Abstract: A hoist pivotally connecting mast 1 to lifting arm 2, by a mechanism comprising a link 5 pivoting about a fixed pivot 8 on the mast 1 and a moving pivot 6 on the lifting arm 2. A restraining link 9 between a pivot 10 on the mast 1 and actuator attachment point 11 on the lifting arm 2 restricts the movement of link 5. The second link 9 acts as a stabilizer allowing the pivot 11 on the lifting arm 2 to move only through a set arc, determined by the length of the link 9 and the position of the pivot 10 on the mast 1. With the moving pivot according to the invention, the spreader bar attachment point 7 has a greater traveling distance than if it were simply pivoted about pivot 8 as with conventional hoists.

Abstract: The inductive coupling for transferring electrical energy to or from a transducer and measuring circuit, consists of a male connector part (2) and a female connector part (10). The male part (2), includes a single layer solenoid (7) wound on a ferromagnetic rod (6), the ends of the solenoid (5a and 5b) connected to conductors (3a and 3b) connected to an ultrasound probe (not shown) via cable (1). The female part (10) includes a single layer solenoid (11). The ends of solenoid (11) are brought out to terminals (13a and 13b) to facilitate electrical connection to the ultrasound drive electronics (not shown). The coupling provides a simple sealed signal connection between the cable connected with the transducer and the measuring circuit electronics without the disadvantages of having exposed contact surfaces. The cable connector can be replaced if desired.

Abstract: An alternating pad consisting of transverse inflatable cells (1 and 2) alternately inflated and deflated. An internal cell (5) is provided at the outermost edges of each transverse cell (1,2). The internal cell (5) is constantly inflated at a higher pressure than the traverse cells (1, 2). The internal cell (5) is at a lower height than the cells (1,2) and preferably of a chamfered shape to provide optimum pressure relief across the whole surface of the pad. The internal cell (5) provides stable patient exit, entry or transfer from a bed or seat.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system for an electromagnetic pump having an electromagnetic drive (11) and a compressor (6). The control system established a required current in the compressor coils (10) to control the position and movement of the actuator (11), the actuator deflecting a diaphragm within the pump to provide the required flow. The control system includes a command signal generator (1) to create a signal representing the required flow. The signal is applied to a command processor (2) with any feedback signals (13) for example, coil current and/or actuator displacement. The command processor (2) calculates the appropriate drive signal defined by mark-space ratio, repetition rate, and amplitude. The drive signal controls the voltage supplied to the compressor coils (11) resulting in a required coil current to provide the desired flow. A dc power supply is used to avoid problems regarding main power supply and frequency.

Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment (21) connected to a pump (20) by connectors (12 and 11), respectively. The connector (12) attached to the garment (21) carries an RFID transponder (30) and a corresponding radio circuit (31) is located within the pump (20). In use, the transponder (30) transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit (31). The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle, duration of treatment, etc.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A compression sleeve (1) comprises two sheets of laminated materials welded to form a number of airtight chambers (P1, P2 and P3) between the two layers. Restrictors (5 and 6) interconnect the chambers (P1, P2 and P3). Chambers (P2 and P3) also have orifices (8 and 9) of a predetermined size for exhaust of air to atmosphere. Chamber (P1) is provided with a conduit (14) connecting chamber (P1) to the pump (2). Compressed air is supplied to chamber (P1) by conduit (14). The compressed air inflates the subsequent chambers (P2, P3) through restrictors (5 and 6), giving a sequential rise in pressure to each chamber (P2 and P3). The orifices (8 and 9) to atmosphere, control the leak rate out of each chamber (P2, P3) and are sized to give a predetermined pressure gradient between chambers (P1, P2, P3). The pressure is lower in the successive chambers (P1, P2 and P3), varying the pressure from ankle to calf to thigh.

Abstract: A hoist pivotally connecting mast 1 to lifting arm 2, by a mechanism comprising a link 5 pivoting about a fixed pivot 8 on the mast 1 and a moving pivot 6 on the lifting arm 2. A restraining link 9 between a pivot 10 on the mast 1 and actuator attachment point 11 on the lifting arm 2 restricts the movement of link 5. The second link 9 acts as a stabilizer allowing the pivot 11 on the lifting arm 2 to move only through a set arc, determined by the length of the link 9 and the position of the pivot 10 on the mast 1. With the moving pivot according to the invention, the spreader bar attachment point 7 has a greater traveling distance than if it were simply pivoted about pivot 8 as with conventional hoists.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: A connector (1) connects an air-inflatable mattress (4) with alternately inflatable cells (11, 12) to a pump. Air-supply lines (13, 14) from the pump are attached to male parts (2) of connector (1). Air-supply lines (15, 16) from mattress (4) connect to passages (17, 18) of female parts (3) of the connector (1). When the male parts (2) and the female parts (3) are engaged, supply lines (13, 14) are in fluid communication with fluid lines (15, 16) via passages (17, 18) in the female part (3). When the male parts (2) are removed from the connector (1) to disconnect the air supply, one-way valves (7) seal the air-supply lines (13, 14) and expose a cross-connect port (8) in interconnecting the female part passages (17, 18). Thus cells (11, 12) are interconnected and the pressure is equalized throuthout the mattress (4). The invention provides a self-sealing automatic transport mode connection system upon disengagement of the male parts (2) from the mattress (4), thus eliminating user error.

Abstract: A support surface 10 includes a series of inflatable cells 30, 40 inflated alternately by a compressor 11. The cells 30, 40 are exhausted via an exhaust port 50 having a restrictor 60 of known diameter. A pressure transducer 70 measures the cell 30, 40 pressure. Some of the cells 30, 40 during their deflating/inflating cycle are exhausted through the exhaust port 50 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 50 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.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad including at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: A skin evaluation apparatus and method for rapidly assessing the degree of erythema of the skin and the skin's response to blanching. The apparatus includes a housing comprising a probe head having an emitter and sensor and a blanching edge. The emitter consists of bundles of optical fibers by means of which light from LEDs is delivered to and recovered from the skin. In use, the probe head is held flush with the skin surface causing the blanching edge to indent a fixed area of skin causing a local blanche. As the probe head is moved, the blanching edge slides along the skin surface evacuating blood as it moves. During the blanche, the LEDs are switched on and the scattered signal collected using a photodiode. A processor measures the attenuation of scattered light and gives a display of blood content against time, providing an indication of the blood circulation in that area.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame (10) supporting radius arms (15) on either side. The radius arms (15) support an upper frame (20), via cross tubes (16). Linear actuators (30, 31) act on the cross tubes (16) to raise, lower or tilt the upper frame (20). Further linear actuators (32, 33) are provided to profile platform sections (41, 42, 43). The actuators, their control systems, power and other functions e.g. patient weighing, air pumps, lights are all mounted centrally on the upper frame and housed within a single housing located almost entirely within the upper frame. The location of the actuators and housing provide a very low minimum height of the patient support apparatus, the single housing eliminating trailing cables and wires and ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.