Abstract: A control unit coupled to a thermal therapy device, a compression therapy device and DVT therapy devices is provided. The thermal therapy device includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The compression therapy device includes an gas bladder for providing compression to a patient. The DVT therapy devices provide pulsed compression in coordination with the compression therapy device.

Abstract: A massage machine includes a backrest having a support surface for sustaining a back of a user, the support surface having an opening, a massage member for making contact with the back of the user through the opening of the support surface to perform a massage and a drive unit for causing the massage member to perform the massage. In the massage machine, a first intensity adjustment unit is arranged for changing the position of the massage member to adjust the massage intensity of the massage member and a second intensity adjustment unit is arranged for changing the position of the support surface to adjust the massage intensity of the massage member. A control circuit controls the operation of the drive unit, the first intensity adjustment unit and the second intensity adjustment unit.

Abstract: A pneumatic body treating device 12 of a pneumatic body treating apparatus includes a plurality of airtight chambers 16, 18, 20, and 22 to and from which pressurized air is supplied and discharged, a hose 21 having a connecting end connectable to a pressurized air source 148 of a pneumatic body treating apparatus body 14, and a plurality of electromagnetic valves 24, 26, 28, and 30 which are connected between the hose and the airtight chambers 16, 18, 20, and 22, respectively, and which supply pressurized air from the hose 21 to the corresponding airtight chambers and discharge the pressurized air from the corresponding airtight chambers. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the number of connecting hoses for supplying pressurized air to the pneumatic body treating device which, when used, is worn around the upper limbs and the lower limbs.

Abstract: Pneumatic compression devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. A pneumatic compression device may include a compression pump, a fill/exhaust valve, a transducer, a plurality of cell valves, and a controller. The compression pump may output a pressurized fluid via an output. The fill/exhaust valve may connect one or more cell valves to the compression pump when in an open state and to the atmosphere when in a closed state. The transducer may sense a pressure level. Each cell valve may correspond to a cell and may connect the fill/exhaust valve to the corresponding cell when in an open state. The controller may determine a state (either open or closed) for each of the fill/exhaust valve and the plurality of cell valves based on at least the pressure level sensed by the transducer.

Abstract: A therapy device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means and deflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An automated massage device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner. The device includes a programmable controller that is able to receive instructions on a dynamic prescriptive basis from a professional therapist and then relay these instructions to a care-giver in a home situation. The instructions include the placement of the bladder, the duration of the massage and the sequence of body locations to receive massage therapy. Once the bladder is placed in the required position against the body the device will execute the prescribed massage therapy for that location and then cue the care-giver to move the bladder to the next body location in the prescribed sequence. The prescription is time limited and once expired renders the device inoperable to prevent over application of the massage therapy.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve (40) comprises an anterior portion (16) of inextensible material that comes to bear against the tibial ridge, and a posterior portion (18) of extensible material covering the region to be compressed. These two portions are connected together along two connection generator lines (20). Inflatable balloons (22) are disposed on the inside face of the anterior portion, being interposed between the inextensible material and the tibial crest. Means (24, 26, 28) are provided for inflating each of the balloons differently to a respective given pressure so as to apply deformation to the anterior portion of the sleeve that is suitable for inducing a traction force that is exerted on the extensible posterior portion; this force is distributed regularly along the generator lines and acts perpendicularly thereto, and consequently leads to compression action on the compressible region of the limb.

Abstract: A spine massager is disclosed to include a master air bladder, two supplementary air bladders bilaterally provided at the top side of the master air bladder, and a pressure control unit formed of a switch pressure switch and a second pressure switch and connectable to an external air pump for inflating the air bladders in such a manger that the two supplementary air bladders are alternatively inflated and exhausted after the master air bladder has been inflated to the saturated status.

Abstract: In a small sized pump driving unit, a fluid pump is used for driving the pump for supporting of substituting of cardiac function. The fluid pump can generate pressure fluctuations that can generate pulsation of the pump for supporting or substituting of cardiac function and produces sufficient performance to drive the pump unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for promoting the expectoration of secretions from a patient's lungs, the method comprising the application of acoustic waves to the chest cavity of the patient through a transducer coupled to an acoustic coupling chamber, the acoustic coupling chamber being positioned adjacent an overlaying skin surface wherein the acoustic waves are of a frequency in a range of about 30 Hertz to about 120 Hertz.

Abstract: The massage device has a housing, which includes a massage head integral with the housing. The massage head has a first massaging surface. A heating element, integral with the housing, is positioned sufficiently proximate to the first massaging surface to raise a temperature of the first massaging surface above ambient temperature. The massage device also includes a massage head cover formed to engage the massage head, said massage head cover comprising a second massaging surface and a freezable material.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the prevention or minimization of lower extremity venous thrombosis comprising an impedance component disposed at the proximal end of the lower extremity and a compression component disposed at the distal end of the lower extremity. The proximal impedance component is activated to impede return venous blood flow, preferably on the femoral vein, until blood volume in the lower extremity is maximized. In response to deactivation of the proximal compression component, the distal compression component is activated to assist return venous blood flow. The apparatus and methods enhance blood circulation in the lower extremity by increasing washout of stagnant blood from the lower extremity, particularly from the venous sinuses and valve cusps where thrombosis tends to form.

Abstract: An automatic portable ambulant miniaturized system for applying pneumatic pressure to a body limb including a portable ambulant hand-held fluid source unit, a conduit for delivering fluid generated by the unit, and a sleeve coupled to the conduit and adapted to envelop a body limb. The sleeve contains one or more individually inflatable cells, each cell being subdivided into two or more longitudinally extending confluent compartments along the axis of the body limb. The compartments are inflated and deflated essentially simultaneously by the portable fluid source unit.

Abstract: An external counterpulsation apparatus and method for minimizing end diastolic pressure includes a fluid distribution assembly interconnecting a plurality of inflatable devices adapted to be received about the lower extremities of the patient and a source of compressed fluid to be distributed by the fluid distribution assembly to the inflatable devices. The controller in communication with the fluid distribution assembly controls inflation and deflation of the inflatable devices to minimize end diastolic pressure. The controller controls deflation of the inflatable devices without reducing venous return and then minimizes energy spent in ventricular isovolumetric contraction. Further, the controller controls inflation of the inflatable devices to inflate a distal inflatable device prior to inflating a proximal inflatable device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing rapid compression to at least one appendage positioned within an inflatable sleeve are disclosed. Rapid compression is provided by filling the inflatable sleeve containing the appendage with a gas. A portion of the gas is then repeatedly withdrawn and inserted back into the inflatable sleeve to apply a compression therapy to the at least one appendage.

Abstract: An improved air pulse generator produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and has an improved user interface. The user interface allows the patient to select from a plurality of modes, which correspond to stored treatment protocols. Once selected, the air pulse generator performs the protocol corresponding to the selected mode.

Abstract: A counterpulsation device that operates without the use of compressed air or pressurized gas includes at least one inflatable cuff that is adapted to be placed about a selected portion of the patient's body. A first conduit connects the inflatable cuff to an air transfer device so that noncompressed air can be transferred from the air transfer device to the cuff through the first conduit to inflate the cuff. A second conduit connects the cuff to the air transfer device so that air can flow through the second conduit to deflate the cuff. The system is controlled using a computer-based controller that requires a series of initialization procedures before it will operate the system. A patient profile database includes historical treatment data for each patient and is automatically updated with each counter pulsation therapy session.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for enhancing the circulation to an extremity of a patient. During the compression phase, the extremity is compressed, pushing out superficial edema as well as emptying the superficial venous tree. The compression cycle is timed to begin at or slightly after the “P” segment of the heartbeat. Air slowly fills a boot so that it reaches maximum capacity just as the heart reaches the diastolic phase in the heartbeat. Since the heart is at its lowest pressure, there is little resistance from the heart, making it easier for the compression of the extremity to push fluids out into the venous structures carrying them back to the heart. When the heart reaches the next full beat, the extremity is void of some of the fluid, forcing from the heart fresh oxygenated blood into the extremity, thereby promoting circulation through the heart.

Abstract: A backload-responsive fluidic switch having high pressure recovery of more than 50% comprises a body member with a power nozzle having a width W and a centerline CL which is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid under pressure for issuing a jet of fluid along the centerline. A pair of diverging fluid flow passages have a common connection with the power nozzle and respective bounding walls, each respective bounding wall diverging from the centerline no more than about 50°, and a splitter defining respective inner walls of the pair of diverging walls, the splitter being spaced a distance of about 3W from the power nozzle. Inflatable bladder(s) connected to the diverging fluid flow passage(s), and a vent connected to the other of said fluid flow passages.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing oscillation of a bladder includes a three-legged fluid passage element which has first, second and third legs. An air pump is connected to one leg of the fluid passage element, an inflatable bladder connected to a second leg of the fluid passage element, and a valve having hysteresis is mounted on the third leg of the fluid passage element.

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 seat massager for massaging a person's back has, according to the present invention, a pair of inflatable, massage bladders configured so as to be received in close proximity to a person's back, each of said bladders having a front surface, with a portion of said front surfaces being overlayed so as to provide a rolling massage sensation when the bladders are inflated and deflated, a means for supplying fluid to the bladders, a fluidic having an inlet and two exhaust ports, a conduit that connects each of the fluidic exhaust ports to one of the pair of bladders, wherein the fluidic is configured so as to yield alternating flow from the exhaust ports that cyclically inflates and deflates each of the bladders so as to provide a massaging sensation to the back.

Abstract: A counterpulsation device that operates without the use of compressed air or pressurized gas includes at least one inflatable cuff that is adapted to be placed about a selected portion of the patient's body. A conduit connects the inflatable cuff to an air transfer device so that noncompressed air can be transferred from the air transfer device to the cuff through the conduit to inflate the cuff. The conduit also connects the cuff to the air transfer device so that air can flow through the conduit to deflate the cuff. Another conduit is coupled to the first so that the air in the system can be selectively vented into the atmosphere. A series of valves are placed on the conduit to selectively control whether air is supplied to or withdrawn from the inflatable cuff. The air moving device preferably is a cylinder having a piston that moves through the cylinder to move the air from within the cylinder through the conduit and into or out of the cuff as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending and stretching a foot of a living person by pressing at least an arch of a sole of the foot and stopping the pressing of the arch.

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 traveling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.

Abstract: A vest for a human body has an air core coupled to a pulsator operableto subject the vest to pulses of air which applies and releases high frequency pressure forces to the body. The pulsator has two diaphrams connected to an electric de motor with rotary to reciprocating linear motion transmitting mechanisms operable to generate air pulses in an air pulsing chamber. The diaphragms also increase the pressure in a manifold chamber. A check valve connects the manifold chamber with a pulsing chamber to allow pressurized air to flow from the manifold chamber into the pulsing chamber. An air flow control valve in commmunication with the manifold chamber is used to adjust the pressure of the air in the manifold and pulsing chambers.

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 apparatus for applying an adaptable pressure waveform to a patient's limb to augment blood flow comprises: an inflatable sleeve for applying pressure to the limb; pressure transducer for producing a pressure signal; pressure waveform applicator responsive to the pressure signal and a reference pressure waveform signal for controlling a supply of fluid to the sleeve so that the pressure in the sleeve is maintained near a varying pressure indicated by the reference pressure waveform signal; and waveform register for producing the reference pressure waveform signal indicative of a reference pressure waveform that includes a maximum pressure at a time within a cycle time period and a rate of pressure increase leading to the maximum pressure and wherein the waveform register includes waveform adaptor for allowing the rate of pressure increase to change from a first rate to a second rate without changing the maximum pressure.

Abstract: A medical wrap for the promotion of diabetic and like wound healing generally comprises a multi-layered sheet structure for removable application to a patient's foot, said sheet structure having interposed therein an integral bladder; an inlet for fluid inflation of said bladder; and said sheet structure being adapted and said bladder being shaped to produce a non-shearing compressive force in the area of the patient's first and fifth metatarsal heads upon fluid inflation of said bladder. The multi-layered sheet structure may comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, said first sheet forming the exterior of said structure and said second sheet forming the interior of said structure, said second sheet being more extensible than said first sheet. A padding layer of ester foam, or the like, may also be incorporated into each sheet.

