Abstract: A device for identifying appropriate nerve stimulation points on a patient is described, for use with an electrical stimulation device. In a first embodiment, the device includes electrodes located on a flexible substrate, a conductive gel layer overlying the electrodes, and a partially conductive removable cover overlying the gel layer. The device may be operated initially with the cover in place to allow reduced stimulation to identify a suitable nerve stimulation point. The cover may then be removed, and the device operated at the identified point. The cover may include perforations allowing the gel to contact the patient; or may be a sacrificial gel layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mattress measurement tool (100). The mattress measurement tool (100) comprises mattress-engaging pads (110A, 110B), where the mattress-engaging pads (110A, 110B) are located at each free end of the substantially horizontal cross-member (108). The mattress measurement tool (100) further comprises a distance measuring device (118) for measuring a conformity characteristic of the mattress. The mattress measurement tool (100) is capable of measuring support, conformity and rebound of the mattress.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing microcirculation in the lower limb are described. The device includes a means for immobilising the limb, for example a plaster cast, and an electrical stimulation device, which applies electrical stimulation to opposed leg muscles such that antagonistic and agonistic muscle groups contract near simultaneously, resulting in near isometric contraction. The combination of this contraction and the leg restraint have been found to markedly increase blood circulation and in particular microcirculation in the limb.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for checking the interior of hermetically sealed cushioning devices for contamination, comprising a hermetically sealed cushioning device (1, 2) having a port (3) adapted to allow extraction of air from interior of the cushioning device (1, 2), and means for analysing said extracted air to determine if it contains contaminants. The system comprises a sampling device for extracting a sample of air from inside a sealed cushioning device, the sampling device having a nozzle (23) removably engageable with a sealable port (3) on the sealed cushioning device (1, 2). The invention also provides a cushioning device (1, 2) comprising a port (3) adapted for connection to a cushioning device and removeably engageable with a sampling device.

Abstract: A measuring device to aid mattress selection has an upstanding frame with a plurality of vertically space-apart horizontal illuminated strips. A camera mounted in front of the frame takes front view and side view images of a person standing in front of the illuminated strips. These images are delivered to an associated computer having means to determine the body mass distribution and the spine curvature of the person based on the images of the strips taken by the camera and in particular based on those portions of the image of the illuminated strips blocked by the person standing in front of the illuminated strips. This information can then be used to aid in appropriate mattress selection for the person.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system for determining an optimal mattress type for an individual, the system comprising a body shape measurement assembly and an optimal mattress type determination means. The body shape measurement assembly comprising a plurality of reference measurement lines (110) and a camera (112) facing the plurality of reference measurement lines to measure the body shape of an individual in a receiving area in the system, by scanning a front image and side image of the individual, and analysing the scanned images relative to the plurality of reference measurement lines so as to determine a front profile and a side profile of the individual.

Abstract: A device for identifying appropriate nerve stimulation points on a patient is described, for use with an electrical stimulation device. In a first embodiment, the device includes electrodes located on a flexible substrate, a conductive gel layer overlying the electrodes, and a partially conductive removable cover overlying the gel layer. The device may be operated initially with the cover in place to allow reduced stimulation to identify a suitable nerve stimulation point. The cover may then be removed, and the device operated at the identified point. The cover may include perforations allowing the gel to contact the patient; or may be a sacrificial gel layer.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of a nerve emanating from the sacral plexus for the treatment or alleviation of incontinence. In preferred embodiments, the lateral popliteal nerve is stimulated in the region of the popliteal fossa. The stimulation is noninvasive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial detection valves and particularly, unidirectional valves which include means for detecting the presence of microbes. The present invention also relates to infection control cushioning and/or bedding including said microbial detection valves. In another aspect, the present invention concerns improvements in and relating to hygienic bedding and particularly in and relating to hygienic bedding covers. The present invention has the advantage that it provides a one-way valve incorporated into the pillow cover as well as a microbial filter membrane, to allow air to exhaust quickly from the pillow through the valve, bypassing the membrane. Air re-entering the pillow may only pass through the microbial filter membrane. Thus, air re-entering the pillow does so at slower speed, but has the advantage that forcing the re-entering air to pass through the micorbial filter allows only sterile air to enter the pillow.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for preventing diastolic flow reversal and/or reducing peripheral vascular resistance in a patient. Also described are methods of cosmetic treatment, and methods of promoting delivery of therapeutic agents or contrast agents to bones and related tissues.

Abstract: A measuring device to aid mattress selection has an upstanding frame with a plurality of vertically space-apart horizontal illuminated strips. A camera mounted in front of the frame takes front view and side view images of a person standing in front of the illuminated strips. These images are delivered to an associated computer having means to determine the body mass distribution and the spine curvature of the person based on the images of the strips taken by the camera and in particular based on those portions of the image of the illuminated strips blocked by the person standing in front of the illuminated strips. This information can then be used to aid in appropriate mattress selection for the person.

Abstract: A measuring device to aid mattress selection has an upstanding frame with a plurality of vertically space-apart horizontal illuminated strips. A camera mounted in front of the frame takes front view and side view images of a person standing in front of the illuminated strips. These images are delivered to an associated computer having means to determine the body mass distribution and the spine curvature of the person based on the images of the strips taken by the camera and in particular based on those portions of the image of the illuminated strips blocked by the person standing in front of the illuminated strips. This information can then be used to aid in appropriate mattress selection for the person.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to address the chronic and worsening problem of mattress management in hospitals by providing a mattress protector to shield a mattress or mattress core from body fluids, the protector not only comprising a shielding cover for the mattress or mattress core but also a detector in an inter- or under-layer of the cover to detect body fluid that has passed into or through the cover. The detector may be chemical, with the cover being a transparent cover and the under-layer being absorbent and having a dye that is activated by a body fluid to provide a visual indication of presence of the body fluid. In an alternative embodiment the detector may be an apparatus monitoring electrical conductivity. This suitably uses threads of electrically conductive yarn forming either the warp or weft of a thin flexible under layer of the protective cover and which are linked to a small processor which monitors the electrical conductivity between neighbouring conductive threads in the sensing layer.