Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support frame that carries a patient support deck comprising a plurality of sections and a deck extension assembly including a deck extension frame that supports a deck extension section. The assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The support frame includes a deck rail defining a channel and a deck slot extending between a proximal and distal deck notch. The deck extension frame includes an extension rail that is moveably disposed in the channel and a frame slot. A latch link comprises a link slot and is moveably mounted to the deck extension frame. A latch pin is movably supported in each of the deck slot, frame slot, and link slot. The latch pin engages the distal deck notch when the assembly is in the extended position and the proximal deck notch when the assembly is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a patient support including a top portion with the top portion defining a patient support surface and a sealing surface opposite the patient support surface. The cover assembly further includes a bottom portion defining a plurality of open face chambers with each open face chamber including a floor and a plurality of walls extending from the floor towards the top portion. Each open face chamber is connected to, and integral with, at least one additional open face chamber by a hinge. The sealing surface of the top portion covers the open face chambers and is coupled to the bottom portion at each hinge.

Abstract: A support platform supports a mattress. The support platform includes legs. Force sensors are coupled to the legs or to the support platform. The force sensors are configured to sense a force applied to each leg or support platform. A controller is configured to receive at least one force stream from at least one of the force sensors. The at least one force stream represents a force sensed by the force sensor. The controller is configured to, in responses to receiving the at least one force stream, determine a sleep parameter from the following group of sleep parameters: bed presence, weight, heart rate, respiration rate, and motions. The controller is configured to output at least one or more of those parameters to an end user.

Abstract: A mattress support includes a base plate configured to be positioned on a box spring of a bed. A bladder may be coupled to a top surface of the base plate. A top plate is coupled to a top surface of the bladder. A top surface of the top plate is configured to support a mattress. The bladder is inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate.

Abstract: A two-speed motor is mounted in a housing with an end cap. The end cap has a tubular structure defining an interior space, including an open first end connectable to the motor casing. The second end includes at least one planar surface and at least one air grate configured to permit airflow into and/or out of the interior space. A dual speed pump controller includes a motor controller for operating the dual speed motor. The controller includes an operating speed circuit for operating the motor in one of a first speed or a second speed, the first speed being greater than the second speed; an event circuit for operating the motor at the first speed before a predetermined event and operating the pump at the second speed after the predetermined event.

Abstract: A lateral rotation apparatus is provided having a wedge positioned below a person support surface having head, torso and leg segments each having an independently rotatable person support plane. The wedge includes a plurality of layers stacked on one another. Each of the plurality of layers has a different area. The wedge is operable to rotate the head segment of the person support surface to a head tilt angle relative to a horizontal support plane. The wedge is also operable to rotate the torso segment of the person support surface to a torso tilt angle relative to the horizontal support plane.

Abstract: A head elevation apparatus configured to be positioned under a mattress may include a base panel and a top panel positioned on the base panel. The top panel may include a center panel hingedly coupled to the base panel. An upper flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel. A lower flap may be hingedly coupled to the center panel.

Abstract: A mattress retention assembly is disclosed that includes a mattress retainer system for retaining a mattress in place that is supported by an adjustable platform assembly and more particularly to a mattress retainer system that includes mattress retainer bars. The mattress retainer system is attached to the adjustable platform assembly. In order to secure the mattress relative to the adjustable platform assembly, one or more mattress retainer bars for the head and foot of the bed along with the corners of the bed are provided. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the mattress retainer bars are movable or removable to allow the mattress retainer bars to be positioned flush or below the top surface of the adjustable platform assembly to enable easy and convenient rotation, maneuverability, or otherwise sliding of the mattress relative to the platform.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing physical rehabilitative therapy for patients including a support surface of a number of parallel inflatable air sacs that are placed on multi-layered inflatable pneumatic levers made out of a strong hermetic material that are of different diameters and different lengths which are attached to longitudinal multi-layered inflatable side pneumatic levers that are all interconnected by flexible air tube connections to multi-layered inflatable pneumatic envelope levers which are all connected to a controlling apparatus to regulate the inflation and deflation of said sacs and pneumatic levers.

Abstract: A filler formed to fit underneath a bed frame is provided. The filler includes a membrane. The membrane may include a top layer, bottom layer, and a sidewall connecting the top layer and the bottom layer together. An internal pocket is formed within the membrane. The internal pocket is capable of receiving and retaining a gas, thereby making the membrane an inflatable membrane. A valve is secured to the membrane and forms a fluid connection from the internal pocket to an outside, allowing users to inflate and deflate the membrane.

Abstract: An adjustable air bladder apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an outer enclosure, a first interior section within the outer enclosure that contains a plurality of air bladders, a second interior section within the outer enclosure that contains a support layer, and an air pump pneumatically coupled to the plurality of air bladders, where the air pump is configured to selectively supply pressurized air to the air bladders independently through a pneumatic coupling. The pneumatic coupling includes one or more supply valves, outlet valves, and pressure sensors coupled to each air bladder or to one or more groupings of air bladders. A control device is provided for monitoring the pressure within the air bladders and for controlling an amount of air provided to or released from the bladders or groupings of bladders. A method of providing rolling massage with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to an adjustable bed apparatus, in particular an adjustable bed foundation. The adjustable foundation includes independently adjustable lumbar and/or neck support structures on an adjustable back/head section of the adjustable bed foundation. In some embodiments, the lumbar and neck support structures include inflatable air bladder structures. In other embodiments, the lumbar and neck support structures include mechanically actuatable subsections of the adjustable back/head section of the adjustable bed foundation.

Abstract: A method of positioning an occupant (98) of a bed includes identifying (204) the presence of a discrepancy between an existing occupant position and a target occupant position, and establishing (206) an elevation gradient having a direction, magnitude and position compatible with moving the occupant from the existing occupant position to the target position. In one variant of the method the step of establishing an elevation gradient is one substep of a preordained sequence of bladder inflations and deflations. In another variant, the method includes determining (210) if the discrepancy has been corrected and responding to any noncorrection of the discrepancy. An associated bed (20) includes a mattress (82) at least one layer (100) of repositioning bladders (102, 104, 106, 108) a sensor array (130) a controller (140) and a pump (142).

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress has two edge cells and transverse inner cells, arranged in adjacent pairs as alternate cells. An inflation hose has internal pipes, which receive alternating pneumatic pressure for the cells via extensions to connectors at both ends of cells. The edge cells are physically connected to the inner cells via the connectors.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient support surface has at least one air bladder that is inflated and/or deflated to achieve a turn assist function and/or a therapy function of the patient support surface. A graphical user interface (GUI) is configured to receive user inputs from a caregiver to initiate the turn assist or therapy functions. The patient support apparatus has control circuitry coupled to the GUI. The GUI is controlled by the control circuitry to display information indicating that the patient is improperly positioned on the patient support surface for either the turn assist function or the therapy function. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuitry indicates that the patient is improperly positioned for raising a head section of a bed frame.

Abstract: A lounger includes at least a weatherproof base frame, a weatherproof lounger frame with at least two movably mounted lounger frame elements, and at least one weatherproof drive unit for supplying at least one drive device with electric energy. The drive unit preferably includes a combination of an accumulator, a solar cell, and a grid connection, and contributes in connection with a weatherproof design of the frames to portable and grid-power-independent lounger with an automatic adjusting functionality.

Abstract: A height-adjustable pillow for supporting a patient's head. The pillow includes a casing of flexible material defining a casing volume and a volume of filler material partially occupying in said casing volume. The casing volume is compressible and expandable. The casing volume includes a support portion positioned above a base portion. An air valve is associated with the casing for introducing air into and evacuating air from said casing volume.

Abstract: A patient handling device, such as a bed, stretcher, cot, or the like, includes a deck on which a patient may lie and which is surrounded by siderails. Control panels may be mounted on the siderails in a staggered fashion to improve the ease of accessing the control panels. A handle assembly may be included near the top of the Fowler section of the deck which allows a pair of handles to be squeezed independently for manual pivoting of the Fowler section. Squeezing one handle does not increase the force required to subsequently squeeze the other handle. The pivoting of the Fowler section may also be carried out automatically through an electrical actuator. The raising of the deck may be carried out through an electrical pump that pumps hydraulic fluid, and which may be activated near the top end of the stroke of a reciprocating pedal.

Abstract: A patient moving station provides fluid bladders connected to a fluid transfer station. Fluid, preferably air, is provided to a first compartment to lift the buttocks of a patient to provide a gap to assist in changing diapers. Second and third compartments below shoulders are useful to inflate and deflate to turn the patient.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a weight bearing framework 30, and a footboard 82 that cooperates with the framework to define an edge 90 of an occupant region 92 of the bed. The footboard 82 includes a footboard frame 100 and a pressurizable cushion 104. A mattress system 160 includes a main occupant support portion 162 with a support surface 168 and a cushion 170 located footwardly of the occupant support portion. The cushion has a deployed state in which it projects vertically higher than the support surface and a stored state in which it does not project vertically higher than the support surface.

Abstract: A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a framed air pillow system, using air pressure to provide stability and comfort for a user when sitting in an upright position. The invention comprises of a base frame structure, an inflatable air chamber having an air pump and a rectangular cushion pad, wherein said system having means to adjust the angle between said base and said rectangular cushion pad.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for maintaining a patient in a position in which the patient's torso can be moved during surgery, for example by which the sternum can be closed after open chest surgery. The device has two contact members for contacting a respective scapula and support structures for maintaining the contact members in a grip position. In use, each contact member imparts a force on the respective scapula to close the patient's sternum.

Abstract: A tilt bed for assisting a patient to a standing position comprises a frame, a tilting mechanism, a mattress support plate, a mattress, and a foot support. The tilting mechanism attaches to the frame. The tilting mechanism is movable between a generally horizontal position, and a generally vertical position. The foot support is fixedly mounted to the tilting mechanism. The main portion of the mattress and the patient thereon moves closer to the foot support during tilting of the bed from the generally horizontal position to the generally vertical position, and the main portion of the mattress and the patient thereon moves distal the foot support during tilting of the bed from the generally vertical position to the generally horizontal position in a low shear manner.

Abstract: A turning platform having longitudinally extending side portions hinged to a central portion and hydraulic, or pneumatic, expansion means beneath each side portion operated by control means to raise and lower said side portions by rotating them about the hinges in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A system to cause instability for a person supported by a person support surface is disclosed. The system is configured to cause the person supported by the person support surface to compensate for the instability caused by the system in order to exercise their core or trunk region.

Abstract: A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: An inflatable bed system (1) includes a primary inflatable section (2) having a centrally located abdomen cavity shaped to allow a user's abdomen to be positioned therein. The system further includes a secondary inflatable section (3), which is independently inflatable and positioned inside the cavity. At least one tertiary inflatable section (15,22) is provided to allow further configuration of the bed. The bed may be inflated by a pump that is operatively connected with a valve which directs the movement of air into each of the inflatable sections under user selection.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a support surface mounted on the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus is reconfigurable among a plurality of different configurations for supporting a patient on the support surface in a plurality of positions. The support surface is mounted on the patient support apparatus to move in response to reconfiguration of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: An inflatable bed having a primary body, a backrest selectively inclinable relative to the primary body, a slit defined at a junction of the primary body and the backrest, and a pouch received in the slit to be selectively inflatable to move the backrest relative to the primary body. The slit is defined in a manner that when the pouch is inflated and the backrest is lifted by the pouch, friction of a bottom face of the backrest to a top face of ground where the inflatable bed is rested is minimized so as to facilitate the inclinable movement of the backrest relative to the primary body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed for providing support in sitting up to a person lying thereon, comprising an approximately rectangular frame, which comprises at least two frame parts, which are separated from each other in the transverse direction and are connected to each other in an articulated manner and are completed to form a planar element by flexible slats, woven wire fabric, or the like and can be swiveled about a transverse axis oriented transversely to the respective frame part from the horizontal to an inclined position, wherein at least one sit-up area lies on at least one frame part, said sit-up area being integrated into the surface of the frame part in the deactivated state, the outward-facing edge of said sit-up area extending approximately to the border of the frame and the inward-facing edge of said sit-up area being at a distance from the center line of the frame extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein said sit-up area can be swiveled about a sit-up axis extending parallel or at an

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a bed frame with movable portions and a mattress supported on the bed frame. A control system synchronously controls inflation and deflation of at least one air bladder of the mattress and movement of at least one of the movable portions.

Abstract: A mattress for use on a bed frame has a lower body section 42 and a upper body section 40. The mattress upper body section is orientation adjustable in as a function of the orientation of the upper body section of the frame upon which the mattress rests. At least part 60 of the mattress lower body section is profile adjustable as a function of the orientation of the mattress upper body section without being dependent on profile adjustment of the lower body section of the frame. A mattress replacement system includes a mattress having an orientation adjustable upper body section and a lower body section. The mattress replacement system also includes an angular orientation sensor 58 for determining the orientation of the upper body section. At least part 60 of the mattress lower body section is profile adjustable in response to the determined orientation of the mattress upper body section.

Abstract: An actuator for a extendable deck section of a patient support apparatus comprises a flexible inflatable vessel, a variable length enclosure having a first end coupled to a base portion of an extendable deck section and a second end coupled to an extender portion of the extendable deck section.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a bed frame with movable portions and a mattress supported on the bed frame. A control system synchronously controls inflation and deflation of at least one air bladder of the mattress and movement of at least one of the movable portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for lifting an article comprising a housing having an inner chamber, the housing having a leading edge region in fluid communication with the inner chamber, the leading edge region being arranged to engage an access region between an article and a support surface beneath the article, an elongate tubular member having a first open end region and a second closed end region, the first open end region being directly or indirectly in fluid tight relation with the leading edge region, the elongate tubular member having a first surface in fluid communication with the inner chamber and an opposite second surface, the housing being arranged to provide a retracted position in which the elongate tubular member is held relative to the leading edge region and responsive to an operative pressure within the inner chamber to unfurl beyond the leading edge region to cause the elongate tubular member to migrate along the access region with the second surface in contact with the article and the supp

Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.

Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a mattress, has multiple air sources to inflate air bladders of the apparatus. In one embodiment, a first air source provides air to one or more main support bladders and a second air source provides air to one or more microclimate bladders when a control system of the patient support apparatus operates according to a first mode of operation. The first and second air sources provide air to a turn bladder when the control system operates according to a second mode of operation. In another embodiment, a first air source provides air to at least one main support bladder and to at least one microclimate bladders. A second air source is dedicated for inflating at least one turn bladder.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, with at least one fluid bladder, a base wall, and a cradle, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder. The cradle is formed from a compressible material and is supported by the base wall, with the bladder being anchored at the base wall.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable personal treatment apparatus that is usable by women of all sizes to enable them to enjoy, without harm, the full healthful benefits of proper and necessary massage and therapy. More particularly, the apparatus permits the proper pressure to be applied to a female patient during massage, or therapeutic treatment, without causing discomfort and possible damage to breast tissue or breast implants.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: A turning platform having longitudinally extending side portions hinged to a central portion and hydraulic, or pneumatic, expansion means beneath each side portion operated by control means to raise and lower said side portions by rotating them about the hinges in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: An adjusting structure for adjusting the rise and fall of a mattress by air spring, comprises a plurality of air springs and a control device. The air springs are located under the mattress, and the control device controls the amount of air in the respective air springs so as to control their extension and retraction, thus adjusting the rise and fall of the mattress and producing a massage effect. Further, according to different figures of different users, the mattress can be adjusted to a most appropriate sleeping posture for the users.

Abstract: A lack of patient movement monitor and method. The monitor and method patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a patient support to determine movement of a patient. An alarm is activated when patient movement over time is determined to be lacking.