The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 07, 2015
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2013
Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI (US);
Geoffrey L. Taylor, Winnipeg, CA;
Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI (US);
Abstract
A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.