Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in bedfast patients. The invention includes monitoring a bedfast patient using a sensor array disposed between a patient and a support surface, the sensor array adapted to transmit signals indicative of interfacial pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels; and a processor coupled to the sensor array and adapted to receive the signals from the sensor array to determine if an undesirable condition exists. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated total organic carbon analyzer is described. Embodiments of the system include two features, namely the development of a selective oxidation reactor to oxidize organic contaminants to their corresponding organic acids, and the measurement of the organic acids individually by chain length using an electroanalytical detector. Combining this electroanalytical approach with sequential detection capabilities (such as spectrophotometry) can expand the instrument capabilities by providing organic contaminant speciation. The described reactor performs selective oxidation of organic carbon to organic acids followed by complexation with a proprietary ligand, then selective detection using electroanalytical accumulation and desorption of organic acids performed at an electrode surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in bedfast patients. The invention includes monitoring a bedfast patient using a sensor array disposed between a patient and a support surface, the sensor array adapted to transmit signals indicative of interfacial pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels; and a processor coupled to the sensor array and adapted to receive the signals from the sensor array to determine if an undesirable condition exists. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a monoplace hyperbaric chamber providing Venturi induced gas circulation and ventilation is disclosed. The chamber includes a control and monitoring system that offers reduced oxygen consumption, duplex pressure gauges, referenced flow control, a patient activated stop function, an independent pressure time recorder, and/or a precise pressure control circuit that uses a 1:1 forced-balanced volume amplifier adapted to supply gas to and exhaust gas from the chamber through different penetrators and/or use flow-control check valves supplied with static reference or set pressures. A computer control and monitoring subsystem is also disclosed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a therapy device is provided. The therapy device includes (1) a hyperbaric chamber adapted to expose at least a target tissue area of a patient to a hyperbaric environment; and (2) a light therapy device adapted to expose the target tissue area of the patient to one or more doses of light energy while the target tissue area is within the hyperbaric chamber. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A mattress and temperature control system for preventing pressure ulcers is provided. The mattress and temperature control system may include at least two chambers that may be alternately pressurized to each independently support a patient's body reclined on the mattress at different times. In some embodiments, the chambers may be implemented as an inflatable tubing system including at least two inflatable tubing circuits each having inflatable tubes disposed adjacent one another in an alternating manner. The tubes may be inflated with liquid or gas fluids. The system may include a tube pressurizing control device for controlling the inflation of the at least two inflatable tubing circuits in an alternating manner. A gas permeable membrane may encapsulate the inflatable tubing system and may be used to move air between the patient and the mattress for cooling and to remove any moisture.

Abstract: In one aspect, a wound management system is provided. The wound management system includes a multi-lumen cannula adapted to be disposed in a wound site. The multi-lumen cannula includes (1) a fiber optic light distribution system adapted to irradiate the wound site with light; (2) one or more catheters adapted to deliver a fluid to the wound site; and (3) one or more evacuation lines adapted to remove fluid from the wound site. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a therapy device is provided. The therapy device includes (1) a hyperbaric chamber adapted to expose at least a target tissue area of a patient to a hyperbaric environment; and (2) a light therapy device adapted to expose the target tissue area of the patient to one or more doses of light energy while the target tissue area is within the hyperbaric chamber. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus for use in light therapy is provided that includes (1) at least one light emitting diode array adapted to emit a wavelength of light; and (2) a targeting mechanism coupled to the at least one light emitting diode array so as to allow light emitted from the at least one light emitting diode array to be repeatably positioned on a target area during non-contact light therapy. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a monoplace hyperbaric chamber providing Venturi induced gas circulation and ventilation is disclosed. The chamber includes a control and monitoring system that offers reduced oxygen consumption, duplex pressure gauges, referenced flow control, a patient activated stop function, an independent pressure time recorder, and/or a precise pressure control circuit that uses a 1:1 forced-balanced volume amplifier adapted to supply gas to and exhaust gas from the chamber through different penetrators and/or use flow-control check valves supplied with static reference or set pressures. A computer control and monitoring subsystem is also disclosed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus for use in light therapy is provided that includes (1) at least one light emitting diode array adapted to emit a wavelength of light; and (2) a targeting mechanism coupled to the at least one light emitting diode array so as to allow light emitted from the at least one light emitting diode array to be repeatably positioned on a target area during non-contact light therapy. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A resuscitation valve assembly includes a housing with an inlet port adapted to be connected to a pressurized breathable gas source, such as oxygen, an outlet port adapted to be connected to a patient's airway and an ambient air port. The inhalation chamber is connected to the pressurized gas source when a manually operated valve, within the housing, is open and is disconnected from the inhalation chamber when the valve is closed. An inhalation/exhalation check valve is disposed between the inhalation chamber, the outlet port and the ambient air port to conduct the high pressure gas through the outlet port and into the patient's airway, vent the patient's exhaled gas through the ambient air port and allow ambient air to flow through the outlet port in response to the patient's spontaneous breathing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resuscitating the cardiac/pulmonary activity of a patient includes the use of pneumatically controlled inflatable/deflatable cuffs secured over the patient's legs and abdomen and optionally the chest. The cuffs are preferably inflated and deflated at a cyclical rate of 10-40 cycles/min. with the inflation/deflation mode of the chest cuff, if used, being out-of-phase with the operation of the abdominal cuff. A ventilator and face mask may be used to supply breathable air to the patient's airway in conjunction with the cyclical operation of the cuffs.

Abstract: A canister containing one or more working compounds formed of a peroxide and/or superoxide of one or more metals of the alkali and alkaline-earth metal groups such as KO.sub.2 and CaO.sub.2 and a moisture releasing material such as wetted activated charcoal is utilized to replenish the oxygen and absorb the carbon dioxide in exhaled air. The canister may be used in a closed or semi-closed circuit breathing system worm by a user such as a fireman, miner etc.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The self-contained breathing apparatus for use in a noxious or oxygen-deficient atmosphere with redundant first stage pressure reducers and redundant second stage demand regulators which together serve as an automatic by-pass control in the event of a failure in the closed position of a first stage pressure reducer or a second stage demand regulator. A helmet with a face mask and inflatable helmet adjusting device for sizing the helmet to the user's head, provided impact protection and applying pressure to the back of the head causing the face to come into contact with the face mask resulting in the air-tight enclosure of the user's face in the oral-nasal area of the helmet. An integral pump and valve mechanism located in the helmet and operated by pushing on a bulb with the thumb or forefinger compresses air into a bladder thereby sizing the helmet and forming the air-tight seal of the face mask to the user's face.

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.

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.