Abstract: A sequencing valve mechanism utilized to control a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure medium from an on/off type pressure source to a two-chambered pneumatic or hydraulic appliance is disclosed. A pawl on a ratchet arm is driven around a ratchet island by the alternate application and withdrawal of pressure to the sequencing device. The ratchet arm is pivotally attached to a valve control arm which regulates a valve so as to control the output of a pressure source. The shapes of the ratchet island portions are such that two alternate applications and withdrawals of pressure are required for the pawl to complete one cycle about the island and, thereby, actuate the valve to different output positions only on alternate applications of pressure to the sequencing device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pneumatic splint formed of three similarly shaped walls of flexible thermoplastic material. The inner and outer walls are of identical shape and are peripherally bonded to each other. The intermediate wall is of lesser peripheral dimension and has three of its edges bonded to corresponding edges of the inner and outer walls and the fourth edge bonded to an intermediate portion of the outer wall. The intermediate wall is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures and a plurality of equally spaced welded bonds to the outer wall. The application of fluid pressure to the interior of the splint when rolled into an annular configuration to loosely surround a human limb will expand the inner wall into intermittent engagement with the limb and the outer wall into a uniform, quilted cushion configuration.

Abstract: The electronic circuit includes switch means responsive to the pressure within a first chamber of a dynamic pressure wave appliance for generating an enabling signal when a predetermined pressure level in the first chamber has been reached. A transducer is provided to generate a signal representative of the pressure within a second chamber of the appliance. The electronic circuit includes means for generating a signal representing a first predetermined pressure level and a second predetermined pressure level in the second chamber when the enabling signal is generated. A comparator is responsive to the predetermined pressure level signals and the transducer signal for generating control signals to a solenoid. The solenoid is connected to appropriate valves for regulating the pneumatic control circuit.

Abstract: An appliance for applying a dynamic pressure wave against an extremity is disclosed. The appliance includes an inflatable cylindrical tapered cone chamber which is adaptable for surrounding the extremity. The cone chamber has a larger diameter outer end and a smaller diameter inner end and can be divided into a plurality of longitudinally extending tubular chambers. When inflated, the cone is sufficiently large and rigid to surround the extremity and prevent an exterior pressure from being applied thereto. An inflatable sleeve chamber encloses the cone chamber. The sleeve is formed of a bag-shaped bladder open at one end and closed at the other end. When inflated, the sleeve chamber defines an internal space small enough to exert a compressive force on the exterior of the cone and the extremity enclosed therein.

Abstract: A measuring device for ascertaining the perimeter of a cross-section of a body comprising an integral tape and slide guide. Laterally extending tabs at one end of the tape are foldable over a portion of the tape bent back upon the tab bearing end to form the slide guide. An aperture in the tab bearing end cooperates with indicia on the tape to display the perimeter of the tape loop extending from the slide guide.

Abstract: A source of pressurized gas is attached to a dynamic pressure wave appliance. The pneumatic control circuit connects the source of pressurized gas to a first chamber of the appliance. When the pressure in the first chamber reaches a first predetermined level, a valve seals the first chamber and connects the source so as to inflate a second chamber about the first. When the pressure in the second chamber reaches a second predetermined level, a valve permits the first chamber to deflate while continuing to connect the second chamber for inflation. A valve for sealing the inflated sleeve discontinues the inflation of the sleeve when the pressure therein reaches a third predetermined level. The sequence of operation of the pneumatic control circuit will cause a suitable dynamic pressure wave appliance to apply a pressure to a human or animal extremity which begins at the most distant end and travels up the extremity in the nature of a pressure wave.

Abstract: An artificial foot for attachment to a prosthetic device securable to a leg stump. The artificial foot is adjustable in length and in height of the instep so as to permit the foot to be snugly inserted in a conventional shoe. The artificial foot includes a simulated toe portion which is horizontally pivotally connected to a sole plate. A spring-pressed linkage normally maintains the simulated toe portion in an aligned position with the sole plate, but permits upward pivotal movement of the toe portion in response to the forces encountered in taking a step. A latching lever frictionally engages the spring-pressed linkage to latch the pivoted toe portion in its upward position during that portion of the step wherein the weight is carried by the other foot. The artificial foot is connected to the bottom plate of a prosthetic device by a plurality of cushion plugs.

Abstract: The invention disclosed concerns a method of selecting a standard glove size. The method includes the steps of selecting a pair of two dimensional measurements which are correlated to hand volume, dividing a population of hand volumes into a predetermined number of approximately equally populated subgroup ranges, plotting two dimensional chart areas for each subgroup based upon intersections of the selected two dimensional measurements with reference to a predetermined point on the chart, and assigning one of the standard sizes to each chart area. The method further includes the steps of placing a hand on the predetermined point and plotting the intersection of the pair of two dimensional measurements for the hand to select the proper standard glove size. The chart can include areas for both left and right hands and the predetermined point can abut the web space between the middle and index fingers on the hand.

Abstract: An anti-shock pressure garment having a trouser portion and an upper portion connected thereto forming a one-piece construction. The upper portion has a flexible back panel which is not inflatable and a front panel containing a plurality of pressure chambers or bladders which wherein inflated inpose pressure on the thorax and abdomen of the patient. The legs of the trousers have pressure chambers or bladders which when wrapped about the patient's legs, can impose the desired pressure. The upper portion is length adjustable to allow the garment to cover a greater size range of patients. This is accomplished by folding down the upper portion of the front and rear panels and securing them in folded position.

Abstract: An appliance for flexing joints which is driven by fluid pressure. A fluid tight bladder is coupled to an inextensible flexible member to be mounted against a body portion spanning the joint to be flexed. The bladder is arranged in sinuous convolutions extending longitudinally of the member and across the region overlying the joint with its convex portion of each convolution secured to the member at a point longitudinally spaced from adjacent points of securement of adjacent convex portions. Upon admission of fluid under pressure, the bladder walls are forced outwardly to bear upon each other and impose a compressive bending moment on the flexible member at the points of securement. A hand mit is shown with separate bladder convolutions on the palm and back such that admission of pressurized fluid to the back bladder forces a hand in the mit into a fist and the admission of fluid to the palm bladder and release of the fluid in the back bladder opens the fist.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for controllably cooling and variably, intermittently applying pressure to a portion of a body part of a mammalian organism comprising a liquid supply and control unit having means to store, circulate, cool, agitate, and pressurize a fluid and means to communicate via fluid communication means to a hydraulic appliance having a unitary body, with an unrestricted inlet port to receive the fluid, and an outlet port in association with a fluid flow retardation means secured to the interior surface of the outlet port. The reservoir in the supply unit is arranged with a heat exchanger immersed in the liquid and agitating means to avoid thermal stratification of the liquid. The reservoir is mounted in the supply unit with sufficient support to sustain the weight of a human and has an open top of sufficient dimensions to receive a human limb whereby the reservoir can be employed as a whirlpool bath. A cover is provided for the open top when the reservoir is not used as a whirlpool bath.

Abstract: Several embodiments of inflatable trousers and their auxiliary equipment are disclosed whereby the trousers are inflated in a controlled and precise manner. The form of the garment facilitates application to an infirmed individual by having a front and rear panel which are integral along the inseam of the legs, are separate at the top of an abdominal region, the region of the perineum and at the bottoms of the legs, and are separable along the outer side margins from the top to the bottoms of the legs. Fasteners such as slide fasteners are provided for selective closure along the outer side margins of the garment. One or more inflatable chambers are located within the garment to extend over substantial regions thereof and impose pressure over the enclosed body portion as the entire enclosed abdominal area and both legs or, selectively, the respective legs and an abdominal region. A relatively rigid outer reinforcing panel militates against ballooning in the abdominal region.

Abstract: An apparatus for intermittently applying compression to a portion of a patient's body enclosed in a therapeutic appliance. A timer is operated from a regulated pressurized fluid source to generate control signals to a valve which alternately inflates and deflates the appliance. The elements of the timer may be time delay valves, penumatic timing valves or fluidic elements which function to produce adjustable timing intervals for the control signals whereby the inflation and deflation intervals and the cycle time may be manually changed.