Patent · US Expired

Rotary valve

US6571825B2 · kind B2 · utility

37Cited by
3References
12Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 25, 2001
Grant dateJun 3, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 25, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/87909
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A rotary valve for use in controlling an air supply to an inflatable patient support system, especially an alternating pressure mattress. The rotary valve comprises a body member having a planar surface and at least two apertures for communication with cells or sets of cells in the patient support system. A further aperture is provided for connection to a pressurized air source and an actuator member is rotatable in face to face contact with the planar surface. The actuator has a recessed portion which forms an air supply chamber when in contact with the planar surface. The valve further comprises a drive for rotating the actuator with respect to the first member and a detector for detecting the position of the actuator relative to the body member and, in conjunction with a control for controlling the timing and duration of air supply to the cells or sets of cells.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.