System for support and thermal control.

Arjohuntlelgh House, Houghton Hall Business Park, Houghton Regis, LU5 5XF,

Dunstable, Bedfordshire, ENGLAND

SYSTEM FOR SUPPORT AND THERMAL CONTROL.

A47C21 / Q4, A «IG ^ <W | *

A4 ^ C21 / Ó44hFÍ4F7 / Ú07? ' _¿ j

JOHN Vlfc & LlkrRZ HONG; MA¡P * I6IA (JPICKERÍnG^and

CIP:

CPC:

Number:

MX / a / 2014/008667

<img file="MX355191B_D0001.tif" />

International:

013,

Country:

US

Validity: Vaíhttk years- v &lt;·

Date of V ^^ iigienttK 4 &amp; {f &amp; wieró cJeS € $ 8 licióní% of a ^ j ^ d ^ 4018

E date:

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The reference patent

In accordance with the artetenal you the Law-teJa Propeaaaji from the date of presenK «¡¡» is the soliaMNrtetgaciéQjfl /

Number:

61 / ^ 8,784 • · -, l £ j¿yjle la RfofaÉif ^ r Industrial

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Who signs this tlti (Official Gazette of the Federation 25/01/2006, 06/05 / 2009,06 / 01/2010 (

Regulations of the Mexican Institute articles 1, 3. 4th, 5th fraction V subsection af 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 29/0 Deputy Generals, Coordinator, Departmental Directors and other subordinates of the Institute 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007) .

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source in 27 / 86Α9'9Ί “» »· (ρι O.j28 / O6 / ¿0 W27 / 1 tftgencípde twenty Mj Imfeqlteér in force and 7 ° 4» is 2 of the'Úfy of Industrial Property 1 ^. &lt;7Λ / 1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, a), 4th and 12th sections I and III del '/ 2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); or Industrial Property (DOF that delegates powers to Directors lies, Divisional Deputy Directors, Coordinators 2/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, applicable, counted to date

This document is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 fraction lll, 2 fraction V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Payment and Electronic Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

<img file="MX355191B_D0005.tif" />

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Tax Administration Service | 1695 || MX / 2018/29497 | MX / a / 2014/008667 | PCT patent title | 1223 | GAGV | Pág (s) | + U6JDgffzBtw + 3kr5Bk3fGVOcEM =

Digital stamp:

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NEXZ6tQjXnkJ + bQlk0njqScdPDSpqM7 + AtUHxpvuE4R4fhp0HjMHTu5LG1pjJdwT5390vfkA ==

Arenal No. 550, Floor 1, Pueblo Santa María Tepepan, Xochimiico, 16020, Mexico City (55) 53340700 www.gob mx / impí

<img file="MX355191B_D0006.tif" />

MX / 2018/29497

355111

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LVDVí'í KLvL

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SYSTEM FOR SUPPORT AND TFLRMIO CONTROL »

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

The present application claims priority over US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 588,784, filed January 20, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present description refers generally to support surfaces for stand-alone use and for use in association with beds and other support platforms, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, for support surfaces that aid prevention, reduction and / or treatment of pressure ulcers and the transfer of moisture and / or heat from the body.

BACKGROUND

Patients and others who are bedridden for extended periods are at risk for pressure ulcer formation. Bed sores (commonly known as bedsores, pressure sores, pressure ulcers, etc.) can form when the blood that feeds the capillaries under the dermal tissue is disrupted due to external pressure against the skin. This pressure can be greater than the internal pressure of the blood within a capillary and thus occlude the capillary and prevent the

ΙΜΡΪ

INSTITUTE ΜIX! CANO WU Μ (ιΡΙΡΓ · Α /&gt; (NDUTaiAt

<img file="MX355191B_D0008.tif" />

oxygen and nutrients reach the area of ​​the skin where pressure is exerted. Furthermore, humidity and heat on and around the person can exacerbate ulcers, causing maceration of the skin, among other associated problems.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for reducing a temperature of a patient's skin and for assisting in the prevention of pressure ulcer formation and / or promoting the healing of such formation. of ulcers.

In various embodiments, a Support System Cooling Device (SSCD) comprises multiple layers configured to allow air flow through the layers and into an air blower. Exemplary embodiments incorporate an air impeller configured to provide airflow from about 1.0 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to about 50 CFM. Such air flow can provide high vapor transfer rates, including for example those above 500 g / m²/ h. Additionally, with higher airflows close to the patient, the patient's skin temperature is estimated to drop to approximately 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

In certain embodiments, the SSCD comprises a portion of

IMPI β ^ ΠΤΓΜΤΟ MEXICAN déla «γημεοαο tHCUSTWAL

<img file="MX355191B_D0009.tif" />

support below the patient, whereas in other embodiments, the SSCD also comprises a cover portion configured to cover a patient. The support portion (and optionally, the cover) are coupled to the air pusher through a plurality of ducts that allow sufficient air flow to provide removal of moisture from a patient and conductive cooling to the skin of the patient. a patient.

Certain embodiments comprise a support surface cooling device comprising: an air impeller; a first conduit; a first layer comprising a vapor permeable material; a second layer comprising a spacer material; and a third layer. In particular embodiments, the second layer is between the first layer and the third layer; the first conduit is in fluid communication between the second layer and the air impeller; and the air blower is configured to create an air flow through the spacer material to the air blower. In certain embodiments, the first conduit is embedded within the second layer.

Certain embodiments comprise a support surface cooling device comprising: an air impeller; a first layer comprising a vapor permeable material; a second layer comprising a spacer material; and a third layer, in which: the second

ΪΜΡΙΟ ^.

INSTITUTE MEXICa

Dt THE PRGhidFTY ΙΝΓνί · '1 RlAi layer is between the first layer and the third layer; the air impeller is configured to create an air flow through the spacer material towards the air impeller; and the air impeller is configured to provide an air flow between approximately 5 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions and approximately 50 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions.

In specific embodiments, the air impeller is configured to provide an airflow between approximately 5 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions and approximately 50 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions. In certain embodiments the airflow is between approximately 10 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions and approximately 50 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions, while in particular embodiments, the airflow is between approximately 20 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions. and approximately 50 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions.

In certain embodiments, the air pusher is configured to create sufficient air flow to provide conductive cooling to the skin of a patient adjacent to the first layer. In particular embodiments, the spacer material comprises one of the following: open cell foam; particles, filaments or

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO re * - '··. H '

Use the natural or synthetic polymer strands; fibers-lié'- argódoh; polyester fibers; metals and aLfraffiiftaeo · m »bal4eas · flexible; shape memory metals and metal alloys, and shape memory plastics. Specific embodiments may also comprise an antimicrobial device close to the air blower. In particular embodiments, the air impeller is a centrifugal fan. Certain embodiments may comprise an antimicrobial device close to the air blower.

In particular embodiments, the support surface cooling device is configured to allow an air flow of 30 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions through the spacer material while supporting a person lying on the spacer material. In certain embodiments, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are components of a support portion configured to be positioned between a patient and a support mattress. Specific embodiments may comprise a cover portion configured to cover a patient supported by the support mattress. Particular embodiments may also comprise a second conduit in fluid communication with an air space between the support part and the cover part. In specific embodiments, the support part and the cover part are joined together through a coupling mechanism. In realizations

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I-.C · XK.aL particular, the coupling mechanism is selected from a group consisting of zippers, buttons, press fit or sewn. Specific embodiments comprise a plurality of conduits in fluid communication between the second layer and the air impeller.

Particular embodiments also include a method of reducing a patient's skin temperature, wherein the method comprises providing a support surface cooling device comprising an air blower; a conduit; a vapor permeable layer; and a spacer material adjacent to the vapor-permeable layer, wherein the conduit is in fluid communication between the air impeller and the spacer material. Certain embodiments also comprise placing the vapor permeable layer adjacent to the surface of the patient's skin; actuating the air blower to create an air flow through the spacer material and the duct to the air blower; and reducing the temperature of the patient's skin. In particular embodiments, the airflow is between approximately 5 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions and approximately 30 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions or between approximately 10 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions and approximately 30 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions. , or between approximately 20 cubic feet per minute

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ÜS-STíTino Wt.KICAS'i.)

Líur / yj i ./'-i, wwruu - under standard conditions and about 30 cubic feet per minute under standard conditions.

In certain embodiments, the vapor permeable layer and spacer material are positioned between the patient and a support mattress. In particular embodiments, the vapor permeable layer and the spacer material are placed on top of the patient. In specific embodiments, the vapor permeable layer and the spacer material are both placed on top of the patient and between the patient and a support mattress. In certain embodiments, the spacer material comprises one of the following: open cell foam; natural or synthetic polymer particles, filaments, or strands; cotton fibers; polyester fibers; flexible metals and metal alloys; shape memory metals and metal alloys and shape memory plastics. In particular embodiments, the temperature of the patient's skin is lowered by conduction cooling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in detail below, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In itself, what has been set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of

Yes' "F

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INfTtTUTO MEXICANO Dt LA PttOl'lLCM '[NDUiTlU-'Jillustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims below, together with the full range of equivalents to which those claims accommodate.

Furthermore, one skilled in the art will appreciate upon reading and understanding this disclosure that other variations to the invention described herein may be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, parts of the support system shown and described can be incorporated with existing mattresses or support materials. Other embodiments can use the support system in seating applications, including but not limited to wheelchairs, chairs, recliners, benches, etc.

In the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the description. This method of description is not to be construed as reflecting an intention that exemplary embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly enumerated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims below, the subject matter of the invention rests on less than all the characteristics of a ςίλ'ΜίΤχ · '' · 'Λϊ' / - '· 1 -.IMPI

INSTITUTE MLK: C. *&gt; O Dfc LA FRCmT'ÁU INuvil áíAL only unveiled accomplishment. Thus, the claims ... a. The following are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of disclosed embodiments, each claim supporting, by itself, as a separate embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first example embodiment of a support surface cooling device and a support mattress that supports a person.

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a cross section of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of a support surface cooling device adjacent to a skin surface.

FIG. 4 illustrates a graph of predicted skin temperature in relation to air flow.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a support surface cooling device and a support mattress that supports a person.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the third exemplary embodiment of a support surface cooling device and a support mattress that supports a person.

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INSTITUTO MEX ICANO

- 10 l&gt; E LA PKóAF'L. '.. Al »' / 'Y l No u $'; 'R íal · · _ί.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REALIZATIONS b £ SVELADAg ~~ ”'

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for assisting in the prevention of pressure ulcer formation and / or promoting the healing of such ulcer formation. For example, in various embodiments, lowering the temperature of the skin, which prevents ulcer formation and / or the healing of pressure sores can be accomplished through the use of a support surface cooling device. . Exemplary embodiments of the device can be used to aid in the removal of moisture, vapor, and heat adjacent and proximate the patient's surface interface and in the environment surrounding the patient by providing a surface that absorbs and / or disperses moisture, steam and heat from the patient. In addition, exemplary embodiments of the device can be used in combination with a number of support surfaces or platforms to provide a reduced interface pressure between the patient and the device on which the patient is positioned. This reduced interface pressure can help prevent pressure ulcer formation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the support surface cooling device may include a number of layers. Each layer can be

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It is made up of a number of different materials, which represent various properties. These properties can include the level of friction or drag on a surface, the permeability to a vapor, a gas, a liquid, and / or a solid, and various phases of the vapor, gas, liquid, and solid, and other properties.

For example, in exemplary embodiments, the support surface cooling device may include materials that provide a low air loss characteristic, where one or more layers exhibit various air, vapor, and liquid permeability properties and / or or where multiple layers are bonded or sealed together. As used herein, a low air loss feature of a support surface cooling device includes, but is not limited to: a multi-layer device that allows air and vapor to pass through the first layer in the presence of a partial pressure difference of the vapor between the internal and external environments of the multilayer device; a multilayer device that allows air and vapor to pass through the first layer in the absence of a partial vapor pressure difference between the internal and external environments of the multilayer device; and a multilayer device that allows air and vapor to move into and / or outside of the multilayer device through the openings in one or more

IMPI

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA PfiúPIt DAD ÍNDUSTkLAL

<img file="MX355191B_D0010.tif" />

layers.

In other exemplary embodiments, the multilayer device may include materials that provide substantially no airflow, wherein one or more layers include air-impermeable properties and / or where layers adhere or seal together to a layer comprising a material. separator. In such exemplary embodiments, this configuration can control the direction of air movement from the outside to the inside (for example, under the influence of a negative pressure source at the air inlet for the multilayer device). Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a multilayer device that includes, but is not limited to, the following: a device that substantially prevents or prevents air from passing through the first layer, but allows passage of vapor through the first cap; a device that prevents or substantially prevents air from moving through the first layer in the presence of a partial vapor pressure difference between the internal and external environments of the multilayer device, but allows the passage of vapor through the first layer ; and a device that substantially prevents or prevents air from moving out of the multilayer device through the material that forms a particular layer of the device, but allows air to move through the openings in one or more layers.

<img file="MX355191B_D0011.tif" />

IMPÍ

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Pfc LA WOPIiDALi iSSLi “„ OL

In various exemplary embodiments, ..... systems are provided that may include a number of components that both aid in the prevention of pressure ulcer formation and remove moisture and / or heat from the patient. For example, the systems may include a support surface cooling device (SSCD) that can be used in conjunction with a variety of support surfaces, such as an inflatable mattress, a foam mattress, a gel mattress, a water mattress or fluid mattress from a hospital bed. In such exemplary embodiments, the features of the SSCD can help remove moisture and heat from the patient and decrease the interface pressure between a patient and the surface of the SSCD, while features of the unreliable or foam mattress can help to the prevention and / or healing of pressure ulcers by further lowering interface pressures in areas of the skin where external pressures are typically high, such as, for example, in bony prominences such as in the heel and hip areas of a patient. In other exemplary embodiments, the systems may include the SSCD used in conjunction with a chair or other support platform.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example embodiment of a cooling device of

<img file="MX355191B_D0012.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE »tla. The support surface (SSCD) 500 placed on a support mattress 560 and below a patient 180. In this embodiment, the SSCD 500 comprises a support portion 505 with a first layer 510 permeable to vapor and water, a middle layer 520 comprising a spacer material and a third layer 530. In the embodiment shown, the first layer 510 is proximal to patient 180, while third layer 530 is distal to patient 180.

In this embodiment, support portion 505 is also connected to air blower 540 through a plurality of conduits 545 that can allow substantial flow of air 541 from midlayer 520 to air blower 540. In certain embodiments, the Ducts 545 may be embedded in the middle layer 520. In other exemplary embodiments, the air blower 541 can be configured to provide air flow 541 to the middle layer 520 without the use of ducts. For example, air blower 541 can be directly coupled to a support portion 505 so that airflow 541 is directed to midlayer 520. In certain embodiments, air blower 540 is capable of providing between about 5 and 50 cubic feet per minute (SCFM) under standard air flow conditions between support portion 505 and air impeller 540. In particular embodiments, the air impeller 540 is capable of providing between approximately 10 SCFM under conditions

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF PROPERTY l.'JDLS-'MAL standard and 50 SCFM under standard conditions or between about 20 SCFM under standard conditions and 50 SCFM under standard conditions of air flow between the support part 505 and the air impeller 540. As shown explained in further detail below, such air flow can provide sufficient vapor transfer rates to reduce the temperature of the patient's skin.

