Vacuum pump for a prosthetic device
US8568489B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2220/0033
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention in one embodiment is a vacuum pump including a compressible elastomeric member with an internal reservoir enclosing a volume of fluid, an outlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid sink, and an inlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid source. The pump further includes first and second pressure elements coupled to the elastomeric member on opposing sides. At least one of the first and second pressure elements is adapted to apply a longitudinal force along, and a rotational force about, an axis extending through the compressible elastomeric member. Upon the application of a longitudinal compression force to the compressible elastomeric member, fluid flows from the internal reservoir to the fluid sink and upon the application of a longitudinal expansion force, fluid flows from the fluid source to the internal reservoir. Upon the application of a rotational force, the elastomeric member exerts a counter-rotational force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.