Page 8 The Mattress Variator Manual
FRAME REPAIR FLOWCHART EXPLANATIONS
A. Test the frame with a spring gauge available from Centromed. If the frame inflates / deflates OK and
can hold 20 lb. on the spring gauge for 10 minutes it should work properly in the field. Reasonable
inflation time is 10 seconds, and deflation time of 20 to 30 seconds. To use the spring gauge have the
frame inflated to about 30° on a bench then attach the spring gauge to the upper and lower frame at the
opening end, inflate further until the gauge reads 20 lb. It may be difficult to set 20lb exactly, in this case
set to 20 to 25lb and manually operate the valve plate.
B. If there are any problems with the frame, replace the seal as a matter of course.
C. To replace the seal lay the frame open and pull the bellows from the lower frame, clean all traces of the
old seal from the frame and the bellows and fit a new seal to the frame. Before removing the seals upper
paper cover, trial fit the bellows ensuring that the hole in the frame will align with the hole in the bellows.
It may be necessary to pull the bellows quite taught to align the holes. Finally, remove the upper paper
cover from the seal, and align the hole in the bellows with the hole in the frame, ensuring the bellows lay
flat and completely without creases on the seal.
D. Re test the frame as in section A. If it leaks see section E. If it is slow to inflate / deflate see section O.
E. With the spring gauge fitted and the frame inflated to 20 lb. test the area around the valve plate with
soapy water, if there is any bubbling around the valve plate replace with a new one ensuring the soft pad
aligns correctly with the hole in the frame.
F. With the spring gauge fitted and the frame inflated to 20 lb. test the area around the bung on the end of
the inflation tube with soapy water, if there is any bubbling around the bung replace with a new one.
G. With the spring gauge fitted and the frame inflated to 20 lb. test the area around the frame concentrating
on the area where the main air tube and the manifold are joined. If there is any bubbling, replace the lower
frame with a new one, as described in section H.
H. To change the lower frame remove the seal as described in section C. Remove the rod holding the two
frame sections and the bellows together by taking one of the end caps off and sliding the rod out the other
end. Fit the new lower frame to the upper frame and bellows, replace the rod, fitting a new end cap. Fit a
new valve plate (section E), fit a new seal (section C) and test the frame.
I. To replace the bellows, remove the seal (section C), then remove an end cap from the rod, withdraw the
rod about 150mm (6 inches) and slide the bellows off the rod. Slide a new bellows on to the rod ensuring
the hole in the bellow will align with the hole in the frame. Refit the rod and end cap and the seal (section
C). Test the frame as in section A.
J. Take the hose and the bung off the main air bar and visually check that it is clear from end to end. If any
obstruction is found remove it and retest the frame. If it still does not inflate / deflate correctly, check the
seal is aligned properly as described in section C. If the seal is OK, replace the lower frame as described in
section H.