Abstract: A multi-faceted pneumatic medical device including a pump unit, together with a housing therefor, that is adapted for cyclical compression of the human foot using an expandable fluid-tight bladder formed integral within a wrap that can be securely fastened onto the foot.

Abstract: A method of providing enhanced circulation, venous return and microcirculation is achieved by use of intermittent pneumatic compression in alternating periods of application and recovery.

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 traveling compressive wave can be cyclically applied to his foot's underside only.

Abstract: A counterpulsation device that operates without the use of compressed air or pressurized gas includes at least one inflatable cuff that is adapted to be placed about a selected portion of the patient's body. A first conduit connects the inflatable cuff to an air transfer device so that noncompressed air can be transferred from the air transfer device to the cuff through the first conduit to inflate the cuff. A second conduit connects the cuff to the air transfer device so that air can flow through the second conduit to deflate the cuff. The system is controlled using a computer-based controller that requires a series of initialization procedures before it will operate the system. A patient profile database includes historical treatment data for each patient and is automatically updated with each counter pulsation therapy session.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the application of a varying pressure to a limb from a sleeve positioned on the limb in order to augment the flow of venous blood and thus reduce the incidence of embolism and deep venous thrombosis in the limb. The apparatus includes a transducer for producing a sleeve pressure signal that is indicative of pressure applied by the sleeve to the limb. This signal is used for periodically measuring the value of a preselected pressure waveform parameter (such as maximum pressure produced in the sleeve). The microprocessor-controlled apparatus also generates an interval signal that is indicative of a time interval during which the value of the selected waveform parameter remains within a particular range.

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: A backload-responsive fluidic switch having high pressure recovery of more than 50% comprises a body member with a power nozzle having a width W and a centerline CL which is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid under pressure for issuing a jet of fluid along the centerline. A pair of diverging fluid flow passages have a common connection with said power nozzle and respective bounding walls, each respective bounding wall diverging from the centerline no more than about 50°, and a splitter defining respective inner walls of said pair of diverging walls, the splitter being spaced a distance of about 3W from the power nozzle. Inflatable bladder(s) connected to the diverging fluid flow passage(s), and a vent connected to the other of said fluid flow passages.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus which utilizes an array of air inflatable bladders. The array is to be located in conjunction with a portion of the body of a human. The array can be mounted within a housing such as a flexible belt-type of device or can comprise a rigid stand-type of device within which is incorporated one or more pockets in order to accommodate a human appendage such as a foot. A separate inflation apparatus is associated with the array which is to supply and extract pressurized air to and from the inflatable bladders. The inflation apparatus utilizes at least one opposed piston assembly so that when one piston is supplying pressurized air to certain bladders the other piston is extracting pressurized air from certain other bladders thereby achieving a sequence of alternating pressurizing and depressurizing which produces a desirable massaging effect on the human body.

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: 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 valve-less fluid control circuit for controlling rhythmic action devices, such as circulatory assist devices. The fluid control circuit has a plurality of pressure sensitive fluid oscillators for circulating a fluid. Each fluid oscillator includes a capacitance chamber unit for peristaltic pumping of fluid after being filled via an input conduit and a resistance conduit. A first control conduit provides an outlet of fluid from the capacitance unit during peristaltic pumping, and when the pressure of the fluid in the first control conduit reaches a certain level relative to the pressure of fluid in the input conduit, the fluid is directed through an interactive region and exits the first fluid oscillator through an exhaust conduit.

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 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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 suit-type cosmetic air massage device for providing air pressuring massage upon a human whole body. To provide air pressuring massage, suit-shaped parts are made to cover a human whole body, and can be separated into an upper suit-shaped part and a lower suit-shaped part. And plural air bags are symmetrically installed within the left and right side from the position corresponding to the hand region to the position corresponding to the shoulder regions of the upper suit-shaped part, and from the position corresponding to the feet parts to the waist part of the lower suit-shaped part. These air bags are divided into the first, second, third and fourth group, and each air bag in each group can be supplied with air simultaneously or independently in order from connecting with the intake/exhaust instrument by an intaking/exhausting hose.