Abstract: A sensor system senses a plurality of environmental phenomena and send a data message with sensed parameters. The computer system determines an indication that the sensed parameter indicated low-quality sleep and sends an instruction to adjust the environment. A control system adjusts the environment without particular input from a user.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to an inflatable bed, comprising: a top sheet provided with at least one through hole; a bottom sheet; a lateral confining sheet, an upper edge of the lateral confining sheet being connected to an outer edge of the top sheet, and a lower edge of the lateral confining sheet being connected to an outer edge of the bottom sheet; and at least one tensioning member, the tensioning member comprising: a upper tensioning part, comprising a upper side wall and a bottom, an upper edge of the upper side wall being connected to a periphery of the through hole of the top sheet, so that the upper side wall fits the through hole of the top sheet, and a lower edge of the upper side wall being connected to the bottom; and a lower tensioning part for connecting the bottom of the upper tensioning part to the bottom sheet to form a tensioning effect at least between the bottom of the upper tensioning part and the bottom sheet; wherein the upper tensioning part of the tensioning member, the top s

Abstract: A personal hygienic system is configured to be portable and to be placed under a patient on a bed or reclined surface. The personal hygienic system comprises an inflatable shower comprising an outer wall that defines an inner space and surrounds a patient. At least one washing fluid can be applied to the patient in the inner space. The outer wall comprises folds discretizing stacked wall segments. The inner space defines a slope declining from an upper end toward a bottom end and a drain portion arranged at the bottom end. The drain portion defines a recess, an aperture located in the recess, a raised bottom lip bounding the recess proximate the bottom end, and at least one drain channel arranged on a side of the drain portion and configured to collect spent washing fluid from one or more side segments and corresponding folds of the inner space.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to bed structures having an inflatable and/or collapsible/deflatable component. More particularly, it relates to bed construction configurations that can include multiple adaptations for enhanced safety in situations of rapid loss of aircraft cabin pressure to meet airflow requirements for emergency decompression events as well as to provide overall better airflow for in-cabin air filtration systems. The bed configurations can include cross-welded structures and bowing-prevention stabilizers to control bulging of the bed when inflated.

Abstract: A sleep apparatus includes: a mat main body portion configured to support a user in a supine state; and a tilting mechanism that, at the mat main body portion, periodically tilts a body of a user left and right, by alternately raising a right side supporting portion, which includes portions supporting a right-side hipbone and a right-side shoulder blade of a user, and a left side supporting portion, which includes portions supporting a left-side hipbone and a left-side shoulder blade of a user.

Abstract: In one aspect, an inflatable patient handling mattress includes a mattress body, a first lateral extension, a second lateral extension, and one or more lift handles. The mattress body includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a plenum chamber between the top panel and the bottom panel and configured to be filled with air. The first lateral extension extends from a first side of the mattress body. The second lateral extension extends from a second side of the mattress body, the second side opposite the first side. Each lift handle of the one or more lift handles is attached to one of the first lateral extension and the second lateral extension. The one or more lift handles are configured to be used to lift a patient disposed on the mattress body.

Abstract: A thermal pad for controlling a patient's temperature includes first and second chambers defined between interior and exterior layers. The first chamber circulates a temperature controlled fluid from a first inlet to a first outlet. The second chamber is in fluid communication with a port and a plurality of holes defined in the interior layer. Pressurized gas supplied to the second chamber is vented onto the patient to control the microclimate between the patient's skin and the thermal pad. An additional third chamber is provided in some embodiments that urges the thermal pad into contact with the patient when subjected to negative gauge pressure. In other embodiments, a negative gauge pressure chamber is allowed to partially inflate in order to urge the thermal pad into contact with the patient.

Abstract: An inflatable hammock comprises a panel that has an air containing region and a bonded region. A plurality of tension members attached on both ends of the panel and having free ends that are configured to suspend the panel. An exemplary inflatable hammock may convert between a first configuration for use as a hammock and a second configuration as a sleeping pad as described herein.

