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: The present invention provides an automated meter station monitoring system for a fluid comprising a processor having algorithms for verifying performance of a fluid flow measurement system. A pressure sensor is operatively connected to the processor to measure the pressure of the fluid. A temperature sensor is operatively connected to the processor to measure the temperature of the fluid. A gas chromatograph is operatively connected to the processor to monitor changes in gas composition and chromatograph response factors of the fluid. An ultrasonic meter is operatively connected to the processor to monitor the velocity of the fluid, speed of sound of the fluid, and meter diagnostics. A flow computer is operatively connected to the processor to record pressure of the fluid, record temperature of the fluid, record gas composition of the fluid, calculate compressibility ratio of the fluid, calculate standard flow rate of the fluid, and calculate energy rate of the fluid.

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, 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 convertible article of furniture includes a primary cushion member supported by a support structure, and a backrest assembly which is movable relative to the primary cushion member between an upstanding rearward position and a lowered forward position. The backrest assembly has a sectional articulated construction, including an inner backrest member and an outer backrest member. When the backrest assembly is in the upstanding rearward position, the outer backrest member extends upwardly from the inner backrest member to support the upper back area of a user seated upon the primary cushion member. When the backrest assembly is moved to its lowered forward position, the outer backrest member is moved downwardly and inwardly relatively to the inner backrest member, to an unobtrusive stored position.

Abstract: A convertible daybed including a pivotable swing arm assembly attached between a support for a removable cushion assembly and a backrest assembly. The swing arm assembly includes a pair of brackets attached on either side of the cushion assembly and a pair of swing arms pivotably mounted between brackets at either end of the backrest assembly. The swing arm assembly allows the backrest assembly to be manually moved between a seating configuration, where the backrest assembly is positioned against a rear surface of the cushion assembly, and a sleeping configuration, where the backrest assembly is positioned against the front face of the cushion assembly. The backrest assembly includes a backrest shaped to conform with the front and rear surfaces of the cushion assembly, providing a comfortable seating arrangement in the seating configuration and a substantially flat sleeping surface in the sleeping configuration.

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 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: A diagnostic test system for microprocessor-based electronics systems comprises a computer and a ROM emulator for emulating the read only memory in the device under test which provides the microprocessor with its start-up operating program. The ROM emulator gains control of the microprocessor in the device under test and causes it to run a series of diagnostic tests which are controlled from the test unit. Unique capture logic circuitry in the ROM emulator permits test data to be read over the system address bus.