GB934244A - Intermittent compression unit for stimulating the flow of fluids in animal bodies - Google Patents

Abstract

934,244. Pressure applying; massage appliances. JOBST INSTITUTE Inc. July 3, 1961 [Aug. 8, 1960], No. 23894/61. Class 81 (2). [Also in Group XIV] In apparatus for stimulating fluid flow in an animal body comprising a double-walled envelope 12 for surrounding a body part, e.g. a limb, the pressure in the envelope is successively increased and decreased in timed cycles by a fluid pump 26 under the control of a timer 60 which causes periodical energization and deenergization of the pump and simultaneous closing and opening of a bleed valve 40 in such a manner that gaseous fluid is successively admitted to the envelope from the pump and released from the envelope through the bleed valve. The pump is connected with the envelope interior by way of conduits 30, 32 in the pump casing 14, a fitting 48 on an indicator panel on the pump casing and a tube 50. The bleed valve is closed by a solenoid 46 when a motor 24 operating the pump is energized under the control of the timer 60. When the motor is de-energized, the solenoid is also de-energized so that the bleed valve opens. One fluid supply conduit 32 is connected to a pressure gauge 36 and relief valves to prevent the development of excess pressures in the envelope. A larger form of the device includes a fan 160 (Fig. 7) for cooling the pump, a filter in the pump inlet and several pump outlets 115 for connection by hoses 118 with envelopes surrounding limbs of several patients. As a hose is disconnected the appropriate outlet closes. The pump and timer are mounted by straps on a frame 83 including legs 144, the frame having castors 146 which may be lowered by a handle 150 to raise the legs from the ground and enable the device to be easily wheeled about.