Abstract: A therapeutic stimulatory massage apparatus for receipt therein of a body portion, such apparatus containing a thixotropic fluid medium subject to selective increase in viscosity and increase in pressure at such areas of increased viscosity. Also, other therapeutic modes can be incorporated into the device of this invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous passive motion back support for a person comprising a fluid-inflatable bag disposed between a static structure and the back of a person, the fluid-inflatable bag including a back-engaging surface cyclically moveable to increase and decrease the distance between the static structure and the back-engaging surface thereby to cycle the lower back through a substantial range of lordosis, a conduit adapted to conduct the fluid between the reservoir or the atmosphere and the fluid-inflatable bag, and programmable circuitry for adjusting a voltage supplied to an electrically-powered pump, whereby fluid flow in the conduit is effected by adjustably operating the electrically-powered pump. Various multiple bag embodiments are disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a baseline support pressure during continuous passive motion for the lower back of a person.

Abstract: An air foot massaging apparatus for massaging and stimulating tired feet, and thereby creating beneficial physiological effects throughout the body and including a pair of boot shaped structures for adapting to the user's feet or a unitary fluid-tight container for retaining fluid therein and adapting to a user's feet. Each boot shaped structure has a plurality of interior compressible and expandable air nodes which engage with the user's foot, a compressor to inflate or deflate the compressible and expandable air nodes for providing an effective massaging pattern to massage the user's feet, a vibration motor for providing a vibrational massage to further provide an effective massaging pattern to massage the user's feet, and a control mechanism for controlling the inflating and deflating of the plurality of compressible and expandable air nodes.

Abstract: A foot pump powered neck massaging device including an first bladder and a second bladder securable to a lower surface of a shoe worn by a user. The first bladder and the second bladder each have an air outlet. A massaging hand is in communication with the first bladder and the second bladder. The massaging hand is comprised of pliable fingers. The pliable fingers are conformable around the user's neck.

Abstract: A neck massage apparatus for use in a spa hot tub system. The massage apparatus includes a pair of rotating jet nozzles located at a height near the neck of a user thereof sitting in the spa, wherein the jet nozzles are coupled to a source of water and air, respectively. A pliable membrane is disposed over the jet nozzles for restraining the water and air and for imparting a massage sensation to the user in response to movement of the water and air. Controlled size orifices are placed in the back of the apparatus to allow the water and air to escape. The size of these orifices are controlled to be slightly greater in area than the area of the combined air and water source pipes, thereby placing adequate pressure on the membrane to adapt to the shape of the user's neck and to impart a massage sensation.

Abstract: An inflatable vest design for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and for cardiac assist. The vest may include a belt that wraps around the chest of a patient, and a removable bladder that is placed against the chest and held in place by the belt. The inflatable bladder expands radially to first conform to a patient's chest, and to apply circumferential pressure to the thorax of the patient. By cyclically inflating the bladder, the vest can be used in CPR and cardiac assist treatments. In addition, alternative vest designs are disclosed showing removable bladders. These vest improvements lower the energy consumption and make smaller and portable cardiopulmonary resuscitation systems more practical.

Abstract: A massaging system includes a base sheet carrying a plurality of expandable bags arranged in a plane of the base sheet, and a charging and discharging unit connected to the bags for selectively supplying and discharging a pressurized fluid into and from the bags so as to inflate and deflate the bags, selectively. At least one applicator projects from each of the bags in contact with a portion of a human body for applying a massaging action. Each bag has a flexible top end capable of deforming into a curved contour when being inflated. The applicator is made of a hard material and projects directly from the top end wall of the bag as an integral part of the bag such that the applicator is caused to displace in a direction different from a direction along which the bag inflates and deflates principally, as a consequence of that the flexible top end wall deforms into the curved contour.

Abstract: A medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a subject's foot, the device including a platform with at least three independently actuable inflatable bladders staggered therealong to solely underlie the subject's heel, his plantar arch and his foot's front portion including its metatarsals and its toes, respectively, whereby a travelling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.

Abstract: A medical device for applying a cyclic therapeutic action to a subject's foot, the device including a platform with at least three independently actuable inflatable bladders staggered therealong to solely underlie the subject's heel, his plantar arch and his foot's front portion including its metatarsals and its toes, respectively, whereby a travelling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.

