Garment detection method and system for delivering compression treatment
View Patent ↗A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.
1. A method for detecting the presence of a garment connected to a port comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting and opening at least one valve from a plurality of valves;
(b) providing air through at least one valve to a bladder operably connected to said selected valve;
(c) measuring a value of pressure at said selected valve;
(d) identifying at least one garment connected to said port based upon the measured value of pressure at said selected valve;
(e) closing the selected valve to deflate the bladder connected to the selected valve;
(f) confirming the identification of said at least one identified garment by manually activating a switch located at a control panel;
(g) activating a compression cycle for the detected and confirmed at least one garment;
(h) actuating an alarm, if the at least one garment is not confirmed and inhibiting an inflation cycle in said garment.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein in step (f), the confirming of the identification of said at least one garment is determined by:
flashing a light on said control panel.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein in step (c), the measured pressure is at least 10 mm HG.