Jobst Institute, Inc.

Thomas A Mummert

A sequencing valve mechanism utilized to control a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure medium from an on/off type pressure source to a two-chambered pneumatic or hydraulic appliance is disclosed. A pawl on a ratchet arm is driven around a ratchet island by the alternate application and withdrawal of pressure to the sequencing device. The ratchet arm is pivotally attached to a valve control arm which regulates a valve so as to control the output of a pressure source. The shapes of the ratchet island portions are such that two alternate applications and withdrawals of pressure are required for the pawl to complete one cycle about the island and, thereby, actuate the valve to different output positions only on alternate applications of pressure to the sequencing device.

Sequencing valve mechanism

The electronic circuit includes switch means responsive to the pressure within a first chamber of a dynamic pressure wave appliance for generating an enabling signal when a predetermined pressure level in the first chamber has been reached. A transducer is provided to generate a signal representative of the pressure within a second chamber of the appliance. The electronic circuit includes means for generating a signal representing a first predetermined pressure level and a second predetermined pressure level in the second chamber when the enabling signal is generated. A comparator is responsive to the predetermined pressure level signals and the transducer signal for generating control signals to a solenoid. The solenoid is connected to appropriate valves for regulating the pneumatic control circuit. The electronic control circuit will cause a dynamic pressure wave appliance to apply a pressure to a human or animal extremity which begins at the most distant end and travels up the extremity in the nature of a pressure wave.

Electronic circuit for a dynamic pressure wave pneumatic control system

An appliance for applying a dynamic pressure wave against an extremity is disclosed. The appliance includes an inflatable cylindrical tapered cone chamber which is adaptable for surrounding the extremity. The cone chamber has a larger diameter outer end and a smaller diameter inner end and can be divided into a plurality of longitudinally extending tubular chambers. When inflated, the cone is sufficiently large and rigid to surround the extremity and prevent an exterior pressure from being applied thereto. An inflatable sleeve chamber encloses the cone chamber. The sleeve is formed of a bag-shaped bladder open at one end and closed at the other end. When inflated, the sleeve chamber defines an internal space small enough to exert a compressive force on the exterior of the cone and the extremity enclosed therein. When the cone chamber is inflated and then deflated as the sleeve chamber is inflated, the appliance will cause a pressure to be applied to a human or animal extremity which begins at the smaller diameter end of the cone chamber and travels up the extremity in the nature of a pressure wave.

Apparatus and method for applying a dynamic pressure wave to an extremity

A source of pressurized gas is attached to a dynamic pressure wave appliance. The pneumatic control circuit connects the source of pressurized gas to a first chamber of the appliance. When the pressure in the first chamber reaches a first predetermined level, a valve seals the first chamber and connects the source so as to inflate a second chamber about the first. When the pressure in the second chamber reaches a second predetermined level, a valve permits the first chamber to deflate while continuing to connect the second chamber for inflation. A valve for sealing the inflated sleeve discontinues the inflation of the sleeve when the pressure therein reaches a third predetermined level. The sequence of operation of the pneumatic control circuit will cause a suitable dynamic pressure wave appliance to apply a pressure to a human or animal extremity which begins at the most distant end and travels up the extremity in the nature of a pressure wave.

Apparatus for pneumatically controlling a dynamic pressure wave device

An artificial foot for attachment to a prosthetic device securable to a leg stump. The artificial foot is adjustable in length and in height of the instep so as to permit the foot to be snugly inserted in a conventional shoe. The artificial foot includes a simulated toe portion which is horizontally pivotally connected to a sole plate. A spring-pressed linkage normally maintains the simulated toe portion in an aligned position with the sole plate, but permits upward pivotal movement of the toe portion in response to the forces encountered in taking a step. A latching lever frictionally engages the spring-pressed linkage to latch the pivoted toe portion in its upward position during that portion of the step wherein the weight is carried by the other foot. The artificial foot is connected to the bottom plate of a prosthetic device by a plurality of cushion plugs. The rearmost one of the cushion plugs mounts a depending plunger which is operatively connected with the latching lever to release same when the heel portion of the artificial foot first engages the ground at the end of a step, thereby permitting the simulated toe portion to resume its aligned position.

Artificial foot

An appliance for flexing joints which is driven by fluid pressure. A fluid tight bladder is coupled to an inextensible flexible member to be mounted against a body portion spanning the joint to be flexed. The bladder is arranged in sinuous convolutions extending longitudinally of the member and across the region overlying the joint with its convex portion of each convolution secured to the member at a point longitudinally spaced from adjacent points of securement of adjacent convex portions. Upon admission of fluid under pressure, the bladder walls are forced outwardly to bear upon each other and impose a compressive bending moment on the flexible member at the points of securement. A hand mit is shown with separate bladder convolutions on the palm and back such that admission of pressurized fluid to the back bladder forces a hand in the mit into a fist and the admission of fluid to the palm bladder and release of the fluid in the back bladder opens the fist. Pressure and temperature treatment means are included together with control systems for cyclic treatment.

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Toledo, OH, United States of America

Thomas A Mummert