Abstract: In a cushion designed to prevent decubitus, a bladder containing a liquid gel is mounted enclosed within a gussetted cover. The bladder is provided with extension panels on opposite sides thereof, which are fixed to the cover by sealing along seal lines where the gusset of the cover is joined by sealing to the top panel of the cover. Resilient foam slabs are positioned in the cover between the bladder and top panel of the cover and between the bladder and the bottom panel of the cover. The cushion is manufactured by mounting blanks for the gusset and the top and bottom panels of the cushion, as well as the bladder on a rectangular tubular electrode, by being wrapped and maintained around the top and bottom profile of the electrode. The electrode is then used to heat seal the gusset and panel blanks and bladder together in one sealing step along seal lines defined by the top and bottom profiles of the electrode.

Abstract: In a lift chair designed to assist individuals in rising from a seated position, a seat has a front portion pivotally attached to the chair frame, and a pneumatic cylinder pivotally connected between a central vertical frame member below the front portion of the seat and the seat. The positions of the connection of the ends of the pneumatic cylinder to the frame and to the seat is selectable to control the lifting force provided by the cylinder.

Abstract: In a cushion designed to prevent decubitus, a bladder containing a liquid gel is mounted enclosed within a gussetted cover. The bladder is provided with extension panels on opposite sides thereof, which are fixed to the cover by sealing along seal lines where the gusset of the cover is joined by sealing to the top panel of the cover. Resilient foam slabs are positioned in the cover between the bladder and top panel of the cover and between the bladder and the bottom panel of the cover. The cushion is manufactured by mounting blanks for the gusset and the top and bottom panels of the cushion, as well as the bladder on a rectangular tubular electrode, by being wrapped and maintained around the top and bottom profile of the electrode. The electrode is then used to heat seal the gusset and panel blanks and bladder together in one sealing step along seal lines defined by the top and bottom profiles of the electrode.