Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of cells aligned and disposed on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body; and a pressure control member that changes a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. The cells are configured such that as the each cell is inflated by fluid supplied to the fluid chamber within the cell, the height of the each cell increases and a width dimension of the each cell in a direction of alignment decreases, and that peripheral portions of adjacent cells in the direction of alignment are overlapped with each other prior to cell inflation.

Abstract: A control system of a patient support surface calculates a surface performance index as a function of pressure and shear. The control system also receives information from an electronic medical record (EMR) corresponding to a person's susceptibility of developing at least one of a pressure ulcer and a superficial lesion and adjusts at least one of a component and a characteristic of the person support surface based on the information.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of interconnected node groups, where each node group includes at least two nodes connected by a fluid passage. The plurality of interconnected node groups define a node array. A source of pressurized fluid, such as pressurized air is connected with the node array.

Abstract: A mattress includes a plurality of air cells. Each cell has a low air permeability envelope and a foam inflation structure that defines one or more voids inside the low air permeability envelope. The foam inflation structures expand when unloaded to cause inflation of the one or more voids. When unloaded, the ratio of the volume of the foam inflation structure to the volume of the one or more voids within the low air permeability envelope is not the same in all the cells.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a mattress to minimize pressure on a patient wound including detecting a location of the patient wound relative to the mattress, and responsive to detecting the location of the patient wound relative to the mattress, adjusting the mattress to minimize pressure on the patient wound.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress comprises a carrier and a foundation. The carrier has a bed surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of first flexible members and second flexible members distributed in the carrier. One of the first flexible members and one of the second flexible members are encased in a flexible support unit. The bottom of the carrier is disposed on the foundation. The two bearing points in a stretchable direction of the first flexible member contact the bed surface and the bottom surface respectively, and one end of the second flexible member protrudes from or is concealed in the bottom surface of the carrier. The foundation has a moving plate and a lifting device. The moving plate can be lifted by the lifting device to an active position to support weights from the bed surface with the first flexible members.

Abstract: An external immobilizer for cancer treatment has a plurality of inflatable bladders that are independent finable depending on computer instruction based on patient position data provided from integrated or separate position determining means, such as external cameras or sensors, optionally with internal and/or external markers. In preferred embodiments, the immobilizer is fully integrated with an imaging means as well as the external beam radiation source, thus allowing both real time, independent anatomical compensation or correction for patient movement and fine control of beam shape and position to accurately target the tumor, even if the patient moves.

Abstract: A lateral tilting device for a patient lying on a mattress is capable of being inserted between the mattress and a level bed base or bed frame on which the mattress rests. The lateral tilting device comprises at least two independent first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent and positioned at least partly symmetrically from one another in relation to a median axis of the tilting device. The lateral tilting device includes two ‘U’ shaped inflatable compartments that are fitted into one another. A method for the lateral tilting of the mattress includes inflating a said first or second cell and concomitant deflation of the other second or respectively first cell of the tilting device laid out under the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure that varies in size as a frame of the patient support apparatus varies in size. The inflatable support structure includes a bladder assembly and bias members that urge the bladder assembly to a collapsed configuration during deflation of the bladder assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a self deflating cushion whereby a volume of air within the cushion is controllably released to a surface of the cushion thereby providing a cooling effect to the seated anatomy of a user. The cushion further provides a variety of internal, open cell cushioning materials that store and release air during use of the cushion.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: A sensing device is configured for placing in an air cushion bed below air bladders thereof to detect an exact state of the bed in use, and includes a first and a second sheet connected together to define an air chamber therebetween. The air bladders and the air chamber are communicable with one another via inflation valves on the first sheet and are synchronously and identically inflated. First and second sensing elements are disposed outside and inside the air chamber, respectively. The first sensing element has deformation and acceleration sensors arranged thereon for monitoring how the bed reacts to a patient lying thereon and the manner in which the bed is being used. The second sensing element includes upper and lower conductive sensing sheets and an electrical connection state therebetween is used to detect whether the air bladders are sufficiently inflated. Thus, the air cushion bed is safer for use.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of devices for supporting at least a portion of a user's body. In some embodiments, the invention provides a support device which includes a bladder capable of containing a fluid and a post adjacent the bladder. The bladder may form a rolling diaphragm portion with the post such that when a force is applied to the bladder, the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder rolls along the post decreasing the volume of the bladder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a post which includes a reduced cross-sectional area in comparison to an adjacent region of the post such that the resistance of the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder to rolling movement along the post due to the applies force decreases as the bladder rolls along the reduced cross-sectional area region. In some embodiments, the support device includes a plurality of bladders and/or a plurality of posts.

Abstract: An air mattress has a top chamber and a bottom chamber separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top surface of the top chamber, which has a plurality of apertures discharging air through apertures that are not blocked by the patient. The top chamber is provided with temperature-controlled heated or cooled air at a regulated pressure. Heated or cooled air from the top chamber is delivered to an area substantially surrounding the patient. The bottom chamber has a bottom surface containing a plurality of apertures that remain closed due to the weight of the mattress and the patient when the pressure-regulated air is beneath a pre-selected value. When the air pressure is increased, the apertures at the bottom surface of the bottom chamber emit air, creating an air cushion underneath the air mattress that facilitates lateral movement of the mattress over a flat or irregular surface, such as from a hospital bed to a stretcher, or from a stretcher to an operating table.

Abstract: A cellular structure includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base, a sealing layer, and a pressurization system. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The cells each extend outwardly from the base, and are grouped together in at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The cells in each of the first, second, and third zones are only coupled in flow communication with the cells in that respective zone. The pressurization system is coupled to the first, second, and third zones for selectively and independently pressurizing each of the zones. The pressurization zone is configured such that in a first mode of operation, the first zone is pressurized and the second and third zones are depressurized, and in a second mode of operation, the first zone is depressurized while the second and third zones are pressurized.

Abstract: An inflatable bed having a primary body, a backrest selectively inclinable relative to the primary body, a slit defined at a junction of the primary body and the backrest, and a pouch received in the slit to be selectively inflatable to move the backrest relative to the primary body. The slit is defined in a manner that when the pouch is inflated and the backrest is lifted by the pouch, friction of a bottom face of the backrest to a top face of ground where the inflatable bed is rested is minimized so as to facilitate the inclinable movement of the backrest relative to the primary body.

Abstract: A pneumatic lift including inflatable mattresses stacked one atop another and arranged in air flow communication with one another, but with each being independently deflatable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control wait configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress system in which a ultra low pressure plenum is positioned within the mattress system. In one embodiment, the ultra low pressure plenum is a bladder which is sandwiched between layers of a foam material. A plurality of ultra low pressure plenums formed as columns extending longitudinally or laterally along the length of the mattress system can be used.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus according the present disclosure includes a source of pressurized air, a plurality of bladders, a plurality of pressure sensors, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute instructions to adjust pressures in the bladders based on information from the plurality of pressure sensors.

Abstract: A mattress and a capacitive immersion system for adjusting the support that the mattress provides to a user are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mattress includes one or more air cells and a capacitive immersion system. The system relates generated capacitance between conductors mounted to an air cell to a pressure inside the air cells on which the conductors are mounted. More specifically, the measured capacitance may be related to a distance between the conductors. This distance may then be related to pressure with the air cells. The air cell may be inflated or deflated as required or desired to maintain a suitable minimum distance or distance that a user finds to be subjectively comfortable.

Abstract: A seat includes a bearing structure and a number of cushions. The cushions cover the entire area of the seat surface and the backrest of the seat. Each cushion is formed of a textile spacer structure held in a fluid-tight casing. The casing has a connection for a hose line. Before a user sits on the seat, the hose line is open to the outside air. Due to the force applied by the seat user, the cushion and spacer structure are compressed, whereby simultaneously air is displaced out of the cushion. The cushions thus experience a contouring according to the body shape of the seat user. After the user sits down, the contouring can be fixed by blocking device the hose line, and thus separating the reduced air volume in the inside of the cushion from the outside air. In this way, the contouring of the seat cushions is maintained when the seat user leaves the seat.

