Method and system of changing flow characteristics of a support

摘要

The present invention provides a method and system for customization of flow characteristics of a support using permanent and controlled evacuation of interstitial gas during the manufacturing process. The flow characteristics can be customized to provide a stiffer or less stiff support by a comparative degree. The flow characteristics can be permanently changed. The support includes a bladder filled with a fluidized particulate material. The medium of the fluidized particulate material includes interstitial spaces. A predetermined amount of gas can be removed to provide a support having a desired specific support characteristic.

主权项

1. A method for determining a flow characteristic of a support comprising the step of:
(a) providing a support, said support comprising a bladder, said bladder including a fluidized particulate material including interstitial spaces between particles of said particulate material with said gas filling said interstitial spaces, (b) evacuating said gas filling said interstitial spaces by vacuum to a predetermined pressure; and (c) sealing said bladder after step (b), the predetermined pressure is maintained permanently within the support to achieve a predetermined permanent flow characteristic within the support.