Abstract: A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a custom resilient foam support for a human body from a foam block having first and second opposite sides. The method includes placing the first side of the foam against a plurality of individually adjusted supports which are movable towards the first side and placing a human body against the second side of the foam block. The supports are individually adjusted for compressing portions of the foam block for obtaining the desired support characteristics of the human body and cutting means cut the foam block along a plane between the supports and the body.

Abstract: A body support system, such as a chair or bed, having a pair of support rails and a plurality of rows of flexible cords. The cords are generally perpendicular to the rails and parallel to each other. A plurality of elongate rigid support links are rigid supported from adjacent rows of cords. Alternate links along each row extend in opposite directions for providing a continuous, conformable low interface pressure, body support surface.

Abstract: A body support for supporting a human body lying on a bed in a side position including a body support, first and second flexible arms extending outwardly from the support with a head engaging structure connected to one of the arms and a leg engaging structure connected to the other arms for maintaining the body support against the body. The support may include a flat side, and an incline side and be right triangular in cross section. Preferably, the head engaging structure and leg engaging structure are substantially the same for reversibility.

Abstract: A method of making a polyurethane foam mattress overlay so that it has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and inter-relationships for such sections are preferred. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. The resulting tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: An implantable carbon composite finger joint prosthesis having first and second members rotatably attached forming a single axis joint. The joint has a core which includes a three directionally woven high density carbon-carbon composite for strength, and a base for supporting stems which includes a porous vitreous carbon to promote bony tissue ingrowth, and the coacting joint surfaces include carbide which is wear resistant and will not support fibrous tissue.

Abstract: A disposable surgical pad for supporting a patient having a cellulose housing with a granular cellulose material in the cavity of the housing. The granular material is generally uniformly shaped, preferably spheroid in shape, and of a size for assuming a shape to conform to a patient without packing together and of a size which is substantially radio-translucent. A valve is connected to the housing for controlling the air pressure in the cavity whereby the granular material will create a custom contoured support.

Abstract: A foam mattress support having a top, intermediate and bottom layer. The intermediate layer includes a plurality of ribs having a cross-sectional area increasing in the direction perpendicular to the pad, the height of the ribs being at least as great as one-third of the thickness of the pad, and the cross-sectional area of the ribs at the head and foot end being substantially equal but being less than the cross-sectional area of the ribs between the head and foot ends.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam mattress overlay has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are disclosed. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. In such manner, tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A method of controlling the inflation of a body support, such as a mattress, having a plurality of air cells. The user is placed on the mattress and the air cells are inflated to provide the desired support in each of a plurality of positions. The height distance of all of the air cells are measured in each of the positions and respective positions. The position of the user on the mattress is determined from the height measurements and the inflation of the air cells is controlled to use the stored standards for the position of the user.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam mattress overlay has several sections defined in a relatively flat support surface thereof. The sections are longitudinally disposed so as to correspond with different parts of a user's body. Each such section has predetermined support characteristics which are selected in relationship with such characteristics for the other sections so as to define systematized support. Specific numerical ranges and interrelationships for such sections are disclosed. A plurality of projections are formed in each surface section. In general, the cross-sectional area of such projections at the overlay support surface or at a given depth therefrom is the same within each section, but differs from one section to another. Separation distances between such projections may also vary with the respective sections. In such manner, tailored support characteristics in respective sections provide engineered support for all parts of a user's body.

Abstract: A controller for enabling a person with limited physical abilities to control one or more electrically operated machines. A movable mouthpiece actuates a pressure transducer in response to blowing or sucking air and a plurality of position transducers are connected to and measure the position of the mouthpiece in a plurality of planes. A controller receives the output of the pressure transducer and position transducers and provides control signals to control one or more machines. The operator can calibrate and adjust the controller to compensate for his/her individual disabilities.