Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a patient support therapeutic bed comprising a base frame and a patient support platform rotatable relative to the base frame is illustrated and described. The patient support platform is also rotatable between a supine position and a prone position. The therapeutic bed includes a head support positionable relative to the patient support platform to support the head of a patient supported by said patient support platform. The head support includes a head restraint independently positionable relative to the patient support platform for engaging a front surface of the head. The head restraint is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the body of the patient.

Abstract: A mechanism to support the head of a patient is provided for therapeutic beds, including prone positioning therapeutic beds. In one embodiment, a head restraint apparatus is provided comprising a casing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an open front end. The casing encloses a cavity for receiving a person's head resting in a supine position and substantially encompasses the back and sides of a person's head. A face piece removably attached to the open top end of the casing is configured to restrain at least a portion of the front of a person's head. In another embodiment, a head restraint is slidably mounted on a transversely oriented rail of the patient support platform. A manually operable clamp is provided to fix the position of the head restraint with respect to the rail.

Abstract: A direct electrical signal and power interface is provided to the patient support platform of a therapeutic bed that allows for a complete rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. In one embodiment, an electrical signal and/or power cable is housed within a chain-like cable carrier that is disposed within an annular channel attached to the patient support platform. In another embodiment, a flexible ribbon cable is disposed within the annular channel. The cable carrier or ribbon cable is long enough to allow a full 360 degrees of rotation of the patient support platform in either direction from 0 degrees supine flat while maintaining a direct electrical signal or power connection. To ensure that the electrical signal and power connection is not articulated beyond its physical limit as a result of manually rotating the bed in the emergency backup mode, a mechanical stop is provided to limit rotation of the patient support platform to about 730 degrees.

Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus for a lateral rotation therapeutic bed is provided that facilitates access to the patient and connection and disconnection of patient care lines to and from a patient on the bed. A therapeutic bed is described comprising a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis of the patient support platform, and a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame. An upright end ring at the head end of the bed is split into an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is removable from the lower section, allowing improved access to the head of the patient and to allow placement or removal of the patient from the bed by removal of patient care lines from the end ring without removing the patient care lines from the patient or the equipment to which the lines are attached.

Abstract: A mechanism to support the head of a patient is provided for therapeutic beds, including prone positioning therapeutic beds. In one embodiment, a head restraint apparatus is provided comprising a casing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an open front end. The casing encloses a cavity for receiving a person's head resting in a supine position and substantially encompasses the back and sides of a person's head. A face piece removably attached to the open top end of the casing is configured to restrain at least a portion of the front of a person's head. In another embodiment, a head restraint is slidably mounted on a transversely oriented rail of the patient support platform. A manually operable clamp is provided to fix the position of the head restraint with respect to the rail.

Abstract: A direct data and power interface is provided to the patient support platform of a therapeutic bed that allows for a complete rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. In one embodiment, a data and/or power cable is housed within a chain-like cable carrier that is disposed within an annular channel attached to the patient support platform. In another embodiment, a flexible ribbon cable is disposed within the annular channel. The cable carrier or ribbon cable is long enough to allow a full 360 degrees of rotation of the patient support platform in either direction from 0 degrees supine flat while maintaining a direct data or power connection. To ensure that data and power connection is not articulated beyond its physical limit as a result of manually rotating the bed in the emergency backup mode, a mechanical stop is provided to limit rotation of the patient support platform to about 730 degrees. Sensors are provided to detect activation of the mechanical stop.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame and a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis and a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame. A special head restraint apparatus maintains proper patient alignment during rotation. A weight monitoring system monitors a patient's weight over time. A touch screen user interface provides programmable therapy settings and displays statistics about past treatment. Circuitry is provided to minimize the risk that the failure of any single device or software program could endanger a patient. A “CPR” button is provided to arrest any program of therapy and return the patient support platform to a supine position.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

Abstract: A simple form of pneumatic transporter is provided by making two pairs of lines of cut in the wall of a length of ducting and bending outwardly the portions of the wall between each pair of lines of cut. A nozzle means is mounted at the outer end of each of the bent-out portions.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying web material from reels thereof to a web-utilizing machine comprises a reel changer including a reel store, means for advancing reels in the store in succession to a reel-unwinding location, a web-transport system for feeding and guiding to the machine a web extending from a reel at that location, which system comprises at least one air mover, means for sensing the absence of web from a portion of the extent of the system and control means responsive to signals from said sensing means to activate air-supply to the air movers, whereby a leading end of a web length extending from a said reel is fed to the outlet end of the system. The web path of the transport system may include at least one curved portion defined by an air bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing the outer end of a web to be unreeled from a reel comprises rotatable reel-holding means, driving means adapted for rotating a reel in the reel-unwinding direction and in the contrary direction, an elongate air mover operable for moving the web and so mounted that the inlet end thereof is movable nearer to and further from the axis of rotation of the reel-holding means to permit the maintenance of the said inlet end in close proximity to the periphery of a reel, held by the said holding means, over a range of reel radii. The air mover suitably has a pivotal mounting at the outlet end and rests at its inlet end in contact with the reel, descending under gravity as the reel is unwound and thus accomodating its position to the decreasing radius of the reel. Sensing means may operate to detect the capture of a web end at the said inlet end and to produce a signal for changing the direction of reel drive to the unwinding direction from the contrary direction.

Abstract: Web-splicing apparatus comprises a web splicer and, associated therewith, an air mover and web-presentation means operable to present to the inlet end of the air mover the leading end of a first web extending from a reel and the leading end of a second web extending from another reel, which air mover is operable to feed the leading end of said first web from said presentation means to and through a splicing zone, to serve as a guide for subsequent continuous passage of that web and further operable to feed the leading end of the second said web from said presentation means to said splicing zone during continuous passage of the first web through the air mover. Web-severing means may be disposed for operation in the splicing zone and web-withdrawal means, suitably further air-mover means, downstream of that zone.

Abstract: A liquid-spraying device, particularly for applying an additive to a moving bed of smoking material. The device includes a body and an elongate narrow unshrouded tubular spray tip carried by the body. First and second ducts are in the body through which the liquid and an atomizing medium respectively can be supplied to the tip. A third duct is provided for supplying a cleaning medium such as air. A jet structure is located remotely from the discharge end of the spray tip, is connected to the third duct and is arranged to direct the cleaning medium along and around the outside of the freely extending tip to the discharge end thereof. The spray tip may be mounted on and extend from a nozzle head connected to the body. The jet structure is provided in the nozzle head, for example, in the form of a plurality of jet orifices equi-angularly spaced around the spray tip. The spray tip and jet can be used in a method of applying a liquid additive to a moving bed of smoking material.