Support Surface with Proximity Sensor and Operable in Low Power Mode
AssigneeAnodyne Medical Device, Inc.
InventorDavid M. Genaro
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A support surface includes a pump and a plurality of air cells that are selectively inflated and deflated by the pump. A proximity sensor detects whether an object is supported on the air cells, and a control unit connected to the pump and the proximity sensor controls operation of the pump based on a signal from the proximity sensor. Battery power can be saved by operating the device in a power save mode when the proximity sensor determines that the user has left the support surface.
Claims15
A support surface comprising:
- a pump;
- a plurality of air cells, the air cells being selectively inflated and deflated by the pump;
- a proximity sensor that detects whether an object is supported on the air cells;
- and
- a control unit connected to the pump and the proximity sensor, the control unit controlling operation of the pump based on a signal from the proximity sensor.
A support surface comprising:
- a pump;
- a plurality of valves cooperable with the pump;
- a plurality of air cells, the air cells being selectively inflated and deflated by the pump via the plurality of valves;
- a proximity sensor that detects whether an object is supported on the air cells;
- and
- a control unit connected to the pump, the valves, and the proximity sensor, and comprising a display, the display including a visual output of operating parameters of the support surface, wherein the control unit is programmed for operation in a full power mode and a power save mode based on a signal from the proximity sensor, and wherein in the power save mode, power is provided only to the proximity sensor.
A method of operating a support surface, the support surface including a pump, a plurality of air cells coupled with the pump, a proximity sensor, and a control unit connected to the pump and the proximity sensor, the method comprising:
- (a) detecting with the proximity sensor whether an object is supported on the air cells;
- (b) the proximity sensor outputting a signal to the control unit;
- and
- (c) the control unit controlling operation of the pump based on the signal from the proximity sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.