Abstract: An improved medical pad for contact thermal exchange with a patient includes a fluid circulation layer for containing a thermal exchange fluid circulatable therethrough, a first port and a second port for circulating the thermal exchange fluid in to and out of the fluid circulation layer, and a hydrogel layer interconnected to and extending across one side of the fluid circulation layer to define an adhesive surface for adherence to a patient's skin. The hydrogel layer comprises an ultra violet light-cured composition that includes a cross-linking copolymer in an amount of between about 15% to 30% by weight of the composition, water in an amount of between about 15% to 40% by weight of the composition, and glycerol in an amount of between about 25% to 35% by weight of the composition. The hydrogel layer is provided to have a thermal conductivity of at least about 1.9 cal/hr-cm-° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning device for use in a compound portable phototherapy device to contain and enhance therapeutic treatment to a subject. The positioning device comprises an inner surface composed of a non-porous, light reflective material, as well as an outer surface that may be opaque. Use of the positioning device in conjunction with a phototherapy device secures advantages of increased incident light directed on a subject and a controlled thermal environment for the subject. The positioning device may be portable and may be pliable, capable of being rolled or compressed. The positioning device may optionally include a visor, venting, and stabilizing cushioning. The positioning device may optionally include a thermal regulation element.

Abstract: An inflatable system includes a bladder configured to contain fluid, a first plurality of tethers disposed within a first region of the bladder, and a second plurality of tethers disposed within a second region of the bladder. The first plurality of tethers has a first tether length, a first tether spacing, a first tether angle relative to one wall of the bladder, and a first tether stiffness. The second plurality of tethers has a second tether length, a second tether spacing, a second tether angle relative to the one wall, and a second tether stiffness. At least one of: the second tether length is different than the first tether length; the second tether spacing is different than the first tether spacing; the second tether angle is different than the first tether angle; and the second tether stiffness is different than the first tether stiffness.

Abstract: A system includes a patient support unit having an enclosed patient environment, a heating module, a skin temperature sensor module, an environmental sensor module, and a control system. The control system is configured to selectively operate the system in a pre-programmed weaning mode configured to gradually wean the patient from the warmed patient environment series of stepped air temperature decreases performed over a series of stepped time durations achieves a goal air temperature while maintaining a goal skin temperature within a weaning abort deviation.

Abstract: An articulating bed incorporating a frame employs a support member for a mattress secured to a frame for articulating motion. An upper body portion of the support member is rotatable through a range of motion from an aligned position with the frame to a fully elevated position angularly supporting the upper body portion in a raised position. A massage exciter is affixed to a bottom surface of the support member and is operative to sonically engage the flexible support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deep pressure therapy system. The system includes an inflatable component and a shell component. The inflatable component can be removably attached to the shell component to form a wearable assembly. The inflatable component is shaped to conform to a portion of a body of an individual, and includes an inflatable bladder having an inlet port and an outlet port for passage of a fluid. The bladder includes a plurality of depressions which are generally evenly-distributed over a portion of the bladder. In some embodiments, the depressions are circular welds. In some embodiments, the depressions are three-dimensional welds. The bladder may additionally include weld strips. The shell component may include one or more stretchable strips which are expandable as safety feature.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: A floating water bed for a user being floatably surrounded with liquid, includes a sleeping bed, which is made of waterproof material, having a compartment for the user accommodating therein that the user is floating and supporting by the liquid, and a breathing opening communicating with the compartment and arranged in such a manner that when the user rests in the compartment, the breathing opening is aligned with a head of the user, wherein the breathing opening is adapted for air circulation of the compartment with ambient atmosphere, such that the sleeping bag is adapted for allowing the user to achieve absolute relaxation while achieving complete rest, wherein the sleeping bag is adapted for completely separating the user from the liquid surrounding and thus protecting the user within the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A pad circulation system, comprising a pad, tubing that is operationally configured to affix to said pad, at least one container, wherein each container is operationally configured to hold water or other liquid, a pump, said pump capable of circulating said water or other liquid throughout said tubing.

Abstract: The floating water bed includes a specially designed unique sleeping bag and a movable mattress pad. The sleeping bag is both thin and soft and it is placed on top of the movable mattress pad. This movable mattress pad can be lowered or risen from the water. As the human being rests within the sleeping bag, with the press of a button, the mattress pad can be lowered into the water along with the sleeping bag and the individual inside. At this time, the individual inside the sleeping bag will be floating in mid-water and will begin experiencing soothing relaxation. The floating water bed will have a well-shaped hole perpendicular to the sleeping bag and rising out of the water, providing the individual with an entrance into the sleeping bag as well as a breathing space once they are within the sleeping bag. With this well-shaped hole, the individual can breathe easily without the use of oxygen masks or additional equipment.

Abstract: A medical pad 10 includes a thermal exchange layer capable of absorbing and/or releasing heat to a patient and an adhesive surface 16A disposed on a skin-contacting side of the thermal exchange layer for adhering the pad 10 to the skin of the patient. The thermal exchange layer may comprise a fluid containing layer 12 for containing a thermal exchange fluid 14 capable of absorbing thermal energy from and/or releasing thermal energy to the patient. The pad 10 may also include a conformable, thermally conductive layer 16 between the adhesive surface 16A and the fluid containing layer 12 and an insulating layer 18 on the non-skin contacting side of the fluid containing layer 12. In some arrangements, transverse members 24, 26 or dimples 624 on insulating base member 618 are provided to define tortuous fluid passageways in fluid containing layer 12.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress system for recreational vehicles and, in particular, to a waterbed system for a recreational vehicle having a cabin or sleeping area or space or flat or truck bed which includes a waterbed mattress which can be filled from a source of water internal or external to the vehicle through the side, wall or floor of the vehicle via a series of tubes and a pump.

Abstract: A portable water cooled mattress for use with infants or the like comprising an air bladder lower level constructed of an air proof material and including an inflation and deflation opening valve. A water bladder layer is positioned on a top surface of the air bladder and includes a fill and empty spout valve while a pocket is formed between the water bladder and air bladder suitable for inserting either heating and/or cooling packs as desired. An insulating upper layer covers the water bladder preventing the child from becoming dampened from condensation.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure control system for a water bed is provided and includes a temperature control circuit and a pressure control circuit. The temperature control circuitry consists of two temperature detecting elements for detecting an ambient air temperature and the mattress temperature, respectively. The detected temperatures are compared with each other and the resulting value, together with a set value from an adjusting circuit, are processed by a microprocessor to produce a target temperature. When the target temperature is higher or lower than the mattress temperature, a heater is turned on or off, respectively, so that the mattress can be maintained at a value set according to a user's preferred temperature. The pressure control circuitry consists of a pressure detecting element for detecting the air pressure within air chambers of the mattress.

Abstract: A plurality of flexible enclosures are disposed within an article of furniture. The enclosures are positioned to receive the weight of a person resting on the furniture. The enclosures contain a liquid such as water therein. A plurality of electric coils are positioned within the furniture. Each electric coil is within a water-resistant cover, and each cover is positioned adjacent to one of the enclosures. The coils are electrically connected to a controller for changing heat output from the coils, and the coils are electrically connectable to a power source. A water-resistant liner is positioned generally beneath the enclosures. Cushioning material is positioned generally beneath the liner. Foam padding is positioned generally above the enclosures.

Abstract: A heating device for water beds comprises a plurality of electrical resistance conductors arranged between a bed frame and a safety foil, means for controlling the conductors in dependence on the desired temperature of a water core locatable under the safety foil, a plurality of ceramic plates arranged so that the conductors are burnt-in the ceramic plates, a bending resistant metal plate having a lower side, the ceramic plates being glued to the lower side of the metal plate by an adhesive having high thermal conductivity, and a base plate having poor thermal conductivity and placeable on the bed frame, the metal plate being arranged on the base plate in a form-locking manner with an air gap for the ceramic plates.

Abstract: A cushion unit is provided which is elastically compression-deformable on load. A case is stacked on the upper surface of the cushion unit. The case has an upper surface and lower surface with a receiving section open relative to the upper surface. A water bag is formed of a flexible water-proof sheet and containing a liquid. The stacked cushion unit and case are covered with an outer layer unit.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a medical mattress comprising a flexible tubular envelope (1) open at two ends, divided into a central section (3a, 3b) open at both ends and flanked, on either side, by an area forming a border (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) open at both ends, with two sets of foam elements (8) being insertable in the border sections (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) and two small water mattresses (7a, 7b) being insertable in the central section (3a, 3b). The elements (7a, 7b, 8) are arranged substantially symmetrical to the transversal center line (T) of the envelope, while the edges (15) facing the water mattresses (7a, 7b) have a concavity forming a central basin (16). An opening (17) formed in the upper wall (1a) of the envelope (1), in the central portion of said basin (16), is connected to one at least flexible tube for discharging body waste and soiled fluids. A device (14) is provided for supplying water to one and/or the other of the two water mattresses (7a, 7b) at a regulated temperature and rate/pressure.

Abstract: A watermattress apparatus has a cushion body which is elastically compressed when a load has been exerted thereon. A case is laminated on the upper surface of the cushion body. The case has upper and lower surfaces and a receiving portion opening to the upper surface. A water bag formed of a flexible waterproof sheet and containing a liquid therein is received in the receiving portion. An envelope covers the laminated cushion body and case.

Abstract: Waterbed having a plurality of cushioning bolsters extending peripherally of the mattress, with elongated reinforcing elements extending longitudinally of the bolsters. Adjacent ones of the reinforcing elements are connected together at the corners of the bed in a manner permitting the elements to move longitudinally of each other. A liner of water impervious material extends beneath the mattress and along inner sides of the bolsters, and a decorative cover having a layer of water impervious material extending along upper and outer sides of the bolsters is sealed to the liner at the top of the bolsters.

Abstract: An infant sleep support supports a sleeping infant at its back and holds the infant so that the infant will sleep on its side. The sleep support has a fabric sheet on which the infant sleeps and a pillow against which the infant supports its back. An abdominal brace attached to the sheet and pillow holds the infant against the pillow so that the infant is on its side.

Abstract: A mattress pad or cover is disclosed for a conventional inner-spring or foam type mattress. The mattress cover has a quilted cover portion and a downwardly depending peripheral skirt that wraps around the mattress to hold the cover portion in place. The skirt has elastic sewn around its lower peripheral edge to keep the skirt tucked under the mattress. The cover portion has a first thick layer of fiberfill and a second conterminous thin layer of fiberfill. A metalized film is needle-punched to the thin fiberfill layer and a fabric cover envelops a fiberfill and film layers.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress cover has a peripheral side and a top releasably attached to the side. Both the cover and side are quilted. The top may be removed from the side so that it may be washed or cleaned. The underside of the top has an opening and there are one or more foam pads insertable through the opening. The foam pads are generally coextensive with the area of the top and include a plurality of layers of foam which differ both in density and in thickness. The foam layers are separated by an air barrier and a layer of reflective foil.

Abstract: An improved waterbed mattress includes a bladder having a layer of insulation material extending substantially from end to end and side to side therein, which insulation material has a plurality of generally upright holes opening through the top and bottom surfaces thereof for improved heat transfer from the warmed body of water below the insulation material to the top surface of the bladder 12. The holes are preferably arranged in a pattern having a greater density of holes toward the foot end of the mattress and a decreased density of holes toward the head end of the mattress.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress apparatus adapted to increase waterbed heting mat efficiency. The apparatus includes a waterbed mattress having a mat receiving opening therein and mat receiving pocket having an open end and a closed end, the open end sealed to the mat receiving opening and situated inside the mattress. The pocket has a flotation device to cause the receiving pocket to float in the fluid contained by the mattress.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling a person to relax and enjoy the outdoors on a hot humid day, without being continuously exposed to water which is uncomfortable for many people. A thin flexible cooling mat is positioned upon a lounge chair or is placed flat on the ground or worn in the manner of a vest. Ordinary tap water circulates through the mat, and since the water is supplied from a conventional in ground supply main having a substantially lower temperature than the air, the person's body, in direct contact with the mat, will be kept cool. The cooling water may irrigate the backyard at the same time. Since an entire family can relax while being cooled in their back yard, air conditioners will be turned off to save money, conserve electrical power, and thus reduce atmospheric pollution.

Abstract: A warm and cool sick bed is provided including a water mattress supported from a bed frame. The water mattress containing water that can circulate with that contained in a water chamber settled at the lower section of the bed by means of water pipes, and the water in the water chamber possible to be warmed up by a heater tube or cooled down by a refrigerant tube.

Abstract: A cooled portable pet bed has an insulated base with a central recess dimensioned to receive a container having a sealable opening for the insertion of ice cubes. An open weave fabric mattress covers the upper surface of the container to form a cooled mattress for a pet. A removable carrying strap allows the container to be utilized as a canteen for drinking water. The container may be formed from a rigid or durable flexible material.

Abstract: A bedding system has provision for heating or cooling a person and for applying the heating or cooling only in areas of the bed where the person is located. A sealed three-ply heat transfer and insulating device covers the mattress, below the contour sheet or other covering which comes in contact with the person's body. A wicking contour sheet or other cover may optionally be used, capable of absorbing any condensation on the surface of the three-ply device. Between the lower two plies of the three-ply material is channeled flow of coolant liquid, at a regulated temperature close to human skin temperature. Above these two plies. i.e. between the middle ply and the upper ply, is a sealed envelope containing slightly pressurized air. A light weight, well-insulated comforter is also recommended to isolate the sleeper from the thermal ambient environment.

Abstract: A water fillable mattress, with a support, has water circulating passages and an inflatable cover, releasably attachable to one side of the mattress, and permanently attached to another side of the mattress. The mattress is sized to support a child and is adapted to relieve the fever of the child when cold water is circulated through its passages.

Abstract: A controller for an electric resistance waterbed mattress heater supplied with electric current by an elongate power cord extending between the heater and a power service outlet. The controller includes a small diameter elongate cylindrical housing in which an adjustable on and off switch is mounted and into which the cord is extended and connected with the switch. The switch includes a Bourdon tube to actuate the switch between opened and closed positions when the tube is caused to deflect by changes of pressure therein. A capillary tube is connected with and extends from the Bourdon tube to the exterior of the housing and about which it is formed and supported. An adjusting knob is positioned at one end of the body and is coupled with a part of the switch to move switch parts relative to each other and to the Bourdon tube to adjust and set the operating position of parts of the switch.

Abstract: A mat for cooling a person on the beach, side of a swimming pool, and even in a vehicle, is provided with recirculated ice water from an insulated reservoir using a small battery powered pump. The mat is made of sheets of urethane coated nylon or PVC film that is heat sealed on all sides, and to tubes that contain the ice water in and out. The sheets are also sealed to provide channels that hold extruded strips so formed as to assure that ice water will continue to flow through the channels even when the weight of the person would tend to close the space between the sheets.

Abstract: A temperature controller for controlling an electrical heater of a bed maintains the bed at a predetermined set temperature and additionally, over a long period of time, acts to vary the set temperature to compensate for variations in the temperature of the ambient environment in which the bed is situated. First and second temperature sensors respectively sense the temperature of the bed and the temperature of the environment ambient to the bed and the heater is switched to regulate the heating of the bed thereby.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a waterbed and preventing overheating of a waterbed heater. The system places temperature control sensing means and/or replaceable thermal fuse means in thermal contact with a waterbed heater mounted on thermally conducting means, and thus prevents overheating of the waterbed heater and waterbed.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress is provided with a plurality of separate, free-standing cells, arranged in a "honeycomb" pattern. The cells are preferably hexagonal in plan. Each cell is provided with its own fill valve and is removably encased in its own protective waterproof pouch. The cells are held together by a cover member such as fitted sheet or a conventional zippered mattress cover. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cells are arranged in rows and columns on an insulating substrate having upstanding end portions alignable with the head and foot of a bed frame. Each upstanding end has a plurality of cut-out portions defining a jagged inner edge for receiving the corners of the hexagonal cells. The mattress assembly may also be provided with a heating unit comprising a plurality of heating pads electrically connected in parallel with one another and having a temperature control unit.

Abstract: A heated bed module for use by animals, consists of a box-like unit having an animal supporting top panel and a shallow liquid containing chamber immediately below the top panel. A thermostatically controlled heater is installed below the liquid chamber with suitable support and insulation and access is provided for filling and draining the chamber. The unit is completely self-contained and used alone or coupled to other units to make a heated assembly for any size of animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heated waterbed comprising: an outer frame and a frame base together defining a central cavity; a sunken frame positioned underneath a portion of the central cavity, the sunken frame defining a cavity well; a heating unit positioned at the bottom of the cavity well; a water-filled container overlying the heating unit in the cavity well; and a plurality of water-filled receptacles together forming a waterbed mattress positioned in the central cavity, a portion of each receptacle being in contact with the water-filled container in the cavity well.

Abstract: A water bed crib comprising a water bed structure including a flat horizontal rectangular platform with an upwardly projecting mattress retaining, water draining weir about its perimeter, a water filled flexible mattress bladder supported atop the platform within the confines of the weir, platform legs at and depending from the four corner portions of the platform, floor engaging caster wheels at the lower end portions of the platform legs, crib frame legs supporting brackets projecting outwardly from the platform legs; a rectangular crib frame with vertical end boards and vertical side gates engaged about the water bed structure and having crib frame legs depending from its four corners and engaging the brackets on the platform legs; the crib frame legs have caster pintle receiving openings in their lower ends and the brackets have retaining pintles engaged in said openings.

Abstract: A vacuum formed water bed mattress providing a pair of large flat opposite parallel sides and four narrower sides joined to form a substantially right regular parallelopiped is disclosed. One of the large flat sides is made of a heat resistant material. The other flat side and four narrower sides are formed from a single sheet of material by a vacuum and temperature molding process. The two sheets are heat sealed to form the mattress.

