Abstract: An adjustable bed is provided that includes a bed frame defined by a pair of side rails, a rear rail, and a front rail. A mattress support is disposed on top of the bed frame and includes a plurality of support panels, coupled in succession using hinges such that at least one support panel can be articulated, causing the panel to pivot about the hinge connection with an adjacent panel. An adjustment mechanism is provided that includes torque tubes that each include a torque shaft and lift links. The torque tubes are removably attachable to the side rails of the bed frame by inserting bushings on the ends of the torque shafts into slots running along the insides of the side rails. A motor is coupled to the torque tubes, locking the torque tubes in place. A set of foot links is provided for supporting a foot panel during articulation of an adjacent leg panel.

Abstract: A wheelchair transfer device is configured for moving an invalid patient from a flat surface to a seated position for transport in the seated position on the transfer device. The transfer device includes a rolling base supported by casters and convertible low profile rollers that are configured to fit under the base of a hospital bed and convert to a larger diameter wheel without altering the height of the transfer device. The transfer device includes a leg portion, a torso portion and a seat portion configured to be coplanar for adaptation to a hospital bed, so that an invalid patient can, with assistance, roll onto the device. The seat portion can then be raised against the patient's buttocks, generally perpendicular to the leg and torso portions, and the whole assembly can then be rotated to a vertical position, with the seat portion supporting the weight of the patient.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.

Abstract: A multiple position support structure is disclosed. The support structure comprising a base, a planar member configured for supporting a patient, a linking assembly connecting the planar member with the base, and an actuator assembly operably connected to the linking assembly and the base for moving the planar member from a first position to a second position. The linking assembly includes a first pair of connecting arms and second pair of connecting arms, each arm being bent at a fulcrum point. The actuator assembly includes a driver means, a screw actuator rotatably connected to the driver means, a driver nut mounted about the screw actuator, and a pull arm pivotably mounted to the driver nut. Rotation of the screw actuator causes linear movement of the driver nut and results the pull arm applying a pulling force to the linking assembly. Extension of the linking assembly causes vertical movement of the planar member.

Abstract: In an operating table comprising a table column (10) with a column foot (14) and with a column head (16) and also a patient bed (12) which is connectable to the column head (16) and which is pivotable in relation to the table column (10) about at least one axis parallel to the bed plane, the column head (16) has provided on it a guide track (42) which is curved continuously about an axis of curvature and on which a saddle coupleable to the bed (12) is mounted such that it can be adjusted along the guide track (42) by means of a saddle drive.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a patient support, a base, and an electrical control system. The patient support is mounted relative to said base, which has a plurality of bearing members for moving the base and the patient support across a surface. Each of the bearing members includes a brake operatively associated therewith, with the electrical control system having a user actuatable device and being configured to actuate one or more of the brakes upon actuation of the user actuatable device.

Abstract: A hospital bed features a central control for operating the electric drives. To quickly lower the back section for reanimation purposes in case of an emergency, it is possible to select a special mode in which the motor for the back section is acted upon by a voltage that lies above the voltage acting upon the motor in the normal mode.

Abstract: What is shown is an apparatus (10) for adjusting the bed (12) of an operating table, the said bed comprising a plurality of segments (14a to 14f) adjustable in relation to one another, at least some of the adjustable segments (14a to 14f) being connected to actuators (16a to 16f) which can be activated in order to adjust the associated segments (14a to 14f). The apparatus (10) comprises an input device (18) for the input of commands for the adjustment of at least some of the segments (14a to 14f) connected to actuators (16a to 16f). The apparatus (10) can be operated in at least two operating modes which correspond in each case to a specific position of a patient on the bed (12). The input device (18) has means for the input of body-part-related adjustment commands which are associated with the adjustment of the position of a body part or body portion of the patient.

Abstract: A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).

Abstract: A control unit controls a drive unit so that a back angle ?, which is an elevation angle of a back bottom, and a knee angle ?, which is an elevation angle of a knee bottom, change according to a pre-set pattern. The control unit comprises a memory unit for storing a plurality of patterns of linking a coordinate point (0,0) in a (?,?) coordinate, in which each of the bottoms is in a horizontal state, and a coordinate point (?0, ?0), in which the back bottom is raised, with a plurality of points; a selection unit for selecting one pattern from the plurality of patterns stored in the memory unit; and a computation unit for controlling the drive unit so that the back angle ? and the knee angle ? change according to the pattern selected by the selection unit. Therefore, the patient can be prevented from being displaced on the bed and from being subjected to a sense of pressure on their stomach or chest.

