Abstract: A patient support including turn assist, low air loss or integrated lateral transfer. The patient support is adapted to support a bariatric patient and includes a turning bladder for turning or assisting in turning a bariatric patient.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures.

Abstract: A body support such as a cushion, mattress, chair or the like has at least one inflatable air chamber. A pressure sensor senses interface pressures at different locations on a surface of the air chamber. Indicators derived from the interface pressures indicate the onset of a trend toward bottoming out. A controller controls air pressure within the air chamber based at least in part on values of the indicators. The controller may be implemented as a state machine.

Abstract: A unique support surface that provides a controllable inflation system, and a turning bladder structure for turning a patient quickly for the application of a nursing protocol. The support surface includes air cell arrays and turning bladders which are used to turn the patient in either direction under control of the medical practitioner. The air cell arrays can be arranged longitudinally or laterally. The multiple turning bladders are preferably formed with a unique butterfly shape that minimizes the amount of air required to inflate, which then results in high-speed turning of the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a high air loss device. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes a pneumatic device located within the patient support.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion and a width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the core portion. The mattress has independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones.

Abstract: A surgical table includes a horizontal patient support with a base extending therefrom and supporting the patient support at a desired height. The surgical table also includes an adjustment platform positioned upon the patient support. The adjustment platform includes a plurality of expansion members adapted to selectively adjust the relative position of the patient.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a mattress envelope having a compartment and comprising a thermal functional layer and an outer layer overlapped thereon and an air cushion including a plurality of individual air chambers evenly disposed in the compartment of the mattress envelope and an air supplying tube communicatively interconnecting the air chamber with each other. A thermal control arrangement includes a liquid supplying tube spirally extending at the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope for guiding a flow of thermal liquid and a thermal energy generator arranged to regulate a temperature of the thermal liquid such that when the thermal liquid passes through the liquid supplying tube, the thermal liquid thermo-communicating with the thermal functional layer of the mattress envelope towards the outer layer so as to regulate a temperature of the mattress envelope.

Abstract: The inflatable air mattress is placed on top of a conventional mattress, and is retained in place by straps that are secured to the bed frame. In the preferred embodiment, the inflatable air mattress includes a pair of identical chambers, the chambers being of rectangular shape and separated by a hinge line. Each chamber is divided into several, parallel cells, and a separate air pump is connected to each chamber. When energized, the pump forces pressurized air into the chamber and rapidly fills same. As the chamber is filled, it expands and is capable of rotating a patient positioned thereon, through a 90° arc of motion. With the intervention of a health care worker, or a nurse, the patient may then be rolled over from his front to his back, or vice versa.

Abstract: A bedding product having a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs has a length and a width and comprises a row of interconnected pockets. Each of the pockets contains at least one spring encased in fabric. The bedding product may have a plurality of inflatable members located underneath select portions of at least some of the strings of springs. Each of the inflatable members may be of a width substantially equal to the width one of the string of springs. The bedding product may have a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring and an air supply system operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and adapted to control a supply of air to the inflatable members.

Abstract: A device for lifting a person from a supine position into a raised supine position or sitting posture. The device comprises at least one U-shaped inflatable structure which defines a hollow and a flexible membrane which is attachable to the device. The membrane is extendable over at least a portion of the hollow to provide a support surface for the person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable device for rotating bed-ridden patients from their back to their side with little or no assistance from the care provider. The device comprises of a base material, a plurality of elongated air chambers interconnected on the base material consisting of five independent air chambers configured to lie beneath the patient in a secured manner that allows the air chambers to function between the patient and a bed like supporting surface. The device rotates the patient, functions as armrest, acts as a cushion support for the patient to lie against while on their side or on their back.

Abstract: A rotational mattress has (a) a support surface and a rotating bladder object or (b) the support surface, the rotating bladder and a cushion material object. Depending on the embodiment used, the rotating bladder object and/or cushion material object has at least one longitudinal hinge; a longitudinal hinge extends from the object's head end toward the object's foot end. In one embodiment, the longitudinal hinge can be a shaped aperture and within the shaped aperture is a second cushion material. The second cushion material is less rigid than the cushion material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stand alone integrated mattress. The system has a self-contained mattress unit, at least one inflatable bladder, at least one fluid source, at least one dispersion unit and at least one control unit. The self-contained mattress unit has at least a head section and a foot section, and is capable of converting from a horizontal position or an inclined position to a chair-like conformation. There is at least one inflatable bladder in each section of the self-contained mattress unit. There is also at least fluid source. In addition there is at least one dispersion unit in each section and each dispersion unit provides a fluid, obtained from the fluid source, to a conduit which directs the fluid into the inflatable bladder positioned in the section of the dispersion unit. The control system is positioned in one of the sections and interconnected to each dispersion unit to control the dispersion of the fluid to the inflatable bladders in each section.

