Abstract: A ventilated mattress includes a ventilation system with an air distribution layer and a gel cushioning layer over the air distribution layer. The air distribution layer may include channels in a surface thereof, while voids that extend through an entire thickness of the gel cushioning layer may include voids that communicate with the channels. As the ventilation system forces air into the air distribution layer, the air may flow through the channels, into and through the voids of the gel cushioning layer, and to a top of the ventilated mattress.

Abstract: A composite mattress includes a base panel of a cover, a base layer, a pressurizable layer, an intermediate layer, a top layer, and a top panel of the cover. A foundation, or rail, laterally surrounds the pressurizable layer, the intermediate layer, and the top layer. A periphery of the cover laterally surrounds the foundation and, with the top panel and the base panel, encases the other components of the composite mattress. A coiled spring layer may also be included in the composite mattress. The composite mattress may include a separable top and bottom; these elements may be modular, enabling individuals or couples customize a mattress by selecting one or more tops from a plurality of available for use with one or more bases from a plurality of available bases.

Abstract: A portable, personal therapy chamber for provision of radiation therapy. The therapy chamber includes a pair of telescopically positionable units that are lightweight and easily portable by a single user. The therapy chamber is configured for use by a single person lying generally prone on a surface. The units are formed from a plurality of pivotably coupled panels that are foldable in a first direction to a rolled up, tube-like storage configuration and unfoldable in a second direction to an arched formation or use configuration. The units, in the use configuration, are disposed to overlie the user and include a plurality of emitters that direct infrared energy toward the user's body.

Abstract: A ventilated mattress includes a ventilation system with an air distribution layer and a gel cushioning layer over the air distribution layer. The air distribution layer may include channels in a surface thereof, while voids that extend through an entire thickness of the gel cushioning layer may include voids that communicate with the channels. As the ventilation system forces air into the air distribution layer, the air may flow through the channels, into and through the voids of the gel cushioning layer, and to a top of the ventilated mattress.

Abstract: A composite mattress includes a base panel of a cover, a base layer, a pressurizable layer, an intermediate layer, a top layer, and a top panel of the cover. A foundation, or rail, laterally surrounds the pressurizable layer, the intermediate layer, and the top layer. A periphery of the cover laterally surrounds the foundation and, with the top panel and the base panel, encases the other components of the composite mattress. A coiled spring layer may also be included in the composite mattress. The composite mattress may include a separable top and bottom; these elements may be modular, enabling individuals or couples customize a mattress by selecting one or more tops from a plurality of available for use with one or more bases from a plurality of available bases.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, such as a weighted blanket, a cushioning element, or the like, includes an elastomeric element that includes elongated elements that follow nonlinear, partially overlapping paths and voids between adjacent portions of the elongated elements. Such an elastomeric element may define a weighted layer of a weighted blanket, a cushioning layer of a cushioning element of the like. The elastomeric element may be secured directly to a substrate, such as a fabric layer. Alternatively, an adhesion layer may secure the elastomeric element to the substrate. An adhesion layer may cover only a portion of the substrate. A cover may be provided over the elastomeric element. Together, the cover and the substrate may contain the elastomeric element.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a generally horizontal seat portion and a generally upright back portion. The back portion includes a flexible membrane or mesh extending in first and second directions. The mesh defines a generally upright user support surface. At least a portion of the mesh comprises an auxetic material having a negative Poisson's ratio whereby stretching of the auxetic portion of the mesh in at least one of the first and second directions causes the mesh to expand in the other of the first and second directions.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a silicate material and a method for forming such material. According to a particular embodiment of the method, water is added to reactants including a metal salt, an oxidizer, a silicon source and a fuel source. The reactants and water are heated at a temperature between about 800° C. and about 1200° C. Heating initiates a combustion reaction and produces a nanocrystalline powder. In more particular examples of the method, the nanocrystalline powder is subsequently densified, such as by sintering. The material formed by the method is, in some cases, a lutetium-containing material suitable for use as a scintillator.