Abstract: A variable motion rocking bed is provided that includes a first support structure having a first set of pins, a second support structure having a second set of pins, and a frame, the frame capable of being in a rocking motion with respect to the first support structure and the second support structure. The rocking bed further includes a first pair of linkage assemblies secured between the first support structure and the frame, a second pair of linkage assemblies secured between the second support structure and the frame and at least one adjusting mechanism coupled to each of the first pair of linkage assemblies and to each of the second pair of linkage assemblies.

Abstract: An infant swing comprising a seat, at least one upwardly extending arm secured to the seat, and a pivot housing having an axle for rotating the at least one upwardly extending arm. A support frame supports the pivot housing and enables the seat to rotate freely about the pivot housing. A drive assembly housed within the pivot housing includes the axle which is rotatably mounted in the pivot housing and coupled to the upwardly extending arm, an abutting member fixedly secured to the axle, at least one drive member pivotally mounted on the axle, and a motor driving a circular gear. A rod eccentrically mounted on the gear drives a first portion of the drive member, which in turn causes a second portion of the drive member to drive the abutting member to rotate the axle and upwardly extending arm.

Abstract: A swing apparatus comprises a support stand, a swing supported with respect to the support stand to oscillate back and forth along a swing arc about a pivot axis, and a drive assembly that operates to oscillate the swing. Various components of the drive assembly are coupled to the swing to oscillate therewith about the pivot axis. The drive assembly has a pair of drive members that periodically engage portions of the support stand resulting in forces being imparted on the swing to move the swing.

Abstract: A variable motion rocking bed is provided that includes a first support structure including a first threaded rod having a first section threaded in a first direction and a second section threaded in a second direction, a second support structure including a second threaded rod having a first section threaded in a first direction and a second section threaded in a second direction, and a frame, the frame capable of being in a rocking motion with respect to the first support structure and the second support structure. The rocking bed further includes a first pair of linkage assemblies secured between the first support structure and the frame, and a second pair of linkage assemblies secured between the second support structure and the frame.

Abstract: A swing device includes a seat member, a pair of swing arms that are connected to the seat member, and a driving unit including an axle that is secured to one of the swing arms, a swingable member that is secured to the axle, a pair of studs that project from the swingable member, and a driving element including a driving rod that has a bent middle segment and two opposite bent end segments, each of which extends from the middle segment in a first direction away from the middle segment, passes over a respective one of the studs, and then turns in a second direction toward the respective one of the studs, and each of which has a free end portion that is disposed adjacent to and that is engageable with the respective one of the studs.

Abstract: A rocker includes a basket pivotally mounted to the crib that has a mattress laying horizontally therein and covering an entire bottom thereof. First and second brackets couple to an outer surface of the basket and are located at axially opposed ends thereof. First and second pairs of anchor arms have proximal ends connected to the brackets. The anchor arms have axially opposed distal ends spanning away from the basket and terminating adjacent to a frame of the crib. The arms are telescopically adjustable along a longitudinal length thereof and each of the arms are independently articulated. A plurality of support levers are conjoined to a top edge of the crib and are connected to the distal ends of the arms. The device includes a mechanism for oscillating the basket and a mechanism for automatically playing back an audio file while the basket is oscillating.

Abstract: A crib mattress bouncing device includes a lever having a pivot structure for releasably engaging a mattress support frame at a first end of the lever. A clamping structure intermediate the ends of the lever structure engages a tensioned wire or like structure in a mattress support. Displacing the second end of the lever in a first direction deflects the attached and surrounding portions of the mattress support and mattress in a first direction. Releasing a force on the second end allows the mattress support to return to its original position. Repeated actuation of the second end of the lever structure produces a gentle bouncing motion of the mattress.

Abstract: An infant rocking apparatus comprises an infant support and lifters that rock the infant support from side to side. In illustrative embodiments, the infant support has a trough in which an infant is received. A number of different types of lifters and orientations of the lifters are disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation bed is disclosed to include a bed frame, which is equipped with a plurality of permanent magnet arrays, a first cam-fitting mechanism, and a second cam-fitting mechanism, and a base, which is equipped with a power control box controllable by a remote controller, a plurality of electromagnet arrays arranged corresponding to the permanent magnet arrays and controllable by the control box to attract and repulse the permanent magnet arrays, a first low-speed motor controllable by the power control box to turn a first cam relative to the first cam-fitting mechanism and to further cause the bed frame to oscillate in transverse direction, a second low-speed motor controllable by the power control box to turn a second cam relative to the second cam-fitting mechanism and to further cause the bed frame to oscillate in longitudinal direction, and sensors for detecting oscillation of the bed frame and providing a signal indicative of the position change of the bed frame to a microprocessor for enabl

Abstract: A device for controlling the amplitude of a swinging body. The device accurately controls the drive thereof in response to the load the swinging body carries even if it carries infants of different weights.

Abstract: An infant's swing is disclosed. The swing is driven by an electric power to automatically operate the swing. The frame is A-shaped in a side view, and a pair of oscillation shafts are secured to a pair of securing bars respectively, the securing bars being installed in the peak portions of the frame 12 respectively. A pair of magnet boxes are provided to contain a pair of securing bars and a pair of electromagnets in each of them, and an oscillator is disposed between each pair of the electromagnets. An electric power is supplied alternately to the electromagnets to alternately magnetize them, thereby making the oscillators swing leftward and rightward.

Abstract: A toy for use by an infant in which the infant may set a top, suspended in pendulum fashion to a base, into motion. The top and base are joined by pendulum arms that cause a reciprocating gliding mechanism that is generally in the horizontal plane. The infant is positioned such that the infant may kick a pad joined to the fixed location base, initiating a force which propels the top to move back and forth providing entertainment and motor skills development.

Abstract: A swing device includes a swingable member secured to an axle and having two opposing side portions and a pair of opposing abutting studs projecting respectively from the opposing side portions in an axial direction relative to the axle. A driving element is mounted rotatably on the axle, and has a pushing part with two pushing arms extending oppositely in a transverse direction relative to the axle. The pushing arms are disposed above and in sliding contact with the abutting studs of the swingable member in such a manner that swinging of the driving element about a rotating axis results in alternate pushing of the abutting studs by the pushing arms.

Abstract: A method of performing cardiac surgery on a patient's heart, including covering a patient with an inflatable blanket for a forced air convection system, the inflatable blanket having at least one separable seal line within the blanket. The separable seal line may be separated to form a slit. A patient's femoral artery is accessed through the slit, and an elongate medical instrument is passed through the slit, and through the femoral artery toward the patient's heart. Cardiac surgery is performed with the elongate medical instrument, and the elongate medical instrument is withdrawn from the femoral artery through the slit.

Abstract: A cradle is provided having a connector coupling a base frame to a bed frame. The connector restricts movement of the bed frame relative to the base frame. Additionally, a lock is coupled to the connector for fixing movement of the bed frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: An improved oscillatory device for a collapsible playpen includes for oscillatory devices respectively engaged the receiving space of four lower corner members of a collapsible playpen. The improved oscillatory devices each has a hollow interior base seat, a pedal member, an elastic resistance member and a suspending member sequentially disposed into the base seat and rotatably secured by axial pins respectively, an inverse U-shaped suspending rod and a compressed spring suspending the oscillatory device into the lower corner member. Thereby tread an extension of the base seat and simultaneously lift up the playpen to lead the suspending member moving upward. The playpen is able to oscillated steadfastly.

Abstract: A cradle is provided having a connector coupling a base frame to a bed frame. The connector restricts movement of the bed frame relative to the base frame. Additionally, a lock is coupled to the connector for fixing movement of the bed frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A device for confining an animal such as a dog is disclosed. The device consists of a plurality of sides, an unstable support element attached to each of the plurality of sides and a plurality of couplers for coupling each of the plurality of sides. The couplers allow relative movement of the sides such that pressing against one of the plurality of sides produces movement that discourages contact with the plurality of sides. If a dog contained in the device attempts to escape by scaling a side of the device, the relative movement of the plurality of sides will startle the dog. Consequently, the dog immediately moves away from the side and within minutes typically abandons any attempt to escape.

Abstract: A portable double level cradle rocking bassinet including a standard bassinet onto which is formed lower fixed rockers and also formed elongated foldout rockers. The bassinet has a frame portion to which are attached the lower fixed rockers on either end of the frame portion. When the bassinet is to be rocked, the individual simply unfolds the bassinet to the open condition, places the baby in the frame portion and then rocks the bassinet back and forth on the lower fixed rockers at a ground level. The bassinet also has foldout rockers which can be unfolded to the extended condition, so that the bassinet can be rocked back and forth at a bed or chair level. The foldout rockers can be stored by folding upwardly against the underside of the frame portion and are retained thereto by mating fasteners.

Abstract: An infant seat assembly is made up of a resilient frame with a leg rest portion designed to support a displacement mechanism which will either impart a shaking or bouncing motion to the frame; and, when a baby is placed in the seat assembly, the frequency of vibration imparted to the frame can be selectively tuned to be in harmony with the natural frequency of vibration of the frame when an infant is placed in the seat assembly.

Abstract: An infant rocking apparatus comprises an infant support and lifters that rock the infant support from side to side. In illustrative embodiments, the infant support has a trough in which an infant is received. A number of different types of lifters and orientations of the lifters are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel and improved form of displacement mechanism has been devised for an infant bouncer seat of the type having a resilient frame with a base support located directly beneath the seat proper, the displacement mechanism mounted on the base portion and including a variable speed motor drive which operates through a speed reduction mechanism into a crank arm at one end of a lift arm which is pivotal in response to activation of the motor drive to impart vertical reciprocal motion to the base. The motor speed is adjusted to tune the frequency of reciprocal motion of the base to the natural frequency of the seat for a particular weight baby, and the connection of the lift arm to the base can be adjusted to vary the amplitude of reciprocal motion of the lift arm and the base.

Abstract: A swing assembly suitable for children ages new borne through 12 months has a seat member that surrounds the child, and a disk-shaped base with support legs extending upwardly therefrom. The width of the base exceeds the vertical extent of the swing assembly making it extremely stable. The base includes a stationary base that supports a rotational base to permit turning throughout 360° about a vertical axis. The swing may be oscillated by manual and/or mechanized members. The dimensions of the swing are such that it can be easily maneuvered around, moved about and transported to other locations.

Abstract: A kennel system for confining domestic dogs consisting of four panel members (FIG. 5A) attached through a spring biasing element (FIG. 8) is presented. Each panel member consists of a first and second vertical corner post attached to upper and lower horizontal members. Each horizontal member contains a behavioral modification element (FIG. 4) for allowing each panel member to balance about a point. Consequently, when the contained animal brushes against the panels, they oscillate. This oscillatory motion startles the animal causing it to move away from the panels and towards the center of the kennel, thus, reinforcing desired behavior. Since the kennel system works in conjunction with the dog's natural instinct to move away from unstable objects, the top of the kennel is eliminated and the panels are lowered to allow for human interaction with the animal while it is confined.

Abstract: A device for reciprocating a bed or cradle on supporting rods has a driving pulley (1) on a rotational first axle (50) of a driving motor (M) and a first decelerating pulley (2) on a second axle (23). The first decelerating pulley is connected to the driving pulley (1) by a first belt (7A). A first small pulley (3) on the second axle (9A) is connected to a second decelerating pulley (4) on a third axle (9B) by a second belt (7B). A second small pulley (5) on the third axle (9B) is connected to a third decelerating pulley (6) on a driving axle (8) by a third belt (7C). A disk (11) axially on the driving axle (8) has an eccentric axle (12) thereon. An idle cap (13) on the eccentric axle (12) for rotation has springs (14 and 14a) on opposite sides thereof. Supporting rods (16) are respectively connected to the springs (14 and 14a) for being moved back and forth or from side to side by tension of the springs (14 and 14a) as the rotational disk (11) is rotating.

Abstract: A playyard system adapted to be used in a conventional fixed mode or as a rocker including a playyard in a generally rectilinear configuration.

