Abstract: A device for distributing compressed air from a compressed air source to a plurality of apparatus that use compressed air. The device comprises a housing having valve chambers, inlet ports for connecting the valve chambers to the compressed air source, outlet ports, and exhaust ports communicating with outside the device. Each outlet port is adapted to communicate with at least one of the apparatus that use compressed air. Spherical valve bodies movably are provided in the valve chambers, respectively, each for closing one inlet port and one exhaust port. Shafts extend from the valve bodies, respectively. Each shaft has an end portion passing through one exhaust port and protruding from the housing. Electromagnetic actuators are coupled to the end portions of the shafts, respectively.

Abstract: An entirely self-contained, patient-worn apparatus for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, and other conditions includes an inflatable/deflatable bladder disposed against an extremity such as the upper calf, foot, or hand of a patient, or within a cast. An inelastic member is preferably used to fully enclose the bladder and body part, such that compressive forces are directed substantially entirely against the body part of the patient when the bladder expands, thereby conserving the power and reducing the volume of pneumatic compression required to operate the device. Given this conservation of energy, the invention may be battery operated from a source immediately proximate to the bladder arrangement, enabling the entire device to be self-contained and, in fact, worn by the patient. The reduced volume also allows the use of miniaturized components including the compressor motor and compressor.

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: An entirely self-contained, patient-worn apparatus for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, and other conditions includes an inflatable/deflatable bladder disposed against an extremity such as the upper calf, foot, or hand of a patient, or within a cast. An inelastic member is preferably used to fully enclose the bladder and body part, such that compressive forces are directed substantially entirely against the body part of the patient when the bladder expands, thereby conserving the power and reducing the volume of pneumatic compression required to operate the device. Given this conservation of energy, the invention may be battery operated from a source immediately proximate to the bladder arrangement, enabling the entire device to be self-contained and, in fact, worn by the patient. The reduced volume also allows the use of miniaturized components including the compressor motor and compressor.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated massaging cushion characterised by comprising: a compressor (16), a cyclic distributor (14) fed by said compressor (16) and provided with a plurality of exits (13), at least one manifold (6) comprising a plurality of longitudinal ducts (8) connected to the different exits (13) of said cyclic distributor (14), a plurality of side by side transverse compartments (2) inflatable independently of each other, means (10) for the individual connection of each of said transverse compartments (2) to one of said longitudinal ducts (8), the connections between the longitudinal ducts (8) of said manifold (6) and the exits (13) of said cyclic distributor (14) and between said transverse compartments (2) and said longitudinal ducts of said manifold (6) being such as to ensure the operation and the temporary and successive inflation of the adjacent transverse compartments.

Abstract: A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to pulses of air which repetitively applies and releases pressure to the 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 pulses in the air core.

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: Trans-esophageal cardiac compression is performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation by introducing into the esophagus a tube (12) having a distal inflatable member, such as a balloon (20). The balloon (20) is positioned in the esophagus (48) at the level of the ventricles of the heart (50). A rapidly cycling pump (16) (such as a compressible bag) is attached to the tube (12), and used to inflate and deflate the balloon (20) on the tube (12). As the balloon (20) inflates, it compresses the ventricles against the sternum (54), increases the transmural pressure across the ventricular wall, and propels blood out of the heart (50) into the aorta and pulmonary arteries. The balloon (20) is inflated and deflated at a rate of approximately 60 cycles to 80 cycles per minute to maintain perfusion of the heart, brain and other vital organs until more definitive therapy can reestablish the contractile activity of the heart.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing mechanical stimulation of the lymphatic system within the trunk of the body for the treatment of lymphedema. A wrap contains a plurality of bladders which are applied to the trunk of the body. The bladders are pressurized and depressurized on an individual basis to stimulate the lymphatic system to provide for drainage of pooled fluids by massaging the pooled fluids within the trunk section of the body toward selected lymph node groups.

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: A percussion and vibration apparatus for use in a bed is provided. A pressurized air input port is configured to be coupled to a pressurized air supply system. A valve assembly is coupled to the pressurized air input port. A percussion and vibration bladder port is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to be coupled to at least one percussion and vibration bladder. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to be coupled to a communication network to regulate flow of pressurized air through the valve assembly from the pressurized air input port to the percussion and vibration bladder port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibratory patient support system for providing therapeutic vibrational action or forces to a patient suffering from a respiratory ailment. The vibratory patient support system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, a plurality of inflatable sacs supported upon the support frame with each sac having an upper surface so that the plurality of sacs forms a patient support surface. The inflatable sacs are pressurized and maintained at a predetermined pressure. This predetermined pressure may be a patient height and weight specific pressure profile. A vibrating component is provided separate from the apparatus for pressurizing and maintaining the air sacs at the predetermined pressure. The vibrating component vibrates at least a portion of the patient support surface at a predetermined frequency.

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: A new portable apparatus and method for sequentially pumping blood headward to assist cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other medical procedures is disclosed. A pair of autocycling retrograde inflation trousers comprise calf and thigh encircling air bladders and abdomen covering air bladders connected in pneumatic series so that as the air bladders are filled starting with the furthermost (from the heart) calf encircling air bladders, the bladders sequentially fill to force, or milk, blood headward. The trousers are filled from an adjustable autocycling air pressure regulator connected to a standard fire department self-contained breathing apparatus air bottle. The air pressure regulator adjusts the air pressure between a higher pressure sufficient to force blood flow headward and a lower pressure sufficient to maintain peripheral vascular resistance. The autocycling inflation and deflation controlled by the air pressure regulator aids a heath care provider in timing CPR.

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

Abstract: A pneumatic massage therapy device 10 for massaging an individual's torso wherein the device 10 includes a vest member 20 provided with a branched inflatable tubing unit 12 operatively connected to massage disks 30. A pulsating pneumatic force is provided to the branched tubing unit 12 to move the massage disks 30 in a massaging motion relative to the user's torso.

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: The present invention is a vehicle having a mobile extremity pumping apparatus mounted thereon. The mobile extremity pumping apparatus comprises a control module, a driver module and one or more compression units. A two-layer bladder assembly is positioned between the inner layer and the outer shell comprising precompression and compression bladder layers. The precompression bladder layer extends longitudinally along the person's extremity with the individual bladders each wrapping around and arranged sequentially along the extremity. The precompression bladder layer is surrounded by a compression bladder layer mounted between the precompression bladder layer and the outer shell. A pump in the driver module compresses the media, which may be water, air, or similar media, and directs the compressed media to a manifold for distribution to each valve in the driver module.

Abstract: A seat cushion inflation system, for periodically shifting the body weight / of a person seated on the cushion. The seat cushion comprises four inflation chambers which are separately inflatable. An inflation cycle is a sequence of inflations and deflations whereby the chambers are inflated alone and in combination with other chambers, and then are deflated, with a time delay between every step.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a pressure waveform to a patient's limb for augmenting venous blood flow in the limb comprises: a sleeve means adapted to position onto a limb and apply a pressure to the limb near a pressure corresponding to a sleeve pressure signal; pressure transducing means for producing an applied pressure signal indicative of the pressure applied to the limb by the sleeve means; waveform register means for producing a reference pressure waveform signal indicative of a reference pressure waveform during a predetermined cycle time period, wherein the amplitude of the reference pressure waveform signal at any instant within the cycle time period is indicative of the amplitude of the reference pressure waveform at the instant and wherein the shape of the reference pressure waveform during a predetermined time interval within the cycle time period is adapted to augment the flow of venous blood into the limb proximal to the sleeve means from the limb beneath the sleeve means during the interval; and pre

Abstract: An improved medical pumping apparatus for increasing or stimulating blood flow in a patient's limb extremity. The medical apparatus includes a fluid supply mechanism for applying pressurized fluid to an inflatable bag, according to the principles of the present invention, where the bag is adapted to be fitted upon the limb extremity of a patient. The bag has at least one fluid bladder, and preferably separate first and second fluid bladders. Each fluid bladder is adapted to engage a different portion of the limb extremity. The fluid supply mechanism applies pressurized fluid to each bladder such that a compressive pressure is applied upon each portion of the limb extremity engaged by a fluid bladder. The fluid supply mechanism includes a compressor for providing the pressurized fluid, and a reservoir for storing pressurized fluid from the compressor.

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 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: 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 portable apparatus for applying cyclic pressure to veins within a person's leg by applying cyclic pressure to an outer surface of the leg, the apparatus comprising a first air chamber having a flexible wall portion adapted to be situated adjacent an outer surface of the leg, a second air chamber adapted to be positioned beneath the person's heel, this second chamber being compressible to force air out of it when the person's heel bears downward thereon and returnable to its uncompressed state when the downward heel force is removed therefrom, and conduit means for permitting air flow between the first and second air chambers, whereby air flows from the second chamber into the first chamber and pressure is cyclically increased in the first chamber urging the wall portion against the leg when the person's heel presses downward on the second chamber, and air flows from the first to second chamber and pressure on the leg is reduced when the person's heel stops pressing on the second chamber.

