US4722105A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid support systems
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-09-02
•
Granted: 1988-02-02
•
Expires: 2006-09-02
Abstract
Abstract An air support system suitable as a hospital bed comprises a plurality of contiguous, inflatable cells 2. A blower 25 supplies inflation air to the cells. The blower 25 is driven by an electric motor 26 and solenoid valves 29, 50 operate automatically, in the event of electrical power failure, to seal-off inflation air present in the cells. Three-position spool valves 72-74 each operate to direct the flow of cell inflation air through a selected one of three alternative paths.
Inventors
- 👤 Owen Douglas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G7/00; A61G7/05; A61G7/057; A61G7/05769; A61G7/05776
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A fluid support system comprising a plurality of inflatable cells, blower means for supplying pressurised inflation fluid to the cells, electrically-powered drive means for driving the blower means, connectable to a source of electrical power, and valve means operable automatically, in the event of failure of the supply of electrical power, to seal-off inflation fluid present in the cells.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
A fluid support system comprising a plurality of inflatable cells, blower means for supplying pressurised inflation fluid to the cells, electrically-powered drive means for driving the blower means, connectable to a source of electrical power, and valve means operable automatically, in the event of failure of the supply of electrical power, to seal-off inflation fluid present in the cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrically-controlled valve means comprise solenoid-operated valve means biased towards closed positions, and held open by electrical energisation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising three-position valve means operable to direct the flow of inflation fluid through three alternative paths.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the three-position valve means comprise spool valve means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first flow path comprises a connection between the blower means and the inflatable cells, the second flow path comprises a connection between the inflatable cells and the atmosphere, and the third flow path comprises a combination of the first and second flow paths.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cells each have an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion of the cells being contiguous when inflated, wherein the upper portion of a cell defines a plurality of part-circular convexities.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the convexities are disposed in stages, one stage being superimposed on another.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the upper portion of a cell defines a single convexity superimposed on at least one convexity of annular form.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cells form groups, each of which is connected to a plenum chamber, the internal volume of the plenum chamber being substantially less than the total internal volume of the group of cells connected thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plenum chambers are movable relative to each other in an articulated manner.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cells each have an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portions being contiguous when the cells are inflated, and means for changing fluid present between the cells.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising main duct connections between the blower means and atmosphere and branch duct connections between the main duct connections and the inflatable cells.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cells form groups, each of which is connected to a plenum chamber so as to be inflated therefrom, inflation fluid connections being provided between the blower means and the plenum chambers, and between the plenum chambers and atmosphere.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3822425A
Cited
GB1545806A
Cited
US4279044A
Cited
US4525885A
Cited
GB2141333A
Cited
US4638519A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-02-01 | 1991-08-03 | 1992-02-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-02-01 | 1995-08-03 | 1996-02-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-02-01 | 1999-08-03 | 2000-02-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |