Abstract: The movement inducing device includes a plurality of air bags, each being provided with a contacting portion configured to contact with a user and induce a movement of an intended skeletal muscle of the user; a drive mechanism configured to expand and compress the air bags by adjusting supply and discharge of air to and from each air bag and a control unit provided with a drive control unit configured to control driving of the drive mechanism to make the intended skeletal muscle of the user perform at least one of an isotonic muscle activity, an isometric muscle activity and an isokinetic muscle activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying graduated pressure to an underlying surface. An exemplary device is a graduated compression device or a graduated pressure bandage, that is able to apply graduated pressure to a limb, with higher pressure being applied at one end of the device, e.g. near the ankle in use, and gradually applying less pressure at the other end of the device, e.g. such that the lowest pressure is applied to the end of the stocking closest to the thigh in use.

Abstract: A seat device includes a holding member that holds an air tube and is located below a seat cushion. The holding member includes a base wall that defines a holding surface for the air tube, a locking portion that locks air tubes routed along the holding surface on the base wall, and a side wall extending in a routing direction of each of the air tubes.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a patient support for supporting a patient. The patient support comprises a crib assembly comprising a support material with a cover assembly disposed over the crib assembly. The cover assembly defines a recess and comprising a patient support surface having an outer periphery. The patient support further comprises a connector assembly for connecting the patient support to a fluid source with the connector assembly comprising a connector with a plurality of ports. The assembly defines a three dimensional interior corner adjacent the recess in the cover assembly. The connector assembly is disposed in the recess of the cover assembly such that the plurality of ports of the connector are presented for connection to the fluid source at the three dimensional interior corner and inside the outer periphery of the patient support surface.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyance seat including a pelvis support member of which a state or the like is adjusted. The conveyance seat includes the pelvis support member configured to support a portion of an occupant's body where a pelvis is positioned and lumbar supports configured to move the pelvis support member. The pelvis support member includes a seat back side support portion positioned behind a back portion of the occupant, a seat cushion side support portion positioned below buttocks of the occupant, and a connection portion that connects the seat back side support portion and the seat cushion side support portion. The lumbar supports are configured to move the pelvis support member so that a position of at least one of the seat back side support portion, the seat cushion side support portion, and the connection portion is changed with respect to the portion where the pelvis is positioned.

Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.

Abstract: A seat apparatus includes a vehicle seat including a cushion member having a bottom portion with a plurality of recessed portions, a plurality of air cells configured to expand by injection of compressed air, and a fluid supply mechanism configured to supply the fluid to the air cells. In the seat apparatus, at least one of the recessed portions is provided at a portion of the bottom portion of the cushion member positioned at a seating portion of the vehicle seat, the hip of a passenger being placed on the seating portion. Each air cell is expandable in a corresponding one of the recessed portions. The fluid supply mechanism is configured to expand at least one air cell by supplying the compressed air thereto and to change the at least one air cell to be expanded by switching a fluid supply destination.

Abstract: A system and method determines a user's compliance with a prescribed therapeutic pneumatic compression treatment by applying external pressure to a body limb using a pneumatic compression sleeve having a pneumatically fillable cell; measuring pneumatic pressure within the pneumatically fillable cell; generating a pressure signal corresponding to the measured pneumatic pressure; determining biological events associated with the user based upon the pressure signal; generating a positive detection signal for each determined biological event associated with the user; and determining a user's compliance with a prescribed therapeutic pneumatic compression treatment when a predetermined number of positive detection signals have been generated within a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An air supply and exhaust device including: a distributor configured to supply air by supplying air pressure from a pump sequentially to each of a plurality of air cells and exhaust air by supplying atmospheric pressure to the air cell to which air has been supplied; and a control circuit configured to cause the pump and the distributor to operate simultaneously during air supply and exhaust operation to the air cells, and stop the pump from operating and then stop the distributor from operating after a predetermined time has passed when the air supply and exhaust operation to the air cells is stopped, wherein the predetermined time is set to be longer than a time for the distributor to switch from a state of supplying air to one of the air cells to a state of exhausting air from the one of the air cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.

Abstract: A massage apparatus includes: a base; a first air bag and a second air bag, the first air bag and the second air bag vertically overlapped with each other, the first air bag being disposed on an upper side of the second air bag, and the first air bag and the second air bag being joined to each other at an overlapped site; an air injection and discharge section connected to the first air bag for injecting air into and discharging air from the first air bag; a coupling section including a through hole arranged to communicate the air bags with each other is provided at a site where the air bags is joined to each other; and a fixing section rotatably fixing the first air bag to the base provided on a portion of the first air bag, the portion being not overlapped with the second air bag.

Abstract: A fluid-fillable cushion comprises upper and lower layers, a first chamber and a second chamber and a discrete pressure distributing unit situated between the upper and lower layers, said pressure distributing unit providing a fluid connection between at least the first chamber and the second chamber. Such a cushion reduces leaks and allows controlled pressure equalisation between the chambers. Also disclosed is a process for making such cushions and seating products comprising such cushions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for loading vibration is provided. The apparatus for loading vibration has a contacting unit, a first vibration unit, a storage unit and a control unit. The contacting unit is capable of coming into contact with a biological body which pulsates or beats in a contact state of a first contact condition. The first vibration unit provides a self-excited vibration to the biological body through the contacting unit. The storage unit stores a second contact condition which synchronizes the self-excited vibration with the pulses or the beats. The control unit controls the contact state of the contacting unit so as to make the first contact condition become closer to the second contact condition.

Abstract: A method for using a back lifting chair designed for treating and preventing back problems by monitoring posture, weight distribution, and sitting duration of an occupant of a seating device, and reducing pressure on a user's spinal disc by adjusting the user's posture. The method allows for an up-lifting motion on the user's torso, reducing the weight and pressure asserted on the lumbar disc, and preventing any further damage to it. The method allows for an upward and downward movement, hence partially or completely lifting the user from the seat, effectively reducing the pressure on the user's spine and back. The upward motion can be initialized by the user, or alternatively, it can be automatically activated by the weight sensor installed on the seat device which detects the prolonged period of sitting.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.

Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining patient compliance for using a compression therapy device. The systems may include a compression therapy sleeve and a controller having a non-transitory memory device. During a therapy session, the controller may record in the memory device operational therapy data obtained from sensors associated with the controller and/or sleeve. The controller may calculate a compliance metric based in part on the therapy data. The controller may then communicate the data or metric to one or more recipients. The methods may include allowing the patient to transfer a removable memory device from the controller to a personal computer, and uploading the therapy data or metric stored on it to a recipient website. Alternative methods may include the patient receiving the metric from the controller at the end of the therapy session, and then providing the metric to a recipient by phone.

Abstract: A portable deep vein leg massager apparatus with harness attaching to a human lower leg having a segmented calf surface staged assemblies compressing and decompressing the calf muscle directionally toward the shin. The segmented staged electromechanical assemblies act synchronously to compel deep vein blood vessels to push blood from the ankle towards the heart.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a DVT pump mounted in the patient support, and a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the DVT pump. Optionally, the patient support further includes a control system to detect when a DVT device is coupled or in close proximity to the port and/or the type of DVT device. Further, the control system may be configured to control the pump based on the type of DVT device coupled to the port.

Abstract: A medical air mattress has a mattress body, a lower bedspread and an upper bedspread. The mattress body is formed by multiple air cells substantially parallel arranged in a row forming an air cell row. The upper bedspread covers the mattress body and is securely connected to the lower bedspread. The mattress further comprises a pumping assembly with a pump and at least a pipeline connecting the pump with the air cells such that inflating and/or deflating of the air cells is controllable selectively.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A seat having a backrest and a seat cushion is provided with at least one adjusting element on both sides of the longitudinal center plane of the seat. By alternatingly actuating the adjusting elements in the two halves of the seat, mobilization of the spinal column of a seat user occurs. In order to increase the acceptance of such a mobilization, which requires comparatively long stroke lengths of the adjusting elements to achieve a physiological effectiveness, an accustomization phase occurs before the action phase. During the accustomization phase, the adjusting elements exercise, for example, only about half of the stroke during the action phase. Preferably, a transition phase may be interposed between the accustomization phase and the action phase.

Abstract: A human body support, such as a chair, has a plurality of support segments that are arranged in an array. Each support segment has a protrusion elevation that is independently variable and controllable in its distance of protrusion elevation against the supported human body. A sensor is connected to a human body on the support and senses a human body parameter that can indicate the presence of drowsiness. A controller analyzes the sensed parameter to detect whether the sensed parameter is within a range indicating the presence of drowsiness. The controller applies a wave of varying segment protrusion elevation against the human body in response to the detection of drowsiness. The wave progresses in a direction from an inferior location on the human body toward a more superior location. Alternatively, a wave of electrical stimuli is applied by similarly positioned electrodes and causes periodic tightening and relaxing of proximate muscles.

