Huntleigh Technology Limited

Daniel Kemp

Paul William Chapman

Anthony George Smith

Geoffrey Dennis Angel

Jane Harbige

A pressure pad has two sets of cells with a sensor pad positioned under the pad. During inflation, part of the flow goes to the sensor pad to exhaust and the rest fills the cells. Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube will alter the differential pressure measured at a pressure transducer. Based on this feedback a microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump, thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head, and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure, and the torso section at a higher pressure. A control module to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad. The pressure pad can be an alternating or static pad.

Inflatable support

A support surface includes a series of inflatable cells inflated alternately by a compressor . The cells are exhausted via an exhaust port having a restrictor of known diameter. A pressure transducer measures the cell pressure. Some of the cells during their deflating/inflating cycle are exhausted through the exhaust port and the cell pressure decay over a time is monitored. A microprocessor calculates the mathematical function related to the cell pressure decay with time, compares the value with compiled data and adjusts the output of the compressor accordingly. The sequence of exhausting via a port is repeated at every inflation/deflation cycle and the pressure decay monitored and compared with the known data and the compressor output adjusted automatically to provide a new operating pressure. Therefore, any change in the person's position, e.g., supine, to side or sitting are accommodated by the cell pressure automatically being adjusted to prevent bottoming or high interface pressures.

A pressure control system for controlling pressure in a fluid system includes a compressor for producing pressurized fluid coupled to a rotor valve, a pressure controller, and a visual low-pressure indicator. A manifold directly supports the valve and has, integrated within, the pressure controller, the low-pressure indicator, and the output connections. The pressure controller includes a plunger and a spring communicating with the fluid system. The pressurized fluid acts against the plunger and the spring, and excess fluid is discharged when pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The low-pressure indicator includes a diaphragm movable away from a transparent window, providing a visual indication of the pressure within the system. The manifold assembly provides connectors for supplying fluid to the system.

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Enfield, United Kingdom

Daniel Kemp