Abstract: An infant positioning system and method for positioning an infant during sleep. The infant positioning system includes and infant support device and a headgear. The infant support device is configured for receiving the infant, and selectively changing the position of the infant each night. The headgear is configured to fit about the head of the infant, dispersing the pressure a sleeping surface places on the head of the infant.

Abstract: A device for assisting a user in getting into and out of sitting and prone positions on a piece of furniture, like a bed, which has a large base o fit between the mattress and box springs of a bed and that includes a receiving portion and an adjustable handle for the user to grasp while getting into and our of bed and while adjusting positions in the bed.

Abstract: A patient support device with shoulder depression devices for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient on a treatment table. The patient support device includes a headrest frame and an adjustable shoulder depression device and optionally includes a torso positioning device and a buttock restraint device.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus is provided for supporting a patient before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The surgical table apparatus includes a base and a table top. The table top includes a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient and a head support section adapted to support the head of a patient.

Abstract: A surgical table extension has a radiolucent inner support member removably attachable to an end of a surgical table and extending outward therefrom in cantilever fashion. A radiolucent outer support member is mounted to the inner support member, and the outer support member is adjustable with respect to the inner support member to change the length of the table extension.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable and angling head immobilization device for accurately and repeatably positioning a patient's head.

Abstract: A folding collapsible massage bed constructed to include a bedstead formed of two equal open frames hinged together by leaved hinge means, two mattress elements respectively mounted on the open frames, two legs respectively pivoted to the open frames, two cord members bilaterally connected between the legs to limit the outward turning angle of the legs, four folding braces bilaterally symmetrically connected between the legs and hinge leaves of the hinge means, and locking means adapted for locking the folding braces in the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head-clamping device for surgical purposes, specifically for intra-operatively fixing the patient's head in any anatomically possible position, the center of rotation of the head clamp being in the cervical vertebral region of the patient.

Abstract: In interventional MRI, for example, in neurosurgical applications, the head of a patient must be positioned on a head support while allowing reproducible manipulation of the head. The head support must be made of a material that is compatible with MR. Furthermore, spatial restrictions imposed by the bore of the magnetic resonance apparatus have to be dealt with. The head support in accordance with the invention includes a support whereon the patient head or a stereotactic frame can be rested. The head support is suppored by a mounting device. Both the support and mounting device are fixed on the table top. The mounting device provides a sliding surface that enables rotation of the support relative to the mounting device. The support can be curved towards the table top thus providing a concave surface so as to lower the supporting surface for a stereotactic frame and hence to minimize the total volume of the construction.

Abstract: A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

Abstract: A base headboard for supporting the back of an injured person's head has an elongated slot with teeth racks disposed on either side of the injured person's head. The headboard also comprises straps for attaching to a spine board. Two side head blocks are removably attached to the headboard using plunger-type locks that engage an elongated slot on each side of a center portion of the headboard. Each lock is engaged to a slot of the headboard through a separate elongated slot in the corresponding head block. Advantageously, a head block may be adjusted by moving the engagement of the lock along each independent slot in the headboard and head block, respectively. In addition, a head block may be rotated around its lock.

Abstract: A light bed frame with a receiving frame serves for installing rehabilitation devices. A foldable light bed frame having an outer frame with a through hole thereon. Thereby, a positioning sleeve is capable of being inserted into the through hole. The receiving frame includes an oblong frame body; cambered rings at two long sides of the frame body, respectively; an extending tube; one end of the extending tube having a handle and another end being reduced to have a connecting section which can be inserted into a tube hole at one side of the frame body; a positioning sleeve for adjusting the extending tube. A post protruded from the plate is inserted into the through hole at the lateral frame of the light bed frame. An inner threaded hole is formed on the post so that a stud is threaded into the threaded hole of the post.

Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending therefrom and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions.

Abstract: A surgical headrest (10) is provided which includes a base plate (20) and at least two support arms (30). Each of the support arms (30) has a first end (31) rotatably mounted to the base plate (20). Each of the support arms (30) also includes a second end (34) for receiving and supporting the head of a patient. The second end (34) may comprise mounting pads (50) which are rotatably mounted for engagement with the patient during surgery. Alternatively, the second end (34) may comprise skull pins (60) for affixing to the head of a patient. The surgical headrest (10) may further include a positioning device (70) having linkage arms (73, 77) which allow for superior/anterior adjustment of a patient's head.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table extension assembly for use in combination with a scanning machine having an enclosed scanning zone. A radiolucent support member has a proximal end adapted to be removably attached to one end of a table in a cantilever fashion. The radiolucent support member has a rigidity sufficient to support an upper torso and head of a patient. The table and the radiolucent support member are movable relative to the scanning machine to locate the radiolucent support member and the head of the patient within the scanning zone. A radiolucent mounting structure is connected to the radiolucent support member, and a radiolucent head support is attached to the radiolucent mounting structure for supporting the head of the patient. The radiolucent head support has an opening extending therethrough. The opening receives a locking clamp for attaching the radiolucent head support to the radiolucent mounting structure.

Abstract: An illustrative patient support apparatus includes a first section adapted to support a first portion of a patient, a second section adapted to support a second portion of the patient and pivotably movable relative to the first section about a first pivot axis, a third section adapted to support a third portion of the patient and pivotably movable relative to the second section about a second pivot axis that is parallel with the first pivot axis, a first locking mechanism that, when locked, prevents the second section from pivoting relative to the first section, a first lever that is movable to unlock the first locking mechanism to allow the second section to pivot relative to the first section, a second locking mechanism that, when locked, prevents the third section from pivoting relative to the second section, and a second lever that is movable to unlock the second locking mechanism to allow the third section to pivot relative to the second section.

Abstract: An illustrative eye surgery stretcher includes a head rest configured to support a patient's head, a head frame configured to support a patient's shoulders, a back frame configured to support a patient's back, and a seat frame configured to support a patient's seat. The head rest is adjustably movable relative to the head frame. The head frame is adjustably movable relative to the back frame. The back frame is adjustably movable relative to the seat frame.

Abstract: A headrest, armrest, or other attachment to an image diagnosis bed apparatus having leaf springs formed as integral parts of its connecting portion, and a bed apparatus tabletop with a connecting hole for the insertion of the attachment connecting portion at one end and fixing holes for the leaf springs at its top. Also, an armrest shaped so as to be capable of being placed over a headrest connected to the tabletop.

Abstract: An advantageous interoperative system includes a scanner [20] with an enclosed scanning zone, an image guided system [24] operatively connected to the scanner [20], a surgical table [22] having a radiolucent member [228] attached to one end thereof with a radiolucent support [264] held near an outboard end [236] of the radiolucent member [228] by a radiolucent adaptor assembly [210], the radiolucent adaptor assembly [210] being hingedly connected to both the radiolucent member [228] and the radiolucent support [264]. The table [22] and the radiolucent member [228] attached thereto are movable relative to the scanner [20] to locate the radiolucent member [228] and the head of a patient supported thereon within the scanning zone, to facilitate interoperative scans.

Abstract: A physiotherapy bench includes a frame supported by legs in an elevated, use position, and an arcuate body supporting panel on the frame. The supporting panel includes a substantially horizontal front end for supporting the chest of a patient, and an inclined rear end for supporting the hips and the upper portion of the legs of a patient, whereby the spine is subjected to gentle traction. A headrest is resiliently connected to the front end of the frame for floating support of the head of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a headrest assembly for supporting the head of a child comprising a cradle mounted in a support base. The cradle may be pivotally mounted within the support base with spring loaded joints. The cradle has a first contoured section for receiving the neck of the child, and a second curved section with curved sidewalls extending therefrom and for receiving the head of the child. The assembly may also comprise a shoulder and upper back support assembly which is comprised of a soft compressible material which is contoured and shaped to provide comfort and upper back support to a child.

Abstract: A support device for a diagnostic radiography system has a support plate with a portion for supporting a first region of an examination subject and a support element for a second region of the subject. The support element is connected to the support plate such that it can be adjusted by an adjusting mechanism that is arranged on the side of the support element that faces away from the portion of the support plate that is provided for accepting the first region of the examination subject.

Abstract: An infant bed of the present invention includes a frame, a mattress having a first portion and a second portion, and a mattress support that is supported on the frame for supporting the mattress. The mattress support has a first portion that supports the first portion of the mattress. The mattress support also has a second portion that is mechanically tilted about a central longitudinal axis so as to laterally tilt the second portion of the mattress to either side relative to the first portion of the mattress. The infant bed of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing positional plagiocephaly.

Abstract: A portable massage table including a planar padded base having a centrally located concave first notch in one end, and a planar padded extension that has an aligned second notch. The extension is slidably movable with respect to the base between a first position where the base and extension are aligned so that the first and second notches form a small face opening, and a second position where the base and extension are spaced apart and the first and second notches form a large face opening. One end of the base is supported by foldable legs that are telescopically adjustable in height, while the other end of the base is supported by a conventional bed.

Abstract: An adjustable face rest for use with massage equipment such as tables and chairs includes at least one handle for locking or unlocking adjustability of the face rest. A cross support member is bent or curved to avoid encroaching a person's chin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head clamping device (1) comprising a frame composed of two elements (2,3) exhibiting each first ends (7) flexibly connected to each other and second ends (5) with spikes (13,19) for fixing the head. The aim of the invention is to increase the mechanical stability of such a device. For that purpose, the frame elements (2,3) are mounted in such a way that they can rotate relatively to each other around a common rotation axis (4).

Abstract: A vacuum pad suitable for use with a head rest of a stretcher is configured to support the head of a patient supported on the stretcher. The vacuum pad has a non-rigid state wherein the vacuum pad is formable and a rigid state wherein the vacuum pad is non-formable. The vacuum pad includes side walls with top edges positioned to lie at an elevation above the head rest. The top edges of the vacuum pad provide a wrist rest surface that is formable when the pad is in the non-rigid state.

Abstract: A Head fixation apparatus includes a frame and a fixation structure for repeatably and reproducibily fixing the frame to a patient's head such that locations within the head are spatially definable with reference to frame. The fixation structure includes a cast of the patient's upper teeth and/or palate. The fixation structure further includes a support for rigidly connecting the cast to the frame and biasing structure operable between the head and the frame and/or the fixation structure to bias the cast into positive contact with the upper teeth and/or palate. The apparatus is used in stereotatic diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a pair of foot support portions coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's feet.

Abstract: In interventional MRI, for example, in neurosurgical applications, the head of a patient must be positioned on a head support while allowing reproducible manipulation of the head. The head support must be made of a material that is compatible with MR. Furthermore, spatial restrictions imposed by the bore of the magnetic resonance apparatus have to be dealt with The head support (15) in accordance with the invention comprises supporting means (1) whereon the patient head or a stereotactic frame can be rested. The supporting means (1) rest on the mounting means (2) and are fixed on the table top thereby. The mounting means (2) provide a sliding surface (16) that enables rotation of the supporting means (1) relative to the mounting means (2). The supporting means (1) can be curved towards the table top on which they rest, thus providing a concave surface (9) so as to lower the supporting surface for a stereotactic frame and hence minimize the total volume of the construction.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a head support coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's head.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft of a stretcher. The pedal assembly includes a yoke coupled to the brake-steer shaft to rotate therewith and a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the yoke and a distal end spaced therefrom. The flip-over pedal is pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the yoke. The flip-over pedal has a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction. The flip-over pedal has a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting a patient. The apparatus includes a frame, a patient-support deck coupled to the frame and configured to support the patient, and a bracket coupled to the patient-support deck for pivoting movement about a transverse first pivot axis. The bracket extends away from the patient-support deck. The apparatus also includes a head rest having first and second spaced-apart sides which is coupled to the bracket for pivoting movement about a transverse second pivot axis, and a grip handle coupled to the head rest. The grip handle has a side handle portion extending alongside the first side of the head rest in spaced-apart relation therewith so that the side handle portion can be grasped to control pivoting movement of the head rest relative to the patient-support deck.

Abstract: An examination table, particularly in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance image detecting machines of the so-called dedicated type, i.e. designed for detecting images of specific body parts, has an at least one-degree-of-freedom constraint (5, 6) to the machine (1), and has support means (6, 7, 12, 402, 302) which allow the examination table (2) to be moved in at least one, preferably two or more degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An elongated patient support table [22] with a horizontal patient support surface has a contoured radiolucent table extension assembly [26, 126] connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient [27]. An outer end of the extension assembly [26, 126] has a reduced width compared to the support table [22] to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension assembly [26, 126] into a scanning zone defined by a central opening [112] of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner [20]. The table extension assembly [26, 126] supports the patient [27] via an inboard radiolucent horseshoe headrest [32, 132] and an outer tool support [54, 122] for holding an outer stabilization device [66, 166] such as a radiolucent skull clamp [74, 174].

Abstract: A head support apparatus useful for converting a conventional bedding mattress set into a massage table. The apparatus comprises a base having a pair of upright legs supporting a face plate. A head or face cushion is attached to the face plate. The face plate and the cushion are configured to enable unrestricted airflow to the nose and mouth of a person whose head is supported thereon, particularly in a face-down position. The legs are affixed to a front end of the base, and the face plate is cantilevered beyond the base plate enabling the base plate to be inserted between two support surfaces, including a mattress and box spring, such that the face plate is positioned immediately adjacent an edge of the support surfaces. The legs are preferably configured to enable vertical height adjustment of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bed extension device for use with a conventional bed having a mattress and box springs includes a head support element having a generally planar top portion and a side portion, wherein the top portion includes a hole therein and wherein the side portion is joined to the top portion at a substantially right angle; an insert element having a horizontal portion for insertion between the mattress and the box springs and a vertical portion extending at a substantially right angle therefrom; and a fastener for securing the side portion of the head support element to the vertical portion of the insert element to provide a desired alignment between the upper surface of the mattress and the top portion.

Abstract: An improved surgical support device includes an adjustable hand rest and an adjustable head rest. The hand rest can be adjusted to provide a desired resting position both for a patient's head and for the surgeon's hand or hands. The hand rest has multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the surgeon to adjust the hand rest in the vertical and horizontal position and and to rotate the hand rest about the patient's head. The head rest allows vertical adjustment of the patient's head.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for maintaining the position of a patient during a dical procedure such as imaging by position emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiotherapeutic uses of medical procedures wherein maintaining a portion of the patient's body in a stationary position is important. The apparatus includes a system for tracking motion of the particular body portion of interest, such as the head, a computer for receiving signals from the tracking system, and determining if undesired motion of the body portion has occurred and, if so, issuing a corrective signal which through a plurality of motors effects repositioning of the body portion to the desired location. This monitoring and repositioning may take place at a very high frequency. A particular contemplated use is immobilizing and positioning of the head during brain scans. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient includes a frame, a patient support deck coupled to the frame and configured to support the patient, and a head rest coupled to the patient-support deck and having longitudinally-extending, transversely spaced-apart sides. The head rest includes a pair of longitudinally-extending, transversely spaced-apart socket tubes adjacent to respective head rest sides. The head rest also includes a bottom plate extending transversely between the socket tubes and a side plate angling upwardly from each of the socket tubes so that a head cushion-receiving space is defined between the side plates. Each of the socket tubes has an interior region adapted to receive portions of a wrist rest assembly configured to be coupled to the head rest.

Abstract: The present invention is a head cradle for supporting the head of an individual during physical or massage therapy. The device of the present invention attaches to an article of furture such as a table and is lockably adjustable in position. The device may be used with individuals who are lying in either the prone position or the supine position. The device of the present invention supports the head of the individual without obstructing the access of the therapist to important portions of the neck and spinal region. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially J shaped and includes a detachable head rest. Furthermore, the present invention includes an accessory tray which is adapted to be used in combination with the head cradle and has a centrally located ointment holder and a projecting towel holder.

Abstract: An elongated patient support table with a horizontal patient support surface is provided with a radiolucent table extension connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient. The outer end of the extension has a reduced width compared to the support table to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension into a scanning zone of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner. The table extension has at its outer end a tool support for supporting and stabilizing medical instruments, and the table extension is tiltable above and below the horizontal. The combination of the support table with the radiolucent table extension supports the patient in a desired posture for an operative procedure both during the scanning and surgical procedures.

