Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of Sleep Apnea events and Hypopnea episodes wherein one embodiment comprises a wearable, belt like apparatus containing a microphone and a plethysmograph. The microphone and plethysmograph generate signals that are representative of physiological aspects of respiration, and the signals are transferred to an imbedded computer. The embedded computer extracts the sound of breathing and the sound of the heart beat by Digital Signal Processing techniques. The embedded computer has elements for determining when respiration parameters falls out of defined boundaries for said respiration parameters. This exemplary method provides real-time detection of the onset of a Sleep Apnea event or Hypopnea episode and supplies stimulation signals upon the determination of a Sleep Apnea event or Hypopnea episode to initiate an inhalation. In one embodiment, the stimulus is applied to the patient by a cutaneous rumble effects actuator and/or audio effects broadcasting.

Abstract: A bed has a frame and a mattress support. The mattress support is suspended from the bed frame by a plurality of elastic supports. The mattress support can move in a downward direction when weight is applied to the mattress support.

Abstract: A tractor bed system for allowing a driver to sleep while another driver drives a tractor includes the present invention meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a base being coupled to a floor of a sleeper cab. A frame is attached to the base and is positioned in a spaced relationship above the base. The frame receives a mattress and is configured to support a person in a prone position when the person is sleeping. A plurality of shock absorbers is coupled between the base and the frame. Each of the shock absorbers absorbs shocks passing from the base to the frame to inhibit disturbing the person on the mattress when the tractor is traveling over a rough surface.

Abstract: A vibration isolation arrangement, for example for supporting a stretcher in an ambulance, comprises a lever (16) which extends between a base structure (6) and a support frame (4). The lever (16) can pivot about a fulcrum (30) and is acted upon by a spring (28). The fulcrum (30) is displaceable by an actuator (32) along a guide (34). Such displacement not only varies the stress of the spring (28), but also alters the moment arm (h) between the spring (28) and the fulcrum (30). When raising the support frame (4) to a predetermined level, the mechanism automatically adapts to the load on the support frame (4) to provide a constant natural frequency for the system, regardless of the weight of the patent being carried.

Abstract: A novel bed having a horizontal support frame affixed to a plurality of vertical legs and providing a stretchable mat made of a porous support surface which may be subjected to selected tension by a plurality of springs and spring adjustment bars whereby to selectively adjust the sag resistance of the support surface to the user's various body portions. The stretchable mat of the present invention is readily removed for washing and reinstalled by simply releasing the tension on the springs. The stretchable mat is of a porous nature which allows the body surfaces in contact with the mat to "breathe" and which also allows liquids to pass through the mat whereby to provide a means for avoiding unnecessary discomfort to an incontinent user or patient.

Abstract: A suspension system for a bed or bunk which is to rest on a substantially horizontally oriented deck and is particularly adapted for the sleeper compartments of large truck cabs and which substantially reduce the amplitude of vibrations and other disruptive movements of the truck. The system includes a lower support frame which is adapted to be on the deck. An upper support frame for supporting a mattress is positioned above the lower support frame. The two frames are interconnected by at least two torsion spring members wherein the upper support frame is free to move up and down relative to the lower support frame under the influence of the spring action of the torsion spring members. The spring action dampens the transmission of up and down movements from the truck to the upper support frame and the mattress positioned thereon.

Abstract: The bed frame of a sofa-bed is resiliently supported within the sofa frame by spring suspension assemblies on each side of the frame. Each spring suspension assembly includes a first mounting bracket attached to the sofa frame, a second mounting bracket attached to the bed frame, and a resilient support between the first and second mounting brackets.