Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for data management are disclosed, the method comprising changing original data in an original referenced object to create a changed referenced object having changed data, in response to the changing, performing the following for a referencing object that references the original referenced object, (i) determining whether to accept the changed data, and if the changed data is accepted, reflecting the changed data in the referencing object, (ii) if the referencing object does not accept the changed data, determining whether to create a new referenced object storing the original data, and if yes, (1) creating the new referenced object having the original data, wherein the referencing object references the new referenced object, (iii) and if no, (1) determining whether to copy the original data from the original referenced object into the referencing object, and if yes, (a) replacing the original reference with a copy of the original data, thereby breaking a relation

Abstract: Methodologies and systems to compare images with different levels of contrast are provided. Contrast is normalized between the images with different contrast levels and brightness is set. When normalizing contrast a derivative of gray level is determined for a first digital image having a first contrast level, and a derivative of gray level is determined for a second digital image having a second contrast level that is greater than the first contrast level. A ratio of the derivative of gray level for the first digital image to the derivative of gray level for the second digital image is determined, and the derivative of gray level for the first digital image is equalized with the derivative of gray level for the second digital image. Brightness of at least one image may be set automatically, such as by calculating an average pixel value excluding background and text, or manually.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a three-dimensional fiber network.

Abstract: A mattress including a cover having a side wall defining an interior region of the cover, a first cushion integral with the side wall of the cover, and a second cushion positioned in the interior region of the cover.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: A low air loss bladder coupled to a siderail is provided.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: A cushion is provided for use on a foot section of an articulating deck of a bed to support the legs of a person on the bed. The foot section of the deck is movable from a generally horizontal bed position to a generally vertical chair position. The cushion includes an air bladder configured to be inflated when the deck is in its horizontal bed position and deflated when the deck is in its generally vertical chair position, a cover surrounding the air bladder, and an elastic cord coupled to the cover. The elastic cord is configured to gather the cover and the air bladder toward the foot section of the deck as the air bladder is deflated.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is configured to inflate and deflate an air cushion on a bed having an articulating deck movable from a first generally horizontal position to a second angled position. The dump valve apparatus is coupled to the deck and includes an elongated housing having an interior region. The housing has first and second open ends and a central opening located between the first and second open ends. The central opening is coupled to the air cushion. The first end of the housing is coupled to an air supply. A piston is slidable within the interior region of the housing of the housing as the deck moves to its angled position to permit air to pass from the air bladder, through the central opening, and through the open second end of the housing to deflate the air bladder.

Abstract: A patient air mattress replacement system having a pair of air support layers with a hose assembly containing a plurality of supply tubes for providing air to the air support layers. The mattress includes an interface connection which connects the support layers to the hose assembly and valve fittings which prevent escape of air from at least one support layer when the hose assembly is disconnected from the interface connection.

Abstract: A method for patient elevation above a fluidized surface utilizes a web of filter sheet material disposed beneath the patient and between the patient and the main filter sheet that covers the fluidized surface. The web is loosely mounted about a pair of support rods which are connected via a pair of splice bar linkages to a pair of dual acting hydraulic cylinders. The support surface is defluidized before the patient is elevated. Activation of the cylinders causes the two rods to separate from one another. The separation takes up the slack in the web and renders it taut about the two support rods. Further activation of the cylinders elevates the two support rods above the fluidized surface by pivoting them through the splice bar linkages. This raises the web and the patient supported on the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for patient elevation above a fluidized surface includes a web of filter sheet material disposed beneath the patient and between the patient and the main filter sheet that covers the fluidized surface. The web is loosely mounted about a pair of support rods which are connected via a pair of splice bar linkages to a pair of dual acting hydraulic cylinders. Activation of the cylinders causes the two rods to separate from one another. The separation takes up the slack in the web and renders it taut about the two support rods. Further activation of the cylinders elevates the two support rods above the fluidized surface by pivoting them through the splice bar linkages. This raises the web and the patient supported on the web. A solenoid valve is provided in the hydraulic circuit to enable rapid lowering of the support rods and the web when an emergency procedure such as CPR must be administered to the patient.

Abstract: A molding process, resinous formulations for use in the process, and the resulting products are disclosed characterized in that the product comprises mainly a bulk or fill resinous body having a film or skin of a cross-linked polyester resin formed about the body. Even though the body has intricate curving surface contours, the film is smooth and free of surface tears and blemishes. The product is molded by first spraying formulated, dry particles of a partially cured polyester resin against a hot mold to cause the particles to fuse and flow and form a substantially continuous skin or film on the mold. Thereafter, the bulk resin is added and the mold is heated to cure the polyester resin as well as the bulk resin and to interreact the bulk and polyester resins together to mold the bulk resin with a film of the polyester resin.

Abstract: A molding process, resinous formulations for use in the process, and the resulting products are disclosed characterized in that the product comprises mainly a bulk or fill resinous body having a film or skin of a cross-linked polyester resin formed about the body. Even though the body has intricate curving surface contours, the film is smooth and free of surface tears and blemishes. The product is molded by first spraying formulated, dry particles of a partially cured polyester resin against a hot female mold to cause the particles to fuse and flow and form a substantially continuous skin or film on the female mold. Thereafter, the bulk resin is added and the mold is heated to cure the polyester resin as well as the bulk resin and to interreact the bulk and polyester resins together to mold the bulk resin with a film of the polyester resin.

Abstract: A frost sensor for detecting the presence of frost in a refrigeration device includes a light impervious enclosure having an air passage through it. Means preferably are provided for directing ambient air through the air passage. The air passage has thermal conducting means mounted in it, the thermal conducting means having a first surface forming a portion of the air passage. A connection device also is provided for attaching the conducting means to the refrigeration device. A photocell and a light source are mounted so that the photocell senses reflectivity of the conductive means. The volume of ambient air passing through the air passage and the thermal resistance between the conducting means and the refrigeration device may be varied so that the formation of frost on the conducting means can be made to agree with the formation of frost on the refrigeration device.