Abstract: A method, and apparatus (10) for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad (11) for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad (13) for application over the wound site (12), a wound drape (14) or sealing enclosure of the foam pad (11), the heating, and cooling pad (13) at wound site (12). The foam pad (11) is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

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: A multi-faceted pneumatic medical device including a pump unit. together with housing therefor, that is adapted for cyclical compression of the human foot using an expandable fluid-tight bladder formed integral within a wrap that can be securely fastened onto the foot.

Abstract: A multi-faceted pneumatic medical device including a pump unit, together with a housing therefor, that is adapted for cyclical compression of the human foot using an expandable fluid-tight bladder formed integral within a wrap that can be securely fastened onto the foot.

Abstract: A remote controllable medical pumping apparatus for controlling from a local site the application of compressive pressures to a part of the human body located at a remote site includes means disposed at the remote site for applying compressive pressure about the body part in accordance with a predetermined pressure, means disposed at the remote site for sensing the predetermined pressure of the compressive pressure means and transmitting a signal in response thereto, means disposed at the local site for receiving and manipulating the transmitted signal to either select or generate a pressure signal and cycle signal, and means disposed at the local site for transmitting the selected or generated pressure signal and cycle signal, means at the remote site for receiving and manipulating the pressure signal and cycle and actuating the pressure means to cause application of pressure to the body part in accordance with the generated pressure signal and cycle signal.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

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.

Abstract: A patient support system having multiple patient support layers for reducing and preventing the development of bed sores in bedridden patients. A top patient support surface is provided by an anti-shear cover layer. The anti-shear cover layer being operable to reduce lateral shear forces experienced by a patient moving across the patient support surface. One or more fluid pouches or bladders are provided to form a fluid bladder layer for reducing normal pressures and forces experienced by the patient. The fluid bladder layer being releasably or integrally secured to the top surface of an inflatable air mattress. Means are provided operable to secure the anti-shear cover layer and fluid bladder layer in overlapping relation to the inflatable air mattress. Also provided is a means for adjusting the temperature of the fluid contained within the fluid bladder layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing bed sores in a bedridden patient. A patient-supporting low air loss bed includes a frame, a first set of 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 substantially transversely on the frame, and all of the air bags are connected to a gas source. The configuration of the air bags is such that when the first set of air bags is inflated, the patient supported thereon in 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 air bags is deflated, the patient is moved toward the second side of the low air loss bed. The configuration 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 patient interface system includes a fluid transfer subsystem comprising a primary fluid transfer element fluidically communicating with the wound and a secondary fluid transfer element/manifold in contact therewith. A drape subsystem covers the fluid transfer elements and includes a film material membrane. A fluid conveying subsystem includes a vacuum source connected to the secondary fluid transfer element/manifold by a suction tube for creating a negative, sub-atmospheric pressure within the interface system for extracting fluids collected in the interface system. A fluid supply is provided for supplying various types of fluids to the interface system.

Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen patient treatment system generally comprises and inflatable enclosure for encasing a patient having at least partially contained therein an inflatable mattress system. By integrating the therapeutic functions of the inflatable mattress system within the hyperbaric chamber the simultaneous provision of hyperbaric oxygen and skin treatment therapies is made possible. A control system is provided to maintain desired patient interface pressures throughout the provision of hyperbaric treatment. Features are disclosed for maximizing patient comfort while ensuring the ability to fully monitor and treat the patient during therapy.

Abstract: A medical device having an expandable fluid-tight bladder formed integral within a wrap (or sheath) that can be securely fastened onto a human foot. The foot wrap positions and holds the bladder under the arch of the foot so as to compress the sole area when the bladder is inflated. The foot wrap is soft, lightweight, flexible and suitable for extended wear with minimum discomfort. It can be readily used with a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure applicator or cyclic pump to promote blood circulation in the legs of bedridden patients.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for applying compressive pressures against a patient's foot. The device comprises first and second panels of flexible material secured to one another to form an inflatable bag to be fitted upon the foot. The bag has first and second separate fluid bladders. The first fluid bladder is adapted to engage a first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder is adapted to engage a second portion of the foot. A boot is provided for holding the inflatable bag to the foot. A fluid supply is provided for applying pressurized fluid to the first and second fluid bladders such that the first fluid bladder applies a first compressive pressure upon the first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder applies a second compressive pressure upon the second portion of the foot. A safety vent is associated with one of the inflatable bag and the fluid supply.

Abstract: An improved medical pumping apparatus for increasing or stimulating blood flow in a patient's limb extremity. The medical apparatus includes a fluid supply mechanism for applying pressurized fluid to an inflatable bag, according to the principles of the present invention, where the bag is adapted to be fitted upon the limb extremity of a patient. The bag has at least one fluid bladder, and preferably separate first and second fluid bladders. Each fluid bladder is adapted to engage a different portion of the limb extremity. The fluid supply mechanism applies pressurized fluid to each bladder such that a compressive pressure is applied upon each portion of the limb extremity engaged by a fluid bladder. The fluid supply mechanism includes a compressor for providing the pressurized fluid, and a reservoir for storing pressurized fluid from the compressor.

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.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating blood flow velocity in a leg of the body for the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis in an effective and relatively painless manner which, in one case, includes an apparatus for compressing a foot in a manner to drive a substantial amount of blood from veins of the foot therein into blood vessels of the leg and an apparatus operably associated with the compressing apparatus for electrically stimulating leg muscles as the driven blood from the foot passes therethrough such that the muscles drivingly enhance blood flow velocity.

Abstract: A patient interface system integral with a critical care bed for allowing the acquisition, analysis, display, and conveyance of patient-related data from a variety of transducers. The system is adapted to recognize and interpret each type of signal being received, despite the type and/or make of the particular transducers. The system is also adapted to simultaneously display data traces and representative readings from a variety of transducers simultaneously on a single screen detachably mounted to the bed. The display screen is pivotally mounted for ease of use and may be detached from the bed together with the main processor when the corresponding features are not desired. The bed is adapted with electronic connection sockets along each side of the patient surface to present convenient connections for patient transducer leads. The system has resident memory for storing data to enable trend analysis or downloading for patient data records.

Abstract: A golf club security device (10) includes at least a pair of plates (12) (14) which are rotatable with respect to one another. The security device is disposed and affixed inside a golf bag. Each of said plates has a plurality of vias or holes formed therein. When disposed in a first condition, the holes of the first and second plate align so that the shaft of a golf club may be inserted thereinto. Subsequently, in a second condition, the plates rotate with respect to one another about a central axis, locking the golf club inside the golf bag.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing bed sores in a bedridden patient including a frame and first and second sets of substantially rectangular air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, all of the air bags being connected to a gas source to maintain low interface pressures between a patient and the air bags to inhibit the formation and permit healing of bed sores caused by prolonged contact with hard surfaces. The conformation of the air bags is such that when the adjacent air bags are alternately inflated and deflated, the patient is rotated from side to side on the bed to therapeutically inhibit pulmonary problems and maintain low interface pressures between the patient and the air bags. The conformation of the air bags retains the patient thereon when rolled in each direction.