With Means To Force Ventilation (e.g., Fan) Patents (Class 5/726)
  • Patent number: 11460033
    Abstract: An inflation device relates to the technical field of inflation equipment. The inflation device includes an inflation shell and a control main board. The inflation shell is arranged in an inflatable product, and is provided with an air outlet cavity; the air outlet cavity is provided with an air outlet; an inflation upper cover and the inflation shell are detachably and fixedly assembled; the inflation upper cover is provided with an air inlet end part; the air inlet end part passes through the inflatable product and extends towards the outer side of the inflatable product; the air inlet end part is provided with an air inlet; the air inlet communicates the air outlet cavity with the outside of the inflatable product. The inflation device using the above technical solution has the advantages of simple and convenient assembling, good leakproofness, high yield, high production efficiency, ingenious design, and easy maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Shuobin Chen
  • Patent number: 11389006
    Abstract: A mattress topper for providing improved comfort to a sleeper comprises a pressure distribution layer defining an interior volume. The pressure distribution layer has substantially air-impermeable side walls and a substantially air-impermeable base, and a top surface having at least a region that is air permeable. Support material is contained within the interior volume. The mattress topper includes at least one electrically powered air circulation device for drawing air into the interior volume of the pressure distribution layer via at least one air inlet port. A lateral air-flow layer is disposed above the pressure distribution layer and is configured to provide substantially unimpeded air flow both upwardly and laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Perfectly Snug Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Douglas Elliott, Martin Lewis Furse
  • Patent number: 11375825
    Abstract: A support cushion for providing air flow to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes pocketed coil layer and a base layer positioned adjacent to and below the pocketed coil layer. The pocketed coil layer including a plurality of fabric types for directing air flow. A fan is operably connected to the inlet hole of the base layer to provide air flow into and through the pocketed coil layer to a body support layer. Methods of controlling air flow through a support cushion are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SEALY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Hamid Ghanei, Kevin Tar, Taylor M. Jansen, James Alva Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11324331
    Abstract: An inclined and vented mattress assembly for elevating an upper body of a user includes a block that comprises foamed elastomer so that the block is resiliently compressible. The block is wedge shaped so that a first end of the block is dimensionally thicker than a second end of the block. The block has a base that is sized complementarily to a bed frame so that the block is configured to be positioned upon the bed frame. A set of channels that is positioned in the block extends between at least two openings that are positioned in the block. The set of channels is configured to vent the block to cool the block and a user positioned thereupon. The block being wedge shaped elevates the upper body of the use, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Jose Johniel Cenabre
  • Patent number: 11219567
    Abstract: A patient support includes a conformable layer having a lattice of cells. Each cell having a base and extending to a top portion disposed opposite the base to form a column, and at least some of the cells within the lattice having a fluid passage extending from the base through the top portion of the cell. The patient support having a fluid flow path defined by a port connector configured to direct a fluid to a low air loss manifold, the low air loss manifold configured to direct and release the fluid towards the fluid passages of the conformable layer with the fluid passages configured to direct the fluid into a reduced zone having a surface area, and a spacer layer configured to receive the fluid in the reduced zone and disperse the fluid underneath a cover across a surface area larger than the surface area of the reduced zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Galer, Justin Jon Raymond, Richard I. Palmisano, Patrick Lafleche
  • Patent number: 11134790
    Abstract: A bedding system includes a box layer having a duct and an inlet. The duct has a passageway that is in communication with the inlet. A capacitor layer includes a cavity that is in communication with the passageway. A mattress layer includes a bottom surface and a top surface that defines a sleep surface. A hole extends through the top and bottom surfaces and is in communication with the cavity. A central vacuum system includes a power unit, a pipe having a first end that is connected to the power unit and a second end connected to an outlet and a hose having a first end that is connected to the outlet and a second end that is connected to the at least one inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: BEDGEAR, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene Alletto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10993543
    Abstract: A bed assembly includes a mattress that has rails that define an outer perimeter of the mattress and an inner core defined between the rails of the mattress. Springs are positioned within the inner core. A comfort layer including ventilation openings is supported by the rails of the mattress so that the comfort layer covers the mattress and the ventilation openings are in fluid communication with the inner core. In some instances, the comfort layer is positioned so that the ventilation openings are aligned with coil openings defined through the springs within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Diamond Mattress Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Shaun Pennington
  • Patent number: 10772438
    Abstract: An air system for a bed can include a layer assembly having a head end, a foot end, and first and second sides, with a head portion near the head end, a foot portion near the foot end, and a middle portion between the head portion and the foot portion, the layer assembly. The layer assembly can have a spacer layer comprising spacer material configured to allow for air flow through the spacer material and a cover comprising a cover top layer and a cover bottom layer. The air system can have a distribution manifold that is substantially fan-shaped with a plurality of ribs defining channels and/or is positioned above the cover bottom layer and under the spacer layer. The air system can have first and second flaps with first and second retention features extending from the head and foot ends of the air layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Griffith, Natalie Negus, Eric Rose, Kody Lee Karschnik
  • Patent number: 10767966
    Abstract: A camouflage system adaptively matches the visible and IR spectrum of surrounding vegetation. A bio-chromophore dye solution circulated through an upper channel and distributed by a pulp or fabric matches the visible and biological IR spectrum, while water evaporated from the upper channel or from a separate lower channel matches the water IR spectrum. Dye can be retained in the pulp or continuously circulated. Permanently printed colors and/or patterns can also be included. Petalation cooperative with a channel flow pattern can release evaporated water and inhibit LiDAR detection. An upper waxy layer and surface embossing can avoid specular reflections. The camouflage signature can be compared with the environment and automatically adjusted as needed. Embodiments include thermal management, electromagnetic shielding, and/or radar scattering/absorbing subsystems. An airbag ground plane can match a terrain contour and avoid LiDAR detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Warwick Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A Howland
  • Patent number: 10688696
    Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids. The cores further include thermal transmission mitigation materials or treatments means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation materials or treatments in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lincoln, Brandon Bowers, Douglas S. Jacot, Jay Thomas Gutka, James Edward Marson
  • Patent number: 10130538
    Abstract: A pneumatic mattress having a plurality of pneumatic cells so connected that sets of them can be selectively and cyclically pressurized and exhausted in sequence to support a user, or permanently inflated. The mattress also including an air flow manifold within a cover around the cells for providing air flow to spaces between some of the pneumatic cells beneath of the cover. The cells are provided transversely of the mattress with longitudinal edge cells, and the air flow manifold is provided inwards of the longitudinal cells across the ends of the transverse cells. The cover is semi-permeable to allow moisture from the patient to be carried away by the air flow. Between the cells and the cover, a replaceable open weave or gauze layer of non-woven material is provided, allowing air flow from one inter-cell space to the next with the cover held from the cells by the gauze layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: LINET SPOL S.R.O.
    Inventors: Martin Toms, Brian Frank Pile, Ian Malcolm Ryall
  • Patent number: 9474384
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a mattress thermal management system, for example a mattress cooling and/or heating system and in particular a suction- and/or discharge-based cooling and/or heating system. Deck-mounted fans beneath a mattress operate in various embodiments to induce a uniform suction flow, a uniform discharge flow, and/or a combined suction/discharge (circulating) flow that enhances the cooling and/or heating rate of the mattress. The mattress thermal management system can be incorporated into a conventional mattress/bed system or into an adjustable bed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ASCION, LLC
    Inventors: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan, Jacob Michael Lalinsky, Ronald Leong, Andrew Z. Gong
  • Patent number: 9119480
    Abstract: A pressure variable thermal adaptive microclimate surface is provided. The microclimate surface may be a pad, pillow, mattress or the like. The microclimate surface is especially suitable for providing optimal heating and/or cooling of a person. The heating or cooling is provided through heating or cooling delivery system located in the sculpted polyurethane foam microclimate surface. The microclimate surface has a plurality of independently moving pillars which is optimal in reducing pressure ulcers on the skin of a person caused by the person spending extended periods of time on a typical surface, such as a hospital mattress. The heating or cooling delivery system may be provided through three possible configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Alpha Bedding, LLC
    Inventor: Theodosius A. Lazakis
  • Patent number: 8997287
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a pressurized air source, a dehumidifier, and a support surface including a topper having a vapor-permeable surface. The dehumidifier is configured to selectively treat pressurized air communicated to the dehumidifier from the pressurized air source and communicate the treated pressurized air to the vapor-permeable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lanning, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 8997279
    Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of layers, each layer extending in a substantially parallel, horizontal direction and being positioned in vertical relation to other layers and each layer further having a perforated or open-cell structure. At least one layer has a gel dispersed within the perforated or open-cell structure of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: King Koil Licensing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. McKay, David J. Roberts, Pete Baroni, Ross Olinski, Owen Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20150089749
    Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 8918930
    Abstract: Improved patient support systems comprising a coverlet configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to an airflow unit. Improved airflow units configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to a coverlet of a patient support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Glenn C. Stroh, John H. Vrzalik, Cesar Z. Lina, Daniel W. Dekruif, Bryan L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8893329
    Abstract: A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: Dusko Petrovski, Barry Steele, Michael Brykalski, John Terech, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 8881328
    Abstract: A body support assembly comprising a first layer (e.g., a visco-elastic foam) having a lower surface, and a second layer supporting the first layer and having an upper surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is defined by a non-planar surface to define a plurality of passages. A fan is positioned to move air through the passages. Preferably, the non-planar surface comprises a plurality of protrusions (e.g., a convoluted surface). The body support can further comprise a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the fan. Multiple fans and sensors can be provided, and the controller can control the fans to provide different air flows through different locations of the body support assembly. A user interface can be coupled to the controller to allow selection of a desired parameter of the body support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, LLC
    Inventors: Tom D. Mikkelsen, Kelly W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 8856993
    Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Sam M. Alsaeede, Andrew Kerr, Stephen C. Flint, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Publication number: 20140250604
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a pressurized air source, a dehumidifier, and a support surface including a topper having a vapor-permeable surface. The dehumidifier is configured to selectively treat pressurized air communicated to the dehumidifier from the pressurized air source and communicate the treated pressurized air to the vapor-permeable surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lanning, Charles A. Lachenbruch
  • Patent number: 8806686
    Abstract: A seat cushion includes a cushion pad that is formed of breathable plastic foam, a breathable skin that is integrally layered on a front surface side of the cushion pad, and a non-breathable membrane-like film that is interleaved therebetween. The seat cushion includes a breathing hole formed in the film. The breathing hole extends from a back surface side of the cushion pad and passes through the cushion pad to penetrate the film. The breathing hole is formed while the cushion pad and the film are melted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kawasaki, Yukio Ishihara, Masao Tada, Ryoichi Wakayama
  • Publication number: 20140201925
    Abstract: Body support systems such as mattresses include breathing layers that define internal air flow guides and form part of the structure for pressure redistribution. At least one air flow unit is coupled for fluid communication with the breathing layers so that heat and moisture may be drawn away from an uppermost comfort layer or body-supporting layer, through the breathing layers, and exhausted out of the body support system. Alternatively, air may be directed through permeable portions of the layers of the body support system to the uppermost layer, particularly at the torso supporting region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FXI, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel V. Tursi, JR., Christopher S. Weyl, Vincenzo A. Bonaddio
  • Patent number: 8776292
    Abstract: A pillow having a resilient pillow body with a sound transmitting passageway extending through the pillow to bring sound from outside the pillow through an inlet in the side of the pillow to an outlet in the central area of the top of the pillow so that a person using the pillow, with his ear on the outlet, can hear the sound. The passageway has an inlet section leading from the inlet into the pillow which section forms an exponential acoustic horn to amplify and clarify the sound transmitted by the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Richard T. Ryan, Paul Regan
  • Patent number: 8745784
    Abstract: There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Talley Group Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Cole, Richard Taggerty
  • Patent number: 8745793
    Abstract: A mattress system includes a core mattress and a mattress cover. The core is made from a resilient material with a top surface that may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The removable mattress sheet covers the core and includes a breathable material that forms a hammock over a depression in the top surface. The subject rests at least partially on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the mattress depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression. The external ends of the openings may connect to an air or aerosol source to inject air or aerosols into the depression cavity. The core may be coated with a fire retardant, impermeable water-proofing or gas impermeable layer. A ventilator may be adapted within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ubimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Bensoussan
  • Patent number: 8739339
    Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: King Koil Licensing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. McKay, David J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140059780
    Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Stephen F. Peters, Mike Brubaker
  • Publication number: 20140047646
    Abstract: A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Charles A. Lachenbruch, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Rachel Williamson, Timothy J. Receveur
  • Publication number: 20140033440
    Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions includes various mattress constructions with improved air flow characteristics, and in particular mattress constructions which induce or control air flow when force is applied to the mattress support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. TYREE
  • Patent number: 8640279
    Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Diacor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Koger, Christopher F. Johnson, Kevin R. Anderson, Frederic A. Gibbs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8621687
    Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
  • Patent number: 8621693
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Anodyne Medical Device, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Curtis Wyatt, Kenneth Scott Siegner, Lydia B. Biggie
  • Patent number: 8601620
    Abstract: A cover system includes a first layer providing a top surface over a patient support structure. A layer of spacer material is provided beneath the first layer. An air mover moves air through the layer of spacer material to remove moisture adjacent a person supported by the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Romano, Sohrab Soltani, Michael V. Bolden
  • Patent number: 8539624
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly includes a seat cushion that has an outer surface with a first side for supporting an occupant in a seated position and a second side, which generally faces in an opposite direction than the first side. An air passage extends from the first side to the second side of the seat cushion. A support member has a first side that is configured to provide support to the seat cushion and a second side. the first side and the second side of the support member generally face in opposite directions. A distribution passage is in communication with the air passage and is formed at least in part by a recess formed at least in part in one of the first side of the support member and the second side of the seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: John Terech, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 8490226
    Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: DIACOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Koger, Christopher F. Johnson, Kevin R. Anderson, Frederic A. Gibbs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490233
    Abstract: A mattress, in particular for use in the care and hospital sector, has a base layer and a top layer arranged thereon. The top layer is formed by a resilient knitted spacer fabric, which is covered by a top layer cover. The top layer cover has a liquid-impermeable top layer cover lower part and a liquid-permeable top layer cover upper part. The mattress allows simple and frequent reprocessing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Heinrich Essers GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Willy Essers
  • Patent number: 8468628
    Abstract: An innovative pillow which contains openings for a person to place their face as well as side openings which enable air to enter the cavity so that the person can breathe. The device contains a fan which blows air into the cavity of the pillow so that a person can have cooling air while their face is in the pillow. The device can also be impregnated with essential oils such as eucalyptus so that the various beneficial therapeutic effects can be blown into a person's face while they rest their face within the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: International Media Enterprise
    Inventor: Tom Kwok-Yung Cheng
  • Patent number: 8402578
    Abstract: Provided is a heating and sterilizing apparatus. The heating and sterilizing apparatus for a bed mattress having a surface sheet constituting a top surface, a built-in elastic member for elastically supporting the surface sheet, and walls forming a front surface, a rear surface, and both side surfaces includes a mattress body providing a inner space, the mattress body having an installation hole, in which a portion of either side surface thereof is cut, a partition disposed inside the mattress body to partition the inner space defined inside the mattress body, a case disposed on the installation hole defined in the mattress body, and a heating and sterilizing part disposed in the case to heat and sterilize the inner space of the mattress body partitioned by the partition and calculate air within the inner space of the mattress body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ho Jin Ko
  • Patent number: 8372182
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson
  • Patent number: 8359684
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mattress which includes a heating unit in an enclosed space thereof to quickly heat the enclosed interior space of the mattress to a certain temperature and replacement main parts that are assembled in a separable box form to facilitate the maintenance service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jang Hoo Yoon
  • Patent number: 8332975
    Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
  • Patent number: 8327478
    Abstract: A mattress and/or seat cushion for reducing pain and anaesthetization of parts of the human body include a stretchable fabric case made of textile threads and elastomer or rubber threads woven together to form a stretchable fabric. The case has a top layer with a top surface and a bottom surface and a bottom layer with a top or inner surface and a bottom or outer surface and the size to cover a cushion for a seat or mattress that fits on a cot or bed. The seat cushion or mattress also includes a relatively thin resilient pad disposed within the fabric case adjacent the bottom surface of the top layer and includes a number of passageways extending therethrough. In addition, a mass of cleaned sand and mountain salt is disposed within the fabric case below the resilient pad and below the bottom layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Husain S. A. Faridoon
  • Publication number: 20120304381
    Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating mattresses or mattress-like bolsters or cushions (1), with a ventilation apparatus that includes at least one air inlet, at least one ventilation means, which causes a directed flow of air, and at least one air outlet, wherein the air moisture can be adjusted to a certain air moisture, preferably a relative air moisture below 50% relative air moisture, by means of an air dehumidifier and/or an air humidifier, wherein the air can be introduced into the mattress (2) or the mattress-like bolster or cushion via the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Peter PATEROK
  • Patent number: 8307481
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Meir Katan
  • Publication number: 20120233773
    Abstract: An ecological sleep bedding includes a fan for circulating a bed inside air between a bedding top cover and a sleeping pad. A stereoscopic air passing net is provided for sucking the bed inside air through an intake tube and an intake inlet of an air warming circulator device. A bedding top cover air circulating net is attached to the bedding top cover, and a sleeping pad air circulating net is attached to the sleeping pad. A sleeping pad air circulating cloth covers the sleeping pad air circulating net. Further, the stereoscopic air passing net is disposed between the bedding top cover and the sleeping pad, and is placed on the sleeping pad. The stereoscopic air passing net is connected to the air warming circulator device, so that it is possible to retrofit the ecological sleep bedding to an existing bedding top cover and an existing sleeping pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Yoshio SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20120192358
    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 neighbouring 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Meir Katan
  • Patent number: 8220090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: KAP Medical
    Inventor: Raj K. Gowda
  • Patent number: 8191187
    Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
  • Patent number: 8118920
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson