Mark Michael Mccarthy

US Patent:

54962625, Mar 5, 1996

Filed:

Jul 25, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/505520

Inventors:

Glenn W. Johnson - Summit NJ
Henry J. McVicker - Chatham NJ
Mark J. McCarthy - Warren NJ

Assignee:

Aircast, Inc. - Summit NJ

International Classification:

A61H 900

US Classification:

601152

Abstract:

A system for intermittent, sequential, graduated compression of a multicompartment inflatable cuff by means of a single pulsing air pump and a single air tube connecting the pump to the cuff. Each more proximal compartment is inflated through a fluid restrictor communicating with its adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most proximal compartment is limited by a fluid restrictor bleeding air to atmosphere and the pressure in the most proximal compartment is always less than the pressure in the adjacent more distal compartment. The maximum pressure in the most distal compartment is controlled by a pressure relief valve. In a second embodiment, deflation is through a restrictor located in the supply line to the cuff and deflation of each more proximal compartment is through a one-way check-valve that permits flow of air from a proximal compartment to a distal compartment but not in the reverse direction.