Huntleigh Technology Limited

Simon Michael Roff

Jan Huyser

Christopher Rowe

Rhys Edward Davies

Bob Hibberdine

An alternating pressure pad () comprises inflatable cells () supplied with air by supply lines () from a compressor () via supply line (). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line () is an angle detection valve () restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve () results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller () uses the pressure transducer () to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells () accordingly. The angle detection valve () is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.

Angle detection and control

A pump supplies pressurized air to inflate compression garments, mattresses, cushions, or similar at the desired times and to desired pressures appropriate to the therapy. The garments are each identified by small steps generated in the pressure waveform during inflation, with the identifying means including a flat sheet valve in the connector chamber having vents to atmosphere and being situated along the flow path from the pump to the garment(s). As the air flows through the connection tubing and through the connector a pressure wave is generated by the valve and fed back upstream to a pressure sensor in the pump. The shape of the pressure waveform identifies a particular compression garment, the pump supplying the appropriate inflation regime upon detection of this pressure waveform.

Identification means

An alternating pad comprises a first set and a second set of alternately inflatable cells. Both sets of inflatable cells are supplied with air from a pump via a rotary valve. A sensor is positioned under the pad to receive pressure exerted by a patient upon movement and to be compressible relative to the applied pressure. Any change in patient position or movement will cause an alteration in the airflow in the sensor pad tube and will reduce or increase the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer. Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump and increases or decreases the air flow to the cells to alter the amplitude of the cells and also controls the timing of the rotary valve to change the timing of the inflation and deflation cycle.

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Dunstable, United Kingdom

Simon Michael Roff