Fluid operated actuators and pneumatic unloading orthoses
US7591797B2 · kind B2 · utility
43Cited by
6References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/20
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible fluid filled actuator has an elastic bladder and a guide surrounding the bladder. The guide has asymmetrical elastic properties. When the bladder is inflated the guide directs the bladder to expand preferentially in a selected direction or directions. The actuator has utility in the traction and/or unloading of portions of the body. A fluid-filled traction apparatus is disclosed which has particular advantages in spinal unloading.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.