Abstract: A mattress topper for providing improved comfort to a sleeper comprises a pressure distribution layer defining an interior volume. The pressure distribution layer has substantially air-impermeable side walls and a substantially air-impermeable base, and a top surface having at least a region that is air permeable. Support material is contained within the interior volume. The mattress topper includes at least one electrically powered air circulation device for drawing air into the interior volume of the pressure distribution layer via at least one air inlet port. A lateral air-flow layer is disposed above the pressure distribution layer and is configured to provide substantially unimpeded air flow both upwardly and laterally.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a surgical table and an adapter coupled thereto. The adapter includes an interface structure, a first link member coupled to a second link member, and a third link member coupled to a fourth link member. The first link member and the third link member are each pivotally coupled to the interface mechanism at a shared first pivot joint. The second link member and the fourth link member are each coupleable to a robotic arm. The first link member and the second link member collectively provide for movement of the first robotic arm in at least one of a lateral, longitudinal or vertical direction relative to the table top. The third link member and the fourth link member collectively provide for movement of the second robotic arm in at least one of a lateral, longitudinal or vertical direction relative to the table top.

Abstract: Disclosed are support assemblies and foldable bed frames. A foldable bed frame includes a support assembly, first and second frame units, first and second holders. The first frame unit includes a first frame section pivotally connected with the support assembly and a first leg assembly pivotally connected with the first frame section. The second frame unit includes a second frame section pivotally connected with the support assembly and a second leg assembly pivotally connected with the second frame section. The first and second holders are fixedly coupled with the support assembly, and abut the first and second frame sections when the foldable bed frame is unfolded. When folded, the first and second frame sections are disposed substantially parallel to each other with the first and second leg assemblies disposed at exterior sides of the first and second frame sections.

Abstract: A patient support system for providing improved guidance tools with respect to a patient support apparatus. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from a user, and an information output device is configured to provide instructions to the user. The user interface and the information output device may be embodiment on a touchscreen display. The user inputs may include a search query. A controller may be adapted to determine search results corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus responsive to the search query and to provide said search results to the user with the information output device. The user input may include shorthand commands corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus. The user interface may include a voice actuation device configured to receive voice actuation commands from a user.

Abstract: A wheelchair for transporting a patient comprising a support frame, the support frame having an upper portion located substantially near a first end of the support frame and a lower portion located substantially near a second end of the support frame, at least one seat extension, the seat extension moveably coupled to the support frame between the lower portion and upper portion of the support frame, at least one leg, a first leg coupled to the lower portion of the support frame, at least two wheels mounted on the support frame, an anti-tip bar, the anti-tip bar being substantially horizontally disposed on the lower portion of the support frame and projecting in the lateral direction for stabilizing the wheelchair in the lateral direction, and an extendable beam positioned on the upper portion of the support frame and moveable coupled to the support frame.

Abstract: A bed comprises a fixed width deck section, a wing movably coupled to the fixed width section, and a rack and pinion mechanism for extending and retracting the wing.

Abstract: A support pillow assembly includes a body having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may include a first recess and/or a first channel. The first channel may extend from a top of the first recess. The second portion may include a second recess and/or a second channel. The second channel may extend from a top of the second recess. The body may include a curved configuration. The body may include a semispherical configuration. The first recess and/or the second recess may be substantially circular. The first channel and/or the second channel may be substantially rectangular. The first recess and/or the second recess may be configured to at least partially receive a first ear cup and/or a second ear cup of the pair of over-ear headphones, respectively.

Abstract: A support cushion for providing air flow to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes pocketed coil layer and a base layer positioned adjacent to and below the pocketed coil layer. The pocketed coil layer including a plurality of fabric types for directing air flow. A fan is operably connected to the inlet hole of the base layer to provide air flow into and through the pocketed coil layer to a body support layer. Methods of controlling air flow through a support cushion are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gate system for an overhead lifting rail system, comprising: a first gate comprising: a rail portion for supporting a lifting carriage; and a bridging element pivotally coupled adjacent a proximal end to the rail portion; and a second gate comprising: a rail portion for suspending a lifting carriage; and a bridging element support portion. Upon the first gate engaging with the second gate, a distal end of the bridging element of the first gate engages with the bridging element support portion of the second gate to form a bridge between the first gate and the second gate; and the distal end of the bridging element and the bridging element support portion are configured such that the ends of the bridging element are substantially aligned with the respective ends of the rail portions of the first and second gates.

Abstract: Variable contour pillow and method of making the same, comprising: a pillow cover preferably with internal seams, a plurality of internal interconnecting members that define the thickness and/or taper of the pillow in desired locations along the length and/or width of the pillow, the method comprising steps of attaching the interconnecting members during the process of filling the pillow, alternately preferably hand filling behind an interconnecting member, interconnecting the interconnecting member, filling in front of the first interconnecting member and a next interconnecting member, interconnecting the next interconnecting member, and so on, until the pillow is completely filled and desired multiple levels of fill and/or surface tapers are achieved, with specific application to construction of a form-fitting body pillow with variable shape and thickness of fill material.

Abstract: A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery. The surgical frame includes a main beam that can be rotated, raised/lowered, and tilted upwardly/downwardly to afford positioning and repositioning of a patient supported thereon. The surgical frame also includes a pelvic support for supporting a patient during movement of the main beam. The pelvic support is articulable between at least a retracted first position where the pelvic support is withdrawn from the pelvic area of the patient, and an extended second position where the pelvic area is supported thereby.

Abstract: A patient positioning system configured for positioning and supporting a patient against movement, the positioning system comprising: an arm positioner configured to be positionable about an arm of the patient. The arm positioner has a triangular wedge with a planar base and an angled leg, an end of the triangular wedge of the arm positioner is located to extend between the base of the arm positioner and the angled leg of the arm positioner and configured to abut the arm of the patient. An upper flexible flap extends away from the angled leg of the arm positioner adjacent the end of the triangular wedge; and a lower flexible flap extends away from the base of the arm positioner adjacent the end of the triangular wedge. The upper flexible flap and the lower flexible flap are configured to be oppositely wrapped around the arm of the patient to snugly envelope the arm and secure it relative to the triangular wedge.

Abstract: A height adjustable pillow is a hypoallergenic pillow having a closable pillow case and preferably five cushions within that may be added or removed one at a time to adjust the height of the pillow. The top cushion is stitched diagonally corner to corner to make it easier to place an infant on the pillow so that the infant's head is able to rest comfortably in a chosen position without rolling to a less comfortable position.

Abstract: A collapsible ground sheet has a floor made of a sheet of flexible, waterproof or water-resistant material, and walls attached to the floor and extending from the floor in a top direction. The walls are arranged about the periphery of the floor in series in a ring formation such that each of the walls has two neighboring walls. Each wall has a fabric portion and a wire loop, the wire loop disposed near the periphery of the fabric portion such that the fabric portion is supported by the wire loop. Each of the walls attached to its two neighboring walls by hourglass-shaped gussets made of a sheet of flexible material.

Abstract: An adjustable base is provided that includes a fixed frame and an articulating frame connected to the fixed frame. The articulating frame includes an upper body frame pivotally connected to the upper section of the fixed frame, a seat frame pivotally connected to the upper body frame and movable along a central section of the fixed frame, and a leg frame pivotally connected to the fixed frame. An actuator is further included and has a first end connected to the seat frame adjacent to the leg frame and a second end that is connected to a linkage attached to the articulating frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the upper body frame is articulated upward and the seat frame moves linearly along the central section of the fixed frame toward the upper section of the fixed frame. Systems and methods for controlling an adjustable base assembly are further provided.

Abstract: Modular mattress systems and methods are described. For example, a modular mattress can include a fabric cover configured to surround at least two foam layers. The fabric cover can include an opening to allow access to an interior region of the fabric cover. The mattress can include a first foam layer positioned within the interior region of the fabric cover, and an encasement layer positioned below the first foam layer. The encasement layer can include a recess configured to receive one or more modular support sections. The mattress can also include a plurality of modular support components received within the recess of the encasement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting module (100) for use in an adaptive sleep system and to a sleep system comprising such supporting modules, the resistance (resilience) of which can be adapted in a simple manner to the anatomy and/or posture of a user.

Abstract: A dryer for a bed includes an air blowing device provided at a front portion or a rear portion of a frame and supplying hot air, so that a mattress may be easily dried or articles kept in a drawer may be easily dried.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair lift-transfer device provides capabilities for a patient or caregiver to independently control the wheelchair and lift functions to elevate and move about safely. The compact lift-transfer device is readily usable to assist in transporting and lifting patients from various locations including wheelchairs, beds and chairs. Further, the lift-transfer device is also collapsible for storage and transport.

Abstract: The bed sheet tensioning system is configured for use with a bed. The bed comprises a mattress, a box spring, and a sheet. The bed sheet tensioning system mounts in the box spring. The bed sheet tensioning system attaches to the perimeter of the sheet at two or more locations. The bed sheet tensioning system applies a tension to the sheet as the sheet is placed over the mattress. The bed sheet tensioning system comprises a plurality of tensioning devices, a plurality of cords, a plurality of clips, a plurality of grommets, and a control circuit. The plurality of cords and clips secure the sheet to the tensioning device. The plurality of grommets protect and guide the plurality of cords through the box spring. The control circuit independently controls the operation of each of the plurality of tensioning devices.