Abstract: A method of compressing a multi-chambered sleeve which is normally wrapped about a patient's arm, comprising pressurizing an accumulator from within the accumulator, opening a manifold arrangement in said accumulator in a timed manner to direct pressurized air to proper chambers in a multi-chamber sleeve.

Abstract: A device and method for exsanguinating a limb using at least one inflatable bladder which surrounds the extremity of the body to be exsanguinated. The bladder is inflated at the distal end of the limb applying pressure which causes the blood to be evacuated from the limb while monitoring the applied pressure. The limb is exsanguinated and prepared for surgery under sterile and controlled conditions.

Abstract: By implanting two prosthetic disc capsules side-by-side into a damaged disc of a human spine, both height and motion, including front-to-back bending, can be maintained. The prosthetic disc capsules have an outer layer of strong, inert fibers intermingled with a bioresorbable material which attracts tissue ingrowth, a bladder enveloped by the layer, and a thixotropic gel filling the bladder. The prosthetic disc capsules can be surgically implanted by (1) jacking apart the vertebrae adjacent a damaged disc, (2) forming a substantially sagital bore in the damaged disc near each of its lateral edges, and (3) inserting one of the capsules axially into each bore.

Abstract: An improved therapeutic belt which is peculiarly adapted for the sacro-lumbar region of the body is disclosed. The belt appliance, in essence, is comprised of an elongated support surface formed from material that is bendable when subjected to forces encountered thereby; a flexible cover disposed on said support surface secured thereto along its edges, thereby forming an envelope; a source of fluid; a means introducing said fluid into said envelope for inflating and retaining said fluid, causing said surface to bend to assume a predetermined curvature, which is preferably in the shape of a crescent; and a means removably securing the free ends of said support surface.

Abstract: A disposable plastic cover for inflatable anti-shock trousers prevents contamination of the trousers in use. The trousers need not be washed or decontaminated between uses. The cover engages the trousers firmly on the inside and provides the same securing means on its outer surfaces for holding tightly around the patient when the trousers are inflated to pressurize the lower body to prevent shock.

Abstract: A cushion device shaped into a configuration suitable for supporting the foot and ankle in a normal position or for supporting the elbow, and comprised of a flexible sheet material having adjacent major and minor panels joined by a web to allow the panels to be formed into the necessary shape to match the normal angular position of the foot and ankle, or elbow bend. The sheet material is provided on one surface with an array of pressure fluid cells organized to give the necessary support without causing the formation of sores usually associated with long periods of inactivity of movement. The sheet in its shaped configuration is secured by adjustable cooperating devices of the Velcro type.

Abstract: A gloved splint is adapted for use in conjunction with physical therapy necessitated by injury or disease and to preclude grotesque distortion of the fingers due to rheumatoid arthritis induced muscle contractions. Hinged finger splints, with or without a hinged thumb splint, extending from a palm splint, permit flexing of specific joints in normal manner while precluding sideways flexing at any of the joints; moreover, inflexible or particularly molded finger and/or thumb splints may be incorporated to assist particular therapeutic treatment. A glovelike envelope, fillable with a fluid, incapsulates the hand, fingers and thumb and provides a shock absorbent buffer to minimize transmission of painful blows and jolts to the hand; a further envelope attendant a wrist portion of the glove serves as a reservoir for delivering fluid to and receiving fluid from the glovelike envelope.

Abstract: A therapeutic appliance for application to the lumbar spine and which follows the contours of the iliac crests and overlies the sacrum and sacroiliac joints as well as anchors below the posterior superior iliac spines of the human body including an external shell having a length sufficient to extend around the abdominal region of the body with fasteners at opposite ends of the shell and an air bladder disposed on the shell. The air bladder has a plurality of air chambers located centrally between opposite ends of the shell with each of the air chambers being in fluid communication with each other and to an air conduit for inflating them. The air chambers include elongated air chambers which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shell having upper ends substantially parallel to each other and lower ends shaped to lie above the iliac crests.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an ambulatory therapeutic brace that substantially supports the lumbar or stomach area with a pneumatically cushioned and heated air chamber (24). A belt (20) surrounds the waist and contains an air chamber (24) on the back inner surface. A heater (26) is embedded integrally with the chamber and is controlled in intensity by a switch (38) attached to the belt or is integral with a buckle (22). The chamber may be inflated by a manual bulb (28), a compressed air source, or an integral electrically operated pump (46).

Abstract: One or more yielding oblate spheroids rotatably held in a support frame can roll on a support surface while the user of the device in a prone position has his or her spine resting on the rolling oblate spheriod or spheroids which gently and effectively massage the spine. The device is propelled by the legs of the user and therefore provides exercise. The tapered ends of the massage elements are releasably socketed in cup elements held on rotational bearings of the support frame.

Abstract: Tissue expander system including a tissue expander, an injection port, and a tube connecting the tissue expander to the injection port. The tissue expander is of a one piece molded body of a pancake to waffle like configuration. Within the one piece molded body is a member of non-stick material of a slightly smaller geometrical shape similar to that of the one piece molded body. A self-sealing valve member closes off the tube in the tissue expander after injection of a solution for expanding the tissue expander. A Dacron mesh can be embedded in members of the one piece body providing for directional expansion of the tissue expander. In an alternative embodiment, Dacron mesh can be provided in both the upper and lower members of the one piece body. An accordion configured perimeter also provides for upward directional expansion. The tissue expanders can assume any geometrical configuration, whether it be square, rectangular, circular, oval, or kidney shaped.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved therapeutic corset adapted for the sacro-lumbar and thoracic region of the human body. The corset has a plurality of flat envelopes of more or less rectangular configuration that are capable of receiving and storing fluid. The envelopes are provided with a plurality of vertical ribs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelopes, said ribs forming a series of intercommunicating inflatable cells. The cells may be individually pressurized so as to permit an individual variety of pressure on different sections of the back. The envelope is capable of attachment to a belting material with fastening straps and having a means of introducing fluid therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved therapeutic support belt adapted for the sacro-lumbar region of the human body, having a flat envelope of more or less rectangular configuration that is capable of receiving and storing fluid. The envelope is provided with a plurality of vertical ribs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the envelope, the ribs forming a series of intercommunicating inflatable cells. The envelope is capable of attachment to a belting or corseting material with fastening straps, and has a means of introducing fluid therein.

Abstract: A cyclical therapeutic joint exerciser is provided; it alternatively imparts a straightening and bending motion to a desired joint of a patient, e.g., a finger, elbow or knee. The device primarily consists of an inflatable pouch to which a spring steel member is removably attached. The spring or springs maintain the body portion in a flexed, non-extended position when the pouch remains uninflated. As the pouch is inflated, the springs mounted on the pouch, which are normally in a bent position, are extended along with the joint. When the pouch is deflated, the inherent biasing action of the springs causes the pouch and springs to bend, which brings the joint back to the flexed position.

Abstract: A substantially tubular cuff adapted to enclose a part of the body and apply pressure thereto, in order to achieve and maintain, in a circumferential region of the enclosed part of the body, a fluid-and gas-depleted field and/or in order to comprise a support and/or pressure bandage. The cuff includes substantially annular chambers (4) distributed one after the other in the axial direction of the cuff and adjacent to each other, whose walls (41) consist primarily of flexible and/or elastic materials. The chambers are enclosed by a common outer circumferential pressure cell (3) which extends in the axial direction of the cuff and which is provided with connection devices (12,13) in order to pressurize the cell (3) by a pressure medium from an external pressure source (14). The pressure cell has a wall (5) which faces the chambers (4) and is connected or integral with valve devices (6) to shut or open communication devices for passage of a pressure medium between adjacent chambers.

Abstract: Improved orthepedic apparatus in the form of a generally U-shaped stirrup member having a base portion and a pair of opposed sidewall portions hinged to the base portion. A pair of air-inflatable liners or airbags are disposed interiorly of the stirrup member in a juxtaposed, substantially coextensive relation to the sidewall portions, respectively. Fastener straps are provided to maintain the sidewall portions of the stirrup snuggly fitted about the lower extremity. A resilient, compressible filler member, porous and permeable to air, is disposed interiorly of each airbag to serve the dual function of pre-inflating the airbag prior to the stirrup member being fitted about the lower extremity, and simultaneously providing a cushioning member between the stirrup member and the lower extremity. Value means are also provided on each airbag to facilitate further inflation of that airbag or reduction of internal air pressure at elevated altitudes.

Abstract: An arm suspension mitt immobilizes and positions a patient's arm for shoulder arthroscopy. The mitt includes outer and inner flexible portions which together define a package having an open end adapted to removably receive a hand inserted into a space radially inward of the inner flexible portion. An inflatable chamber is provided between the outer and inner portions. The inflatable chamber is sealed from the ambient atmosphere. A valve is provided in communication with the inflatable chamber for inflating same thus causing the inner flexible portion to collapse in a direction away from the outer flexible portion so as to conform the inner flexible portion around a hand within the space.

Abstract: A band or strap adapted to be circumferentially fitted about the arm to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow. The band incorporates inwardly protruding means of limited circumferential extent for applying a radially directed pressure against that portion of the extensor muscle coextensive therewith when the arm band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened in place about the arm. In its preferred form, the means of limited circumferential extent consists of a semi-compressible, inflated air bag carried in a pocket in the arm band. The protruding air bag applies a radially directed pressure or compressive counterforce against the extensor muscle which is of greater magnitude that the pressure exerted against the other circumferential portions of the arm engaged directly by the arm band.

Abstract: A pressure garment has a transparent exterior panel with a pair of lower sections adapted to be operatively positioned around the legs of the wearer, and with an upper section adapted to be positioned around the abdomen of the wearer. Transparent inner panels cooperate with each of the exterior panel sections to define pressure chambers therebetween. A pressurized gas such as for example compressed air, is introduced into the pressure chambers in order to inflate the same and apply pressure to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A therapeutic appliance for improving the functions of an individual's carpal joints, hand and fingers includes a palm splint cloth shaped so as to accommodate a hand with its fingers spread apart. Finger retainer members are disposed on the front surface of the splint cloth for holding the fingers individually in their spread apart positions. A plurality of first bladders are disposed on the front surface of said palm splint cloth and positioned between each adjacent fingers except between the thumb and forefinger in a palmiped configuration for spreading the fingers apart form each other. A plurality of second bladders are disposed on the opposite surface of said palm splint cloth for extending the fingers, hand and the carpal joint and fluid supply and discharge tubes are connected to the first and second bladders for supplying and discharging fluid to and from the bladders.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a non-invasive technique and apparatus for artificially stimulating the venous-return flow of blood from the foot by inducing sharply pulsed squeezing or necking-down of the vessels of the venous-pump mechanism within the foot. The stimulation results from transient flattening of the plantar arch, in that an induced transient spread of the heel with respect to the ball of the foot stretches, and therefore necks-down involved blood vessels; stimulation also results from such a squeeze of the plantar-arch region as to concurrently squeeze the involved blood vessels. Cyclically inflatable devices, local to the foot-pump region, are disclosed for inducing either or both of the indicated actions.

Abstract: A sleeve device for encasing and applying successive compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of pressurized fluid, the sleeve has a plurality of laterally extending separate fluid pressure members progressively arranged longitudinally along the sleeve from a lower portion of the encased limb to the upper portion thereof, the adjacent lateral edge portions of adjacent pressure members are curved upwardly and then downwardly in unison whereby the respective contiguous edges thereof follow each other so that when pressure is successively applied from the lowermost pressure member upward there will never be a continuous circumferential pressure gap on any lateral circular portion of the encircled limb and further wherein the successive pressurization of each pressure member from the lowermost heartward produces a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inward maximum and minimum forces interdigitated with successive pressure members having similar maximum and minimum forces to produce

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopaedic lumbo-sacral corset obtained by the assembly of semi-rigid elements and of an inflatable pad. The orthopaedic lumbo-sacral corset according to the invention is made of two side half-shells of a semi-rigid plastic material, connected along the adjacent dorsal edges by a semi-rigid thin band forming a hinge adapted to be generally aligned with the spine of the wearer so as more clearly to orient the shells, with attachment and tightening structure between the adjacent front edges of the two half-shells and an inflatable lumbar pad forming two symmetrical pads relative to the axis. This orthopaedic lumbo-sacral corset is usable for the treatment of chronical lumbar diseases and difficult sciaticas.

