Abstract:
A fluid circuit connector system includes a quick-release connector for connecting a set of tubes to an object. The quick-release connector includes a release button, a lock arm, a lock tab and a cavity configured to receive the tubes and a set of coupler housings. The connector system includes an object fitting having lock recess may be configured to receive the lock tab. The object fitting includes a cavity. The system further includes a set of male coupler housings each including a first unitary valve and a set of female coupler housings each including a second unitary valve. Each female housing is configured to receive and engage one of the male coupler housings. The system includes a set of seals configured to seal each male coupler housing and each female coupler housing when the quick-release connector is connected to the object fitting.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a therapeutic cranial wrap for use with a thermal contrast therapy systems and methods for providing a temperature regulated fluid. The cranial wrap includes an active thermal exchange bladder and an active compression bladder, adapted to fit the cranial therapy site. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to the thermal contrast therapy system. The compression bladder may compress the therapy site. In some embodiments, the compressive bladder may be integrated into the thermal exchange bladder, or may be omitted. The cranial wrap also includes a contoured shell, known as a hood shaped therapy pad, which is adapted to snugly fit the cranial therapy site and provide neck support. Adjustable straps, including at least one strap that circumvents the cranium, secure the cranial wrap in a fitted position adjacent the therapy site. The cranial wrap couples to the thermal contrast therapy system which includes a hot and cold fluid reservoir, a mixing valve, and a fluid pump.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to fluid mixing valves, and more particularly, to mixing valve assemblies which incorporate a ball element and which are adapted for use in a thermal or contrast therapy system, or medical thermal therapy system. The ball element of the present invention is characterized by continuously varying restrictive inlets which enable the user to obtain a substantially linear therapy temperature profile while maintaining substantially constant outlet pressure and flow rates.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a therapeutic knee brace system including a leg brace for support, a retainer for securing the therapeutic knee brace system to a knee joint therapy site, a brace joint providing a limited range of flexion to the knee brace, and an active thermal exchange bladder coupled to a contrast therapy system for delivering a therapy fluid at a select temperature, pressure and rate. Thermal exchange bladder is removable, and the pressure may be constant or dynamic. The angle of flexion may be selected by the therapy recipient, and the range of flexion of the brace joint is configurable. The knee brace may communicate range and instant angle of flexion of the brace joint to a continuous passive motion (CPM) device, and communication may be mechanical, electronic or wireless. A knee brace coupler attaches to a CPM coupler on the CPM device to selectively couple the therapeutic knee brace system to the CPM device.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a spinal column brace system which includes a rigid support, an interchangeable therapy pad, and a front panel. The rigid support includes patches of hook material and also has straps connected to it. These straps are at least partially elastic and also include hook material pads on their ends. The interchangeable therapy pad, on the other hand, has one side covered in loop material, thereby allowing the therapy pad to be attached to the patches on the rigid support. The front panel is also covered in loop material, which may be used to couple to the hook material found on the straps. The therapy pad includes a thermal exchange bladder and a cushion layer. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to a contrast therapy system via an umbilical and fluid coupler. The contrast therapy system includes a hot and cold reservoir. A mixing valve may mix a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs to make therapy fluid of a particular temperature. A fluid pump then delivers the therapy fluid to the thermal exchange bladder.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a replaceable module for use with a thermal contrast therapy systems. The replaceable module may be an automated thermal contrast therapy module which includes a casing, a manual mixing valve, an automated mixing valve, an automated mixing valve actuator, a temperature sensor, and an interface. A cold and a hot fluid are mixed to generate a therapy fluid. The therapy fluid may be output to a therapy bladder. The second replaceable module is a compression therapy module which includes a casing, an air pump, a pneumatic solenoid, and a pressure monitor. The casing may include a pressurized air pathway including an air outlet. The pump may pressurize the air within the pathway, and the solenoid may regulate the air pressure using feedback from the pressure sensor. Additionally, a pressure relief valve may release pressure if it gets above a safety threshold. The compression therapy module may also include a fluid pathway.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a spinal column brace system which includes a rigid support, an interchangeable therapy pad, and a front panel. The rigid support includes patches of hook material and also has straps connected to it. These straps are at least partially elastic and also include hook material pads on their ends. The interchangeable therapy pad, on the other hand, has one side covered in loop material, thereby allowing the therapy pad to be attached to the patches on the rigid support. The front panel is also covered in loop material, which may be used to couple to the hook material found on the straps. The therapy pad includes a thermal exchange bladder and a cushion layer. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to a contrast therapy system via an umbilical and fluid coupler. The contrast therapy system includes a hot and cold reservoir. A mixing valve may mix a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs to make therapy fluid of a particular temperature. A fluid pump then delivers the therapy fluid to the thermal exchange bladder.
Abstract:
The fluid coupler comprises a male coupler, a female coupler, and a seal between the male coupler and the female coupler when they are coupled, preventing fluid leakage. The female coupler receives the male coupler when in a coupled position. The male coupler includes a two pieced housing, a unitary valve and a biasing member. The two pieces of the housing may be joined. A cavity runs the length of the housing. The female coupler includes a housing, an annulus, a unitary valve and a biasing member. The annulus and the housing may be joined. A cavity runs the length of the housing. The unitary valves and biasing members fit within the cavities and are capable of longitudinal positioning within a configurable range. When male coupler and female coupler are coupled, the unitary valves are open permitting fluid flow. Otherwise, if uncoupled, the unitary valves are closed preventing fluid leakage.
Abstract:
A contrast therapy system. According to one aspect of the invention, the contrast therapy system includes a hot reservoir for holding a relatively hot fluid and a cold reservoir for holding a relatively cold fluid. The system also includes a mixing valve for receiving a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs. The mixing valve is operable to deliver a therapy fluid with a therapy temperature determined by the selected ratio. The system also includes a therapy pad for receiving the therapy fluid from the mixing valve and returning the therapy fluid to at least one of the hot reservoir and the cold reservoir.
Abstract:
A fluid circuit connector system includes a quick-release connector for connecting a set of tubes to an object. The quick-release connector includes a release button, a lock arm, a lock tab and a cavity configured to receive the tubes and a set of coupler housings. The connector system includes an object fitting having lock recess may be configured to receive the lock tab. The object fitting includes a cavity. The system further includes a set of male coupler housings each including a first unitary valve and a set of female coupler housings each including a second unitary valve. Each female housing is configured to receive and engage one of the male coupler housings. The system includes a set of seals configured to seal each male coupler housing and each female coupler housing when the quick-release connector is connected to the object fitting.