Abstract: A nursing system of a visual evoked brain wave control device, measuring a brain wave signal induced by the user when gazing at one optical display region, for controlling external devices is designed. The optical flash generating device receives an outer signal to flash the optical display region therein. A brain wave signal measurement device is used to measure a brain wave signal induced by users when gazing at the optical display region. A programmable chip is used to analyze the relation between the brain wave signal and the optical flash generating device, and control a selected option of the optical display region gazed by the users (for example, raising/falling of first, second or third portion of the hospital bed, volume adjustment of radio, channel adjustment, etc.), for improving the independence capability and the life quality of the users.

Abstract: An actuator for beds, slatted beds or chairs of the type accommodating, in a cabinet, two drive units based on a spindle and a spindle nut configured as an adjustment element, cooperating with an arm of a rotary shaft for a backrest section and a legrest section, respectively, in the bed, the mattress support or the chair. The two spindles are rotational interconnected and are driven by a common reversible electric motor. By having just one motor and one transmissions, as well as no switching mechanism between the two spindles, a simple and inexpensive structure is provided.

Abstract: A mobile veterinary surgical table incorporating a dental operatory, the mobile veterinary surgical table having a base member having a mobility means, a support pedestal member mounted to the base frame member allowing height adjustment of the support surface of the veterinary surgical table, the veterinary surgical support being bifurcated so as to be angularly oriented from the horizontal to a V-shape, the veterinary support member being tiltable at a desired angle and having a runoff tray positioned beneath the support surface for the disposition of fluids, there being positioned at one end of the support surface a dental tray, there being positioned on the base frame beneath the support surface a dental operatory, including all of the tools required for the operation of the dental operatory for performing dental treatment of the animal while its head is positioned on the dental tray.

Abstract: A quick-releasing linear actuator suitable for electric hospital beds includes a motor, a transmission device, a clutch device and a pulling arm device. With the pulling of the pulling arm of the pulling arm device, a clutch and a clutch base of the clutch device can be disengaged, such that the screw of the transmission device will not be impeded by the worm gear. When a force is exerted to the telescopic rod of the transmission device, the screw can rotate by itself to rapidly lower the telescopic rod, thereby to achieve the rapid releasing of the hospital beds.

Abstract: A pivoting device for pivoting of segments (4) which are pivotable relative to one another of a bearing construction (2), providing a bearing surface (3) for a mattress, a cushioning element or the like, of an item of furniture for sitting and/or lying on, in particular a bed. In order to produce a pivoting device which requires a comparatively small installation space while also having safe operation, the invention proposes a pivoting device which includes an electromotive drive device (13) which is arranged on the end face between two neighboring segments (4).

Abstract: A patient table, modified with a fixed-base design thereby allowing for heavy patients, providing tilting and cantilevering capabilities, table top extension (i.e. providing head to toe coverage), and overall stability, is described. The operating room table re-design includes incorporation of utility sources into the architecture of the table, so that utilities, such as wiring, vacuum, and gas hoses, arise from the table itself. The source of all utilities to the table (as opposed to those emanating from the table) may come from an underground connection. Further, the table is interchangeable with tables customized for a specific procedure.

Abstract: An bedding apparatus is provided that allows a user the ability to control a bedroom environment using one selectable control. The apparatus includes an adjustable bedding unit and a computing unit coupled to the adjustable bedding unit. A number of controllable electronic appliances, having an effect on the bedroom environment, are electrically coupled to the computing unit. These electronic appliances are capable of being controlled by the computing unit. A user interface control unit is coupled to the computing unit. The user interface presents the user with a number of user-selectable settings that cause an adjustment in the position of the adjustable bed and at least one of the electronic appliances.

Abstract: A bottom adjusting action control system for an adjustable bed is provided that facilitates adjustment of the adjustable bottom sections of the bed via a predetermined path of angular adjustment in reaching final set positions for the back and knee bottom sections. In particular, the control system of the present invention provides a means of adjusting the angular positions of adjustable bottom sections of the bed to predetermined final positions via preset bottom coordinative action patterns carried out by a controller means. The preset bottom coordinative action patterns raise and lower adjustable back and knee bottom sections of the bed in a coordinated manner, so as to adjust the bottom sections of the bed to the chosen angular positions without causing the user to slide relative to the bed, and without exerting uncomfortable abdominal pressure on the user.

Abstract: A remote controller for an adjustable support apparatus for supporting a patient includes an input device configured to accept control commands for adjusting a support apparatus for supporting a patient, at least one sensor configured to detect a pick-up of the remote controller by a user, and a transmitter device configured to transmit the control commands to the support apparatus for supporting a patient. The detection of the pick-up of the remote controller by the user activates the remote controller.

Abstract: A fast-releasing controlling device of an actuator includes a clutching means, a turning means and a pulling means. The clutching means is accommodated within a base of the actuator, and includes a fixing base and a clutch. The turning means is accommodated within the casing of the actuator and includes a swinging arm pivoted to the base. One end of the swinging arm is arranged to correspond to the clutch so as to control clutching action of the clutch relative to the fixing base. The pulling means includes a pulling rod assembly. One end of the pulling rod assembly is accommodated within the casing and connected to the swinging arm, and the other end thereof penetrates out of the casing and is joined with a connecting block.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary base having side rails with channels. A frame movable relative to the base has rollers which ride in these channels. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is supported by the frame when horizontal. A plurality of links pivotally secured to brackets secured to the head and leg deck boards and pivotally secured to the base limit travel of the head and leg deck boards. Additional links pivotally secured to brackets secured to the foot deck board and to the movable frame limit movement of the foot deck board. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the frame and includes a linear actuator. Activation of the actuator inclines the deck boards.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bed handheld remote control that may include a handheld housing, a touch sensor on a front face of the handheld housing, a transmitter and the like. The touch sensor may be presented in a slider form and may be adapted to facilitate a user in adjusting a frame position of an adjustable bed. The transmitter may be electrically coupled to a processor and may receive input from the touch sensor, for communication control signals to the adjustable bed in accordance with the input received from the touch sensor.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary frame, a first head deck mattress support member supported by the frame, a second seat deck mattress support member supported by the frame and pivotally coupled to the head deck mattress support member, a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring, and a motorized drive assembly operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and to the first mattress support member. The adjustable bed may be such that detection of the snoring sound actuates the motorized drive assembly thereby causing relative movement of the first mattress support member with respect to the second mattress support member. The sensor assembly may further be adapted to recognize a sound associated with snoring of a particular person and actuation of the motorized drive assembly may move the first mattress support member between an inclined position and a horizontal flat position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A linear actuator for a piece of furniture, namely a bed or chair comprising a housing (8) of plastic consisting of two parts (8a, 8b) with a joining edge (8c) in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In both ends of the housing there is a transverse through aperture (10) for receiving a pivot shaft in the piece of furniture, and with an openable cover (9) for mounting the actuator on the shafts. In connection with the apertures there is a drive comprising a reversible motor, which over a transmission drives a spindle, and where a spindle nut fixed against rotation and constructed as a sliding element is mounted on said spindle. The pivot shaft in the piece of furniture has an arm which rests loosely against the end of the spindle nut when the actuator is mounted on the piece of furniture so that the pivot shaft is rotated for raising of a section in the piece of furniture in one direction of movement of the spindle and for lowering the section under its weight in the other direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a hospital bed with two driving motors that are used in the vertically adjustable jack in order to increase the hoisting power of the bed so as to be able to lift heavy patients. The two driving motors are mounted so as to mechanically operate in parallel. In order to obtain a symmetric load distribution among the two motors, the motors are electrically connected in series and are supplied from a joint voltage source as a serial connection.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or the like, includes a support deck having a plurality of pivotable sections adapted to support a patient thereon. A head section of the support deck generally supports a patient's torso and is movable between a generally horizontal orientation and a raised orientation. A CPR drop assembly allows the head section to be pivoted relatively quickly to the horizontal orientation in order to allow CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to be administered to the patient. The drop assembly may include a foot pedal having both a mechanical and electrical link to an actuator. The drop assembly may also be configured to operate in different manners depending upon the angular orientation of the head section at the time the drop assembly is initially activated.

Abstract: A bed arrangement (10) has an articulated mattress support (30), a support frame (40) for the articulated mattress support, and a power assembly (50) for raising and lowering flexible sections (30b, 30c, 30d) of the articulated mattress support. The support frame (40) is adjustably mounted in a stationary outer frame (20) and has a size smaller than the articulated mattress support (30). The power assembly (50) is mounted on the support frame (40).

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The deck also includes a first portion and a second portion that is configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A patient bed including a deck, supported by a base, and a patient support supported by the deck. The patient support includes a pneumatic device and at least one pressure sensor located within the patient support.

Abstract: A bed, including a bedframe to support a mattress. The bed includes an electrical communication network.

Abstract: An actuator for beds, slatted beds or chairs of the type accommodating, in a cabinet, two drive units based on a spindle and a spindle nut configured as an adjustment element, cooperating with an arm of a rotary shaft for a backrest section and a legrest section, respectively, in the bed, the mattress support or the chair. The two spindles are rotational interconnected and are driven by a common reversible electric motor. By having just one motor and one transmission as well as no switching mechanism between the two spindles, a simple and inexpensive structure is provided.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a stationary bed frame and a movable bed frame. A portion of the stationary bed frame is coupled to a portion of a plurality of actuator devices and a portion of the movable bed frame is coupled to a portion of the actuator devices. A power supply coupled to the actuator devices activates the actuator devices. At least one of the actuator devices comprises a safety switch to prevent unauthorized use of the actuator devices, and a toggle switch to elevate and lower at least one actuator of the actuator devices. A caregiver unlocks the safety switch, activates the actuator devices and guides a person transversely from one side of a mattress located on the movable bed frame to a second side of the mattress thereby permitting access to a portion of the person that was previously inaccessible.

Abstract: The present invention has a frame, two articulating structures, a drag link and a linear drive assembly. Each articulating structure has a rigid support, a serpentine support and a caster support. The rigid supports are pivotally connected to the frame and to the caster supports. The serpentine supports are pivotally connected to the frame, the rigid support and the caster support. The drag link makes the first and second articulating structures cooperate. The linear drive assembly is connected to the rigid support of one articulating structure and to the drag link. The linear drive assembly causes the bed to rise by acting in two directions, one to directly push the drag link in a first direction and the second to redirect the linear drive assembly force to indirectly push the drag link in the first direction by rotating the first rigid structure away from the frame.

Abstract: A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.

Abstract: Described is a treatment table for patient treatment comprising a plurality of table elements and a positioning device for selectively setting the position of a respective table element, wherein the positioning device has a plurality of electrical switches or switching contacts with associated actuating portions with which selective positioning movements of the positioning device are controllable, wherein the positioning device is in the form of a foot switch (11) and has at least one actuating lever (1) whose movements which are predetermined in given directions by a guide device (2) can be transmitted to at least two switches (3) or at least two switching contacts.

Abstract: Modular system for assembling a motorized adjustable support apparatus for the upholstery of a piece of furniture for one of sitting and lying includes a first support element including a first longitudinal rail assembly, and a second support element including a second longitudinal rail assembly. The first and second longitudinal rail assemblies are detachably connected by a connecting element to form a base of the support apparatus, in use. The assembled adjustable support apparatus includes the two support elements adjustable relative to one another for supporting the upholstery. A connecting shaft is provided for transmitting the rotation of a first pivot shaft connected to the first rail assembly to a third pivot shaft connected to the second rail assembly. Ends of the connecting shaft are detachably insertable into recesses defined in the first and third pivot shafts, and are securable against rotation.

Abstract: A panel segment is provided for a multipart patient supporting panel, with a radiotransparent support panel and at least one electrical connecting line, which extends at least over a partial region of the support panel. In order that the connecting lines cannot be seen as troublesome shading on x-ray images, the at least one connecting line is configured as a strip conductor that is disposed in a recess in the support panel. A patient supporting panel and an operating table with such a panel segment are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical actuator system, especially for hospital and care beds and patient beds, comprising a number of actuators (6,7; 10,11), a control box (12) with a mains-based power supply, and typically also a rechargeable battery package and a control unit with a microprocessor, a number of controls (15,16), an orientation light (17) for mounting under the bed. The system comprises at least one junction box (13,14) and the orientation lighting is, with its own control unit, located in this. This enables a flexible location of the lighting.

Abstract: A device and method for motorized support of patient positioning are provided. The position of a patient bed and the setting of an electric motor drive are recorded which may differ due to elasticity and/or flexibility of the bed drive. A control signal for the electric motor drive is generated depending on the position of the patient bed and the setting of the electric motor drive. The drive can thus be activated for servo-support in case the patient bed is manually displaced, whereby the control signal is generated depending on a change in position of the patient bed, which does not correspond to a simultaneous change in the setting of the electric motor drive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intelligent bed robot. The intelligent bed robot includes a pressure sensor-provided mattress, an intelligent robot arm, transfer rails, and at least one gripper. The pressure sensor-provided mattress monitors the position, posture and motion of a user on a bed in real time, and assists the user. The intelligent robot arm includes vertical bars disposed on two opposite sides of the bed and configured to have a predetermined length, a horizontal bar configured to connect the vertical bars to each other, and torque sensors disposed at lower ends of the vertical bar, and measures horizontal and vertical forces applied by the user. The transfer rails guide the intelligent robot arm along a path of movement. The gripper is coupled to the horizontal bar of the intelligent robot arm, and is provided with a finger unit capable of picking up an object.

Abstract: A system for monitoring bed or mattress operation including portable monitor having a memory, a wireless input in selective communication with the bed, a wireless output in selective communication with the bed, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including an identification for the bed and a control data associated with the bed identification, and selectively link with the bed via the output and receive computer readable information from the bed via the wireless input to update control data stored in the data structure; and control a display to report the control data to the user.

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: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include providing a plurality of values that may define a range of available positions for an adjustable bed; receiving a request to save a position of the adjustable bed as a user selected position; determining which of the plurality of values may represent a current position of the adjustable bed to provide a current position value; storing an association of the current position value with the user selected position, forming a store position value; receiving a request to return the adjustable bed to the user selected position; adjusting the adjustable bed to a position corresponding to the store position value.

Abstract: A reclining element includes a pivotal backrest, a headrest, which is coupled in an articulated manner thereto, and optionally a footrest. These pivotal parts can be displaced by an electromotive adjusting device. The reclining element is so configured as to eliminate the need for the link lever fastened to the pivot shaft, whereby the forces required for adjusting can be transmitted by an appropriate kinematic system to the footrest or backrest. In order to raise the backrest, an articulated lever (20) is used, which is provided in the form of a toggle lever and which is connected to the adjusting element. A lever (20a) of the articulated lever (20) is coupled to the adjusting element (18). The other lever (20b) is coupled to the backrest (11) so that when the adjusting element travels out of the end position, the joint (21) executes a guided linear movement and a rotational movement that leads to a blocking of the articulated lever (20) in a particular blocking position.

Abstract: A patient bed and a method for reproducibly positioning and supporting a patient in a medical diagnosis or therapy apparatus, such as a CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, involve supporting at least regions of the patient body in a desired position on the patient bed and using at least one positioning unit to position the regions of the patient body relative to the patient bed. The patient bed has a number of height-adjustable elements arranged like a matrix that are individually adjustable in terms of height.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a platform having a flexible surface, a flex mechanism adapted to flex the platform to form a flexion position that includes at least one of a sitting-up position and a knee break, and a tilt mechanism adapted to tilt the platform surface laterally, the flex and tilt mechanisms both being operable with the other mechanism in an operational state. Furthermore, the adjustable bed includes a side member disposed on a side of the platform, and a side-member lift mechanism adapted to raise the side member relative to the platform surface, the tilt mechanism tilting the platform surface toward the side member raised by the side-member lift mechanism.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, a deck, a siderail, a communication network and a graphic caregiver interface module. The graphic caregiver interface module includes an input device, a control circuit, a memory, and a display.

Abstract: The universal hospital bed designed for nursing the immobile patients with additional bathing equipment” belongs to the category of the health equipment, intended for the health institutions, gerontology institutions and family households. The essence of the invention is in its constructive solution of the three-part bed, which using the mechanism for electrical and mechanical adjustment of the angles of the slope of the mobile parts of bed, could be converted into the form of (arm) chair. The belt holders and belts for fastening the patients are installed on the back part of the bed, and the antidecubitus mattress is placed along the whole bed, used as preventive protection of the patients against decubitus, or if patient already has it, for healing of the wounds. On the middle sitting part of the bed-mattress, part of the mattress is cut and the basic insert (41) is made of it, which if necessary, could be replaced with WC insert.

Abstract: An MPU sends pieces of information supplied by the input signals from a hand switch to a semiconductor memory device and the memory device stores these pieces of information. These pieces of information are: input points of an operation start signal and an operation end signal to a bottom drive unit; input points of a drive start signal of each bottom and a drive end signal of each bottom or a bottom drive time, information on lift-up or lift-down of each bottom; input points of a drive start signal and a drive end signal to a frame drive unit, information on lift-up or lift-down of a frame; and the type of an operated button of a hand switch. The data about bottoms is stored for both the back bottom and knee bottom.