Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for the in situ or in transit adjustment of the core body temperature of a patient. Devices according to some embodiments include a control unit and pressure chamber adapted to apply a pulsating negative pressure to a limb of the patient. An adjustment temperature applied during the application of the pulsating pressure can heat or cool the patient as necessary. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for efficient heating and/or cooling of a patient. In addition, devices and methods provide such functionality in a portable device that can be manually carried by an individual.

Abstract: A portable human body pulsating apparatus has an air pressure and air pulse generator located within a case mount on a pedestal having wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus on a surface. The pedestal has an upright piston and cylinder assembly operable to adjust the elevation of the case and generator.

Abstract: A device to compress the limb of a living being comprising a user interface, a programmable logic controller, a power source, a source of fluidic pressure, valves with ports in fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure, other valves, and a first and second inflatable bladders, wherein the programmable logic controller is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of inflating the first inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves, after a first preset period of time, deflating the first inflatable bladder and allowing the pressure within the first inflatable bladder to inflate partially the second inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves. The source of fluidic pressure can be a self-contained pump, a connection to fluidic pressure in a health care facility, or a pressurized canister. The power source can be a battery. The device has means to extend the life of the power source.

Abstract: An inflatable boot used for treating lower extremity injuries. The boot may encase at least a portion of a lower extremity, and may include a bladder defined by a substantially gas impermeable cover and liner. The bladder may include fluidically interconnected sole and leg portions. Additionally the boot may include a pump is configured to draw air into the bladder upon ambulatory motion, and a pressure release valve adapted to limit the pressure within the bladder.

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: Motion therapy systems include an underlying first inflatable member or sleeve which surrounds a patient's body portion, and is at least partially surrounded by an overlying second inflatable member. The first inflatable member provides position control, load dispersion and cushioning for a patient, providing a buffering between the patient and the second inflatable member which is repeatedly inflated and deflated to impart motion to the patient's body portion. The first inflatable member can include a plurality of chambers that are sequentially inflated. The systems may be used, for example, with a patient's upper and lower extremities to minimize the development of pressure ulcers in patients who are relatively immobile and to reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body comprises first and second inflatable bladders spaced apart from one another along an axis of the device. A line of weakness in a connecting section between the first and second bladders extends generally transverse to the axis of the device for selectively separating the inflatable bladders from one another. The device includes an overlying layer in generally opposing relationship to one of the first and second bladder layers. The overlying layer is discontinuous generally adjacent to the line of weakness to define terminal edge margins of the overlying layer extending generally along the line of weakness. Each of the terminal edge margins are connected to at least one of the first and second bladder layers on an opposite side of the line of weakness from the other terminal edge margin.

Abstract: A portable controller unit for delivering pressurized air to a compression device does not require the use of tubing to make internal or external connections. The controller unit includes a molded, one-piece manifold base on which an air compressor and a valve mechanism are mounted. The manifold base includes a plenum formed inside the base during molding of the base and a connector component formed during molding of the base for releasably securing the base to the compression device. The plenum fluidly connects the air compressor to the valve mechanism. The plenum extends through the connector component and fluidly connects the connector to the valve mechanism so that when the base is secured to the compression device, air can be delivered from the air compressor through the connector component to the compression device.

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: A foot wrap (10) is disclosed having a generally non-stretchable, flexible binding (11), a generally stretchable panel (12) coupled to the binding, an expandable, rotatable bladder (14), and a support pad (16) coupled to the binding opposite the bladder (14). The binding has a central portion (19) straddled by a first wing (21), a second wing (22), and an elastic heel band (23). The bladder measures approximately 3 inches by 3 inches and is designed to increase in height approximately 1½ to 1¾ inches with its inflation.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an inflatable sleeve 6 to be wrapped around a limb, typically a thigh, of a patient. The sleeve 6 comprises three inflatable chambers 3, 4, 5. Inflation is controlled by a pump 1 so that the distal chamber 3 is inflated first to a low pressure to act as a tourniquet, followed by inflation of the central chamber 4 to a pressure to drive fluid flow upwards, and then inflation of the proximal chamber 5 to a low pressure to act as a tourniquet and deflating both the distal 3 and central 4 chambers to produce a negative pressure gradient down-stream in the limb causing fluid to be drawn up the limb. This cycle is repeated a number of times over a period of two minutes before allowing the limb to rest for two minutes, resulting in increased mean arterial blood flow.

Abstract: A self-contained compression device and related method for cyclically compressing the limb of a patient to improve blood flow in the limb are disclosed. In one embodiment, the compression device includes a compressive section sized and shaped for extending around a portion of the limb for applying compressive pressure and a housing operatively connected to the compressive section. The housing includes first and second housing members movable relative to each other between contracted and expanded positions. A non-pneumatic mechanical actuator is provided in the housing for cyclically moving the first and second housing members from their contracted position to their expanded position. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a prime mover and at least one cam movable by the prime mover for effecting relative movement between the first and second housing members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cyclically compressing the limb of a patient to improve blood flow in the limb. In one embodiment, a compression device includes a compressive section sized and shaped for extending around a portion of the limb for applying compressive pressure and a housing operatively connected to the compressive section. The housing includes first and second housing members movable relative to each other between contracted and expanded positions. A non-pneumatic mechanical actuator is provided in the housing for cyclically moving the first and second housing members from their contracted position to their expanded position to apply compressive pressure to the limb portion. At least one pneumatic bladder is positioned for distributing the compressive pressure over a surface of the limb portion.

Abstract: A foot cuff that is inflatable to apply compression to the foot to promote blood flow has a bladder formed of two layers of material secured together. An outer layer includes a foot-underlying portion that has a greater thickness and rigidity that an opposing inner layer. The outer layer directs expansion of the bladder upon inflation in the direction of the inner layer and toward the foot for increasing compressive force applied to the foot.

Abstract: A system for compression therapy comprises a patient-support apparatus and a compression sleeve assembly that is coupleable to the patient-support apparatus. In some embodiments, the patient-support apparatus comprises a hospital bed; and in other embodiments, the patient-support apparatus comprises a mattress for a bed. The compression sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve that couples to a patient's limb and that inflates to promote blood flow. The compression sleeve assembly also comprises a conduit and a compression module that is operable to inflate the sleeve through the conduit. The conduit may be routed, at least in part, through the associated patient-support apparatus. The compression module may be situated, at least in part, in a cavity of the associated patient-support apparatus. A compression module that couples to an architectural structure, such as a headwall unit, is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a calf compression device for reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis which comprises an inflatable cuff (100, 200) adapted to be wrapped around the whole or part of a calf of a human person and a pump (104, 204) capable of first inflating the cuff (2) and then deflating the cuff over a regular repeating cycle, said repeating cycle comprising rapidly inflating the cuff (100, 200) to a pressure of between 40 and 70 mm mercury above ambient, maintaining the pressure for 10 to 15 seconds, deflating the cuff (100, 200) over a period of 40 to 50 seconds and then repeating the cycle by rapidly inflating the cuff (100, 200) within 10 seconds of commencement of the cycle.

Abstract: An automatic portable ambulant miniaturized system for applying pneumatic pressure to a body limb including a portable ambulant hand-held fluid source unit, a conduit for delivering fluid generated by the unit, and a pressure sleeve coupled to the conduit and adapted to envelop a body limb. The pressure sleeve contains individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into longitudinally extending confluent intra-cell compartments along the axis of the body limb. The intra-cell compartments are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously by the portable fluid source unit. To increase the peak venous velocity generated by any kind of external compressive force on a limb with any kind of tempo-spatial regime, the venous phasic flow is monitored to determine so that the venous flow generated by the external compressive force can be synchronized with the in-phasic natural venous flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing concurrent applications of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and vacuum assisted closure therapy generally comprises a wound dressing for introduction of a negative pressure into a wound on a patient's foot and a foot wrap for application of positive, compressive forces to substantially all of the patients foot. A suction pump, having an associated vacuum sensor and first feedback mechanism, supplies negative pressure to the wound dressing. A ventable source of pressurized gas, having an associated pressure transducer and second feedback mechanism, supplies positive force to the foot wrap. At least one control system is operably associated with the suction pump and ventable source of pressurized gas for controlling the negative and positive applications of pressure to the patient's foot. Controlled modes for operation include continuous or intermittent application of one or both therapies and simultaneous or cycled application of the therapies.

Abstract: An air pulse generator includes a housing having a front wall and a back wall defining an interior region and a shell having a front portion and a back portion defining an air chamber. The front wall of the housing has first and second air openings. The front portion of the shell has first and second air ports in communication with the air chamber. The first and second air ports are aligned with the first and second air openings when the shell is mounted within the interior region of the housing.