Abstract: An air pump control system includes a first air pump and a second air pump for inflating or deflating an inflatable body; a switching driving device connected to the air pumps for driving the switching between two or more air passages; and an air pressure sensor for detecting an internal air pressure value of the inflatable body, and sending an internal pressure signal to a central control unit, which is connected to the air pumps, the switching driving device, and the air pressure sensor. The central control unit sends a driving signal to the switching driving device to activate the switching between the air passages, and sends an activation or deactivation signal to the air pumps according to the detected internal air pressure value and a pre-set inflating air pressure value, to activate or deactivate the air pumps. An air pump control method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of mounting an inflatable headboard assembly to a horizontal plane (e.g., a bed) without using a fixed mechanical fastening. The headboard assembly may assume various shapes, sizes, and/or styles while affording easy assembly and storage. The inflatable headboard assembly does not require permanent modification to its surrounding area. Rather, the inflatable headboard assembly is simply inflated to various heights that conform to the existing dimensions of the surrounding environment. The inflatable headboard assembly can be mounted to various locations of a bed without requiring additional equipment, and deflated for compact storage. The inflatable headboard assembly may include an inflatable footboard counterpart similar to the inflatable headboard assembly but smaller in scale. In addition, the inflatable headboard assembly may include lights for illuminating portions of the headboard, and/or visual markers for receiving augmented reality overlay.

Abstract: A hospital bed may include a support structure, a controller, a pressure source coupled to the controller, and a hospital bed mattress carried by the support structure and having first and second ends, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The hospital bed mattress may include bladders coupled to the pressure source. The bladders extend between the first and second ends and between the first and second sides and configured to provide pressure differential. The controller may be configured to pseudo-randomly adjust an internal pressure of each of the bladders.

Abstract: In systems and methods for adjusting the firmness of a mattress assembly and/or modulating the pressure in a mattress assembly, a mattress assembly includes: a two-dimensional array of bladders; at least one pump that is in fluid communication with the bladders to provide air and/or fluid to the bladders: multiple valves that are interposed between the pump and the bladders to control the flow of air and/or fluid to or from the bladders; a pressure sensor operably connected to one or more of the bladders; and a controller in communication with the pump, the valves, and the pressure sensors. The controller is configured to selectively actuate the pump and one or more of the valves, while receiving feedback from the pressure sensors, in order to adjust the firmness of the mattress assembly and/or modulate the pressure in the mattress assembly.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable structure has an air mattress capable of sustaining an air pressure, and having a mattress aperture through a side wall of the air mattress. The inflatable structure further includes a panel secured with fasteners for fastening the first pair of opposing edges to the air mattress such that a panel aperture is positioned over the mattress aperture. Finally, the inflatable structure includes an elongate sheet having a sheet aperture. The elongate sheet is slidably mounted between the panel and the air mattress so that the elongate sheet may slide between a closed position wherein the elongate sheet covers the mattress aperture to provide a seal over the air mattress, and an open position wherein the sheet aperture is aligned with the mattress aperture and the panel aperture, thereby permitting air/water to drain out of the air mattress.

Abstract: A data processing system is configured to sense a pressure readings of an air-mattress. If the pressure readings are below a target pressure value representing a desired pressure for the air-mattress, the data processing system can transmit, to an air-pump, first instructions to increase the air pressure of the air mattress and determine a replacement value representing the amount of air pumped into the air mattress by the air-pump. The data processing system can compare the replacement value to a slow-leak threshold and to a catastrophic-leak threshold. The data processing system can, responsive to a determination that the replacement value is greater than the slow-leak value and less than the catastrophic-leak value, transmit, to the air-pump, second instructions to increase the air pressure of the air mattress to replace air in the air mattress lost to a slow leak so as to maintain the desired pressure for the air-mattress.

Abstract: A moisture control system includes a moisture control coverlet (10) and a fluid pump (18). The moisture control coverlet (10) includes a fluid pathway therein for moisture removal fluid. The fluid pump (18) is coupled to the fluid pathway for pumping fluid out of the fluid pathway by negative pressure at a fluid pump rate. The fluid pump rate can be adjustable and/or can be greater than 1 CFM.

Abstract: A high-performance, low-cost modular cushion using range of novel dynamically responsive materials has been designed and developed for use in seating pressure relief. The use of individual contained spheres creates a localized area of gel to minimize both flattening under pressure, and inflating in areas without contact while the elastic nature of the polymers creates a durable system that recovers rapidly from deformation. Gel balls of varying densities have been developed to optimize performance. Quantification of individual ball mechanical properties has been completed which provides load-deflection curves to inform optimal ball array layout based on user interface pressure distributions. A fitting algorithm is proposed which will employ the patient's seating interface pressure distribution to design a personalized modular cushion layout which will evenly distribute contact pressure across seating support interface and maximize contact pressure area.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to an underbody support for supporting a body of a being, such as during surgery to prevent contact pressure injuries. In certain embodiments, the underbody support may include one or more inflatable chambers enclosing a volume. At least one of the inflatable chambers may include one or more compression sensitive switches for monitoring the volume of the inflatable chamber, and the one or more compression sensitive switches may be located within the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments the one or more compression sensitive switches are sized to close when the said inflatable chamber is deflated to a desired residual volume.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck. A footboard is removably coupled to the frame. A compression therapy module is located inside the footboard or is mounted to a foot section of the frame. A sleeve port is pneumatically coupled to the compression therapy module and is located on the foot section. The sleeve port is configured for attachment to at least one tube extending from a compression sleeve worn on a limb of a patient. Control circuitry is coupled to the frame and is operable to control functions of the patient support apparatus and to control the compression therapy module. A graphical display screen is coupled to the control circuitry and displays user inputs that are selected to control functions of the patient support apparatus and the compression therapy module.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, and a sensor. The frame cooperates with the support surface to support a patient. The sensor is coupled to one of the frame and the support surface and is configured to provide an input signal indicative of a characteristic associated with the patient.

Abstract: An air pump control system includes an air pump for inflating or deflating an inflatable body; a switching driving device connected to the air pump for driving the switching between two or more air passages; and an air pressure sensor for detecting an internal air pressure value of the inflatable body, and sending an internal pressure signal to a central control unit, which is connected to the air pump, the switching driving device, and the air pressure sensor. The central control unit sends a driving signal to the switching driving device to activate the switching between the air passages, and sends an activation or deactivation signal to the air pump according to the detected internal air pressure value and a pre-set inflating air pressure value, to control the activation or deactivation of the air pump. An air pump control method adapted to the above air pump control system is provided.

Abstract: A sensor for a contactless electrocardiographic measurement on a person includes a carrier for fastening the sensor on an object, such as a vehicle seat, and at least one electrically flat electrode mounted to the carrier by an elastic element. An inflatable bellows is disposed between the carrier and the electrode, inflation of the bellows deflecting the elastic element and increasing a distance between the electrode and the carrier to thereby urge the electrode toward a person seated on the seat.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to an underbody support for supporting a body of a being, such as during surgery to prevent contact pressure injuries. In certain embodiments, the underbody support may include one or more inflatable chambers enclosing a volume. At least one of the inflatable chambers may include one or more compression sensitive switches for monitoring the volume of the inflatable chamber, and the one or more compression sensitive switches may be located within the inflatable chamber. In some embodiments the one or more compression sensitive switches are sized to close when the said inflatable chamber is deflated to a desired residual volume.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, the chamber having a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interior void between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may also include a tensile member bonded to, and extending between, the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer. The sole structure may include a bond inhibiting material located between the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer, the tensile member and the first chamber barrier layer being unbonded in an unbonded area in which the bond inhibiting material is disposed. The chamber may include an outwardly extending bulge in the unbonded area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bidirectional valve design that provides for more rapid deflations/evacuation of fluid flow and in one example includes a valve body, a spindle piston movably coupled in a bore of the valve body and an electronically controllable motor that moves the spindle valve between a fluid evacuation position and a fluid fill position. In one example, the spindle piston includes piston structures on ends of a threaded rod. In another example, a mattress system is disclosed that employs the valve and a fluid source to provide quick evacuation of air from a patient support. In another example, the valve is coupled to an alternating pressure block valve which is then coupled to a patient support.

