FR2683451A1 - Device for centralised and successive distribution of a fluid to inflatable cells, in particular of an apparatus for activating the lymphatic or blood system - Google Patents

Abstract

This device comprises, on the one hand, a rigid body (2), of tubular general shape, fitted with longitudinally spaced radial adapters (7) for connection to hoses which go to the inflatable cells and communicate with the inner cavity (5) of this body (2), there being one more of these adapters than there are cells which can be inflated or are combined with an outlet, and, on the other hand, a plug (3) wedged in a leaktight manner at one of the ends of the body and having a channel (12) passing through axially, an external adapter (13), for connection to a pipe coming from the supply device, and a cylindrical internal bearing surface (14) and, in addition, a sleeve (4) fixed in a leaktight manner onto the aforementioned bearing surface (14) and formed by a diaphragm which, flexible and elastically deformable at least radially, is capable, under the pressure inflating it and by interacting with circular bearing surfaces (15) made in the body (2) between the radial adapters (7), of defining distribution chambers (21a-21b) in this chamber, each remaining leaktight with respect to the following chamber, so long as the pressure prevailing in the chamber which is upstream of it in the direction of the inflation is smaller than the inflation pressure of the sleeve.

Description

 "Device for centralized and successive distribution of a fluid to inflatable cells, in particular an apparatus for activating the lymphatic or blood circuit".

 For the treatment of the lymphatic or blood circuit, it is known to surround the part of the body, and very often the upper or lower limbs having to undergo the treatment, by a removable envelope comprising inflatable cells, juxtaposed, forming a sort of discontinuous crown. and connected to a distribution device supplied sequentially by a supply device delivering a fluid under low pressure.

 In a known manner, the various cells are successively swollen, starting from the one furthest from the heart and going towards the one closest to the heart, so as to cause compression on the treated part of the body going towards the heart.

 When the last cell is inflated, means interrupt the supply of fluid to the device and cause the cells to deflate before a new cycle begins again. The duration of a cycle, the interval between cycles and the inflation pressure, determining the compression of the limb, are variable and chosen by the doctor.

 Traditionally, and as described in French patent applications 2405708 and 2511241 and in US patent 4311135, each of the inflatable cells is connected, individually and directly by a conduit, to a housing ensuring at least the successive and sequential fluid distribution functions inflation and regulating deflation.

 This solution has the drawback of requiring numerous conduits between the housing and the device, entails a significant additional cost and above all makes it awkward to place the device on the patient.

 To remedy this, the devices described in the U.S. Patent

 4066 084 and in European patent 302 767, feed the cells through a single inflation conduit and make the cells communicate with each other by interposing between two successive cells, a distributor, with valve and membrane respectively, which does not open for inflation that beyond a certain value of the pressure in the upstream cell and whose opening for deflation depends on the pressure prevailing in a control circuit, different from the inflation circuit, coming from the same supply device and acting on each distributor. This construction method lightens the structure of the treatment device, facilitates its installation on the patient, but increases its manufacturing cost by increasing the number of dispensers. In addition, regardless of the care taken in setting the dispensers, these these open at different pressures and create pressure drops which make it necessary to increase the pressure in the first cell to obtain a satisfactory pressure in the last cell, downstream in the direction of inflation.

 Also known from European patent application 189 417 is an apparatus in the form of a flexible tubular sleeve in which the inflatable cells are surrounded by a peripheral distribution chamber, forming an integral part of the assembly. This chamber ensures the successive supply of the cells by deformation of a flexible membrane which, dividing this peripheral chamber radially in two, carries annular shutters cooperating with peripheral bearing surfaces of the inflatable cells.

 Due to the presence of numerous flexible walls, the positioning of the annular obturators on the inflatable cells and, consequently, the seal between the various chambers, can only be obtained by precision in manufacturing leading to a high manufacturing cost. .

 The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of current treatment devices by providing a simple, rustic and inexpensive dispensing device that can be mounted on any treatment device with independent inflatable cells, while being easy to install on the patient.

 This device is of the type comprising a body which, interposed between at least one inflatable duct connected to a device for supplying a pressurized fluid and as many ducts connected to the inflatable cells as there are cells, is provided membrane means cooperating with seats forming a seat for successively supplying each of the cells starting from a first cell.

 According to the invention, it comprises, on the one hand, a body of generally tubular shape, provided with radial end pieces spaced longitudinally for the connection of the flexible conduits going to the cells and communicating with the internal cavity of this body, these end pieces being in number greater than one unit than the number of inflatable cells or associated with a vent, on the other hand, a plug wedged longitudinally at one of the ends of the body and having a channel passing axially therethrough, an external end piece, for connection to a conduit coming from the supply device, and an internal cylindrical bearing surface, and, moreover, a sleeve tightly fixed on the aforementioned bearing surface and formed by a membrane which, flexible and elastically deformable at least radially, is capable, under pressure inflating it and in cooperation with circular bearings provided in the body between the radial end pieces, to delimit in this body distribution chambers remaining cha cune tight vis-à-vis the next chamber, as long as the pressure prevailing in the chamber which is upstream in the direction of inflation, is lower than the inflation pressure of the sleeve.

 I1 emerges from the above that the device according to the invention is composed of only three main elements, easily achievable and at low cost, and that its operation is independent of the precision of production, provided that the radial deformation of the sleeve is sufficient to allow it to come into tight contact with the complementary surfaces of the body.

 Indeed, it is easily understood that, when the sleeve is inflated and the body is supplied by the inflation conduit, the inflation fluid coming into the first chamber is directed by the end piece communicating with this chamber in the first inflatable cell. When the pressure prevailing in this cell and in the first chamber becomes greater than the inflation pressure of the sleeve, the sleeve deforms radially, in its zone of contact with the bearing surface of the body, and thus allows the inflation fluid to pass into the second bedroom. It is thus gradually for each of the successive chambers until all the cells of the apparatus are inflated.

 In one embodiment of the invention, the end piece of the plug is connected to the inflation conduit, while the sleeve is provided with a nozzle which flows into the body cavity and causes it to inflate.

 In this construction, the apparatus is supplied by a single conduit, supplying the inflation fluid to the sleeve and to the inflatable cells.

 In another embodiment of the invention, the body is provided, at its end opposite to that closed by the plug carrying the sleeve, with a connector for connection to the inflation duct, while, on the one hand, the end of the plug is connected to another conduit also coming from the supply device and providing it with an adjustable value control pressure and that, on the other hand, the deformable sleeve is closed at its end which is opposite to that fixed on the cap.

 Under these conditions, the device is supplied, on one side, by the inflation duct and, on the other side, by a control duct, the pressure of which can be adjusted by known means provided in the supply device. This solution makes it possible to perfectly control the opening pressure of the distribution chambers, therefore the pressure prevailing in the inflatable cells.

 In a preferred embodiment, the number of radial tips protruding from the body is at least one unit greater than the number of flexible conduits going to the inflatable cells, and this additional tip, the most downstream on the body relative to the direction of closing of the chambers formed in this body, communicates with the annular space formed between the member and the envelope provided with the inflatable cells and constitutes a means of ventilation.

 Thus, the air which escapes from the body when all the cells are swollen, but also in the deflation phase, is distributed between the member and the envelope to ensure the ventilation of this space, eliminate the sweat forming and improve patient comfort.

 Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing, representing by way of nonlimiting examples, several embodiments of this dispensing device.

FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section of an embodiment of the device using a control duct and an inflation duct,
Figures 2 and 3 are partial views in longitudinal section showing, on an enlarged scale, the anterior end of the device after inflation of the axial sleeve for obtaining the inflation pressure, respectively, in the first inflatable cell and in the second inflation cell ,
FIGS. 4 to 6 are views in longitudinal section, each showing another embodiment of the device when it is only supplied by an inflation duct,
FIG. 7 is a view in longitudinal section of another embodiment of the device supplied by two inflation pipes,
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for activating the lymphatic or blood circuit equipped with this distribution device,
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view showing, on an enlarged scale, the apparatus of FIG. 8 when it is in place on a member and at the end of inflation,
Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but the cutting plane of which passes not through the inflatable cells but through the welds between cells and showing a variant of this device.

 Whatever its embodiment, the device is composed of a body, generally designated by 2, a plug designated by 3 and a deformable sleeve 4.

 The body 2 is made of rigid, or slightly flexible material such as synthetic material or aluminum, and comprises an axial internal cavity 5 into which open radial channels 6. The latter are formed in connection end pieces 7 projecting radially towards the outside and spaced longitudinally with a substantially constant pitch on the body.

 In this embodiment, their number is one unit greater than the number of inflatable cells of the activation device, but they can also be the same number as the cells and be associated with a vent.

 In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the front end of the body is provided with a nozzle 8 for connection to an inflation duct, while its rear end is provided with a shoulder ensuring the positioning of a flange 9 of the plug 3 and its setting in translation by means of a rod 10. This connection between the body 2 and the plug 3 may be tight but may also not be.

 This plug is traversed, right through, by an axial channel 12 and comprises an external end piece 13 for connection to a conduit and an internal cylindrical surface 14 on which the rear end of the sleeve 4 is fixed.

 In all embodiments, this sleeve 4 is produced in an elastically deformable membrane at least radially and, for example, in rubber or in elastomer of the type used to make the pump of a dropper.

 In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the front end of the sleeve is closed. Such a sleeve is intended to cooperate with cylindrical bearing surfaces of the body which, arranged substantially midway between the gap between two end pieces 7, are formed, in the embodiment shown, by the cylindrical face 15 of internal ribs 16 .

 Finally, the sleeve 4 is associated with a rigid structure 17 which, made of rubber, elastomer or metal wire, is engaged by its rear end in a suitable bore 18 opening axially from the internal end of the plug 3. This structure has the function of limiting the longitudinal retraction of the sleeve 4, when the latter is inflated radially.

 This distributor is associated with a supply device comprising an air pump, membrane or other, means for adjusting and regulating the pressure of the inflation air, means for adjusting and regulating the pressure. control air, means interrupting, cyclically, the supply of the pipe connected to the end piece 13 and exhausting this pipe, and a means of permanent supply or not of the end piece 8. Such supply devices are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in detail here.

 In operation, the control pressure penetrates through the nozzle 13 into the sleeve 4 and causes, as shown in FIG. 2, the radial inflation of the latter until its peripheral wall comes into contact with the cylindrical faces 15 circular ribs 16 forming distribution chambers, respectively, 21a, 21b and 21c ... When the inflation pressure enters the chamber 21a through the nozzle 8, it naturally escapes through the conduit 6 of the tip 7 furthest upstream, tip which is connected by a flexible hose, not shown to the inflatable cell of the apparatus for treating the lymphatic or blood circuit which is furthest from the heart. As soon as this cell is sufficiently swollen, and especially as soon as the pressure in this cell and, consequently, in the chamber 21a, becomes greater than the pressure prevailing in the sleeve 4, the latter is deformed in line with the rib 16 of the body 2, as shown in 22 to the figur e 3. This localized necking of the sleeve 4 allows the pressurized air flow to pass into the next distribution chamber 21b to ensure the inflation of the next inflatable cell. I1 is thus successively for each of the inflatable cells, which are thus inflated one after the other without any other mechanical means than the membrane of the sleeve 4 delimiting the distribution chambers 21a-21b-21c ...

 The last nozzle 7, that is to say the one located furthest downstream, and not connected to an inflatable cell, constitutes a safety exhaust by evacuating the flow of inflation air, when all of the inflatable cells are inflated.

 With this device, to temporarily reduce the pressure exerted by the inflatable cells on the patient's body, it suffices to reduce or interrupt the feeding of the sleeve 4 to cause, by its deflation, the communication of all the inflatable cells with the most downstream nozzle 7, constituting exhaust nozzle.

 Because of its simplicity, this device is inexpensive to produce, operates reliably and, above all, is compact, which makes it possible to place it against the treatment apparatus, in which case it is connected, on the one hand, to each of the inflatable cells by flexible material pipes, of short length, of section favorable for obtaining low pressure drops, and on the other hand, to the supply device, by two flexible conduits, respectively for inflation and control or command, much less annoying than the traditional tube bundle, when it comes to setting up the device on the patient.

 In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the device is only supplied by a single conduit, namely that of inflation leading to the end piece 13 of the plug 3.

 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the deformable sleeve 4a has a cylindrical tubular shape and is fixed, in a leaktight manner and by its anterior end, to a sleeve 30 fixed to the body 2, for example by a crosspiece 30a , and traversed right through by an axial channel 32 terminating in a seat 33. This seat is disposed opposite a needle 34, for adjusting the leakage rate, formed at the end of a screw 35 , screwed tightly into the front diametrical wall 31 of the body 2.

 With this arrangement, the inflation pressure passing through the sleeve 4a is subjected by the needle screw 34 and its seat 33 to braking causing, in this sleeve, an inflation pressure against.

 Except for this difference in the means of inflating the sleeve, the dispensing device is identical in structure and operation to that described above.

 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve 36, on which the anterior end of the sleeve 4a is fixed, crosses the diametrical wall 31 of the body 2 in leaktight fashion and comprises an axial channel 37 communicating with a radial channel 38 for supplying the body and, fitted into the external end of its channel 37, a removable shutter 39. This shutter can be pulled by the patient if the latter considers that the inflation pressure of the inflatable cells of the breathing apparatus treatment of the lymphatic or blood circuit is too high and causes unbearable pain, and this pending a more appropriate setting on the feeding device.

 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the sleeve 4b is provided at its closed anterior end with a calibrated nozzle 40 allowing the passage of the inflation air into the internal cavity 5 of the body 2 while causing the inflation of the sleeve 4b.

 Finally, the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 differs from the previous embodiments comprising a generally cylindrical sleeve with straight generators and a body having projecting surfaces by the fact that the internal wall of the body is cylindrical with rectilinear generators and that sealing is ensured by contact- of circular or annular ribs 42 formed in the sleeve 4c, giving the latter a ringed appearance and coming into contact directly against the internal face of the cavity 5 of the body, and by example on staves 43.

 In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the internal cavity 5 of the body 2 and the peripheral face of the deformable sleeve 4 are cylindrical with rectilinear generators and the seal is ensured by contact with rings, attached to the sleeve, and coming in contact with the cylindrical surfaces of the body 2. These rings are, for example, connected to each other by a mesh, of small thickness, to form a structure which fits like a sock on the deformable sleeve.

 Solutions using a body with a cylindrical cavity with rectilinear generators have the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the body and further reducing its cost.

 In all the embodiments which have been described above, the operation of the dispenser is independent of the execution accuracy provided that the radial expansion of the sleeve is sufficient to come into contact with the sealing surfaces produced on the body and that the connections to the various conduits are made in a sealed manner. This constructive advantage also makes it possible to lower the manufacturing cost of the device compared to current devices.

 FIGS. 8 to 10 show the application of the dispensing device to a device for activating the lymphatic or blood circuit comprising four inflatable cells 50. The latter are bordered by a pocket 52 formed between the extension of one of their walls 53 and a flap 54, disposed inwardly in FIGS. 8 and 9 and outwardly in FIG. 10. This pocket serves as a housing for the body 2, the inflation air supply of which is ensured by a flexible duct 55, while that its supply of control air is ensured by a flexible duct 56.

 The body 2 is placed in the pocket 52 so that its nozzles 7, five in number, are turned towards the inflatable cells 50 to which the first four, in the inflation direction, are connected by flexible conduits 57.

 The flap 54 is held on the wall 53 by hooking sections 58 of hooked velvet, fixed on its internal edge, on sections 59 of velvet with loops arranged on the wall 53, in the intervals between conduits 57.

 Finally, the pocket 52 is extended longitudinally by a tab 60 comprising a strip of hooked velvet 62 able to cooperate with a strip of velvet with loops 63 disposed at the other end of the envelope of the device.

 As shown in Figure 9, when the device of Figure 8 is placed on a member and for example around a leg 64, the entire distribution device is compact by itself and by its conduits d 'supply and connection. This figure also shows that at the end of inflation of the cells 50, as well as in the inflation phase, the air escaping from the body 2 by the most downstream nozzle, referenced 7a in FIGS. 8 and 9, passes through the pocket 52 and creeps between the edge of the flap 54 and the wall 53 to come into the annular space 65 formed between the leg 64 and the device surrounding it. This air thus ensures the ventilation of this space and contributes to the elimination of sweat on the periphery of the member.

 In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the end piece 7a is disposed in a pocket 52a formed by an external flap 54a extending an external envelope 68 extending over the inflatable cells.

 When these cells are inflated, this envelope forms, in the intervals between cells, chambers 67 communicating with the bag 52a.

