The Cyclic Variations in Altitude Conditioning System (CVAC) uses pressure feedback devices located inside a pod structure to simulate high altitudes for acclimatization. Recently, prototypes have been used in research and fitness altitude conditioning treatments for athletes, stroke victims, quadriplegics, golfers, geriatric patients, and more. It helps people recover from injury or illness, strengthens muscles, and increases stamina.
The CVAC is a pressure cycler that consists of a domed seating chamber and a six-foot Hoffman cabinet that houses the control system, pressure vessel, and high voltage unit.
The system continuously changes the pressure inside the vessel according to precisely patterned altitude settings. Because each human body responds differently to varied pressure and temperature, the targets and consequent transits, pressure, and temperature changes are arranged to fit the specific requirements of an individual’s body via pulse-sequence profiles.
Research indicates that these dynamic changes in oxygen concentration, air pressure, and temperature stimulate the entire body and increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. High-altitude acclimatization evokes increases in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and capillary density. Moreover, when high-altitude, acclimatized individuals exercise at lower altitudes, mitochondrial density increases in response to the additional availability of oxygen, which strengthens the body and prolongs stamina.
Air flows into the domed seating chamber through 4-in. flexible tubing, and a suction tube generates a vacuum inside the chamber. A robotic valve controls incoming fresh air and a blower pulls air out of the system. The system uses a three-phase line reactor and sine wave filter to keep current consumption below 30 A (to an average of approximately 9 A). The system can cycle between altitude pressure variations from 500-ft above sea level to 22,500-ft above sea level within 35 s. Within a 20-min period, altitude levels cycle 300 to 500 times. Research indicates that individuals using the system can adapt to high altitude levels within four weeks.
Oriental Motor USA Corp.
www.orientalmotor.com
CVAC Systems, Inc
www.cvacsystems.com
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