Abstract: Patient support pads that form a part of conventional surgical tables are removed and replaced with pads that provide three dimensional volumetric pressure redistribution. The pads are releasably secured in overlying relation to conventional frame cushions that overlie the frame of a surgical table. Three pads are provided, one each for the head, torso, and foot section of the table so that the articulation of the table is not compromised by the pads. The pads not only prevent or inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers during surgery but also provide therapeutic, curative treatment of the patient's dermis and epidermis by redistributing pressure without distorting or compressing soft tissue. A dual hose bifurcated manifold system connects each inflated pad to its contiguous inflated pad so that pressure applied in any one section of the surface is transmitted and redistributed over all of the inflated pads.

Abstract: A low air loss therapeutic air support system which simultaneously prevents the development of pressure sores and skin maceration due to the build up of heat and moisture at points of interface between the device and the patient and has an active feedback system which provides for real time adjustments to the inflation pressure of the support surface in response to an increase in the compressive pressure on a part of the support surface from shifting of the patient's position or other causes which can be used interchangeably with a sleeping surface and a wheelchair seating system.

Abstract: A flotation therapy bed that prevents formation of decubitus ulcers. A three-chambered mattress has three configurations, each having a different utility. In a first configuration, a lowermost chamber is filled with water and the other two chambers are empty so that the patient is supported by the water. In a second configuration, a second chamber, co-extensive with the water-filled chamber, is filled with air. This facilitates turning the patient over, or lifting the patient from the bed. In a third configuration, a third, wedge-shaped chamber is filled with air and holds the patient in a sitting up position. The second chamber is evacuated when the third chamber is filled. A motor-driven linkage raises and lowers the bed in a vertical plane in the absence of longitudinal or transverse movement.

Abstract: A flotation therapy bed having a two part construction that includes an upper shell and a lower shell joined along a parting line by a circumferentially extending gasket. The upper shell has a downwardly bowed bottom wall and the lower shell has a flat bottom wall with a large central opening that accommodates the bottom wall of the upper shell when the bed is assembled. Manipulation of a handle releases a pair of springs that drive a hand rail upwardly into its deployed position to prevent a patient from falling out of the bed. A subsequent manipulation of the handle draws the hand rail back into its retracted position. The top edge of the bed is recessed to accommodate the hand rails when lowered.