Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg may be spread apart or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A transfer mattress is provided including a top sheet having a width, a length, and longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a bottom sheet having the same width, the same length, longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a plurality of perforations. The longitudinally oriented peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets are sealingly fastened to one another often by heat sealing. A plurality of baffles, each having a width and a length, are attached to an inner surface of the top sheet and an inner surface of the bottom sheet so as to be transversely oriented between the top sheet and the bottom. The baffles along with the widths of the top and bottom sheets define a radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall that is disposed between an edge of the baffles and the sealed peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having a top panel including an annular internal edge that defines a first opening and a bottom panel sealingly assembled to the top panel and having an annular internal edge that defines a second opening. The bottom panel also includes a plurality of perforations wherein the first opening and the second opening together form a portal for accommodating a medical device protruding from a patient. A dual-chambered transfer mattress is also provided having a blind portal defined through a top inflatable mattress. Methods are provided for holding a patient for a period of time where the patient has had a medical fixture implanted in a body portion so that a portion of the medical fixture projects outwardly from the patient's body and is located within the portal the portal provides clearance for accommodating the medical fixture.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress. The bottom panel of the mattress has a plurality of perforations that permits the use of the mattress as a patient transfer device.

Abstract: An inflatable lifting cushion for an articulated chair including a five-sided polygon capable that is longitudinally aligned on the seat and back of the chair. The cushion includes triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum. A system for transferring a patient is provided including an articulated chair having a back and seat that are arranged to cooperate with one another for movement between an upright position and a reclining position. An inflatable lifting cushion is longitudinally positioned upon the back and the seat of the articulated chair. The inflatable lifting cushion comprises a five-sided polygon including triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum.

Abstract: A convertible wheeled chair is easily changed by an attendant into a gurney of the same height as a patient bed. During the process of transferring a patient from an upright position to a reclining position, convertible wheeled chair shifts the center of gravity of the patient rearwardly, and therefore does not give the patient a sensation of sliding from the chair.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is opened, so as to deflate the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: An inflatable lifting cushion for an articulated chair including a five-sided polygon capable that is longitudinally aligned on the seat and back of the chair. The cushion includes triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum. A system for transferring a patient is provided including an articulated chair having a back and seat that are arranged to cooperate with one another for movement between an upright position and a reclining position. An inflatable lifting cushion is longitudinally positioned upon the back and the seat of the articulated chair. The inflatable lifting cushion comprises a five-sided polygon including triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum.

Abstract: A transfer mattress is provided including a top sheet having a width, a length, and longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a bottom sheet having the same width, the same length, longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a plurality of perforations. The longitudinally oriented peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets are sealingly fastened to one another often by heat sealing. A plurality of baffles, each having a width and a length, are attached to an inner surface of the top sheet and an inner surface of the bottom sheet so as to be transversely oriented between the top sheet and the bottom. The baffles along with the widths of the top and bottom sheets define a radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall that is disposed between an edge of the baffles and the sealed peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and manipulating cadavers in a storage compartment includes a frame erected within the storage compartment having a plurality of trays supported on the frame so as to project inwardly into the storage compartment. Each of the trays is supported upon a pair of spaced-apart telescoping arms so that each tray can be moved between (i) a first position wherein the telescoping arms supporting the tray are fully retracted, and (ii) a second position wherein the telescoping arms are fully extended. A hoist assembly is arranged so as to raise one of the cadavers when the tray is in the first position, and lower the cadaver onto the tray when the telescoping arms are in the second position. A method for manipulating a cadaver is also provided in which a cadaver is first positioned on a pallet or morgue tray for transportation to a storage compartment.

Abstract: An improved inflatable medical patient transfer apparatus has a combination of transverse partition members and a raised perimeter section to reduce deleterious ballooning and uneven inflation as well as quick emergency deflation and provide additional security for a patient supported upon such transfer apparatus. Additional differentially inflatable patient rolling chambers are preferably supplied on the top of the transfer apparatus to provide assistance to medical personnel in beginning to roll patients reclining or lying upon the transfer apparatus particularly in a deflated condition on a hospital bed. An improved air inlet arrangement is also provided along with certain indicia upon the surface of the transfer apparatus to expedite use by hospital personnel.

Abstract: Air chamber-type air pallets incorporate side-to-side linked air pressurized tubes or chambers in two integrated rows, having common members for adjacent chambers under air pressurization rendered rigid over a certain extent to rigidify the air chambers thereof which form load backing chambers in place of rigid backing members conventionally employed in air pallets maintaining the load footprint borne by the air pressurized backing chambers matched by that of the developed air bearing or air film by passage of compressed air through the pattern of perforations. Preferably, linked tubes of one row are laterally offset but integrated physically to those of a second row to both limit lateral shrinkage of linked tubes extending completely across the pin hole perforations within the thin, flexible bottom sheet partially forming such air pallets.

Abstract: Air chamber-type air pallets incorporate side-to-side linked air pressurized tubes or chambers in two integrated rows, having common members for adjacent chambers under air pressurization rendered rigid over a certain extent to rigidify the air chambers thereof which form load backing chambers in place of rigid backing members conventionally employed in air pallets maintaining the load footprint borne by the air pressurized backing chambers matched by that of the developed air bearing or air film by passage of compressed air through the pattern of perforations. Preferably, linked tubes of one row are laterally offset but integrated physically to those of a second row to both limit lateral shrinkage of linked tubes extending completely across the pin hole perforations within the thin, flexible bottom sheet partially forming such air pallets.