Abstract:
An alternating pressure pad which comprises at least two sets (1, 2) of inflatable cells, an air supply line (7a, 7b) to each set, a pump (8) to circulate pressurised air through a circuit including the sets of cells and to return air from the cells to the pump, valve means (6) for alternately causing inflation and deflation of each set, a sensor pad (3) in said circuit through which pressurised air is passed and detecting means (17) for detecting a reduction in air flow through the sensor pad which is below a predetermined level and for increasing air pressure in said sets of cells to restore the air flow above said predetermined level.
Abstract:
An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.
Abstract:
The invention relates to alternating pressure pads for use as mattresses or cushions and, in particular, provides an improved cover for the inflatable cells forming the pressure pad. In one aspect, the cover has a top cover sheet and a depending side flap portion, the inflatable cells being attached to the flap portion by attachment means, either directly or via an upstanding wall portion of a base sheet, the top cover sheet having a portion which masks the attachment means. The invention also includes a quick release connector for an air supply to an inflatable mattress, which comprises releasably engageable male and female connector parts, the female part having a socket terminating in an end wall bounding the entrance to the socket; the male part including a projection to be received in the socket, a handle linked to a cam, the handle being pivotably mounted on the outside of the male part adjacent to the end wall when the parts are engaged, the handle being arranged so that pivotal movement of the handle biases the cam part against the end wall of the projection in the socket and permits separation of the connector parts.
Abstract:
A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required. The overall mattress assembly, including the control systems and the methodologies associated with such control systems, provide a unique approach to the maintenance of a consistently comfortable patient support surface. The use of a handheld unit for both programming the system and downloading information about the operation of the system is also anticipated. The specific cushion construction designs associated with the head, body, and foot cushion components of the mattress are tailored to operate specifically with the control capabilities (sensors and air flow regulators) of the invention.
Abstract:
A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required. The overall mattress assembly, including the control systems and the methodologies associated with such control systems, provide a unique approach to the maintenance of a consistently comfortable patient support surface. The use of a handheld unit for both programming the system and downloading information about the operation of the system is also anticipated. The specific cushion construction designs associated with the head, body, and foot cushion components of the mattress are tailored to operate specifically with the control capabilities (sensors and air flow regulators) of the invention.
Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for making a pile fabric wherein each of a row of side-by-side pile-forming lengths (24) of filamentary material severed from a supply and a colour determined by jacquard controlled lifter strips (20) is drawn by a gripper (16) through aligned eyes (14a, 15a; 14b, 15b) of respective needles (13a, 13b) penetrating a backing sheet (10). The gripper (16) is then opened and the needles are retracted simultaneously with each other to draw end portions of the length (24) through the backing sheet to form tufts.
Abstract:
An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.