Abstract: A therapeutic cushion (1) having a plurality of fluid-filled chambers (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), with each chamber having an internal volume that is independently adjustable. In a pillow embodiment, air-filled chambers are dynamically regulated in response to a monitored behavior or characteristic of a resting user. Air cushion (1) includes a lower chamber (2) upon which the other chambers are arranged. First or basic chamber (3) extends laterally along, and is directed inwardly from, a rear edge of underlying chamber (2). Adjoining first chamber (3) are first and second supporting chambers (4, 5), these being separated from one another to leave a region (10) that is disposed between their ends (7, 8) and bisected by center line (9). Region (10) is intended to accommodate the resting user's head. A second lateral chamber (6) extends laterally along and is directed inwardly from a forward edge of underlying chamber (2) to adjoin supporting chambers (4, 5), providing a neck support.

Abstract: A kit of parts for supporting a subject on an operating table comprises head, arm, leg, foot and trunk support devices (5 to 9). The head support device (5) comprises a central support element (12) and a neck support element (17) for supporting the back of the head and neck, respectively, of the subject, and primary and secondary side members (22,23) for engaging and supporting the sides of the head and neck, respectively, of a subject. First and second platform engaging elements (20,21) extend downwardly from the central support element (12) for supporting the central support element (12) spaced apart above the operating table.

Abstract: A patient support device for supporting maintaining a patient laying on the side of their body in bed, for a duration of time for medical personnel to attend to the patient or change the linen on the bed. The support device features a patient support member which extends between the bed surface and a distal upper edge. The patients weight is supported by a central area of the support member and the force of the weight is communicated to a hand rail or bed component by a member extending from the upper edge.

Abstract: An anti-aging pillow provides, in the exemplary embodiment, a top surface providing a substantially central supine section flanked by an upwardly sloping left side section and a substantially symmetrical right side section, the left and right side sections elevated relatively higher than the supine section. The supine section is configured for accommodating a user when lying in a supine position, while each of the left and right side sections is configured for accommodating the user when lying in a respective side position. This configuration enables the pillow to both substantially prevent the user from unintentionally changing sleep positions as well as substantially assist in physically directing the user in selectively transitioning between each of the supine position and left and right side positions as desired, while substantially maintaining the user's head, neck, shoulders, and back in neutral alignment and substantially preventing facial contact with the pillow or underlying sleeping surface.

Abstract: A patient lateral positioning device for pelvic treatments suitable to support a patient in a defined lateral position includes a vacuum mattress. The vacuum mattress includes an upper body support attachable to an upper body portion of the patient, and a lower body support attachable to a lower body portion of the patient. A region between said upper and lower body support is formed such that when the vacuum mattress is attached to the patient, both a front pelvic side and an upper pelvic side of the patient are exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being, wherein the living being has a bony prominence. The apparatus includes a first zone having a first coefficient of friction, the first zone being configured for positioning proximate the bony prominence. A second zone is adjacent the first zone, the second zone having a second coefficient of friction higher than the first coefficient of friction. The second zone is configured for positioning remote from the bony prominence. A method of preventing or healing decubitus ulcers includes positioning the bony prominence over the first zone and positioning an area remote from the bony prominence over the second zone.

Abstract: A roll restricting device including: a support member, wherein the support member is configured to surround at least a portion of an individual, and further wherein the support member includes an outer surface, and an inner surface; a roll restriction member, wherein the roll restriction member substantially precludes an infant from rolling over; and optionally one or more roll restriction member fastener(s), wherein the one or more restriction member fastener(s) releasably secures the roll restriction member to the support member.

Abstract: A support apparatus configured to support a prone user in a position that is conducive to interacting with a media item that is also supported thereon. The apparatus includes an upper body support that is configured to support an upper body of a prone user. The upper body support includes a base support member that provides a cushioned surface. The upper body support includes a chest support member extending upwardly from the base support member. The apparatus includes a strip extending frontwardly from the upper body support. The strip is a sheet of flexible material is a width that is substantially equal to the base support member. The apparatus includes a media support member that is coupled to the strip, opposite of the upper body support. The media support member includes a media support structure that is configured to support a media item in a viewable position.

