Method and apparatus for simulating gravitational forces on a living organism

US4421109A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventor

• William Thornton · Friendswood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 1982
• Grant date: Dec 20, 1983
• Expiry date: Sep 2, 2002

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61H9/005
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for simulating gravitational forces on a living organism wherein a series of negative pressures are externally applied to successive lengthwise sections of a lower limb of the organism, the pressures decreasing progressively with distance of said limb sections from the heart of the organism. A casing defines a chamber adapted to contain the limb of the organism and is rigidified to resist collapse upon the application of negative pressures to the interior of the chamber. Seals extend inwardly from the casing for effective engagement with the limb of the organism and, in cooperation with the limb, subdivide the chamber into a plurality of compartments each in negative pressure communicating relation with the limb. Controls apply negative pressures to the compartment and maintain the negative pressures at incrementally different levels in respective ones of the compartments.