Abstract: A belt for supporting the back and especially for bracing and supporting the lower spinal column, is often referred to as the "small" of the back. The lower marginal end of the spinal column, located at the small of the back, appears to be the first part of a person's back which tires or becomes uncomfortable when a person is driving a vehicle for an extended length of time. This back fatigue also occurs when a person is improperly standing or improperly lifting and carrying heavy objects from one to another location. The present invention is for a belt which adjustably reinforces the small of the back in a manner to reduce fatigue and discomfort, such as referred to above. The belt has a relatively small front belt which girdles the stomach and a relatively large rear belt which is superimposed over the small of the back. The rear belt has a centrally located pad which includes a chamber. The chamber is filled with open cell sponge-like material.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an elongated strip of flexible material bearing intermediate its length a pressure pad, the strip ranging in length from about 50 to about 75 mm. The strip is passed behind the globe of the eye so that the pressure pad rests against the eye wall at a location obverse to the macula. The ends of the strip are attached, as by sutures, to the sclera, causing the pressure pad to press anteriorly upon the eye wall and to move the macula forwardly. Various pressure pads, including adjustable pads, such as pads that are inflatable, are disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure garment has a transparent exterior panel with a pair of lower sections adapted to be operatively positioned around the legs of the wearer, and with an upper section adapted to be positioned around the abdomen of the wearer. Transparent inner panels cooperate with each of the exterior panel sections to define pressure chambers therebetween. A pressurized gas such as for example compressed air, is introduced into the pressure chambers in order to inflate the same and apply pressure to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying a splint to an injured body part in which a plurality of hollow, resilient tubes have their ends connected to a pair of spaced collars. A quick setting epoxy material is introduced into each tube in such a manner that when the epoxy hardens, the tubes cooperate to form a rigid splinting assembly about the injured body part.

Abstract: Web-like triangular sacs are disposed between the finger stalls of a glove-shaped body to fan the respective fingers by feeding compressed air into the sacs. A plurality of sacs are arranged on the palm portion of the body, each running from the relative stall toward and along an arm portion. When compressed air is fed into the latter-mentioned sacs, the hand and the carpal joint are extended. Charging or discharging of compressed air into or out of the sacs may be carried out simultaneously or selectively with a given cycle. By repetition of the cycle, rhythmical intermittent movement, such as fanning and extension, of the functionally disordered carpal joint, hand and fingers takes place passively for the remedy of flexion contraction and extension disturbance, and a primary factor which can induce active movement is produced.

Abstract: A method and device for the prevention of and the treatment for epicondylalgia externa, popularly known as Tennis Elbow, is disclosed. The method involves the absorption and dissipation of the vibrational shocks caused by the off-center hitting of a tennis ball during pronation and supination of the wrist. The device employs a vibration absorbing pad covering either the extensor or flexor muscles of the forearm. The pad is tightly located against the said muscles by means of an elastic tube from the wrist area to the elbow. An elastic strap, located outside the aforementioned tube around the largest diameter of the forearm and fastened by Velcro or like fasteners, is an additional member for maintaining the pad in close contact with the arm surface. The aforementioned pad, shaped to conform with the extensor or flexor muscle in the forearm, is filled with a viscous fluid or semi-fluid which will flow enough to maintain a close contact with the muscle from wrist to elbow.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated immobilizing structure finds particular utility as a reusable, temporary emergency cast. The structure includes a flexible, nonexpandable outer container, a flexible, non-porous inner container and a pressure-sensitive matrix material. The matrix material and the inner container are both housed within the outer container. The matrix material is adapted to permit relatively unhindered relative movement among the matrix elements under normal conditions; the matrix material locks into a substantially rigid mass when squeezed together to freeze the immobilizing structure into the shape existing immediately before pressurization. Since the outer container does not expand, pressurizing the structure causes the structure to turn rigid without squeezing the patient.

Abstract: A physiologic device having a fluid filled compartment. This is surrounded by an outer sheath fastened to the foot. The sheath holds the compartment under the instep and directs the hydraulic forces into the ankle and lower leg. Pressure produced by walking on the fluid compartment is used to compress the lower leg. This prevents swelling and it can heal ulcers due to bad veins.

Abstract: An artificial limb consisting of a tubular member having inner and outer walls and formed by at least three interconnected side-by-side air inflatable compartments fabricated from an air impervious flexible material. The stump of a patient's limb may be inserted into one end of the tubular member, which preferably tapers therefrom towards the other end, and is gripped by the inner walls thereof when the compartments are inflated. Below the stump the inner walls interengage with one another as the compartments inflate and in order to provide a sufficiently rigid pylon to fully support the patient's weight a plurality of rigid longitudinal stiffening members are disposed around, and cooperate with, the outer walls of the tubular member. Preferably the stiffening members are hingedly interconnected along longitudinal marginal side edges and fabricated from a single sheet of rigid transparent thermoplastic material such as polyvinylchloride.

Abstract: Apparatus for the alleviation of operative and post operative deep venous thrombosis comprises a flexible pad for enwrappment about a mammalian limb such as a human leg. The pad comprises a first plurality of large, individual, fluid receiving pressure cells alternated with a second plurality of smaller, fluid receiving and releasing ventilating cells. Means are included for supplying fluid pressure to the cells.

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: An elongated, elastic tube provides a brace for wrapping about a person's knee or other part of the body. The brace is wrapped about the knee in a criss-cross fashion wherein four diagonal members intersect at four points surrounding the knee cap, i.e., top, bottom and each side. The brace is held in place by tape, VELCRO or other fastening means, and may be solid or inflated with air or another suitable fluid until a comfortable, protective pressure is reached within the elongated tube. When properly positioned and filled, the brace supports the knee or other body member, and also provides a protective cover which withstands otherwise injurious impacts. The basic wrap may be incorporated into a single unit having a criss-cross wrap outline integrally formed and adapted to be wrapped in a single unit.

Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of fluid comprising, a sleeve for placement about the patient's limb and having at least one inflatable chamber. The compressive device has a device for intermittently inflating and deflating the chamber, a first conduit connecting the inflating device and the chamber, and a second conduit communicating with the first conduit upstream from the chamber. The compressive device has a pressure determining gauge communicating with the second conduit, and an element for providing resistance against fluid flow passing through the second conduit intermediate the first conduit and the gauge.

Abstract: A compression device comprising, a sleeve for placement about a patient's limb, with the sleeve having an inflatable chamber. The device has a pump communicating with the chamber for inflating the chamber, and a bladder having an inflatable cavity communicating with the pump. The effective volume of the bladder cavity which communicated with the pump may be adjusted by a suitable device.

Abstract: An inflatable bag splint with straps which inhibits the bending of a joint. The bag is airtight with an inlet valve and the straps are situated so as to be placed about an arm or leg to prevent movement thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for the treatment of edema, comprising a substantially flat inflatable band divided into a plurality of internal inflatable cells extending along one dimension of the band, and wrappable about the body part to be treated to form a sleeve with the inflatable cells extending annularly around the sleeve, the inflatable cells being in partially overlapping relationship widthwise of the band. The band is made of three strips of resilient sheet material bonded to each other along spaced bond lines to define the partially overlapping inflatable cells.

Abstract: A method of determining the pressure applied to a limb by an inflatable garment by placing a flexible pressurizable cuff between the garment and the limb to receive the compressive garment forces and then determining the pressure in the cuff due to those compressive forces alone. The cuff pressure component due to compression of the garment is determined by extra-polating from a plot of cuff pressure versus bias pressure. The bias pressure is required to obtain an accurate reading of cuff pressure and is eliminated as a component in determining the garment pressure by means of the extrapolation. A preferred transducer for converting cuff pressure to electrical signals employs a manometer tube extending between two plates of a capacitor.

