Patents by Inventor Mark B. Napier

Mark B. Napier 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).

  • Patent number: 5626150
    Abstract: A combined long spine board and vacuum mattress device is disclosed that is designed to extricate, immobilize, and transport accident victims in emergency situations in which potential spinal injury is suspected. The superior extrication features of a rigid board are combined with the improved comfort and immobilization attributes of vacuum splint technology in a single device. Large wing vacuum mattresses that partially enclose the chest to knee region of a patient and small wings used to secure the patient's head are attached to the main vacuum mattress. Vacuum mattresses are airtight, flexible casings containing small beads and air. Evacuating these mattresses creates a semi-rigid bed conforming to the patient's body which immobilizes the patient in relative comfort. The large wings fold under the narrow main vacuum mattress/rigid board to present a narrow profile for extrication maneuvers. The full length rigid board facilitates extrication and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: University of New Mexico
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Mark B. Napier