Inflatable decubitis mat with vent structures controlled by heat sensors
First Claim
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1. A mat comprising:
- an array of individual, air filled bladdersa means responsive to body heat for adjusting contact pressure individually in the bladders, the heat responsive means including;
a heat sensor and vent structure mounted on an exposed surface of each bladder, said heat sensor adapted to alter the volume of air escaping through said vent structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A decubitis mat includes a plurality of individual cells (16 which are pressurized by air. A polymer sensor/vent structure (20) is mounted on the top surface of each cell and defines a plurality of polymer filled channels (28) and a vent valve (26) which is biased to a closed position. As a body resting on the mat heats the polymer, it undergoes a phase change an expands, causing biasing forces (30) which bias the vent valve to open, permitting air in the cell to be released providing air flow to the body.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A mat comprising:
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an array of individual, air filled bladders a means responsive to body heat for adjusting contact pressure individually in the bladders, the heat responsive means including; a heat sensor and vent structure mounted on an exposed surface of each bladder, said heat sensor adapted to alter the volume of air escaping through said vent structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of supporting a subject while reducing a potential for pressure ulcers, the method comprising:
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supporting the subject on a plurality of air bladders; pressurizing each of the air bladders; sensing a temperature at a potential contact point on each bladder; and
,responsive to the sensed temperature, adjusting a pressure in each bladder, inculding venting the bladders, the venting providing an air flow from the bladders along an underside of the subject to reduce pooled moisture. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification