Patent ID: 8092404

Claim:
An apparatus for increasing the flow of blood in a patient, the apparatus comprising: (A) substantially inelastic belt means with first and second opposite extremities configured to wrap around and in contact with said patient's chest near said patient's sternum, with said belt means being in continuous contact with the patient's chest including the front, sides, and a portion of the back of said patient's chest, said belt means (1) extending around and being in contact with a portion of the circumference of said chest, (2) extending around and being in contact with the front, sides and back of said chest, and (3) being substantially inelastic and flexible; (B) actuator means, coupled to said belt means including any of said extremities of said belt means not already fastened around said patient's chest, for, upon the receipt of power, moving said belt means in a direction to tighten said belt means around said patient's chest; (C) power means coupled to said actuator means and having first and second states and, when in said first state, providing power to said actuator means; and (D) a switch, coupled to said power means and having first and second configurations, said switch being movable between said first and second configurations and, when in said second configuration, placing said power means in said first state.