Abstract: The present invention provides a bed apparatus allowing a worker to easily move a user's body at the time of consultation and nursing of the user lying on his back on a floor plate. The bed apparatus comprises a bed frame. A floor plate is provided on the bed frame. A second recess portion dented inwardly in the lateral direction of the bed frame is formed on at least one side part of both lateral side parts of the floor plate. A support member is provided on the second recess portion so as to be movable inwardly in the lateral direction of the floor plate. An auxiliary member which can be deformed by compression is provided at a part corresponding to the second recess portion.

Abstract: The posture of a patient on a nursing bed can be changed by separating a bed tray that is in a base of the nursing bed from leg-side lifts and hand-side lifts. Leg-side and head-side nets are fully stretched, and the body of the patient is supported on the leg-side net and the head-side net above the bed plate using the leg-side lifts and head-side lifts while the patient faces upwards. An elongate cushion is then placed lengthwise on the bed plate. The body of the patient is then lowered until the body comes into contact with the elongate cushion. Winding drums are then rotated to pull on the nets on the side toward which it is decide to turn the patient so as to loosen the leg-side and head-side nets, so that the body of the patient rolls on the elongate cushion toward that side, and so that the body of the patient is supported by the bed plate. The elongate cushion is then subsequently removed from the bed plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunction bed that has a simple structure to allow its size to be reduced and that can be automatically changed between a bed form and a wheelchair form using very simple operations. This multifunction bed comprises a fixed U-shaped bed 1 having a U-shaped cut-out section 6 and a movable auxiliary bed 2 that is detachably fitted in the U-shaped cut-out section of the fixed U-shaped bed. The movable auxiliary bed can travel on underlying wheels 14 and 16 and can be changed between a bed form for a horizontal position and a wheelchair form having a backrest section 19, a seat section 20, and a leg-rest section 21.

Abstract: A support cushion for supporting the feet of a patient above a bed mattress. The support cushion includes a cushion with a transverse cross section having a pair of generally circular end regions and a generally rectangular middle region interposed between the end regions. The end regions each form a generally end portion of the cushion having a generally cylindrical configuration. The middle region forms a middle portion of the cushion having a generally rectangular configuration. A pair of a flexible flaps outwardly extend from the cushion for draping over a upwardly extending side rail located adjacent each side of a bed mattress of the patient to suspend the bottom face of the cushion above the bed mattress.

Abstract: A bed permits changing of bedclothes without moving the person on it and without substantial burden for either the patient or the care-taker. A left and a right carriage member 5 and 6, wheels 15 to 18 and a shaft 7 constitute a carriage. The carriage supports mats 11 and 12 via balancing members 3 and 4 and shafts 1 and 2 and advances the mats 11 and 12 along rails 31 and 32. The mat 12 is stretched between the rails 31 and 32 by fasteners. The balancing members 3 and 4 are rotatably coupled by a shaft to downward extensions 5a and 6a of the carriage members 5 and 6. The shafts 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted in the balancing members 3 and 4. With advancement of the carriage caused by turning a grip 26, the slides 52 and 54 cause the old mat 12 to be released from the fasteners and wound on the shaft 2, while also causing the new mat 11 to be coupled to the fasteners and stretched between the rails 31 and 32.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a patient carrying device so adapted as to allow the patient take a comfortable posture or to freely carry the patient between the bed and the toilet, the bath-tub or otherwise desired locations.The patient carrying device is provided with a first mobile vehicle 10A and a second mobile vehicle 10B, each capable of freely running along rails 4 with its second motor 12. Each of the first mobile vehicle 10A and the second mobile vehicle 10B is further provided with a rotating wheel 15 for winding up or down a suspending rope 17 and a first motor 12 for driving the rotating wheel 15. The first motor 12 and the second motor 13 are operated in a pre-programmed fashion by operating the button of a remote controller 30.

Abstract: A device for positioning a patient for surgery. The device is used with an operating table, and includes two arms for resting on the operating table, a patient support, and a lifting mechanism arranged to move the patient support between a first position in which the patient support lies level with the operating table, and a second position above the table. The patient is rolled onto the support in the first position, and is then raised to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a bed or chair for providing relaxation therapy and prevention of decubitis sores is distinguished by the use of flexible beams of the nature of leaf springs. Instead of being lifted up and down by rather complex apparatus only a single shaft carrying cams is provided which acts on the leaf spring-like beams to flex them upwardly and/downwardly to provide the required action. Preferred cams provide no lifting action but only intermitted depressing action of these beams which reduces vertigo and nausea effects and can be slid onto a cam shaft in any one of a multiple alternative angular positions. This enables selection of the travelling wave action for relaxation therapy and of the decubitis preventing action.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus supporting a patient lying in a generally prone or supine position for manipulation includes a base and a table supported thereabove for movement between selected different horizontal positions or working levels for treatment of the patient. The table is tiltable toward and away from an upright position for facilitating the patient in mounting and dismounting before and after treatment and includes a foot piece adjacent an end of the table for supporting the patient when mounting and dismounting. A plurality of cushions are mounted for movement along the table to selectably adjustable positions for accommodating patients of different size and shape.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus supporting a patient lying in a generally prone or supine position for manipulation includes a base and a table supported thereabove for movement between selected different horizontal positions or working levels for treatment of the patient. The table is tiltable toward and away from an upright position for facilitating the patient in mounting and dismounting before and after treatment and includes a foot piece adjacent an end of the table for supporting the patient when mounting and dismounting. A plurality of cushions are mounted for movement along the table to selectably adjustable positions for accommodating patients of different size and shape.

Abstract: Embodiment (14) of the present invention has powered rotating drive rollers (44, 46) on each side of the bed's mattress (30). The drive rollers are connected to articulating arms (56) which pivot about axis (58, 59) near the center of the head end (21) and the foot end (22) of the bed. A transfer/turning sheet (66) removably connects to the drive rollers. By raising the drive roller on one side of the bed a patient (80) will be rolled over toward the opposite side. That drive rolled will then be lowered and the transfer/turning sheet will lay flat on the mattress again. The patient can be transferred laterally (47) across the bed by turning the drive rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: An adjustable bed for patients requiring periodic changes of their resting positions. A rectangular frame with two pairs of lateral members are axle members longitudinally disposed along the frame. One or more supporting wings that are pivotally mounted to the axle members. A flexible sheet is mounted over the concave portion of the wings to support the patient. A mechanism for causing the wings to rotate is cooperatively coupled to the wings. Either mechanical, hydraulic or other equivalent mechanisms can be used to impart the rotation to the wings.

Abstract: An airway opening device including back elevating inflatable bladder and inflation device in fluid communication with the bladder. The inflation device provides fluid under pressure to inflate the bladder. The airway opening device can be incorporated into a gurney mattress in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Support structure consisting of a plurality of elements for chairs, beds and the like, which may be moved individually or in groups, in which the mechanism which performs the movement of the generic element downwards and successively upwards is composed by an articulated parallelogram having one side integral with said element, that side presenting a small wheel which is in rolling contact with a cam fitted to a shaft supported by a lug integral with the frame.

Abstract: A bed having an array of cylindrical support members supported by a main frame to support a mat, such that the support members are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the bed and such that the support members are rotatable, and a device for rotating the support members in rolling contact with the mat, for changing areas of contact of the mat with the support members to thereby change areas of contact of the user with the mat for promoting blood circulation in a portion of the user in contact with the mat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting a patient. The apparatus includes a support device with inflatable chambers having a support top face and a bottom face. A detector measures the distance between the top face of the chamber and its bottom face. A servo-controller is provided for controlling the initial pressure inside the chamber to provide a relatively short predetermined reference distance between said top face of the chamber and said bottom face of the chamber. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the servo-controller to keep the distance between the top face and the bottom face of the chamber substantially constant while the patient is being supported.

Abstract: A method for converting a patient bed or chair to a patient manipulating device by selecting a kit including a subframe having a central hinge plate carrying a pair of left and right articulated wing support devices for complementary conformity to the underlying support surface. An opening is cut in the back support of the bed and chair, the subframe installed thereover and a pair of left and right actuators inserted behind such support surface and coupled with such wing devices to selectively raise the respective wings upwardly relative to the sub-frame and patient support surface.

Abstract: A hospital bed is disclosed which includes a frame, a mattress positioned on the frame, a transport sheet extending across the mattress to define a patient supporting area, rollers for moving the transport sheet relative to the mattress, and structure for progressively increasing the patient supporting area defined by the transport sheet. The bed also includes a system for elevating a portion of the mattress to progressively raise the patient from a reclining position to a standing position.

Abstract: A therapeutic table for manipulation of the spine and pelvis of a patient supported thereon. The table includes a tiltable frame mounted to a base, and a torso support member carried by the frame. A drive shaft carried by the frame is connected by a hinge to a driven shaft extending rearwardly of the torso support member. The driven shaft in turn carries a pelvic/lumbar spine support member on which a patient may kneel. When the hinge connecting the two shaft portions is adjusted to a non-zero angle, rotation of the shaft induces a circumductive motion in the pelvic/lumbar spine support member, the degree of such motion being dependent on the angle of the hinge.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for therapeutically treating an injured spine by lifting and rotating the pelvic area to straighten the lumbar spine and by applying a force to the spine to separate vertebral bodies and to stretch the connective tissue along the spinal cord by relative movement of the body of the patient with reference to a fixed point.

Abstract: An automatic disposable under pad apparatus for a hospital bed is provided which consists of a frame and a mattress having a central inflatable transverse section. The mattress is supported on the frame along with a structure for supporting a hip portion of a patient that is reclining on the mattress over the central inflatable transverse section. A dispensing mechanism allows a roll of clean under pads to have a portion extendable over the central inflatable transverse section of the mattress and under the patient. A device is also provided for inflating and deflating the central inflatable transverse section of the mattress.

Abstract: An invalid patient lifting and turning apparatus which includes an open framework for being positioned above a bed, an elevator supported by the open framework and a patient support straps for being positioned on a mattress of the bed underneath the patient and remaining underneath the patient at all times. The straps are removable and replaceable for extending laterally from side-to-side along the length of the patient for supporting the patient's head, trunk and legs. Connecting straps are provided for connecting the patient support straps and the elevator thereby permitting the patient support straps to lift the patient above the mattress surface for cleaning and bed-linen changing. A reservoir is provided for being positioned on the mattress under the patient while the patient is suspended above the mattress so that the patient can be bathed or showered in the bed.

Abstract: A patient support table utilized when a target such as the circulatory organs of a patient is radiographed with an X-ray camera includes a hydraulic multi-stage piston-cylinder unit of which the top piston is driven in the vertical direction by at least two stages for supporting the patient for a sufficient distal mounted upright on the base of the table; a drive unit for driving the pistons in the axial direction; a multi-stage supporting device of which top moves together with the top of the piston-cylinder unit by at least two stages for supporting an overhanging load exerted by the patient, mounted upright on the base beside the piston-cylinder unit; and, a table top supported by the piston-cylinder unit and the support device, for supporting a patient lying on its surface.

Abstract: In a casket, a rigid bed frame is adjustably mounted at its end so that the casket bed frame can be raised, lowered and tilted. Mounted on the rigid bed frame is an adjustable body support positioned at about the thoracic area for raising the chest and lifting the chin off the chest. It is contemplated that the adjustable device has a pair of hinged frames with a power transmission mechanism for sliding one edge of the frame to pivot the hinged edges of the frame of the bed. Alternatively, an inflatable bladder underlies the body and is used to raise it, or is positioned between a pair of hinged members and causes the upper hinged member to raise the body. Two pairs of hinged members may be positioned across the width of the bed frame underlying the body, and the upper hinged member of each pair may be raised to different heights thereby allowing the thoracic area of the body to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the bed frame.

Abstract: A bed apparatus having a lifting mechanism including sliders, upright bars, support members and side bars, is equipped with a coupling rail above the side bars to be vertically movable with the side bars. A rehabilitation attachment with a pulley is movably mounted on the rail. A rope is extended around the pulley so that a sick person or the like can alternately pull the ends of the rope with the left and right hand for exercising the hands and arms. The person's feet may be connected to one end of the rope while pulling the other end of the rope with the hands for exercising the person's limbs.

Abstract: A pair of sliders (4, 5) are mounted on both end portions of a bed body (3) for sliding along said end portions in the cross direction of the bed body (3). Upright bars (6, 7) are mounted on the respective sliders (4, 5) to upwardly extend from the sliders (4, 5). Support members (8, 9) mounted on the respective upright bars (6, 7) are movable along the upright bars (6, 7) and stoppable at adjusted positions. Two parallel side bars (10, 11) couple the support members (8, 9) of a pair with each other. The respective upright bars (6, 7) are movable with respect to the sliders (4, 5) along the cross direction of the bed body (3), whereby the upright bars (6, 7) can be moved to ends of the sliders (4, 5) when the sliders extend laterally from the bed body (3) and outside the bed body (3). As the result, the bed body (3) will not hinder any nursing of a sick person or the like, who is held by the side bars (10, 11) and can be attended at the side of the bed body (3).

Abstract: A bed apparatus (1) combines a bed body (3) and a collapsible bathtub (103). The bathtub (103) is vertically collapsible to be storable in a spaced under a bottom plate (106) of the bed body (3). The collapsible tub is movable by a guide member (104) between a position under the bottom plate (106) and a position on a side of the bottom plate (106). In an unused state, the bathtub (103) is stored in the space under the bed body in order to facilitate an effective use of a relatively narrow room.

Abstract: An invalid patient lifting and turning apparatus which includes an open framework for being positioned above a bed, an elevator supported by the open framework and a patient support straps for being positioned on a mattress of the bed underneath the patient and remaining underneath the patient at all times. The straps are removable and replaceable for extending laterally from side-to-side along the length of the patient for supporting the patient's head, trunk and legs. Connecting straps are provided for connecting the patient support straps and the elevator thereby permitting the patient support straps to lift the patient above the mattress surface for cleaning and bed-linen changing. A patient turning apparatus is provided for being connected to the elevator for turning the patient from side-to-side in the bed.

Abstract: An arrangement of a wheelchair with a movable seat and leg rest and a bed equipped with transfer apparatus including rollers, a movable sheet, a lift member, and a control system for transporting an invalid comfortably across the bed to a sitting position on the wheelchair.

Abstract: A computer-controlled exercise sit up machine has a frame supporting a bed on which a user may rest his or her body, knee support posts for resting the user's knees, and foot rest support posts for receiving the user's feet and ankles. The exercise sit up machine has a triangular-shaped housing which acts as a fulcrum for pivoting the frame about a transverse axis so that the bed is inclined to a position where the user performs sit ups with the head at a higher vertical level than the feet. A computer controls a motor housed in the triangular-shaped housing for pivoting the frame about the fulcrum. The user may select a desired sit up routine. The computer then operates the machine through the chosen sit up routine and calculates and displays a sit up coefficient score to apprise the user of his or her performance.