Abstract: A patient support may, among other things, support a person in a number of positions including a reclined, laying-down and/or seated position. An electronic writing tablet enables the capture of handwritten input in electronic form. The patient support may include one or more electronic writing tablets operably coupled thereto. Handwritten input of a patient or a caregiver may, among other things, be captured at the electronic writing tablet, stored at the patient support, converted into a bed command, communicated to an external system (such as an EMR system or a patient-nurse communication system) and/or displayed at the point of care.

Abstract: A mattress retention system for adjustable beds employs a tension web attached to a top surface of an element of an articulating support structure. The tension web is inset from a longitudinal edge and lateral edges of the articulating support structure element and incorporates a first fastener moiety on an extending edge. A mating element is attached to the bottom surface of a mattress adjacent an edge to be restrained. The mating element incorporates a second fastener moiety for operable connection to the first fastener moiety and includes a web section having a first edge attached to the bottom surface of the mattress and a second edge carrying the second fastener moiety for flexibility in attaching the fastener moieties.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates storage of items for convenient access while in bed is provided. The apparatus offers a new and improved way to address the special needs of this type storage by utilizing a foam body portion having a variety of specially designed cavities therein. The body is held in place using a fastener and paddle arrangement. The caddy can rest atop a mattress, and therefore does not interfere with a person getting into or leaving the bed.

Abstract: The present inventors disclose a bed comprising a bed insert and a base. An insert comprises one or more openable loops which can receive medical tubing or other types of medical lines. In some configurations, the one or more openable loops can be reversibly attached to the insert. An insert can be attached to the base by a reversible attachment such as Velcro. A patient, along with an insert, can be lifted from the base. A patient who has medical lines which extend through the loops can be lifted with the insert from the base without disrupting connections between the medical lines and the patient.

Abstract: Enhanced devices, processes, and systems provide measurement of electrical resistance as a means for determining the intensity with which stress is applied to an object, such as but not limited to a toy, e.g. a stuffed toy. The induced strain resulting from such an applied stress may also be determined from the measurement of electrical resistance. One or more actions may preferably be taken in response to the determined stress or the resulting strain, such as but not limited to providing any of visual feedback, auditory feedback, haptic feedback, or a numerical readout.

Abstract: A storage system stores and easily locates common items, such as reading glasses, remote controls, cell phones, magazines, books, and the like, while a person is in a room or in bed. In an emergency, a person may be able to easily locate these items. The storage system may replace a cluttered nightstand and may provide immediate location of necessary items. The storage system may include a pillow that may span a length of a bed, along the head end of a mattress. The pillow may prevent people, such as children or infants, and items from falling between the head of the mattress and either the wall or headboard. The pillow may also provide an elevated surface to prop up a user's pillow for reading or watching television.

Abstract: A medical workstation and workstation system for patients includes a bed for positioning the patient in the lying position, a plurality of mobile work units, which are connected to the bed, a control unit, which is arranged at the bed and which can be connected via a first supply cable to a stationary media port, on the one hand, and via a second supply cable to a mobile media port, on the other hand, for supplying a work unit. The control unit is designed as a distribution unit, to which a plurality of mobile work units (4, 4?) are connected via connection cables.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for securing a portion of a medical device. The system includes a first arm, where the first arm includes a gripper. The system also includes a second arm. The second arm is attached to the first arm, can move relative to the first arm and includes a gripper. The gripper of the first arm and the gripper of the second arm are configured to grip an external object. The system further includes a fastener, where the fastener is configured to releasably attach the first arm to the second arm, and a holder, where the holder is configured to hold at least a portion of a medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for supporting the hands of a patient resting on an examination couch. In accordance with the invention, the holding device for supporting the hands of a patient resting on an examination couch comprises gripping zones which are distanced from one another, said gripping zones each being grippable with a hand of the patient, with the holding device being moveable independently of further devices surrounding the patient.

Abstract: What is described is a device for releasable mounting an accessory (12) on an operating table (102), comprising two coupling parts (10, 100) which can be connected to each other and a mechanism for locking and unlocking.

Abstract: An arm is pivotally coupled to a support structure at one end and a patient care equipment support, such as a service head, is pivotally coupled to the arm at the other end. The arm has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion for extension and retraction relative to the first portion. Brakes are provided to brake the extension and retraction of the portions of the arm, to brake the pivoting movement of the arm relative to the support structure, and to brake the pivoting movement of the patient care equipment support relative to the arm. Each of the brakes is releasable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chair accessory comprising one or more board-like items, including planks, of various thicknesses having on or in each item at least one restraining device having one or more chair-leg contacting surfaces that will prevent a child, while sitting in the chair, from moving the board-like item out of its functional place with his feet. The chair accessory is used with a chair including a child's chair to provide a foot rest when the chair occupant's legs are too short to allow the occupant's feet to reach the floor to provide stability necessary to permit more advanced fine motor development.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a sound generating device, a user interface, and a controller. The sound generating device is configured to generate an audible sound. The user interface is configured to receive an input from a user. The input corresponds to at least one of a sound conditioning system mode and an audible sound adjustment. The controller is electrically coupled to the sound generating device and the user interface. The controller is configured to control the operation of the sound generating device in accordance with the input from the user interface.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame and an endboard. The frame is configured to move between a substantially horizontal position and a chair position. The endboard assembly includes a base coupled to the frame and an endboard removably coupled to the base. The endboard is coupled to a first portion of the base in a first position to define a first portion of a perimeter edge of the frame and coupled to a second portion of the base in a second position to define a second portion of the perimeter edge of the frame.

Abstract: An occupant support apparatus 10 includes a frame 12 and an occupant support deck 14 above which an occupant is supportable. A siderail 22 has a raised position in which at least a portion of the siderail is higher in elevation than the patient support deck. The siderail includes a recess 42. The occupant support also includes a control unit 44 having user inputs configured to be engaged by a user. The control unit is movable relative to the siderail between a first position in which at least a majority of the patient control unit is received in the recess and a second position in which at least a majority of the control unit resides outside the recess and extends past a perimeter of the siderail. In one embodiment the control unit also has an upper portion 50, which is pivotable about a generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a play yard configured for providing an enclosed space for a child. According to various embodiments, the play yard comprises a rigid support frame and removable, washable liner. The frame includes one or more channels configured to receive engagement members positioned on the liner in order to form a bounded play yard space. By permitting the liner to be secured to the frame via the retention members, a user is able to easily secure the liner to the frame for use and remove the liner from the frame for washing.

Abstract: Embodiments of a power and signal distribution assembly for a bed having at least one power input port, at least one controller port, and at least one output port are described. The power input port receives a first DC voltage from a power supply and the power supply receiving an AC voltage and converting it to the first DC voltage. The controller port receives the first DC voltage and outputs at least one power control signal having the first DC voltage. The output port receives signals having the first DC voltage. The power and signal distribution assembly has a first location and the power supply has a second location different from the first location. In other embodiments, the power and signal distribution assembly is located on a frame of a bed and the power supply remote therefrom. Still further, one or more additional controller ports may also be provided.

Abstract: A wall mounted headboard is formed of a plurality of individual headboard cushion modules each sized so as to enable it to be used to form with suitable standard mattresses. Preferably each module is 21 inches by 21 inches, and this invention provides that velcro is used to attach the modules to a wall and that the velcro comprises no more than 25% and preferably less than 15% of the module.

Abstract: A platform extension for a bed or sleeping platform, the extension including fastening means to present a platform beside a bed with an aperture at a displaced position relative to a side of a bed in use, the platform configured and/or orientated to present the aperture relative to a plane of a bed upon which the extension is associated in use. Thus, when arranged with a bed or sleeping platform a sleeper can lay stomach down with an aligned spine rather than with a head turned to allow them breath. Furthermore, when required the sleeper can sleep on their back or side retaining flexibility in use of the bed.