Abstract: Compression/traction device for use with internal imaging devices including a stabilizing member for engaging a portion of the thorax of a patient's body and a force generating device to apply a force to the patient's body remote from the thorax. A load simulation table for imaging devices such as X-ray, CAT scan, MRI or tomography instruments is also disclosed, which includes a thorax engaging member and a force generating device to apply a force to the patient's body remote from the thorax portion. A method for simulating a load on a patient's body during imaging procedures is also disclosed and includes the steps of positioning a patient on a flat surface to subject the patient to an imaging procedure, engaging a portion of the thorax of the patient's body, applying a force to a portion of the patient's body at a location remote from the thorax and performing an imaging procedure while applying the force to the patient.

Abstract: A device for supporting a patient for stereotactic on-target radiation therapy in the head region of the patient includes a supporting table with a tabletop movable at least in the horizontal plane, and a holding means for arranging a stereotaxis unit fixed on the head of the patient. The holding means is arranged on the tabletop and is associated with the head region of the patient projecting beyond the tabletop. This device provides aiming accuracy also with not highly rigid connections between a stereotaxis unit and the skull of a patient. This device provides a connection means permitting free relative movability at least in the longitudinal direction of the table or the patient, and at least temporarily between the tabletop and the stereotaxis unit.

Abstract: A moldable vacuum cushion for positioning a patient during radiation therapy treatment includes an indexing bar with indexing pins to allow the attached cushion to be quickly, easily, accurately, and repeatably indexed on a baseplate or treatment table. The indexing bar may be releasably mounted on a frame member fixed to the cushion or may be directly mounted on the cushion.

Abstract: A positioning device produces controlled dynamic or kinematic movement in the cervical spine of a human patient either in the flexion or extension mode while the C-spine is being examined in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. For dynamic movement the head is pivotally mounted in a headrest. For kinematic movement the various images which are taken in each incremental position are combined so that a cinematic video tape is produced. No movement of the head of the patient is forced but rather by the use of a ratchet wheel, a pair of pawls, overtravel cam, and suitable external operator activating controls, the patient may freely flex his head and then lower it to the next up or flex position or alternatively, freely lower his head to the next extension or down position.

Abstract: An apparatus for image diagnosis including an arm rest device having support surfaces for supporting a patient's upheld arms without the use of grasping handles during image diagnosis while the patient is placed in a supine position. The apparatus includes a table on which the patient can be placed, a table support for supporting the table, a detector device for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source passing through the patient in order to reconstruct cross sectional images of the patient, a gantry for carrying the detector to an investigating position, and the arm rest device. The arm rest device includes a U-shaped base member which has a fixing guide for mounting the arm rest device on the table support and a pair of arm rest pad members which are adjustably placed in the U-shaped base member at appropriate positions for supporting the patient's upheld arms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for kinematic studies of the movable joints of the body using magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus controls the position of movable joints at a multiplicity of predetermined positions, enabling the controlled movement of the joints to each of the predetermined positions. It also includes a device which automatically sequences the movement of a movable joint to each position among the multiplicity of predetermined positions, and the acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data at each of these positions. These features enhance the clinical utility of kinematic studies of movable joint functionality by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an extension device to be affixed to table in a radiology laboratory to hold a patient thereon. It is formed of sheet material and is transparent to x-rays. At the upper end, there is a head portion having a width and length to support a cushion to thereby enable a patient to rest on the cushion. The cushion is preferably circular with a central opening so that the patient can rest face down as required and the sheet member includes an opening therebelow. The trunk of the patient is support on the main portion which has a width sufficient to hold the patient thereon. Left and right clamps releasably secure the device on a table. Cushions are attached with strips of Velcro. Lengthwise runners on the lower side attach the device in a locked position on an x-ray table.

Abstract: A shoulder arthroscopy attachment for use with a surgical table wherein the attachment may be attached to a seat section of the table in place of an articulated leg section. The attachment includes a lumbar support assembly for supporting the lumbar portion of a patient's back, and a headrest assembly including an upper back support and a headrest. The upper back support is adjustable in a lateral direction whereby either of a patient's shoulders may be exposed for an operation while supporting the opposite shoulder on the upper back support. The headrest is adjustable relative to a frame for the headrest assembly whereby the head of a patient may be accommodated at a variety of positions.