Abstract: A bed system includes microclimate control capabilities for providing quality sleep experience. The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress, or draw ambient air from the mattress, to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress. Utilizing supply of conditioned air to provide air at desired temperature to the mattress system, or utilizing air suction to drain heat away from the mattress system, can provide precise microclimate control at the mattress, thereby permitting conformable sleep.

Abstract: A bed system includes microclimate control capabilities for providing quality sleep experience. The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress, or draw ambient air from the mattress, to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress. Utilizing supply of conditioned air to provide air at desired temperature to the mattress system, or utilizing air suction to drain heat away from the mattress system, can provide precise microclimate control at the mattress, thereby permitting conformable sleep.

Abstract: A cooling knee pad includes a housing having a base, a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the base, and an upper end defining an interior volume. A pad is affixed to the upper end of the housing. A power supply is operably connected to a cooling mechanism disposed within the interior volume of the housing. The cooling mechanism may include a Peltier cooling unit including a radiator, an electric fan, a water pump, and at least one buck converter. A pair of adjustable fasteners affixed to the housing is configured to secure the housing to a user such that the pad contacts a knee of the user. In this way, the user can kneel on the pad to comfortably support the knee and cool the knee with the cooling mechanism.

Abstract: An air system for a bed can include a layer assembly having a head end, a foot end, and first and second sides, with a head portion near the head end, a foot portion near the foot end, and a middle portion between the head portion and the foot portion, the layer assembly. The layer assembly can have a spacer layer comprising spacer material configured to allow for air flow through the spacer material and a cover comprising a cover top layer and a cover bottom layer. The air system can have a distribution manifold that is substantially fan-shaped with a plurality of ribs defining channels and/or is positioned above the cover bottom layer and under the spacer layer. The air system can have first and second flaps with first and second retention features extending from the head and foot ends of the air layer.

Abstract: An apparatus has a bed with bedding; an air mover; and an air outlet defined by the air mover to direct air into a sleep zone of the bed. A method includes operating an air mover to direct air into a sleep zone defined between a bed and bedding.

Abstract: A personal patient warming apparatus includes a blanket having at least one pneumatic pathway formed therethrough and a plurality of orifices formed through at least one side thereof through which warmed air can exit to warm a patient. The blanket further includes a first portion configured to cover a first appendage of the patient when the blanket is disposed over the patient and a second portion configured to cover a second appendage of the patient when the blanket is disposed over the patient. Both the first portion and the second portion each include at least one tear line configured to form, when torn, an opening in the blanket through which at least one of the patient's appendages and an operating room table appendage board is disposed when disposing the blanket over the patient.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.

Abstract: A sleeping bag has an electronically adjustable interior temperature by using cooled or heated air created by a heat exchanger based on Peltier effect and connected to the sleeping bag by flexible hoses via interfaces in exterior walls of the sleeping bag for directing the cooled or heated air received from heat exchanger into an interior of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A dryer for a bed includes an air blowing device provided at a front portion or a rear portion of a frame and supplying hot air, so that a mattress may be easily dried or articles kept in a drawer may be easily dried.

Abstract: A bed cooling assembly includes a blower unit that is positionable adjacent to a bed for sleeping. A pair of hoses is each of the hoses is fluidly coupled to the blower unit to direct the air blown by the blower unit. A pair of restraints is each removably attachable to a respective one of the hoses to mount the respective hose to the sleeping bed. A pair of exhaust vents is each fluidly coupled to a respective one of the hoses to receive the air from the blower unit. Each of the exhaust vents is positionable between the sleeping bed and a blanket on the sleeping bed to direct the air onto a user sleeping on the sleeping bed thereby cooling the user.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member.

Abstract: Sensor devices and systems for monitoring the basic needs of an infant comprising feeding, sleeping, and/or voiding (urinating and/or defecating) are described herein.

Abstract: A body support cushion is provided with layered foam which receives airflow and allows passage in predefined areas through the body support cushion. Additionally, a cover is provided including a spacer fabric that allows air movement from the body support cushion to improve ventilation of the user of the cushion.

Abstract: A method of controlling a ventilation bed having an airflow control apparatus to selectively deliver a required amount of air supplied from an air conditioning system into a region of a pad divided into a plurality of regions, a switch to select at least a portion among the regions of the pad, an airflow control portion to be rotatable and that regulates a total amount of the air discharged therefrom, includes detecting, by pressure detecting sensors, whether a pressure is applied on the regions of the pad or not, when an automatic mode is selected by a switch, determining a relative pressure ratio value of the regions of the pad, by a control portion, when the pressure is applied on the pad, and regulating the amount of the air delivered into the regions by controlling operation of the airflow control portion in accordance with the pressure ratio of the regions.

Abstract: A distribution system that includes a plenum. The plenum has a top layer, a bottom layer, an open space formed between the top layer and the bottom layer, and one or more ventilation holes within the top layer. The plenum includes a duct extending from one or more of the one or more ventilation holes that couples the plenum to a cushion hole within a cushion so that the plenum and the cushion are in fluid communication.

Abstract: Sensor devices and systems for monitoring the basic needs of an infant comprising feeding, sleeping, and/or voiding (urinating and/or defecating) are described herein.

Abstract: Sensor devices and systems for monitoring the basic needs of an infant comprising feeding, sleeping, and/or voiding (urinating and/or defecating) are described herein.

Abstract: Sensor devices and systems for monitoring the basic needs of an infant comprising feeding, sleeping, and/or voiding (urinating and/or defecating) are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and articles for temperature conditioning a surface. An article is formed from a first layer having a plurality of openings and a second layer having a corresponding plurality of openings. At least one interior chamber constructed and configured to retain a fluid without leaking is defined between an interior surface of the first layer and an interior surface of the second layer. At least one flexible fluid supply line delivers the fluid to the at least one interior chamber. At least one flexible fluid return line removes the fluid from the at least one interior chamber. At least one control unit that is operable to selectively cool or heat the fluid is attached to the at least one flexible fluid supply line and the at least one flexible fluid return line.

Abstract: A system for heating and cooling a passenger seat utilizing a single unit for producing hot and cold conditioned air. The system includes a source of pressurized air, a vortex tube coupled to the source of pressurized air for producing hot and cold air streams, a duct network coupled to the vortex tube through a valve assembly, and a controller controlling passage of the flow of hot and cold air streams through the manifold assembly based on passenger selection. Conditioned air flow can be dispersed into a cushion assembly such as an interior of a spacer mesh component of the cushion assembly.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

Abstract: A support cushion for providing individualized heating and cooling to a user resting on the support cushion is provided. The support cushion includes a body supporting layer and a base layer positioned adjacent to and below the body supporting layer. The base layer defines a cavity with a support insert positioned within the cavity. The support insert includes a bag defining one or more outlet holes positioned adjacent to the body supporting layer and further defining an inlet hole. A fan is operably connected to the inlet hole of the bag to provide air flow into the inlet hole of the bag and out of the one or more outlet holes of the bag. Methods of controlling the surface temperature of a support cushion are also provided.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a turn assist layer which includes left and right side arrays of two or more longitudinally distributed turn assist members. Each array member comprises one or more longitudinally distributed turn assist bladders. At least two of the array members on the left side are longitudinally spaced from each other by a left intermember reach-in space having a left intermember dimension. At least two of the array members on the right side are longitudinally spaced from each other by a right intermember reach-in space having a right intermember dimension. A support layer resides above the turn assist layer. The support layer includes a collapsible zone at least part of which overlies the intermember spaces. The occupant support also includes a user interface for enabling a user to operate the turn assist layer.

Abstract: A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: A topper for a patient support surface includes an actively-cooled region that is positioned to deliver air flow under a specific area to provide localized treatment and/or moisture removal to a patient supported on the topper.

Abstract: Air conditioned mattresses have a core and at least one encasement configured to receive a conditioned flow of air into the encasement and to allow conditioned air to flow out of the encasement to a sleep surface of the mattress. Additional conditioned air conducting layers are provided in combination with the encasement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating tissue with electromagnetic radiation. A handpiece includes a housing and a baffle that divides an interior space of the housing into first and second channels. The housing further includes a first opening and a second opening coupled in fluid communication with the first opening by the first channel. The apparatus further includes a heat-generating element, such as a source of electromagnetic radiation, disposed at least partially in the first channel and an air-moving device coupled with the first channel. The air-moving device is configured to generate a forced flow of cooling air entering at the first opening and exhausted at the second opening. The cooling air receives heat transferred from the heat-generating element, which cools the heat-generating element, and the heated cooling air is exhausted from the second opening in a direction away from the tissue that is being treated with the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A distribution system is adapted for use with a mattress and a personal comfort system with an air conditioning system operable for outputting a conditioned air flow. The distribution system includes at least top and bottom layers of fabric material and a spacer structure disposed between the bottom and top layers. The spacer structure defines an internal volume within the distribution layer and is configured to enable the received conditioned air flow to flow therethrough. This flow of conditioned air has a cooling or heating effect on a body on the mattress.

Abstract: A climate controlled bedding system includes at least one coil spring layer; and an air supply fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid conduits. In some embodiments, a filter is disposed within a flow path of a fluid conduit.

Abstract: The invention comprises of a device that allows health care providers to position the body of a patient for progression of labor, for assistance in fetal resuscitation, and for other medical procedures. The device has inflatable chambers that assist the labor and delivery health care provider in turning a patient onto her right or left side while laying in bed. An inflatable positioning pad is used to further assist with the turning of a patient and/or with the shifting of a patient toward the head or the foot of the bed as needed. This device and method will allow turning to be done frequently, rapidly and safely, especially in pregnant patients with epidurals, that are overweight, or that otherwise have difficulty moving on their own.

Abstract: A cover for a mattress for supporting a patient is adapted to provide a generally smooth top surface over the mattress while still accommodating the movement of portions of the mattress or changes in thickness of the mattress, for example, when turning the patient.

Abstract: Body support systems include central cores having one or more internal air flow guides that form part of each system for pressure redistribution, and withdrawal of heat and moisture away from an uppermost comfort layer or body-supporting layer(s). During operation of the system, heat and/or moisture is directed from the uppermost comfort layer or body-supporting layer(s) into the central core portion of the body support system and out of the body support system. The internal air flow guide(s) are formed of cellular polymer material and are coupled to the uppermost comfort layer to form an air flow path.

Abstract: A climate controlled bedding system includes at least one coil spring layer; and an air supply fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid conduits. In some embodiments, a filter is disposed within a flow path of a fluid conduit.

Abstract: Human skin surface cooling system used in bed during sleep, directing forced room air to an area above a flat mattress and under a top bed sheet, creating a tunnel of cool, moving air. User pre-selects air volume and run time, triggering a preset operating cycle from a remote actuator button. Weight bars isolate cooled bed area from non-cooled area. Optional fragrance and sound systems are provided.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a climate controlled bed or other seating assembly comprises an upper portion or mattress having at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within the fluid distribution member. In some embodiments, the internal passageway terminates at or near a bottom surface of the upper portion or mattress. The bed or other seating assembly additionally includes one or more inlays or interlays or intermediate layers, or components thereof, positioned between the upper portion and a foundation.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle seat having an air passage formed to extend in an in-plane direction in a pad for supporting a body of an occupant. The vehicle seat includes a seat frame which supports a peripheral portion of the pad from a rear side thereof; and a support body which is supported by the seat frame and is configured to elastically support, from a rear side, a high-load portion of a center of the pad on which a body pressure of the occupant is concentrated, wherein the air passage is formed at a position avoiding the high-load portion of the pad supported by the support body.

Abstract: The heating and cooling mattress is a mattress for a bed that includes a heating member and a cooling member, which work to either heat or cool the mattress when in use. The heating member is constructed of a heating element that traverses along a first plane, and which evenly distributes heat along an entire surface area of the mattress. The cooling member is constructed of a refrigeration cycle from which a condensing line traverses along a second plane in order to cool down the mattress. The heating member and the cooling member are independent of one another, but work alternately such that either the cooling member or the heating member is only able to operate at a given time. The first plane for the heating member is located at a lower elevation with respect to the second plane for the cooling member.

Abstract: A bedding climate control apparatus that delivers, in a quiet manner, forced airflow from a fan/blower within a housing to selectively deliver tempered (heated via a thermal element) and untempered (room temperature) air through a flexible hose to bedding. The quiet manner is attained with acoustic foam in the path of incoming airflow to the fan/blower and by oversizing each of the components that create a pressure drop including the capacity of the fan/blower over what is needed to deliver a required amount of airflow. Temperature may be set remotely via a wireless remote control and via a protocol access enabled device.

Abstract: A bedding climate control apparatus that delivers, in a quiet manner, forced airflow from a fan/blower within a housing to selectively deliver tempered (heated via a thermal element) and untempered (room temperature) air through a flexible hose to bedding. The quiet manner is attained with acoustic foam in the path of incoming airflow to the fan/blower and by oversizing each of the components that create a pressure drop including the capacity of the fan/blower over what is needed to deliver a required amount of airflow. Temperature may be set remotely via a wireless remote control and via a Bluetooth enabled device.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a volume of air is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having an electric heating element; a high-pressure variable-speed centrifugal blower for providing constant velocity air flow. The apparatus also includes a controller adaptable to control the electric heating element and the high pressure variable speed blower to raise the temperature within the zone by substantially 15 degrees, or more, in substantially 7 minutes or less. The apparatus also includes an air output flange for disposition between the zone and an air duct disposed between the housing and the air output flange.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a pressurized air source, a dehumidifier, and a support surface including a topper having a vapor-permeable surface. The dehumidifier is configured to selectively treat pressurized air communicated to the dehumidifier from the pressurized air source and communicate the treated pressurized air to the vapor-permeable surface.

Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of layers, each layer extending in a substantially parallel, horizontal direction and being positioned in vertical relation to other layers and each layer further having a perforated or open-cell structure. At least one layer has a gel dispersed within the perforated or open-cell structure of the layer.

Abstract: A means of transport comprising an energy storage and an assembly of an air pump, an air conditioning device, a duvet and a mattress, wherein the air pump and the air conditioning device are powered by the energy storage, and the air pump is adapted to pump air conditioned by the conditioning device into an air receiving compartment of the duvet and/or mattress, the air receiving compartment being adapted to output received air toward a space between the duvet and the mattress. In this manner, not all of the compartment, such as a drivers compartment or a sleeping compartment needs be cooled.

Abstract: A devices and implements for staving off monsters, specters, demons and the like as imagined by a child at bedtime. A hand-held controller unit is provided having a user interface and which is capable of being used by the child under the bed covers of a bed. The hand-held controller unit may include any of a walkie-talkie capability, a flashlight capability, a nightlight capability, the capability to activate an external device, and other capabilities. At least one external device may be provided. The external device may be capable of being placed beneath the bed and is configured to be activated by the hand-held controller unit. At least one substantially hollow air-through member may be provided which is configured to facilitate airflow between underneath the bed covers of the bed and above the bed covers of the bed. A supplemental bed cover may be provided that is configured to be placed on the bed.

Abstract: Devices and implements for staving off monsters, specters, demons and the like as imagined by a child at bedtime. A hand-held controller unit is provided having a user interface, which is capable of being used by the child under the bed covers of a bed. The hand-held controller unit may include any of a walkie-talkie capability, a flashlight capability, a nightlight capability, the capability to activate an external device, and other capabilities. At least one external device may be provided which is capable of being placed beneath the bed and is configured to be activated by the hand-held controller unit. At least one substantially hollow air-through member may be provided which is configured to facilitate airflow between underneath the bed covers of the bed and above the bed covers of the bed. A supplemental bed cover may be provided that is configured to be placed on the bed.

Abstract: Improved patient support systems comprising a coverlet configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to an airflow unit. Improved airflow units configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to a coverlet of a patient support system.

Abstract: A mountable fan for massage table that is removably installable to an underside of an extant massage table headrest, said mountable fan for massage table having a generally ovoid hoop with an upper surface and a lower surface, a vent circumferentially disposed around the upper surface, a fan chamber radially disposed from the hoop, an electric fan disposed within the fan chamber, and an intake duct with a removable filter disposed therein, the intake duct disposed on the fan chamber, whereby air is drawn into the intake duct by the fan and forcibly expelled through the vent to relaxingly stimulate the face of a patient lying on the massage table.

Abstract: A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for treating the effects of menopause. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and devices used while sleeping for automatically detecting an imminent hot flash and for preventing and/or controlling the symptoms associated with hot flashes, such as an elevated body temperature, sweating and/or chills so that the person using the system remains sleeping and is not disturbed by the hot flash onset.

Abstract: A body support assembly comprising a first layer (e.g., a visco-elastic foam) having a lower surface, and a second layer supporting the first layer and having an upper surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is defined by a non-planar surface to define a plurality of passages. A fan is positioned to move air through the passages. Preferably, the non-planar surface comprises a plurality of protrusions (e.g., a convoluted surface). The body support can further comprise a sensor that detects a parameter and produces a signal, and a controller coupled to the sensor and programmed to control the fan. Multiple fans and sensors can be provided, and the controller can control the fans to provide different air flows through different locations of the body support assembly. A user interface can be coupled to the controller to allow selection of a desired parameter of the body support assembly.