PORTABLE PROGRESSIVE AND INTERMITTENT TRACTION MACHINE

The present invention relates to a portable progressive and intermittent traction machine, that is, to an electrically powered device for providing traction to a patient. In order to provide intermittent traction, a number of portable intermittent traction machines have been designed, each of which including a cord and means for applying a force thereto for an amount of time set by a master. However, it is often desirable to be able to progressively increase the force and to hold the force at each progressive level for a period of time before the force is again increased. Furthermore, in many cases, it is desirable to have the force alternate between a high and low, non-zero force level. A machine for operating in this manner has been unavailable heretofore. According to the present invention, there is provided a portable traction machine which solves these problems in a manner unknown heretofore. With the present machine, any desired traction force can be applied statically or intermittently, for a time set on a master timer. In the case of intermittent traction, the hold time and the rest time are independently adjustable. Also in the case of intermittent traction, the maximum force level and the minimum force level are independently adjustable and the minimum force level can be anything between the maximum force level and zero. A visual indication of the traction force is available. Furthermore, the traction force may be applied progressively, and the time of each cycle can be adjusted.