Abstract: A gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a pressure-based system controller for controlling transfers of air from a source of pressurized air to inflatable chambers of a limb sleeve, so that a prophylactic modality is provided to the limb. The controller also includes a plurality of feeder valves pneumatically connected to each of the chambers and a microprocessor-based control unit for opening only one of the feeder valves at a time during an inflation cycle, so that each of the chambers can be independently inflated to predetermined pressure levels. The control unit also regulates the pressures in each of the chambers at the respective pressure levels by repeatedly independently measuring the pressures in the chambers and adjusting the pressure levels upward or downward, if necessary. The predetermined pressure levels can be default levels or selected by a user or health care professional for a particular application.

Abstract: A compression system for applying gradient sequential compression of a patient's limb and accelerating deep venous blood flow in the limb from a source of pressurized fluid is provided. The system includes a means for supplying a source of pressurized fluid, said source having a connector interface comprising at least one outlet port, a connector for providing a continuous fluid passageway between the source of pressurized fluid and a compression sleeve. The compression sleeve includes a pair of dimensionally stable, flexible sheets of fluid impervious material, said sheets comprising a thermoplastic film and a fabric applied together into a unitary sheet and means for securing the thermoplastic films of said sheets together along lines defining at least one inflatable chamber disposed longitudinally along the sleeve. A fitting is secured to one of the thermoplastic films of each chamber and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the chamber.

Abstract: A gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a pressure-based system controller for controlling transfers of air from a source of pressurized air to inflatable chambers of a limb sleeve, so that a prophylactic modality is provided to the limb. The controller also includes a plurality of feeder valves pneumatically connected to each of the chambers and a microprocessor-based control unit for opening only one of the feeder valves at a time during an inflation cycle, so that each of the chambers can be independently inflated to predetermined pressure levels. The control unit also regulates the pressures in each of the chambers at the respective pressure levels by repeatedly independently measuring the pressures in the chambers and adjusting the pressure levels upward or downward, if necessary. The predetermined pressure levels can be default levels or selected by a user or health care professional for a particular application.

Abstract: A fluid connector for a compression system for improving venous blood flow in a patient provides a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of inflatable chambers in an elongated pressure sleeve. The connector includes a flexible conduit comprising a plurality of elongate hollow tubes having a corresponding plurality of fittings attached at one end of the conduit. The fittings form a fluid-tight seal between the conduit and a corresponding plurality of outlet ports communicating with the source of pressurized fluid. A grip portion is provided adjacent the end of the conduit. The grip portion is releasably attached to the source of pressurized fluid and grips the conduit securely between adjacent tubes such that the fittings move freely and independently relative to the grip portion. In this manner, leakage of the pressurized fluid and contamination of the fluid stream is minimized, while stresses induced in the conduit are not transferred to the fittings.

Abstract: A fluid connector for a compression system for improving venous blood flow in a patient provides a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of inflatable chambers in an elongated pressure sleeve. The connector includes a flexible conduit comprising a plurality of elongate hollow tubes having a corresponding plurality of fittings attached at one end of the conduit. The fittings form a fluid-tight seal between the conduit and a corresponding plurality of outlet ports communicating with the source of pressurized fluid. A grip portion is provided adjacent the end of the conduit. The grip portion is releasably attached to the source of pressurized fluid and grips the conduit securely between adjacent tubes such that the fittings move freely and independently relative to the grip portion. In this manner, leakage of the pressurized fluid and contamination of the fluid stream is minimized, while stresses induced in the conduit are not transferred to the fittings.

Abstract: A gradient sequential compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis includes a pressure-based system controller for controlling transfers of air from a source of pressurized air to inflatable chambers of a limb sleeve, so that a prophylactic modality is provided to the limb. The controller also includes a plurality of feeder valves pneumatically connected to each of the chambers and a microprocessor-based control unit for opening only one of the feeder valves at a time during an inflation cycle, so that each of the chambers can be independently inflated to predetermined pressure levels. The control unit also regulates the pressures in each of the chambers at the respective pressure levels by repeatedly measuring the pressures and adjusting the pressure levels, if necessary. The predetermined pressure levels can also be selected by a user or health care professional.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer system having a cuff, etc, and including both a regulator valve which normally bleeds the cuff pressure down at a substantially constant slow rate, and an exhaust valve which is operable to provide three rates of bleed, to wit nil, fast (as compared to the regulator valve bleed rate) and dump, the two valves together providing cuff bleed in accordance with predetermined schedule. The exhaust valve includes an elastic annular member compressible to achieve the fast and dump rates.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometric system having a pump for pumping air into a sphygmomanometer cuff connected to the cuff via a regulator valve for bleeding the cuff pressure at a constant rate. The pump has a leak to atmosphere so that the regulator valve can bleed the cuff through the pump. An exhaust valve is also provided for dumping the cuff pressure to atmosphere and/or bleeding the cuff, independently of the regulator valve.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometric system having a cuff, etc., and regulator valve for bleeding air out of the sphygmomanometer cuff so that the cuff pressure drops at a substantially constant rate. The valve is in the form of a closed rubber tube having a slit with a pin holding the slit slightly open. Air can therefore be freely pumped into the tube, out the slit and into the cuff, but cannot flow back except at a restricted rate.