Air-bearing patient transfer system
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- disposing a patient on an air-bearing support having first and second longitudinal sections attached along a selectively engaged seam, and further comprising;
a port in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, the port configured for inflation of the air-bearing support for transfer of the patient on a top surface thereof;
a plurality of flow apertures disposed on a bottom surface of the air-bearing support, the flow apertures configured for airflow from an interior of the air-bearing support during the transfer; and
the selectively engaged seam extending between the first and second longitudinal sections from a proximal end of the air-bearing support toward a distal end of the air-bearing support;
inflating the air-bearing support via the port in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, wherein the selectively engaged seam is configured to maintain attachment of the longitudinal sections for transfer of the patient on the top surface of the air-bearing support;
transferring the patient across one or more surfaces at least partially supported by airflow directed through the plurality of flow apertures on the bottom surface of the air-bearing support, opposite the top surface;
detaching the longitudinal sections at the proximal end of the air-bearing support;
separating the longitudinal sections along the selectively engaged seam from the proximal end toward the distal end of the air-bearing support; and
removing the longitudinal sections to opposing sides of the patient, absent further manipulation thereof.
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Abstract
A transfer system includes an air-bearing support with first and second longitudinal sections. A port is provided in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, and configured for inflation of the air-bearing support for transfer of a patient or other body. A selective coupling extends between the first and second longitudinal sections, adapted to attach the first and second sections together for transfer of the body on the air-bearing support, and to at least partially detach the first and second longitudinal sections for separation and removal, e.g., upon deflation of the patient support, after the transfer is accomplished.
26 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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disposing a patient on an air-bearing support having first and second longitudinal sections attached along a selectively engaged seam, and further comprising; a port in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, the port configured for inflation of the air-bearing support for transfer of the patient on a top surface thereof; a plurality of flow apertures disposed on a bottom surface of the air-bearing support, the flow apertures configured for airflow from an interior of the air-bearing support during the transfer; and the selectively engaged seam extending between the first and second longitudinal sections from a proximal end of the air-bearing support toward a distal end of the air-bearing support; inflating the air-bearing support via the port in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, wherein the selectively engaged seam is configured to maintain attachment of the longitudinal sections for transfer of the patient on the top surface of the air-bearing support; transferring the patient across one or more surfaces at least partially supported by airflow directed through the plurality of flow apertures on the bottom surface of the air-bearing support, opposite the top surface; detaching the longitudinal sections at the proximal end of the air-bearing support; separating the longitudinal sections along the selectively engaged seam from the proximal end toward the distal end of the air-bearing support; and removing the longitudinal sections to opposing sides of the patient, absent further manipulation thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method comprising:
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disposing a patient on an air-bearing support having first and second longitudinal sections attached along a selectively engaged seam, and further comprising; a port in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, the port configured for inflation of the air-bearing support for transfer of the patient on a top surface thereof; a plurality of flow apertures disposed on a bottom surface of the air-bearing support, the flow apertures configured for airflow from an interior of the air-bearing support during the transfer; and the selectively engaged seam extending between the first and second longitudinal sections from a proximal end of the air-bearing support toward a distal end of the air-bearing support; inflating the air-bearing support via the port in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, wherein the selectively engaged seam is configured to maintain attachment of the longitudinal sections for transfer of the patient on the top surface of the air-bearing support; transferring the patient across one or more surfaces at least partially supported by airflow directed through the plurality of flow apertures on the bottom surface of the air-bearing support, opposite the top surface; deflating the air-bearing support; detaching the longitudinal sections at the proximal end of the air-bearing support; separating the longitudinal sections along the selectively engaged seam from the proximal end toward the distal end of the air-bearing support; and removing the longitudinal sections to opposing sides of the patient without rolling the patient to one side or another. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification