Abstract: An instrument-supporting, articulated device has a distal end capable of supporting an instrument in the region of a surgical operating site. The device has at least one joint that supports a movable distal support element relative to a proximal support, the joint being associated with a mode selector. The joint has structure capable, upon selection of a first mode of operation by the selector, of enabling relatively free motion of the joint for achieving a desired position of the instrument and the joint has structure capable, upon selection of a second mode of operation by the selector, to set the position of the instrument in space with lightly loaded restraint. The lightly loaded restraint is of a value that, while the second mode continues to be selected, the user may adjust the position of the instrument by application of a light force to the instrument and upon release of such light force by the user, the instrument will remain in the newly adjusted position.

Abstract: A coil spring construction is provided for incorporation within a mattress or cushion. The construction includes a plurality of independently mounted pocketed coil springs. Resilient stabilizers are provided between the springs to maintain their axial positions. The spring pockets are formed by the sealing of first and second sheets to each other in a substantially circular configuration about the axis of each spring. Spring height is determined by the inside diameter of the seal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a pad for seats, back rests, mattresses and the like comprising a pad body of plastic material with recess means therein and a covering layer overlying the pad body, strips of reinforcing material sandwiched between the pad body and the covering layer, and at least selected ones of the strips being in alignment with the recess means whereby heat is dissipated from the covering layer through the recess means and the pad is reinforced by said strips.

Abstract: Support assembly in a piece of furniture for bearing some weight of a person's body. Assembly includes a relatively rigid frame having at least a pair of laterally-spaced panel supports. A weight bearing panel has laterally-spaced edge zones for anchoring to the pair of laterally-spaced frame supports. The panel may comprise an outer layer against which body weight is to be applied and comprises cellulosic fibers. A rearward tensile layer of this panel is of compact material having a moderately high modulus of tension, and a layer of set glue intervenes to fasten together these outer and rearward layers. Suitable anchoring means fasten the laterally-spaced panel edge zones to the pair of laterally-spaced frame supports. The rearward tensile panel layer may comprise economical dead steel, aluminum or like metallic sheeting as contrasted with spring steel sheeting. The outer layer of cellulosic fibers may comprise hardboard, particle-board, plywood or the like.