Abstract: A method includes providing an adjustable bed flame including one or more articulating portions; providing an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed flame to form an adjustable bed, said air inflatable mattress including flex regions about which the air inflatable mattress can flex; regulating air pressure in the air inflatable mattress with an air pump; and storing user preferences in a remote memory, said user preferences representing recall parameters relating to one or more adjustable aspects of the adjustable bed, said remote memory disposed apart from both the adjustable bed frame, the air inflatable mattress, and the air pump, and said storing user preferences comprising: storing a plurality of values that define a range of available parameters for the adjustable bed, said storing the plurality of values including storing a table having a plurality of entries.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and seat, thigh, and head sections coupled to the frame. A linkage is coupled to the head, seat, and thigh sections. The linkage has a first mode of operation in which the seat and thigh sections remain substantially parallel to each other as the head section is raised and lowered and the linkage has a second mode of operation in which the thigh section tilts relative to the seat section as the head section is raised and lowered. A handle is movable relative to the head section between a first position in which the linkage is in the first mode of operation and a second position in which the linkage is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed (10), particularly a hospital or nursing bed, which is provided with a bed frame (20) that comprises two side portions (26) on the lateral sides, a head end (21), and a foot end (23). Furthermore, the bed (10) is provided with a mattress support structure (30), which comprises a back section (32) that can be adjusted, a seat surface section (34,36), and a lower leg section (38) that can be adjusted, and with a base (12) under the bed frame (20), wherein the base (12) comprises an end (15) on the foot end side that faces the foot end (23) and an end (17) on the head end side that faces the head end (21). The mattress support structure (30) is divided into a section (30b) on the foot end side and a section (30a) on the head end side along a dividing plane (44) extending substantially parallel to the foot and head parts (24,22) of the bed frame (20).

Abstract: A folding bed for supporting an intended user having a torso and a pair of lower limbs. First and second supporting sections are provided for supporting respectively the torso and the lower limbs and are pivotally coupled together through a first-to-second section pivotal link for pivotal movement between an extended configuration and a bent configuration. When the first and second supporting sections are respectively in the extended and bent configurations, the first-to-second section pivotal link is respectively at a first and a second level relative to the frame base, the second level being substantially lower than the first level. The first and second supporting sections are movable by the intended user between the extended and bent configurations with the intended user laying in the bed and moving the torso with respect to the lower limbs to change an angle therebetween and cause a corresponding change in an angle between the first and second supporting sections.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a base frame, lift arms, an intermediate frame, a deck support having three articulating sections, a brake system, various drive motors, actuators, and sensors, at least one power source, communication devices, and at least one controller, wherein the lift arms, articulating sections, drive motors, brake system, and actuators may be controlled from the at least one controller and in response to signals received by the various sensors, while storing data internally and/or sending data to a remote location.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame 14 having a head end and a foot end, an elevatable frame 16 also having a head end and a foot end, a lift assembly 76 or 78 comprising an actuation system connected to one of the frames, a push chain 106 having an actuator end 124 driven by a lead screw 86 and a distal end 126 connected to the other of the frames. Rotary motion of the lead screw changes elevation of the elevating frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: Mattresses that have a point of attachment to an adjustable bed frame that provides a pivot point about which the mattress can pivot when rising to an inclined position. In one embodiment the mattress has a pivoting member extending transversely through the mattress and provides a pivot point about which one portion of the mattress can pivot in relation to another portion of the mattress. By placing the member about midway through the mattress, one half of the mattress can pivot relative to the other half of the mattress, while the center point of the mattress is held in place. By pinning the member to the frame, the center of the mattress is held against the frame even when one portion of the mattress is inclined relative to the other. This prevents or ameliorates the mattress tendency to lift off the frame when the frame pivots into an inclined position.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector subassembly associated with a removable component, and a second connector subassembly associated with a host component to which the removable component is removably connectable. One and only one of the first and second connector subassemblies is floatable relative to its associated component.

Abstract: An operating table includes a base, a support post standing on the base, and a bed. The bed has a head section, a back section, a hip section and a foot section. The back section and the foot section respectively connect with ends of the hip section through pivot joints and are pivotable relative to the hip section upward and downward. The foot section has a rear section and a front section connecting with each other, and is pivotable either upward to an angle of less than 135 degree with respect to the hip section. The rear section is detachable separately, and an angle of the front section with respect to the hip section is adjustable via a pivot joint. The foot section can be shortened to support downward weight of the patient reliably. Moreover, a surgeon can adjust angles between the patient's legs and hip easily during the operation.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a controller configured to be coupled to the head and foot end siderails.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patent support supported by the base, and a control system. The patient support includes a pivotal head-end section, with the control system including an actuator to pivot the head-end section and being adapted to control the speed of the actuator and, further, to selectively increase the speed of the actuator to pivot the head-end section at a greater speed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an articulated bed arrangement having a patient support platform 2 comprising at least a head section 4, a seat section 6 and a foot section 8 connected to each other in an articulated manner so that the bed arrangement is convertible at least from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. The platform has a length and a width whereupon the platform is projecting an area onto the floor when said sections are horizontally arranged. The bed arrangement is further provided with a leg arrangement comprising four legs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that are pivotable in the vertical direction in relation to the longitudinal direction of the platform about their articulated connection points 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d to the platform in order to change the height from the floor to the surface of the platform. Each leg is provided so that said leg is positioned outside said projected area.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A bed frame comprises a lower support structure having a head end and a foot end and a carriage arranged for translational movement on the lower support structure. An upper support structure is mounted on the carriage. The upper support structure includes a seat and an upper body support section pivotally connected thereto. A support arm is pivotally connected between the lower support structure and the upper body support section. An actuator is connected to the lower support structure. A lever arm is connected between the actuator and the carriage. Application of force from the actuator to the lever arm moves the carriage on the lower support structure while applying a lifting moment to the upper body support section. The support arm is arranged such that movement of the carriage toward the head end of the lower support structure also produces a lifting moment on the upper body support section.

Abstract: A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.

Abstract: A controller for an adjustable bed also provides control functions for a multi media device. The multimedia device may be an MP3 player, an audio/visual player, and the like. The controller controls a function of the bed, such as a bed position selection, and functions of the multimedia device such as on/off, volume, channel, song, content, and the like.

Abstract: A hospital bed is disclosed. The bed includes at least one tiltable deck section, and a linkage assembly configured to facilitate tilting of the at least one deck section.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus has a frame including a pair of laterally spaced apart first and second rails and a set of cross members interconnecting the first and second rails. The first and second rails each terminate near a head end and a foot end of the patient-support apparatus. A patient support platform includes at least one pivotable deck section and is carried by the frame. A cable conduit is coupled to the set of cross members and extends parallel with the first and second rails. The cable conduit supports a plurality of electrical cables that extend between the head end and foot end of the patient-support apparatus.

Abstract: A sliding subframe (130) mounted to the derriere-supporting section (50) of an adjustable bed (10) is adapted to translate the rotational axis (110) of the torso-supporting section (40) of the bed (10) toward the head end (12) as the torso-supporting section (40) is raised to an inclined position (44), and back toward the foot end (14) as the torso-supporting section (40) is lowered to a level position (42). This mechanism reduces compression of the lumbo-sacral area of the patient during bed articulation.

Abstract: An ambulatory surgical gurney has a base, a frame positioned above the base, and a lifting mechanism positioned between the base and the frame. The frame has a sections pivotally connected together. The lifting mechanism has a first ram extending vertically between the base and the frame, a second ram extending vertically between the base and the frame, a lift arm pivotally connected to the frame, and a controller that controls the movement of the first and second rams and the lift arm. The upper end of the first ram and the upper end of the second ram are pivotally connected to the frame. An anaconda is attached to the frame. The anaconda has segments connected end-to-end and a ratchet spool.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame movable relative to a stationary base. An actuator assembly, including a motor driven actuator operatively coupled by snap-fit connectors to the frame, inclines at least one of the deck boards.

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four curved mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The curved panels (50-56) better conform to a patient's body shape and provide an effective lengthening of the mattress support (50-56), particularly when the back rest (30, 50) is raised to a sitting position. The support panels (50-56) are located below the pivot points of the frame (22), which further enhances the lengthening effect. The assembly also includes first and second patient retention panels (80, 82) with complementary edges (92, 94) which can slide over one another. A key pad unit (100) protrudes from the retention panel (80) at a convenient patient position and can be gripped by a patient's hand.

Abstract: What is described is a joint arrangement for the articulated connection of two segments of a patient bed, with two joint parts (36, 38), each of which is connected rigidly to one of the segments and which are pivotable relative to one another about a common joint axis (64) by means of a shaft journal (46), the joint parts (36, 38) carrying, in each case on at least one of their faces confronting one another axially, blocking faces (60) intended for bearing against one another, and the joint parts (36, 38) being capable of being tensioned axially relative to one another by means of a tensioning mechanism (46, 54, 50), and the blocking faces (60) lying in each case at least approximately in a plane containing the joint axis (64).

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support surface supported by a patient support framework that adjusts vertices along the perimeter of the patient support surface. Through adjustments that raise and contract the perimeter of the patient support surface on either side of the lower torso and/or hip-area of the patient, the framework is operable to cradle a patient's waist and hips. This mechanism not only distributes the patient's weight across a larger surface area, reducing the need for lateral rotation, but also helps to maintain a patient in place when the patient is rotated from side to side.

Abstract: An occupant support such as a bed 20 includes an articulable deck 34 having an upper body section 44 and a section 46 or 74 longitudinally adjacent to the upper body section. The upper body section is pivotable relative to the adjacent section about a laterally extending upper pivot axis. The upper body section may be pivoted to angular orientations between a substantially flat angular orientation and a maximum angular orientation. A siderail 86 affixed to the upper body section, includes a grip 102 having an ascending orientation relative to the upper body section. The grip is longitudinally bounded by a siderail back portion 106 located behind the grip and a siderail front portion 110 located in front of the grip. At least part of the front portion has a non-ascending orientation relative to the upper body section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of adjustable bed having junctions with equipped back support board, calf board support, front part bridge piece, back board support, rear bridge piece, thigh board support, back board support end and underframe crosstie woggle joint. The back board support has another end and is connected to the bedboard's back board woggle joint. A mattress core has a top cover and a bottom sheet, and the bottom sheet has a foot pocket having a foot pocket opening and a head pocket having a head pocket opening. The head pocket fits over an end of the back board. The foot pocket fits over an end of the calf board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of adjustable bed having junctions with equipped back support board, calf board support, front part bridge piece, back board support, rear bridge piece, thigh board support, back board support end and underframe crosstie woggle joint. The back board support has another end and is connected to the bedboard's back board woggle joint. A calf board support end and underframe crosstie woggle joint, and calf board support a calf of a user. Electrical machinery connection actuates the board members. A roller raises the back support and a separate roller raises the thigh board support. This model utility bed headboard footboard and the bed frame use the KD type card to meet.

Abstract: An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck having a head deck section, seat deck section, and foot deck section each of which is supported on a frame. The head deck section pivots and translates relative to the frame when driven. The drive systems of the deck sections are configured such that movement of links driving the deck sections occurs above the lowest point on the frame.

Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A patient angle sensor is employed in conjunction with gastric feeding devices to shut off or to reverse the flow of fluid in the tube when the angle of a bed ridden patient becomes sufficient to allow gastric juices to percolate up through the esophagus and into the patient's lungs. In this way incidents of aspirational pneumonia in hospitalized patients is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and to provide an indication of the presence of an obstruction with respect to a change in position of the bed.

