Compression sequenced thermal therapy system
First Claim
1. A compression therapy blanket comprising:
- a plurality of air chambers for receiving a gas to cause compression;
a valve assembly, internal to the compression therapy blanket, for delivering gas to each of the plurality of air chambers in a predetermined pattern;
an inlet port for delivering air from a control unit to the valve assembly; and
a plurality of connection for delivering air from the valve assembly to the plurality of air chambers.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
244 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A compression therapy blanket comprising:
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a plurality of air chambers for receiving a gas to cause compression;
a valve assembly, internal to the compression therapy blanket, for delivering gas to each of the plurality of air chambers in a predetermined pattern;
an inlet port for delivering air from a control unit to the valve assembly; and
a plurality of connection for delivering air from the valve assembly to the plurality of air chambers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A temperature therapy blanket comprising:
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a fluid bladder for housing heat transfer fluid, the fluid bladder having a top layer and a bottom layer;
a plurality of connections for dispersing the heat transfer fluid throughout the blanket, the plurality of connections connecting the top layer to the bottom layer;
at least one partition for directing the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the blanket; and
means for providing sequenced flows of alternating heat and cold in a high thermal contrast modality to a patient. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for passing heat transfer fluid between a control unit and a blanket, the system comprising:
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a reservoir for housing heat transfer fluid for utilization by the system;
a three-point junction having three branches, wherein a first branch receives heat transfer fluid from the reservoir, a second branch receives the heat transfer fluid returning from the blanket, and a third branch for delivering the heat transfer fluid to the blanket; and
a pump for creating a low pressure site at the third branch, wherein the low pressure site causes the heat transfer fluid from the second branch to be pulled into the third branch. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method for passing heat transfer fluid between a control unit and a blanket adapted for patient therapy, the method comprising the steps of:
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housing, at a reservoir, heat transfer fluid for utilization by the system;
providing a fluid flow junction having at least three flow branches, wherein a first branch receives heat transfer fluid from the reservoir, a second branch receives the heat transfer fluid returning from the blanket, and a third branch for delivering the heat transfer fluid to the blanket;
creating a low pressure site at the third branch, wherein the low pressure site causes the heat transfer fluid from the second branch to be pulled into the third branch; and
cycling between heating and cooling the heat transfer fluid to provide contrast thermal therapy to a patient. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification