Abstract: A person-support apparatus for use with a suction source comprises a core having a one or more foam elements and a cover having an interior region in which the core is situated. The cover is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction source operates to evacuate a portion of air from the interior region so that at least one of the foam elements is partially compressed within the interior region of the cover due to the evacuation of the portion of air.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes at least one inflatable air bladder formed of anti-shear material, and a cover including a foam layer and a highly stretchable material layer. The at least one air bladder occupies a majority of the interior region of the cover, and the foam layer is placed over the at least one air bladder between the highly stretchable material layer and the at least one air bladder.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for moving a patient from a first support to a second support includes an upper platform, a lower conveyor and an actuator configured to be coupled to the lower conveyor to drive the lower conveyor. The lower conveyor is movable such that movement of the lower conveyor to move the apparatus from the second support to the first support moves the patient from the first support onto the upper platform.

Abstract: The illustrative armboard assembly includes a lockable first joint coupling an armboard to a support arm, a lockable second joint coupling the support arm to a mounting post and a lockable third joint coupling the mounting post to a mounting rail. The first joint is configured to permit movement of the armboard along the support arm and configured to permit movement of the armboard relative to the support arm about a first plurality of axes. The second joint is configured to permit movement of the support arm relative to the mounting post about a second plurality of axes. The third joint is configured to position the mounting post in a selected vertical position relative to the mounting rail and in a selected longitudinal position along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes an anti-shear liner, a cover, and a cushion layer. A method for minimizing shear on a patient's skin as the patient rests upon a patient support includes providing an anti-shear layer, providing a cover, and placing the anti-shear layer and cover on the support. The cover may have a surface integrity against fluid leakage which is maintained upon stretching of the cover. The anti-shear liner may be disposed between the cover and the cushion layer, permitting the cover to slip relative to the cushion layer. The cover may be stretchable in one direction more than in an orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient for a medical procedure. The apparatus includes an air-impervious casing having a plurality of sections adapted to position and support the torso and limbs of a patient. A plurality of compartments containing beads are disposed in the sections. A plurality of connection ports are provided through which air may be evacuated from the compartments to form vacuums therein. When air is evacuated from the compartments, the beads compact together, thereby making the sections rigid.

Abstract: A surgical boot assembly for an operating room table includes a surgical boot, an adjustable support arm securable to the table, and an adjustable clamping assembly attaching the surgical boot to the adjustable support arm. The adjustable support arm includes an attachment, a support rod having an end pivotally attached to the attachment such that the support rod is pivotable about the end relative to the attachment, and a locking cylinder having a first end pivotally attached to the attachment and a second end pivotally attached to the support rod. The locking cylinder is infinitely adjustable over a range and can provide an assisting lift force. The locking cylinder preferably includes a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder and having an integral valve, and a separating piston within the cylinder. The piston and the separating piston divide the cylinder into first, second, and third portions.