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: 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 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: 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: An accident and emergency trolley supports and transports a patient, and includes a surface overlying an upper frame which is supported on a base frame in order to be raised and lowered relative to the base frame. The upper frame is mounted at its periphery on opposed radius arms connected to respective first and second actuators, which are operated by foot-operated pedals. The pedals are disposed on one or either side of the trolley such that operation of any single pedal enables the trolley to be raised at either end or both ends simultaneously. The opposed radius arms provide an uninterrupted window under the trolley allowing for X-ray/imaging.

Abstract: An inflatable seating pad (10) consists of a hand operated pump (12) integrated within the top surface to inflate the pad with air. The pad (10) has a shut-off connector (6) at one corner which locates and is connected to a pressure relief valve (8). In use, the pad (10) is inflated by pushing upon the hand operated pump (12) to over inflate the pad. The shut-off connector (6) maintains the pressure in the pad (10). To set the pressure to a desired pressure the user actuates the pressure relief valve (pre-set to optimum pressure) to operate the shut-off connector (6) to allow air to exhaust through the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternating pressure pad comprising at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has further means, such as, for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A low air loss mattress continuously supports a person lying thereon, and includes an upper layer of inflatable cells, and a separate lower layer of inflatable cells. The lower layer of inflatable cells is always maintained at a constant pressure which is higher than the pressure in the upper layer of cells to prevent a person lying on the mattress from contacting the underlying support surface, in particular, when sitting or during transport. Cells forming the upper layer may be inflated at different pressures to provide optimum support to different parts of the body.

Abstract: A patient support includes an alternating pressure pad having separate sets of alternately inflatable cells and at least one further inflatable cell under the pad, with a support for the head of a patient lying thereon, and a control mechanism arranged to maintain alternate inflation and deflation of the cells of the pad to deflate the cells at the head end of the pad and also to inflate the cells under the pad in order to raise the level of the chest of a patient supported on the pad.

Abstract: A pressure control system controls pressure in a fluid system, and includes a compressor for producing pressurized fluid, with the compressor coupled to a rotor valve and pressure controller. A manifold supports at least the valve and pressure controller, and the manifold has integral passages within establishing a connection for fluids from the compressor to the valve and pressure controller for controlling the fluid pressure to the system.