Importance

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Abstract

An appliance for flexing joints which is driven by fluid pressure. A fluid tight bladder is coupled to an inextensible flexible member to be mounted against a body portion spanning the joint to be flexed. The bladder is arranged in sinuous convolutions extending longitudinally of the member and across the region overlying the joint with its convex portion of each convolution secured to the member at a point longitudinally spaced from adjacent points of securement of adjacent convex portions. Upon admission of fluid under pressure, the bladder walls are forced outwardly to bear upon each other and impose a compressive bending moment on the flexible member at the points of securement. A hand mit is shown with separate bladder convolutions on the palm and back such that admission of pressurized fluid to the back bladder forces a hand in the mit into a fist and the admission of fluid to the palm bladder and release of the fluid in the back bladder opens the fist. Pressure and temperature treatment means are included together with control systems for cyclic treatment.

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First Claim