Body pulsating apparatus and method

Abstract

A device and method coupled to a therapy garment to apply pressure and repetitive compression forces to a body of a person has a positive air pulse generator and a user programmable time, frequency and pressure controller operable to regulate the duration of operation, frequency of the air pulses and a selected air pressure applied to the body of a person. The air pulse generator has rigid displacers that are angularly moved with crank power transmissions to draw air into the air pulse generator and discharge air pressure pulses to the therapy garment.

1 . An air displacer for an apparatus for generating air pressure pulses comprising: a one-piece rigid member having a body having an outer end and an inner end, a convex outer end section joined to the outer end of the body, a ridge joined to the inner end of the body, said ridge having opposite ends, and cylindrical pivot members joined to the opposite ends of the ridge and extended outwardly from the opposite ends of the ridge. 
     
     
         2 . The air displacer of  claim 1  wherein: the body, convex outer end and ridge include an outer peripheral groove, and at least one seal located in said groove. 
     
     
         3 . The air displacer of  claim 2  wherein: the seal comprises ribs and foam material located in said groove. 
     
     
         4 . The air displacer of  claim 1  wherein: said ridge includes bosses located adjacent the opposite ends of the ridge, said pivot members being joined to said bosses. 
     
     
         5 . The air displacer of  claim 1  wherein: the member includes at least one hole to allow air to flow through the member, and a check valve mounted on the body associated with the one hole in the body to allow only one-way flow of air through the member.