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Acma Industries Ltd
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Pilot Development - Safety Flooring To Reduce Injuries From Falls In The Elderly
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Background: Falls are a serious public health problem among older adults. More than a third of adults aged 65 years or older fall each year and of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuuries that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death.a In 2003, more than 1.8 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for fall related injuries. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and hospitalizations in older adults. In 2002, nearly 13,000 people aged 65 and older died from fall related injuries.
Approximately 3% to 5% of older adult falls cause fractures.a Based on the 2000 United States census, this translates to 360,000 to 480,000 fall related fractures each year. In 1994, the total cost of all fall injuries for people aged 65 or older was $27.3 billion, and by 2020 this cost is expected to exceed $43.8 billion due to the aging of the population.
The potential benefit of an energy absorbing flooring to prevent fractures from falls was investigated in an economic evaluation from Pennsylvania State University.b Assuming $50/sq foot for manufacturing and installation costs, they reported a cost per life year saved of <$0, indicating a cost saving as well as injury/mortality prevention with this type of flooring.
The Problem: Our challenge was to produce a flooring technology that is sufficiently impact absorbent to significantly reduce the fall injury rate. This flooring had to be no softer than carpet with underlay (in fact firmer is desirable as carpet with underlay may increase sway and therefore increase the risk of falling) while remaining a similar thickness to currently available underlays and flooring materials. To achieve this, a thin flooring material that is soft when you fall onto it, but firm when you stand and walk on it, is required.
The Solution: We have developed a new flooring technology which optimises energy absorption on impact with the floor or ground in order to reduce the likelihood of a fracture from a fall, while at the same time minimising deflection to avoid increasing the rate of falls. It is a thin panel of composite polyurethane materials. This technology can be manipulated into most types of floring, for example crash mats, underlay for carpet or vinyl, and other types of flooring material that could be used indoors or outdoors. Acma has a US patent pending.
Test Results: Preliminary results show that mean peak acceleration on impact with the composite under carpet was 62% lower than on a wooden floor alone (p<0.001), and 33% lower than with a commercial grade rubber underlay under carpet (p<0.001). During hardness testing, the composite on a wooden surface deflected 1.5mm when a weight of 41.0kg was applied, whereas carpet with standard rubber underlay on wood was deflected by 3.0mm when only 6.0 kg was applied. That is, when used under carpet the composite absorbed at least 33% more energy on impact than carpeted flooring with a commercial rubber underlay, and provided a superior surface in terms of indentation.
Conclusion:The use of this technology in long term care facilities and hospitals would be safe, practical and result in a reduction in the rate and costs of fractures and other injuries from falls. It would also be beneficial if used in and around homes and shopping malls, in fact anywhere older people are moving about.
Acma is currently seeking interest from potential purchasers of the intellectual property or potential distributors of the products.
aNational Center for Injury Prevention and Control www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/falls.htm
bZacker C, Shea D. international Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care 1998; 14(3):446-457.
Graphite Filled Moulded Polyurethane Foam
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| In recent years there has been an international demand for metropolitan train seating to meet more stringent requirements in regard to flammability.
Graphite filled, moulded polyurethane foam seat cushions and back cushions have been developed by Acma Industries Ltd to meet these new flammability requirements whilst also retaining normal comfort and durability.
As a result of this development, Acma graphite filled moulded foam is now extensively required for use in train seating in Australia and NZ. We are currently working with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise to offer product for the North American market.
Click here for an Enquiry or Order
Theatre Seat Cushioning
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| For a number of years, Acma has been a leading supplier of cushioning and armrests for theatre seating in Australia and New Zealand.
To see some examples of our products, please check them out at the following links to our customers:
Effuzi
Click here for an Enquiry or Order
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Film & TV Props
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| Acma provided a number of mouldings used in film and TV products. Mouldings were made for models, weaponry and armoury etc.
To see some examples of our products, please check them out at the following links to our customers:
Weta Ltd.
Click here for an Enquiry or Order
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Recreational Products
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| In recent times, Acmahas developed components which are used in products for the fast
growing recreational sector. For example: marine seating, hi-fi remote
control unit, tackle bag, bike seats etc.
To see some examples of our products, please check them out at the following links to our customer:
Reflex Products Ltd
Click here for an Enquiry or Order
| TO ORDER
| | Click here to fill in a order form online; or print it off, fill it in and fax it back to us on 64 4 5264247.
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