Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient located on an item of furniture such as a bed is disclosed. The system includes a pneumatically actuated switch for providing a signal circuit to notify of undesired movement of the patient beyond a predetermined range. The pneumatic switch is responsive to a pneumatic pulse which is released from an armable pneumatic pressure generator having a spring loaded plunger and piston combination. The piston is maintained in an extracted and armed position through a releasable clip positionable within a notch in the piston and attached to the patient by a length of cord.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device is disclosed for forming a momentary electrical signal circuit with a receptacle of a patient call system utilizing a conductive plunger which slides in response to a pulse of pressurized air delivered to an internal chamber through a housing connection which provides for optional assembly orientations. A spring is used to maintain separation between a conductive plunger and the electrical components when the pneumatic switching device is not activated by a patient.

Abstract: A hand held actuator comprises a truncated conical housing wherein the volume of air is pressurized by flexure of a diaphragm. A rib protruding from an outer peripheral margin of the diaphragm is received in a groove of a support plate unwanted flexure of the peripheral margin is obtained by supporting the edges of the diaphragm and the plate in spaced apart grooves formed in the interior wall of the housing. The volume of air pressurized by the operation of the diaphragm is communicated by a duct to a signal switch. In one embodiment the duct is connected in a fluid type manner to the interior of the housing by the tapered sleeve. In another embodiment, the duct is joined to a tube forming an extension in an opening in the support plate forming a diaphragm.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device comprises a pneumatic bulb including a base plate for anchoring the bulb by frictional contact with surfaces in contact therewith. The base plate further having pneumatic seal about an outer periphery thereof, and an actuator dome having a convexly extended pneumatic activation wall supported by an outer peripheral annular rim engaged with the base plate for pneumatic sealing with the seal to define a pneumatic pump chamber. The bulb further including a conduct for conducting a quantity of air pressurized by operation of the dome and, electrically conductive switch responsive to the discharge of a volume of air pressurized by the pneumatic bulb for producing a corresponding electrical signal.