Abstract: Optical polishing pitch formulations include synthetic polymers or other synthetic resins. As alternatives to traditional optical pitches, these materials offer improved stability in use, storage, and processing. In addition, these pitch compositions may be masterbatched and manufactured with precision to ensure superior reproducibility and quality control in polishing performance.

Abstract: Optical polishing pitch formulations include synthetic polymers or other synthetic resins. As alternatives to traditional optical pitches, these materials offer improved stability in use, storage, and processing. In addition, these pitch compositions may be masterbatched and manufactured with precision to ensure superior reproducibility and quality control in polishing performance.

Abstract: Soft thermoplastic elastomer articles in the form of spirally wound packages of tape, film, or sheet is disclosed. Packaging in this form enables use of extremely soft thermoplastic elastomers in a wide range of industrial, medical, and general consumer applications where conformable adherent materials are needed. Specifically, spirally wound packages of soft (under Shore A 28) thermoplastic elastomers are particularly valuable for application as grip wraps, anti-skid overlays, padding, elastic banding, and a wide variety of other uses requiring adherent or elastic materials. Beyond articles of manufacture, the invention provides manufacturing processes enabling production of extremely soft wound packages of thermoplastic elastomers in a practical framework.

Abstract: A fluidization level sensor and controller for use in a fluidized patient support surface has a controller coupled to a sensor and a compressor. The patient support surface contains a mass of granular particles housed in frame walls and supported by a diffuser. The compressor forces a fluid, typically air, into a plenum chamber and through the diffuser. The fluid flows through the mass of granular particles, causing the mass of granular particles to fluidize, and exits through a fluid permeable sheet. The fluidization level sensor produces an output signal proportional to the fluidization level of the mass of granular particles, and provides this output signal to the controller. The controller generates a compressor control signal in response to the output of fluidization level sensor, which in turn adjusts the compressor to maintain a substantially constant fluidization level.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for determining perfusion capacity in a region of a patient's skin and underlying tissue utilizing a thermoelectric device to create a temperature differential, a sensor for measuring the temperature differential, a controller coupled to the sensor and the thermoelectric device for maintaining the temperature differential substantially constant by providing electrical energy to the thermoelectric device, and measuring the electrical energy provided to the thermoelectric device when the thermoelectric device is positioned adjacent the region of the patient's skin to indicate perfusion capacity.

Abstract: A fluidization level sensor and controller for use in a fluidized patient support surface has a controller coupled to a sensor and a compressor. The patient support surface contains a mass of granular particles housed in frame walls and supported by a diffuser. The compressor forces a fluid, typically air, into a plenum chamber and through the diffuser. The fluid flows through the mass of granular particles, causing the mass of granular particles to fluidize, and exits through a fluid permeable sheet. The fluidization level sensor produces an output signal proportional to the fluidization level of the mass of granular particles, and provides this output signal to the controller. The controller generates a compressor control signal in response to the output of fluidization level sensor, which in turn adjusts the compressor to maintain a substantially constant fluidization level.

Abstract: A fluidization level sensor and controller for use in a fluidized patient support surface has a controller coupled to a sensor and a compressor. The patient support surface contains a mass of granular particles housed in frame walls and supported by a diffuser. The compressor forces a fluid, typically air, into a plenum chamber and through the diffuser. The fluid flows through the mass of granular particles, causing the mass of granular particles to fluidize, and exits through a fluid permeable sheet. The fluidization level sensor produces an output signal proportional to the fluidization level of the mass of granular particles, and provides this output signal to the controller. The controller generates a compressor control signal in response to the output of fluidization level sensor, which in turn adjusts the compressor to maintain a substantially constant fluidization level.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating perfusion adjacent a skin surface includes a housing having first an second interior regions. The housing is configured to engage the skin surface. The apparatus also includes a plunger located in the first region of the housing for applying pressure to a first zone of the skin surface, a vacuum connection coupled to the second region of the housing to permit suction to be applied to the second region of the housing and to a second zone of the skin surface, a first temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the first zone of the skin surface, a second temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the second zone of the skin surface, and a processor circuit coupled to the first and second temperature sensors for determining a differential temperature between the first and second zones of the skin surface to provide an indication of perfusion adjacent the skin surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating perfusion adjacent a skin surface includes a housing having first and second interior regions. The housing is configured to engage the skin surface. The apparatus also includes a plunger located in the first region of the housing for applying pressure to a first zone of the skin surface, a vacuum connection coupled to the second region of the housing to permit suction to be applied to the second region of the housing and to a second zone of the skin surface, a first temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the first zone of the skin surface, a second temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the second zone of the skin surface, and a processor circuit coupled to the first and second temperature sensors for determining a differential temperature between the first and second zones of the skin surface to provide an indication of perfusion adjacent the skin surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating perfusion adjacent a skin surface includes the steps of measuring a reference rate of perfusion of the skin surface, storing the reference rate of perfusion, and applying a positive force to the skin surface. The apparatus and method also includes the steps of measuring a second rate of perfusion adjacent the skin surface after the positive force is applied, and calculating a differential rate of perfusion between the reference rate of perfusion and the second rate of perfusion after positive force is applied to provide an indication of perfusion adjacent the skin surface. The apparatus and method further includes the step of displaying the indication of perfusion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.

