Abstract: An energy generation device using the Seebeck effect comprising a housing, a plurality of thermopiles, an electrical connector, and a power management circuit. The housing is a non-conductive, heat-tolerant material such as a carbon composite or similar. The plurality of thermocouples are positioned within the housing, with portions of the thermocouple being embedded under the outer surface of the housing. When the housing is used in an environment that produces high temperature gradients, such as a reentry spacecraft, the temperature differential between the portions of the thermocouples at the front and rear and interior and exterior of the housing produce a current using the Seebeck effect. The plurality of thermocouples transmit the current using the electrical connector which then transmits the energy to the power management circuit for transformation or storage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp attachable to a support rail of a hospital bed, for example. The clamp includes a body, first and second arms coupled to the body, wherein the first and second arms are moveable towards and away from one another. The clamp further includes at least one seat clamp member pivotably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms. The clamp is attached to the support rail when the at least one seat clamp member contacts the support rail and the first and second arms are in a clamped position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp attachable to a support rail of a hospital bed, for example. The clamp includes a body, first and second arms coupled to the body, wherein the first and second arms are moveable towards and away from one another. The clamp further includes at least one seat clamp member pivotably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms. The clamp is attached to the support rail when the at least one seat clamp member contacts the support rail and the first and second arms are in a clamped position.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

Abstract: The present invention includes a laparoscopic imaging apparatus including a housing mountable in a known relationship to a patient, an image capture element mounted with the housing, and an image control system connected to the image capture element. The image capture element is mounted with the housing such that when in use, the image capture element is within the body of the patient, and further such that the image capture element is adapted to generate a signal representative of an image of portions of the volume within the body of the patient. The image control system is adapted to be responsive to the signals generated by the image capture element as well as control inputs provided by a user. The image control system is further adapted to select a portion of an image represented by the signal, wherein the portion of the image is less than the whole image.

Abstract: The invention is a modular inflatable/air fluidized patient bed suitable for in-home use. The bed includes a double walled, molded plastic base formed from two pedestals and a connecting midsection. A blower compartment containing the electrical and mechanical components needed to operate the bed is formed in one of the pedestals. The bed optionally includes a plurality of block-shaped spacers that can be positioned under the pedestals to increase the height of the bed. A series of pilot operated check valves are provided in the air lines leading to the inflatable components. If air flow is interrupted, the check valves close to maintain the air in the inflatable components and prevent them from deflating.