Abstract: A wave generator for waterbeds comprises a paddle unit adapted for positioning on the horizontal mattress supporting surface of the bed frame between an edge of the mattress and a side panel of the frame and has a paddle extending to overlie the upfacing surface of the mattress. A pivoted arm supports the paddle and is reciprocated by an electric motor through pitman-like linkages to oscillate from a raised horizontal position to a downwardly inclined position whereby the paddle rhythmically depresses and releases the mattress creating waves in the surface thereof radiating from the paddle. A control box having an on/off switch, a speed control for the motor and a timer for the switch is interposed along wiring from the motor. The length of wiring between the motor and control box being sufficient to locate the control box for easy access by a user reclining on the mattress when the paddle unit is in operative position.

Abstract: An infant rocker arranged to support a bassinet or the like on a support tray suspended bu coil springs above a base and drive means arranged to rhythmically move the support tray and hence the bassinet in a predetermined pattern, which is preferably an orbital motion, in a plane parallel to the base.

Abstract: An electric swing mechanism includes a battery powered solenoid which exerts a motive force on a swinging infant seat. The solenoid is activated by the linear reciprocation of a specially designed actuator past a microswitch, so that the switch is closed and the solenoid activated in only one direction of the stroke. The mechanism's linkage system is designed to contact the swinging infant seat during only half of the seat's swinging cycle, and is mechanically isolated from the seat during the other half of its cycle.

Abstract: This invention comprises a crib or cradle for infants and children wherein a crib or cradle structure (12) is rockably supported on a relatively stationary support structure (11) by an articulated assembly (13). The articulated assembly (13) is extremely quiet, very easily maintained, and includes no mechanical connections, being comprised of a plurality of vertically spaced dowels (21), (37), (41), disposed one above the other and interconnected by endless belts or straps (36), (39) permitting relative swinging movement among and between the dowels (21), (37), (41).

Abstract: A baby bed rocking mechanism comprising a pair of transverse members each supporting respectively the front legs and the rear legs of a baby bed or crib. The transverse members are pivoted, substantially at their center, relative to a base member. One of the transverse members is mechanically pivoted, or rocked, by a motor driven cam.

Abstract: An articulated bed having a tubular frame, a mattress-holder made up in three parts; a back-rest, a seat-rest and a leg-rest; an arcuate cradle welded to the frame; a carrier capable of rolling on the cradle and an air compressed jack acting on the carrier. Under the combined action of the weight of the carrier and of the jack, the mattress-holder is practically in a state of stable equilibrium in any relative position of the back-rest and of the seat-rest.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a rocking motion to a bed foundation, or the like, which comprises a movable frame (2) supporting the foundation, first and second spaced apart guiding structures (3) located preferably under the frame. Each guiding structure having a pair of traveling surfaces (6,7) slanted downwardly toward the similar surfaces of the other guiding structure. Rollers (5) attached to the frame rest upon said traveling surfaces. An electrical motor (21) imparts to the movable frame, a reciprocal movement along and between said guiding structures.

Abstract: A body support such as a bed, operating table or seat has a flexible top sheet secured over the sides and ends of a frame, and resting on a series of parallel resiliently deformable rollers located between the sides of the frame and supported, in turn, by a longitudinally reciprocal substantially horizontal bearer plate, which is driven back and forth causing the rollers to roll back and forth under the top sheet, thus constantly changing the main pressure areas of the body supported by the top sheet.

Abstract: A baby cradle constructed from a barrel and having the opposite ends thereof supported from a frame by a pivot connection whereby the relatively great weight of the barrel produces an extended time period for rocking of the cradle between manual initiation of the rocking motion.

Abstract: A pad mounted for resting on the top surface of a water bed reciprocates vertically to displace water forming waves in the water of the water bed, for relaxing a user. The speed, amplitude and time of operation of the pad is variable to the desires of the user.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for the prevention of ischemic ulcers and treatment for the soreness and stiffness of joints of patients suffering from arthritis, Parkinson's disease and the like. In the apparatus a patient rests on a surface such as that provided by a conventional mattress and bed which surface is oscillated through an included angle in the range of about 2 to 6 degrees in a generally vertical plane extending generally parallel to the longitude of the patient at a rate of about 15 to 150 seconds per each sweep through the included angle.

Abstract: A hospital bed or mattress for neonatal infants with a respiration monitor and alarm to detect apnea. No sensor or other appliance is attached to the infant. The bed comprises a base or frame structure with a soft resilient membranous top or cover, e.g., of sheet rubber. The closed air space below the pan is vented to the outside as by a small hole or tube, the average air pressure inside being about atmospheric. The baby's breathing causes slight rhythmic displacements of portions of the body, which in turn transmit small dynamic "recoil" forces proportional to acceleration to the flexible membrane on which the baby rests. The resulting diaphragm-like displacements modulate the air pressure inside. Breathing is sensed by monitoring this acoustic signal by a vented pressure microphone or by sensitive anemometer means connected to the vent. Acoustic and electrical filtering are used to discriminate against higher-frequency signals from the heart-beat and from ambient vibration.

Abstract: A rocking cradle is provided. The cradle includes a support having a limitedly elastically vertically displaceable pivot, a cradle body adapted to hold a baby having a center of gravity in a predetermined position, the cradle body being mounted on the pivot with the center of gravity being above the pivot, and a rocking mechanism remote from the pivot and connected between the cradle body and the support for oscillating the cradle body on the pivot.

Abstract: Motion is departed to the water in water beds by periodically lifting a region of the lower surface of the water bed mattress, said region being contained somewhere within the outer margins of the water bed. A water motion that is more uniform and more acceptable in practical applications is provided by lifting a region at least one of whose margins is not parallel with the plane of any of the sides of the water bed mattress. In a preferred embodiment, it is a triangular section of the bottom of the water bed that is lifted, and the lifting is accomplished by tilting that triangular section upwardly toward the upper wall of the apparatus and by accomplishing that tilting from the apex of the triangular region. In a refinement of the action, a means is provided for adjusting the lifting action in frequency or degree to achieve a relationship with the natural resonant frequency of water movement that produces a pleasant bed motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved infant WATERBEDS ENVIRONMENTS designed to simulate the intrauterine environment. This is achieved by the use of a specially designed water filled bladder pulsated by means of a pump which generates rushing water, or by a mechanical device which imparts impulses to said bladder. Audible and tactile sensations created by the pulsating devices and the rushing movement of water coact to recreate aspects of the prenatal infant environment. Novel safety features incorporated into the waterbed include a bladder designed to drain from the top, a permeable supporting structure, and a curved base to allow immediate dissipation of water in the event of a leak.

Abstract: An attachment for conventional beds whereby a bed is made to tilt, rotating generally about the centerline of a person lying in the bed, the attachment including a pair of stanchions, each stanchion having a stirrup pivotally connected thereto, each stirrup having cups for receiving the feet of a bed, and a tilt control means for shifting the stirrup with respect to the stanchion, the stirrup rotating about the pivotal axis which is generally aligned with the centerline of a person lying in the bed.

Abstract: A revolvable playpen including a hollow body having an open upper end and a bottom. The bottom of the body has an annular extension substantially normal to the wall of the hollow body and secured to the lower under surface of the bottom is a semi-spherical member. The annular extension limits the degree of tilt of the playpen so that an infant within the playpen can safely revolve the pen about the annular extension and rock upon the semi-spherical member without tipping over.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for imparting a rocking motion to a bed includes at least one vertically reciprocating mechanism disposable at one side of the bed and a first horizontally oriented bar connected to the reciprocating mechanism. A support structure including a second horizontally oriented bar is disposed adjacent to the opposed side of the bed. Cables or flexible webs are connected between the respective opposite ends of the two bars passing beneath the bed to support the bed above the floor. Controls are provided to actuate the vertically reciprocating mechanism at a predetermined frequency and vertical displacement to provide the desired rocking motion.

Abstract: An automatically rockable crib for infants includes a crib having rollers on the bottom thereof and a crib supporting assembly. The supporting assembly has a platform stand at each corner with a transversely extending arcuate surface thereon. Electric motor means is connected to the crib and oscillates the crib on the rollers along the arcuate surfaces of the platform stands.

Abstract: This device consists primarily of a hollow and portable base in which is secured an electric motor and attached, speed reducer, which by articulating rod means will oscillate from front to rear, a carriage in which the baby is placed. The carriage of the device depends from pivotable link rods secured to tubular rails fastened fixedly within the base portion of the device.