Abstract: An inflatable device has non-pressurized ducts and channels formed within the body of the inflatable device when inflated, wherein the inflation pressure of the inflatable device is maintained when the interior of the ducts and channels are exposed to atmospheric pressures allowing fluid to flow through the ducts and channels at substantially lower pressure levels than the inflation pressure of the inflatable device, a plurality of non-pressurized channels and pressurized support columns can be located in substantial proximity to the surface of the inflatable device in contact with the object to be heated or cooled.

Abstract: A patient bed with a multimedia system is disclosed. A patient can access a net work through the multimedia system, and to join a net meeting to chat with other patients. The multimedia system can also provide a consolidated platform of medical information for a doctor or a nurse. An input device of the patient bed may have a touch pad, which allows the patient to control the position of patient support through finger gesture.

Abstract: A pneumatic lift including inflatable mattresses stacked one atop another and arranged in air flow communication with one another, but with each being independently deflatable.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid controller coupled to an inflatable bladder and configured to add fluid to and remove fluid from the inflatable bladder, a control unit configured to provide information used by the fluid controller to adjust the pressurization of the inflatable bladder, the control unit including a user interface configured to constantly display a plurality of indicia corresponding to a range of pressure levels in which the inflatable bladder is employed by a user, where each of the plurality of indicia is associated with a different level of pressure of the inflatable bladder, respectively. In one embodiment, the fluid controller is configured to adjust the pressurization, in response to a user input at the user interface, to a pressure level selected by the user based on a current pressure level of the inflatable bladder, the pressure level selected by the user and an operating time of the fluid controller.

Abstract: This air cell cushion has a pair of side air cells extending upwardly from the upper surface side of the base member at both end sides in the lateral direction of the base member. The side air cells have a larger front-rear direction size than in the lateral direction thereof. Also, each side air cell is configured to inflate outward in the lateral direction. By this, in a case in which the side air cells face the armrests of the wheel chair, when the side air cells are inflated outward in the lateral direction, the outer side surfaces of the side air cells abut against or become adjacent to the armrests.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A mattress system has a cover, a crib, and a fluid bladder system. The crib surrounds the perimeter of the fluid bladder system and the cover overlies the top surface of the crib and fluid bladder system. The fluid bladder systems provide at least one conventional bladder therapy to a patient positioned on the mattress system. The fluid bladder system interconnects to the crib to not form a hammock effect so the crib functions as a restraint. The fluid bladder is also designed to bottom out to form an exterior cavity. A second cushion is inserted into the exterior cavity and positioned so the crib continues to function as a restraint. The second cushion provides a therapy to the patient that is different from the fluid bladder system.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress comprises a carrier and a foundation. The carrier has a bed surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of first flexible members and second flexible members distributed in the carrier. One of the first flexible members and one of the second flexible members are encased in a flexible support unit. The bottom of the carrier is disposed on the foundation. The two bearing points in a stretchable direction of the first flexible member contact the bed surface and the bottom surface respectively, and one end of the second flexible member protrudes from or is concealed in the bottom surface of the carrier. The foundation has a moving plate and a lifting device. The moving plate can be lifted by the lifting device to an active position to support weights from the bed surface with the first flexible members.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an inflatable device usable as a portable adjustable air mattress. The inflatable device comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes aligned by an outer cover forming a substantially rectangular shaped air mattress that will continue to function and provide support even in the event of an air leak.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress configured so that the pressure within each of bladder-shaped cells is variable, wherein the sleeping comfort of a person lying on the air mattress is not reduced. The air mattress has a plurality of air cell groups, each of which constituted by a plurality of bladder-shaped cells and lined up with respect to the lengthwise direction of the air mattress; an air supply/release pump; an air tube linking the bladder-shaped cells and the air supply/release pump in an independent first system for each of the air cell groups and an independent second system for each of specific bladder-shaped cells out of the plurality of air cell groups; and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure within the bladder-shaped cells for each of the first and second systems.

Abstract: A cushioning device has a first material and an opposing second material that are sealed together at the peripheral edges to form a first (right) side, a first (head) end, a second (left) side, and a second (foot) end. Positioned between the first material and the second material is a middle material. The middle material has a top side, a bottom side, a first gap between the first side and the middle material and a second gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side at a first set of locations to form a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface at a second set of locations to form a second set of interior welds. The first set of interior welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of interior welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress with an internal pump wherein an air supply/release pump can be contained within the space occupied by a conventional air mattress. The ease of handling, ease of performing caretaking work, and ease of maintenance of the pump are improved without reducing comfort. The air mattress with an internal pump has a plurality of air cell groups lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress. Each of air cell groups has a plurality of bladder-shaped cells lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress. The air mattress has an air supply/release pump; and an air tube linking the air cell groups and the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each air cell group out of two or more air cell groups.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress in which internal pressure can be controlled according to the movements of a bed. The air mattress is provided with a plurality of air cell groups lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress, each of which groups is made from a plurality of bladder-shaped cells; an air supply/release pump; and an air tube connecting the air cell groups and the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each air cell group of two or more air cell groups out of said air cell groups. Air supply/release by the air supply/release pump to each of the air cell groups is controlled by a controller, at least a part of information needed to control the bed is received from an external sensor for detecting such information, and air supply/release by the air supply/release pump for each of the air cell groups is controlled on the basis of the received information.

Abstract: Efficient systems and methods for inflating, deflating, or simultaneously inflating and deflating air mattress chambers using various pump and pump housing configurations are provided. Examples of the various pump and pump housing configurations include: boundary-layer pumps having single disk array or multiple disk array layouts, different disk geometries, different pressure recovery chamber geometries, adjustable components for switching between filling and powered dumping operations, and reversible and non-reversible motors; and pump housings having one or more dump channels for manifold-driven powered dumping, multiple sides or stages for pressure and/or flow compounding, various manifold chamber configurations for robust connectivity with air mattresses having multiple chambers, and various valve configurations for flexible control over filling, powered dumping, and simultaneous filling and powered dumping operations.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress for use on a truck bed is disclosed and claimed. The inflatable mattress includes a lower mattress layer with left and right recessions dimensioned to substantially surround the wheel well sides. The inflatable mattress includes an upper mattress layer dimensioned to substantially cover the lower mattress layer and the wheel well tops.

Abstract: Provided is an air mattress capable of preventing the occurrence of decubitus ulcers in a person lying on the air mattress. The air mattress has a plurality of air cell groups made from a plurality of bladder-shaped cells and lined up with respect to the lengthwise direction of the air mattress so as to support at least a head area, shoulder area, back area, buttock, thigh area, knee area, and heel area of a person lying on said air mattress; an air supply/release pump; and an air tube connecting said bladder-shaped cells and said air supply/release pump in one or a plurality of independent first systems for each of the air cell groups out of said air cell groups and one or a plurality of independent second systems for each of specific bladder-shaped cells out of the plurality of air cell groups.

Abstract: A body support platform for supporting a human body, comprising one or more body support unit(s), the or each support unit comprising a plurality of columns, each column comprising a stack of fluid-fillable substantially spherical resilient balls, each ball of a respective column being physically and fluidly connected only to the adjacent ball(s) within said column, such that a column may be compressed substantially independently of a neighboring column; and a base providing a primary fluid reservoir; wherein said columns are arranged in an array across said base; and each of aid columns is connected to said base, such that the lowermost ball of each respective column is directly fluidly connected to said primary fluid reservoir; and wherein the uppermost ball of respective columns collectively define a body support surface.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an inflatable device usable as a portable adjustable air mattress. The inflatable device comprises a plurality of inflatable tubes aligned by an outer cover forming a substantially rectangular shaped air mattress that will continue to function and provide support even in the event of an air leak.

Abstract: A fluid bladder system has a conventional fluid bladder and a resilient member in the fluid bladder. The resilient member is of a size that it allows the fluid in the fluid bladder to be the principal support applied to the patient. The resilient member only applies a force to the patient only after the patient displaces the fluid in the fluid bladder so the resilient structure is the only entity that inhibits the patient from bottoming out.

