Dual mode patient support system
US4942635A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G2203/34
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material and a surface formed by a plurality of inflatable sacks disposed on an articulatable member. The two surfaces are disposed end to end so that the inflatable sacks support the head, chest and upper torso of the patient, and the fluidized material supports the buttocks, legs and feet of the patient. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the elastic wall, and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing. A microprocessor controls actuation of the various valves and the blo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.