Abstract: A motion controlled cradle including a rocking assembly adapted to rock the cradle upon the receipt of an activation signal. Further provided is an motion sensor adapted to transmit a motion signal upon the detection of motion of the small child within the cradle. Next provided is a mechanism for transmitting an activation signal to the rocking assembly upon the receipt of the motion signal. Finally, a tape player is connected to the means. The tape player is adapted to play a tape upon the receipt of the activation signal.

Abstract: An adjustable bed, suitable for use from infancy to adulthood includes a bed frame body having pivoting end panels and a height adjustable base. In one adjusted position, with the end panels pivoted to near vertical and the height adjustable base fully raised, the bed is swingable like a cradle, with the bed frame body swingably suspended from the height adjustable base. By lowering the height adjustable base, the near vertical end panels contact the floor, and the bed is useful as a playpen for an infant or a chair for an adult. By pivoting the end panels to intermediate or horizontal positions, the bed becomes useful as a lounge chair or as a bed for a child. With the height adjustable base at its lowest, and the end panels pivoted to horizontal positions, the bed may be used as a rigid support for an adult mattress.

Abstract: A rockable crib including a crib structure and a rocking support system for supporting the crib structure on a floor in a rockable manner. The crib structure includes a resting platform and a plurality of legs coupled to the resting platform. The rocking support system includes a rocking support for each leg of the crib structure. Each rocking support includes a base resting on the floor, a swing pivotally mounted to the base to pivot relative thereto in a substantially horizontal plane, and a crib-support coupling component which couples one of the legs of the crib structure to the swing.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing relaxation or sleep in infants including a base, a platform mounted on the base such that the platform is movable with at least three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the base, a child retainer provided on the platform, a device for moving the platform in the at least three degrees of freedom of motion and a driving source for driving the device for moving the platform in the at least three degrees of freedom of motion.

Abstract: A power supervised emergency warning device provides a shaking motion to a piece of furniture coupled thereto upon receipt of an electronic actuating signal from an external closed contact type device. A backup battery provides power to the device in the case of a main power outage. External warning devices may be coupled to the device which are activated upon receipt by the device of the actuating signal. Additional external device hook-ups are provided as well as the ability to be coupled to auxiliary modules. The auxiliary modules accept actuating signals from additional external closed contact type devices to produce shaking. Additional indication devices may also be coupled thereto. Additional auxiliary modules may also be chained thereto.

Abstract: An improved bed frame including a rectangular frame supported in a substantially horizontal disposition by a plurality of leaf springs connected thereto and by a axle rotably connected to the leaf springs and supported by two inflatable and elastic envelopes mounted at each end of the axle. A plurality of coil springs are attached to the rectangular frame laterally of the axle to provide additional elastic support of the rectangular frame at the periphery thereof. A plurality of rigid stop members are connected to the rectangular frame laterally of the axle to limit the downward movement of the rectangular frame. An inclined platform is connected to the rectangular frame for supporting a mattress and box spring ensemble.

Abstract: A foldable cradle frame including a front foot, a rear foot, and an upper rod that are interconnected by common connecting bodies. The rear foot and the upper rod are pivotally connected to the connecting members and are rotatable through respective openings in the connecting members toward the front foot. Accordingly, the entire structure may be folded to provide a relatively compact structure. The rear foot is compressible along its axial length via an intermediate spring, to contribute to a rocking motion of the cradle. In addition, the cradle frame includes a U-shaped tubular member pivotally coupled to the front foot for receiving a portion of a cradle seat that is adapted to be fitted therewith.

Abstract: A shaker for cots, strollers and baby carriages has a clamping unit, a reciprocating unit, a crank unit and a power unit. The clamping unit connects the reciprocating unit via a lever. The reciprocating unit has a reciprocating rod and a rod sleeve. The rear portion of the reciprocating rod is positioned in the rod sleeve adjustably. The crank unit has a front link which connects the rod sleeve and a rear link which connects a motor.

Abstract: A rocking cradle is provided which allows for a hanging cradle contained within a supporting frame to be aided in its cyclical transverse displacement by magnetic attraction and repelling forces. Central magnets are mounted on the hanging cradle and are attracted and repelled by a pair of magnets mounted on the supporting frame with one of the magnets being fixed to the supporting frame and the other magnet being rotatively displaceable with respect to the first magnet. Transverse displacement of the hanging cradle causes pivoting of one of the magnets on the supporting frame which then allows a repelling force from the stationary magnet to act against the magnets mounted on the hanging cradle to displace the hanging cradle away from the magnets on the supporting frame.

Abstract: An infant entertainment and development device (10) is disclosed which in its preferred embodiment includes a sliding inclined bed (11) which has a stationary perpendicularly disposed kick board (25) positioned at the lower foot end of the bed (11). The infant (1) is secured to the inclined carriage bed (11) using traps (19) attached to a cushion (18) which is in turn attached to the upper surface (12a) of the bed (11). The carriage bed (11) is slidably secured to a main frame (22) which includes an inclined base board (23). The carriage bed (11) is attached to the base board (23) using ball bearings (24). The inclined base board (23) is supported by a main frame incline support (29) which can be of adjustable height to adjust the angle of incline of the sliding carriage bed (11). A positive reinforcement sensory signal generator (30) is attached between the carriage bed (11) and the base board ( 23).

Abstract: An infant environmental transition system and method provides an infant with a controlled, healthy transistion from an intrauterine environment to the extrauterine environment, and includes a housing within which the infant is supported by a soft, form-fitting bed. Environmental conditions provided within the housing include simulated motions, sounds and tactile sensations resembling the intrauterine environment. A suspension and drive system controls the degree of movement imparted to the housing and to an infant supported therein. The resulting motion closely approximates the motion experienced by the fetus while the mother is walking. The sound profile simulates intrauterine cardiovascular and gastrointestinal sounds. The system simulates day and night variations in motions and sounds, integrates changes to the environment over time toward the natural extrauterine environment, and may respond to infant activity or other inputs at various intervals.

Abstract: A glide rocker is provided and consists of a piece of furniture to accommodate at least one person thereon and a rocker base having a mechanism for moving the piece of furniture back and forth with respect to the floor.

Abstract: A crib assembly includes a rocking assembly which rocks the crib mattress either up and down in a vertical plane or side to side in a horizontal plane. The rocking assembly can be either manually activated or automatically activated if the child cries out. The rocking assembly will shut off after a preset time interval, but can be reactivated if the child is still crying at the end of that preset interval. However, if the rocking assembly is reactivated, an alarm circuit is activated by the second activation of the rocking assembly, and this alarm circuit will alert an adult that one rocking cycle was unsuccessful in helping the child to return to sleep.

Abstract: An oscillatory bed for a person operates to shift the person's weight in order to eliminate problems associated with convalescence. The bed has a main support frame which receives a cradle frame that is pivotally driven through a cycle about a pivot axis between opposite angular orientations. The cradle frame has side rails, and a support panel has longitudinal side edges fastened along the side rails so that it depends downwardly in an arcuate curvature therebetween. The support panel is constructed of a deformable sheet of stiff, resilient material so that the portion thereof that underlies the person during shifting remains somewhat flat as weight is shifted between the right and left sides of the body. The cradle frame is preferably mounted by trunnions, and a drive wheel is connected to one of the trunnions to be driven by a reversible motor though a gear box and, if desired, a clutch. Limit switches reverse the motor and back-up limit switches are used.

Abstract: A device for imparting an orbital and oscillation motion to a wheeled carriage, a cot, or the like, for soothing a baby; the device comprises a housing having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is provided with molded concave sections adapted to receive the wheels of the carriage, cot or the like, and the lower section is provided on a substantially flat surface. Within the housing, a drive is positioned to provide relative movement between the sections.

Abstract: Unique crib or bed structure designed and constructed to combat and overcome sudden infant death syndrome by effecting an external and intermittent jarring stimulus to weak, slow and undeveloped body functions in accordance with the age and respiratory rate of an infant or other body reclining upon the crib or bed. In its preferred form in order to effect this intermittent jarring stimulus to a body reclining upon the crib or bed, an electronically controlled cam is positioned beneath the mattress supporting structure of the crib or bed intermittently when rotated to strike the underside of the mattress supporting structure, thereby jarring it in a manner effecting intermittent cycles of upward and downward motions of the mattress supporting structure and a mattress supported thereon, with a momentary pause or rest period between each cycle of cam rotation at which time the cam is completely out of contact with the mattress supporting structure.

Abstract: A therapeutic infant bed primarily intended for hospital use in the treatment and prevention of infant apnea. The bed comprises a hammock-forming sheet of material having one surface thereof covered with a soft tactile material. The hammock-forming sheet of material includes means for attaching a sonic device for generating audible sounds and mechanical vibrational impulses simulating a human heartbeat thereto and for causing the audible sounds and mechanical vibrational impulses to be transmitted through the sheet and the support structure to an infant disposed in the bed. A support structure is provided which has raised, spaced end members defining an open space therebetween. The hammock-forming sheet of material is horizontally suspended between the end members with the one surface facing up between the end members, within the open space, and above a surface upon which the support structure is sitting to form a hammock having spaced head and foot ends and spaced sides between which an infant can be placed.

Abstract: On the fixed stand (1) of a piece of reclining furniture, a pendulum frame (2) is suspended in a freely oscillating manner via several tension members (52). Supporting elements (51) of the pendulum frame (2) project into the box-shaped bases (3) of the stand, which supporting elements (51) can be combined there with an amplitude limitation (54) on the one side and with a damping device (56, 57) on the other side.

Abstract: A rocking platform for wheelchairs includes a platform pivotally attached to a base housing, and sized to hold a standard wheelchair thereon. A retractable ramp on the forward edge of the platform allows a wheelchair to be easily rolled onto the platform. A lock bar with clamping devices on each end is attachable to the sides of the platform forward of the large rear wheels of the wheelchair to further secure the chair. A motor mounted in the housing powers the rocking action of the platform. The platform is easily stored and transported by tipping it up onto casters mounted on the rearward end of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for imparting motion to cradles or the like. Apparatus of the present invention impart gentle and soothing rocking motions to cradles and the like without the need for manual rocking by the parent or guardian of the child. Various motions may be imparted to the cradle either separately or in combination. The apparatus includes a guide frame pivotally mounted to a support frame for pivotal movement about a central longitudinal axis of the guide frame. The guide frame defines a longitudinal guide path therealong. A platform is supported by the guide frame for movement along the guide path. Means mounted to the support frame are provided for moving the platform back and forth along the guide path. Means mounted to the support frame for pivoting said guide frame about a central longitudinal axis are also provided.

Abstract: A swinging mechanism for maintaining pendular movement in a swing. A revolving plate is provided which engages a propulsion member on the swing so as to apply torque to the swing during part of the swing cycle, maintaining pendular movement of the swing despite energy loses due to air friction and the like. Switches are provided to activate rotation of the revolving plate when the swing has reached a rear position, and to continue movement of the revolving plate to return it to a neutral or original position in preparation for the next cycle of the swing movement.

Abstract: A baby is oscillated to sleep by placing it in a carrier and pivoting the carrier in oscillation about a horizontal axis adjacent the foot end of the carrier by means of a rotating cam which provides a special predetermined motion that is effective to induce the baby to sleep. The carrier is removably mounted on a carrier support which is pivoted to an underlying base for oscillation about the aforementioned axis to impart similar motion to the carrier. The can and its drive means is mounted on the base and enclosed together with the base by the carrier support. In the preferred embodiment, wheels are mounted to the base to allow the apparatus to be moved back and forth over a ground surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for the prevention of bedsores on invalids confined to bed, in which the bed can be tilted toward either side for shifting the weight distribution of a patient to promote circulation of the blood and thereby prevent the development of bedsores. A reversible motor drives a ball nut through a worm screw so that motion of the ball nut in one direction raises one side of the bed frame, and motion in an opposite direction raises the opposite side of the bed frame.

Abstract: A rocker-recliner chair adapted to rock or pivot between a forward stable position in which the occupant's head is higher than his feet and a rearward unstable position in which his feet are higher than his head, or any intermediate unstable position under the control of the occupant. The center of gravity of the chair and the occupant is forward of the pivot axis so that the chair returns by force of gravity to the forward position and drive means and controls therefor are provided so that rocking between said positions is controlled to relatively slow, continuous, smooth movement, and may be varied to suit the occupant.