Abstract: A chest compression apparatus for use by patients with cystic fibrosis, the preferred apparatus including an air flow generator component, a pulse frequency control component having a fan blade valve for producing a sinusoidal wave form, an optional pressure control component, and a patient vest. The apparatus can be used to apply sharp compression pulses to the entire thorax via the inflatable vest worn by the patient. The optional modular nature of the present apparatus provides particular benefits in the manufacture and use of the present apparatus. The modular nature, in essence, provides even greater portability since one or more modules can be individually replaced or repaired as needed, thereby lessening the overall cost and inconvenience to the patient.

Abstract: A light-weight pneumatic massage apparatus with low operation noise is provided. This apparatus includes a pneumatic massage device (12) and a pump (142) separated from the massage device. The apparatus further includes electromagnetic valves (20, 96) for controlling supply and discharge of pressurized air to and from air chambers (16A to 16H) of the pneumatic massage device (12), respectively. Each of the electromagnetic valves includes a displaceable valve member (46) having an armature (74), and a solenoid (44) for attracting the armature to move the displaceable valve member when a voltage is applied to the solenoid. The apparatus further includes an electromagnetic valve control unit (150) which controls a voltage supplied to the solenoid to open the electromagnetic valves such that the voltage increases from V1 to V2 gradually with the passage of time T1. The armature is attracted onto the end surface of the solenoid within the time period T1.

Abstract: An automatic portable ambulant miniaturized system for applying pneumatic pressure to a body limb including a portable ambulant hand-held fluid source unit, a conduit for delivering fluid generated by the unit, a pressure accumulator, and a pressure sleeve coupled to the conduit and adapted to envelop a body limb. The pressure sleeve contains one or more individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into two or more longitudinally extending confluent intra-cell compartments along the axis of the body limb. The intra-cell compartments are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously by the portable fluid source unit. The pressure accumulator can be flexibly tethered to and pneumatically connected to the fluid source unit, but not integral thereof. The pressure accumulator can also be integral with the pressure sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible fluid filled actuator has an elastic bladder and a guide surrounding the bladder. The guide has asymmetrical elastic properties. When the bladder is inflated the guide directs the bladder to expand preferentially in a selected direction or directions. The actuator has utility in the traction and/or unloading of portions of the body. A fluid-filled traction apparatus is disclosed which has particular advantages in spinal unloading.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying focused pressure to a target vessel to dilate the target vessel for hemodialysis.

Abstract: A health monitoring and management device, system, and/or method can include a sensor adapted to detect changes in one or more health indicators and transmit data related to the health indicators. The system can further include an interventional element adapted to receive a health intervention command and provide a health intervention related to the health indicators. The system can further include a microprocessor adapted to receive and analyze the health indicator data transmitted by the sensor, formulate the health intervention command related to the health indicator data according to pre-determined parameters, and transmit the health intervention command to the interventional element. The health intervention command can be transmitted to the interventional element within a clinically relevant time period.

Abstract: A compression foot cuff includes a counterforce component adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable member. The counterforce component includes a generally rigid sole for applying a counterforce to the inflatable member and an anchor member extending outward from the sole. The anchor member is secured to the port to position the sole with respect to the inflatable member.

Abstract: A compression foot cuff includes a sole adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable bladder. The sole can be flexed in at least one direction. In one version, the sole resists flexing in one direction and allows flexing in another, opposite direction.

Abstract: A compression foot cuff includes a counterforce component adjacent to a first impermeable layer of an inflatable member. The counterforce component includes a generally rigid sole for applying a counterforce to the inflatable member and an anchor member extending outward from the sole. The anchor member is secured to or formed as one piece with the port to position the sole with respect to the inflatable member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foot massaging apparatus, which comprises a housing for supporting user's foot, a rotatable roller unit mounted on the housing, and a toe-region pinching unit mounted on the housing and located in front of the rotatable roller unit. The toe-region pinching unit has an air cell adapted to be inflated and deflated, respectively, by charging and discharging air thereto and therefrom, so as to repeatedly pinch the toe region of the user's foot. The foot massaging apparatus can repeatedly perform a pressing operation for the foot or other leg region using the rotatable roller unit and a massaging operation for the toe region to prevent the user from getting bored.

