Inflatable support
First Claim
1. A method for inflating a patient support pad having inflatable cells therein, the method including the steps of:
- a. providing fluid to the cells of the pad, each cell having successive inflation/deflation cycles wherein each cycle includes;
(1) a period over which fluid is supplied to the cell, and(2) a period over which fluid is released from the cell,with the successive inflation/deflation cycles;
i. defining a supply frequency, andii. being out of phase between different cells;
b. accumulating a count of a number of pressure changes in the pad which are representative of successive movements of the patient on the pad, the count being accumulated over at least the period over which fluid is supplied to the pad;
c. adjusting the supply frequency in response to both;
(1) the number of pressure changes representative of patient movements, and(2) the time over which the number of pressure changes representative of patient movements occur.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An alternating pad comprises a first set and a second set of alternately inflatable cells. Both sets of inflatable cells are supplied with air from a pump via a rotary valve. A sensor is positioned under the pad to receive pressure exerted by a patient upon movement and to be compressible relative to the applied pressure. Any change in patient position or movement will cause an alteration in the airflow in the sensor pad tube and will reduce or increase the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer. Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump and increases or decreases the air flow to the cells to alter the amplitude of the cells and also controls the timing of the rotary valve to change the timing of the inflation and deflation cycle.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for inflating a patient support pad having inflatable cells therein, the method including the steps of:
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a. providing fluid to the cells of the pad, each cell having successive inflation/deflation cycles wherein each cycle includes; (1) a period over which fluid is supplied to the cell, and (2) a period over which fluid is released from the cell, with the successive inflation/deflation cycles; i. defining a supply frequency, and ii. being out of phase between different cells; b. accumulating a count of a number of pressure changes in the pad which are representative of successive movements of the patient on the pad, the count being accumulated over at least the period over which fluid is supplied to the pad; c. adjusting the supply frequency in response to both; (1) the number of pressure changes representative of patient movements, and (2) the time over which the number of pressure changes representative of patient movements occur. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for inflating an inflatable patient support pad, the pad having inflatable cells therein, the method including the steps of:
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a. cyclically inflating and deflating the cells at a supply frequency, wherein different cells are inflated at different times; b. measuring the rate of patient movement atop the cells; and c. adjusting the supply frequency in response to the measured rate of patient movement. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification