Saunders Cervical Traction User manual

Cervical Traction
User’s Guide

English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Español . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Deutsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Italiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Português . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Nederlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Svenska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Dansk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Norsk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Suomi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Türkçe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Ελληνικά . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

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Congratulations on your purchase of a Saunders Cervical Traction device.
Your new traction device is designed to provide safe and effective
traction (stretching) to the cervical region (neck.) Your Saunders
Cervical Traction device requires no assembly and is ready to use out
of the case. If you have questions regarding its use or to report any
problems, contact your authorized Empi Traction Dealer or Empi
at 1-800-862-2343.
Read these instructions completely before proceeding.
This device may contain one or all of the following symbols:
For Prescription Only
Refer to User’s Guide
Caution
Table of Contents
Warnings and Precautions .................................. 2
Indications For Use ....................................... 2
Contraindications For Use .................................. 2
Before You Begin ......................................... 3
Components............................................. 3
Preparing for Treatment .................................... 4
Applying Traction ........................................4-5
Hand Pump Operation ....................................5-6
Maintenance and Troubleshooting...........................7-8
Replacement Parts and Accessories .......................... 8
Warranty Information .....................................8-9
Cervical Traction User’s Guide

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Warnings and Precautions
WARNING: The sale of this device is restricted to individuals by
or on the order of a physician. The instructions provided by your
health care provider should be followed precisely. Do not exceed
the recommendations of your health care provider. Exceeding these
recommendations may aggravate an existing condition or cause
additional injury. Traction should never cause pain. A stretching sensa-
tion or some slight discomfort may be felt during treatment. If pain is
increased in the neck, back, arms or legs, or if you experience dizziness,
nausea or any other type of pain or discomfort during or after treatment,
discontinue use immediately and consult your health care provider
before further use.
Indications for Use
Depending upon the advice of your health care provider, cervical traction
can be used to treat these conditions:
 •osteoarthritis •muscletightness
 •headaches •jointstiffness
 •herniateddiscs •nerverootcompression
Contraindications for Use
Traction should not be used to treat these conditions:
 •acuteortraumaticinjury •rheumatoidarthritis
 •spinalinstability •spinalcordcompression
 •fracture •malignancy
 •infectionsandinflammatorydiseases
 •anyotherconditionsthatmaybemadeworsebymovement

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Components
Before You Begin
Review the guidelines you received from your health care provider
regarding the:
 •amountoftractionrecommended(neversomuchthatithurts)
 •duration(amountoftime)ofeachtreatment
 •holdandrelaxtimesifintermittenttractionisrecommended
 •numberoftreatmentsrecommendedperweekorperday
 •angleofpull
Remove earrings and any other jewelry or neckwear. Articles of clothing
such as ties, scarves, hats and bulky shirt collars or sweaters should be
removed since they may interfere with treatment. If you have long hair it
should not be gathered on the back of your head, as in a braid or bun,
since this will not allow your head to rest in the proper position.
Head Pad
Neck
Carriage
Neck Wedges
Angle
Adjuster
Top
Position
Middle
Position
Bottom
Position
Figure 1. Components of the Saunders Cervical Traction device
Hand Pump with
Gauge Base
Base Pad
Adjustment
Knob
Headstrap

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Applying Traction
1. Lie on your back, positioning your body so the neck wedges cradle
the middle or narrowest part of your neck and your head rests
Preparing for Treatment
1. Place the Saunders Cervical Traction device on a carpeted floor or
other firm surface. Check to make sure that the air hose is not
being pinched by the bottom of the unit. Make sure you have
enough room to lie down in a comfortable position.
2. Separate the neck wedges by rotating either of the black adjustment
knobs so that your neck fits easily between the wedges. You can
make additional adjustments after you lie down in the Saunders
Cervical Traction device. NOTE: Do not over-rotate the adjustment
knobs. This will result in stripping the internal gear.
3. Loosen the adjustable head strap.
4. Ensure the device is in the starting position - neck carriage should
be touching the base. If not, rotate the gauge housing to the
“RELEASE” position.
5. Set the traction angle prescribed by your health care provider by
squeezing and sliding the tabs on both sides of the Angle Adjuster
until it locks into place.
Angle Adjuster Positions: Top = 15 degrees, Middle = 20 degrees,
Bottom = 25 degrees
NOTE: If your health care provider did not specify the angle of pull,
leave the Angle Adjuster in the top position as shown (in Figure 1.)
6. Place the pump in a position so that you can reach it during
treatment.
7. Set a timer for the length of treatment (not included with your
Saunders Cervical Traction device.)
You are now ready to use the Saunders Cervical Traction device.

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Hand Pump Operation
Once you are secure and comfortable in your Saunders Cervical
Traction device, you will apply traction by pumping air into a cylinder
using a hand pump (Figure 3.)
Figure 2. Using the Saunders
Cervical Traction device
A) Close-up of gauge
housing.
B) Both in and out
motions of the
pump fill the
cylinder with air.
Figure 3. Hand pump operation
comfortably on the head pad (See Figure 2.) The neck wedges
should contact your neck midway between the tips of your earlobes
and the top of your shoulders.
2. Turn either of the adjustment knobs until the wedges have
moved firmly against both sides of the neck.
3. As you settle into the Saunders Cervical Traction device, the
neck wedges may slightly rotate and self-adjust to the contour of
your head and neck, or you can rotate the wedges manually as
needed for the most comfortable fit.
4. Secure the head strap over your forehead, just above the browline.
This strap should fit snugly.
5. Apply traction using the pump as described in the next section.

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Rotate the gauge housing of the hand pump to the “PUMP”
position. Begin SLOWLY pumping air into the cylinder by stroking
the pump handle all the way out and all the way in. Observe the
gauge to make sure you are staying within the guidelines provided
by your health care provider. When you have reached the desired
amount of stretch, rotate the gauge housing to the “HOLD” position.
Begin timing your treatment now, following the instructions of your
health care provider.
CAUTION: Do not exceed level of traction prescribed by your
health care provider. The stretch provided by traction should never
cause pain. Relax . . . let your traction device do the work.
When the treatment is complete, release the traction by rotating the
gauge housing to the “RELEASE” position.
CAUTION: Keep fingers away from the gap between the neck
carriage and base.
Undo the head strap. You should rest and relax for a few moments;
then move your head slightly up and down and side to side a few
times before getting out of the traction device.
NOTE: In the course of your treatment it is normal for a small loss
of pressure (by 10%) due to the relaxation of your spine. As this
occurs, add additional air to return to the prescribed force. If you
give too much traction, rotate the gauge housing to the “RELEASE”
position to let some air out of the system.
Review of Hand Pump Operation
1. “HOLD” - holds traction force at the desired level.
2. “PUMP” - fills the cylinder with air, increasing the traction force.
3. “RELEASE” - empties air from the cylinder during or after
treatment and prior to use.

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Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance
If you believe your Saunders Cervical Traction device requires
maintenance, contact your authorized Empi Traction Dealer or
contact Empi at 1-800-862-2343.
Cleaning
All surfaces of your Saunders Cervical Traction device may be cleaned
with a mild detergent or disinfectant. Do not immerse unit in water.
If unit is transferred between different users, all surfaces should be
cleaned using standard cleaning techniques paying particular attention
to the components that come in contact with the body; we recom-
mend using a new head strap.
Storage
Your Saunders Cervical Traction device should be stored in its
protective case.
Troubleshooting
The Saunders Cervical Traction device features a very accurate,
sensitive gauge. The pump is specifically designed not to leak in the
“HOLD” position. If you notice a drop in the gauge reading when in the
“HOLD” position it is probably because you have relaxed or moved
slightly. If this happens, return to the “PUMP” position and pump back
to the desired force, then reset to “HOLD.”
Proper operation of the Saunders Cervical Traction device requires
that the air system be virtually leak-free. If the traction force is not main-
tained, there may be a leak somewhere in the system.
Questions to Ask:
 • Isthepumpinthe“PUMP”positionwhenpumping?
 • Isthepumpinthe“HOLD”positionwhenreceivingtreatment?
 • Areyoulyingstill?(Anymovementwillcausefluctuation.)
 • Areyoupumpingslowly?
 • Areallconnectionstight(i.e.hosecap,lenscap,goodhose
  connectionatthecylinder?)

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Warranty
I. Warranty
Empi warrants the Saunders Cervical Traction device to be free from defects in workmanship
and materials for one year.
Empi will repair or replace, at its facility, any product found to be defective. This warranty does
not apply to any product damaged by misuse, or repaired or altered by anyone other than
Empi in Clear Lake, South Dakota.
This warranty is in lieu of any or all other warranties, expressed or implied. No person is authorized
to bind Empi to any representation of warranty other than those specifically set forth herein.
NOTE: Warranty period begins with the date of purchase from manufacturer for one year.
II. Limitation of Liabilities and Disclaimer of Warranties
A. Empi’s sole obligation in the case of any breach of its warranties set forth in Paragraph I
above, shall be, at Empi’s option, to repair or replace the Product with a new or factory
If the unit is leaking air, try the following:
• Checktheairhoseconnectionsatthecylinderandthepumpand
gently tighten as necessary. Do not over-tighten as the threads may
strip.
• Makesurethattheunithasnotslippedandgonetofullexcursion
(4”)
• PerformaPOPtest.Withnooneintheunit,pumpupthepressure
until the unit makes a loud pop (at about 50 lbs.,) then rotate the
gauge to the release position, and proceed with your treatment.
If you have any questions, please call your authorized Empi Traction
Dealer or call Empi Customer Service at 1-800-862-2343.
Replacement Parts and Accessories
Below is a listing of replacement parts and accessories. Please call
1-800-328-2536 for details and pricing.
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
Headstrap and Pads 700723
Hand Pump Replacement Kit 700472
Angle Adjuster 700724
Carrying Case 700725
Instructional DVD 802968
User’s Guide 360365

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reconditioned product without charge to Purchaser or to refund the purchase price of the
Product. In order to recover under this Warranty, Purchaser must send Empi written notice of
the defect (setting forth the problem in reasonable detail) prior to expiration of the Warranty
Period, and within 30 days of discovery of the defect. Upon Empi’s written request and
authorization, Purchaser shall return the Product to Empi, freight and insurance prepaid, for
inspection. Notice and return shipment shall be sent to Empi at Clear Lake, 47492, HWY 22
Clear Lake, South Dakota. Purchaser may request shipment approval by calling Empi Warranty
Repair Department on its toll free number 1-800-862-2343. In the case of repairs or returns
outside of North America, contact your Authorized Empi Distributor, or contact Empi directly
at 1-800-328-2536. Empi will not be responsible for damage due to improper packaging or
shipment. If Empi determines in its sole reasonable discretion that the Product contains defec-
tive workmanship or materials. Empi will refund to the Purchaser the purchase price for the
defective product, or return the repaired Product or a replacement thereof to Purchaser, freight
and insurance billed to the Purchaser, as soon as reasonably possible following receipt of the
Product by Empi. If Empi determines in its sole reasonable discretion that the Product does
not contain defective workmanship or materials. Empi will return the Product to the Purchaser,
freight and insurance billed to the Purchaser.
B. This warranty is voided immediately as to any Product which has been repaired or modified
by any person other than authorized employees or agents of Empi or which has been subjected
to misuse, abuse, neglect, damage in transit, accident or negligence.
C. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH I, THE PRODUCT IS BEING SOLD ON AN “AS IS”
BASIS, ALL ACCESSORIES ARE SOLD “AS IS”, AND THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY
AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT IS WITH PURCHASER. THE WARRANTY PROVIDED
IN PARAGRAPH I IS INTENDED SOLELY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INITIAL PURCHASER
AND EMPI DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES HOWEVER, THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE
FOREGOING SENTENCE IN THE EVENT AN IMPLIED WARRANTY IS DETERMINED TO EXIST,
THE PERIOD FOR PERFORMANCE BY EMPI THEREUNDER SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
LIFETIME OF THE INITIAL PURCHASER. NO EMPLOYEE, REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OF
EMPI HAS ANY AUTHORITY TO BIND EMPI TO ANY AFFIRMATION, REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY EXCEPT AS STATED IN THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY POLICY.
(This Warranty gives Purchaser specific legal rights and Purchaser may also have other rights
which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations of how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to the Purchaser.)
D. EMPI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR MEDICAL EXPENSES
CAUSED BY ANY DEFECT, FAILURE, MALFUNCTION OR OTHERWISE OF THE PRODUCT,
REGARDLESS OF THE FORM IN WHICH ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE ACTION MAY BE
BROUGHT AGAINST EMPI (E.G. CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) THE REMEDY
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH I ABOVE SHALL CONSTITUTE PURCHASER’S SOLE REMEDY.
IN NO EVENT SHALL EMPI’S LIABILITY UNDER ANY CAUSE OF ACTION RELATING TO THE
PRODUCT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT.
(The Warranty gives Purchaser specific legal rights and Purchaser may also have other
rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to the Purchaser.)

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Español
Guía del usuario de
tracción cervical

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Español

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Enhorabuena por la adquisición del dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical.
Este dispositivo está diseñado para dotar de tracción segura y efectiva
(estiramiento) a la zona cervical (cuello). El dispositivo Saunders tracción
cervical no requiere montaje y viene preparado para un uso inmediato tras su
adquisición. Si tiene dudas o desea informar sobre algún problema, póngase
en contacto con su proveedor de Empi Traction o con Empi (1-800-862-2343,
para EE.UU.).
Lea estas instrucciones antes de proceder a utilizar el producto.
Este dispositivo puede incluir los siguientes símbolos:
Sujeto a prescripción
Consulte la Guía del usuario
Precaución
Índice
Advertencias y precauciones ......................................14
Indicaciones de uso .............................................14
Contraindicaciones .............................................14
Antes de comenzar .............................................15
Componentes..................................................15
Preparación para el tratamiento....................................16
Aplicación de tracción ........................................16-17
Funcionamiento de la bomba manual ............................17-18
Mantenimiento y resolución de problemas ........................18-20
Accesorios y piezas de repuesto ...................................20
Garantía ...................................................20-21
Guía del usuario de tracción cervical

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Advertencias y precauciones
ADVERTENCIA: la venta de este dispositivo está sujeta a prescripción
médica. Deben observarse minuciosamente las instrucciones del personal
sanitario. No supere las recomendaciones establecidas por el personal
sanitario. De lo contrario, podría agravar la dolencia existente o provocar otra
lesión. La tracción no debería causar dolor en ningún momento. El tratamien-
to puede provocar sensación de estiramiento o una molestia leve. Si nota un
aumento del dolor en cuello, espalda, brazos o piernas, experimenta sensación
de mareo, náuseas o cualquier otro tipo de dolor o molestia durante o después
del tratamiento, deje de utilizar el dispositivo inmediatamente y consulte con el
personal sanitario.
Indicaciones de uso
La tracción cervical, en el modo establecido por el personal sanitario, se puede
utilizar como tratamiento de las siguientes dolencias:
 • osteoartritis •tensiónmuscular
 • doloresdecabeza •rigidezarticular
 • herniadiscal •compresiónderaíznerviosa
Contraindicaciones
No se debe utilizar tracción para tratar estas dolencias:
 • traumatismos •artritisreumatoide
 • inestabilidadraquídea •compresiónmedular
 • fractura •enfermedadmaligna
 • enfermedadesinfecciosaseinflamatorias
 • cualquierotradolenciaquepuedaempeorarconelmovimiento

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Componentes
Antes de comenzar
Repase las pautas que el personal sanitario le ha establecido sobre:
 • latracciónrecomendada(nodebeprovocardolor)
 • laduración(tiempo)decadatratamiento
 • lostiemposdeusoydescansosiseharecomendadotracciónintermitente
 • númerodetratamientosrecomendadosaldíaoalasemana
 • ángulodetracción
Quítese los pendientes, collares y accesorios similares. No utilice corbatas,
pañuelos, sombreros, cuellos de camisa grandes ni suéteres, porque podrían
interferir con el tratamiento. Si tiene el pelo largo, no lo tenga recogido en la
parte posterior de la cabeza (coleta o moño) para que ésta pueda descansar
en la posición apropiada.
Almohadilla
para la cabeza
Asiento para
cuello
Cuñas para cuello
Adaptador
de ángulo
Posición
superior
Posición
media
Posición
inferior
Figura 1. Componentes del dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical
Bomba manual
con manómetro Base
Almohadilla
de la base
Perilla de
ajuste
Soporte para
cabeza

