Abstract: A method for turning a bed ridden patient uses a low air loss patient support system that includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. A restrictive flow hole connects two adjacent chambers disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack, and each side is separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocess and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient that depressurizes one side of the sacks while increasing the pressurization of the opposite side of the sacks.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing Trendelenburg therapy and reverse Trendelenburg therapy includes an intermediate frame carried above a base frame by an inner cross-riser pivotally connected to an outer cross-riser. One end of the outer cross-riser to pivotally connected to the base frame, and the opposite end of the outer cross-riser is rotatably and translatably connected to the intermediate frame via a cam and cam follower arrangement in which the cam follower rides on a wear plate. One end of the inner cross-riser is pivotally connected to the intermediate frame, and the opposite end of the inner cross-riser is both rotatably and translatably connected to the base frame via a cam and cam follower arrangement in which the follower rolls against a lower wear plate.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus includes an air bearing attached beneath an inflatable cushion which has peripheral chambers so that the peripheral portions fill before the central portions. A diverter valve enables the apparatus to tap into the pressurized air supply provided by a fluidized bed. A tri-fold patient transfer board has a pair of parallel spaced apart ribs extending in the longitudinal direction near the center line of each tri-fold section.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling is provided for connecting inflatable sacks to a modular support member which supplies air to such sacks. The coupling includes an attachment grommet, a pull tab disposed against the exterior of the sack in the vicinity of the air entrance opening of the sack, an elongated connection fitting, an elongated coupling and a retainer ring. A poppet can be slidably disposed in a coupling cylinder of a connection fitting, and a spring can be provided and disposed to bias the poppet toward a position to seal the coupling entrance.

Abstract: A low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. Two adjacent chambers, one disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack and the other predominately to the opposite side of the centerline of the sack, are separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocessor and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The support system effects a method for relieving the pressure points between a patient and the sacks initially maintained at a first pressure profile. The method includes elevating at least a portion of the patient from zero to 30 degrees above the horizontal.

Abstract: A bimodal system for pressurizing a low air loss patient support having a plurality of inflatable sacks, each sack being subdivided into at least two separate air tight chambers. The system includes a source of pressurized air such as an air blower. The system also includes at least two pressure control valves, each valve having an input communicating with the source of pressurized air. The system further includes at least one flow diverter valve having a pair of inlets and a pair of outlets. One of the pressure control valves communicates with one of the diverter valve inlets via the output of the pressure control valve. The second pressure control valve also communicates with the other of the inlets of the diverter valve via the output of the second pressure control valve. The flow diverter valve has a pair of pathways which connect between the inlets and the outlets.

Abstract: A patient comfort apparatus is provided to be used with a low air loss patient support system. An elongated cylindrical member defines a resiliently deformable member surrounded by a cover defining a flexible web that is impervious to liquid. The cover defines a slit which provides access to the interior of the cover and permits insertion and withdrawal of the elongated cylindrical member. A closure mechanism such as a zipper is provided for the slit in the cover. An encasement member is provided between the cover and the cylindrical member and includes an antibacterial agent. The cover further defines an attachment flange that is connected to the cover via a flexible hinge. The attachment flange defines a plurality of holes along its length. The holes provide sites for attaching the flange to the low air loss patient support system. One end of the comfort apparatus is formed at a bias to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A patient support system has a first surface formed by one or more of a choice of structures. A fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material is disposed adjacent the first surface. Examples of structures suitable for the first surface include a conventional mattress, with or without springs, polyurethane foam, and a plurality of inflatable sacks. The structure forming the first surface can be disposed on an articulatable member. The two surfaces are disposed end to end, and preferably the fluidized material supports at least the buttocks of the patient. the fluidizable material is laterally restrained by a member which is at least partially, vertically collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. An interface member such as an inflatable sack, a non-rigid panel or a polyurethane foam member forms the part of the lateral restraint member which connects the two surfaces.

Abstract: A weigh bed has a rectangular base frame, a rectangular weight frame mounted above the base frame, a load cell beam mounted on each corner of the weigh frame and a ball connecting each load cell beam to the base frame. Three tie rods connected between the base frame and weigh frame limit horizontal movement of the weigh frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: A low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks. A restrictive flow hole connects two adjacent chambers disposed predominately to one side of the centerline of the sack, and each side is separately pressurizable under the control of a microprocessor and a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The system includes a modular manifold for mounting the pressure control valves, and a modular support member for mounting the sacks via quick-disconnect couplings and having air flow channels defined therethrough. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient that depressurizes one side of the sacks while increasing the pressurization of the opposite side of the sacks.

Abstract: An improved patient support structure comprising an articulatable frame, a plurality of elongated inflatable sacks, some of the sacks having one or two comfort slots therein, a low pressure compressed air blower and a plurality of pipes and manifolds for carrying gas from the blower to the sacks. The sacks are connected to the gas supply pipes and manifolds so as to be easily detachable therefrom. Each manifold has a variable muffler to control gas exhaust. An automatic switching circuit determines whether to power the brushless DC electric motor from a rectified AC power source or DC power supplied by batteries carried unobtrusively by the support structure. A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve connects to the blower to the pipes and comprises a housing defining at least two cylinder chambers and a discrete outlet for each cylinder chamber. A primary silencer is connected to each discrete outlet. The sacks rest atop a neoprene membrane which covers a planar upper surface of the frame.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material and a surface formed by a plurality of inflatable sacks disposed on an articulatable member. The two surfaces are disposed end to end so that the inflatable sacks support the head, chest and upper torso of the patient, and the fluidized material supports the buttocks, legs and feet of the patient. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: A weigh bed has a rectangular base frame, a rectangular weigh frame mounted above the base frame, a load cell beam mounted on each corner of the weigh frame and a ball connecting each load cell beam to the base frame. Three tie rods connected between the base frame and weigh frame limit horizontal movement of the weigh frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the inflatable elastic wall embodiments and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing.

Abstract: A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve connects a blower to the pipes and comprises a housing defining an inlet and a passageway. The valve housing further defines at least two cylinder chambers communicating with the passageway and a discrete outlet for each cylinder chamber communicating therewith. A piston is substantially non-rotatably disposed inside each cylinder chamber and has a threaded opening through the center thereof which receives a threaded portion of a rotatable shaft therethrough. One end of the shaft is rotated by a motor, and the other end of the shaft is connected to an axle of a potentiometer.

Abstract: An improved patient support structure comprises an articulatable frame, a plurality of elongated inflatable sacks, a low pressure compressed air blower and a plurality of pipes for carrying gas from the blower to the sacks. A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve comprises a housing defining an inlet and a passageway. The valve housing further defines at least two cylinder chamber communicating with the passageway and a discrete outlet for each cylinder chamber communicating therewith. A piston is substantially non-rotatably disposed inside each cylinder chamber and has a threaded opening through the center thereof with receives a threaded portion of a rotatable shaft therethrough. One end of the shaft is rotated by a motor, and the other end of the shaft is connected to an axle of a potentiometer.

Abstract: An improved support system for a person in a sitting attitude to vary pressures produced on affected body areas adequate to improve blood perfusion thereat. A first, primary resilient support element is provided that defines a generally centrally located opening with a second, inflatable fluid support element received therein. The inflatable support element is located to receive the ischial tuberosities thereover and is normally deflated whereby minimal pressures are generated on body areas thereover. Fluid may be supplied to the second support element to inflate same, thereby supporting a greater proportion of the body weight and lowering pressures generated on the portions contacting the first support element. A valve controllably inflates and deflates the second element. A timer may be employed to activate an air compressor to inflate the second support element after a predetermined interval.

Abstract: An improved patient support structure comprising an articulatable frame, a plurality of elongated inflatable sacks, some of the sacks having one or two comfort slots therein, a low pressure compressed air blower and a plurality of pipes for carrying gas from the blower to the sacks. A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve connects the blower to the pipes and comprises a housing defining an inlet and a passageway. The sacks rest atop a neoprene membrane which covers a planar upper surface of the frame. Operation of the motor of an exhaust valve is controlled by an electronic exhaust valve control circuit which balances the voltage from the potentiometer of the valve against a voltage output from a preset variable resistor.

Abstract: An improved patient support structure comprises an articulatable frame, a plurality of elongated inflatable sacks, a low pressure compressed air blower and a plurality of pipes for carrying gas from the blower to the sacks. The sacks rest atop a neoprene membrane which covers a planar upper surface of the frame. A variable autotransformer supplies power to the air blower and is adjustable by an electric motor mechanically connected to the autotransformer. Operation of the motor is controlled by an electronic circuit which balances the autotransformer voltage against a voltage output from a preset variable resistor. A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve comprises a housing defining an inlet and a passageway. The sacks can be rapidly deflated via a plurality of solenoid valves, and the pipes from the blower can be directed alternatively to different sacks by opening and closing a plurality of manually operated valves.

Abstract: An improved patient support system including a fluid inflatable support for receiving a patient thereon; a fluid supply source in communication with said fluid support, a detector associated with said fluid support means for monitoring the degree of inflation of said support, and control valving, switching or the like operatively associated with said fluid supply and said detector to actuate said fluid supply responsive to predetermined input from said detector.