 With this structure, and as shown by the arrows 69, the air escaping through the nozzle 7a passes through the pocket 52a, is distributed in the chambers 67 and, by perforations 70 formed in the longitudinal welds 72 delimiting the cells, reaches the space 65 formed between the apparatus and the member.

 It is obvious that the centralized and sucessive distribution device which has just been described in the case of its application to a particular treatment device can be used for all other applications, such as inflation of the cells of a mattress. Similarly, the number of inflatable cells supplied by the device is not limited to four as in the embodiments described above, but may be any provided that the body has a downstream tip 7a more than the number cells to ensure the evacuation of excess air.

Claims (10)

 1. A device for the centralized and successive distribution of a fluid to the inflatable cells of an apparatus for activating the lymphatic or blood circuit, of the type comprising a body which, interposed between at least one inflation duct connected to a device supply of a pressurized fluid and as many conduits connected to the inflatable cells as there are cells, is provided with membrane means cooperating with seats forming seats for successively supplying each of the cells starting from a first cell, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a rigid body (2), of generally tubular shape, provided with end pieces (7), radial and longitudinally spaced, for the connection of flexible conduits going to the inflatable cells and communicating with the internal cavity (5) of this body (2), these nozzles being in number greater than one unit than the numbers of inflatable cells or associated with a vent, on the other hand, a plug (3) wedged with m tight ring at one end of the body and having a channel (12) passing axially therethrough, an external end piece (13), for connection to a conduit coming from the supply device, and an internal cylindrical bearing (14), and , in addition, a sleeve (4-4a-4b-4c) tightly fixed on the above-mentioned bearing surface (14) and formed by a membrane which, flexible and elastically deformable at least radially, is capable, under pressure, inflating it and in cooperation with circular bearing surfaces (15-43) formed in the body (2) between the radial ends (7), to delimit in this body distribution chambers (21a-21b) each remaining sealed with respect to the next chamber , as long as the pressure prevailing in the chamber which is upstream in the direction of inflation, is lower than the inflation pressure of the sleeve.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end piece (13) of the plug (3) is connected to the inflation duct, while the sleeve (4a-4b) is provided with a nozzle (33-40) discharging into the cavity (5) of the body (2) and causing the inflation of this sleeve.  3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the end of the sleeve (4a) which is opposite to that of the smart on the plug (3) of the body (2) is integral with a fixed internal sleeve (30) traversed axially by a channel (32) with external seat (33) cooperating with adjustable closure means (34-35) for adjusting the pressure prevailing in this sleeve.  4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the end of the sleeve (4a), which is opposite to that fixed on the plug (3) is fixed to a socket (36) sealingly passing through the transverse wall (31 ) of the body and comprising an axial bore (37) the end of which is closed by an external safety shutter (39) and the internal part of which communicates with the cavity (5) of the body by a radial bore (38).  5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (2) is provided, at its opposite end from that closed by the plug (3), with a nozzle (8) for connection to the inflation duct, while on the one hand, the end piece (13) of the plug (3) is connected to another conduit also coming from the supply device and providing an adjustable value control pressure, and that, on the other hand, the sleeve deformable (4) is closed at its end which is opposite to that fixed on the cap.  6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the external wall of the sleeve (4-4a-4b) is cylindrical with generators which are substantially rectilinear and the sealing surfaces are formed by the cylindrical faces ( 15) of circular ribs (16) projecting radially inside the cavity (5) of the body.  7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the internal wall of the cavity (5) of the body is cylindrical with rectilinear generatrices and the sleeve (4c) locally comprises circular or annular ribs (42 ) spaced forming sealing surfaces.  8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the internal wall of the cavity (5) of the body and the external wall of the sleeve (4-4a-4b) are cylindrical with straight generatrices and the means cooperating with the sealing surfaces (43) of the body (2) consist of rings attached to the sleeve.  9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plug (3) on which the sleeve is fixed (4-4a-4b-4c) is integral with a rigid structure (17), radial and internal, limiting the longitudinal contraction of the sleeve during its radial expansion.  10. Device according to any one of claims I to 9, characterized in that the number of radial tips (7) projecting from the body is at least one unit greater than the number of flexible conduits (57) going to the inflatable cells (50), and this additional end piece (7a), the most downstream on the body (2) relative to the direction of closing of the chambers formed in this body, communicates with the annular space (65), formed between the member and the envelope provided with inflatable cells (50), and constitutes a means of ventilation.