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Controllably inflatable cushion

  • US 4,864,671 A
  • Filed: 03/28/1988
  • Issued: 09/12/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A controllably inflatable device, comprising:

  • A. a cushion which includes;

    (i) a plurality of zones of independently inflatable cells;

    (ii) a web connected to, supporting and sealing each of the cells;

    (iii) for each zone of cells, a passageway in the web which communicates with each cell in the zone to inflate the cells in the zone; and

    (iv) an aeration manifold attached to the web comprising a plurality of tubular aeration ducts, each duct located between cells, closed at one end and penetrated by a plurality of holes; and

    a common tubular duct connected to and communicating with the open end of each aeration duct;

    B. a plurality of valves, each valve corresponding to at least one zone of cells and including;

    (i) an intake port for receiving pressurized air from a pump;

    (ii) a pressure port for supplying pressurized air to the valve'"'"'s corresponding zone of cells;

    (iii) an exhaust port for supplying exhaust air to the aeration manifold;

    (iv) gate means for controlling opening and closure of each of the ports; and

    (v) actuation means connected to the gate means for actuating the gate means;

    C. a pump for supplying pressurized air to the valves;

    D. a plurality of tubular pressurization conduits, each connecting a pressure port of a valve to the valve'"'"'s corresponding cell zone passageway;

    E. at least one tubular intake conduit connecting the pump to the intake ports of the valves;

    F. at least one tubular exhaust conduit connecting the exhaust ports of the valves to the common duct of the aeration manifold;

    G. microprocessor means electrically connected to the actuation means of each valve and to the pump for controlling operation of each valve and the pump;

    H. a power supply connected to the pump, the actuation means of the valves and the microprocessor means.

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