Abstract: A bedding product having a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs has a length and a width and comprises a row of interconnected pockets. Each of the pockets contains at least one spring encased in fabric. The bedding product may have a plurality of inflatable members located underneath select portions of at least some of the strings of springs. Each of the inflatable members may be of a width substantially equal to the width one of the string of springs. The bedding product may have a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring and an air supply system operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and adapted to control a supply of air to the inflatable members.

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: The present invention provides a portable device for rotating bed-ridden patients from their back to their side with little or no assistance from the care provider. The device comprises of a base material, a plurality of elongated air chambers interconnected on the base material consisting of five independent air chambers configured to lie beneath the patient in a secured manner that allows the air chambers to function between the patient and a bed like supporting surface. The device rotates the patient, functions as armrest, acts as a cushion support for the patient to lie against while on their side or on their back.

Abstract: A rotational mattress has (a) a support surface and a rotating bladder object or (b) the support surface, the rotating bladder and a cushion material object. Depending on the embodiment used, the rotating bladder object and/or cushion material object has at least one longitudinal hinge; a longitudinal hinge extends from the object's head end toward the object's foot end. In one embodiment, the longitudinal hinge can be a shaped aperture and within the shaped aperture is a second cushion material. The second cushion material is less rigid than the cushion material.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient on a hospital bed includes load cells and a controller for detecting patient movement on, exit from, and impending exit from the hospital bed, including movement across or outside a virtual boundary or region located on the bed. The controller is configured to detect changes in the distribution of patient weight among the load cells. The controller is also configured to accommodate the installation or removal of medical equipment or other tare weights on the bed, head incline adjustment, and bed frame deformation or other changes in the system causing redistribution of weight among the load cells, while minimizing false alarms. A caregiver may select between various patient monitoring modes and remotely monitor patient movement relative to a reference load cell distribution, impending patient exit from the bed and patient exit from the bed. Pressures in an air mattress may be controlled based on signals from the load cells.

Abstract: A patient support including a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, and a plurality of ports mounted at the patient support, which are in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system. At least one of the ports is adapted for coupling to a device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system or delivering a vacuum pressure to the device from the fluid movement system for suctioning fluid through the device when the device is coupled to the port.

Abstract: A graphic design consists of graphic elements such as text, logos, images and texture. On the front surface of transparent substrate, a white translucent copy in the form of chosen graphic elements in the design (such as text) is applied, so when viewed from front is right-reading. The complete original graphic design is then applied in register onto the front surface, so that the parts of the design that were copied onto the front surface first come directly onto contact with that copy. A white copy in the form of the other areas (the graphic elements that were not copied onto the front) is applied onto the back of the substrate (i.e. the side facing away from the viewer) in register with the rest of the design (in reverse, so when viewed from front is right-reading). Further copies of this one may be applied behind it (i.e. on the back) to increase its opacity. A light-source is placed behind the substrate. See FIG. 3 for an exploded view of the layers.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg define a gap between them to allow the legs to be spread apart for toileting or cleaning of the patient, or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a mattress pad, a back support to raise a part of the mattress pad, and an air pump assembly built into the mattress pad to inflate the mattress pad and the back support.

Abstract: A bedsore reduction system for beds includes a generally rectangular base plate, a mattress support plate and a diagonal connecting plate extending between said base plate and said mattress support plate and pivotably connecting the opposite side edges of the base plate and the mattress support plate. An inflatable upper wedge-shaped air chamber having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is positioned between the mattress support plate and the diagonal connecting plate and an inflatable lower wedge-shaped air chamber having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is positioned between the base plate and the diagonal connecting plate. Finally, a controllable inflation device such as a set of air pumps is operatively connected to the upper and lower wedge-shaped air chambers for inflating and deflating them such that the mattress support plate is adjustable in the yaw orientation relative to horizontal thereby tilting a mattress supported on thereon for prevention of bedsores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient support apparatus for use during a medical procedure. The patient support apparatus is configured to receive and support a body of a patient on a base member. The base member includes a top surface having a plurality of adjustable members, wherein each of the adjustable members is configured to support a different portion the body of the patient. A plurality of actuation mechanisms are operably connected to both the base member and one each of the plurality of adjustable members, such that each of the plurality of adjustable members is separately, selectively positionable with respect to the base member. A control device operably connected to the actuation mechanism to selectively control the position of each of the adjustable members and the corresponding body portions.

Abstract: A crewmember rest support system (10) includes a berth mattress (32). A support structure (34) is coupled to and supports the berth mattress (32). A pneumatic system (36) is coupled to the support structure (34). The pneumatic system (36) includes an inflatable member (100) that has one or more inflatable states. A pump (102) actuates the inflatable member (100) and articulates a portion of the support structure (34).

Abstract: A positioning aid (1) for tomographic functional examinations with a base plate (3) which is connected to a moveable patient trolley and with a shoulder plate at the same height as the thorax, which permits a continuously diagonal positioning of the thorax, at the head-end of the shoulder plate, a swivelling reclining plate (23) is linked to an articulated axle (22a) which runs horizontally in a direction transverse to the z-direction, it being possible to lower the said plate in the direction of the base plate, this being characterised in that the shoulder plate is in the form of a first raising plate (4) which is linked to the base plate facing away from the head, this being swivelled via a horizontal articulated axle (5) and in that a first raising pouch (6) of an elastic material is situated between the base plate and the first raising plate, which when filled with a fluid raises the first raising plate from the base plate from one side, in that when the raising plate raises or lowers, the reclining plate

Abstract: A bed apparatus having a base and two inflatable members for elevating the torso and legs of a user is provided. The inflatable members are removably attachable to the base and can be selectively spaced apart, making the bed spatially adjustable. The extent to which a user's body is elevated is controlled by inflation of the inflatable members, making the bed vertically adjustable.

Abstract: The Automatic Patient Turner is the ultimate in pressure sore prevention by automatically, periodically, and alternately tilting, and then laterally turning an immobile patient from one complete side to the other in a manner similar to, yet gentler and less intrusive than, manual turning, due to the patterned, sequential inflation and deflation of strategically placed inflatables. When the bent knees are perpendicular, being sandwiched between a pair of knee inflatables, they serve as a lever arm in the turning process when pressure is exerted against them by inflated inflatables. This causes the bent knees to move well beyond their perpendicular position in the direction of the turn. With the deflation of the knee inflatables, the bent knees descend laterally pulling the entire body of the patient completely to one side as a back-support pillow inflates, where the patient will lie upon a flat mattress until turned to the other side.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress system and bed are disclosed for providing a comprehensive system of pulmonary and skin care therapies for the critically ill, immobilized patient. The features provided include rotational therapy, percussion therapy and pulsation therapy on a critical care bed frame with a low air loss patient support, all of which are controlled with various types of feedback from particularized sensors in the bed.

Abstract: A bed comprises a bed support including a body portion and a support plate configured to be removably coupled to the body portion. The body portion includes a guide configured to operably couple with the support plate in order to guide the support plate in sliding movement into the body portion.

Abstract: An incline-adjustable air mattress for elevating a user's head and legs relative to the user's torso. The incline-adjustable air mattress includes a base section having top, bottom and perimeter walls, and also having air valve members being disposed in the perimeter wall, and further having an air chamber disposed between the top, bottom, and perimeter walls; and also includes intermediate sections being disposed upon and connected to the base section; and further includes upper sections being disposed upon and connected to the intermediate sections.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: A mattress adjusting system includes an inflatable air mattress having front and rear portions removably positionable between a mattress and a box spring. The air mattress includes a cavity for receiving air therein and for causing a bed mattress to tilt upwardly at the front portion thereof. The system further includes a pump mechanism for selectively inflating and deflating the air mattress and a weight member attached within the air mattress assisting to deflate same. The pump mechanism includes a control panel with a plurality of control buttons for causing air to selectively enter and exit the air mattress and a release valve for allowing an operator to manually deflate the mattress in the event of a power outage.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: A bed with air adjustable elevation components having a generally rectangular foundation, a mattress having a plurality of sections, and an air chamber under each section of the mattress that is to be raised. The contour and shape of the mattress is controlled by inflating and deflating each air chamber to elevate and incline the section of the mattress. The mattress is formed of connecting sections including a back section and a buttock section adjacent the back section. Adjacent the buttock section is an upper leg section and adjacent the upper leg section is lower leg section. The sides of the upper leg section and the lower leg section abutting each other are formed at an angle such that when the leg sections of the mattress are in a non-elevated position a V-shaped cut out area is formed between the two sections. The air chambers are connected to a pump and a controller is provided to easily inflate and deflate the chambers, together or separately, with compressed air.

Abstract: A patient support structure including a unit having at least two defined shaped zones (30, 32) inflatable from a deflated condition in order to modify the topography of the support. One of the zones (30) is larger than the other (32) so that inflation of the larger zone lifts a patient to one side (towards the smaller zone 32) and the inflated smaller zone supports the patient and prevents the patient from slipping off the support structure. In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises two units, each having at least two defined shaped inflatable zones (30, 32), the larger zone 30 of each unit being in opposed configuration and the units being inflatable independently of one another so that a patient can be lifted to one side or the other side according to which unit is inflated.

Abstract: A bed with adjustable positions comprises head, foot and central units. The head and foot units include respectively an upper and lower structure and a linear actuator for elevating or lowering the upper structure with respect to the lower structure. Two opposite upper structures can be elevated simultaneously or separately. The central unit is provided with a central platen to which a pair of side platens is hinged. A rotation subassembly is located in head and foot units respectively and is intended to turn the central unit, while an inclination subassembly is used to incline the side platens, so as to prevent the patient from sliding during rotation. A pneumatic bag subassembly is formed from upper and lower sections, which can be independently inflated or deflated. A reaction board, having a width slightly narrower than central platen and a length substantially equal to the upper section, is placed on the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bed having a generally rectangular foundation and mattress, an air chamber located beneath having a plurality of sections, and at least one air chamber under a portion of the mattress, a controller for regulating the amount of air in the air chamber, and a mattress retainer placed between the mattress and the foundation comprising a tongue and extending toward the foot of the bed a sufficient distance to make contact with both the mattress and the foundation to increase the friction sufficiently to prevent slippage of the mattress when the heat is raised.

Abstract: The Bed Leveler/Adjuster, when mounted into the sleeping cavity of a tractor truck, is a lightweight, economical, compact in height bed frame assembly that will either level the head and foot ends of the sleeping mattress when needed, or allow three seperate vertically adjustable sections of the sleeping mattress to be operated by the user to recline in a combination of ways. The Bed Leveler/Adjuster is operated by the use of a control unit that is powered by regulated air pressure supplied by the tractor truck.

Abstract: This invention will alternately turn an immobile, bedridden patient 180 degrees. It is designed to prevent bedsores and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The device consists of five strategically placed inflatables on a flexible mattress assembly strapped to a hospital bed mattress. The knees are bent in a perpendicular, 90° position and sandwiched between a pair of inflated knee bags on top of the flexible mattress. The inflation of one of the elongated air bags beneath the flexible mattress raises that longitudinal side of the mattress to a 45° incline. This causes the knees to move from a 90° angle relative to the flat mattress an additional 45 degrees to a 135° angle. As those air bags deflate, the bent knees descend. Acting as a lever arm, the knees pull the body completely to the side of the turn, while a back support air bag pillow inflates.

Abstract: An inflatable bed support which is composed of a bladder which when inflated defines three longitudinally extending side walls disposed in a triangular configuration. To support the bladder in the desired triangular configuration, there is provided an interior baffle mounted within the bladder which in one embodiment comprises a pair of longitudinally extending panels disposed in a V-shaped arrangement and joined to the side walls. In another embodiment, one or more transverse panels form the baffle, either alone or in conjunction with the V-shaped panels. The bed support may be used to form an assembly which may be assembled to the head end portion of a bed mattress and serves to adjustably lift the head end portion.

Abstract: There is provided a bedrest including an inflatable bladder, which is in general a triangular shaped structure when inflated and a microprocessor based hand controller for inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder contains an interior baffle which extend for primarily the length of the bladder fixed to interior walls of the bladder to form an inverse triangle inverse to the triangle formation of the bladder when inflated. The interior baffle therefore enables the structure to form more precisely into the desired triangular shape in order to perform a more effective position when inserted under the mattress in the head location of the bed. The microprocessor based hand controller enables an individual to inflate or deflate the bladder to any desired amount with a simple control. In addition, the hand controlled microprocessor permits computer programming so that the mattress can be automatically raised and lowered to different levels during different periods of time.

Abstract: A bed comprises a fluid supply and a bed support coupled to the fluid supply. A patient support surface is configured to couple to the bed support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bed having a generally rectangular foundation and mattress, an air chamber located beneath having a plurality of sections, and at least one air chamber under a portion of the mattress, a controller for regulating the amount of air in the air chamber, and a mattress retainer placed between the mattress and the foundation comprising a tongue and extending toward the foot of the bed a sufficient distance to make contact with both the mattress and the foundation to increase the friction sufficiently to prevent slippage of the mattress when the heat is raised.

Abstract: A chair bed including a bedframe and a mattress positioned on the bedframe is provided. The bedframe is configured to move between a substantially flat bed position and a chair position. The mattress includes an inflatable treatment apparatus such as a pulmonary rotational therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, or a decubitus ulcer treatment device.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: There is provided a bed with air adjustable elevation components having a generally rectangular foundation, a mattress having a plurality of sections, and an air chamber under each section of the mattress that is to be raised. The contour and shape of the mattress is controlled by inflating and deflating the each air chamber to elevate and incline the section of the mattress. The mattress is formed of connecting sections including a back section, a buttock section adjacent the back section. Adjacent the buttock section is an upper leg section and adjacent upper leg section is lower leg section. The sides of upper leg section and lower leg section abutting each other are formed at an angle such that when the leg sections of the mattress are in a non-elevated position a V-shaped cut out area is formed between the two sections. The air chambers are connected to a pump and a controller is provided to easily inflate and deflated the chambers, together or separately, with compressed air.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating the head and torso of a patient confined to a fluidized patient support system. A head cushion assembly, a knee gatch assembly and a control assembly are integrated with any known fluidized patient support system and preferably integrated, at least in part, with the cover sheet of the chosen patient support system. In operation, the invention may be utilized to raise and/or lower a patient's head and torso, in 15° steps, to any inclination from supine to approximately 45°. In implementations utilizing the knee gatch assembly, the patient is effectively prevented from sliding during inclination even to the highest of angles. The controls are conveniently provided on a handheld unit for easy access and operation by caregivers and patient alike.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a hospital bed includes a manifold having a manifold block with an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, and a valve assembly having a valve with a portion moveable within the conduit between a first position blocking fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a second position in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet. The control apparatus further includes a solenoid operable to move the valve from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical input applied to the solenoid, and a lever operable to move the valve from the first position to the second position in response to a manual input applied to the lever.

Abstract: A bed with adjustable positions comprises head, foot and central units. The head and foot units include respectively an upper and lower structure and a linear actuator for elevating or lowering the upper structure with respect to the lower structure. Two opposite upper structures can be elevated simultaneously or separately. The central unit is provided with a central platen to which a pair of side platens is hinged. A rotation subassembly is located in head and foot units respectively and is intended to turn the central unit, while an inclination subassembly is used to incline the side platens, so as to prevent the patient from sliding during rotation. A pneumatic bag subassembly is formed from upper and lower sections, which can be independently inflated or deflated. A reaction board, having a width slightly narrower than central platen and a length substantially equal to the upper section, is placed on the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: A manifold and valve assembly includes a manifold block having an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit in fluid communication with the inlet and with the outlet. The assembly also includes a valve having a portion movable within the conduit between a first position blocking fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a second position in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet, a solenoid operable to move the valve from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical input applied to the solenoid, and a lever operable to move the valve from the first position to the second position in response to a manual input applied to the lever.

Abstract: A articulated air mattress for maneuvering bed-ridden patients. The articulated air mattress includes a base portion. The base portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a peripheral side wall. At least one lifting member comprises a top surface, and a bottom surface. A perimeter wall is integrally coupled to and extends between the top and bottom surfaces. The lifting member is generally wedge-shaped such that the bottom surface and the top surface each have a first edge positioned generally adjacent to each other and a second edge spaced from each other. The first edges define a proximal edge and the second edges defined a distal edge. The lifting member is comprises of a flexible and air impervious material. The lifting member has an opening therein adapted for receiving and expelling air. The opening is adapted to be selectively opened and closed. The proximal edge is hingedly coupled to the top wall.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement handles a person in a rocking movement on a couch relative a base by means of pressure medium driven actuating means in the couch. The couch is converted from a substantially planar or slightly bent starting position, with the person resting against the couch to a C-shaped holding position, bent about the longitudinal axis of the person. The person is rocked relative to the base in a rocking movement from side to side on the base maintained in aid C-shaped holding position.

Abstract: A device for positioning patients for diagnostic and therapeutic uses having, in particular a horizontally disposed bearer element for the patient (i.e., such as a table). In addition, at least one inflatable or pump-up-able cushion is provided with which the position of the patient, or specific regions of the patient's body, can be altered.

Abstract: A patient turning apparatus (10), for laterally rotating a patient (30), the apparatus including an air supply, a pair of inflatable bladders (14), each having a tab (18) extending from one end, wherein the tab (18) is in communication with the bladder (14), a connector (17) extending from each tab (18) and in communication therewith, tubes connecting the connectors to the air supply, a pair of sleeves (12) adapted to house pair of inflatable bladders (14) and adjustably maintain bladders (14) in an overlapping configuration, a head pad (37) removably attached to the bladders (14), wherein the head pad (37) is adapted to accommodate variously sized patients, a calf raiser (42) adapted to accommodate variously sized patients, removably attached to the sleeves (12), a pair of bolster retainers (52) removably attached to the sleeves (12) each having a flap portion (54) and a retaining loop (58), a pair of bolsters (50), adapted to slidably fit into the retaining loops (58), a removable body pad (32) attached to