Identification and communication system for inflatable devices

Abstract

A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment ( 21 ) connected to a pump ( 20 ) by connectors ( 12 and 11 ), respectively. The connector ( 12 ) attached to the garment ( 21 ) carries an RFID transponder ( 30 ) and a corresponding radio circuit ( 31 ) is located within the pump ( 20 ). In use, the transponder ( 30 ) transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit ( 31 ). The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle duration of treatment, etc.

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       11 . A pneumatic control system for an inflatable/deflatable article useful in the clinical treatment of patients, the pneumatic system comprising control means for operation of a pump, connection means for connecting the article and pump for fluid flow therethrough, communication means provided on at least one of the pump, the article, and the connection means, wherein upon connection between the pump and the connection means the communication means is capable of identifying at least one of a manufacturing date associated with the article and a maximum intended time from manufacture to use of the article.  
   
   
       12 . A pneumatic control system for an inflatable/deflatable article useful in the clinical treatment of patients, the pneumatic system comprising control means for operation of a pump, connection means for connecting the article and pump for fluid flow therethrough, communication means provided on at least one of the pump, the article, and the connection means, wherein upon connection between the pump and the connection means the communication means is capable of identifying an application for which at least one of the article and the pump is intended to be used.  
   
   
       13 . A pneumatic control system for an inflatable/deflatable article useful in the clinical treatment of patients, the pneumatic system comprising control means for operation of a pump, connection means for connecting the article and pump for fluid flow therethrough, communication means provided on at least one of the pump, the article, and the connection means, wherein upon connection between the pump and the connection means the communication means is capable of identifying at least one of whether the article is intended for more than a single use, a number of times the article is intended to be used, a duration of time for which the article is intended to be used, and whether the article has been processed for re-use.  
   
   
       14 . A pneumatic control system for an inflatable/deflatable article useful in the clinical treatment of patients, the pneumatic system comprising control means for operation of a pump, connection means for connecting the article and pump for fluid flow therethrough, communication means provided on at least one of the pump, the article, and the connection means, wherein upon connection between the pump and the connection means the communication means is capable of identifying at least one of an alarm setting and security information for preventing unauthorized use of the article.  
   
   
       15 . A pneumatic control system for an inflatable/deflatable article useful in the clinical treatment of patients, the pneumatic system comprising control means for operation of a pump, connection means for connecting the article and pump for fluid flow therethrough, communication means provided on at least one of the pump, the article useful in the clinical treatment of patients, and the connection means, wherein upon connection between the pump and the connection means the communication means is capable of identifying a serial number associated with the article.