Patents by Inventor Jeffrey W. Wilkinson

Jeffrey W. Wilkinson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250108945
    Abstract: A body support includes at least one self-inflating fluid cell. Each of the at least one self-inflating fluid cell contains a reforming element. The body support further includes a blow-off valve attached to the at least one self-inflating fluid cell or a manifold system interconnecting the at least one self-inflating fluid cells. The blow-off valve opens at a blow-off pressure that is higher than a maximum working pressure that occurs when the body support is supporting the maximum weight limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9826842
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells, a first reservoir, and a second reservoir connected to the first reservoir in series. The first and second reservoirs are connected with a pressure relief valve allowing fluid to escape from the first reservoir to the second reservoir when the pressure in the first reservoir exceeds a threshold and a check valve allowing fluid to flow back from the second reservoir to the first reservoir. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20150143636
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells, a first reservoir, and a second reservoir connected to the first reservoir in series. The first and second reservoirs are connected with a pressure relief valve allowing fluid to escape from the first reservoir to the second reservoir when the pressure in the first reservoir exceeds a threshold and a check valve allowing fluid to flow back from the second reservoir to the first reservoir. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8943627
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20140109319
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Wilkinson