`
`
`
`
`
`No.
`Claim 2
`2.a.1
`
`2.a.2
`
`2.a.3
`
`2.a.4
`
`2.b.1
`
`2.b.2
`
`2.c
`
`Claim 3
`3.a
`
`3.b
`
`Claim 4
`4.a.1
`
`4.a.2
`
`4.a.3
`
`U.S. Patent No. 5,904,172 Claim Listing
`
`Limitation
`
`
`An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump,
`a plurality of guides and stops being disposed within the enclosure
`for correctly positioning components within the enclosure; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for
`continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 2 further
`including at least one solenoid operated valve disposed within the
`enclosure,
`said plurality of guides and stops for disposing the solenoid with
`respect to the valve.
`
`An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 1
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 1
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`

`

`
`
`
`4.a.4
`
`4.b
`
`4.c
`
`4.d
`
`Claim 5
`5.a
`
`5.b
`
`Claim 6
`6.a.1
`
`6.a.2
`
`6.a.3
`
`6.a.4
`
`6.b.1
`
`6.b.2
`
`6.b.3
`
`
`
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump
`at least one valve being disposed within the enclosure, the at least
`one valve being snap fit in an aperture defined in a wall of the
`enclosure; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for
`continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 4 wherein the at
`least one valve has a circumferential ramped face,
`said ramped face for compressively engaging a circumferential
`beveled face of the aperture to effect the snap fit of the at least one
`valve.
`
`An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump,
`the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear
`cover portion,
`a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 2
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 2
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`

`

`6.c
`
`Claim 7
`7.a
`
`7.b
`Claim 8
`8
`
`Claim 9
`9.a
`
`9.b
`9.c
`
`9.d.1
`
`9.d.2
`
`9.e
`
`9.f
`
`9.g
`
`
`
`
`
`
`enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially
`fluid tight seal therebetween; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for
`continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 6 wherein the
`enclosure further includes a plurality of lead grooves defined in
`the enclosure portion proximate the rear cover portion,
`said lead grooves for passing electrical leads into the enclosure.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 7 wherein the
`flexible seal fluidly seals the lead wires disposed in the lead
`grooves.
`
`A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air
`inflatable mattress, comprising the steps of:
`providing a commanded desired pressure of the bladder;
`opening a valve fluidly coupled to the bladder, wherein the valve
`is one of a plurality of valves at least partially contained within, or
`formed integral to, a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber of a
`valve enclosure assembly;
`continuously monitoring the existing pressure in the bladder at a
`tap on the valve enclosure assembly,
`the tap defining an opening through the valve enclosure assembly
`and into an interior of the air chamber;
`determining the differential between the existing pressure in the
`bladder and the desired pressure in the bladder;
`exhausting air from the bladder through the valve when the
`differential indicates that the existing pressure in the bladder is
`greater than the desired pressure;
`energizing a pump fluidly coupled to the valve for providing
`compressed air to the bladder when the differential indicates that
`the desired pressure in the bladder is greater than the existing
`pressure in the bladder to inflate the bladder; and
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 3
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 3
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`

`

`
`
`
`9.h
`
`11.a.2
`
`11.a.3
`
`11.a.4
`
`11.b
`
`11.c.1
`
`closing said valve when the existing pressure in the bladder
`substantially equals the desired pressure in the bladder.
`Claim 11
`
`11.a.1 An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump;
`at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in
`selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in
`fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for
`selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air
`bladder,
`the at least one valve being fluidly sealingly disposed in a valve
`aperture defined in the enclosure by a snap-fit engagement
`therewith and being in fluid communication with both the exterior
`of the enclosure and with the air chamber; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for
`monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`Claim 12
`
`12.a.1 An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`
`11.c.2
`
`11.d
`
`12.a.2
`
`12.a.3
`
`
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 4
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 4
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`
`
`12.a.4
`
`12.b.1
`
`12.b.2
`
`12.c
`
`12.d
`
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump,
`a plurality of guides and stops being disposed within the enclosure
`for correctly positioning components within the enclosure;
`at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in
`selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in
`fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for
`selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air
`bladder; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for
`monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 12 further
`including at least one solenoid operated valve disposed within the
`enclosure,
`said plurality of guides and stops for disposing the solenoid with
`respect to the valve.
`Claim 14
`
`14.a.1 An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`
`Claim 13
`13.a
`
`13.b
`
`14.a.2
`
`14.a.3
`
`14.a.4
`
`14.b.1
`
`
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 5
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 5
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`

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`
`
`14.b.2
`
`14.c
`
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump,
`at least one valve being disposed within the enclosure, the at least
`one valve being snap fit in an aperture defined in a wall of the
`enclosure;
`at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in
`selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in
`fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for
`selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air
`bladder; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for
`monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 14 wherein the
`at least one valve disposed therein has a circumferential ramped
`face,
`said ramped face for compressively engaging a circumferential
`beveled face of the aperture to effect the snap fit of the at least one
`valve.
`Claim 16
`
`16.a.1 An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump,
`the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear
`
`14.d
`
`Claim 15
`15.a
`
`15.b
`
`16.a.2
`
`16.a.3
`
`16.a.4
`
`16.b.1
`
`16.b.2
`
`
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 6
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 6
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`
`16.b.3
`
`16.c
`
`cover portion,
`a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the
`enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially
`fluid tight seal therebetween;
`at least one valve operably coupled to the enclosure being in
`selective fluid communication with the air chamber and being in
`fluid communication with the at least one air bladder for
`selectively fluidly coupling the air chamber to at least one air
`bladder; and
`pressure monitor means being operably coupled to the processor
`and being in fluid communication with the at least one valve for
`monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 16 wherein the
`enclosure further includes a plurality of lead grooves defined in
`the enclosure portion proximate the rear cover portion,
`said lead grooves for passing electrical leads into the enclosure.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 16 wherein the
`flexible seal fluidly seals the lead wires disposed in the lead
`grooves.
`Claim 19
`
`19.a.1 An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump;
`
`16.d
`
`Claim 17
`17.a
`
`17.b
`Claim 18
`18
`
`19.a.2
`
`19.a.3
`
`19.a.4
`
`19.b
`
`
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 7
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 7
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`

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`
`
`19.c.1
`
`19.c.2
`
`19.d
`
`pressure monitor means including a sensor being operably coupled
`to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least
`one bladder through a pressure monitoring port defining an
`opening the enclosure and into an interior of the air chamber,
`the sensor configured for continuously monitoring the pressure in
`the at least one bladder during an inflate/deflate cycle by
`monitoring the pressure in the air chamber; and
`two or more valves being fluidly sealing disposed in respective
`valve apertures defined in the enclosure by a snap-fit engagement
`therewith and being in fluid communication with both the exterior
`of the enclosure and with the air chamber.
`Claim 20
`
`20.a.1 An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air
`inflatable mattress having at least one air bladder inflated by
`compressed air,
`a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing
`compressed air thereto, and
`a processor for providing commands to the improved valve
`enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle,
`the improved valve enclosure assembly being fluidly coupled
`intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for
`controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder, comprising:
`an enclosure defining a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber
`and having at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly
`coupled to the pump,
`the enclosure being formed of an enclosure portion and a rear
`cover portion,
`a flexible seal being compressively interposed between the
`enclosure portion and a rear cover portion to effect a substantially
`fluid tight seal therebetween;
`two or more valves being in fluid communication with both the
`exterior of the enclosure and with the air chamber; and
`pressure monitor means including a sensor being operably coupled
`to the processor and being in fluid communication with the at least
`one bladder through a pressure monitoring port defining an
`
`20.a.2
`
`20.a.3
`
`20.a.4
`
`20.b.1
`
`20.b.2
`
`20.b.3
`
`20.c
`
`20.d.1
`
`
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 8
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 8
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`
`20.d.2
`
`Claim 21
`21
`
`Claim 22
`22.a
`
`22.b
`
`Claim 23
`23.a
`
`23.b
`
`Claim 24
`24
`
`Claim 25
`25
`
`
`
`
`
`opening through the enclosure and into an interior of the air
`chamber,
`the pressure sensor configured for continuously monitoring the
`pressure in the at least one bladder during an inflate/deflate cycle.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 20 wherein the
`pressure monitoring port is disposed on the rear cover portion of
`the enclosure.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 2 further
`including at least one solenoid configured to operate a valve,
`wherein the at least one solenoid is at least partially received
`within the air chamber of the enclosure.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 2 further
`including at least one solenoid configured to operate a valve,
`wherein the at least one solenoid is positioned entirely within the
`air chamber of the enclosure.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 2 wherein the
`enclosure is formed of an enclosure portion and a rear cover
`portion.
`
`The improved valve enclosure assembly of claim 24 wherein a
`flexible seal is compressively interposed between the enclosure
`portion and the rear cover portion to effect a substantially fluid
`tight seal therebetween.
`
`
`American National Manufacturing, Inc. Ex. 1004 – Page 9
`WA 11522478.2
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`WA 11522478.2
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`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING, INC. - EX 1004 - Page 9
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