Abstract: An apparatus applies pressure to a portion of the human body using two fluidly coupled pressurized members. The apparatus includes fluidly coupled foot and leg bladders, each having an inflatable chamber accommodating an entering fluid. Optional straps locate the bladders to portions of the body such as a leg and the bottom of a foot, whereby the apparatus is operated through the walking motion. The foot bladder deflates as the heel strikes the ground, thereby forcing fluid out of the foot bladder, through a fluid conduit, and into the leg bladder, which raises the pressure therein. When the heel is raised, some fluid is forced out of the leg bladder, back through the conduit, and into the foot bladder. This process repeats as a person walks, which creates a pumping or kneading force on the leg, thereby promoting blood flow, drainage, treatment, and healing.

Abstract: A neonate or infant pulsating wear to obtain the pulse is disclosed, which comprise a multilayer structure. The structure comprises an elastic inner layer contacted with the body of the infant, an outer layer isolated with the body of the infant, and a middle layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. The middle layer contains a pulsant cyclic liquid and the outer layer is harder than the inner layer.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The device has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. The device has a convective evaporation resistance of less than about 75. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a chair-like massaging apparatus and a forearm massager for use with the chair-like massaging apparatus, which are capable of massaging a forearm of a user as desired and allow the user to take a free posture because of absence of an arm obstructing part in an upper portion of an armrest when the forearm is not to be massaged. To this end, the massaging apparatus of the present invention is configured such that an arm rest (5) configured to support a forearm of the user is provided with a detachable member (38) that is movable along a guide rail (37) and the detachable member (38) is provided with a fitting groove (39). A forearm massager (7) configured to be capable of giving pressure stimulation to the forearm with the forearm of the user sandwiched between the fix and support portion (46) and the pressing portion (47) is provided with a fitting protrusion (40) fitted in the fitting groove (39).

Abstract: A method for therapeutically affecting the circulation of blood in a person in combination with or with medication to treat a medical condition includes the steps of administering a composition for treating a circulatory condition, providing a source of high pressure air in fluid communication with a plurality of air pressure actuated valves, each of the valves mounted on, and in fluid communication with, an inflatable bladder disposed within a cuff removably attached about at least one of the feet, calves, thighs, buttocks of the person; providing a source of low pressure air in fluid communication with said plurality of valves, wherein a constant pressure is exerted against said valves; and controlling inflation of said bladders in a predetermined sequence, magnitude of inflation pressure and period of time during a cardiac cycle of the person and as a function of said person's physiological reaction to said composition.

Abstract: A control unit coupled to a thermal therapy device, a compression therapy device and DVT therapy devices is provided. The thermal therapy device includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The compression therapy device includes an gas bladder for providing compression to a patient. The DVT therapy devices provide pulsed compression in coordination with the compression therapy device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior counterpulsation (ECP) system that includes a garment for being worn on the exterior of a patient's body. The garment includes electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators connected thereto. In one embodiment, the EAP actuators are woven into the garment. In another embodiment, they are mounted to the garment surface.

Abstract: A portable compression device for compressing at least a portion of a mammal's limb is provided. The portable compression device can use mechanical compression to apply an external pressure to the portion of the limb to thereby propagate blood flow return in the direction of the mammal's heart. In at least one embodiment, the portable compression device can accomplish this mechanical compression through the use of at least one frame, actuator, drum, and flexible elongate member. The actuator can move the drum between a first position and a second position. The flexible elongate member can be engaged with at least a portion of the drum and can at least partially circumscribe a portion of the limb of the mammal, such that the movement of the drum between the first and second positions can apply tension to the flexible elongate member to thereby apply a compressive force to the limb.

Abstract: A connector for attaching a flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object includes a housing and a connector port on the body. The connector port is sized and shaped for connecting the connector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the object. The connector includes a tube port projecting from the body. The tube port is adapted for fluid communication with the connector port and is sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube. The tube port includes a tube retainer that projects from the body toward the tube port. The retainer has an engaging end portion disposed in relation to the tube port to engage the flexible tube when the tube port is received in the flexible tube. The flexible tube is restrained from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.

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 pump supplies pressurized air to inflate compression garments, mattresses, cushions, or similar at the desired times and to desired pressures appropriate to the therapy. The garments are each identified by small steps generated in the pressure waveform during inflation, with the identifying means including a flat sheet valve in the connector chamber having vents to atmosphere and being situated along the flow path from the pump to the garment(s). As the air flows through the connection tubing and through the connector a pressure wave is generated by the valve and fed back upstream to a pressure sensor in the pump. The shape of the pressure waveform identifies a particular compression garment, the pump supplying the appropriate inflation regime upon detection of this pressure waveform.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed in the at least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: A self-contained mechanical prophylaxis device and method is provided in which a non-rigid extremity compression sleeve, such as an elastic stocking is provided with an inflatable bladder system to apply pressure to the extremity, and inflation and control components are provided on or in stocking itself. The inflation and control components are preferably located within a common housing and held within a pouch or pocket on or near the compression sleeve. One or more bladders may be pneumatically inflated by the inflation components, which respond to inflation and/or venting commands issued by the control component. Preferably, the bladders are inflated in a sequential pattern to enhance the effectiveness of the VTED protection. The control program may include a single inflation control program, or may be one of several selectable control programs provided to the control component.

Abstract: A compression sleeve includes a wicking layer secured to bladder material defining an inflatable bladder along a seamline. Fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline to allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer from the wearer's skin to evaporate to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, a wicking layer is provided that is strategically exposed to promote wicking and cooling of the body part acted upon by the sleeve. The wicking layer has a perimeter and a surface area. A bladder segment that defines a bladder has a surface area less than the surface area of the wicking layer. The surface area of the bladder segment is defined by the perimeter of the bladder material, less any openings formed through the bladder material. The wicking layer is secured to the bladder material so that portions of the wicking layer are not overlaid by the bladder material. The bladder segment is welded to the wicking layer along a seamline so that fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline and allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer to move through the seamline.

Abstract: A compression sleeve includes an inner layer, an outer cover and first and second bladder layers. The layers define adjacent, generally flexible sleeve sections, where each section includes an inflatable bladder. A rigid structural component is secured to the sleeve and extends between the flexible sleeve sections to prevent the sleeve from buckling and moving downward on the wearer's limb. The inner layer, outer cover and first and second bladder layers are joined together at a plurality of discrete spot welds within an outer perimeter of the inflatable bladder to provide further structural integrity to the sleeve.

Abstract: A compression device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes bladder material defining at least one inflatable bladder and a breathable wicking layer connected to the bladder. A plurality of openings extend through the bladder material to the wicking layer. A breathable outer cover overlies the bladder. In use, the wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and heat and the moisture is allowed to dissipate through the device through the wicking layer, the openings and the breathable outer cover. A garment includes a sheet of mesh material formed with loops for use in a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical device for stimulating stomach muscles, comprising a belt-like element sized to be worn with a section thereof adjacent the stomach muscles of the wearer, the belt being associated with a motor and a power element for driving the motor, the motor being mechanically linked to means for intermittently tensioning at least the section to repeatedly intermittently press against the stomach muscles of the wearer in order to stimulate the muscles to contract as a reaction and in anticipation of the repeated intermittent contact.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an improved method and apparatus for the prevention and treatment of lymphatic and other type edemas with a Self-Actuating Sequential and Gradient Compression Apparatus comprised of a multiplicity of inflatable cells each cell in series, but the last connected to the next by a plurality of one-way valves which vent in such a regulated way as to control the pressure, velocity, or volume of air or other fluid flowing through one cell to another fully inflating the first cell before the subsequent cell for gradient pressure effect. In this manner unidirectional sequential and gradient waveforms are generated. The last cell in series, alone, finally vents the overall increase in pressure back to the first cell thus completing a circuit and allowing pressure equilibrium to be reestablished throughout the system.

Abstract: An automated massage device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner. The device includes a programmable controller that is able to receive instructions on a dynamic prescriptive basis from a professional therapist and then relay these instructions to a care-giver in a home situation. The instructions include the placement of the bladder, the duration of the massage and the sequence of body locations to receive massage therapy. Once the bladder is placed in the required position against the body the device will execute the prescribed massage therapy for that location and then cue the care-giver to move the bladder to the next body location in the prescribed sequence. The prescription is time limited and once expired renders the device inoperable to prevent over application of the massage therapy.

Abstract: An oscillatory chest compression device includes an oscillatory air flow generator and a positive air flow generator. A first feedback system controls the oscillation rate of the oscillatory air flow generator, and a second feedback system controls the peak pressure created by the positive air flow generator.