Importance

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Abstract

A system is described for delivery of pressurized liquid to one or more hollow mattress for alternately pressurizing and depressurizing a selected group of cells of the mattress. The device is associated with a unique mattress in which the cells are disposed in a checkerboard fashion. The system utilizes one or more pressure accumulators arranged to maintain the system under a constant, predetermined pressure and to absorb sudden local pressure increases which may occur e.g. when a patient supports himself on his/her elbow or the like, creating a high specific pressure over a small area. The accumulators may also serve the purpose of maintaining the depressurized cells at a pressure which is equal to or above the ambient atmospheric pressure whereby the volume of liquid to be displaced by the primer such as a pump on pressurization is minimal. By utilizing liquid, preferably water, rather than the usual inflating with pressurized air, the system saves space, is quieter in operation and can be provided with further auxiliaries such as vibrators, heaters or the like. The mat according to the invention avoids the usual linear contact regions between the body and the mattress with a series of generally point-like contact spots. It is simple to produce and can be produced as a throw-away item which is particularly useful when used in hospitals or the like.

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First Claim