Abstract: Bedding straightening system attached to a base of an ordinary bed, wherein such system mainly consists of: a) Blanket air distributor, bottom sheet side air distributors, connectors, bottom sheet, top blanket and sheet. b) A plurality of ducts and connectors arranged alongside the bed, especially installed for inflating sheets and blankets, this blanket which is attached to the top sheet is projected from the bed lower edge, being inflated up to an average height of 45°; projecting simultaneously the bottom sheet which is preferably curved, like a parachute, causing gradual bedding straightening and ventilation; c) Turbine connected to air ducts which through connectors are attached to sheets and blankets to be straightened over a period of time to leave them straightened.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a firearm storage device adapted to store at least one object, including but not limited to a firearm. A housing of the present invention attaches to a support arm located upon a lower support surface. The housing includes a mounting shell wall and a locking shell wall that pivots away from the mounting shell wall to allow access to the contents of the housing. Inside the housing, a support finger engages the interior of the barrel of a firearm to orient the firearm in a manner that provides a user with access to the grip of the firearm. The housing also locks to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the contents of the housing. The housing also releases from the support arm to allow a user to utilize the housing as a secure device to transport an object.

Abstract: A patient support includes a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame, an equipment carrier coupled to the upper frame, and an actuator operable to adjust the orientation of the equipment carrier to compensate for the upper frame changing its orientation between the Trendelenberg and reverse Trendelenberg positions.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.

Abstract: A medical table and clamp apparatus provides a medical table having sides and at least one rail that extends along a side. A specially configured clamp travels along the rail, the clamp having a non metallic clamp body. The clamp body has a pair of spaced apart appendages with a recess therebetween. An opening such as a metallic, internally threaded sleeve extends through the body. The sleeve has one sleeve end portion that is in communication with the recess. An externally threaded shaft threadably engages the internally threaded sleeve. A spherically shaped bearing is mounted on one end of the shaft. A pusher or pressure plate is mounted on the spherically shaped bearing of the shaft with a pivotal, articulating or ball and socket connection. The pusher plate is supported by the shaft and the spherically shaped bearing within the recess. Each appendage has an end portion that grasps the rail.

Abstract: A body support system for relieving contact pressure on a joint in a body, according to various aspects of the present invention, may be configured to elevate a chest portion of the body with a chest support that may be configured to form a taper disposed between a top portion and a bottom portion such that the weight of the body compresses the chest support, which may result in the chest support assuming a substantially inverted arc shape. The compressed edges of the arc may be occupied by the joint. The chest support may further be adjustable for positioning substantially between a collarbone portion of the body and a xiphoid process portion of the body when the body is in a side rest position.

Abstract: A siderail assembly comprises a siderail and a removable module. The siderail has a siderail body and a grip portion. The grip portion includes a grip and a grip opening located between the grip and the siderail body. The removable module is removably coupled to the siderail such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening. The removable module includes a gas blower configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

Abstract: A gap shield assembly for shielding an open area between a first section of a bed and an adjacent second section of the bed. The gap shield has a first shield member and a second shield member. The second shield member is rotatably connected to the second section of the bed. The first shield member is rotatably and translationally connected to the second shield member. The gap shield assembly also has a width extender assembly connecting the first shield member to the first section of the bed to allow the first shield member to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to a centerline of the bed while still shielding the open area between the first and second sections of the bed.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the storage of an accessory part such as a changer station, bassinet or canopy includes a play yard, and an accessory kit that can be detachably or permanently secured on the play yard. The play yard comprises a frame structure having a plurality of side rail assemblies. The accessory kit comprises a foldable accessory part and a storage pocket that can be secured with one upper rim of the play yard. The accessory part can be folded into a compact form that fits in the storage pocket. When the user wishes to use the accessory part, the user can pull out and unfold the accessory part, and then fasten the accessory part on opposite sides of the play yard for adequate support. The ability to stow the accessory part in a compact manner in the play yard facilitates portability of the accessory part and play yard.

Abstract: A gap filler assembly for filling a gap between adjacent sections of a bed. The gap filler assembly has a mattress portion that has an extension at one end thereof that extends between a gap between a first section of the bed and an adjacent second section of the bed. The mattress portion may be a supplemental mattress that is adjacent a side of a main mattress. The mattress portion may also have a hinged slider component on a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: An immersion sensor for use with a cushion or mattress for determining the relative immersion of a person within the cushion or mattress comprising a sensor, a ground and a circuit for measuring capacitance. The sensor comprises a sheet of conductive material, and the ground comprises a second sheet of conductive material. The circuit is adapted to send short bursts of electrical current to the sensor and a capacitor. The circuit is further adapted to measure the length of time the burst of current takes to charge the capacitor. Based upon the measured time, the circuit calculates the proximity of the object based upon the time taken to charge the capacitor. A method that may be implemented with the immersion sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bed lifting system for lifting a bed comprises a bed lifting mechanism and a switch remotely located from the bed lifting mechanism. The switch is adapted to enable selective and remote actuation of the bed lifting mechanism. The mechanism can be provided in kit form through the use of frame connectors which can also improve the interconnection and interoperability of frame members of the mechanism. The mechanism may also comprise adjustable lands to accommodate varying bed types.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a sound generating device, a user interface, and a controller. The sound generating device is configured to generate an audible sound. The user interface is configured to receive an input from a user. The input corresponds to at least one of a sound conditioning system mode and an audible sound adjustment. The controller is electrically coupled to the sound generating device and the user interface. The controller is configured to control the operation of the sound generating device in accordance with the input from the user interface.

Abstract: Bed accessories are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to an arrangement of cushion members for use with a crib, a regular bed, or a floor surface. The arrangement of cushion members provided according to aspects of the present invention comprises first and second longitudinal cushion members and first and second lateral cushion members. Each of the first and second longitudinal cushion members comprises a body section defining an axis and first and second end surfaces. Each of the lateral cushion members comprises an angled planar major surface abutting flush against one of the ends surfaces of the first and second longitudinal members.

Abstract: A hospital bed assembly includes a platform that has a top side, a bottom side, a pair of lateral edges, a back edge, and a front edge. The platform includes a first section including the front edge and a second section including the back edge. A plurality of supports is attached to and extends downwardly from the platform. A headboard is attached to the back edge and a footboard is attached to the front edge. A mattress is positioned on the top side of the platform. A plurality of sleeves is provided. Each of the headboard and the footboard has at least one of the sleeves mounted thereto and the sleeves each have an upper end is open. Each of a plurality of support posts is removably extendable into one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A movable privacy screen includes a plurality of privacy screen segments that are attachable to a bed or gurney. The plurality of screen segments include at least first and second screen segments. Each of the first and second screen segments include a first support pole, a second support pole and a coupler. The first support pole has a variable length to permit the first support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second support pole has a variable length to permit the second support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The coupler movably couples the first and second support poles to the bed in a spaced relation to permit the first and second support poles to move between an upstanding use position and a lowered storage position. A fabric-like screen member is coupled to each of the first and second support poles.

Abstract: An accessory part to be connected to an operating table has a connecting element (12, 16) and a component part of the operating table has a receiving area (14) for receiving at least an area of the connecting element (12, 16). An engagement element (22, 24) projects laterally from the connecting element (12, 16). The receiving area (14) has at least one guideway (18, 20) with which the engagement element (22, 24) engages during insertion of at least an area of the connecting element (12, 16) into the receiving area (14). When deformed, an elastically deformable element (52) exerts a force on the engagement element (22, 24). By the force exerted on the engagement element (22, 24) and by the course of the guideway (18, 20) a force (FA) is exerted in the direction of insertion (P2) on the connecting element (12, 16) when the accessory part and the operating table are connected.

Abstract: An adapter (10) is described for connecting at least one accessory device (12) to an operating table (14), comprising a first fixing device for attaching a base body of the adapter (10) to the operating table (14) and a second fixing device for attaching the accessory device (12) to the adapter (10). The base body is formed from an X-ray transparent plate (16), said X-ray transparent plate (16) including a part lying on a support surface (15) of the operating table (14) and another part extending beyond the support surface (15) and forming a support surface extension for supporting a patient, when said X-ray transparent plate (16) is attached to the operating table (14).

Abstract: This invention discloses a rescue stretcher or rescue litter and which includes a variable angle rail adapter with an adapter body with rail apertures configured for rotatable mounting around a stretcher rail and an attachment aperture transverse to the rail aperture configured to transversely receive attachment components therein.

Abstract: A swaddling blanket for infants, particularly newborn infants, and more particularly for premature infants, comprises an inner blanket and an outer blanket. Each of the inner and outer blankets comprises three flap members such that when all three flap members of the inner blanket, and all three flap members of the outer blanket, are folded over the infant, the infant is comfortably enclosed within six blanket layers in order to provide the infant with the requisite amount of warmth. The baby is also placed upon a support cushion effectively built into the swaddling blanket such that the baby's head, neck, and spinal regions are adequately supported.

Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a wall unit mounted relative to a wall of the room and a floor unit extending along a floor of the room. The bed docks to the floor unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit located in a cavity of the side rail.

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 person-support apparatus can include a frame, an endboard, a siderail, and a removable module. The frame is configured to support a person thereon. The endboard is coupled to the frame. The siderail is coupled to the frame. The siderail includes a siderail body with a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the frame and the second surface faces away from the frame. The removable module is configured to couple to at least one of the endboard and the siderail. The removable module includes a housing and an opening into the housing to define a storage area. The storage area includes at least one side and a bottom and is configured to at least one of dispense a fabric and removably retain one or more objects therewithin.

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 patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an underside of a litter. A storage basket is configured to engage ends and sides of a bottle. A movable mechanism couples the storage basket to the mounting bracket, the mechanism being configured for allowing the storage basket to be lowered away from the litter to provide access to the bottle, and allowing the storage basket to be secured against the underside of the litter to restrict movement of the bottle. A latch system is also included to hold the storage basket secured to the underside of the litter. The storage basket is automatically leveled by the movable mechanism when it is lowered away from the litter.

Abstract: A foot brace for use with a bed includes a rear wall configured to extend adjacent a footboard of the bed and a front wall configured to extend from generally adjacent one side of the bed to generally adjacent an opposed side of the bed. The foot brace includes at least two telescopic rods each extending from the front wall to the rear wall. The telescopic rods are each lockable at a first extension configuration that separates the front wall from the rear wall and a second extension configuration that separates the front wall from the rear wall such that the front and rear walls are separated by one distance when the telescopic rods are at the first extension configuration and another distance when the telescopic rods are at the second extension configuration. An adjustable fastener removably couples one of the rear wall and the front wall to the bed.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a mattress, a control unit spaced from the mattress, and a connector assembly that pneumatically and electrically interconnects the control unit with the mattress. The control unit has a main housing and a plurality of user interface modules that are selectively coupleable to the control unit and that are programmed differently to provide different modes of operation for the mattress system. A pressure sensor inside the mattress detects the presence or absence of a person on the mattress. The mattress system has a bed exit alarm system that, when armed, provides a bed exit alarm if the pressure sensor in the mattress detects that a patient has exited the mattress. The connector assembly includes a dual mode connector having both electrical and pneumatic couplers and a dual lumen hose assembly that extends from the dual mode connector to the mattress.

Abstract: The invention refers to a sensor arrangement for weight and/or movement sensing in a bed and uses thereof, to a bed and to a method of sensing weight and/or movement of a user in a bed. For the sensing of weight, activity and/or cardiopulmonary performance in a bed, force sensors (6) integrated between a bedframe (2) and a mattress frame (3) are used. The sensors are designed in a way that they can be positioned between the mattress frame and the bedframe without significantly enhancing the height of a mattress bearing surface. Thus, the integration into any bed with bedframe can be easily realized. The measurements do not require any user interaction or even direct contact between user and sensor.

Abstract: An arm is pivotally coupled to a support structure at one end and a patient care equipment support, such as a service head, is pivotally coupled to the arm at the other end. The arm has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion for extension and retraction relative to the first portion. Brakes are provided to brake the extension and retraction of the portions of the arm, to brake the pivoting movement of the arm relative to the support structure, and to brake the pivoting movement of the patient care equipment support relative to the arm. Each of the brakes is releasable.