Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a body portion in a preferred embodiment has a plurality n of inflatable members M.sub.i (i=1, . . . , n) in a desired configuration. Each member is individually adjustable to a desired pressure from a pressure source. The apparatus also has a pressure-sensing arrangement for sensing the pressure in each of the members M.sub.i. Furthermore the apparatus has a control arrangement for adjusting the pressure in the members M.sub.i according to a protocol. The protocol includes the steps of (i) initially inflating each member M.sub.i until a predetermined condition has been achieved; (ii) determining the pressure P.sub.Oj (j=i) of each member M.sub.i resulting after initial inflation; (iii) determining the desired pressure P.sub.Di of each member M.sub.i as a function F.sub.i of the pressures P.sub.Oj (j=1, . . . n) obtained in step (ii), such that P.sub.Di =F.sub.i (P.sub.01, . . . , P.sub.Dn); and (iv) adjusting the pressure of each member M.sub.i to a final pressure P.sub.Fi that matches the desired pressure determined for such member in step (iii), such that P.sub.Fi =P.sub.Di =F.sub.i (P.sub.01, . . . , P.sub.Dn).

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First Claim