Abstract: An airbed system is provided. The airbed system includes: an air mattress having at least one air mattress chamber; a boundary-layer pump connected to the at least one air mattress, configured to fill the at least one air mattress with gas; and a control unit, configured to receive user input corresponding to increasing or decreasing the pressure in the at least one air mattress chamber and to control the boundary-layer pump based on the received user input. The boundary-layer pump includes: a pressure recovery chamber housing including a pressure recovery chamber, a pump inlet, and a pump outlet; a plurality of disks within the pressure recovery chamber; and a motor attached to the plurality of disks, configured to rotate the plurality of disks so as to expel gas passing through the pump inlet radially outwards along the disks and out through the pump outlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress (1) has two edge cells (2,3) and a even plurality of transverse inner cells, arranged in adjacent pairs as alternate cells (4) and cells (5). An umbilical inflation hose (6) is provided with three internal pipes (7,8,9). Pipe (7) receives constant pneumatic pressure and has a pipe extension (17) to pneumatic connectors (27) for the edge cells (2,3). Pipe (8) receives alternating pressure for cells (4) via extensions (18) to connectors (28). Pipe (9) receives alternating pressure for cells (5) via extensions (19) to connectors (29). The connectors (28,29) are T connectors having a stem welded into the bottom of their cells (4,5). The connectors (28,29) are in lines (38,39). Each cell has a connector at both ends, whereby there are lines (38 & 39) at both sides of the plurality of inner cells (4,5). The edge cells (2,3) are formed by folding and seaming a sheet of polyurethane material leaving a pair of strips (11) on top of each other.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for support of a human on a cushion. A mattress apparatus may have a base member of generally rectangular shape with four upstanding peripheral side walls. A plurality of bars may be disposed on the base member in a rectangular matrix configuration and the plurality of bars may have a separation space longitudinally and laterally between adjacent bars. A gas member of generally elongated tubular shape may be positioned longitudinally in each of the longitudinal separation spaces with each of the gas members having a gas conduit connected to a first pressurized gas source. Lateral gas tubes that may be of generally rectangular shape may be positioned transversally of the longitudinal gas tubes with a first end of each lateral gas tube connected to the first pressurized gas source or to a second pressurized gas source. A bed sheet covering the base member to enclose the top of the mattress apparatus.

Abstract: A method of positioning an occupant (98) of a bed includes identifying (204) the presence of a discrepancy between an existing occupant position and a target occupant position, and establishing (206) an elevation gradient having a direction, magnitude and position compatible with moving the occupant from the existing occupant position to the target position. In one variant of the method the step of establishing an elevation gradient is one substep of a preordained sequence of bladder inflations and deflations. In another variant, the method includes determining (210) if the discrepancy has been corrected and responding to any noncorrection of the discrepancy. An associated bed (20) includes a mattress (82) at least one layer (100) of repositioning bladders (102, 104, 106, 108) a sensor array (130) a controller (140) and a pump (142).

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: An air distribution support surface product includes a vapor permeable material such as a sheet of breathable material, a fluid resistant material, such as a sheet of waterproof material and an intermediate fluid passing material interposed between the vapor permeable material and the fluid resistant material to form a plurality of chambers. One of the chambers serves as a type of fluid retention chamber and another chamber serves as a type of fluid loss chamber. A fluid intake opening may be provided to allow fluid, such as air, to inflate the chambers. In one example, both of the chambers share the intermediate fluid passing material. As such, the fluid retention chamber is formed by the fluid resistant material and the intermediate fluid passing material. The fluid loss chamber is formed by the vapor permeable material and the intermediate fluid passing material.

Abstract: A method for assessing the status of a piezoelectric sensor of interest is disclosed. The sensor of interest is located adjacent a surface of a mattress supporting a person. In some instances, the sensor of interest may be coupled to a mattress or coupled to a bed frame that supports the mattress. The method involves analyzing the complex impedance of the excited sensor relative to a complex impedance profile. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.