Fluid-actuated medical support

A cyclically inflatable body support device comprising:

• a means for periodically pressurizing and depressurizing a system with fluid;
• means for directing the fluid along a plurality of different fluid paths including a selector valve operatively connected to the means for pressurizing and depressurizing, the means for directing further including a plurality of pressure regulation means including pressure relief valves for adjusting independently different fluid pressures in each different fluid path, a plurality of check valves in the fluid paths to permit flow in one direction only, a switching valve receiving fluid flow from said pressure relief valves, an operatively connected timing means for switching from a first pressurizing position to a second non-pressurizing position, and a flow control valve operatively connected to the switching valve, which gradually releases fluid at a controlled rate whereby the rate of deflation may be controlled independently from the rate of inflation;
• and
• an inflatable flexible cushion means operatively connected to the means for directing, the cushion means having at least two separate side-by-side compartments for a part of the body, the compartments being attached to different fluid inlets so that the compartments expand and contract and thereby impart a slow passive rocking motion;
• wherein expansion is caused by receipt of pressurized gas from said means for periodically pressurizing and depressurizing via said means for directing, and contraction results from the gradual release of fluid caused by said timing means, said flow control valve, and said means for pressurizing and depressurizing.