Therapeutic thermal compression device
Inventors
Binversie, Gregory • Sultan, William • Corwin, William • Bucher, John
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9907692-B2
Publication Date
2018-03-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods directed to the art of therapeutic thermal compression are provided. A therapeutic device capable of providing various therapeutic stimuli, including thermal energy transfer and applied pressure. The therapeutic device has a heating/cooling system, a temperature moderating system, a compression system, and a control system which controls the amount of pressure applied, the degree of temperature applied, and the duration of each application of therapeutic stimuli.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a therapeutic thermal compression device that combines a heating/cooling system using a thermoelectric module with a compression system that includes an inflatable bladder adjacent to the thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module operates in at least one of a heating cycle and a cooling cycle, and a control system coordinates operation of a temperature moderating system and the compression system.
A delivery head has a first surface in thermal communication with the delivery side of the thermoelectric module and a second surface opposite the first surface. The device defines thermal transfer structure through a substrate in thermal communication with the second surface of the delivery head, and the substrate is a sealed pouch of thermal grease.
To moderate temperature during cooling, the device includes a temperature moderating system configured to remove heat from the transfer side of the thermoelectric module by circulating a fluid over a heat sink attached to the transfer side of the thermoelectric module. The heat sink has a first side with a plurality of fins extending therefrom and a second side affixed to the transfer side of the thermoelectric module, and a thermocouple is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims covering a therapeutic thermal compression device with coordinated thermoelectric heating/cooling and inflatable bladder compression. Across the independent claims, the inventive features include temperature moderation by circulating fluid over a heat sink, a delivery head coupled to a sealed pouch of thermal grease, and a thermocouple-monitored control arrangement.
Thermoelectric heating/cooling with coordinated inflatable bladder compression
A therapeutic thermal compression device comprising a heating/cooling system with a thermoelectric module having a delivery side and a transfer side and configured to operate in at least one of a heating cycle and a cooling cycle, a compression system comprising an inflatable bladder adjacent to the thermoelectric module, and a control system configured to coordinate the operation of the temperature moderating system and the compression system.
Temperature moderation via circulating fluid over a heat sink on the thermoelectric module transfer side
A temperature moderating system configured to remove heat from the transfer side of the thermoelectric module by circulating a fluid over a heat sink attached to the transfer side of the thermoelectric module when the thermoelectric module is operating in the cooling cycle.
Thermal transfer delivery head coupled to a sealed pouch of thermal grease
A delivery head having a first surface in thermal communication with the delivery side of the thermoelectric module and a second surface opposite the first surface, where a substrate is in thermal communication with the second surface of the delivery head and the substrate is a sealed pouch of thermal grease.
Radiator-fluid path with pump and finned heat sink
A heat sink having a first side with a plurality of fins extending therefrom and a second side, with the second side affixed to the transfer side of the thermoelectric module, and a housing having an opening and an input passage and an output passage receiving the first side and the plurality of fins; a fluid; a radiator in fluid communication with the housing through an input hose attached to the input passage and an output hose attached to the output passage; and a pump configured to pump the fluid between and through the radiator, the input hose, the output hose, and the housing.
Thermocouple-monitored thermoelectric module with control system driving pump and thermoelectric module
A thermocouple in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module and a control system in electrical communication with the thermoelectric module, the thermocouple, and the pump.
Both independent claims cover a therapeutic thermal compression device that coordinates thermoelectric heating/cooling with inflatable bladder compression and establishes thermal transfer through a delivery head coupled to a sealed pouch of thermal grease. The claims further specify temperature moderation by circulating fluid over a heat sink, and in one claim a radiator, housing, pump, and thermocouple-based control arrangement.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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