General principles of operation are provided initially for this example embodiment, followed by a more detailed description of individual components and principles of operation. In general, water vapor 116 is transferred from a patient 180, through a first layer 510, to the air contained in the middle layer 520. In exemplary embodiments, air impeller 540 draws air through midlayer 520 (eg, through ducts 545), so that water vapor 116 can be removed from the air contained in midlayer. 520. In addition, the air flow 541 reduces the temperature of the patient's skin. Using negative air pressure to draw room temperature air into the coverlet causes the water vapor from the patient 180 to evaporate. This can produce air cooling within the support portion 505 and provide induced cooling to the patient 180. In addition, the air flow 541 in the middle layer 520 may be at a lower temperature than

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INSTITUTO MfXíCAN »f 'DE LA FRO?' WA)&gt; *&gt;» (NDUfTXLAL patient skin temperature 180, which can provide patient conduction cooling

180.

In certain embodiments, the first layer 510 is comprised of a material that is liquid and air impermeable and either vapor permeable or vapor impermeable. An example of such a vapor permeable material is marketed under the trade name Gore-Tex®. GoreTex® is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, but can be air permeable or air impermeable. Examples of such vapor impermeable materials include vinyl sheets or urethane sheets. In the embodiment shown, the middle layer 520 comprises a spacer material that separates the first layer 510 and the third layer 530. As used herein, the term spacer material (and related terms) should be broadly interpreted to include any material. that includes a volume of air within the material that allows air to move through the material. In exemplary embodiments, the spacer materials allow air to flow through the material when a person is lying on the material while the material is supported by a mattress. Examples of such spacer materials include open cell foam, polymer particles, and a material sold by Tytex under the trade name

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AirX ™.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the third layer 530 comprises a material that is vapor impermeable, air impermeable, and liquid impermeable. Examples of such materials include vinyl plastic sheets or polyurethane material sheets. The first layer 510 and the third layer 530 can be composed of the same material in certain embodiments.

The support mattress 560 can be of any configuration known in the art for the support of a person 180. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the support mattress 560 can be an alternative pressure pad type mattress or another type of mattress that uses air to inflate or pressurize a cell or chamber within the mattress. In other exemplary embodiments, the support mattress 560 does not use air to support the person 180 and may comprise, for example, foam, gel, water, or other suitable support materials.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the support mattress 560 and the support portion 505 provide support for the person 180 and assist in the removal of moisture, steam and heat adjacent and proximal to the interface between the person 180 and the support portion 505. In the embodiment example of FIG. 1, SSCD 500 comprises a plurality of conduits 545 that are in fluid communication with both impeller 540

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as with the spacer material or middle layer 52 0, During operation, the air blower 540 shown in FIG. 1 functions to reduce the pressure within the support portion 505 and create a negative pressure or suction of the air flow 541 that is directed through the middle layer 520 and into the air impeller 540.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an end view of the cross section of the support portion 505 illustrates the multiple layers. During operation of the SSCD 500, water vapor 116 is transferred from person 180 (and air adjacent to person 180) through first layer 510 to air pockets within middle layer spacer material 520. Water vapor 116 will continue to transfer to air pockets within the separator material 522 as long as the air pockets are at a lower relative humidity than the air adjacent to the person 180. When the relative humidity of the air pockets increases and approaches the relative humidity of the air adjacent to the person 180, the transfer rate of the water vapor 116 will decrease. It is therefore desirable to maintain a lower relative humidity of the air pockets within the middle layer 520 than the relative humidity of the air adjacent to the person 180. When the water vapor 116 is transferred to the air pockets within the middle layer 520, it is desirable to remove the water vapor from the air pockets and decrease the relative humidity of the air inside the middle layer 520. The relative humidity of the air in the middle layer 520 can be reduced to that of the environment. environment. By removing the water vapor 116 from the air within the middle layer 520, the water vapor transfer rate 116 from the person 180 can be kept at a more uniform level.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air flow 541 flows through the air pockets within the middle layer 520 and assists in the removal of water vapor 116 from the air pockets. This lowers the relative humidity of the air pockets and allows the water vapor transfer rate 116 to be maintained over time. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air flow 541 may be drawn or drawn through the midlayer 520 toward the impeller 540. As explained in more detail below, the temperature of the patient's skin 180 may be reduced during operation of the SSCD 500.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a detailed sectional view of the support portion 505 adjacent to the skin of patient 180 is shown. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the skin temperature of patient 180 can be calculated by the following formula (assuming that the skin is dry without sweat):