Abstract: A chair type air massager includes a chair body having a seat, a back rest and a plurality of massage bags embedded therein, and a leg massage device having a pair of leg accommodating grooves and a plurality of massage bags provided in correspondence to the leg accommodating grooves. The leg massage device is capable of moving between a first position where the leg massage device is disposed in front of the seat and is connected to the chair body, and a second position where the leg massage device is separated from the chair body. The leg accommodating groove is capable of accommodating therein at least one leg of a user sitting on the seat of the chair body when the leg massage device is disposed in the first position, and the lower leg accommodating groove is capable of accommodating therein at least one leg of a user who is not sitting on the seat of the chair body when the leg massage device is in the second position.

Abstract: A back support system including a pad capable of providing both support and massage to an individual's mid and lower back is described. The pad includes a lordotic curve support cell and at least one lower or mid back inflatable cell. The pad is useful in many hospital settings including the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for inflating an inflatable vest to assist the heart in patients suffering from heart failure. The inflation of the vest is synchronized with on-set of the systole phase of the heart, when the left ventricular compresses to force blood out of the heart and through the aorta. The inflated vest compresses the patient's chest and increases the intrathoracic pressure. This increase in pressure assists the heart in moving blood out of the heart and through the aorta. In addition, the vest is arranged to leave the patient's abdomen free of restraint so that the increase in intrathoracic pressure due to the vest moves blood into the abdomen, and to allow the abdomen to dynamically recoil in response to the vest inflation. In addition, ECG signals from electrodes applied to the patient are processed to trigger the vest inflation in real time with the current heartbeat cycle, such that the vest inflation is triggered when the heart begins to contract.

Abstract: A method of body manipulation in furtherance of treating lymphedema is provided. A wrap, adapted to fit about a body extremity and having a trunk region, and limb regions, and a plurality of compartments distributed throughout the regions, is provided and applied to the body extremity. Each of the compartments of the plurality of compartments are capable of selective pressurization and depressurization. The body extremity is prepared for receipt of lymph fluid via a first pressurization and depressurization sequence of select compartments within select regions of the regions of the wrap, and lymph fluid is drained from the body extremity via a second pressurization and depressurization sequence of select compartments within select regions of the regions of the wrap, whereby the lymphatic system is stimulated so as to promote readsorption of pooled lymph fluid within surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for facilitating and supporting blood circulation in a user's lower limb is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a sandal element, including: a sole element having inflatable chambers for selectively and independently applying pressure to distinct portions of the user's sole, each of the inflatable chambers being located at a specific portion of the sole element; and a shell element for fastening the sole element to the user's foot; and (b) an inflating system for independently inflating and deflating the inflatable chambers, preferably in a periodical manner. The inflating system may include: a pump; a valvular system for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the inflatable chambers; a pressure sensor; and a controller.

Abstract: A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to air pressure pulses which applies and releases pressure to the human body. The vest has a cover having a pocket accommodating the air core. The pulsator has diaphragms connected to a d.c. electric motor with a rotary to reciprocating motion transmitting mechanism operable to generate air pressure pulses which are transmitted to the air core which applies repetitive pressure pulses to the human body.

Abstract: A chair-type massager comprises a chair body for use as a support member for supporting a user's body and a massage apparatus located in a seat back of the chair body. The massage apparatus includes a base member and a pair of massage units, right and left, provided on the base member. Each massage unit has a movable element. The movable element is provided with a tilt member. A treatment member is attached to the tilt member. The tilt member is driven by means of an airbag. The movable element is rotated around a shaft by means of a motor so that the treatment member can move along a curved surface of the user's body.

Abstract: A health appliance comprises a fitting member fittable in between toes or fingers and having in an interior thereof a pressurized medium charging portion. This portion is expanded in a direction so as to widen a space between the toes or fingers when the pressurized medium is charged therein. A pressurized medium charging port is provided at a location of the health appliance so as to communicate with the fitting member, for charging the pressurized medium into the pressurized medium charging portion.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood circulation in the limb of a patient is provided by customizing the compression cycle based upon patient venous characteristics. The method measures the venous refill time of the patient for use with an intermittent pneumatic compression device. A limb such as a leg is wrapped with a compression sleeve having at least one pressurizable chamber. The chamber is pressurized for a predetermined period of time to compress the limb and cause blood to flow out of the limb. The chamber is depressurized until the pressure in the chamber reaches a lower value, and the chamber is closed. The pressure in the chamber is sensed and the venous refill time, the time for the limb to refill with blood, is determined by sensing when the pressure reaches or will reach a plateau. The venous refill time is used as the basis for the time between subsequent compression pulses of the compression device.

Abstract: A water bed type massaging machine which can stimulate a person being massaged in different positions, which are symmetrical in a breadthwise direction of the person's shoulders with respect to the person's backbone, at a suitable temperature. Water or hot water is filled into a box-shaped water container having an opening at its top, and a flexible sheet is provided over the opening in a watertight manner to constitute a water bed enabling a person being massaged to lie on the top surface of the flexible sheet. Right and left nozzles capable of jetting water or hot water against the back surface of the flexible sheet are provided in the water container so that they can be moved in a heightwise direction of the person being massaged and in the breadthwise direction of the person's shoulders. The nozzles can be transferred, including rotated.

Abstract: A bed includes a number of holes for receiving a number of pneumatic actuating devices, such as the air bag type or the bellows type pneumatic actuating devices. An air pump supplies a pressurized air to the pneumatic actuating devices via a number of air valves to actuate the pneumatic actuating devices to act on the users. An air reservoir is disposed between the air pump and the air valves for storing the pressurized air. One or more seats are disposed on the bed and each has a pneumatic actuating device for acting on the side portion of the user.

Abstract: A medical pad 10 includes a thermal exchange layer capable of absorbing and/or releasing heat to a patient and an adhesive surface 16A disposed on a skin-contacting side of the thermal exchange layer for adhering the pad 10 to the skin of the patient. The thermal exchange layer may comprise a fluid containing layer 12 for containing a thermal exchange fluid 14 capable of absorbing thermal energy from and/or releasing thermal energy to the patient. The pad 10 may also include a conformable thermally conductive layer 16 between the adhesive surface 16A and the fluid containing layer 12 and an insulating layer 18 on the non-skin contacting side of the fluid containing layer 12. A related fluid circulating system 40 including a pump 42 connected downstream from a fluid outlet 22 and a fluid reservoir 44 connected upstream from a fluid inlet 20 may be employed to circulate the fluid 14 though the fluid containing layer 12.

Abstract: A hydro-massage pillow assembly (10) including a pillow assembly (12) in combination with a water source (18) and a control assembly (14) for use with spa tubs (16) and the like. The pillow assembly (12) includes interchangeable membrane assemblies (44, 46), that are made of material with different permeability. The cushioned, flexible pillow (34) conforms to the shape of the tub (16) to enhance appearance and comfort. A remote control head (26) permits users to conveniently control the temperature, pressure, and other desired control parameters of the massaging effect produced by the pressurized water in the pillow assembly (12).

Abstract: A therapeutic stimulatory massage device for receipt therein of a body portion, such device containing a thixotropic fluid medium subject to selective increase in viscosity and increase in pressure at such areas of increased viscosity. Also, other therapeutic modes can be incorporated into the device of this invention.

Abstract: An air pressure overall massage apparatus is provided having an air pressure supply, which includes a pump to generate air pressure and a functional can connected with the pump. The functional can is also connected with a pressure switch, an electromagnetic valve, an air delivery hole and a pressure controller individually. There is a time clock used for setting operation time and timing. When air pressure is conveyed through an air delivery hole, it can enter into an air delivery hose to fill massage clothes such as trousers. After the setting pressure imposed on the human body is reached at a setting time, the air will escape for a predetermined number of seconds and then fill again automatically. Thus the human body is repeatedly pressured and relaxed again and again to have overall massage effect.

Abstract: A passive-motion having a support surface provided by a plurality of bellows-like or bladder-like cells which are sequentially or independently inflatable and deflatable to alter the configuration of the support surface continuously to cause a person seated on the support surface to continuously and instinctively adjust the additude of his spinal column and associated muscles.

Abstract: An improved structure of a multifunctional eye mask comprising an elastic tightening strap, a main body, a heat healing device and a controller, characterized in that the elastic tightening strap is used to tie the mask to the eyes of user, the front section of the belt is mounted with the main body and the heat healing device, and the main body includes an air pump, an air releasing valve, a tube, a pair of vibration motors, a buzzer, a wiring board, and the exterior of the main body is provided with wires linked to the controller, the heat healing device consists of a front and a rear protective plate formed into a mask-like structure containing an air sac, a heat-emitting element, an air inlet for the air sac and the heat-emitting element are connected to the main body, the controller is provided with a circuit device with controlling switches and adjusting knobs on the surface thereof, thereby when in use, by means of the circuit device, the air sac and the heat emitting element expand and contract and em

Abstract: A system for regulating a core body temperature of a person includes a pressure applicator configured to apply negative or cyclical positive pressure to a portion of the person to vasodilate blood vessels of the person within the portion, a heating device configured to supply heat to the portion of the person, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is coupled to the heating device and includes a controller configured to vary the amount of heat supplied by the heating device. The amount of heat supplied by the heating device is varied in response to a difference in temperature between a preset temperature programmed into the controller and an actual core body temperature of the patient received by the controller from a temperature sensor on the person such that the controller maintains the actual core body temperature of the person at substantially the preset temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of improved water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a reclining or prone position on a top membrane of a enclosure which contains heated water, and air. A water pump recirculates the water which is drawn out of the enclosure through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced into the interior of the enclosure through venturi air intake as waterjets that are mixed with air. The air enriched waterjets drive through a layer of water and impinge on the underside of the top membrane to produce massage effects on the person. The air is captured inside the enclosure in a chamber or pocket which rises above the water level within the sealed enclosure and is drawn out of the interior enclosure to the air inlet waterjet venturi for recirculation of air throughout and within the sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A head and facial massaging apparatus includes a support base constructed and arranged to contact a supporting surface. A headrest structure is operatively associated with the support base. The headrest structure includes a mounting structure and a headrest. The headrest is constructed and arranged to receive and support a rear portion of a user's head. A back shell structure is carried by the mounting structure and has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. The upper surface includes an expandable bladder structure constructed and arranged to contact a rear portion of a user's head not being supported by the headrest. A source of fluid is provided to control expansion of the bladder structure. A front shell structure is provided having a plurality of resilient fingers extending from a surface thereof. The fingers are constructed and arranged to contact certain facial tissues of the user.

Abstract: This hydro-massage chair comprises horizontally-spaced sidewalls, a seat portion extending between the sidewalls, and an inclined back portion adapted to support the back of a patient seated on the seat portion. An inflatable hollow cushion has a back wall bearing against the inclined back portion and a soft front wall facing the back of the seated patient. The cushion is inflated by introducing liquid into its interior. Nozzles are mounted in spaced relation along the length of the cushion for injecting pressurized liquid jets into the interior of the cushion and against the inside of the front wall of the cushion to produce a massaging effect on the back of the seated patient. A plurality of bars spaced apart along the length of the cushion extend between the sidewalls and confine the front wall of the inflated cushion but allow the front wall to bulge slightly in the regions between the bars when the cushion is inflated with liquid.

Abstract: A multi-function pneumatic chest compression apparatus provides various functions useful in both clinical and treatment environments, including mucous mobilization, breathing assistance, exhaled gas composition, and others. An air flow generator produces preselected air flows depending on the function(s) selected. These air flows are delivered to a bladder positioned about the patient. A controller receives feedback from the bladder and manipulates a valve controlling the flow of air into the air flow generator based on the feedback and preselected operating parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sleeping, resting, or receiving therapy while immersed in water. The buoyancy forces eliminate concentrated support forces on the body, relieving back and neck stress, decubis ulcers, bed sores, and the like. The person is contained within a waterproof suit and substantially immersed in warmed water. Suit ventilation means and safety monitoring instrumentation are disclosed. Therapeutic gasses and vapors may be wholly or selectively applied to the body while sleeping or resting. Salves and the like may be applied remotely and specifically through tubes. The system also has provision for applying traction and manipulation therapies. The system is adaptable for veterinary use.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for stimulating skin tissue of a nonambulatory individual in a wheelchair or other mobile apparatus. The pouch of the present invention contains a fluid medium which is connected to an agitator which generates turbulence and disturbances within the fluid medium. For example, a vibrator may be placed adjacent to the pouch and vibrate the fluid medium. These motions are transmitted through the fluid medium to stimulate the skin and underlying tissue which is resting on the pouch. The pouch may be connected to the support bars of a wheelchair, or have arms to extend around and attach to a chair seat in a scooter. A pocket of the pouch serves to hold the agitator in contact with the fluid, e.g., water, so that the fluid is adequately turbulated and disturbed to have a stimulating effect on the body tissue.

