Cushion immersion sensor

• US 20050200489A1
• Filed: 02/24/2005
• Published: 09/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Roho Incorporated (Permobil Holding AB)
• Original Assignee: Roho Incorporated (Permobil Holding AB)
• Inventors: Parsons, David, Sloop, David J.
• Application Number:
  US11/064,534
• Publication Number:
  US 20050200489A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.700
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1036 Measuring load distribution, e.g. podologic studies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/447 specially adapted for aiding the prevention of ulcer or pressure sore development, i.e. before the ulcer or sore has developed
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/36 for motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/40 for distance
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05769 with inflatable chambers

Abstract

A sensor for an inflatable cushion, the sensor including a base with a conductive area in an appropriate configuration relative to the area of the patient'"'"'s anatomy positioned on the cushion. The conductive area of the base can be optimally configured to correspond to the bony prominences of the buttocks or ischia position on an air cell cushion. There are electrodes connected to the conductive area that generate an electromagnetic field of a predetermined configuration. A disturbance of the electromagnetic field created by a change in position of the patient is transmitted to an indicator so that an observer can determine if the patient is appropriately immersed in the cushion.

Claims

1. A sensor for positioning under a cushion or mattress, comprising:

a base having a conductive area in an appropriate configuration relative to an area of a user'"'"'s anatomy that will be contacting the cushion or mattress;

electrodes connected to the conductive area capable of generating an electromagnetic field of a predetermined configuration; and

an indicator apparatus;

wherein a disturbance of the electromagnetic field is transmitted to the indicator apparatus so as to indicate if the user is appropriately immersed in the cushion.

2. The sensor of claim 1 wherein the conductive area of the base is configured to correspond to the bony prominences of the buttocks of the user.

3. A sensor for positioning under a cushion or mattress comprising means for generating a predetermined electromagnetic field and means for determining changes or alterations in the field caused by the positioning of a subject on the cushion or mattress.