摘要 |
A device for traction medical therapy exerts a force on the patient as selected via a patient or doctor-controlled hand-held unit. The unit sends signals to a traction puller device which may be secured to the end of the patient's bed, or on some other appropriate framework. Traction force is developed by a small fluid pump, preferably a vacuum pump, acting to evacuate a cylinder with a piston which is connected to a traction pulling line or cord connected to the patient. The patient can increase the traction force by further evacuation of the cylinder, and can lighten traction force by operating a valve which gradually vents vacuum from the system. In a preferred embodiment, the piston and cylinder have a rolling diaphragm, making the cylinder completely leak proof so that traction force will not dissipate over time. Another preferred feature is the inclusion of a differential controller which enables a traction patient to selectively set a given pulling force for the apparatus, regardless of movements of the patient which would otherwise tighten or slacken the traction line.
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