Abstract: An inflatable mattress having multiple compartments which may be selectively inflated and deflated to produce variable contact of the mattress with the occupant's body. Some of the compartments may be active, and others inactive, with the active compartments of the mattress controlled by automatic controls to cyclically inflate and deflate the compartments. The device may be operated manually to allow the operator to deflate the necessary compartments for placement of a bedpan, or other access to the occupant. Multiple foam rubber wedges are inserted into deflated compartments, then inflated to turn the occupant on his or her side. Various embodiments are inflated by air, nitrogen or water. A water-to-air heat pump, or an air-to-air heat pump may be used to control the temperature.

Abstract: A heat pump heating and cooling system uses heat exchange coils which are located vertically in the ground. A double evaporator is used as a condenser in the heating cycle, and a single evaporator is used in the cooling cycle. The device sub-cools the liquid refrigerant during the cooling cycle, and super heats the refrigerant in the heating cycle, increasing the efficiency over prior art heat pump systems. No receiver for excess refrigerant is required, and problems associated with liquid refrigerant settling in the vertical ground coils are eliminated.

Abstract: A geothermal heating and air conditioning system having heat exchange coils located vertically in the ground is provided with a condenser receiver and a metering system which allows a relatively large amount of refrigerant to be used within the system for maximum efficiency without the problems of liquid refrigerant buildup which have been previously associated with geothermal systems using vertical coils.