Abstract: A bolster for resisting rolling of a person off of a mattress, comprising a lateral cushion adapted to be disposed proximate and parallel to an edge of the mattress, and a tensile portion having a means for attachment to said lateral cushion, providing a distributed tensile force to resist a laterally outward displacement of the lateral cushion, the tensile force being transmitted beneath the mattress having a force vector downward and inward. Both the lateral cushion and the mattress may be inflatable, and preferably a pair of lateral cushions, interconnected by a tensile sheet below the mattress, are provided.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A bedsore reduction system for beds includes a generally rectangular base plate, a mattress support plate and a diagonal connecting plate extending between said base plate and said mattress support plate and pivotably connecting the opposite side edges of the base plate and the mattress support plate. An inflatable upper wedge-shaped air chamber having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is positioned between the mattress support plate and the diagonal connecting plate and an inflatable lower wedge-shaped air chamber having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is positioned between the base plate and the diagonal connecting plate. Finally, a controllable inflation device such as a set of air pumps is operatively connected to the upper and lower wedge-shaped air chambers for inflating and deflating them such that the mattress support plate is adjustable in the yaw orientation relative to horizontal thereby tilting a mattress supported on thereon for prevention of bedsores.

Abstract: A mattress system for a hospital bed including a mattress and a control system. The mattress system may include a mattress including a core bladder, a width bladder and a vacuum device to apply a vacuum to the width bladder. The mattress is adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient.

Abstract: An inflatable sex-support unit for mattress configured to be temporarily or permanently attachable to such mattress, comprising of bladders that are stowed away in layers of bedspread and foams, that inflate to a height of 12 or more inches above the unit's surface to elevate and support the back area including the buttocks; to elevate and support the left leg in a wide spread posture; to elevate and support the right leg in a wide spread posture; while leaving enough space between the two lower bladders for a second party to occupy during sexual intercourse. The top area provides a soft and smooth surface that is also utilized for sleeping atop such bed or on the ground surface.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2) The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilizing two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.

Abstract: A bolster for resisting rolling of a person off of a mattress, comprising a lateral cushion adapted to be disposed proximate and parallel to an edge of the mattress, and a tensile portion having a means for attachment to said lateral cushion, providing a distributed tensile force to resist a laterally outward displacement of the lateral cushion, the tensile force being transmitted beneath the mattress having a force vector downward and inward. Both the lateral cushion and the mattress may be inflatable, and preferably a pair of lateral cushions, interconnected by a tensile sheet below the mattress, are provided.

Abstract: An alternating pad consisting of transverse inflatable cells (1 and 2) alternately inflated and deflated. An internal cell (5) is provided at the outermost edges of each transverse cell (1,2). The internal cell (5) is constantly inflated at a higher pressure than the traverse cells (1, 2). The internal cell (5) is at a lower height than the cells (1,2) and preferably of a chamfered shape to provide optimum pressure relief across the whole surface of the pad. The internal cell (5) provides stable patient exit, entry or transfer from a bed or seat.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is opened, so as to deflate the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: The Automatic Patient Turner is the ultimate in pressure sore prevention by automatically, periodically, and alternately tilting, and then laterally turning an immobile patient from one complete side to the other in a manner similar to, yet gentler and less intrusive than, manual turning, due to the patterned, sequential inflation and deflation of strategically placed inflatables. When the bent knees are perpendicular, being sandwiched between a pair of knee inflatables, they serve as a lever arm in the turning process when pressure is exerted against them by inflated inflatables. This causes the bent knees to move well beyond their perpendicular position in the direction of the turn. With the deflation of the knee inflatables, the bent knees descend laterally pulling the entire body of the patient completely to one side as a back-support pillow inflates, where the patient will lie upon a flat mattress until turned to the other side.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress, inside which are arranged with plurality of sensors which are disposed on the lifting-and-supporting assemblies, and a control system is used to control the lifting-and-supporting assemblies and the sensors, through rise and fall of the lifting-and-supporting assemblies, the therapeutic mattress can be adjusted to support different body parts of the patient. The control system and the sensors can cooperate with each other to provide a precise function of weight-measurement and body-position sensing, and the sensors will cooperate with lifting-and-supporting assemblies to adjust the supporting point of the therapeutic mattress to the patient, thus preventing bedsores.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring a patient from a first support surface to an adjacent second support surface. The device includes a plurality of elongated side-by-side first bladders arranged to be placed under the patient on the first support surface and a rolling sheet to be disposed between the patient and the bladders. The bladders being separately and sequentially inflatable to tilt and move the patient transversely.

Abstract: A system for pressure ulcer prophylaxis and treatment includes an annunciator which is attached to the outer face of the door or to the doorway of a patient's room and a bedside patient position sequence indicator. The annunciator includes a timing device with settable cycle duration and provides both visual and audible signals to indicate that a prescribed patient turning regimen cycle now requires repositioning of the patient. The annunciator generates a first signal when the cycle duration enters an expiry window and generates a different, intensified signal after the cycle has ended without being reset by a caregiver. The patient position sequence indicator includes a visual display which advises a caregiver of the position in which the patient was last placed and the next sequential position to which the patient is to be moved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Abstract: A system for transporting and positioning a patient onto an operating room table from a movable transportation device, e.g., a stretcher, to be located immediately laterally of the operating room table and transporting back onto the movable transportation device after the surgery. The system basically comprises a first and second inflatable assemblies to effect the pivoting of the patient about a longitudinal axis extending between the table and stretcher from a supine position on the stretcher to a horizontal prone position on the table. A third inflatable assembly causes the patient's spine to be in an arcuate orientation suitable for spinal surgery.

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover defining an interior region and including an upwardly-facing surface configured to be positioned beneath a patient. The surface pad system also includes a pad core received in the interior region of the cover to support the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress system and bed are disclosed for providing a comprehensive system of pulmonary and skin care therapies for the critically ill, immobilized patient. The features provided include rotational therapy, percussion therapy and pulsation therapy on a critical care bed frame with a low air loss patient support, all of which are controlled with various types of feedback from particularized sensors in the bed.

Abstract: An overlay mattress has a plurality of internal elevating means, such as inflatable bladders, for raising selected portions of the mattress to achieve a wide range of patient positions. A fluid such as air may be supplied from a conventional surgical room air supply, a compressed canister, or a compressor to inflate the bladders. A fluid distribution system controls the flow of fluid to desired bladders. The overlay mattress may be used in conjunction with conventional surgical tables and mattresses. A thermal control means is also included in the overlay mattress to regulate a patient's body temperature. A pressure shifting means is also included to reduce the risk of bedsore formation.

Abstract: A patient support structure including a unit having at least two defined shaped zones (30, 32) inflatable from a deflated condition in order to modify the topography of the support. One of the zones (30) is larger than the other (32) so that inflation of the larger zone lifts a patient to one side (towards the smaller zone 32) and the inflated smaller zone supports the patient and prevents the patient from slipping off the support structure. In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises two units, each having at least two defined shaped inflatable zones (30, 32), the larger zone 30 of each unit being in opposed configuration and the units being inflatable independently of one another so that a patient can be lifted to one side or the other side according to which unit is inflated.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: An air mattress with alternate lifting function consists of a plurality of air pouches and side pouches. The side pouches are longitudinally located under the transverse air pouches. The side pouches are inflatable alternately to enable two sides of the air mattress moving up and down alternately to give a patient's body lain on the air mattress sideways exercises. The air pouches may be inflated alternately and synchronously with the inflation of the side pouches to alter pressing areas on the patient's body to prevent the patient from suffering harmful effect resulting from impeded blood circulation due to prolonged pressure exerting on the patient's body.

Abstract: A chair bed including a bedframe and a mattress positioned on the bedframe is provided. The bedframe is configured to move between a substantially flat bed position and a chair position. The mattress includes an inflatable treatment apparatus such as a pulmonary rotational therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, or a decubitus ulcer treatment device.

Abstract: A cushion bed with a flushing device. The bed includes a containing cushion that is adhered to the upper part of the air cushion and shaped as a tilted groove, being removable, and including a sensor. When discharge from a patient falls on the surface of the containing cushion, a sensor senses this and a water pump is activated, so that water can be spurted through both the water-spurting head to flush the discharge on the surface of the containing cushion, and the other water-spurting head installed on top of the containing cushion cleanses the excretory organs of the patient. The inventive device provides the patients in the persistent vegetative state with the convenience of urinating and defecating in bed, and with the functions of keeping the excretory organs of the patient clean and not prone to bacteria growth or infection, and sanitizes the bed cushion.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating the head and torso of a patient confined to a fluidized patient support system. A head cushion assembly, a knee gatch assembly and a control assembly are integrated with any known fluidized patient support system and preferably integrated, at least in part, with the cover sheet of the chosen patient support system. In operation, the invention may be utilized to raise and/or lower a patient's head and torso, in 15° steps, to any inclination from supine to approximately 45°. In implementations utilizing the knee gatch assembly, the patient is effectively prevented from sliding during inclination even to the highest of angles. The controls are conveniently provided on a handheld unit for easy access and operation by caregivers and patient alike.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushioning device including an inflatable cushion having at least one side and first and second opposing surfaces, and at least one restraint structure attached to at least a portion of the at least one side of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus comprises a rolling transfer tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The rolling transfer tube is flattened when placed under a patient to form an upper run and a lower run. A fluid chamber that receives fluid under pressure is defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface has a plurality of perforations through which fluid is expelled to create a fluid bearing between the upper run and the lower run.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

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. The cushioning device includes a tilting apparatus that provides assistance in rotating the patient from one position to another. 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.

Abstract: A articulated air mattress for maneuvering bed-ridden patients. The articulated air mattress includes a base portion. The base portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a peripheral side wall. At least one lifting member comprises a top surface, and a bottom surface. A perimeter wall is integrally coupled to and extends between the top and bottom surfaces. The lifting member is generally wedge-shaped such that the bottom surface and the top surface each have a first edge positioned generally adjacent to each other and a second edge spaced from each other. The first edges define a proximal edge and the second edges defined a distal edge. The lifting member is comprises of a flexible and air impervious material. The lifting member has an opening therein adapted for receiving and expelling air. The opening is adapted to be selectively opened and closed. The proximal edge is hingedly coupled to the top wall.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing bed sores in a bedridden patient. A low air loss bed is provided including a frame, a first set of substantially rectangular air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, and a second set of substantially rectangular air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, and all of the air bags are connected to a gas source. The conformation of the air bags is such that, when the first set of air bags is inflated, the patient supported thereon is moved toward the first side of the frame of the low air loss bed and, when the second set of air bags is inflated while the first set of ail bags is deflated, the patient is moved toward the second side of the low air loss bed. The conformation of the air bags also retains the patient on the top surface of the air bags when the patient is rolled in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement handles a person in a rocking movement on a couch relative a base by means of pressure medium driven actuating means in the couch. The couch is converted from a substantially planar or slightly bent starting position, with the person resting against the couch to a C-shaped holding position, bent about the longitudinal axis of the person. The person is rocked relative to the base in a rocking movement from side to side on the base maintained in aid C-shaped holding position.

Abstract: In operation of a support for a patient's body, used in medical or veterinary treatment, which applies alternating-pressure to the body in order to reduce or minimize the risk of pressure sores caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, inflatable cells of the support are inflated and deflated cyclically in a predetermined sequence. To provide improved effect in relieving or preventing pressure sores, the cells are deflated in the sequence in such a manner that the interior pressure falls from 10 mmHg (135 Pa) to 0 mmHg in a time period of not more than 15 s. Preferably the interior pressure falls to below 0 mmHg (ambient atmospheric pressure). A vacuum pump or pumps may be employed to achieve this result.

Abstract: A device for positioning patients for diagnostic and therapeutic uses having, in particular a horizontally disposed bearer element for the patient (i.e., such as a table). In addition, at least one inflatable or pump-up-able cushion is provided with which the position of the patient, or specific regions of the patient's body, can be altered.

Abstract: An air sac for use on a low air loss bed. The air sac is provided with a releasable connector for retaining the air sac to the low air loss bed and with a nipple for receiving air from a gas supply source to inflate the air sac. The air sac is also provided with a cutout which allows the patient to be rolled toward one end of the air sac when the air sac is inflated, A pillar is provided on the end of the air sac toward which the patient is rolled when the air sac is inflated to retain the patient on the air sac. The air sacs are arranged in sets with every other sac mounted to the frame of the low air loss bed in alternating arrangement whereby the patient is rolled first in one direction when the air sacs of one set are inflated and then back in the other direction when the air sacs in the first set are deflated and the air sacs in the second set are inflated.