Abstract: An alternating pressure pad has two sets of alternately inflatable cells. The alternately inflatable cells overlie additional base cells in a lower layer of the mattress. These base cells are all simultaneously inflated whilst each of the sets of upper cells are repeatedly inflated and deflated in alternation over an inflation and deflation cycle. During a cycle each set of upper cells is deflated at least once while the patient is primarily supported by the other inflated set of cells. During each inflation and deflation cycle, the additional base cells are reduced in pressure at least once. In this way, even if a part of the patient is temporarily supported only on the lower base cells, the support pressure is temporarily reduced each cycle to minimize pressure effects on the patient.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump has a magnetic actuator. A permanent magnetic assembly is secured to the outside face of the diaphragm of the pump and provides at least a pair of opposed magnetic pole faces directed away from the diaphragm. An electromagnet assembly has at least a pair of opposite poles located opposite but spaced from the pole faces of the permanent magnet assembly. Energizing the electromagnet with alternating current, alternately repels and attracts the permanent magnet assembly, thereby reciprocating the diaphragm to operate the pump.

Abstract: An inflatable garment applies compression to a limb for the treatment of vascular disorders. The garment is made with an inflatable chamber formed from a blank of superimposed layers of sheet material. Side portions of the blank are joined together in the garment to encompass the foot. An inflatable tongue is located to lie under the foot. The side portions of the blank and the tongue form intercommunicating inflatable sacs. The tongue itself is not laterally joined to the side portions of the blank. The resulting inflatable garment is more comfortable to wear and more effective therapeutically.

Abstract: A power fail detection circuit in electrically powered apparatus comprises a power switch for the apparatus and power detection means responsive to the absence of electrical power from the power switch to provide a power fail indication. The power switch has at least one double throw pole, switchable between power-ON and power-OFF terminals, and the circuit includes switch position detection means connected to the power-OFF terminal and which is responsive to the power switch being in the power-OFF position to disable the power fail indication.

Abstract: A pressure controller for controlling fluid pressure in an alternating pressure pad which comprises a member sensitive to the fluid pressure and adapted to open a valve when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, a sensor pad connected at one end of the valve and at the other end being adapted for connection to a pump for inflating the pad. The sensor pad is arranged, in use, to receive pressure exerted by a patient on the pad and to be compressible in dependence upon the pressure exerted by the patient to reduce the escape of fluid from the valve when the valve is open. Thereby, causing a proportion of fluid to continue to inflate the pad.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad having at least two sets of alternately inflatable cells, with each cell having a height greater than its width. Each cell having at least one internal membrane arranged to restrict the shape of the cell and divide the cell into two communicating regions wherein the width of the lower of the two regions is greater than the width of the upper of the two regions.