Importance

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Abstract

A device for supporting a human being comprises a superstructure defining a support surface in contact with a body part of a person and measurement componentry on the superstructure for periodically measuring a predetermined biomechanical parameter of the person's body part to determine a load distribution on the body part. The measurement componentry includes a fluid filled reservoir at the support surface and a pressure detector in operative engagement with fluid in the reservoir for monitoring changes in the pressure of the fluid, due, for example, to varying loads caused by physical activity. Control circuitry is operatively coupled to the pressure detector for monitoring and characterizing changes in pressure of the fluid over time. Form control componentry is disposed on the superstructure and is operatively connected to the measurement componentry for automatically subjecting the support surface, in response to the determined load distribution, to forces tending to modify a contour of the support surface. The form control componentry may include a pressurization source for modifying a base pressure of the reservoir fluid. The control circuitry also controls or operates the form control componentry to periodically alter the forces exerted on the contour so as to provide a cyclic massage to the person's body part.

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First Claim