should always be stored in its box. This is so that the effects of falling or other mishaps can be
avoided that might damage the system.
Cleaning
Balancer requires limited maintenance. Balancer can be cleaned using a damp cloth and a non-
aggressive cleaning agent.
Recycling
Balancer needs to be taken apart by a professional. Balancer then needs to be cleaned and inspected
intensively. The arm-fitting must be replaced.

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Appendix 1 Declaration of conformity
DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
WE:
MANUFACTURER:
Focal Meditech BV
ADDRESS:
Droogdokkeneiland 19
5026 SP Tilburg
Netherlands
TEL.:
[phone]
FAX:
[phone]
WEBSITE:
www.focalmeditech.nl
hereby declare under our sole responsibility that the CE-marked
products to which this declaration relates,
DEVICE (MODEL):
DESCRIPTION
872FOCSABLC**ABC091
Balancer complete
872FOCSABLC**ABD291
Balancer complete (Heavy duty)
(**) means each number between 00 and 99 (for internal use Focal)
have been classified as Class I, according to Annex IX, rule
number 1,
and are in conformity with the essential requirements and provisions of the
Council Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices as amended by
Directive 2007/47/EC
and are subject to the procedure set out in Annex VII of the Council Directive
93/42/EEC as amended by Directive 2007/47/EC.
SIGNED AT:
Tilburg, The Netherlands
DATE:
28-8-2017
SIGNATURE:
P.C.M. Groenland
CEO

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Appendix 2 Conditions and warranty
Conditions and warranty: by an authorised representative of Focal Meditech BV
The conditions and warranty in the event of issue by authorised representative of Focal Meditech BV
are in accordance with the conditions of the national or local authorised representative. This being in
accordance with national legislation.
Conditions and warranty: direct delivery by Focal Meditech BV to consumers
In the event of delivery by Focal Meditech BV to purchasers who are consumers, the General terms &
conditions for consumers of the Koninklijke Metaalunie apply. This being in accordance with national
legislation.