And Means To Force Air Patents (Class 5/423)
  • Publication number: 20100011502
    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. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. The bed also includes a lower portion configured to support the upper portion and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, John Terech, Dusko Petrovski
  • Publication number: 20100005588
    Abstract: A sleeping chamber apparatus for mounting over a bed to isolate a sleeping space from a room environment has a headboard joined to a footboard by a U-shaped enclosure. The enclosure comprises a pair of spaced-apart, vertical side panels joined together and integral with a horizontal cover panel. The headboard, footboard and enclosure fully enclose and seal the sleeping space when the apparatus is positioned over the bed with the headboard positioned at a head of the bed and with the footboard positioned at a foot of the bed, and with the side panels positioned along sides of the bed in contact with an up-facing surface of the bed. A head manifold and a foot manifold bring air into and drive air out of the sleeping space. An air conditioning machine engages with the head manifold drawing in room environment air and delivering conditioned air to the head manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Carter F. Christopher
  • Patent number: 7631377
    Abstract: A ventilating system for a bed for selectively venting either ambient air or heated air into the bed linen of a bed approximate the foot of the bed through a pair of vents clipped to the mattress in spaced apart fashion. with a pliable partition longitudinally extending the length of the top and bottom sheet and fastened therebetween creating a pair of side by side chambers with each having its own vent in conduit communication with the ventilator unit incorporating a heater and a fan working independently of each other so that one can select either ambient air or heated air and the volume of desired air through settings such as low, medium or high volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Alonzo W. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20090271923
    Abstract: An air mattress has a top chamber and a bottom chamber separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top surface of the top chamber, which has a plurality of apertures discharging air through apertures that are not blocked by the patient. The top chamber is provided with temperature-controlled heated or cooled air at a regulated pressure. Heated or cooled air from the top chamber is delivered to an area substantially surrounding the patient. The bottom chamber has a bottom surface containing a plurality of apertures that remain closed due to the weight of the mattress and the patient when the pressure-regulated air is beneath a pre-selected value. When the air pressure is increased, the apertures at the bottom surface of the bottom chamber emit air, creating an air cushion underneath the air mattress that facilitates lateral movement of the mattress over a flat or irregular surface, such as from a hospital bed to a stretcher, or from a stretcher to an operating table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Randall J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7555792
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide thermal control to a patient comprises a neck member having a surface defining at least one opening, the surface configured to be spaced apart from a neck area of the patient. The neck member includes an air inlet to receive cooled air from an air source. The at least one opening is in fluid communication with the air inlet to direct cooled air from the air source and toward the neck area of the patient to provide the thermal control to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Christopher Guy Coward, Mark Stephen James Beard, Peter Charles Stacy, David George Whyte
  • Patent number: 7543583
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus has a nozzle to provide forced air to the patient. The nozzle is coupled to a siderail or another portion of the patient-support apparatus. The orientation and flow volume of the nozzle is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy D. Acton
  • Patent number: 7543344
    Abstract: A cover includes an enclosure for a heating blanket which is formed between an upper sheet bonded to a lower sheet of the cover. An opening for the enclosure is formed by a panel of the upper sheet which is separable from the lower sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Augustine Biomedical and Design LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Publication number: 20090126110
    Abstract: A cushion heated convectively using a positive temperature coefficient of resistance type resistive heating includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material or other air flow structure therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module includes a PTC type heating element. A remote control is provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication with the controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion controls the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Feher
  • Publication number: 20090106907
    Abstract: An overlay for a patient support is provided. The overlay is coupled to an air supply and includes an air permeable three-dimensional fiber network. The overlay is integrated into or coupled to the patient support in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kenith W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 7509998
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature and aromatically conditioning the air and surfaces within a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer or bed warmer/cooler and aromatic infuser which pre-heats, pre-cools and infuses aromatic influences into the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold or hot nights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: James W Rodney
  • Publication number: 20090064411
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: David Marquette, Dusko Petrovski
  • Patent number: 7487646
    Abstract: A head-side inflow/outflow unit (60) and a foot-side inflow/outflow unit (70), which have a respective outlet opening (61, 71) for providing a supply of conditioned air to a sleeping compartment (11) within a capsule main body (20) and a respective inlet opening (62, 72), associated with the outlet opening (61, 71), for drawing in internal air of the sleeping compartment (11), are provided. The air-conditioning capacity of conditioned air supplied through each of the outlet openings (61, 71) is controlled such that the temperature of conditioned air supplied through the outlet opening (61) of the head-side inflow/outflow unit (60) falls below the temperature of conditioned air supplied through the outlet opening (71) of the foot-side inflow/outflow unit (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Matsushima, Tetsuya Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7480950
    Abstract: A cushion heated convectively using a positive temperature coefficient of resistance type resistive heating element, includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material or other air flow structure therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module includes a PTC type heating element. A remote control is provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication with the controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion controls the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Feher
  • Publication number: 20090000031
    Abstract: A multiple convective cushion seating and sleeping system for providing temperature modified air to multiple surfaces, such as a seating surface and a sleeping surface, with the same air cooling or heating source. The invention includes the use of tubular spacer material including tubular spacer fabric. A power unit including a heat pump and blower is in fluid communication with a first convective cushion by a first duct and with a second convective cushion by a second duct to provide the temperature modified air to both convective cushions for controllably heating or cooling multiple users. A thermoelectric heat pump, a Stirling cycle heat pump or other type of heat pump can be used. The invention includes the use or one or more valves to control the air flow to one or more of the convective cushions and provides for manual operation, electronic control and operation by a remote telecommunications unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Feher
  • Patent number: 7469432
    Abstract: An overlay for a patient support is provided. The overlay is coupled to an air supply and includes an air permeable three-dimensional fiber network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenith W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 7467435
    Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: King Koil Licensing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. McKay, David J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20080148481
    Abstract: A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a support structure having a top side configured to support the cushion member, a bottom side and an interior space generally located between the top side and the bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of the support structure generally facing in opposite directions, a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Amerigon Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, Jay C. Clark, Brian D. Comiskey
  • Publication number: 20080028536
    Abstract: An improved air mattress pad is presented where a cooling airflow is pumped through the mattress and escapes through the air mattress upper surface. The air mattress pad is designed to be placed on top of an existing bed mattress such that a bed occupant would experience the cooling air flow as desired to reduce the effect of night sweats and hot flashes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Charlesette Hadden-Cook
  • Patent number: 7317176
    Abstract: A portable footrest including a foot platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a heater in thermal communication with the bottom surface. A housing is disposed in supporting relation to the foot platform and the heater. The housing is shaped and dimensioned to maintain the foot platform and the heater above a level of a surface upon which the footrest is placed. An electronic assembly is in electrical communication with the heater. The electronic assembly includes an electrical connector for connection to an power source, means for manually energizing and de-energizing the heater, and means for automatically de-energizing the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Laura Boucher
  • Patent number: 7290300
    Abstract: A non-woven, randomly oriented polyester fiber cushion is provided with conditioned air to regulate a temperature of the cushion assembly. The overlapping fibers form interstices through which the air is blown. The air flows through the fibers in a tortuous path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: IndraTech, LLC
    Inventor: Surendra Khambete
  • Patent number: 7278179
    Abstract: A decubitis mat includes a plurality of individual cells (16 which are pressurized by air. A polymer sensor/vent structure (20) is mounted on the top surface of each cell and defines a plurality of polymer filled channels (28) and a vent valve (26) which is biased to a closed position. As a body resting on the mat heats the polymer, it undergoes a phase change an expands, causing biasing forces (30) which bias the vent valve to open, permitting air in the cell to be released providing air flow to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: TCAM Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Edward T. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7260857
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blanket having at least one snap stick inserted into or onto the blanket to maximize the surface area of the blanket that contacts the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Karl Hans Cazzini, Joel T. Jusiak
  • Patent number: 7240386
    Abstract: A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: King Koil Licensing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. McKay, David J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7181786
    Abstract: The invention being submitted pertains to a bed, consisting of a bedstead (1) and a mattress (2), whereby an air-conduction unit (4) is integrated in the bedstead. Along one or more lateral walls (3) of the bedstead (3), side ducts (6) are provided with lateral escape ports (5) for the out-flow of air from the air-conduction unit (4). Additionally, a mattress air-chamber (10) is provided with the upper escape ports (8) for the discharge of air from the air-conduction unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Guenther Schoettle
  • Bed
    Patent number: 7165281
    Abstract: A bed comprises a support arrangement (1) adapted to provide upper support surfaces for and carry a person lying in the bed through an upper limitation thereof. A suction device is arranged to generate an air flow from the contact surfaces between a person lying in the bed, through the interior of the support arrangement and out thereof for obtaining a ventilation of the bed space under the person and suction of air away from the bed space through the suction device when a person rests in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Stjernfjädrar AB
    Inventors: Stefan Larssson, David Wyon
  • Patent number: 7137881
    Abstract: A protective bed includes a shield comprising bullet-proof and impact resistance material that surrounds a metal frame. The shield operably separates to provide access to an interior sleeping area. Quick access doors are located on either side of the bed. A ventilation system provides for climate control as well as filtering harmful substances from the air. A rebreather scrubs carbon dioxide from air within the unit to allow a user to close the unit to outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Walling
  • Patent number: 7127763
    Abstract: Safety features for a crib mattress are described. One safety feature is designed to maintain airflow to a fan inlet despite the fan inlet being blocked by a mattress sheet. Another safety feature removes obstructions to airflow within the mattress so that air is dispersed more uniformly across the sleep surface which is formed by a taut sheet of fabric. Yet another safety feature is designed to help retain a fitted sheet on a mattress and make it difficult for the sheet to be inadvertently pulled off the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Schmid, John Simon, Steven R. Kunert
  • Patent number: 7120951
    Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Douglas Augustine, Susan Dykins Augustine, Garrett Jesse Augustine, Brent Matthew Augustine, Ryan Scott Augustine
  • Patent number: 7066949
    Abstract: A closed loop heat therapy blanket provided for warming a patient to prevent or treat hypothermia. The closed loop heat therapy blanket includes first and second sheets secured to each other such as to define a supply manifold, at least one supply duct, a return manifold and a return duct. The first sheet defines a supply inlet opening into the supply manifold and a return outlet opening from the return duct. Heated air is introduced into the supply manifold and travels through to the return outlet and through an outlet hose. As the heated air travels through the blanket, a portion is communicated through the second sheet and toward the patient. A heat source is provided for collecting and heating ambient air, and for collecting preheated air from the outlet hose. In one embodiment, a humidifier is provided for controlling the moisture in the air being directed toward the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Adroit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Eugene Gammons, Joseph Greg Jones
  • Patent number: 7036163
    Abstract: A sheet of pliable, washable material is configured to cover at least a portion of a piece of furniture, such as a mattress. A manifold and a plurality of air flow tubes are formed in the sheet, with the air flow tubes in communication with the manifold. The air flow tubes include top surfaces that are constructed to release air at a controlled rate therethrough. The sheet helps reduce exposure to allergens and other harmful particles, including the house dust mite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: William Schmid
  • Patent number: 7036575
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature of a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer which pre-heats the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold nights. Preferred embodiments include an air conditioning section comprising a body portion and a handle portion, said air conditioning section having an exterior surface that is adapted to receive an edge of a bed cover between said body portion and said handle portion; a fan; a heat transfer element; a temperature sensor; a control circuit connected to said temperature sensor; a timer mounted within said air conditioning section; and an elongated air delivery section having two ends with an air entrance at one end and a primary air exit at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: James W. Rodney, Ted N. Strauss
  • Patent number: 7037188
