SOLUTIONS
Special Manifold Assembly
lized for a period of time,
fluids can "pool" in the lower
legs, creating the potential for
serious medical complica-
tions. Standard compression
therapies such as stockings or
sequential pressure leggings
may have limited effective-
ness and cannot be used in
many situations, such as
underneath a leg cast.
To offer a more effective
treatment, a biomedical
manufacturer developed a
pressurizing foot cuff that
simulates the action of walk-
ing, by sending pressure
pulses to an inflatable pad
under the arch of the foot.
A series of 3-way stacking
solenoid valve assemblies
was employed to achieve
precise metering of the
delivery air pressure, the
length of the impulse and the
interval between pulses.
Since the system operates at
very low pressure and the set
points are prescribed by a
physician, pressure control
can be critical.
Recognizing that the
stacking valve assemblies,
end caps, isolator disks and
internal seals were all poten-
tial leak points, Humphrey
engineers designed a solid
manifold assembly with three
integral Humphrey solenoid
valves. This eliminated
multiple connection points,
greatly reducing the possibil-
ity of leakage due to improper
assembly.
Switching to a manifold
also made installation easier.
Now, size, port connections
and mounting holes could be
determined by the manufac-
turer?s design requirements
instead of being limited by the
physical design of standard
stacking valves.
Copyright 2001, Humphrey Products Company
070895
Biomedical Manufacturer Wanted To Minimize
Complexity And Ensure The Integrity Of The Pressure
System In Its Compression Therapy Device
Humphrey Created a Special Manifold With Integral
Valves That Was Virtually Leak-Proof and Easier To
Install
P.O. Box 2008, Kalamazoo, MI 49003
269-381-5500 - FAX 269-381-5518
In Canada: Humphrey Automation
570 Alden Road, Unit 10, Markham, Ontario L3R 6A8
905-479-3633 -FAX 905-479-3755