Abstract: A pillow for side-sleeping providing support of the shoulder and lumbar regions and thereby increasing comfort, where the pillow is constructed of tiers of foam, with each foam layer laminated to an adjacent foam layer and where the foam layers vary in thickness and density producing compression zones. The pillow has a raised area that is placed under the axilla, while the remaining portion of the pillow is placed under the upper ribcage. The pillow may be used as a therapeutic adjunct to a conventional fiber-filled pillow placed under the head and neck, or as a therapeutic adjunct to a specialty pillow, such as a cervical pillow.

Abstract: An upper body support device with a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall, a central axis, and an outer edge. The support device further contains a first support area, a second support area, and twin third support areas. The second support area includes a cross element. A bridge area links the first support area and the second support area along the central axis. A width of the first support area and a width of the second support area are substantially greater than the width of the bridge area. There are two extensions emanating from the cross element, leading to a third support area, to lift the lower torso at the anterior superior iliac spine protrusions.

Abstract: A vacuum patient positioning cushion includes an integrated rigid or semi-rigid positioning element located within a gas-impermeable outer cover, making it possible to easily and correctly position a patient for a radiation therapy or other procedure without the need or use of external positioning devices. The gas-impermeable outer covering defines an airtight enclosure having a valve stem and closeable vacuum control valve in selective fluid communication with the enclosure. The enclosure houses a filler material and a rigid or semi-rigid positioning element. A method of positioning a patient using the vacuum patient positioning cushion is also provided.

Abstract: A thoracic stabilizer for limiting anterior chest wall collapse includes a platform supporting a patient and a pair of lateral supports contacting opposite sides of the patient's chest wall and applying force to limit collapse of the chest wall. The force applied by the lateral supports is varied depending on the force applied to the platform by the patient. The stabilizer includes a retractometer measuring the collapse of the chest wall. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes a controller that varies the force applied to the chest wall in closed-loop fashion based on the chest wall collapse measured by the retractometer using an algorithm of the controller. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes motors moving the lateral supports. According to another embodiment, the stabilizer includes a hydraulic system and the lateral supports include expandable fluid-filled members.

Abstract: A pillow for enabling a patient with whiplash syndrome to sleep peacefully including a deformable pillow body having an upper surface cloth and a lower surface cloth with an edge cloth as a boundary, a depression part including a bottom surface at a position depressed from the upper surface cloth to the lower surface cloth of the pillow body and a grooved part extending from the depression part to the edge cloth of the pillow body and being formed by joining the upper surface cloth to the lower surface cloth.

Abstract: A pillow structure substantially has a bottom board 1 mounted at a bottom inside a pillow body 10 and at least one resilient pad 2 controlled by an adjuster 4 mounted on the bottom board 1. By having the resilient pad 2 to support a buffering layer 3 for neck leaning, curved degrees of the pillow body 10 are adjusted corresponding to different users.

Abstract: A reference height calibration procedure obtains a reference error value, which can be used to adjust a height calibration parameter for registering the fields of view (FOVs) of the modules of a multi-modality medical imaging system such as a SPECT-CT imaging system.

Abstract: What is shown is an upholstery element for a bed of an operating table, with a baseplate, two elongate side parts comprising dimensionally stable foam, which are arranged along two mutually opposite edges of the baseplate, and an upholstery part which consists at least partially of soft foam and fits between the elongate side parts such that it bears at least with its outsides at least partially against the respectively adjacent side part, at least one projecting portion being formed and arranged at least on one side part such that the said portion engages into an associated recess on the outside of the upholstery part when the upholstery part is arranged between the side parts.

Abstract: A bedsheet, a system, and a method for use thereof for elevating at least one leg or heel of the patient lying on a mattress is disclosed. The bedsheet has a plurality of overlapping longitudinally spaced pockets into which a pillow is insertable. The orientation and configuration of the pockets of the bedsheet allows for insertion of the pillow into the bedsheet at a desired location with minimal interruption to or movement of the patient, and holds the inserted pillow in a relatively fixed position relative to the bedsheet. The system includes the bedsheet and the pillow. The method includes placing the bedsheet on the mattress, inserting the pillow into one of the pockets of the bedsheet to create an elevated portion of the bedsheet, and positioning the leg or heel of the patient on top of the elevated portion of the bedsheet.

Abstract: A stretch assist cushion includes an upper member with an upper surface serving as a sitting surface in contact with the user's hip directly or through a covering member covering the upper member, the upper member made of an elastic material; and a lower member located below the upper member and with lower surface serving as a bottom surface in contact with a floor directly or through a covering member covering the lower member, the lower member made of a material harder than the material of the upper member. When the cushion is positioned such that the bottom surface is in contact with the floor, the sitting surface has a predetermined tilt angle relative to the floor, and the lower member determines a predetermined distance between the floor and the lowest point of the sitting surface that has the predetermined tilt angle.

Abstract: A multimodality imaging system, comprising: a first imaging system for forming a first image; a second imaging system for forming a second image; and a rotating device on which the first imaging system and the second imaging system are fixed so that the first imaging system and the second imaging system are selectively rotated to a scanning position.

Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a mat for facilitating infant development is disclosed. The mat may include a base portion, a support member, and at least one gripping member. The mat may include a texture pattern defined on the surfaces thereof. The mat may encourage development of the infant's cognitive abilities, tactile perception, fine motor skills and strengthening of the infant's core muscles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical support pillow and method for supporting a patient in the lateral position while maintaining an open airway. The lateral airway support pillow includes a chest support, a shoulder recess, a head support and a posterior bolster. The orientation of these components support the patient in the lateral position, with the spine and airway in a straight position, thus eliminating possible airway obstruction. One embodiment of the invention contains a head support with a posterior recess and a neck support which provides for straightening of the neck and airway and aligning the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the airway. Other embodiments position and elevate the patient in such a manner to treat or prevent soft tissue pressure injury, gastroesophageal reflux, congestive heart failure, or sleep apnea.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pillow inexpensively, in which a portion where the head of a user is rested is a hollow section which is evenly sloped and deformable bending of the neck or the tossing of the user. The pillow may have a sloped a sloping partition enclosing stuffing and located inside a pillow casing where the head of a user is rested, the sloped partition extending from the top cloth to the bottom cloth. The height of the sloping partition is slightly less than the clearance between the top and bottom cloths. A portion enclosed by the sloping partition on the top cloth side is a size in which the head of the user fits. The sloping partition is spaced from the neck side cloth inside the pillow casing.

Abstract: A method and device for developing a positional orientation sleep aspect (POSA) to enable an individual to assume at least one preselected side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side, including the steps of: a) placing first and second cylindrically configured, elongate pillows in parallel orientation on the bed, tethered by an intermediate member having a length approximately equal to a distance from the individual's low back to an extended knee; b) positioning the individual's body in a preselected, side-position on the intermediate member, c) establishing two additional, concurrent points of contact respectively at the individual's low back side with the first pillow and a projecting limb or knee with the second pillow; and d) sustaining the at least three points of contact to establish a sustainable recognition and awareness during sleep of the side-position while allowing the individual freedom of movement to also assume alternate right and left side positions, including free movement of the

Abstract: A bed rail is disclosed for use with a bed. The bed rail includes a clamping device to clamp the bedrail to the bed. The bedrail is moveable between an upright position and a released position wherein the rail is moved downwardly toward a sidewall of the mattress to facilitate climbing upon and climbing off of the mattress.

Abstract: A device and method for elevating and supporting a patient's extremity to facilitate convenient examination and treatment of the extremity. The device includes a base, longitudinally-spaced upstanding support members extending upwardly from the base, and extremity securing mechanisms mounted to the upstanding support members upon which a patient's extremity can be positioned. The method generally includes extending a patient's extremity longitudinally across the extremity securing mechanisms and bringing the extremity to rest thereon. Caregivers and surgical teams are thus provided with access to the full circumference of the portion of the patient's extremity that extends between the extremity securing mechanisms. Several embodiments of the device incorporate means for assisting in the lifting of a patient's extremity to a desired height, including hydraulic rams, levers, and inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A self-adjusting pillow includes a pillow portion and an adjustment portion below the pillow portion. The adjustment portion includes a planar portion and an arc portion connected with the planar portion, the planar portion being connected with the pillow portion. The longitudinal section of the adjustment portion has a shape of the letter “D” when the height direction of the person lying on the pillow is taken as the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cushion designed to alleviate or counteract the so-called forward head posture and/or its effects has a region sized and shaped to fit between a user's shoulder blades when the user lies in a supine position on a bed, a table or floor and the cushion is placed under the user's thoracic spine, especially upper thoracic spine. The height and/or firmness of the cushion is selected to cause the head and shoulders of the user to sag towards the substrate, thus counteracting the so called forward head posture and its effects, as well as opening the user's chest for improved wellness. And a therapeutic method for helping user reverse forward head posture and relieve its effects such pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

Abstract: An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla.

Abstract: An ergonomic pillow for supporting and positioning a human subject on an imaging table having one or more inflatable chambers, and methods of use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow is constructed of a pillow body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion has a curved end and two curved sides that are generally parallel to each other. The middle portion is generally cylindrical in geometry. The bottom portion includes an enlarged section that flares outward from the middle portion. The bottom portion may also include a curved central section and narrow end section having a curved end.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a body pillow and support system. Due to the need for additional support, pregnant women often encounter difficulty sleeping. The support pregnant women typically need is not just for their head, but for their abdomen, back and/or legs. Many pregnant women find themselves hot or cold as well as hot on one part of their body and cold on a different part of their body. All of these conditions are usually met by the pregnant woman finding several pillows and stuffing those same pillows all around her when she is trying to get some rest. This invention also is useful for a diverse group of people who need soft support to rest or recuperate and is not limited to women who are pregnant.

Abstract: A recumbent therapeutic mattress support in the form of a plurality of interlocking wedges positionable between the box spring and the mattress of a bed, the user selectively interlocking two or more wedges to achieve the desired therapeutic elevation for either the head, neck and torso, or the legs in order to achieve the desired degree of support, comfort and relief from pain.

Abstract: Heartburn is a disorder caused by various reasons. In dealing with this disorder, there are different methods used such as medicinal therapy, change of diet and lifestyle and surgical procedures. In addition to the above mentioned, there are devices to raise the upper portion of the body during sleep to prevent upward movement of stomach contents. In this invention, a generally wedge shaped apparatus will support the upper body in a raised position to start the sleep cycle and will collapse after a period of time to allow the user to sleep on generally a flat plain and comfortably in various positions such as facing up or sides.

Abstract: A stuffed figure and kit for attaching the stuffed figure to a pillow case. The stuffed figure includes a flexible material defining a cavity and configured to depict a body having at least two appendages and a head with a face, a quantity of a soft filler material disposed within the cavity defining a three-dimensional, flexible body, and attaching means disposed at or adjacent each distal end of each of the at least two appendages where the attaching means is configured to removably attach the stuffed figure to a pillow case using the at least two appendages. The kit includes either a pillow case or a literary component or both with characteristics that relate the stuffed figure, the pillow case and the literally component to each other.

Abstract: A portable leg exercise device is provided for permitting a user to perform both adductor thigh muscle movements and abductor thigh muscle movements.

Abstract: A cushion or pillow device may comprise first and second tubular members joined at respective lateral portions to define valleys between the tubular members. The tubular members may comprise an outer covering and an inner portion comprising a pliable filler. The outer covering may be fabric that is joined to define the tubular members. The outer covering may be closed to contain the pliable filler. The outer cover may also have open ends for receiving inserts containing pliable filler that are placed within the outer covering. The cushion or pillow device may be manufactured in a number of manners, such as by joining of a fabric or another material to define sleeves, or by molding. The cushion or pillow device may be inserted in a case having an elongate portion for tucking between the frame and mattress of a gurney, hospital bed or the like. The elongate portion may be provided with a cutaway or slit defining separate arms, or a perforation that allows tearing to form the arms.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable bladder. The valve includes a body (4) that is adapted to be integrated into the wall (1) of the bladder. The body defines a bore (8) that allows fluid to pass from the interior of the bladder to the exterior or vice versa, and which is adapted to receive a plug (10). The plug is adapted to be moved between a first position within the bore in which the first end of the passageway is in fluid communication with the bore, thereby permitting the passage of fluid, and a second position within the bore in which it is not, thereby preventing the passage of fluid.

Abstract: A support system with repositionable bolsters with a panel of material, which can comprise elastomeric mesh, and bolsters repositionably securable to the panel of material. The panel of material can be retained relative to a bed or other structure or by a frame, which can be foldable. The bolsters, which can be formed with a breathable mesh shell, can be secured to the panel of material by a plurality of extendable and retractable fingers for being received through apertures in the panel of elastomeric material, by at least one expansible structure for being received through the apertures in the panel of elastomeric material and expanded, or by pivotable arms adjustable between generally parallel and non-parallel dispositions. The support system can be used independently or incorporated within a crib, bassinet, car seat, high chair, swing, bouncing seat or support, or any other support structure.

Abstract: The invention presents self-applied massaging devices useful for alleviating back pain. Such massage devices are readily portable and that can be employed by a user in either a supine or sitting position. A massaging device for alleviating back pain comprising a plurality of individual spherical elements, a flat base and a pliable covering that encasing the spherical elements and at least a portion of the flat base. The plurality of spherical elements are disposed upon the flat base such they are coplanar and are in intimate contact with the surface of the flat base so as to permit the spherical elements free rotational and translational movement while maintaining coplanarity.

Abstract: A system and method for immobilization of the human breast in a prone position during imaging and radiotherapy. The system includes a vacuum-assisted breast immobilization cup comprising two layers joined together with an air space between. The inner layer has densely perforated holes while the outer layer is airtight. When a negative vacuum is applied to the intermediate airspace the breast tissue is sucked against the mesh wall of the inner layer to preventing sliding. In addition, the cup assembly is locked into a fixed position against the patient torso via a body fixture, as well as against the patient support structure. The established geometric relationship among the cup, chest wall, imaging/treatment table or couch may be accurately repeated. The system further includes a three-dimensional localization system to uniquely place the breast in a coordinate system having fixed geometric relationship with the breast immobilization cup.

Abstract: A pillow for supporting the head of a user during sleeping, having a generally rectangular main body of resiliently compressible foam material presenting a lower surface configured to overlie stably on a sleeping platform and an upper surface for supporting a user's head. An interior void extending longitudinally between opposite ends of the main body generally centrally between the upper and lower surfaces and generally centrally between the longitudinal sides of the main body. A central opening extends interiorly into the main body and merges into the interior void of the main body.

Abstract: A hip abduction pillow designed to be placed between the legs of an individual to provide comfort, stability and support particularly following a hip and/or lower joint replacement. In addition, the hip abduction pillow comprises three layers with a middle layer of added flexibility to be oriented between the knees of the individual to allow the individual's knees to bend and/or flex whether in the supine, prone or side position for additional comfort replacement.

Abstract: A limb support for a patient in a hospital bed, on the operating table, in a wheel chair, with an intravenous line or in another position for health care services is positioned in the desired area, or removed therefrom due to mounting clips secured to each end of a sling band.

Abstract: A surgical table extension features a patient support structure, a large area base, and a support leg. A first joint having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the patient support structure and the support leg. A second joint also having at least two degrees of freedom is located between the base and the support leg. There is a stop limiting the range of motion of the support leg such that a portion of the base area is constrained to be below the first joint irrespective of the position of the base.

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 lumbar support assembly, including a linear actuator operatively coupled to one of the deck boards, includes a plate which may be raised or lowered through an opening the articulated deck.

Abstract: A recumbent therapeutic mattress support in the form of a plurality of interlocking wedges positionable between the box spring and the mattress of a bed, the user selectively interlocking two or more wedges to achieve the desired therapeutic elevation for either the head, neck and torso, or the legs in order to achieve the desired degree of support, comfort and relief from pain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially c-shaped pillow that offers support to a woman's breast, particularly during breastfeeding. The breast pillow wraps around the breast offering support to the entire breast and assisting in proper placement of the breast during breastfeeding, freeing the woman from having to use her hand to hold her breast in place.

Abstract: An inflatable resting mattress designed for indoor and outdoor use, which allows a user to support his head within a facial aperture while lying in a prone position. The facial aperture includes several breathing tubes designed to allow a user to maintain normal breathing. Three support pillows are provided for a user to place under his head, lumbar and legs to support proper spine alignment while lying in a prone position. These pillows are adapted to secure to the body mat to prevent slippage.

Abstract: A medical table wherein a top board on which a patient is placed is supported by a base having an internal instrument so as to be movable parallel to the board surface, the medical table includes a detecting device that detects the possibility that a hand or fingers, which grip the top board, come in contact with the internal instrument during the movement of the top board or internal instrument, and a preventing device that prevents the movement of the top board or the internal instrument on the basis of a detection signal of the detecting device

Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information.