The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 16, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 13, 1998
Edward J Arkans, Carlsbad, CA (US);
ACI Medical, San Marcos, CA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for ensuring proper engagement between connectors in external pneumatic compression devices. Two or more compression bladders are connected via tubing to a controller by a mated connector unit. Each mated connector includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The upstream portion includes a shut-off valve per individually addressed bladder. The downstream portion includes structure which defeats or opens the shut-off valve in the upstream connector and allows for fluid flow. Internally and externally, the mated connectors are configured for reciprocal engagement. Even if visual orientation of the connectors fails, the reciprocal structure of the connectors prevents incorrect engagement therebetween.