Abstract: A proportional flow control valve is provided for use with low air loss patient support systems. The valve includes a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet defined therein with a valve passage defined through the housing between the inlet and outlet. A chamber is defined in the housing, the chamber further including a nipple cavity defined in the bottom thereof and a cam stop extending from the bottom into the chamber. A valve spool is rotatably disposed within the chamber. The valve spool includes an alignment nipple fitting into the nipple cavity and a cam defined on the bottom thereof through a predetermined rotational arc. The cam and cam stop cooperate to limit the rotational arc of the valve spool within the chamber. A proportional flow control groove is defined in the valve spool. The flow control groove establishes linear air flow through the valve depending on the angular displacement of the spool within the chamber.

Abstract: A multi-modal patient support system is provided having the capability of switching from any one of at least three modes of operation, particularly a first constant pressure mode, a second pulsation, and a third turning mode. A plurality of like inflatable sacs are provided supported upon a rigid support member. The inflatable sacs comprise at least two internal chambers. In the first static mode, the inflatable sacs are maintained at a relatively constant predetermined pressure. In the second pulsation mode, at least two sets of inflatable sacs are inflated and deflated in at least two separate and opposite patterns of pressurization so as to provide alternating pressure point relief to a patient resting upon the sacs. In the third turning mode, generally opposite disposed portions of the inflatable sacs are alternately inflated and deflated so that a patient resting upon the sacs can be automatically tilted from side to side.

Abstract: A method for controlling the blower that supplies gas to the gas sacks of a patient support system uses a blower control circuit, a microprocessor, and a pressure sensor. The blower control circuit controls the power that is supplied to operate the blower. The microprocessor activates the blower control circuit with a control signal that causes the control circuit to supply power to the blower. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the gas exiting the blower and supplies a signal indicative of this pressure, to the microprocessor. The microprocessor stores the measured pressure signal and calculates a reference pressure for the blower. The microprocessor compares the reference pressure to the measured pressure and determines any discrepancy resulting from this comparison. The microprocessor sends a signal to the blower control circuit, wherein the signal is indicative of the discrepancy from the compared pressure and the reference pressure of the blower.

Abstract: A modular construction, low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks, a microprocessor, a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The system includes a modular manifold for mounting the pressure control valves, and a modular support member for mounting the sacks via quick-disconnect couplings and having air flow channels defined therethrough. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient. The support system permits practicing the method of relieving pressure points between the patient and the sacks while elevating the head and chest of the patient.

Abstract: A method for turning a bed ridden patient uses a low air loss patient support system that includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. A restrictive flow hole connects two adjacent chambers disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack, and each side is separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocess and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient that depressurizes one side of the sacks while increasing the pressurization of the opposite side of the sacks.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling is provided for connecting inflatable sacks to a modular support member which supplies air to such sacks. The coupling includes an attachment grommet, a pull tab disposed against the exterior of the sack in the vicinity of the air entrance opening of the sack, an elongated connection fitting, an elongated coupling and a retainer ring. A poppet can be slidably disposed in a coupling cylinder of a connection fitting, and a spring can be provided and disposed to bias the poppet toward a position to seal the coupling entrance.

Abstract: A low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. Two adjacent chambers, one disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack and the other predominately to the opposite side of the centerline of the sack, are separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocessor and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The support system effects a method for relieving the pressure points between a patient and the sacks initially maintained at a first pressure profile. The method includes elevating at least a portion of the patient from zero to 30 degrees above the horizontal.

Abstract: A bimodal system for pressurizing a low air loss patient support having a plurality of inflatable sacks, each sack being subdivided into at least two separate air tight chambers. The system includes a source of pressurized air such as an air blower. The system also includes at least two pressure control valves, each valve having an input communicating with the source of pressurized air. The system further includes at least one flow diverter valve having a pair of inlets and a pair of outlets. One of the pressure control valves communicates with one of the diverter valve inlets via the output of the pressure control valve. The second pressure control valve also communicates with the other of the inlets of the diverter valve via the output of the second pressure control valve. The flow diverter valve has a pair of pathways which connect between the inlets and the outlets.