    Abstract: A system to significantly improve the air quality in a personal breathing environment. The system includes a blower unit that produces a conditioned air flow, a delivery system that delivers air provided by the blower unit to a person's breathing zone, and a conduit that interconnects the blower unit and the delivery system for directing conditioned air from the blower unit to the delivery system. The delivery system is positioned so that it sends conditioned air around an individual's head and into the individual's personal breathing zone, thereby creating a zone of conditioned air around the individual's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Schmid, Dean W. Hacker, Eric J. Krause
  • Patent number: 6904629
    Abstract: A bed with a bed cushion has a bed cushion surface integrally formed by emulsion. The surface of the emulsion bed cushion surface having a plurality of wind trenches. Each wind trench has a plurality of vents for venting air. The bed cushion surface being elastic; one lateral side of the bed cushion having a through hole. A periphery of the through hole being enclosed by is a soft protrusion. A head portion of a bed is formed with an enclosing trench with a configuration with respect to the protrusion. A via hole is formed in the enclosing trench. A fan is installed within the hole. The enclosing trench is tightly engaged to the protrusion so that the wind out of the fan flows into the bed cushion from the through hole. Then the wind is vented out of the bed cushion surface from the vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Wan-Ching Wu
  • Patent number: 6871365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a first conformable material having a three-dimensional shape and a first hypothermia and/or hyperthermia device. This invention is used as a pad for sleeping, lying down, or sitting, to maintain a desired temperature to the contacting surface of a body to the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland E. Flick, Joel T. Jusiak
  • Patent number: 6871367
    Abstract: A combination bed and bathing device designed for bathing patients and individuals who may suffer varying degrees of impairment or immobility due to illness, injury or other conditions, which may render these individuals incapable of adequately conducting personal hygiene, including a bed frame. A mattress portion is adjustably coupled with the bed frame. The mattress portion is adjustable vertically with respect to the bed frame. A water container is coupled with the bed frame. The water container has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The open upper end has a rigid perforated netting secured therein. A sliding pad is coupled with the water container. The sliding pad covers the open upper end of the water container in a covered orientation. The sliding pad has a removable central section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Beckles, Naomi Safe′Zapata
  • Patent number: 6826792
    Abstract: An air mattress device includes an air mattress member, and a temperature regulator coupled to the air mattress member with a hose, to supply the regulated air into the air mattress member via the hose. The temperature regulator includes a casing disposed in a housing, a heat exchanging member disposed in the casing, to exchange heat with the air flowing into the casing. A heat dissipating device is disposed in the housing, a heat exchanger includes two conductors disposed between the heat dissipating device and the casing, to transmit heat between the heat dissipating device and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Jeng Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 6786273
    Abstract: A seat cushion has cooling flow passages that are provided in a substantially parallel and planar manner. Air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is blown through the cooling flow passages substantially parallelly to the body surface of a person sitting on the cushion. As a result, the temperature gradient near the body surface is increased so as to release heat from the body, resulting in a feeling of coolness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ichigaya
  • Patent number: 6779592
    Abstract: A futon has cooling flow passages that are provided in a substantially parallel and planar manner. Air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is blown through the cooling flow passages substantially parallel to the body surface of a person lying on the futon. As a result, the temperature gradient near the body surface is increased so as to release heat from the body, resulting in a feeling of coolness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Seft Development Laboratory Co.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ichigaya
  • Publication number: 20040158920
    Abstract: A protective bed includes a shield comprising bullet-proof and impact resistance material that surrounds a metal frame. The shield operably separates to provide access to an interior sleeping area. Quick access doors are located on either side of the bed. A ventilation system provides for climate control as well as filtering harmful substances from the air. A rebreather scrubs carbon dioxide from air within the unit to allow a user to close the unit to outside air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Walling
  • Patent number: 6730115
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a person in a supine position as part of a clinical treatment includes an air blower, a heat exchanger, an inflatable mattress and a cooling jacket or overlay. Air from the blower is cooled by contact with the heat exchanger, passed through the jacket or overlay and through the mattress in order to rapidly cool the person so as to achieve mild hypothermia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Patrick Heaton
  • Publication number: 20040064888
    Abstract: A bed with a bed cushion has a bed cushion surface integrally formed by emulsion. The surface of the emulsion bed cushion surface having a plurality of wind trenches. Each wind trench has a plurality of vents for venting air. The bed cushion surface being elastic; one lateral side of the bed cushion having a through hole. A periphery of the bed cushion is a soft protruding surface. A head portion of a bed is formed with an enclosing trench with a configuration with respect to the protruding surface. A via hole is formed in the enclosing trench. A fan is installed within the hole. The enclosing trench is tightly engaged to the protruding surface so that the wind out of the fan flows into the bed cushion from the through hole. Then the wind is vented out of the bed cushion surface from the vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Wan-Ching Wu
  • Patent number: 6711767
    Abstract: A device is provided to heat bed covers prior to a person entering the bed on winter nights. This apparatus mounts on a side of the mattress being supported by adjustable elements that extend between the mattress and a box spring. A fan in the apparatus forces room air through an electric heating coil and then through an outlet which directs the air flow between the bed covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Klamm
  • Patent number: 6708352
    Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Salvatini, Kenneth Ray Smith, John A. Brenner, Kerry Jean Mensching
  • Patent number: 6701552
    Abstract: A warm-air blower comprised of two air outlets and an air intake which is provided on either the left-hand side or right-hand side of an air blower unit. The air taken into the interior of the air blower unit through the intake flows through the interior of the air blower unit by a fan which is provided at a location relatively far away from the air intake. The fan blows the air through a heater chamber and further blows the heated air out of the blower unit through the air outlets that are arranged one above the other to an air-controlled bedding. One or both of the air outlets are equipped with a shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroko Suzuki, Yoshio Suzuki, Emi Suzuki, Ryutaro Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6687937
    Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprised of at least one cushion that has opposite top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of apertures that extend through the cushion from the bottom surface to the top surface. An air channel mat is positioned below the cushion. The air channel mat is adapted and dimensioned to fit beneath the cushion and support the cushion bottom surface in a spaced relation above a bottom base of the mat to thereby form an air flow space between the cushion and mat through which air can flow. A vapor permeable, liquid impermeable cover encases the air channel mat and the cushion defining a vapor evaporation area under the cover. The air channel mat defines a moisture drying zone within the vapor evaporation area. An air pump is provided for selectively supplying a flow of air to the air channel mat. A controller is provided to control the flow of air to the air channel mat to evaporate the vapor in the vapor evaporation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Crown Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruth K. Harker
  • Patent number: 6684437
    Abstract: Rebreathing carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant are contributing causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and asphyxiation. The characteristics of conventional crib mattresses, bedding and bumper pads contribute to rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating of the infant and may be contributing environmental causes of SIDS, asphyxiation, apnea syndromes and hypoventilation. The present invention consists of improved sleeping pads, beddings and bumper pads which reduce rebreathing of carbon dioxide and overheating and provide increased crib ventilation to stimulate breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: J. Frank Koenig
  • Publication number: 20030188382
    Abstract: A sleeping bag has a shell constructed by a flexible panel that is folded in half to form first and second panel portions. Adjacent edges of the first and second panel portions having complementary components of a fastener thereon to close the sleeping bag except for an opening at a head end thereof. A duct, secured to the first panel portion, has an opening between the first and second panel portions, and another opening outside the head end at which to connect to hair dryer. Heated air from the hair dryer is distributed throughout the sleeping bag prior to or during use by a camper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Klamm, Jennifer A. Klamm
  • Patent number: 6606754
    Abstract: A first conformable material having a three-dimensional shape and a first hypothermia and/or hyperthermia device, used as a pad for sleeping, lying down, or sitting, to maintain a desired temperature to the contacting surface of a body to the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20030145380
    Abstract: A sheet of pliable, washable material is configured to cover at least a portion of a piece of furniture, such as a mattress. A manifold and a plurality of air flow tubes are formed in the sheet, with the air flow tubes in communication with the manifold. The air flow tubes include top surfaces that are constructed to release air at a controlled rate therethrough. The sheet helps reduce exposure to allergens and other harmful particles, including the house dust mite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: William Schmid
  • Publication number: 20030140418
    Abstract: A device is provided to heat bed covers prior to a person entering the bed on winter nights. This apparatus mounts on a side of the mattress being supported by elements that extend between the mattress and a box spring. A fan in the apparatus forces room air through an electric heating coil and then through an outlet which directs the air flow between the bed covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Klamm