Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a test media, a reservoir containing fluid, and a sensor compared to measure a parameter that is related to an amount of fluid in the test media. Systems and methods may include a comparator to compare the parameter measurement to a parameter set point. Systems and methods may include a control system to control the addition of the fluid to the test media so that the parameter is maintained at a steady state value.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.

Abstract: A mechanism to support the head of a patient is provided for therapeutic beds, including prone positioning therapeutic beds. In one embodiment, a head restraint apparatus is provided comprising a casing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an open front end. The casing encloses a cavity for receiving a person's head resting in a supine position and substantially encompasses the back and sides of a person's head. A face piece removably attached to the open top end of the casing is configured to restrain at least a portion of the front of a person's head. In another embodiment, a head restraint is slidably mounted on a transversely oriented rail of the patient support platform. A manually operable clamp is provided to fix the position of the head restraint with respect to the rail.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: A system for patrons of public transportation waiting at transit stops, to provide data to transit vehicles serving these stops, that identifies which transit vehicles are desired, and the transit stop locations corresponding to the data. The system includes methodology for transit vehicles that received the data, to provide acknowledgements to the patrons of having received their requests. The system includes a powered transit stop with attachments for wireless communication, an input panel for selecting transit routes, a display device, a video camera, a signaling device and a processor to control interactions of attached devices. The transit stop processor stores patron requests and the physical address of the transit stop, and uses wireless communication links with the mass transit vehicles to upload the stored data to displays located in mass transit vehicles when they query the transit stop.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: An alert device is provided which initiates an alarm if a person wearing the device ceases normal movement. The device includes a movement sensor having at least one mercury switch which generates a signal when the mercury shifts in response to movement. The device also includes a microcomputer to receive the mercury switch input signals--the microcomputer being programmed to distinguish between inputs indicative of normal wearer movement and inputs which may represent a wearer in duress. Preferably, the motion sensor provides three mercury switches oriented to sense movement in three normal planes.