Apparatus for applying variable pressure to a surface

A pressure device for supplying variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame in proximate relation to a surface, the frame comprising a pair of spaced apart members, the frame partitioned into a plurality of sections;
• plurality of plates, at least one plate in movable relation with each section of the frame, each of the plates moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface and oriented substantially parallel to the surface;
• plurality of expandable volumes, a least one expandable volume housed within each section of the frame for receipt of pressurized fluid, a portion of each of the volumes in contact with a corresponding plate within the corresponding section;
• a plurality of rods, each rod extending substantially perpendicular from one of the plates toward the surface;
• a plurality of feet, each in pivotal relation with at least one of the rods, and having contact with the surface.

A pressure device for supplying variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a plurality of parallel, spaced apart frames in proximate relation to a surface, each frame partitioned into a plurality of sections;
• a plurality of plates, at least one plate in movable relation within each section of the frame, the plates moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface and oriented substantially parallel to the surface;
• a plurality of expandable volumes, each expandable volume housed within each section of the frame and for receipt of pressurized fluid, a portion of each of the volumes in contact with a corresponding plate within the corresponding section;
• a plurality of rods, each extending substantially perpendicular from one of the plates toward the surface;
• a plurality of feet, each in pivotal relation with at least one of the rods, and having contact with the surface.

A pressure device for supplying variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame in proximate relation to a surface;
• a channel fixed to the frame, the channel partitioned into a plurality of sections;
• a plurality of members pivotably connected to the frame so that a portion of each member moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface;
• a plurality of expandable volumes, each expandable volume housed within each section of the channel for receipt of pressurized fluid, a portion of each of the volumes in contact with a corresponding member;
• and
• a plurality of feet, each foot in pivotal relation with at least one of the members, and having contact with the surface.

A device for providing variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame fixedly positioned proximate to a surface;
• a pressure source;
• a pressure applicator in communication with the pressure source and in movable relation to the frame, the pressure applicator including spaced-apart ribs which extend to and are capable of applying pressure to the surface;
• compensation means integral with the pressure applicator for enabling the pressure applicator to compensate for any deformities in the surface;
• and
• control means for controlling the pressure supplied to the pressure applicator.

A device for providing variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame fixedly positioned proximate to a surface;
• a pressure source;
• a pressure applicator in communication with the pressure source and in movable relation to the frame, the pressure applicator comprising:
• an expandable cavity capable of being pressurized, the cavity being housed within the frame;
• a plate in contact with the expandable cavity;
• a member pivotably mounted to the frame and extending outwardly from the plate and toward the surface;
• and
• a foot extending from the plate and in contact with the surface;
• compensation means integral with the pressure applicator for enabling the pressure applicator to compensate for any deformities in the surface;
• and
• control means for controlling the pressure supplied to the pressure applicator.

A device for providing variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame fixedly positioned proximate to a surface;
• a pressure source;
• a pressure applicator in communication with the pressure source and in movable relation to the frame, the pressure applicator comprising:
• an expandable cavity capable of being pressurized and being housed within the frame,
• an L-shaped member in contact with the expandable cavity, the L-shaped member being pivotably mountable to the frame and extending outwardly from the plate and toward the surface;
• and
• a foot extending from the L-shaped member and in contact with the surface;
• compensation means integral with the pressure applicator for enabling the pressure applicator to compensate for any deformities in the surface;
• and
• control means for controlling the pressure supplied to the pressure applicator.

A pressure device for supplying variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame in proximate relation to a surface;
• a plate oriented substantially parallel to the surface and in movable relation to the frame;
• an expandable volume for receipt of pressurized fluid, the volume housed within the frame, a portion of the volume in contact with the plate;
• a rod extending substantially perpendicular from the plate toward the surface;
• and
• a foot in pivotal relation with the rod, and comprising a ceramic, anti-friction material capable of contacting the surface.

A pressure device for supplying variable pressure to a surface comprising:

• a frame in proximate relation to a surface;
• a plate oriented substantially parallel to the surface and in movable relation to the frame;
• an expandable volume for receipt of pressurized fluid, the volume housed within the frame, a portion of the volume in contact with the plate;
• a rod extending substantially perpendicular from the plate toward the surface;
• and
• a foot in pivotal relation with the rod, the foot including a plurality of spaced-apart ribs which extend to and are capable of contacting the surface.