Abstract: A medical device having an expandable fluid-tight bladder formed integral within a wrap (or sheath) that can be securely fastened onto a human foot. The foot wrap positions and holds the bladder under the arch of the foot so as to compress the sole area when the bladder is inflated. The foot wrap is soft, lightweight, flexible and suitable for extended wear with minimum discomfort. It can be readily used with a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure applicator or cyclic pump to promote blood circulation in the legs of bedridden patients.

Abstract: A unitarily-molded pillow for mounting in a spa and having a flexible membrane positioned therein and with respect to a water discharge jet by an integrally-molded support structure including an upper collar, a lower rim, and respective side shoulders, the support structure being integrated into a smooth, contoured front surface providing integral neck and head support, with the membrane positioned to provide a pleasing warm neck massage effect and the jet being adjustable via an air valve for user comfort.

Abstract: A spinal joint separator device and method for exercising a spine to promote spinal health are provided. The device may generally include a frame and a first and a second bladder secured to the frame for separating vertebrae in the spine in order to promote fluid imbibition therethrough. The bladders provide diverging directions of force against a lordotic arc in the spine of a user, for example against the lumbar or cervical spine. When in an uninflated state the second bladder is disposed on the frame such that it overlaps the first bladder. In addition, a pump and valve may be provided for allowing independent and sequential inflation of the bladders. In accordance with a method of the invention, the first bladder may be inflated against the spine in a first direction to lift and hold the spine in a lordotic arc. Subsequently, the second bladder is inflated against the spine in a second direction to further lift the spine, stretch the spine linearly and gently separate the vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foot massage apparatus having a flat hollow base body 1 of resilient material which is filled with a fluid and has a profiled top side. In accordance with the invention, the base body 1 is divided substantially perpendicular to its flat length into two adjacent chambers 2, 3 which enclose separate fluid containers 4, 5 and are connected integrally by a common stiff bottom 6.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing dry hydromassage includes an assembly for supporting a user including a body having an opening formed therein with a membrane attached to the body in covering relation with the opening. Fluid reservoirs provided in fluid communication with the body and an assembly for directing a stream of fluid against the membrane for dry hydromassage of a user disposed on the support assembly is provided. The apparatus further includes an assembly for circulating fluid between the reservoir and the assembly for directing a stream of fluid against the membrane.

Abstract: A chair-type air massage device which is capable of providing air massage to a user's whole body in a reclined position. The air massage device includes a backrest pivotally joined with a seat. Armrests are secured to both sides of the seat. A footrest is joined to the front end of the seat and can be moved between a projected position and a retracted position. Air bags for a neck massage, air bags for a back massage and air bags for a waist massage are disposed on the backrest. Further, air bags for a buttocks massage are disposed on the seat. Air bags for a thigh massage are positioned between armrests on the seat. Air massage can be provided to a user's whole body in a reclined position by supplying and exhausting compressed air to each of the air bags to thereby expand and contract each of the air bags.

Abstract: A back supporting and exercising cushion has upper and lower pneumatic chambers with an orifice or adjustable flow valve between the chambers for controlling shifting of air between the two chambers. With the back support device positioned in a chair or car seat, for example, the lower chamber is situated against the lumbar region of the back while the upper chamber presses against the mid-thoracic region. When the user shifts his posture, the chambers continually accommodate the changes by inflating one chamber while the pressure deflates air out of the other chamber. The ability to change posture frequently decreases fatigue in the low back while driving, for example, and provides neurological stimulation in the joints of the spine, which can help balance activities of the muscles in the back and decrease pain.

