Abstract: A heating system includes a sensing and tracking module to sense length in at least one dimension of an object to-be-heated in a previously determined area. A light source module has at least one light source that can change its lighting direction and can also change its beam angle e along the at least one dimension. A control module is provided for regulating light emitted by the light source module onto the to-be heated object along the at least one dimension to match with the length of the to-be-heated object based on the length sensed by the sensing and tracking module. The heating system described above and a bed incorporated having this kind of heating system may automatically adjust its output power according to the physical characteristics of the object to-be-heated to avoid heating unrelated object, area or space so as to ensure high energy efficiency.

Abstract: A person support apparatus with an extendable mattress, a night light message display system, a screen key pendant, egress handle siderails, and various other features. The extendable mattress includes hinged extensions along the sides of the extendable mattress that are moved from a nested position to the extension position. The screen key pendant includes a plurality of screen keys that can be pressed to cycle through various control modes for the person support apparatus. The night light message display system can be configured to display a message or image on the floor communicating information to the person and/or alerting the person as to when they are able to exit the bed.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device with a reclining surface (6) for a patient and with two radiant heaters (3, 4) directed towards the reclining surface (6) and with a control unit (5), which is set up to control the heat output of each of the radiant heaters (3, 4). The reclining surface (6) includes structure for pivoting about an axis of rotation (12) at right angles to a body axis (11) of the patient. An angle or slope sensor (13) detects the deviation of the position of the reclining surface (6) from the horizontal plane. The control unit (5) is connected to the angle or slope sensor and adapts the heat output of each of the first radiant heater and of the second radiant heater (4) as a function of the detected measured value of the slope such that the heat output of each heater differs by a predetermined factor and the heat output of each heater is equal when the reclining surface is in the horizontal position.

Abstract: An illuminable indicator for a bed includes a body configured to be attached to the bed. The body can include a resilient portion and a light-transmitting portion. The body can be shaped to protrude from an outer perimeter of the bed. A light source can be positioned to emit light to the light-transmitting portion to illuminate the body.

Abstract: An electric actuator system for hospital and care beds (1, 20) for adjusting e.g. the lying surface of the bed (1, 20). The actuator system is connected to one or more light sources (19, 23, 24), which may be switched on if a change in the patient's movement pattern and/or position in the bed (1, 20) is registered. The electric actuator system may thus help the patient navigate around the room.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a bed frame having a head end and a foot end and control circuitry carried by the bed frame. The control circuitry receives information about conditions of the patient support apparatus. A light is coupled to the bed frame adjacent the foot end and is coupled to the control circuitry. The light is in a first state when the patient support apparatus is operating normally and the light is in a second state when the control circuitry detects an alert condition.

Abstract: A control panel of a sickbed having a light source is disposed around a sickbed and includes a casing, a light module and a control module. The light module and the control module are provided on two opposite surfaces of the casing respectively. The control module is electrically connected to the light module for controlling the height of the sickbed and an ON/OFF state of the light module. The control panel of the present invention is used to adjust the height of the sickbed and also provides illumination, so that it really demonstrates practicability and convenience.

Abstract: An illuminable indicator for a bed includes a body configured to be attached to the bed. The body can include a resilient portion and a light-transmitting portion. The body can be shaped to protrude from an outer perimeter of the bed. A light source can be positioned to emit light to the light-transmitting portion to illuminate the body.

Abstract: A bed frame wherein the side rail and/or cross rails are fully encased in plastic shields. A plastic shield or shields cover the entire cross sectional area of the side and cross rails so that the side rail and cross rails are easy to handle and esthetically pleasing. The system avoids the need for a person to handle cold, sometimes dirty, steel and the cross and side rails may be T-shaped or L-shaped angle irons, or other configurations and covered with plastic shields. With the plastic shields, the steel members need not be finished since the outer appearance of the steel is encased by the plastic shields and not seen by persons.

Abstract: Windows, or other types of transparent materials, may be constructed to passively allow light from alternate sources to pass therethrough, while also being able to actively produce artificial light for providing illumination from one side of the window by means of an incorporated optical waveguide that accepts light from an edge of the window and disperses it from only one side of the window.

Abstract: An electric actuator system for hospital and care beds (1, 20) for adjusting e.g. the lying surface of the bed (1, 20). The actuator system is connected to one or more light sources (19, 23, 24), which may be switched on if a change in the patient's movement pattern and/or position in the bed (1, 20) is registered. The electric actuator system may thus help the patient navigate around the room.

Abstract: An under-bed mounted accent lighting apparatus comprises a series of lamps which automatically illuminate to cast a soft glow from underneath the bed is herein disclosed. The lamps are electrically interconnected via standard wiring and adhesively affixed along the bed frame. The lamps are powered by a common user configurable timer module which plugs into a standard wall outlet.

Abstract: A phototherapy light device for directing light onto an infant. The phototherapy light device has a base containing an illumination source and a gooseneck type of elongated neck that extends outwardly from the base and has a distal end adapted to be positioned to direct the light onto the infant. An optical fiber transmits the light from the illumination source to the distal end through the optical fiber where the light is passed through a light emanating device located at the distal end of the elongated neck. The elongated neck has two flexible sections, one of which has two coaxial springs to provide flexibility in positioning as well as to impart sufficient strength and rigidity to the elongated neck. The dual spring concept provides a system having reduced stresses while creating a double fault structural system without compromising the flexibility of the elongated neck.

Abstract: Accessory for beds, characterised by the inclusion of an articulated support, anchored to the bed head that presents an axis of rotation which is approximately vertical with respect to the bed head, and operatively capable of lateral displacement of the telescopic arm and which is associated to a primary telescopic arm by means of a folding action, at the free end of this primary telescopic arm is a secondary laterally revolving, arm carrying folding support rods, which allow its arrangement in an approximate upright position to hold a book or similar, an approximate horizontal position, which enables the support of a tray or similar and a position of withdrawal on the revolving arm for its complete withdrawal on the telescopic arm next to the bed head. It includes a reading lam which is joined to the articulated support by means of a flexible neck.

Abstract: A siderail assembly comprises a siderail body and an indicator. The siderail body includes a handle configured to be gripped by a person. The indicator is configured to emit light to identify the location of the handle.

Abstract: A coordinated bedroom set that incorporates a lighting means to provide a decorative furniture set with improved illumination. The bedroom set comprises matching design bed headboard, footboard, and dresser backstop. The design comprises two main posts with New England style caps, two horizontal boards and a plurality of smaller vertical posts distributed between the main posts. Illuminating lanterns are mounted on the upper region of each main post. Electrical cords for the lanterns are fed through a hollow center of each post, and on/off switches are provided thereon. The device provides improved lighting in the bedroom, without the drawbacks of overhead lighting or ceiling fan lights.

Abstract: A bed frame wherein the side rail and/or cross rails are fully encased in plastic shields. A plastic shield or shields cover the entire cross sectional area of the side and cross rails so that the side rail and cross rails are easy to handle and esthetically pleasing. The system avoids the need for a person to handle cold, sometimes dirty, steel and the cross and side rails may be T-shaped or L-shaped angle irons, or other configurations and covered with plastic shields. With the plastic shields, the steel members need not be finished since the outer appearance of the steel is encased by the plastic shields and not seen by persons.

Abstract: An electrical actuator system, especially for hospital and care beds and patient beds, comprising a number of actuators (6,7; 10,11), a control box (12) with a mains-based power supply, and typically also a rechargeable battery package and a control unit with a microprocessor, a number of controls (15,16), an orientation light (17) for mounting under the bed. The system comprises at least one junction box (13,14) and the orientation lighting is, with its own control unit, located in this. This enables a flexible location of the lighting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for displaying illuminated images. In some embodiments a light box is capable of receiving a wide variety of images, which may be changed as desired by a user. The light box may be framed independently for wall hanging or display on a stand, or incorporated within or attached to pieces of furniture, including but not limited to beds, dressers, changing tables, book shelves, chests of drawers, toy chests, and the like. In various embodiments, the light box may include a dimmer, a timed dimmer, a motion sensor, and/or equipment for playing music or generating white noise. In certain embodiments, a single light box may be used, while in other embodiments a plurality of light boxes and/or digital picture frames may be used.

Abstract: In a wake-up apparatus for waking up a sleeper by light stimulus, it wakes the sleeper comfortably without feeling glare. A lighting device has a first lighting unit at a position that a light emitting face cannot be observed directly by the sleeper, and a second lighting unit at a position that a light emitting face can be observed directly by the sleeper. A control device activates the lighting device a predetermined time before a preset wake-up time so as to vary illuminance of light emitted from the lighting device in an order of low illuminance, middle illuminance and high illuminance, to light only the first lighting unit in a low illuminance condition and a middle illuminance condition, and to light both of the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit in a high illuminance condition, and quickly varies from the middle illuminance condition to the high illuminance condition.

Abstract: A retractable bed is disclosed which can be raised and lowered in a vertical fashion. The retractable bed includes a frame for holding a mattress; and a counterbalance system to raise and lower the bed through vertical displacement. When the bed is in the lowered configuration it will come into contact with the floor thereby permitting a person to sleep on the bed. When the bed is in the raised configuration it will be near the ceiling thereby permitting a person to pass under the bed. The counterbalance system provides a convenient way to take the bed down and to put it away.

Abstract: A bedside flashlight cradle for supporting a flashlight from the side of a bed frame for ready access. The cradle includes a grasper end for connection to the bed frame, a middle section, and a cradle. The grasper end may attach to the bed frame without fastener, for example, by sliding over the vertical side wall of the bed frame. The middle section may cant backward in order to support the flashlight flush with the edge of the bed frame. The cradle may be provided in spaced apart pairs to support the flash light or in other configurations such as an integral unit that has sufficient width to support a flashlight or an integral unit that has a single grasper end of sufficient width with a pair of spaced-apart cradles.

Abstract: A bed frame comprising T-shaped side rails provides support for a box spring and mattress. The T-shaped side rails provide more resistance to twisting and bowing and enables the overall bed frame to support more weight with less deflection than the convention L-shaped side rails. The T-shaped side rails may be two L-shaped angle irons affixed together or a unitary T-shaped member that can also be used for other structural components of the bed frame such as a center beam. The vertical flange of the T-shape can be non-linear. In a further embodiment, the side rails are comprised of a metal skin enclosing a hollow area with a horizontal, flat shelf for supporting the box spring and a contiguous vertical surface generally at a right angle to the horizontal shelf to retain the box spring in it desired position.

Abstract: A low profile night light adapted to be positioned in a substantially level plane atop a floor has cylindrical sidewalls and apertures formed in the sidewalls at regularly spaced intervals. At least one light source such as an incandescent or fluorescent light or a light-emitting diode is positioned in registration with at least one of the apertures so that the at least one light source illuminates a fan-shaped area of a floor. A circular area is illuminated if a light source is placed into registration with each aperture. The night light may be positioned under a bed or other item of furniture and may be battery operated or connected to a wall outlet by an elongate power cord. Unlike a conventional night light that illuminates only an area near an electrical wall outlet, the novel night light can be positioned anywhere on a floor where a tripping hazard might exist.

Abstract: A system and method for providing biosynchronized therapy to a patient that creates a therapeutic environment and therapeutic stimulations that are sensitive to psychological and sensory human issues, including those particular to the patient, and that reduce psychological stress experienced by the patient so that other forms of treatment provided to the patient are enhanced and benefited. In one embodiment, the environment and stimulations can be predetermined. The therapy is applied using an overhead system that includes a suspended, multi-function that performs predetermined tasks and a lighting system, both of which provide the room with natural ambient light, artificial ambient light and predetermined task lighting. An image display system is also included for applying preselected images to the canopy over a bed of the patient. The overhead system can be used in a variety of circumstances such as a home, commercial facilities and health care facilities.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a patient support portion supported by the frame. The patient support portion includes a storage area configured to receive a light assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting system for furniture, in this case a bed fabricated of PVC pipe, which combines bedpost-mounted halogen illumination and under-bed electroluminescent illumination. The arrangement of the low-voltage lamps within the bed frame itself provides sufficient ambient lighting for the whole bedroom. This eliminates the need for other bedroom lighting such as table lamps or floor lamps, therefore conserving space. The touch switch feature makes turning on the lights extraordinarily convenient by allowing for operation while still in bed, by locating the touch pads on or near the headboard within easy reach. The dimmer feature adjusts the intensity of the lights for appropriate atmosphere and easy wake up lighting as opposed to typical harsh lighting first thing in the morning. Under lighting provides sufficient non-intrusive late-night visibility without interrupting sleep, in addition to the aesthetically pleasing “floating” appearance of the bed itself.

Abstract: Tanning can be effected much more safely if radiation limited to the range between 330 nm and 360 nm is used for tanning human skin. Other wavelengths, which may tend to induce MMPs, promote erythema, and/or cause DNA damage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting system for furniture, in this case a bed fabricated of PVC pipe, which combines bedpost-mounted halogen illumination and under-bed electroluminescent illumination. The arrangement of the low-voltage lamps within the bed frame itself provides sufficient ambient lighting for the whole bedroom. This eliminates the need for other bedroom lighting such as table lamps or floor lamps, therefore conserving space. The touch switch feature makes turning on the lights extraordinarily convenient by allowing for operation while still in bed, by locating the touch pads on or near the headboard within easy reach. The dimmer feature adjusts the intensity of the lights for appropriate atmosphere and easy wake up lighting as opposed to typical harsh lighting first thing in the morning. Under lighting provides sufficient non-intrusive late-night visibility without interrupting sleep, in addition to the aesthetically pleasing “floating” appearance of the bed itself.

Abstract: A canopy assembly is provided for use over a hospital bed in a health care environment. The canopy assembly includes an elongated housing which is preferably a unitary molded plastic shell. The housing has a straight first end for abutting a wall adjacent a head of the bed and has a rounded second end over the foot of the bed. The housing has a rectangular shaped interior opening disposed therein within which is received a rectangular shaped light box having a backlit translucent scenic panel thereon. The housing includes a semi-circular shaped opening within which is received an air diffuser which is connected to an HVAC system in the ceiling of the room. The housing includes a horseshoe shaped interior panel having a plurality of circular openings defined therein within which are received a plurality of task lights.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus which includes a filter unit that is coupled to a light generating unit. The light generating unit includes a plurality of light sources and an electrical control board which can regulate and control the power applied to the light sources so as to affect the wattage output of the light sources. The filter unit includes housing which contains a filter slide that is movable within the housing. The filter slide includes a plurality of filter elements and apertures which separate adjacent filter elements. The filter slide is movable between a first position in which light produced by the light generating unit passes through the apertures in the filter slide and a second position in light produced by the light generating unit passes through the filter elements in the filter slide.

Abstract: A fiber optic illuminated starlight scene on a headboard. By using a plurality of optical fibers (22) lighted by an illuminator (20) and the optical fiber/visible end (16) are positioned flush with front panel (12) decorative scene (14) a realistic rendition of a starlight scene is created. The optical fibers/visible ends (16) placement and dispersion in the decorative scene (14) along with the distance and angle of the optical fibers (22) to the illuminator makes each individual optical fiber/visible end (16) appear as starlight.

Abstract: A hospital bed or nursing bed has movable components which can be adjusted by a drive including a plastic casing and an electric motor accommodated in the casing. A control block is operatively connected to the drive and includes a circuit board for the control of the electric motor. In order to realize a night light when the lighting of the room is switched off, without significant modification of the plastic casing, a light source is provided which is connected to an electrically conductive pathway of the circuit board. The light source is suitably disposed inside the casing and directly placed onto the electrically conductive pathway of the circuit board. Juxtaposed to the light source is a luminescent rod or light-conducting rod penetrating a wall or lid of the casing for transmitting light rays radiating from the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating an infant includes a frame for supporting the infant, and a source of radiation positioned below the frame and the infant. The frame includes a fully transparent section for allowing the radiation to pass therethrough to the infant.

Abstract: An improved bed-lighting mechanism having a headboard (10) and footboard (11) attached perpendicular to left (12) and right (13) side rails which have left (20) and right (21) cable guards attached beneath and parallel to them, respectively. Four-foot (14A and 14B) and six-foot (17A and 17B) bedposts sandwich four-foot (15) and six-foot (18) fluorescent-light tubes and are attached perpendicular to the corner joint formed by the headboard (10) and footboard (11) to the left (12) and right (13) side rails. End caps (16 and 19) sit atop and below the bedposts (14A, 14B, 17A, and 17B). The fluorescent-light tubes (15 and 18) are encased by protective plastic sheaths (54). A ballast and switch box (55) houses a ballast (25) that powers the two, four-foot fluorescent-light tubes (15) and a ballast (26) that powers the two, six-foot fluorescent-light tubes (18).

Abstract: Canopy apparatus for use with a bed, for creating the visual impression of a star-lit sky. In a preferred embodiment, the canopy comprises a frame suspendable above a bed, at least one light fixture disposed within the frame for generating light, and a screen having a plurality of openings formed therein suspended by the frame beneath the light fixture. Light passing from the fixture through the openings creates the appearance of a plurality of stars and a moon for the user reclining on a bed beneath the canopy.

Abstract: In an operating lamp device comprising a light source a guiding apparatus for the light source is provided which has a stationary position relative to the operating table or treatment chair for directing a light beam towards a certain treatment area and keeping it there. The guiding apparatus offers the light source a spherical cap-shaped area of movement of which the center of curvature coincides with the respective treatment area of a patient. The guiding apparatus might be attached to a movable back support or neck support, but might also be attached to a carrier not mechanically coupled to the operating table or treatment chair. In the latter case control signals generate a motion of the carrier in correspondence with a motion of the operating table or treatment chair.

Abstract: A crib light is provided having front and rear housing portions which cooperate to clamp the light to a horizontal rail of a crib. The rear housing portion may be removed to permit the front housing portion to be mounted flush to a vertical wall surface. In addition, a lens cover is provided adjacent to a light emitting aperture of the front housing portion for controlling the brightness of light emitted and a control circuit is further provided for automatically shutting the light off after a predetermined interval of time.

Abstract: A timed bedside night-light combination is disclosed that turns on a bedside lamp when a person steps on a mat adjacent the bed and turns on a timer when the person steps off of the mat. The timer turns off the lamp after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An article of transportable furniture is provided including a generally planar platform portion and a base portion for supporting the platform portion. The base portion includes a plurality of interengaged glass blocks and a frame for enclosing the glass blocks. A light source is disposed within the base portion for providing illumination through the glass blocks.

Abstract: A bed lighting apparatus is set forth wherein at least one, elongate elastomeric pad switch member is arranged between a mattress and box spring of an associated bed. Upon an individual arising from the bed, contact is made within the switch to illuminate a series of lights of conventional configuration, or alternatively LED lighting may be utilized. A manual over-ride switch is also utilized.

Abstract: One or more horizontally disposed, vertically spaced raceways have passageways for medical gases and electrical wiring which may communicate with a vertical chase at the ends of the raceways which contain conduits for such gases and wiring. The gases are piped inside a compartment at the top of the raceway and then by branch pipes to outlets on the front or the bottom of the raceway. Wiring of different voltages are contained in vertically spaced passageways in the back of the raceway and are electrically connected to socket outlets at convenient intervals on the front. Vertical separators isolate the various voltage wires from each other. Detachable covers provide access to the various compartments. Rails are formed on the exterior so that auxiliary eqipment may be clamped thereto at desired intervals.

Abstract: A safety control system for an electrically operated hospital bed utilizes a wireless disconnect signal from an above mounted safety light to an outlet below which supplies electrical power to the bed, thereby to interrupt power to the outlet upon the detection of physical contact with the safety light, as perhaps caused by an IV pole raising with the bed. In a preferred embodiment, a two-way transmission path is utilized to verify no blockage of the line of sight transmission path between the outlet and the light, with power to the outlet being disconnected upon contact with the light or blockage of the line of sight path.