/ rp _. Τ 'j XR rp -' Tycleus ^ environment '^ system _ι_ φ skin / ρ id)' ^ environment '^ system' ^ skin '

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«« • V 'MVHJ ΜΕλΚ, ΛΝ * »m CA ·! ·! (Ubsíi

V in which:

Tpiei = the external temperature of the patient's skin

Tnúcieo = the temperature of the core of the patient's skin (37 ° C / 98.6 ° F)

Also = ambient temperature (25 ° C / 77 ° F)

Rsystem = the resistance of the SSCD to heat transfer

Rpiei = the resistance of the skin to heat transfer (0.05 m² ° K / W)

Using negative pressure to create airflow allows room temperature air to flow into the SSCD 500, creating a greater temperature difference between the surrounding air and the patient's skin 180. Additionally, negative pressure attracts to the first layer 510 and the third layer 530 against the spacer material of the middle layer 520. This can direct airflow 541 through midlayer 520, creating a greater air velocity of airflow 541 and accelerating evaporation of water vapor 116. If positive air pressure were used instead (for example an air flow 541 directed out of the air impeller 540), could separate the first layer 510 with the third layer 530 from the middle layer 520. This swelling of the first layer 510 or third layer 530 can allow air flow 541 to contour the layer

VJL JL JL rNsrm) το mf.x ¡ca not FJ? INOüSTWAL * “separating media 520, and the speed of the air flow 541 within the media layer 520 is reduced. The reduced airflow velocity also reduces the ability of the SSCD to remove water vapor from the patient 180 and lower the temperature of the patient's skin 180.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a graph illustrates a patient's predicted skin temperature using the SSCD 500. As shown in FIG. 4, the predicted skin temperature is lowered from approximately 97.5 ° F without any airflow to approximately 88 ° F with maximum airflow of approximately 30 CFM. Various sizes of air impellers were used in the test. In this test example, the air impeller was an Ametek® 119103-00 type H, 8 amps, 50/60 Hz, 120 V, with a maximum air flow of more than 100 CFM.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, vapor and air can carry organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and other potentially dangerous pathogens. Thus, and as will be described in greater detail herein, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more devices, agents, etc. may be provided. antimicrobials to prevent, destroy, mitigate, repel, trap and / or contain potentially dangerous pathogenic organisms including microbial organisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, gray molds, mites

<img file="MX355191B_D0016.tif" />

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dust, fungi, microbial spores, activated sludge, protozoa, protozoan cysts and the like and therefore eliminate them from the air and vapor that is dispersed and removed from the patient and the environment surrounding the patient. In addition, in various embodiments, the SSCD 500 can include multiple layers that have antimicrobial activity. In some embodiments, such as the first, middle, and third layers 510, 520, and 530 may include particles, fibers, strands, etc., made up of silver and / or other antimicrobial agents.

In various exemplary embodiments, the middle layer 520 can be formed of various materials, and can have a number of configurations and shapes, as described herein. In some embodiments, the material is flexible. In such exemplary embodiments, the flexible material may include properties that resist compression, such that when the flexible material is compressed, for example, by the weight of a patient lying on the support means 505, the flexible material has a tendency to revert to its original shape, and thereby impart a support function for the support portion 505. The flexible material can also include a property that allows lateral movement of air through the flexible material even under compressive loads.

