PNEUMATIC MATTRESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL THEREOF

摘要

A pneumatic mattress system (10) includes a plurality of rigid ribs (12) positioned side-by-side and hingedly interconnected so as to form a continuous overlay basis which is flexible in one direction. A plurality of pneumatic cushions (14) is attached to each rib so as to provide a cushioned surface. The pressure of the cushions is controlled by a main pressure control system (34) which include a main supply conduit (74) with a pressurized inlet and an exhaust, both controlled by a control unit, and a pressure sensor. The cushions are connected through a number of tubes located within the ribs to a rib control system which selectively connects them to the main supply conduit. By synchronized control of the pressure of the main supply conduit and the rib control system, the pressure within each cushion can be measured and controlled independently.