Modular low air loss patient support system and methods for automatic patient turning and pressure point relief
US4949414A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G2203/34
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. A restrictive flow hole connects two adjacent chambers disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack, and each side is separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocessor and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The system includes a modular manifold for mounting the pressure control valves, and a modular support member for mounting the sacks via quick-disconnect couplings and having air flow channels defined therethrough. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient that depressurizes one side of the sacks while increasing the pressurization of the opposite side of the sacks. The end chamber of the depressurizing side of the sacks remains inflated while the intermediate chamber of the depressurizing side of the sacks becomes progressively deflated during depressurization to permit the end chamber to restrain the patient from sliding off the sacks during til…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.