摘要 |
An air assisted device for positioning or moving a limb or a joint uses compressed air as a motive force. In a first embodiment, the air assisted device is a one piece air bag with bellows or accordion-like construction to allow controlled variable degrees of abduction. The bag is placed between a limb to be positioned and a relatively fixed body part or other surface. As compressed air enters the bag, the bag expands and moves the limb away from the body part or other surface. If the bag is maintained in an expanded condition, it immobilizes the limb relative to the body part or other surface. As the bag deflates, the limb returns to its original position. In a second embodiment, the device utilizes a pneumatic piston and cylinder unit to provide the motive force for positioning two relatively movable parts. As compressed air is forced into the cylinder, the piston moves outwardly, moving one of the relatively movable parts away from the other part. Relative movement of the parts moves the limb toward or away from the body part or other surface. The air assisted device may also be used to resist motion of a limb.
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