First Named Inventor
`
`James Edwin Gifft
`
`
`
`
`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
`
`
`-_— STATEMENT
`
`
`
` FORM PTO—1449
`
`
`
`Title: Re-examination application for patent
`Sheet 1 of 1
`
`5,904,172
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`292.001USlX
`
`
`
`
`
` Document
`
`
`0.
`
`Name
`
`F1 ing ate
`
`4,564,990
`4,583,566
`
`04/24/1973
`01/21/1986
`04/22/1986
`
`Kwok, Michael
`Rible, Richard A.
`
`01/07/1971
`02/16/1984
`08/16/1983
`03/03/1987
`01/31/1989
`
`
`
` 3,729,205
`
`
`05/15/1990
`04/09/1991
`5,006,073
`11/01/1994
`04/23/1996
`5,509,154
`07/01/1994
`10/01/1996
`5,560,057
`02/15/1994
`12/24/1996
`5,586,346
`
`5,873,137
`02/23/1999
`06/ 1 7/ 1996
`Yavets-Chen, Yehuda
`
`'
`
`
`
`«1 . Foragn‘ itheiitRéféreuc
`
`Fore1gn Patent
`
`Examiner
`
`, Publication
`
`Translat1on
`
`
`Initials
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Examiner
`
`Date Si nature
`
`Considered
`Initial if citation considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP 609; Draw line through citation if not
`*Examiner:
`
`in conformance and not considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.
`Based on Form PTO-FB—A820 Patent and Trademark Office, US. Department of Commerce
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 1
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 1
`
`

`

`5,006,073
`[11] Patent Number:
`[191
`United States Patent
`7
`
`Mennona Jr.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Apr. 9, 1991
`
`[54] SN” m CONTACI‘ ASSEMBLY
`[75]
`Inventor: Vincent J- Mennona, Jr-. 3008
`Raton. Fla.
`.
`- [73] A‘s-“3““: “mm“! “‘7 SChaumburg' 111.
`21 A 1. No.: 524 674
`I
`I
`'pp
`’
`[22] F1led:
`May 15, 1990
`
`[63]
`
`Related US. Application Data
`Continuation of Ser. No. 357,913, May 30, 1989, aban-
`doned.
`I t. CH ............................................... HOIR 9 09
`(31.5. C1. ........................................ 439/77- 439/30
`439/815439/872,
`[58] Field of Search .............................. 439/77, 80—83,
`439/493, 371, 372, 66, 876
`
`51
`iszi
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1985 fond 439/493
`4,526,436
`7/1987
`un e at
`.
`439/83
`4,682,829
`
`9/1987 Asick et al.
`439/83
`4,693,528
`4/1939 11 ........
`439/77
`4,324,391
`
`6/1989 Glover ..........
`439/81
`4,836,792
`2/1990 Holden et 21.
`........................ 439/80
`4,904,192
`Primary Examiner—Paula A. Bradley
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Daniel K. Nichols; Pablo
`Meles
`
`ABSTRACF
`[57]
`A snap fit contact (30) is provided for attachment to a
`housin (40) wall. The contact (30) includes a contact
`g
`.
`surface (31) haVing a Pe’ithl “Pending wall (32)-
`Snap features (34) are formed in the wall. A flange or lip
`(35) is carried by the W3“ f0f attaChment t0 3 flex Circuit
`(41). The contact is received in an opening (44) in the
`housing. The opening includes a shoulder (47) with the
`snap feature engaging the shoulder.
`
`4,353,609 10/1982 Haas .........; ............................ 439/82
`
`20 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 2
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 9, 1991
`
`Sheet 1 of2
`
`5,006,073
`
`
`
`
`25
`13 |////%
`
`
`://////, 1,.
`////////////,
`, .."_— 27
`
`
`12
`21
`
`10
`
`23
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 3'
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 9, 1991
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`5,006,073
`
`
`
` 40
`
`’l/I/I/I/I/I/I/I/I/I/ll.
`ill/ll/l/I/l/I/X/I/‘
`J
`
`
`35
`41
`42
`
`7 f
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 4
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 4
`
`

`

`1
`
`SNAP FIT CONTACT ASSEMBLY
`
`5,006,073
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No.
`07/357,913, filed 05/30/89 and now abandoned.
`
`5
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to electrical contacts in general
`and particularly to an electrical contact which can be
`snap fit into a housing. It is often desirable to have 10
`electrical contacts which are mounted into a housing
`wall. For example, a portable two-way radio typically
`includes a battery portion which has both charger
`contacts and contacts for connection to the radio. Vari-
`
`ous approaches are used for mounting the contacts, 15
`such as ultrasonic welding of contact carriers or use of
`molded in contacts. It is also necessary to connect the
`contacts to the circuitry on the inside of the housing.
`One known approach uses the rivets which are affixed
`to 3. flex circuit. Rivets, however, do not produce 20
`highly reliable electrical connections to flex circuits and
`require the ultrasonic welding or heat staking of the
`contact carrier to the housing wall. It is desirable to
`have a contact that can be surface mounted to a flex
`circuit and snap fit into a housing opening.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`25
`
`This contact can be snap fit into a housing opening
`having a shoulder and furthermore, isrsurface mount-
`able. The contact includes a contact surface having a 30
`wall depending from the periphery of the surface. The
`wall includes a snap feature. An electrical circuit con-
`nection means is carried by the wall. In one aspect of
`the invention, the electrical circuit connection means is
`a peripheral lip. In another aspect of the invention, the
`contact surface wall and peripheral lip constitute an
`integrally formed metal member. In still another aspect
`of the invention, the snap feature is a tab formed in the
`wall. In yet another aspect of the invention, the snap
`feature constitutes protrusions formed in the wall.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`35
`
`FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a snap fit contact in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the contact of FIG.
`1 taken on lines 2—2 shown assembled to a housing.
`FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the
`contact of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 is an isometric view of another contact in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the contact of
`FIG. 4 shown assembled to a housing.
`‘
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`Referring now by characters of reference of the
`drawings, and first to FIG. 1, it will be understood that
`a contact 10 includes an upper contact surface 11 which
`in this case is formed in a circular shape. A side wall 12
`depends from the periphery of contact surface 11. As is
`more clearly seen in FIG. 3, tabs 13, constituting snap
`features, are formed in the side wall 12, as by a “U”
`shaped cut. A peripheral lip, or base 14 extends about
`the base or flange of the wall 12 and constitutes electri-
`cal circuit connection means carried by the wall.
`As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the contact 10 is assembled
`to a flex circuit 20 that ha an opening 21. The contact
`10 extends through the opening 21 with the flange 14 .
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`engaging and being soldered to the flex circuit 20. If
`desired, a gasket 22 can be positioned about the contact
`10 between the flex circuit 20 and a wall of a housing 23.
`The housing 23 includes an opening 24 that has a larger
`outside portion 25 and a narrower inside neck portion
`26. A shoulder 27 defines the transition between the
`opening portions 25 and 26.
`'
`After soldering the flange 14 of the contact 10 to the
`flex circuit 20, and positioning the gasket 22 about the
`contact, the contact can be pushed through the opening
`24 from the inside of a housing 23. The tabs 13 flex or
`bend to permit the contact 10 to pass through the nar-
`row opening 26 and are received in the wider opening
`25. The shoulder 27 between the opening 25 and 26
`provides a stop for preventing withdrawal of the
`contact 10 from the housing opening 24.
`A modified contact 30 is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this
`case a rectangular or square contact surface 31, is pro-
`vided with a first pair of opposed side depending walls
`32 and a second pair of opposed side depending walls
`33; The walls 32 and 33 depend from the periphery of
`the contact surface 31. In this case, protrusions 34, con-
`stituting snap features, are formed in the walls 32. Lips
`or flanges 35 are provided at the base of the walls 32 for
`providing electrical connection of contact 30 as to a flex
`circuit. As shown in the drawings of FIGS. 1-5, the
`contact surfaces 11 and 31 are substantially planar.
`FIG. 5 illustrates the contact 30 after assembly to a
`housing 40. A flex circuit 41 receives contact 30 with
`flanges soldered to the circuit. A gasket 42 is also pro-
`vided for rain sealing purposes. A housing opening 44
`includes a narrower inside portion 46 and wider outside
`portion 45 with shoulders 47 defining the transition.
`The walls 32 can flex to permit the protrusions 34 to
`pass the narrower portion 46 and seat at the shoulders
`47.
`
`The contacts 10 and 30 can be stamped and formed
`from thin metal. Preferably they are plated. Attaching
`the contacts to a flex circuit first, then snapping the
`contacts into housing openings provides a low cost,
`easily manufacturable contact assembly.
`I claim as my invention:
`1. A snap fit contact for insertion into a housing open-
`ing having a shoulder therein comprising:
`a substantially planar top contact surface,
`a wall depending from the periphery of the top
`contact surface, the wall including a snap feature
`protruding from the wall, and
`electrical circuit connection means carried by said
`wall.
`2. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`said snap feature engages a shoulder within an open-
`ing in a housing for retaining the electrical circuit
`connection means.
`3. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`the substantially planar top contact surfaces include
`battery charger contacts.
`4. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`the substantially planar top contact surfaces include
`battery contacts.
`5. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`the substantially planar top contact surface is substan-
`tially circular shaped.
`6. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`the substantially planar top contact surface is substan-
`tially rectangular shaped.
`7. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 5
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 5
`
`

`

`3
`said electrical circuit connection means comprises at
`last portions of a peripheral lip.
`8. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 7, in which:
`the contact surface, wall and portions of the periph-
`eral lip constitute an integrally formed metal mem-
`her.
`'
`9. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`said snap feature comprises tab means formed in said
`wall.
`10. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 9, in which: 10
`said tab means is formed in the upper portion of said
`wall.
`11. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 1, in which:
`said snap feature comprises protrusions formed in said
`wall.
`12. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 11, in which:
`said protrusions are formed in the upper portion of
`said wall.
`13. A housing and snap fit contact assembly compris-
`ing:
`a housing having an opening with a shoulder therein;
`a contact including, a substantially planar top contact
`surface, a wall peripherally depending from the top
`contact surface, the wall including a snap feature,
`and electrical circuit connection means carried by 25
`said wall,
`
`5
`
`15
`
`20
`
`5,006,073
`
`4
`the contact surface being received in said housing
`Opening with said snap feature engaging said shoul-
`der.
`14. A housing and snap fit contact assembly as de-
`fined in claim 13, further including:
`a flea circuit, the contact electrical circuit connection
`means being electrically affixed to the flex circuit.
`15. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 13, in which:
`the substantially planar top contact surface is substan-
`tially circular shaped.
`16. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 13, in which:
`the substantially planar top contact surface is substan-
`tially rectangular shaped.
`17. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 13, in which:
`said snap feature comprises tab means formed in said
`wall.
`18. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 17, in which:
`said tab means is formed in the upper portion of said
`wall.
`19. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 13, in which:
`said snap feature comprises protrusions formed in said
`wall.
`20. A snap fit contact as defined in claim 19, in which:
`said protrusions are formed in the upper portion of
`said wall.
`
`a
`
`a
`
`a
`
`t
`
`n:
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 6
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 6
`
`

`

`Hlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`U8005560057A
`5,560,057
`[11], Patent Number:
`
` Madsen et a]. [45] Date of Patent: Oct. 1, 1996
`
`
`United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[54] TURNING AIR MATTRESS
`
`[76]
`
`-
`.
`Inventors. Roger T. Madsen, 14272 Acac1a Dr.,
`Tm“, cahf- 92680, “01““ H'
`Ludden, 25095 Owens Lake, Lake
`Forest, Calif. 92630
`
`[2]] Appl- No: 269,557
`.
`Filed:
`Jul- 1: 1994
`7
`[22]
`Int. Cl.6 ....................................................... A61G 7/04
`[51]
`[52] US. Cl.
`........................... 5”15; 5/710; 5/711; 5/713;
`5/737
`[58] Field of Search ................................ 5/453, 455—457,
`5/468, 469, 470, 499, 500, 914
`
`[56]
`
`References C99“
`
`U-S- PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8/1930 Hart.
`1,77
`10
`8/1953 Lewin .
`254395
`2,769,182 11/1956 Nunlist
`3,477,071
`11/1969 Emerson
`3,485,240 12/1969 Fountain
`3,492,988
`2/1970 De Mare
`3,526,908
`9/1970 Davis .
`3,775,781
`12/1973 Bruno et al
`3,795,021
`3/1974 Moniot.
`10/1975 D ck
`........................................ 5/455
`gngggggz
`211976 C2110: .
`4:197:837
`4/1980 Tringali et a1.
`4,542,547
`9/1985 Sato.
`4,634,179
`1/1987 Hashimoto et a1.
`4,642,825
`2/1987 Kurita -
`415545903
`4,1937 Chubb at “L -
`i’ggfi’ffig
`323:; Egg? '
`4:768:249
`9/1988 Goodwin .
`4,833,614
`5/1989 Saitoh et a].
`4,864,671
`9/1989 Evans .
`4,949,412
`8/1990 Goode.
`4,949,414
`8/1990 Thomas et a1.
`4,953,247
`9/1990 Hwy -
`-
`47982965
`“1991 Higgins 9‘ 31-
`419861733
`1/1991 Kawasaki 9‘ al'
`4389333
`711991 Km‘m‘mp'
`4,999,867
`3/1991 Toivio et at.
`5,003,654
`4/1991 Vrzalik.
`5,005,240
`4/1991 leik .
`
`.
`
`'
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`4/1991 leik .
`5,008,965
`6/1991 Dotson .
`5,020,176
`9/1991 Vrzalik .
`5,044,029
`.
`2,1992 Caden et a1.
`5,090.0”
`3/1992 Hasty .................................
`5 092 007
`3/1992 Thomas et al.
`_
`llllllll
`5:095:568
`4/1992 Hasty .
`5,103,519
`5/1992 Schild ......................................... 5/453
`5,109,561
`6/1992 Kaufmann .
`5,121,512
`7/1992 Higgins et al. .
`5,129,115
`9/1992 Vrzalik .
`5,142,719
`8/1993 Guthrie et al..
`5,235,713
`6/1994 Roe et al.
`............................... 5/455 X
`5,323,500
`10,1994 Schubert _
`5,357,641
`5,375,273 12/1994 Bodine, Jr. et a1.
`
`........................ 5/455
`
`5/453
`
`FOREIGN PAT ENT DOCUMENIS
`1545806
`5/1979 United Kingdom .
`1601682
`11/1981 United Kingdom .
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Lumex Div. or Lumex,
`lnc., “Dermatek 4000 User
`Manual " Brochure 1991.
`,
`,
`,
`,
`.
`RT2000 Continuous Aerial Rotation System Brochure SCD
`Industnes, Carrollton, Texas.
`Microair® Turn—QTM Turning Mattress Brochure microAir
`by Invacare, Carmel, New York.
`.
`.
`.
`anary Examxner—Michael F. Trettel
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`A turning a1r mamess servmg to fac111tate the therapeutic
`benefits of turning a bed ridden patient includes a combi-
`nation of elongated transverse and longitudinal air cells
`disposed on a base and encompassed by a cell liner. The air
`cells are attached to a plurality of cell manifolds in com-
`munication with a control system. A top. cover covering the
`air cells is attached to the base, and a fleece and top sheet are
`fittedly retamed over the air cells.
`.
`_
`_
`The control system havmg a microprocessor momtors the
`pressure within the air cells, along with overall system
`functions. The control system also enables a patient to be
`rotated from side to side, and leveled after being turned, in
`a smooth transition from a level position to a turned position,
`or from it turned position to a level position, while substan-
`tiall maintainin s inal ali nment
`y
`g P
`g
`-
`
`27 Claims, 35 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Petitioner Temput Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 7
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 1 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 8
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 8
`
`

`

`555555555
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 3 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 10
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 4 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 11
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 5 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 12
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 6 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`44A
`
`F7656
`968 f“
`
`96A
`98A
`
`97
`
`988
`
`95
`
` 94
`
` l24 ”33 NM ”6"
`
`I228
`I I28
`I22A
`FIG 5H
`
`|20A
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 13
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 7 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`46A
`
`_4244A
`
`468 483
`
`44B
`
`F/G.5I
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 14
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1,1996
`
`Sheet 8 of 35
`
`-
`
`5,560,057
`
`768
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 15
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 15
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 9 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 16
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 16
`
`

`

`‘ US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 10 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 17
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 11 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 18
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 18
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 12 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 19
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 19
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 13 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 20
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 20
`
`

`

`
`
`Q\.ka
`
`
`
`fi‘fifia“‘EA
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 21
`
`
`

`

`5,560,057
`
`F/Gl/
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 22
`
`

`

`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 17 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 24
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 18 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`__
`
`__
`
`l
`___x}
`
`I
`'
`
`:::._—:E=::—’
`
`I
`.
`
`l
`2 E
`z
`1.—
`
`,
`
`g
`E
`LL]
`
`1"
`
`_________
`
`
`
`,
`‘i‘iif"? a! v
`
`4'"::"ilill
`“M! “
`l
`I
`I
`-l-
`i==:__ —_—_:=—_='l
`II
`I
`I
`urn-um - ir‘l", J5———-——-—-—WIFI b
`.-J.-Ju__1'r_'_.'a J._m'!
`_____-_-:_::3L__..__:
`1:
`
`
`E
`
`53
`<3
`
`°
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 25‘
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 25
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1,1996
`
`Sheet 19 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`' Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 26
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 26
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`’
`
`Sheet 20 of 35
`
`5
`
`.1
`
`560,057
`
`<3<8<3wem3mga?
`
`$3(.3<3NV.2;a:a:
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 27
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 27
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 21 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`MAIN TURNING 300
`PROGRAM
`
`301
`
`YES
`
`
`
`
`INITIALIZE
`INITIAL
`UNIT POWER
`CPU
`
`
`ON?
`ROUTINE
`
`
`334
`PASS
`
`DIAGNOSTIC N0
`
`ROUTINE?
`
`
`302
`
`305
`
`”£83332”
`
`335
`
`FAILURE
`ROUTINE
`
`
`
`INITIALIZE
`
`SYSTEM
`
`
`VARIABLES
`
`ROUTINE
`
`
`339
`340
`
`YES
`
`LEVELING
`ROUTINE
`
`NO
`
`359
`
`
`
`YES '
` WEIGHT,
`
`HEIGHT IN USE
`
`
`FLAG
`
`’ SET?
`
`
`FIG. 17-1
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY "ENTER
`DISPLAY
`WEIGHT, HEIGHT"
`ACTUAL ZONE
`
`
`
`PRESSUHES MESSAGE
`
`
`361
`
`362
`
`READ
`KEYBOARD
`
`TO
`
`FROM ©
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 28
`
`FFIOM
`
`®
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1,1996
`
`Sheet 22 of 35 I
`
`5,560,057
`
`FROM
`
`TO
`(9
`
`TO
`©
`
`
`
`
`
`ALID
`KEY'
`PRESSED
`?
`
`353
`NO
`
`YES
`
`364
`
`YES
`
`
`KEYPAD
`
`
`‘
`
`365.
`
`KEYPAD
`LOCK
`ROUHNE
`
`367
`
`NO
`
`366
`
`NO
`368
`
`NO
`
`370
`
`NO
`
`372
`
`NO
`374
`
`YES
`.
`
`ALARM
`ROUTiNE
`
`'
`
`369
`
`YES
`
`FLOAT
`ROUNNE
`
`371
`
`YES
`
`HRM
`ROUWNE
`
`373
`
`YES
`
`CPR
`ROUHNE
`
`375
`
`HOUWNE
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 29
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 29
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 23 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`302
`
`INITIALIZE
`
`CPU
`
`
`
`ROUTINE
`
`303
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SET INITIAL
`CPU VARIABLES '
`
`FOR
`
`
`336
`
`
`
`INITIALIZE
`SYSTEM VARIABLES
`
`ROUTINE
`
`
`
`337
`
` LOAD
`
`SYSTEM
`
`
`DEFAULT
`
`VARIABLES
` INITIALIZE -
`
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`HARDWARE
`
`
`
`
`RETURN
`
`
`
`
`TO MAIN
`
`
`PROGRAM
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`START-UP
`
`
`304
`
` 305
`
`
` CLOSE
`ALL
`
`VALVES
`
`SYSDIAG
`
`338
`
`339
`
`FIG. 18
`
`FIG. 19
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 30
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 30
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 24 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`305
`
`
`SYSTEM
`
`DIAGNOSTIC
`
`
`(SYSDIAG)
`
`
`
`IS
`
`
`
`
`ROM
`DISPLAY "ROM
`
`CHECKSUM
`ERROR' MESSAGE
`
`
`
`& TURN ON ALARM
`VALID
`
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LAST WATCH
`
`7
`
`
`
`ABLE
`
`TO READ/
`
`WRITE TO
`
`
`DISPLAY "RAM
`
`ERROR" MESSAGE
`
`& TURN ON ALARM
`
`BUZZER
`
`
`
`DISPLAY “RESTORING
`ACU VERSION xx . xx"
`
`DISHLAY "UPGRADING
`ACU TO VERSION xx . xx"
`
`317
`
`313
`
`320
`
`31a
`
`‘9
`.
`TURN BUZZER ON W TURN BUZZER OFF
`
`321
`
`COPY OS
`VERSION INTO
`
`
`ARE O/S &
`
`
`NO
`NOVRAM VERS
`
`THE SAM
` NOVRAM 322
`
`
`7
`
`
`
`COPY CALIBRATION
`DATA
`VALUES FROM
`‘ VALID?‘ ROM INTO NOVRAM
`
`323
`
`YES
`
`FIG- 20 1
`
`TO ®
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 31
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 31
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 25 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`FROM ® 325
`
`PLACE UNIT
`
`IN FLOAT MODE
`
`
`
`
`
`326 327
`
`
`DISPLAY CONTROLLER
`pLALIgIéE IN YES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BOARD S/N FROM
`SERVICE
`
`
`EPROM
`MODE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BATTERY I
`
`
`
` KEY
`
`PRESSED?
`
`ROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GO TO
`
`
`MODE
`
`
`
`
`TEST
`
`
`
`BURN-IN
`
`BURN-IN
`
`ROUTINE
`
`322
`
`
`
`
`RETURN FIG. 20-2
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 32
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 32
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`‘
`
`Sheet 26 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
` MENU
`SUBROUHNE
`
`
`375
`
`
`
`SEND MAIN
`MENU SCREEN
`
`
`TO THE
`
`DISPLAY
`
`376
`
`377
`
`READ KEYPAD
`
`378
`
`
`KEY #1
`PRESSED?
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`37.9
`
`
`
`KEY #3
`PRESSED‘?
`
`
`
`NO 381
`
`
`
`KEY #6
`PRESSED?
`
`
`
`Noses
`
`
`
`FLOAT KEY
`PRESSED?
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`385
`
`FIRM KEY
`PRESSED?
`
`
`NO
`
`400
`
`380
`
`332
`
`384 (369)
`
`386 (371)
`
`YES
`
`TURNING
`ROUTINE
`
`YES
`
`TIME
`ROUTINE
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`MENU-2
`ROUTINE
`
`FLOAT
`ROUTINE
`
`FIRM
`ROUTINE
`
`FROM
`®
`
`TO
`(9
`
`*
`I.
`FIG. 21 -1
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 33
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 33
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 27 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`TO
`
`FROM
`
`87
`
`® 3
`
`MENU KEY
`
`
`PRESSED?
`
`
`
`
`
`'
`
`389(373)
`
`CPR
`
`ROUHNE
`
`CPR KEY
`
`
`
`
`
`KEYPAD
`
`PRESSED?
`
`
`
`TIME OUT PERIOD
`
`EXCEEDED
`
`
`
`?
`
`
`
` YES
`RETURN TO
`
`PRIOR
`
`393 '
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OPERATING
`
`
`
`MODE
`
`
`_ FIG. 21-2
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 34
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 34
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 28 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`TURNING
`SUBROUTINE
`
`0°
`
`'
`
`I LEVELING I
`
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`
`I
`RIGHT
`
`
`
`ROTATION
`SUBROUTINE
`
`'
`IS
`LEVELING
`
`COMPLETED
`?
`
`
`
`I403
`
`440 (340)
`
`LEVELING
`SUBFIOUTINE
`
`
`
`441
`
`_ 442
`
`YES
`
`CENTER
`
`- SUBFIOUTINE
`
`455
`
`LEFT
`ROTATION
`
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`
`Is
`LEVELING
`COMP'I;ETED
`
`
`LEVELING
`SUBROUTINE
`
`493
`
`NEW
`SYSTEM
`OMMAND
`?
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`EXIT
`SUBROUTINE
`
`495
`
`YES
`
`CENTER
`SUBROUTINE
`
`492 (340)
`
`494
`
`496 (442)
`
`FIG. 22
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 35
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 35
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 29 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`427
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`
`PRESSURES
`
`
`
`
`AND UPDATE
`PRESSURE
`.
`TARGET 3
`
`PRESSURE
`
`
`CONTROL
`‘GHIEVED
`
`"
`ROUTINE
`
`
`YES
`428
`
`430
`
`433
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`TARGEr VALUE 4
`To PRESSURE
`
`CONTROLROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`PRESSURES
`
`
`
`
`AND UPDATE
`PRESSURE
`PRESSURE
`TARGET4
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`CHIEVED
`
`-
`ROUTINE
`
`
`q YES
`431
`SEND PRESSURE
`
`TARGET VALUE 5
`
`To PRESSURE
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`
`PRESSURES
`
`
`PRESSURE
`
`
`AND UPDATE
`TARGET 5
`PRESSURE
`
`
`
`‘ CHIEVED
`CONTROL
`
`?
`ROUTINE
`
`YES
`~ 434
`
`RIGHT
`ROTATION
`SUBROUTINE
`
`403
`
`404
`
`.
`
`405
`(340)
`LEVELING
`SUB-
`ROUTINE
`
`407
`(375)
`
`NO
`
`MENU
`
`
`6408' ROUTINE I
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`READ TURNING
`
`VARIABLES
`
`PROM KEYPAD
`
`
`DATA BUFFER
`
`
`
`
`409
`41 o
`
`CALCULATE
`
`
`‘
`HIGH
`
`TURN'NG ANGLE
`TURN ANGLE
`VARIABLES
`
`
`
`
`
`IS
`CALCULATE
`MEDIUM
`
`
`MEDIUM
`
`TURNING ANGLE
`
`
`TURN ANGLE
`SELECTE I
`VARIABLES
`9
`
`
`DEFAULT TO
`CALCULATE
`
`
`LOW
`LOW
`
`
`
`TURNING
`TURN ANGLE
`
`
`
`ANGLE
`VARIABLES
`
`
`
`
`415
`
`416
`
`”0
`
`EXIT
`SUB-
`ROUTINE
`
`YES
`
`TO®
`
`
`
`
`
`CLOSE
`ALL VALVES TO
`MAINTAIN SET
`PRESSURE
`
`
`
`START
`COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`FROM
`
`FIG. 23-1
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 36
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 36
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 30 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`T0 ©
`
`FROM (:1
`
`FROM
`
`
`I?»
`
`
`
`417
`
`
`,
`LOAD TIME
`
`VARIABLES AND
`
`
`SET COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`418
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE 5
`
`P RESSURE
`
`TARGET
`
`VALUES
`
`419
`
`
`
`COUNTDOWN
`= o ?
`
`YES
`
`433
`
`GO TO
`TURNING
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`
`437
`
`READ
`COUNTDOWN
`
`
`TIMER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`TARGET VALUE 1
`
`
`TO PRESSURE
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`AND EXECUTE
`
`
`421
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`
`
`PRESSURES
`
`
`' RESSURE
`AND UPDATE
`TARGET 1
`
`PRESSURE
`
`‘ CHIEVED
`CONTROL
`?
`ROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`422
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`
`
`TARGET VALUE 2
`TO PRESSURE
`
`
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`
`READ ZONE
`PRESSURES
`
`
`PRESSURE
`AND UPDATE
`
`
`TARGET 2
`PRESSURE
`
`
`‘ CHIEVED
`
`CONTROL
`
`ROUTINE
`
`
`YES
`425
`
`424
`
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`
`
`TARGET VALUE 3
`
`
`TO PRESSURE
`
`
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`, FIG. 23-2
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p; 37
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 37
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1,1996
`
`Sheet 31 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
` 340
`
`LEVELING
`
`
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`SET DESIRED RE URE ‘1
`TARGETS FOR Low
`PRESSURE CELLS
`
`SET PRESSURE
`TARGETS FOR HIGH
`PRESSURE CELLS
`
`ADJUST PRESURES IN 343
`CELLS TO MATCH
`TARGET PRESSURES
`
`TARGET:
` IN CELLS _
`YES
`
`FULCRUM PRESSURE
`TARGET=FULCFIUM
`TARGET x 2
`
`45
`
`FIG. 24-1
`
`346
`
`YE
`
`
`FUEEEVUM
`
`TARGET >
`10"?
`
`NO
`
`347
`
`SET FULCRUM
`TARGET-P1ROESSURE
`
`SET TURNING CELL
`PRESSURE TARGETS TO
`NEW FULCRUM TARGET PRESSURE
`
`ADJUST AIR CELL PRESSURES
`TO MATCH TARGET VALUES
`
`349
`
`‘
`
`
`TURNING
`CELLS=TARGET
`
`PRESSURE?
`
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 38
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 38
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct.’ 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 32 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`FROM (D
`
` SETTURNING CELL
`PRESSURE TARGETS TO
`
`CALCULATED MAXIMUM TARGET
`
`
`~
`351
`
`
`ADJUST TURNING CELLS TO
`EQUAL PRESSURE TARGETS
`
`
`
`TURNING
`
`CELLS REAL PRESSURE
`=TARGET VALU
`
`'7
`YES— '
`
`
`
`
`SET PRESSURE TARGETS TO
`ORIGINAL CENTER
`LEVEL VALUES
`
`
`
`354
`
`ADJUST TURNING CELLS TO
`EQUAL PRESSURE TARGETS ,
`
`TURNING
`
`CELLS REAL PRESSURE
`=TARGET VALU
`?
`
`
`
`RETURN TO MAIN
`PROGRAM ROUTINE
`
`
`0R SUBROUTINE
`
`YES
`
`357
`
`
`
`FIG. 24-2
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 39
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 39
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 33 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`
` CENTER
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`“2
`
`IS
`
`LEVELING
`COMPLETED
`
`?
`,
`
`YES
`
`READ PROFILE VALUES 445
`FROM SET-UP
`VARIABLES
`
`READ TIME VALUES
`FROM SET-UP
`VARIABLES
`
`446
`
`SEND PROFILE VALUES 447
`TO PRESSURE
`’
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`.
`
`'
`
`SET COUNTDOWN
`TIMER WITH
`TIME VALUE
`
`443
`
`
`
`START
`COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`45‘
`
`FIG. 25
`
`
`
`TIMERSO 9
`
`YES
`
`444 (340)
`
`LEVELING
`SUBROUTINE
`
`450
`
`WAIT FOR
`PRESSURE TARGETS
`TO BE MET
`
`453
`
`READ
`COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`454
`
`RETURN TO
`TURNING
`SUBROUTINE
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 40
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 40
`
`

`

` 461
`
`
`
`
`460,
`
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`PRESSURES
`NO AND UPDATE
`PRESSURE
`CONTROL
`ROUTINE
`
`452
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`TARGET VALUE 5
`TO PRESSURE
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 1996
`
`Sheet 34 of 35 -
`
`5,560,057
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`
`PRESSURES
`' RESSU FIE
`
`NO AND UPDATE
`TARGET 3
`
`PRESSURE
`‘ CHIEVED
`
`
`CONTROL
`'7
`SUB-
`
`ROUTINE
`
`- ROUTINE
`YES
`430
`
`479
`
`
`
`
`
`NO I LEVELING I
`
`
` LEFT
`ROTATION
`
`
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`455
`
`
`
`456
`
`YES
`
`458
`
`NO
`
`459
`
`MENU
`
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`
`
`TARGET VALUE 4
`
`TO PRESSURE
`I ROUTINE I CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`
`
`YES
`READ TURNING
`VARIABLES
`PROM KEYPAD
`
`
`DATA BUFFER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CALCULATE
`HIGH
`
`
`TURNING ANGLE
`TURN ANGLE
`VARIABLES
`
`
`
`CALCULATE
`
`MEDIUM
`
`
`Tuggflgfigm
`TURN ANGLE
`
`
`
`VARIABLES
`9
`
`'NO 465
`
`
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`PRESSURES
`PRESSURE
`CONTROL
`ROUTINE
`
`DEFAULT TO
`
`
`CALCULATE
`
`ALL VALVES TO
`Tu'éime
`LOW
`
`
`
`
`
`TURN ANGLE
`MAINTAIN SET
`
`ANGLE
`VARIABLES
`PRESSURE
`
`
`
`
`468
`487
`
`467
`
`NO
`
`EXIT
`SUB-
`ROUTINE
`
`ES
`
`Y
`T0(D
`
`FIG. 26-1
`
`
`488
`
`
`START
`COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`COUNTDOWN
`— o '2
`
`
`No
`
`439
`
`READ
`
`COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`FROM ® To©
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 41
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 41
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`I
`
`Oct. 1,-1996
`
`Sheet 35 of 35
`
`5,560,057
`
`490
`
`FROM 43
`YES
`
`GO TO
`TURNING
`
`SUBROUTINE
`
`
`
`FROM @
`
`TO (K)
`
`~
`
`469
`
`
`
`LOAD TIME
`VARIABLES AND
`
` SET COUNTDOWN
`TIMER
`
`470
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE 5
`PRESSURE
`TARGET
`VALUES
`
`
`471
`
`
`
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`TARGET VALUE 1
`TO PRESSURE
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`AND EXECUTE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`READ ZONE
`PRESSURES
`
`
`- RESSURE
`
`
`AND UPDATE
`
`
`PRESSURE
`TARGET 1
`
`
`
`CONTROL
`
` ROUTINE
`
`
`473
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`
`
`TARGET VALUE 2
`TO PRESSURE
`
`
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`READ ZONE
`
`_ RESSURE
`PRESSURES
`
`
`TARGET 2
`AND UPDATE
`
`
`PRESSURE
`.
`
`CONTROL
`CHIEVED
`
`
`ROUTINE
`
`YES
`477
`
`476
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND PRESSURE
`
`TARGET VALUE 3
`TO PRESSURE
`
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 26-2
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 42
`
`Petitioner Tempur Sealy - Ex. 1004, p. 42
`
`

`

`5,560,057
`
`1
`TURNING AIR MATTRESS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to air support beds and, more
`particularly, to an air support mattress that facilitates the
`therapeutic benefits of turning a patient.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Many patients are confined to a bed for extended periods
`of time for a variety of reasons. Lengthy bed stays, espe-
`cially where the patient is elderly, unable to or too weak to
`move, or simply lethargic, can cause additional complica-
`tions that could be as serious or more threatening than the
`underlying ailment requiring the bed rest.
`Bed sores and decubitus ulcers are some of the common
`problems that arise for bedridden individuals. During a
`lengthy stay in bed, the weight of various body parts tend to
`press the tissue against
`the bed mattress at a pressure
`exceeding the capillary occlusion pressure in that area. As a
`result, there is a significant reduction of blood flow through
`the tissue which, in areas of bony prominence such as the
`heel and hip, can result in the development of deep pen-
`etrating ulcers.
`Another common problem for bedridden individuals is the
`accumulation of pulmonary fluids in a patient’s lungs,
`especially for those suifering from trauma such as surgery.
`As a result, the patient is more susceptible to respiratory
`illnesses, such as pneumonia.
`A further common problem for bedridden individuals is
`the lack of proper stimulation of a patient’s kidneys and
`lymphatic system. The kidneys and lymphatic system are
`normally stimulated by the movement of the patient’s large
`muscles, such as the leg or arm muscles. The lack of patient
`activity allows toxins and excess body fluids to build up'
`which, in turn, slows the healing process.
`However,
`it has been found that
`turning bedridden
`patients has many therapeutic benefits that combat
`the
`occurrence of such complications in patients. Turning a
`patient to different positions serves to reduce the interface
`pressure on a patient’s skin over a large portion of the
`patient’s body, and thus diminishes the likelihood that
`decubitus ulcers will develop. The turning action also serves
`to stimulate the patient's kidneys and lymphatic system, and
`thus diminishes the presence of toxins and fluids that tend to
`build up from a lack of patient activity. Additionally, the
`rotation of the patient’s body aids the patient’s lungs in
`eliminating the accumulation of pulmonary fluids, causing a
`“respiratory toilet” effect, and thus diminishing the likeli-
`hood of respiratory complications.
`A number of difierent devices have been developed to
`accomplish patient turning with an air support mattress. All
`of these devices, however, utilize the basic underlying
`concept of inflating and deflating adjacent air cells or groups
`of air cells to accomplish patient turning. Some of the more
`common turning air mattress devices include the use of a
`group of full body length turning cells which are inflated and
`deflated in a specific sequence in order to turn a patient.
`Variations on this concept include longitudinal cells being
`used in combination with transverse cells and/or being
`overlaid on top of other air cells to prevent a patient from
`“bottoming out” during the turning process. Another device
`utilizes a matrix of small cells arranged to fully support the
`patient in which a combination of cells is inflated and
`
`2
`deflated in specific order to turn the patient. A further device
`employs the use of air cells that have a cutaway design in
`alternating orientation between adjacent air cells, such that
`a cavity is formed for the patient to rotate into.
`Notwithstanding the therapeutic benefits these turning
`mattresses may provide, they are not without shortcomings.
`These trn-ning air mattresses do not necessarily ensure that
`the patient is in proper spinal alignment during the turning
`process. As a result. undue stress may b