Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress and an outer mattress shell that covers the mattress and has a patient support portion and a sleep deck portion. The outer mattress shell defines an interior surface and an exterior surface. A bonding strip is coupled to the interior surface of the outer mattress shell and a fastening strip is coupled to the exterior surface of the outer mattress shell. A weld extends through the exterior surface and through the interior surface of the outer mattress shell. A clasp locker is operably coupled to the fastening strip and detachably couples the patient support portion to the sleep deck portion of the outer mattress shell.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a sleep deck having an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion each defining a support surface and an underbody that defines a notch. An opening is defined by and extends through the upper portion. A space is defined between the upper portion and the middle portion. A mattress is disposed on the sleep deck. An outer mattress shell encases the mattress and includes a fold defined by a weld. A mattress retention assembly is coupled to the outer mattress shell. The mattress retention assembly includes at least one of a first magnet and a second magnet selectively coupling the mattress to the sleep deck, a portion of the mattress retention assembly extends between the outer mattress shell and the sleep deck, an affixing member disposed on the outer mattress shell, and a retention ridge extending through the sleep deck.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a sleep deck having an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion each defining a support surface and an underbody that defines a notch. An opening is defined by and extends through the upper portion. A space is defined between the upper portion and the middle portion. A mattress is disposed on the sleep deck. An outer mattress shell encases the mattress and includes a fold defined by a weld. A mattress retention assembly is coupled to the outer mattress shell. The mattress retention assembly includes at least one of a first magnet and a second magnet selectively coupling the mattress to the sleep deck, a portion of the mattress retention assembly extends between the outer mattress shell and the sleep deck, an affixing member disposed on the outer mattress shell, and a retention ridge extending through the sleep deck.

Abstract: A pneumatic accumulator integral to a structural member of a person-support apparatus to store air is disclosed. The accumulator serves as a reservoir available for rapid changes in demand for pressurized air, for use by a variety of devices integral or external to the person-support apparatus or for extension and retraction of at least one portion of the person-support apparatus. A pump supplies air to the accumulator. The pump and at least one pressure sensor are in communication with a controller. At least one valve in the fluidic path is in communication with the controller and meters the supply of air. The controller may further be connected with an alarming unit, hospital network, activity log, communication station nurse call system or electronic medical records.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of processing an image, specifically an image taken from a web camera. The processed image is thereafter preferably used as an input to a game. The image is simplified to a point whereby a very limited number of region bounded boxes are provided to a game environment and these region bounded boxes are used to determine the intended user input. By implementing this method, the amount of processing required is decreased and the speed at which the game may be rendered is increased thereby providing a richer game experience for the player. Furthermore, the method of processing the image is practically universally applicable and can be used with a wide range of web cameras thereby obviating the need for additional specialist equipment to be purchased and allowing the games to be web based.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isolator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isolator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isolator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

Abstract: A vibration isolator system for attaching a payload to a supporting base is provided, the payload having a center of mass and the system consisting of at least three vibration isolating pods. Each pod has two associated, non-parallel, elastic struts. A first end of each strut is attached to the supporting base and a second end of each strut is attached to the payload at a respective mounting point, and the a projected elastic center of the system is substantially co-located with said center of mass. The vibration isoloator system is operable to substantially prevent translational vibration of the supporting base from inducing angular rotation of the payload.

Abstract: A business method that uses a coordinator to insure that a shipper is able to retrieve shipping platforms from a recycler or other such end receivers. A permanent identification representing the recycling and reuse program and the particular type of shipping platform is assigned, and is stenciled on shipping platforms. When the shipping platforms are used and reach an end recipient or recycler, the quantity and type of shipping platform are registered at the web site. The site is accessible for buyers, such as the shipper that entered into the program to retrieve shipping platforms they had used. Transactions are carried out through the coordinator.

Abstract: A business method that uses a coordinator to insure that a shipper is able to retrieve shipping platforms from a recycler or other such end receivers. A permanent identification representing the recycling and reuse program and the particular type of shipping platform is assigned, and is stenciled on shipping platforms. When the shipping platforms are used and reach an end recipient or recycler, the quantity and type of shipping platform are registered at the web site. The site is accessible for buyers, such as the shipper that entered into the program to retrieve shipping platforms they had used. Transactions are carried out through the coordinator.