Abstract: A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising reducing an effective amount of extracellular fluid of a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic valve system for carrying out a compressed air supply to and evacuation from a plurality of air chambers of massage instruments of an air-type massage device, comprising: a plurality of first electromagnetic valves which are connected to each air chamber via supply tubes; a second electromagnetic valve further comprising a first aperture which communicates with external air; and a plurality of first check valves which are disposed within a header in an intermediate location between the second electromagnetic valve and each air chamber with a connection tube therebetween, and allow air to pass from the air chambers toward the second electromagnetic valve only when air pressure on the second electromagnetic valve side is lower than air pressure on the air chamber side.

Abstract: A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.

Abstract: A boot assembly and method that simulates, in a static equine animal (stalled or hauled), the natural mechanical action of walking or other gaited exercise. The assembly has a boot, containing a shock absorbing pad that is fitted with dual pulsing bladders disposed under or inside the shock absorbing pad. Pressuring and relaxing the pulsing bladder in the bottom of the boot rhythmically pushes against the sole and frog and against the toe of the equine hoof in much the same way that the hoof is exercised when the animal is moving. The pulsing action helps stimulate blood flow through the hoof and is beneficial to shod, injured, and transported horses. The assembly may be fitted on one or more hooves, and may be automated to provide timing and sequencing to simulate different gaits of the animal. In some aspects the assembly is disc posed in an ice boot or ice spa boot to also provide cryotherapy as well as simulated exercise.

Abstract: A controller assembly for delivering pressurized fluid to a compression treatment device includes a first pump assembly including a first pump unit and a first electrical contact. The first pump assembly defines a first pneumatic passage configured for fluid communication with the pump unit. A second pump assembly includes a second pump unit and a second electrical contact. The second pump assembly defines a second pneumatic passage fluidly communicable with the second pump unit. The first pump assembly defines a receptacle into which the second pump assembly is slidingly receivable. The sliding reception of the second pump assembly into the first pump assembly establishes fluid communication between the first and second pneumatic passages and establishes electrical communication between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A system for applying compression treatment to a wearer's body includes a compression garment positionable on the wearer's body. The garment includes an inflatable bladder and fasteners. The fasteners are electrically conductive and form part of an electric circuit. Connection of the fasteners closes the electric circuit and disconnection of the fasteners opens the circuit. A controller that provides air pressure to the garment is able to detect whether the electric circuit is opened or closed.

Abstract: A system including a compressible element configured to compress a muscle in a limb of a user, a controller configured to control a sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element, and a generator configured to move a working fluid to compress the compressible element as controlled by the controller. The sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element is established to reduce an amount of effort expended by a heart of a user to move a volume of blood. Another system and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for creating a massaging and heating/cooling operation with a closed-loop circulation system for working fluid, and in particular, a closed-loop circulation system that includes a controlled leak adjacent a pump for the working fluid to inject and release the working fluid.

Abstract: A method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion including sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

Abstract: Described are improved apparatus and devices for intermittently and sequentially compressing a body site and methods for using said apparatus and devices, especially for site specific treatment to achieve a desired temperature of the underlying tissue. The apparatus includes a first segment cooperative with a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber adapted for inflation by fluid; and a second segment cooperative with the first segment, the second segment housing a temperature sensitive material, wherein the temperature sensitive material is uniquely compartmentalized in the second segment.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A care system including a medical device, a mobile computing device, and a information system. The medical device configured to generate data graphics to transfer information from the medical device to the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

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 vibration and modulation system is provided for an array of air cells. The vibration and modulation system includes an air source, a high-pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the air source, and at least one valve coupled between the high-pressure air source and the array of air cells. A control assembly is coupled with the at least one valve and selectively controls a position of the valve to effect a vibratory action in the array of air cells.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for generating controlled pneumatic pressure to a human body to achieve mucus clearance from the pulmonary system. Controlled pneumatic pressure consisting of individual vibratory pressure and constrictive pressure variations are generated and applied to the thorax to promote mucus clearance. The vibratory pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the upper thorax of the body, and the constrictive pressure variation is channeled to a pressure receiver secured to the lower thorax of the body. The vibratory pressure variation serves to loosen the mucus, while the constrictive pressure variation provides the motive force that promotes mucus expulsion from the pulmonary system.

Abstract: A HFCWO apparatus includes a housing having a port, a therapy system carried by the housing and operable to deliver HFCWO therapy to a patient in accordance with a set of operating parameters, and a memory device couplable to the port for storing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters. The therapy system may be operable in accordance with the portion of the set of operating parameters stored in the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a wireless transmitter carried by the housing and operable to wirelessly transmit data relating to HFCWO therapy to a wireless device, such as a printer, PC, a PDA, and the like.