Abstract: The combination of a water bed structure comprising a horizontal platform, a water-filled flotation mattress with a bottom wall atop the platform and a retainer projecting upwardly from the platform and supporting the perimeter of the mattress, and a heater system maintaining the mattress at a set operating temperature including a resistance heater between the platform and said bottom wall and spaced inward from the retainer; temperature control means for the heater including a control unit at the exterior of the bed structure, a service cord between the unit and a power source, an elongate flexible electrical loom having inner and outer end portions and including an outer jacket, a pair of power lines coextensive therewith and a pair of current conductors coextensive with the inner portion thereof, a temperature sensing device within the central portion of the loom and connected between the conductors, the inner ends of the lines connect with the heater, the outer ends of the lines and conductors are connect

Abstract: A water bed crib comprising a water bed structure including a flat horizontal rectangular platform with an upwardly projecting weir about its perimeter, a water filled flexible mattress bladder supported atop the platform within the confines of the weir, platform legs at and depending from the four corner portions of the platform, floor engaging caster wheels at the lower end portions of the platform legs, crib frame leg supporting brackets projecting outwardly from the platform legs; a rectangular crib frame with vertical end boards and vertical side gates engaged about the water bed structure and having crib frame legs depending from its four corners and engaging the brackets on the platform legs; the crib frame legs have caster pintle receiving openings in their lower ends and the brackets have retaining pintles engaged in said openings.

Abstract: A water bed construction which includes a water and air containing bladder and an innerspring support for the same, the bladder and support combination being enclosed within a covering, the covering material being removable from the combination. The entire assembly giving the appearance of a standard innerspring, mattress combination.

Abstract: A mounting fixture to mount a box-like electric heater control unit on the lower rigid wooden frame structure of a box-spring to support the control unit adjacent one side of the box-spring above the plane of the frame structure for convenient visual monitoring and manual operation; the box spring includes resilient and flexible spring and pad structure overlying the frame to support a heater and a mattress and which affords no suitable structure for mounting a heater control unit; the fixture is a unitary sheet metal part with a lower frame engaging portion, an upper control unit mounting portion and an intermediate portion orienting the upper portion above and laterally outward of the lower portion; the control unit is a box-like unit having a rear wall with fastener receiving openings, a manually engageable control part and elongate power cords extending to an electric heater above the box spring and to a remote power source; the upper portion of the bracket has a flat surface opposing the rear wall of the

Abstract: This invention provides a bed assembly having a thermally absorbent mattress such as a water-bed in thermal conductive relationship with a thermal-panel mattress bin arrangement receiving the mattress. Thermal energy transfer bath for cooling and heating is then attained by circulating a fluid of proper temperature through the thermal panel. The fluid temperature is established with environmental solar and ground heat to reduce needs for fossil fuel energy. Thus, an efficient temperature controlled bed is provided which permits nighttime comfort without control of the temperature throughout a house.

Abstract: The combination of a water filled flotation bed mattress with a filler neck and an elongate flexible cord-like heater structure comprising an elongate power supply cord section with inside and outside end portions and a filler neck engaging and sealing means between its end portions and engaged in and sealing said neck with said inside end portion extending into the mattress and the outside portion extends from the mattress, an elongate flexible resistance heater section with inner and outer ends arranged within the mattresses and including a water proof jacket structure and an elongate resistance element within extending from the inner to the outer end and thence to the inner end of jacket structures; and temperature control means including an elongate rigid metal tube with inner and outer ends engaged with and between the free end of said inside portion of the cord section and the inner end of the heater section, insulated conductors extending through the tube and connecting ends of the element with related

Abstract: A water bed structure comprising a flat horizontal mattress including a bladder having vertically spaced horizontal top and bottom walls and vertical side walls of flexible water impervious sheeting and a volume of water within and filling the bladder, a flat horizontal pad of resilient reticulate material within the mattress and the water therein and positioned on the bottom wall and having a top surface normally spaced below the top wall, a retainer unit comprising a flat horizontal panel below and in supporting engagement with said bottom wall and a tubular frame about the panel with a portion projecting upwardly therefrom and cooperating therewith to define a basin in which the mattress is positioned; said frame has a vertical inside wall opposing and supporting the side walls of the mattress, said inside wall having openings communicating with the basin and the interior of the frame whereby water leaked or spilled from the mattress into the basin flows from the basin into the frame.