Portable device for the enhancement of circulation
First Claim
1. A portable device for modulating blood or lymph flow in a limb, the device partially encircling said limb, the device comprising at least one flap and an actuator coupled to said at least one flap to provide a controlled periodical movement of said at least one flap relative to the limb for applying periodical squeezing forces on the limb;
- wherein said actuator comprises;
a motor or a compressor;
at least one spring operatively disposed between the motor or compressor and the at least one flap; and
at least one energy applying mechanism coupling between said at least one spring and said at least one flap for enabling fast release of energy stored in said spring and the use of the energy so released to effectuate at least one abrupt transition between relaxed and compressed states of the limb.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a portable device and method for enhancing blood flow in a limb and for reducing the risk of peripheral vascular disorders formation by applying periodic squeezing forces on a limb, in particular a lower limb. The device comprises an actuator and at least one rigid or semi-rigid flap connected to a housing such as to form an open closure around the limb. The housing contains machinery for actuating periodical change in the position of the at least one between contracted and relaxed position.
87 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A portable device for modulating blood or lymph flow in a limb, the device partially encircling said limb, the device comprising at least one flap and an actuator coupled to said at least one flap to provide a controlled periodical movement of said at least one flap relative to the limb for applying periodical squeezing forces on the limb;
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wherein said actuator comprises; a motor or a compressor; at least one spring operatively disposed between the motor or compressor and the at least one flap; and at least one energy applying mechanism coupling between said at least one spring and said at least one flap for enabling fast release of energy stored in said spring and the use of the energy so released to effectuate at least one abrupt transition between relaxed and compressed states of the limb. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for modulating blood or lymph flow in a limb, the method comprising the steps of:
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partially encircling the limb with at least one flap; providing a controlled movement to said at least one flap to cause a periodical change of the position of said at least one flap relative to the limb for applying intermittent squeezing forces on the limb, wherein said periodical change comprises at least one abrupt transition between relaxed and contracted states of the flap, said abrupt transition is effectuated by releasing energy stored in a spring coupled to said flap. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification