US4086920A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intermittent inflatable apparatus
Assignee: HUNT ARTHUR TRUSTEE FOR FABRY INTERNATIONAL
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Filing: 1976-09-13
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Granted: 1978-05-02
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Expires: 1996-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A pneumatic apparatus for intermittently inflating and deflating one or more inflatable members with a fluid pump. A fluid coupler is located between the fluid pump and the inflatable members, which coupler intermittently reverses the direction of the flow to the inflatable members in a predetermined time sequence so as to direct a positive air pressure into the inflatable member followed by a negative air pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack K. Miniere
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H9/00; A61H9/005; A61H9/0078
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An intermittent inflatable apparatus comprising in combination: a fluid pump; at least one inflatable member attached to a patient and being intermittently inflatable; coupling means coupling said fluid pump to each said inflatable member whereby pressurized fluid is directed to each inflatable member, said coupling means having a first pair of chambers and a second pair of chambers separated by a variable valve member, said variable valve member having a plurality of openings therethrough at predetermined locations, thereby operatively connecting at least one first chamber and one second chamber; and coupling means drive means operatively connected to said coupling means for driving said coupling means variable valve member between positions whereby at least one said inflatable member may be intermittently inflated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
An intermittent inflatable apparatus comprising in combination: a fluid pump; at least one inflatable member attached to a patient and being intermittently inflatable; coupling means coupling said fluid pump to each said inflatable member whereby pressurized fluid is directed to each inflatable member, said coupling means having a first pair of chambers and a second pair of chambers separated by a variable valve member, said variable valve member having a plurality of openings therethrough at predetermined locations, thereby operatively connecting at least one first chamber and one second chamber; and coupling means drive means operatively connected to said coupling means for driving said coupling means variable valve member between positions whereby at least one said inflatable member may be intermittently inflated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which the plurality of openings in said variable valve member are located to couple each first chamber with one second chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, in which said fluid pump is a pneumatic pump.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 3, in which said pneumatic pump has an input connected to one first chamber of said coupling means and an output connected to a second first chamber of said coupling means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 4, in which one inflatable member is coupled to one second chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, in which a second inflatable member is connected to a second chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 6, in which said coupling means drive means is a motor connected to said variable valve member of said coupling means for rotation of said valve member for alternately connecting different first and second chambers at each opening through said valve element during rotation of said valve member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 7, in which said motor coupling means drive means electrical motor is connected to said valve elements through a gear drive.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 6, in which said first and second inflatable members are flexible sleeves adapted to fit over the limb of a patient.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which said fluid pump input has a valve for opening and closing said input to the surrounding air.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which said fluid pump output line has a valve attached thereto for opening and closing said output valve to the surrounding air.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which both said input and output lines each have valves attached thereto for opening and closing said input and output lines to the surrounding air.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 3, in which said fluid pump is an air blower, connected by hoses to said coupling means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 13, in which said fluid pump coupling means is mounted in a portable casing having at least two wheels attached thereto.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-05-01 | 1981-10-31 | 1982-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-01 | 1985-10-31 | 1986-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-01 | 1989-10-31 | 1990-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |