US3955563A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatic percussor
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-01-06
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Granted: 1976-05-11
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Expires: 1995-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A percussor, especially useful in the therapeutic treatment of cystic fibrosis and other lung disorders, employs pneumatic power to provide a given reciprocating motion. Such motion can, in turn, be regulated either by electronic pulse, or fluidic air, control.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert Maione
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H31/00; A61H31/004; A61H31/006; A61H23/00; A61H23/04; A61H2031/001; A61H2201/00; A61H2201/12; A61H2201/1238; A61H2201/1246
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A pneumatic percussor for stimulating lung cavities comprising: an air chamber apertured at opposite ends thereof; a plunger positioned within said chamber, having both a bearing surface and an arm extending through one of said apertures; a valve having an input port adapted to be connected to an air supply, an output port intercoupled with the other one of said apertures of said chamber, and a control port; suction means affixed adjacent the end of said plunger arm outside of said chamber; and means coupled to the control port of said valve to alternately gate the passage of air from a connected supply via said valve into said chamber so as to bear against said surface of said plunger and actuate said plunger in a direction outwardly of said chamber; and wherein said last-mentioned means includes an oscillator to gate the passage of air into said chamber in impulse manner, to actuate the plunger within at an impulse frequency to vibrate lung cavities towards a cough reflex.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A pneumatic percussor for stimulating lung cavities comprising: an air chamber apertured at opposite ends thereof; a plunger positioned within said chamber, having both a bearing surface and an arm extending through one of said apertures; a valve having an input port adapted to be connected to an air supply, an output port intercoupled with the other one of said apertures of said chamber, and a control port; suction means affixed adjacent the end of said plunger arm outside of said chamber; and means coupled to the control port of said valve to alternately gate the passage of air from a connected supply via said valve into said chamber so as to bear against said surface of said plunger and actuate said plunger in a direction outwardly of said chamber; and wherein said last-mentioned means includes an oscillator to gate the passage of air into said chamber in impulse manner, to actuate the plunger within at an impulse frequency to vibrate lung cavities towards a cough reflex.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The percussor of claim 1 wherein said plunger includes spring return means for actuating said plunger in a direction inwardly of said chamber when the passage of air from a connected supply is alternately blocked from reaching said chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The percussor of claim 2 wherein said valve also includes an exhaust port to vent air stored in said chamber when said plunger is actuated inwardly therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The percussor of claim 3 wherein there is also included sound muting means to reduce noise levels as said stored air is vented from said chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The percussor of claim 2 wherein said oscillator couples electrical pulses to the control port of said valve to alternately gate the passage of air from a connected supply via said valve, into said chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The percussor of claim 5 wherein there is also included means for varying the frequency of said electrical pulses to adjust the rate at which said plunger is actuated in a direction outwardly of said chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The percussor of claim 2 wherein said oscillator couples air bursts to the control port of said valve to alternately gate the passage of air from a connected supply via said valve, into said chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The percussor of claim 7 wherein there is also included means for varying the frequency of occurrence of said air bursts to adjust the rate at which said plunger is actuated in a direction outwardly of said chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The percussor of claim 2 wherein the input port of said valve is adapted to be connected to a source of compressed air.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-05-11 | 1979-11-10 | 1980-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-11 | 1983-11-10 | 1984-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-11 | 1987-11-10 | 1988-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |