Abstract: A controller for applying sequential compression to a patient's limb includes a variable speed motor connected to a rotary vane pump, and an electronic control circuit to drive the motor at a speed which will in turn drive the pump at a corresponding speed to provide intended output pressure. The controller provides automatic regulation of preset pressure and operates in a fully automatic manner. The controller is contained within a compact housing which can be floor or bed mounted and which has an output connector integral with a unitary manifold assembly for coupling to a tubing set by which sequentially pressurized air is directed to respective compartments of one or more compression sleeves disposed about a patient's limbs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compression sleeve for use in systems for applying compressive pressure to a patient's leg. The sleeve has an improved design for facilitating proper placement on the leg and for providing increased comfort for the patient wearing the sleeve.

Abstract: A polarized manifold connection device for connecting multiple conduits from a compression sleeve having inflatable chambers to multiple tubing from a source of pressurized fluid is disclosed. The connection device comprises a male connector half and a female connector half each having a similar visually perceptible asymmetrical configuration of their respective housings defined by rigid elements which resist deformation of the housings. Thus, the two halves can be connected in only a single orientation. In this manner, the conduits from the source of fluid are uniquely connected to the conduits from the inflatable chambers. The connection device incorporates a releasable locking mechanism which allows the connector halves to be connected by pushing them together and disconnected by pulling them apart without excessive force.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for converting devices for applying compressive pressure to the legs by means of a compression sleeve around the leg wherein compressed air is delivered to the sleeve through multiple conduits to like devices wherein a single conduit is utilized to supply compressed air to the sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to venous blood flow in a patient's limb which is promoted by repeating a cycle of sequentially applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb through a flexible, pressurizable sleeve having pressure chambers progressively arranged along the limb in relation to the patient's heart. Specifically, the pressure chambers from the distal to proximal are pressurized until they are at their appropriate pressures so as to collapse the veins in the limb. At the end of the most proximal compression, a foot chamber is compressed at a substantially higher pressure than the other chambers to force a bolus of blood from the foot into the limb causing the collapsed veins to open, the support of the chambers minimizing distention of the veins and enhancing the transmitting of blood up the limb.

Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures to a patient's limb having a sleeve for placement on the patient's limb, with the sleeve having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally along the sleeve including a monitored chamber, a device responsive to a control signal for forming a fluid under pressure, a device for generating said control signal, a device for selecting a predetermined value of said control signal by the generating device to select a desired predetermined pressure by the forming device, a device for connecting the fluid from the forming device to the chambers of the sleeve, including the monitored chamber, a device for comparing the pressure of the monitored chamber with the desired predetermined pressure of the selecting device, and a device responsive to the comparing device for modifying said control signal of the generating device to control the forming device to form the desired predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An intubating airway having an elongated body comprising a lingual flat portion with a transversely disposed faceplate on one end. The other end comprises a curved surface which tapers to a narrow distal edge. A pair of flexible guide walls are upstanding from said flat lingual portion, to define a generally tubular guideway. Outwardly of the flexible walls are a pair of upstanding walls which attach to said faceplate, to provide a blocking arrangement for a patient's teeth, insuring protection for any medical instrument disposed within said flexible guide.

Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb having a sleeve for applying pressure against a length of a patient's limb, with the sleeve having a plurality of chambers arranged longitudinally along the sleeve. The device intermittently inflates the chambers, and intermittently connects the chambers to an exhaust system during which a base static pressure is established in the chambers.