Abstract: A body weight threshold determination unit determines that the body weight of a user on a bed is at a body weight threshold or higher, and a center-of-gravity position area determination unit determines that the center-of-gravity position thereof has moved to an abnormal position (monitored area). In such a case, the bed user is detected to be in an abnormal position when a body weight center-of-gravity position monitoring unit detects that such a state has continued for a prescribed length of time or longer. When a back-raising operation has been carried out, a movable bedboard determination unit inputs the movable bedboard information, and a monitored area adjustment unit adjusts the monitored area. The monitored area is thereby constantly set to a suitable area in accordance with the state of the movable bedboard.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.

Abstract: A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.

Abstract: A folding bed for supporting an intended user having a torso and a pair of lower limbs. First and second supporting sections are provided for supporting respectively the torso and the lower limbs and are pivotally coupled together through a first-to-second section pivotal link for pivotal movement between an extended configuration and a bent configuration. When the first and second supporting sections are respectively in the extended and bent configurations, the first-to-second section pivotal link is respectively at a first and a second level relative to the frame base, the second level being substantially lower than the first level. A retaining member attached to the first supporting section constrains the movement of the first supporting section such that when the first and second supporting sections are moved from the elongated configuration to the bent configuration, the second supporting section is moved towards the retaining member.

Abstract: An operating table includes a base, a support post standing on the base, and a bed. The bed has a head section, a back section, a hip section and a foot section. The back section and the foot section respectively connect with ends of the hip section through pivot joints and are pivotable relative to the hip section upward and downward. The foot section has a rear section and a front section connecting with each other, and is pivotable either upward to an angle of less than 135 degree with respect to the hip section. The rear section is detachable separately, and an angle of the front section with respect to the hip section is adjustable via a pivot joint. The foot section can be shortened to support downward weight of the patient reliably. Moreover, a surgeon can adjust angles between the patient's legs and hip easily during the operation.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A bed is provided having a decreased length foot deck to allow the bed to be converted to a chair bed and lowered close to the floor even when the foot deck is in a substantially vertical position. In one embodiment, the bed has a frame assembly, a deck supported on the frame assembly, and a mattress supported on the deck. The deck has a length extending from a head end of the head section to a foot end of the foot section when the deck is in a substantially horizontal position. The mattress has head, seat and foot mattress portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat and foot sections of the deck. The mattress has a length extending from a head end of the mattress to a foot end of the mattress when the mattress is in a substantially horizontal position. The length of the mattress is greater than the length of the deck, such that in one embodiment the mattress has a foot end that overhangs and is cantilevered from the edge of the foot deck section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus that can be ergonomically and movably connected to a patient support apparatus. The control apparatus comprises a control module which is operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and can provide a means for controlling the plurality of patient support apparatus functions. The control module is adapted for connection to a housing and the housing is movably connected to the patient support apparatus by a coupling device. The coupling device enables the relative movement of the housing and as such the control module relative to the patient support apparatus. In this manner access to the control module, and therefore to the functionality of the patient support apparatus, can be provided independent of the configuration of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism for activation of an articulating bed incorporates at least one mattress support plate and a pair of side rails. A rack is attached to each side rail and a torque tube extends between the side rails with a pinion gear at each end engaging a respective one of the racks. An actuator imparts translational motion to the torque tube perpendicular to its axis. Elevation bars connected to the torque tube and the support plate are angularly displaced by translation of the torque tube.

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: An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.

Abstract: A variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second sections which are hingedly attached to one another. First and second sections are also connected to supports apart from the hinged portion. An elevator moves one of the sections upwardly and downwardly at the support. The resultant position of the frame formed by the first and second sections may take the configuration of a flat surface or an upwardly or downwardly oriented “vee”.