Abstract: A data processing system is configured to sense a pressure readings of an air-mattress. If the pressure readings are below a target pressure value representing a desired pressure for the air-mattress, the data processing system can transmit, to an air-pump, first instructions to increase the air pressure of the air mattress and determine a replacement value representing the amount of air pumped into the air mattress by the air-pump. The data processing system can compare the replacement value to a slow-leak threshold and to a catastrophic-leak threshold. The data processing system can, responsive to a determination that the replacement value is greater than the slow-leak value and less than the catastrophic-leak value, transmit, to the air-pump, second instructions to increase the air pressure of the air mattress to replace air in the air mattress lost to a slow leak so as to maintain the desired pressure for the air-mattress.

Abstract: The inflatable pad includes an inflatable frame having a length and width that defines a pad area suitable for supporting a person lying thereon. A plurality of internal support members are configured to support the weight of a person lying thereon and elevate the person above the ground. The inflatable pad includes non-supporting regions that require less fill volume than regions that support primary support regions such as the hips and shoulder.

Abstract: An encapsulated zonal dual air and foam spring bed system with noise suppression wherein air zones are created for individual or multiple sleepers that permit costs saving by providing manifold controls to enable a single pump to serve multiple circuits simultaneously (both pressure level increase and pressure level decrease) that is contained within a complete noise deadening structure whose body is easily formed to reduce cost and provide sanitation. Through the reduction of stress by cycling air support between two areas that in unison and each at half pressure support subject fully.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: An air delivery system that includes an inflatable cushion device adapted to support at least a portion of a body of a user. The air delivery device includes a supply conduit in fluid communication with both an interior region of the inflatable cushion device and a controller. Using a pressure sensor, the controller is adapted to relatively continuously measure a static air pressure level of the interior region and compare the measured static air pressure level to a target air pressure level. Further, the controller is adapted to intermittently operate an air pump. Moreover, the controller may operate the air pump when measured static air pressure is below the target static air pressure level, and deactivate operation of the air pump, which may include maintaining the air pump in an un-operated condition when the measured static air pressure is within the target static air pressure level.

Abstract: The subject matter is a patient supporting device for supporting a patient during a medical treatment, in particular a dialysis treatment, and a treatment apparatus with such a patient supporting device, and a corresponding method for controlling and/or regulating a medical treatment device, in particular a dialysis device, using such a patient supporting device.

Abstract: A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing inflatable articles, or bladders for inflatable articles, that is time-efficient, simple, inexpensive and permits the uninterrupted manufacture of numerous and even customized article or bladder configurations and sizes, without expensive configuration-specific, metal tooling. The method includes the steps of applying a barrier material to a side of a first film, providing a second film with the first film so that the barrier material is disposed between the first and second films, adhering the first film to the second film so that the films are sealed together in areas except where the barrier material has been applied to form at least one inflatable compartment and sealed peripheral edge, and cutting along the sealed peripheral edge to form an inflatable article or bladder for use in an article of manufacture. The barrier material may be a paint, ink, paper or surface treatment that effectively prevents the first film from adhering to the second.

Abstract: A seating device has a portable pneumatic seating platform and at least one pneumatic pad module supporting the ability to pressurize and depressurize at least one pneumatic pad module with the ability to be operated by electrical power.

Abstract: A personal cellular tissue repair, recovery, and regeneration enhancement sleep system for the augmentation of various health promoting metabolic processes associated with sleep via multifunctional stimulus-responsive polymers, performance, and responsive textiles.

Abstract: A plunger matrix mattress includes a number of independently movable foam padded plungers that form an array of independently movable points of support. This type of mattress significantly improves body contouring over conventional coil spring mattress designs. The plunger matrix mattress also allows substantial airflow through the mattress improving over conventional foam mattress designs. Different plungers may have different spring and dampening characteristics to allow different plungers and plunger zones of the mattress to exhibit different firmness levels. Individual plungers may be removed and replaced independently, for example to replace the plunger with another plunger with a different spring characteristic, and make other types of adjustments and repairs.

Abstract: An improved method and system for monitoring a user's sleep is provided. The method includes monitoring, using one or more sensors of a bed, biological signal data of a user; determining, by a processor, a sleep phase of the user according to the biological signal data; and providing, on a data interface, a sleep cycle report, determined at least partially according to the sleep phase of the user.

Abstract: An improved structure of an inflatable mattress comprises an upper leather article, a lower leather article, a circumferential member and a plurality of connection pieces. A sealed hollow mattress body is formed by the upper and lower leather articles and the circumferential member; the connection pieces are spaced apart from each other in equal distance in the hollow inner of the mattress. Each connection piece comprises upper and lower slats with a symmetrical structure. Each upper slat is connected to the upper leather article; each lower slat is connected to the lower leather article; a mesh fabric is connected between the upper and lower slats. With the connection pieces, the upper and lower leather articles of the mattress are attached together. An air valve is provided on the circumferential member of the inflatable mattress for pumping air into and releasing from the hollow inner of the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress includes a mattress body having a top substrate and a bottom substrate separated by a resilient layer having a mattress thickness to resiliently conform to a body of a person. The mattress includes an aperture formed in the top substrate and the resilient layer mattress that is oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person. The mattress includes an insert that is shaped to be received in the aperture and has an upwardly open recess to receive an upper portion of the body of the person. An upwardly open recess can be formed directly in the top resilient layer of the mattress body oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person.

Abstract: A display for displaying the condition of an air mattress. The display comprises a plurality of arrays of elements organized in a hierarchy. Each element represents a pressure increment. Each array comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality columns. The elements in each row of an array being distinctive in appearance from the elements in the other rows of the array. A control that operates the elements to indicate the pressure beginning with the first column, of the first row, of the lowest array in the hierarchy.

Abstract: A display for displaying the condition of an air mattress. The display comprises a plurality of arrays of elements organized in a hierarchy. Each element represents a pressure increment. Each array comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality columns. The elements in each row of an array being distinctive in appearance from the elements in the other rows of the array. A control that operates the elements to indicate the pressure beginning with the first column, of the first row, of the lowest array in the hierarchy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of optimizing a pressure contour of a pressure adjustable platform system by (a) measuring pressure in a plurality of bladders in the pressure adjustable platform system; (b) assessing whether a change in pressure in one or more of the plurality of bladders occurs; (c) determining whether a subject on the pressure adjustable platform system has adjusted position, moved or tossed; (d) generating an adaptive sleep algorithm; and (e) adjusting the pressure in one or more bladders.

Abstract: A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.

Abstract: An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Patient support systems and, more particularly, patient support systems designed to reduce the risk of developing pressure sores by a patient are disclosed. A control unit is provided that operates a pump for setting and maintaining the inflation of the patient support system. The control unit is configured to receive a weight of a patient (either automatically from an integrated weighing device or as input by a caregiver) using the patient support system. The control unit then operates the pump to fill and maintain the patient support system to a predetermined pressure based upon an electronically stored pressure versus weight model accessible to the control unit, where the pressure versus weight model is set to avoid bottom-out and overpressure conditions for the patient having the weight.

Abstract: A cover for a mattress for supporting a patient is adapted to provide a generally smooth top surface over the mattress while still accommodating the movement of portions of the mattress or changes in thickness of the mattress, for example, when turning the patient.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.

Abstract: A sleep apparatus, such as a mattress for example, is provided in one embodiment. The apparatus comprises a head support surface sized to support a person's head, and a torso support surface sized to support a person's torso. The head support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side, and the torso support surface is generally laterally sloped moving from the first side toward the second side. In some embodiments, the lateral slope of the head support surface is at least about 15°, the lateral slope of the head support surface is greater than the lateral slope of the torso support surface, and/or, the sleep apparatus slopes in the longitudinal direction as well.

Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.