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Aplicación de tracción
1. Túmbese de espaldas y sitúe el cuerpo de tal modo que las cuñas para el
cuello abarquen la zona media, o más estrecha, del cuello, y la cabeza
Preparación para el tratamiento
1. Coloque el dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical sobre un suelo alfombra-
do u otra superficie firme. Compruebe que la parte inferior de la unidad no
bloquea la toma de aire. Asegúrese de que dispone del espacio suficiente
para tumbarse cómodamente.
2. Gire las perillas de ajuste negras para separar las cuñas y ajustar éstas
cómodamente a ambos lados del cuello. Tras tumbarse, podrá realizar
más ajustes en el dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical. NOTA: no gire en
exceso las perillas de ajuste, ya que podría dañar el engranaje interno.
3. Afloje el soporte ajustable para la cabeza.
4. Asegúrese de que el dispositivo está en posición de inicio: el asiento para
el cuello debe estar tocando la base. Si no es así, gire el compartimento
del manómetro para situarlo en la posición “RELEASE” (Liberar).
5. Establezca el ángulo de tracción prescrito por el personal sanitario. Para
ello, apriete y deslice las pestañas de ambos lados del Adaptador de
ángulo hasta que queden fijas.
Posiciones del adaptador de ángulo: Superior = 15 grados,
Media = 20 grados, Inferior = 25 grados
NOTA: si el personal sanitario no ha especificado ningún ángulo de trac-
ción, deje el Adaptador de ángulo en la posición superior, tal y como apa-
rece en la ilustración (Figura 1).
6. Coloque la bomba en una posición que le permita tenerla a mano durante
el tratamiento.
7. Utilice un cronómetro para controlar la duración del tratamiento (no viene
incluido con el dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical).
Tras estos pasos, ya puede utilizar el dispositivo Saunders tracción cervi-
cal.

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Funcionamiento de la bomba manual
Tras situarse convenientemente en el dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical,
utilizará una bomba manual para bombear aire a un cilindro y aplicar, de
este modo, tracción (Figura 3).
Figura 2. Uso del dispositivo
Saunders tracción cervical
A) Detalle del compartimento
del manómetro.
B) Los movimientos
de entrada y salida de
la bomba llenan el
cilindro de aire.
Figura 3. Funcionamiento
de la bomba manual.
descanse cómodamente en la almohadilla para la cabeza (Figura 2). Las
cuñas para el cuello deben tocar el cuello a media distancia entre las pun-
tas de los lóbulos y la parte superior de los hombros.
2. Gire cualquier perilla de ajuste hasta conseguir que las cuñas sujeten fir-
memente ambos lados del cuello.
3. Al acomodarse en el dispositivo Saunders tracción cervical, las cuñas para
el cuello podrían rotar ligeramente para autoadaptarse al contorno de la
cabeza y el cuello. También puede rotar manualmente las cuñas hasta
conseguir el ajuste idóneo.
4. Ajuste el soporte para la cabeza en la frente, justo por encima de las
cejas. Debe quedar perfectamente ajustado.
5. Aplique tracción con la bomba, como se describe en la siguiente sec-
ción.

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Gire el compartimento del manómetro de la bomba manual hasta la posi-
ción “PUMP” (Bomba). Comience a bombear aire LENTAMENTE al cilindro,
accionando la maneta de la bomba en todo su recorrido de salida y de
entrada. Fíjese en el manómetro para asegurarse de que se halla dentro de
las pautas establecidas por el personal sanitario. Una vez alcanzado el esti-
ramiento deseado, gire el compartimento del manómetro hasta la posición
“HOLD” (Mantener). En este momento, comience a cronometrar el tratamien-
to prescrito por el personal sanitario.
AVISO: no supere el nivel de tracción prescrito por el personal sanita-
rio. El estiramiento provocado por la tracción no debe causar dolor en nin-
gún momento. Relájese... deje que el dispositivo de tracción haga el trabajo.
Tras finalizar el tratamiento, libere la tracción. Para ello, gire el comparti-
mento del manómetro hasta la posición “RELEASE” (Liberar).
AVISO: no ponga los dedos en la cavidad existente entre el asiento
para el cuello y la base.
Libere el soporte para la cabeza. Descanse y relájese un momento; a con-
tinuación, mueva ligeramente la cabeza arriba-abajo y derecha-izquierda
varias veces antes de salir del dispositivo de tracción.
NOTA: durante el tratamiento es normal que se produzcan pequeñas pérdi-
das de presión, en torno al 10%, debido a la relajación de la columna verte-
bral. Corrija estas pérdidas para recuperar la fuerza prescrita. Si ha aplicado
tracción en exceso, gire el compartimento del manómetro hasta la posición
“RELEASE” (Liberar) para que el sistema libere algo de aire.
Claves del funcionamiento de la bomba manual
1. “HOLD” (Mantener): mantiene la fuerza de tracción en el nivel deseado.
2. “PUMP” (Bomba): llena de aire el cilindro, aumentando la fuerza
de tracción.
3. “RELEASE” (Liberar): vacía de aire el cilindro durante o tras el trata-
miento y antes del uso.