Energy management for a stretcher or other occupant support
US11241348B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2220/76
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An occupant support includes a framework which includes a frame, an orientation adjustable deck section supported by the frame, and a lockable gas spring whose components include a piston assembly coupled to one of the frame and the deck section and a cylinder coupled to the other of the frame and the deck section. The piston assembly includes a piston and a connecting rod. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into an isolated compartment and a non-isolated compartment. The non-isolated compartment has an inlet and an outlet. An outflow check valve resists fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment and admits ambient fluid into the non-isolated compartment. An inflow check valve resists fluid flow into the non-isolated compartment and enables fluid flow out of the non-isolated compartment. A turbine receives fluid which flows out of the non-isolated compartment. An electrical generator is coupled to the turbine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.