Abstract: A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of a human body and including an inflatable bladder or pad that has opposing hermetically sealed first and second side walls. The device also includes an inlet tube connected to the inflatable bladder or pad for feeding intermittent pulses of fluid to the inflatable bladder or pad. The inflatable bladder or pad includes a fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media interposed between the first and second side walls and over an outlet of the inlet tube, the fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media configured to dissipate the intermittent pulses of fluid with an accompanying reduction in a fluid flow rate and noise generated during pressurization of the inflatable bladder or pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to impulse therapy and particularly to a device for applying impulse pressure intermittently to a human foot to enhance blood circulation around the body. In the prior art impulse pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder applied to the foot. To be effective the bladder has to be filled rapidly and this produces unacceptable noise during operation. The bladder in accordance with invention is provided with internal means acting to dissipate fluid flow with accompanying reduction in fluid flow rates and consequent noise levels during the pressurization process.

Abstract: A hose-clamp system for securing a hose to an air connector that engages an inflation port of a garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow of a human foot. The system includes a fitting having an internal stem and an external stem, the internal stem configured to engage an inside diameter of an end of the hose, a cradle configured to received the internal stem and the end of the hose and having opposing locking protrusions, and a seal positioned from the locking protrusions at substantially the length of the internal stem and configured to engage the external stem.

Abstract: A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of a human body and including an inflatable bladder or pad that has opposing hermetically sealed first and second side walls. The device also includes an inlet tube connected to the inflatable bladder or pad for feeding intermittent pulses of fluid to the inflatable bladder or pad. The inflatable bladder or pad includes a fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media interposed between the first and second side walls and over an outlet of the inlet tube, the fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media configured to dissipate the intermittent pulses of fluid with an accompanying reduction in a fluid flow rate and noise generated during pressurisation of the inflatable bladder or pad.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an impulse therapy garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow. The garment may be advantageously fitted to a human foot, and may include a rotationally positionable heel-strap, an air inlet connector, separate dorsum straps, or other features. For example, other garments may include a washer having a center hole locatable around the stem and configured to be forcibly retained against the outer surface of the fabric by snap-fit using annular stem protrusions extending from an external surface of the stem. In further embodiments, a garment may include a bladder retention fastener configured to retain an end of the bladder to the fabric to allow substantially differential movement between the fabric and non-retained portions of the bladder during inflation and deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an impulse therapy garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow. The garment may be advantageously fitted to a human foot, and may include a rotationally positionable heel-strap, an air inlet connector, separate dorsum straps, or other features. For example, other garments may include a washer having a center hole locatable around the stem and configured to be forcibly retained against the outer surface of the fabric by snap-fit using annular stem protrusions extending from an external surface of the stem. In further embodiments, a garment may include a bladder retention fastener configured to retain an end of the bladder to the fabric to allow substantially differential movement between the fabric and non-retained portions of the bladder during inflation and deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for use with apparatus for medical use. Commercially available valves which operate by electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic means are often expensive and bulky. They may require excessive power to operate them and can be noisy during operation due to moving parts and fluid flow through internal pathways. The valve of the present invention has a valve seal (1) mounted between inlet (A) and outlet ports (B), with the seal including a valve closure member (4) operated by means of a control fluid fed through a control port (C) in the valve body. In operation a pressure differential acting to open and close the valve is set up between the inlet and outlet ports and the control port to operate the valve. This design results in cost savings and performance benefits compared with the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to impulse therapy and particularly to a device for applying impulse pressure intermittently to a human foot to enhance blood circulation around the body. In the prior art impulse pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder applied to the foot. To be effective the bladder has to be filled rapidly and this produces unacceptable noise during operation. The bladder in accordance with invention is provided with internal means acting to dissipate fluid flow with accompanying reduction in fluid flow rates and consequent noise levels during the pressurisation process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an impulse therapy garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow. The garment may be advantageously fitted to a human foot, and may include a rotationally positionable heel-strap, an air inlet connector, separate dorsum straps, or other features. For example, other garments may include a washer having a center hole locatable around the stem and configured to be forcibly retained against the outer surface of the fabric by snap-fit using annular stem protrusions extending from an external surface of the stem. In further embodiments, a garment may include a bladder retention fastener configured to retain an end of the bladder to the fabric to allow substantially differential movement between the fabric and non-retained portions of the bladder during inflation and deflation of the bladder.