Examples of materials that can be used to form middle layer 520 may include, but are not limited to,

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO 5- * t: .7, ..- τ.Ά .'5 DE LA WONEiXV »'Ά-- A' · '' · ί (NUUSTIUAL AC? 'Natural and synthetic polymers in the form of particles, _ filaments, strands, foam (for example open cell foam), among others, and natural and synthetic materials such as cotton fibers, polyester fibers and the like. Other materials may include flexible metals and metal alloys, memory metals and metal alloys shape and shape memory plastics. These materials can include elastic, superelastic, linear elastic and / or shape memory properties that allow the flexible material to flex and bend and assume variable shapes under varying conditions (eg compression, pressure, temperature, etc.).

In various exemplary embodiments, the SSCD 500 may be a single use device or a multipurpose device. As used herein, a single use device is a device for single patient use applications that is comprised of disposable vapor, air and liquid permeable material and / or is inexpensive and / or manufactured and / or assembled in a low cost manner and is intended to be used for a single patient over a short period of time, such as a few hours, a day, or multiple days or weeks. As used herein, a multi-use device is a device for use by multiple patients that is generally formed of vapor-permeable materials, permeable to

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liquid and air-permeable or an air-impermeable material that is reusable, washable and can be disinfected using a variety of techniques (e.g. autoclave, bleach, etc.) and generally of a higher and superior quality in workmanship than the device of a single use and is intended to be used by one or more patients over a period of time such as multiple days, weeks, months, and / or years. In various exemplary embodiments, the manufacture and / or assembly of a multi-use device may involve methods that are more complex and more expensive than the single-use device. Examples of materials used to form single-use devices may include, but are not limited to, nonwoven papers. Examples of materials used to form reusable devices may include, but are not limited to, Gore-Tex® and laminated urethane as a fabric.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in certain embodiments an SSCD 600 may comprise a cover portion 610 configured to cover the patient 180 in addition to a support portion 620 between the patient 180 and a support mattress 560. In certain exemplary embodiments, the support portion Bracket 620 is configured equivalent to SSCD 500 and cover portion 610 is configured equivalent to an inverted SSCD 500. For example, the cover portion 610 may comprise three layers, including a first layer

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proximal to the patient 180 which is equivalent to the first layer 510, a middle layer equivalent to the middle layer 520 and a third layer proximal to the environment which is equivalent to the third layer 530.

The SSCD 600 also comprises a plurality of conduits 645 in fluid communication between an air impeller 540 and cover portion 610 and a support portion 620. During operation, the SSCD 600 can also serve to remove water vapor and decrease patient skin temperature 180 in a manner generally equivalent to that of the previously described SSCD 500. The SSCD 600, however, can provide more effective water vapor removal and skin temperature reduction by covering more surface area of ​​the patient's skin 180 than embodiments that only include a support portion below the patient 180. .

Referring now to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, an SSCD 700 may comprise a cover part 710 that is connected to a support part 720. In particular embodiments, the cover part 710 can be connected to a support part 720 through a locking mechanism. coupling 730. In specific embodiments, the coupling mechanism 730 may comprise one or more of zippers, buttons, snap fit, or other suitable devices. In other embodiments, the part of

IMPI «vjfrnvro jMfXÍCAN .1 OR UA FV.OfIEOaO« WUfíTXIAL cover 710 and the support part can¹ OStai ¹¹II tí j 1 (Id sró sewn together to form a unitary component similar to a sleeping bag. Similar to the previously described embodiments, this embodiment comprises a plurality of conduits 645 in fluid communication between an air impeller 540 and a cover portion 710 and a support part 720. Furthermore, this embodiment comprises a conduit 755 directed to the air gap between the cover part 710 and the support part 720. During operation, the conduit 755 can reduce the pressure in the air gap between the cover part 710 and the support part 720 and draw the cover part towards the patient 180 and the support part 720. During operation, the SSCD 700 can also serve to remove water vapor and lower the temperature of the patient's skin 180 in a manner generally equivalent to that of the SSCD 600 previously described.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.