Abstract: A multilayer assembly including a flexible, electrically conductive active central layer (532) with to main surfaces with a large area, i.e. a first surface adhered to at least one advantageously electrically insulating supporting layer (510) made of synthetic material and having substantially the same modulus of elasticity as the active central layer (532); and a second surface adhered to at least one advantageously electrically insulating second protective layer (520) made of synthetic material. The total thickness of the multilayer assembly is selected in such a way that the flexibility of the central adhesive layer (532) is substantially completely maintained. Said multilayer assembly may be used to treat or prevent bedsores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises a support device 20 essentially comprising only at least one closed or controlled-release chamber 21 together with inlet and outlet means 26 via which the filling fluid can be fed in or removed, and an independent control device 40 is provided disposed under the support device 20, said control device 40 comprising filling and emptying means for filling the chamber with filling fluid or for emptying said fluid therefrom and the control means proper 50, 41, 42 for controlling feeding in and removing the filling fluid. The invention makes it possible to simplify manufacture and management of a support for supporting an element to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a patient on a mattress. The apparatus includes a mattress which has at least one controlled release chamber with a top face and a bottom face. A flexible film of a thin metal foil is linked to the top face, while at least one impedance varying device is linked to the bottom face of the chamber. The impedance varying device is an integral part of a measuring electronic bridge. Changes in the impedance as a result of movement of the top face with respect to the bottom face activates a servo control which increases or decreases the inflation pressure within the chamber to make certain that the distance between the top face and the bottom face of the chamber is maintained at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting a body element. The apparatus includes at least one support device with at least one closed or controlled-release chamber, a filling device and an emptying means device for filling said chamber with a filling fluid and emptying the fluid from the chamber, and a distance-measurement device for measuring the distance between a top face and a bottom face of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a reaction-measurement device for measuring the reaction of the support device relative to the morphological data of the body element to be supported, and a control system including a combination device for combining the measurement of the penetration distance d provided by the distance-measurement device and the measurement of the reaction provided by the reaction-measurement device. This combination is advantageously constituted by summing the two obtained measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly deflating a chamber. The apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber of determined inflation volume with an inflation fluid comprises an inflation device for inflating said inflatable chamber with an inflation fluid to a predetermined inflation pressure, and further comprises a rapid deflation device for rapidly deflating said chamber by sucking out said inflation fluid at a high flow rate, the rapid deflation device being used on deactivating said chamber, in particular so as to transport it with its volume being reduced to as small as possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber. The apparatus comprises inflation means 50 for inflating an inflatable chamber 14 defined by a support device 12 for supporting a patient P. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one first inflation means 52 for performing inflation at a high flow rate and at a low pressure so as to fill the volume of said chamber 14 substantially fully at a low pressure, and a second inflation means 54 for inflating at a low flow rate but at a high pressure to obtain said predetermined inflation pressure in said chamber 14. The invention makes it possible to inflate the chamber 14 rapidly, which is particularly important in medical applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of supporting the body of a patient, the method consisting in providing at least one support element, such as a mattress, subdivided into at least two closed, flexible, controlled-release regions that are inflatable with fluid under a pressure that is a function of the set penetration distance to which the body of the patient penetrates into the support element, namely at least one first support region for supporting the body of the patient other than in its heel region, and a second support region specifically for supporting the heel region. According to the invention, the second support region is inflated by tapping fluid from the first support region. This method makes it easy, in particular, to adjust the pressure as a function of the relative position of the patient on the support, of the patient's weight, of the patient's morphology, or else as a function of the particular needs of the treatment.