Abstract: A gap filler assembly for filling a gap between adjacent sections of a bed. The gap filler assembly has a mattress portion that has an extension at one end thereof that extends between a gap between a first section of the bed and an adjacent second section of the bed. The mattress portion may be a supplemental mattress that is adjacent a side of a main mattress. The mattress portion may also have a hinged slider component on a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a decreased length foot deck to allow the bed to be converted to a chair bed and lowered close to the floor even when the foot deck is in a substantially vertical position. In one embodiment, the bed has a frame assembly, a deck supported on the frame assembly, and a mattress supported on the deck. The deck has a length extending from a head end of the head section to a foot end of the foot section when the deck is in a substantially horizontal position. The mattress has head, seat and foot mattress portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat and foot sections of the deck. The mattress has a length extending from a head end of the mattress to a foot end of the mattress when the mattress is in a substantially horizontal position. The length of the mattress is greater than the length of the deck, such that in one embodiment the mattress has a foot end that overhangs and is cantilevered from the edge of the foot deck section.

Abstract: A mattress for a hospital bed is provided. The mattress includes an encasing enclosing a compressible mattress portion and a rigid mattress portion. The compressible mattress portion has an integral construction extending from a head end of the bed to a foot end of the bed. The rigid mattress portion contracts from a first elongated position to a second retracted position, and the rigid portion contracting the compressible mattress portion therewith. The rigid mattress portion may be provided at any side or end section of the mattress. Accordingly, the width or length of the mattress can be modified.

Abstract: A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.

Abstract: A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. The siderails are provided adjacent the third deck section. The siderails remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section from a generally horizontal to a substantially vertical position. The siderails are configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.

Abstract: A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. A pair of siderails are operably connected to the third deck section of the bed. In another embodiment, the siderail coupled to the third deck section remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section between the generally horizontal and the substantially vertical position. The siderail is configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a non-pivotal actuation mechanism for a foot deck to assist the bed in being converted to a chair bed and lowered close to the floor even when the foot deck is in a generally vertical position. In one embodiment, the bed has a longitudinal gap between the intermediate deck section and the foot deck section. As the foot deck transitions to the generally vertical position from the generally horizontal position the gap between the intermediate frame section and the foot deck section is decreased. In an alternate embodiment a foot deck side rail is operably connected to the foot deck section and driven by the non-pivotal actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A new method of electronically distributing files containing information to permit the simulation of surface patterns is presented in which color characteristics, texture characteristics, and manufacturing characteristics are included in the file and once the file is loaded, no reference to external databases is required by viewing software.

Abstract: A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.

Abstract: A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. A pair of siderails are operably connected to the third deck section of the bed. In another embodiment, the siderail coupled to the third deck section remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section between the generally horizontal and the substantially vertical position. The siderail is configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.

Abstract: A mattress for a hospital bed is provided. The mattress includes an encasing enclosing a compressible mattress portion and a rigid mattress portion. The compressible mattress portion has an integral construction extending from a head end of the bed to a foot end of the bed. The rigid mattress portion contracts from a first elongated position to a second retracted position, and the rigid portion contracting the compressible mattress portion therewith. The rigid mattress portion may be provided at any side or end section of the mattress. Accordingly, the width or length of the mattress can be modified.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a decreased length foot deck to allow the bed to be converted to a chair bed and lowered close to the floor even when the foot deck is in a substantially vertical position. In one embodiment, the bed has a frame assembly, a deck supported on the frame assembly, and a mattress supported on the deck. The deck has a length extending from a head end of the head section to a foot end of the foot section when the deck is in a substantially horizontal position. The mattress has head, seat and foot mattress portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat and foot sections of the deck. The mattress has a length extending from a head end of the mattress to a foot end of the mattress when the mattress is in a substantially horizontal position. The length of the mattress is greater than the length of the deck, such that in one embodiment the mattress has a foot end that overhangs and is cantilevered from the edge of the foot deck section.

Abstract: A GPS based system for automatically controlling the travel and other operational functions of a train. The system stores data characteristic of each location long the track such as speed limits, rail crossing locations and station locations. GPS input data provide information as to the current geographic coordinates of the train. If action is necessary such as slowing to conform with speed limits, sounding the horn as a crossing is approached, or announcing the approach to a train station, the system automatically takes the indicated action. Each train transmits its current location to other trains in the vicinity via satellite. An override allows a human operation to intervene and operate the train if necessary.