Abstract: Two pill crushing/dispensing cups are provided, with a base cup and a nesting cup being snap-fit together top-to-top which defines a cavity for storing a dosage of pills. By decoupling the cups with the base cup facing upward and inserting the nesting cup therein the pills are crushed/ground between a pair of opposing abraded surfaces. A flange on the exterior of the nesting cup limits the advance of nesting cups such that the opposing abraded surfaces do not mesh. The nesting cup is removed and a liquid is added to the base cup. The cups are again snap-fit together and shaken to facilitate complete suspension of the pill crushings. The cups are decoupled and the suspension is administered directly from either cup.

Abstract: A bed system is provided which limits the inflation time of each of a plurality of ventilating air mattresses with the system to a predetermined time. Each mattress includes a fitting with a spring biased pin for actuating a pump switch when the mattress fitting is properly mated with a pump adapter thereby facilitating inflation of said mattress. The pump is programmed to deactivate at the predetermined time, and to remain deactive until the pump switch is reset. The pin is positioned and constructed to be mechanically rendered inoperable in the process of resetting the switch thereby preventing each mattress fitting from actuating the pump switch a second time.

Abstract: An ankle/foot orthosis is provided including a generally "L" shaped frame secured to a person's ankle region with Velcro.RTM. straps or tape. The frame includes an aperture located over the person's heel such that this ulcer prominent area is unobstructed by the frame. A cover, pivotally mounted to the frame, may be positioned over the aperture thereby protecting the heel from inadvertent contact. The cover may also be opened thereby providing access to the heel and enabling treatment of any ulcerous lesions on the heel while the frame is secured to the ankle region. The cover may also be latched with a cover latch in an over-center open position to thereby provide a support for elevating the foot above a supporting surface.

Abstract: Two pill crushing/dispensing cups are provided, each having an interior and an exterior abraded surface on the cup bottom. A pill is placed within a first of the cups and a second cup is nested within the first such that the pill is positioned between the first cup interior knurled surface and the second cup exterior knurled surface. The pill is crushed as the second cup is rotated and advanced within the first cup, a fluid is added to the first cup forming a fluid/pill crushing suspension therein, and the suspension is orally administered directly from the first cup. Both cups may be identical in design.

Abstract: A ventilating air mattress includes a mattress cover having a down filled quilted upper portion overlying the upper surface of the mattress such that air escaping from the ventilating air mattress inflates the quilted portion. The differential air pressure drop across the upper and lower layers of the quilted portion of the mattress pad provides a pillowing or fluffing effect which increases the comfort for the user thereof. An air pump with remote control provides user adjustability of the firmness of the mattress. Alternate embodiments include a readily changeable mattress cover or sheet with quilting instead of the quilted mattress pad.

Abstract: A pill crushing syringe is disclosed which includes a barrel and a plunger, with abraded surfaces on each so that a pill placed in the barrel is crushed as the plunger advances within the barrel. The barrel has an aperture located near the closed end with a catheter connected around and extending from the aperture. The plunger has a sealing gland to provide an airtight seal with the barrel so that liquid may be drawn into the barrel through the aperture by withdrawing the plunger from the barrel to thereby suspend the crushed pill in the liquid, and the suspension may be flushed from the barrel by thereafter advancing the plunger into the barrel. In an alternative embodiment, a bi-level barrel has an aperture in spaced relation to the closed end forming a pocket wherein the crushed pill ingredients accumulate. The pocket at the closed end and the separation between the aperture and the barrel closed end helps prevent the medication from escaping the barrel via the catheter prior to aspiration.

Abstract: A pill crushing syringe is disclosed which includes a barrel and a plunger, with abraded surfaces on each so that a pill placed in the barrel is crushed as the plunger advances within the barrel. The barrel has an aperture located near the closed end with a catheter connected around and extending from the aperture. The plunger has a sealing gland to provide an airtight seal with the barrel so that liquid may be drawn into the barrel through the aperture by withdrawing the plunger from the barrel to thereby suspend the crushed pill in the liquid, and the suspension may be flushed from the barrel by thereafter advancing the plunger into the barrel. In an alternative embodiment, a bi-level barrel has an aperture in spaced relation to the closed end forming a pocket wherein the crushed pill ingredients accumulate. The pocket at the closed end and the separation between the aperture and the barrel closed end helps prevent the medication from escaping the barrel via the catheter prior to aspiration.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.

Abstract: A pill crushing syringe includes a barrel and a plunger, with abraded surfaces on each so that a pill placed in the barrel is crushed as the plunger advances within the barrel. The barrel has an aperture located near the closed end with a catheter connected around and extending from the aperture. The plunger has a sealing gland to provide an airtight seal with the barrel so that liquid may be drawn into the barrel through the aperture by withdrawing the plunger from the barrel to thereby suspend the crushed pill in the liquid, and the suspension may be flushed from the barrel by thereafter advancing the plunger into the barrel.

Abstract: A chair restraint for supporting a patient in a sitting position from a chair or the like includes an upper torso support member having an orthotic support panel readily removable therefrom. The orthotic support panel is made from a plastic which is readily deformable by a heat gun or the like such that it may be custom fit to surround the patient both from his back and sides to provide lateral support to the patient. The upper torso restraint member includes a pair of straps extending forwardly to wrap around the front of the patient to thereby secure the patient within the upper torso restraint member. A seat cushion member includes a flat panel stiffener to provide a firm base for the patient and an interior cushioning member which is inclined generally rearwardly to thereby cradle the patient within the restraint. A center divider member of cushioning material provides two separately defined areas for receiving the patient's legs.