US5904172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Valve enclosure assembly
Assignee: Sleep Number Corp
•
Filing: 1997-07-28
•
Granted: 1999-05-18
•
Expires: 2017-07-28
Abstract
Abstract An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress includes at least one air bladder, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle. The improved valve enclosure assembly is fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder. An enclosure defines a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and has at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump. A pressure monitor is operably coupled to the processor and is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder. A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 James Edwin Gifft
- 👤 Paul James Mahoney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:20
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C27/00; A47C27/08; A47C27/081; A47C27/082; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/3584; Y10T137/36; Y10T137/5109; Y10T137/5283; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/87169; Y10T137/87193; Y10T137/87209; Y10T137/87233; Y10T137/87241
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder during an inflate/deflate cycle by monitoring the pressure in the air chamber, and at least one valve being fluidly sealingly disposed in a valve aperture defined in the enclosure by a snap-fit engagement therewith and being in fluid communication with both the exterior of the enclosure and with the air chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder during an inflate/deflate cycle by monitoring the pressure in the air chamber, and at least one valve being fluidly sealingly disposed in a valve aperture defined in the enclosure by a snap-fit engagement therewith and being in fluid communication with both the exterior of the enclosure and with the air chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
160 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, a plurality of guides and stops being disposed within the enclosure for correctly positioning components within the enclosure; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
160 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, a plurality of guides and stops being disposed within the enclosure for correctly positioning components within the enclosure; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 1 further including at least one solenoid operated valve disposed within the enclosure, said plurality of guides and stops for disposing the solenoid with respect to the valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
169 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; at least one valve being disposed within the enclosure, the at least one valve being snap fit in an aperture defined in a wall of the enclosure; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
169 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; at least one valve being disposed within the enclosure, the at least one valve being snap fit in an aperture defined in a wall of the enclosure; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 4 wherein the at least one valve has a circumferential ramped face, said ramped face for compressively engaging a circumferential beveled face of the aperture to effect the snap fit of the at least one valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
178 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear cover portion, a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
178 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear cover portion, a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 1 wherein the enclosure further includes a plurality of lead grooves defined in the enclosure portion proximate the rear cover portion, said lead grooves for passing electrical leads into the enclosure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 7 wherein the flexible seal fluidly seals the lead wires disposed in the lead grooves.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress, comprising the steps of: providing a commanded desired pressure of the bladder; opening a valve fluid coupled to the bladder; continuously monitoring the existing pressure in the bladder at a tap on a valve enclosure assembly; determining the differential between the existing pressure in the bladder and the desired pressure in the bladder; exhausting air from the bladder through the valve when the differential indicates that the existing pressure in the bladder is greater than the desired pressure; energizing a pump fluidly coupled to the valve for providing compressed air to the bladder when the differential indicates that the desired pressure in the bladder is greater than the existing pressure in the bladder to inflate the bladder; and closing said valve when the existing pressure in the bladder substantially equals the desired pressure in the bladder.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress, comprising the steps of: providing a commanded desired pressure of the bladder; opening a valve fluid coupled to the bladder; continuously monitoring the existing pressure in the bladder at a tap on a valve enclosure assembly; determining the differential between the existing pressure in the bladder and the desired pressure in the bladder; exhausting air from the bladder through the valve when the differential indicates that the existing pressure in the bladder is greater than the desired pressure; energizing a pump fluidly coupled to the valve for providing compressed air to the bladder when the differential indicates that the desired pressure in the bladder is greater than the existing pressure in the bladder to inflate the bladder; and closing said valve when the existing pressure in the bladder substantially equals the desired pressure in the bladder.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
203 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder, the at least one valve having a valve housing, pressure monitor means being formed integral with said valve housing; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
203 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder, the at least one valve having a valve housing, pressure monitor means being formed integral with said valve housing; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
223 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder, the at least one valve being fluidly sealingly disposed in a valve aperture defined in the enclosure by a snap-fit engagement therewith and being in fluid communication with both the exterior of the enclosure and with the air chamber; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
223 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder, the at least one valve being fluidly sealingly disposed in a valve aperture defined in the enclosure by a snap-fit engagement therewith and being in fluid communication with both the exterior of the enclosure and with the air chamber; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
202 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, a plurality of guides and stops being disposed within the enclosure for correctly positioning components within the enclosure; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
202 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, a plurality of guides and stops being disposed within the enclosure for correctly positioning components within the enclosure; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 1 further including at least one solenoid operated valve disposed within the enclosure, said plurality of guides and stops for disposing the solenoid with respect to the valve.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
211 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, at least one valve being disposed within the enclosure, the at least one valve being snap fit in an aperture defined in a wall of the enclosure; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
211 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, at least one valve being disposed within the enclosure, the at least one valve being snap fit in an aperture defined in a wall of the enclosure; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
45 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 14 wherein the at least one valve disposed therein has a circumferential ramped face, said ramped face for compressively engaging a circumferential beveled face of the aperture to effect the snap fit of the at least one valve.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
220 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear cover portion, a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
220 words
An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by compressed air, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle, the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising: an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump, the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear cover portion, a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween; at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air bladder; and pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 16 wherein the enclosure further includes a plurality of lead grooves defined in the enclosure portion proximate the rear cover portion, said lead grooves for passing electrical leads into the enclosure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 16 wherein the flexible seal fluidly seals the lead wires disposed in the lead grooves.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-05-17 | 2002-11-16 | 2003-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-05-17 | 2006-11-16 | 2007-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-05-17 | 2010-11-16 | 2011-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |