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Reduced energy and volume air pump for a seat cushion

Patent ·
OSTI ID:527768
An efficient pump system is described for transferring air between sets of bladders in a cushion. The pump system utilizes a reversible piston within a cylinder in conjunction with an equalizing valve in the piston which opens when the piston reaches the end of travel in one direction. The weight of a seated user then forces air back across the piston from an inflated bladder to the previously deflated bladder until the pressure is equalized. In this fashion the work done by the pump is cut in half. The inflation and deflation of the different bladders is controlled to vary the pressure on the several pressure points of a seated user. A principal application is for wheel chair use to prevent pressure ulcers. 12 figs.
Research Organization:
Sandia Corporation
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,657,499/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-586,444
OSTI ID:
527768
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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