Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A ventilation device uses a cross-flow fan and one or more filters, where the filter preferably has a J-shape that at least partially surrounds the rotor of the cross-flow fan. In one embodiment, the filter includes a plurality of pleats, preferably along a bottom surface of the filter. The filters preferably remove particles, undesired gases, and micro-organisms. A filtration and ventilation system with at least one first ventilation device and at least one second ventilation device larger than the first ventilation device, as well as a method of filtering contaminants out of air using a personal ventilation device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck coupled to the frame and a communication network located on the bed has at least two modules connected to the network, at least one of those modules being able to provide an alarm message to the bed communication network.

Abstract: A personal ventilation system uses a cross-flow fan and one or more filters, where the filter preferably has a cylindrical or elongated elliptical shape that at least partially surrounds the rotor of the cross-flow fan. The filters preferably remove particles, undesired gases, and micro-organisms.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a communication network and at least one module. The at least one module includes a charting module.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A bed, including a bedframe to support a mattress. The bed includes an electrical communication network.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck coupled to the frame and a communication network located on the bed has at least two modules connected to the network, at least one of those modules being able to provide an alarm message to the bed communication network.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device and a motor for moving the patient support. A motor disconnect arrangement is provided to enable manually powered movement of the patient support.

Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a communication network and at least one module. The at least one module includes a charting module.

Abstract: A patient support including a traction device for powered movement of the patient support. The traction device includes a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck, a siderail, a communication network and a graphic caregiver interface module. The graphic caregiver interface module includes an input device, a control circuit, a memory, and a display.

Abstract: A bed having a frame, a deck, and a siderail. The deck having a head seat and foot sections. The head, seat, and foot sections movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system.

Abstract: A cross-flow propulsion mechanism for use in providing propulsion to an aircraft, includes a housing defining an inlet, a rotor compartment, and an outlet. The inlet is adapted to receive an inflow of air along a first longitudinal axis. The rotor is mounted within the rotor compartment and adapted to receive the airflow introduced into said housing through the inlet and rotate about a second longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The outlet is adapted to receive the airflow processed through the rotor and exhaust air along a third longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The propulsion mechanism can be applied in a personal aircraft, an STOL aircraft, and a hybrid automobile and aircraft.