Abstract: A radiation arrangement provides heat to a bed surface for accommodating a patient thereon. Heat sources are arranged at a spatial distance above the bed surface in such a way that uniform radiant warming of the bed surface is obtained and that sides of the bed surface are maintained clear of radiation to facilitate access by persons attending the patient so that these attending persons are not subjected to the radiant heat especially in the region of the head. The arrangement includes small-surface heat radiators which are located and spaced vertically above the corner points of a polygon border enclosing the bed surface.

Abstract: The housing for the fixture is mounted on a wall over the patient's bed. The housing accommodates a first non-rotatable fixture which directs light from fluorescent tubes downward through a conventional flat prismatic lens. There is also a longitudinally extending lens mounted within the outline of the housing and rotatable by means of handles at either end so that light from a second set of fluorescent tubes may be adjusted to function as a reading lamp for the patient, as an examining light at different locations of the patient's body and as a room illumination source, the intensity of room illumination being adjustable. A safety switch is moved to "off" position when the housing is struck by an object such as an IV rod fixed to an adjustable bed to stop the motor which moves the bed.

Abstract: A bed employed for use in light bathing. The bed comprises a transparent cloth stretched thereon and optical conductors arranged on the underside of the cloth. The optical conductors are arranged in such a manner that the light rays transmitted therethrough are radiated outside of the optical conductors and pass through the transparent cloth.

Abstract: A water bed illuminator in which the bed includes a rectangular box-like base having a longitudinally extending central support wall spaced equidistantly from each opposite side wall, and three laterally extending support walls spaced apart equidistantly between each opposite end wall, to form six separate compartments. A light fixture is placed in the center of each compartment, connected to an electric power source by an insulated conductor, with an electric switch connected therein to turn the lights on and off. A mattress box is positioned on the base, having a floor in which six holes are cut at locations which are in registration with respective ones of the light fixtures. The waterbed mattress comprises a transparent or translucent water tight rectangular container which forms a mattress when filled with water. When placed in the mattress box and the light fixtures are turned on, the mattress becomes illuminated.

Abstract: A bed reading lamp, particularly for hospital rooms, includes a lamp housing attachable to a wall of a room, the lamp housing including at least one cover which closes a light outlet opening provided in the lower area of the housing and which is translucent and serves to guide the light. The cover includes a lower first portion having an inclined part and a horizontal part and a second portion connected to the first portion. The inclined part and the second portion have prismatic profiles on their sides facing the lamp. The height of the prismatic profiles of the inclined part of the first portion decreases toward the horizontal part of the first portion. The cover provides a light distribution which ensures that neither the person lying in the bed provided with the lamp nor a person in a bed on an opposite wall will be blinded by the light of the lamp.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for defining personalized environments for nursing homes are provided, which supply safety, comfort, control, and sense of personal ownership for aging people occupying the nursing home. A plurality of wall panels distinct from the nursing home permanent walls define a room environment, and utilize a bed assembly as the focal point with a plurality of miscellaneous clothing and article supporting and enclosing structures. The bed is integrated with the wall panels and miscellaneous structures so that the bed does not detract from the functioning of the structures, and all miscellaneous structures are supported on the wall panel so that they are spaced from the ground at least a distance sufficient to provide clearance for the toeboards of wheelchairs. The corners of all miscellaneous structures and the bed assembly are rounded, and sufficient clearance is provided between the bed assembly and any miscellaneous structures along both sides and the foot of the bed assembly.

Abstract: A safety device for a crib which provides an indicating light or alarm to alert a person to the fact that the crib gate is in a down position, to prevent the leaving of a child in a crib with the gate down and to insure that the crib gate is up and locked whenever the supervising person leaves the area or room. The device includes an illumination element and/or audible beeper having a switch that engages a structural portion of the crib gate when the gate is in a down position. The device may be readily installed on a conventional crib and may also provide subdued background lighting to allow observation of a child in the crib without disturbing the infant in the crib.