Abstract: An air massage device which allows for a uniform massage treatment upon a human body. This is accomplished by having a person lie upon an air-mat divided into three distinct sections, with each section corresponding to either the upper, middle or lower region of the human body. Within the upper and middle sections are a plurality of air-bags which can be inflated and deflated independently of each other. In order to massage one of the regions of the human body lying upon the mat, the air-bags within one of the mat sections are inflated and deflated in such a sequence that an inflation/deflation frequency of all the air-bags contained within that section of the air-mat will be equal over any set period of time. In this manner, a uniform massage is assured as each air-bag within the section will inflate and deflate an equal number of times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibratory patient support system for providing therapeutic vibrational action or forces to a patient suffering from a respiratory ailment. The vibratory patient support system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, a plurality of inflatable sacs supported upon the support frame with each sac having an upper surface so that the plurality of sacs forms a patient support surface. The inflatable sacs are pressurized and maintained at a predetermined pressure. This predetermined pressure may be a patient height and weight specific pressure profile. A vibrating component is provided separate from the apparatus for pressurizing and maintaining the air sacs at the predetermined pressure. The vibrating component vibrates at least a portion of the patient support surface at a predetermined frequency.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for generating air pressure pulses delivered to a vest accommodating a person. A diaphragm located within the housing is connected to a wave generator and amplifier operable to vibrate the diaphragm. The vibrating diaphragm produces air pressure pulses which are delivered to the air accommodating receiver to subject the person to repetitive force pulses.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy bed includes a substantially water-tight enclosure having an open top. The top of the enclosure is covered by an upper and lower layer of thin rubber having an intermediate layer of thixotropic gel approximately one half inch thick. The rubber layers are mounted in a peripheral groove using a strip of T-shaped molding and a supporting net is mounted beneath the lower rubber layer in another peripheral groove by attaching edge loops of the net to a plastic coated half hinge which is inserted into the peripheral groove. A pair of parallel tracks is mounted inside the enclosure and an array of upwardly directed water jets is carried on a cross member which is movable along the tracks. The cross member is coupled to an endless cable wound around pulleys mounted at ends of the tracks. One of the pulleys is coupled to a motor which drives the cross member along the tracks. The cable is kept from crossing over itself on the drive pulley by threading it through a TEFLON.RTM.

Abstract: A fluid distributor for use in a fluid-filled bladder of a massage table in which a nozzle, mounted for rotatable motion, directs the fluid in an upward direction, a curved blade fixedly attached and extending laterally from the nozzle, causes a second motion 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating air pressure pulses delivered to a vest or mattress accommodating a person. A diaphragm located within the housing is connected to a wave generator and amplifier operable to vibrate the diaphragm. The vibrating diaphragm produces air pressure pulses which are delivered to the air accommodating receiver to subject the person to repetitive force pulses.

Abstract: A one-piece slipper construction, into which an inflatable foot-pump bag or bladder is permanently integrated and wherein a thin reinforcement panel is fully contained and located within a flat-foldable wrap, for selective completion of the circumferential tie that is needed for assurance of stimulated foot-pump action. In the preferred embodiment, the wrap is so further devised as to provide a flexibly reinforced, non-stretch backing reference for a laterally extending portion of the inflatable bag, for active stimulation of the adjacent dorsi-medial region, where further blood accumulates as part of the pool from which venous return flow can be driven.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the preparation of non-stringy hydrogels that are comprised of a homogeneous uniform mixture of water and at least one water-soluble high molecular weight polymer. Suitable mixtures may be derived from poly(ethylene oxide) and water or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), a viscosity enhancing hydrophilic polymer and water, and further, may optionally contain an effective amount of a water-soluble electrolyte to provide conductive non-stringy materials. These polymeric mixtures are crosslinked by exposure to radiant energy to provide gel-like solids which are sufficiently tacky and adhesive to adhere to the subjects' skin and yet are substantially non-stringy and non-aggressive such that contact with such hydrogels imparts less discomfort to the user. In addition, the consumer utilizing the products of this invention would not experience the objectionable sticky, stringy sensation associated with existing adhesive gels.