Abstract: A chair-type air massage device which is capable of providing air massage to a user's legs in comfortable positions such as a reclined position or a sitting position. The air massage device includes a backrest pivotally joined with a seat. A footrest is joined to the front end of the seat and can be moved between a forwardly-projecting or extended position and a retracted position. A number of air bags for providing a leg massage are disposed on the footrest. When the footrest is in the extended position, a user's legs may be oriented approximately horizontally and compressed air may be supplied and exhausted to and from the air bags so as to cause the air bags to expand and contract and thus massage the user's legs in a reclined position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating edema of a body member by pressure includes the use of a flexible, liquid-tight bag having connectors for securing the bag about the member. A liquid conduit, substantially smaller in section than the bag, is connected to the top thereof and is extended upwardly from the bag in use to increase hydraulic pressure in the bag and thereby pressure on the member when the conduit and the bag are filled with liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a massager in which a massage unit comprising kneading rings on the right and left sides is mounted movably up and down inside thereof, and the massage unit is equipped with a plurality of air cells, each of the kneading rings being moved backward and forward or rightward and leftward by an expanding and contracting operation of the air cell or cells.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in combination with a pump source of recirculated tub water for discharging a water stream for massaging a user's body characterized by a flexible water permeable membrane, preferably of terry cloth, mounted in front of a discharge orifice. In use, water stream discharged from the orifice impacts against the rear face of the membrane while the membrane's front face is held against and massages the user's body. The permeability of the membrane permits water to pass therethrough to wet and lubricate the user's skin. The water permeable membrane spreads the impact area to thus provide a softer more pleasing massage effect while minimizing the amount of unwanted splash. The apparatus may also include a shower outlet for selectively discharging a shower spray.

Abstract: A unitarily-molded pillow for mounting in a spa and having a flexible membrane positioned therein and with respect to a water discharge jet by an integrally-molded support structure including an upper collar, a lower rim, and respective side shoulders, the support structure being integrated into a smooth, contoured front surface providing integral neck and head support, with the membrane positioned to provide a pleasing warm neck massage effect and the jet being adjustable via an air valve for user comfort.

Abstract: A massage table having at least one jet-free, gear-free fluid distributor for use in a fluid-filled bladder of said massage table in which a nozzle, mounted for rotatable motion, directs the fluid in a first pulse in a generally upward direction, a curved blade fixedly attached and extending laterally from the nozzle, causes a second pulse to be introduced into the fluid. A temperature stabilizer is provided whereby fluid in the fluid-filled bladder of the massage table can be cooled dissipating heat generated by continuous action of a pump used to pressurize the fluid within the bladder. A S-shaped coupling, adapted for re-circulating fluid from said temperature stabilizer to said pump, is provided for eliminating need for a second pump. A massage table of two-piece construction, adapted for supporting a fluid-filled bladder, is provided for ease of economic transport of said massage table.

Abstract: A massage apparatus includes a flexible bladder filled with a fluid and a plurality of bladder displacement devices coupled to the flexible bladder for displacing the flexible bladder in accordance with a specified displacement plan. A signal source is coupled to the bladder displacement devices to provide the specified displacement plan. The signal source outputs first and second frequency modulated (FM) signals. The FM signals are identical in spectrum and start at zero phase, but are propagated 180.degree. out-of-phase with respect to one another. The first FM signal is fed to one half of the bladder displacement devices and the second FM signal is fed to the other half of bladder displacement devices. The FM signals are controlled in such a way that vibrational energy travels in the fluid-filled bladder for coupling to a user reclined on the bladder while ambient vibration of the apparatus is canceled.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure relief valve has a movable valve closure member with a spring applying a closing force. An adjuster can set the size of this closing force. Pressure responsive means applies an opening force corresponding to a fluid pressure. This pressure responsive means includes a plurality of pressure sensors which can be respectively connected to one or more sources of fluid pressure. Each of these sensors is adapted to apply an opening force to the closure member which has a respective different relationship to the pressure of the source connected thereto. The relief valve opens when the opening force matches the closing force applied by the spring. The different pressure sensors allow the valve to open in response to any one of a range of different pressures.

Abstract: A hydraulic device for lymphatic drainage and massage of a part of the human body, having an enclosure capable of covering said part of the body, and through which a fluid circulates in the desired massage direction and at varying pressures. The enclosure includes a porous medium that is locally deformable so that the fluid circulates therethrough while being subjected to a given headloss at each point of deformation, thus affecting the flow rate and the pressure of the fluid in order to create a massaging effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical pumping apparatus. The medical pumping apparatus continuously and automatically monitors fill status of the venous plexus and flow rate from the venous plexus and continuously and automatically controls the pressure and cycle rate of a pump capable of cyclically applying pressure to a part of the human body for the purpose of maximizing blood transfer therein.