Abstract: Fixation of a long bone is accomplished by drilling a small opening into the medullary cavity, inserting a deflated flexible bladder into the medullary cavity through the opening, inflating the bladder with sterile air through an opening accessible outside the bone, sealing the opening, unsealing the opening after the fracture has healed, removing the bladder and then filling the opening.

Abstract: A body transfer device comprises front and rear inflatable support members which can be selectively joined to completely envelop a person's body. When the support members are inflated, the body is rendered substantially immobile. Openings are provided to accommodate the person's face and to enable access to vital portions of the body, if needed. A reinforcing board can be releasably attached to the rear support member to aid in transporting the person when the device is fully inflated.

Abstract: Multi-chambered air inflatable aquatic exercise jackets for the arms and legs constructed from plastic sheet material.

Abstract: A compression device for human limbs including a flexible sleeve and an expandible envelope which contains a pair of chemical agents which form a gas when mixed. In use, the chemical agents are mixed by manual manipulation of the expandible envelope, creating a gas which expands the envelope causing the envelope and the sleeve to bear against and to support an injured limb which has been inserted into the sleeve, thereby serving as a splint for broken bones or as a pressure dressing for the control of bleeding. The device may comprise a sleeve surrounding the injured limb and the envelope or, alternatively, a flexible panel forming a sleeve-like opening in which the limb is inserted.

Abstract: An artificial limb consisting of a tube like member having an inner wall and an outer wall, each of flexible air impervious material sealingly joined together at respectively opposite ends of the tube and along at least three lines extending longitudinally of the tube. The longitudinal seams are spaced apart from one another providing a plurality of side by side air inflatable compartments. At least one compartment is provided with an air inlet passage means for inflating the artificial limb and the compartments are in communication with one another so that there is equalization of pressure in all of the chambers. The inner and outer walls are preferably a transparent plastics material and the tube tapers in a direction from one end to the other. A protective cap may be detachably mounted on the lower end of the limb and such cap may be provided with fins projecting into the sleeve to stiffen the same if so desired.

Abstract: A device which is adapted to be mounted on the edge of an operating table for holding a patient's thigh or upper leg in a fixed position on the table while arthroscopic surgery is being performed on the patient's knee. An inflatable member is secured on a first curved metal retention plate which is mounted on a flat metal portion of an angled base plate. The inflatable member is wrapped about the thigh of the patient and is secured thereon by fastening means. A second curved metal retention plate is adjustably mounted on the flat portion of the angled base plate opposite of the first retention plate. This second plate is moved into an adjusted position against the inflatable member diametrically opposite of the first retention plate to securely hold the patient's thigh and inflatable member between the pair of curved retention plates.

Abstract: An inflatable bandage splint for the hand comprising an inner glove of impermeable sheet material and an outer envelope of impermeable elastic sheet material. The inner glove and outer envelope are sealed together to form a fluid-tight chamber which may be inflated through a valve provided in the outer envelope. The inner glove and the outer envelope are secured together at selected distal locations and in the vicinity of the wrist. Eyelets are mounted to at least some of the distal locations where the inner glove and outer envelope are joined together. Eyelets are also provided in the vicinity of the wrist. Thus, when the bandage is inflated, tensile members such as elastic cord can be threaded through the eyelets and tied to pull the hand into the desired restrained 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: An improved medical anti-shock trouser is disclosed which has replaceable pneumatic bladders so arranged and constructed to allow inflation in use without objectionable perimetric retraction and separation between adjacent bladders. The trouser takes the form of a panel of flexible porous fabric having an abdominal section and a pair of leg sections, each of the sections having a double-walled portion defining a pocket therein. An inflatable bladder is disposed in each of the pockets and, in the disclosed embodiment, the bladders of the leg sections are disposed in limited overlapping relation with respect to the bladder of the abdominal section. Each bladder has a flexible perimetric side wall as well as flexible top and bottom walls.

Abstract: A boot-like appliance is formed of a resilient or inflatable material intended to generally envelop a patient's foot and lower leg area. The device is provided with suitable apertures to eliminate pressure points at bony prominences. Valves are provided in the inflatable model in order to permit the circulation of gases, liquids, or semisolids.