Patents Assigned to American Life Support Technology
  • Patent number: 5345629
    Abstract: A system providing universal support for patients includes an articulated platform supported by a universal joint supported by a pair of hydraulic support arms, and by a pair of lesser hydraulic arms spaced from the universal joint. The platform is comprised of a plurality of relatively hinged panels which are also hydraulicly driven. Thus, the platform is capable of assuming a large number of configurations, including full sitting and standing positions. A patient cushion system includes a large plurality of cushions which are individually or severally controlled through a valve and manifold system which is computer controlled for cycling cushion pressures between high and low pressures. The sides of the bed platform have restraining members which may be lowered and hinged in toward the patient to provide access to the patient. These restraining members also provide for supplemental support of such things as a canopy or tension weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: American Life Support Technology
    Inventor: Robert Ferrand
  • Patent number: 5323500
    Abstract: A bed comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a base frame. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. The mattress includes lateral cushions or cells that have a general triangular shape with larger upper cells forming a patient support surface and smaller base cells laterally supporting the upper cells. The upper cells may be elevated at the ends to form a broad U or V shape. Alternative embodiments include shorter base and upper cells with a box-shaped restraining cell on each end that extends above the upper cells. Modified upper cells have end pouches that store separate restraint cells when deflated, and provide inflation pressure when removed by a fixed connecting tube. The restraint cells are positionable along the host upper cell and anchor to catches mounted on the adjacent base cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: American Life Support Technology
    Inventors: Steven N. Roe, Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5279010
    Abstract: A patient support system comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate. A headboard has a removable central panel for providing emergency patient access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: American Life Support Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: 5138729
    Abstract: A system providing universal support for patients includes an articulated platform supported by a universal joint supported by a pair of hydraulic support arms, and by a pair of lesser hydraulic arms spaced from the universal joint. The platform is comprised of a plurality of relatively hinged panels which are also hydraulicly driven. Thus, the platform is capable of assuming a large number of configurations, including full sitting and standing positions. A patient cushion system includes a large plurality of cushions which are individually or severally controlled through a valve and manifold system which is computer controlled for cycling cushion pressures between high and low pressures. The sides of the bed platform have restraining members which may be lowered and hinged in toward the patient to provide access to the patient. These restraining members also provide for supplemental support of such things as a canopy or tension weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: American Life Support Technology
    Inventor: Robert Ferrand
  • Patent number: 5023967
    Abstract: A system providing universal support for patients includes an articulated platform supported by a universal joint supported by a pair of hydraulic support arms, and by a pair of lesser hydraulic arms spaced from the universal joint. The platform is comprised of a plurality of relatively hinged panels which are also hydraulically driven. Thus, the platform is capable of assuming a large number of configurations, including full sitting and standing positions. A patient cushion system includes a large plurality of cushions which are individually or severally controlled throgh a valve and manifold system which is computer controlled for cycling cushion pressures between high and low pressures. The sides of the bed platform have restraining members which may be lowered and hinged in toward the patient to provide access to the patient. These restraining members also provide for supplemental support of such things as a canopy or tension weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: American Life Support Technology
    Inventor: Robert Ferrand