Method and apparatus for supporting and for supplying therapy to a patient

US5983429A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Richard B. Stacy · Batesville, US
• Craig D. Ellis · Charleston, US
• Barry D. Hand · Mount Pleasant, US
• James M. C. Thomas · Fairfax, US
• Kenith W. Chambers · Charleston, US
• Stephen E. Glover · Charleston, US
• Richard I. Barnett · Georgetown, US
• Paul B. King · Pittsburgh, US
• Ryszard S. Ozarowski · Marietta, US
• William T. Sutton · Charleston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 1998
• Grant date: Nov 16, 1999
• Expiry date: Sep 23, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S5/915
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.