Importance

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Abstract

In a cellular element, e.g. an air mattress, the individual cells (1) are connected via a narrow passage (2) to a duct (3) which can be connected via a valve to a first pressure source. In each cell (1) a body (4) is placed, bearing against the mouth of the passage (2) into the cell, closing it tightly, and in the duct (3) at least one expansible organ (5) is placed which, when expanding, will press the body (4) away from the mouth of the passage (2). The expansible organ or organs may consist of a tube, which is closed at one end, and the other end of which can be connected to a second pressure source, if required via a valve. The body (4) placed in a cell (1) may appropriately be hollow and made of a yielding material. In such an element a wall of each cell, e.g. in the form of a membrane, can make up an individual supporting surface. When the cells are exposed to uneven pressure from outside, e.g. because a person is sitting on the element, and the bodies placed in the cells are pressed away from the position where the passage between cells and duct is closed, the medium held in the cells--e.g. air--will be able to circulate freely among the cells, and the cells will assume shapes corresponding to the external pressure. When the pressure of the expansible organ on the bodies ceases, the bodies will again close the passages between cells and duct, and the compound supporting surface has been individually adjusted.

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