Abstract: A patient support includes a bladder layer with a plurality of bladders, a pneumatic supply system, and a plurality of tubes in fluid communication with pneumatic supply system. The tubes are coupled to and guided by the bladder layer so that the tubes and bladder layer may remain in close registry when being handled, for example, either during the assembly process or cleaning process.

Abstract: A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide: a cushion cell with a new structure which is designed to disperse stresses when the cushion cell is in an inflated state such that excellent durability is achieved and in which a large support area for the human body can be obtained with excellent space efficiency relative to a square shaped space for disposal in an inflated state; and a cushion body with a new structure using the same. The cushion cell is formed with a fluid chamber inside and the height of the cushion cell can be changed by adjusting the pressure in the fluid chamber. The planar shape of the cushion cell in a deflated state is a square shape, and each side part has a curved shape protruding outwards.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.

Abstract: An expandable structure is manufactured using sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together. The expandable structure has a concertina pattern on its sides that allows the structure to expand and collapse like an accordion. The concertina pattern is cut into the sheets of material rather than being folded into the material to speed up the manufacturing process.

Abstract: When pressure detected by a pressure sensor connected to a calibration standard cell has continuously fallen within a regulated pressure range at calibration for a regulated duration at calibration, zero-adjustment is performed based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor. Then, communication between the plurality of cells is created to perform internal pressure adjustment of the plurality of cells to a predetermined internal pressure value, based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor connected to the calibration standard cell and calibrate each of pressure sensors connecting to the plurality of cells, based on the adjusted internal pressure. With this scheme, it is possible to a mattress and the like that can perform zero-point adjustment efficiently by adjusting the zero point in the same manner even if the mattress is formed of a plurality of branches, without releasing the pressure sensor of each cell to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A cushion for inserting in the legwell between individual seats in rows of seats, for example in a vehicle, is disclosed. The top of the cushion can act as a surface for a user to lie down. The cushion can be inflatable and can be deflated for easy transport. The cushion can have multiple reservoirs so the internal pressure can be separately adjusted for the base and for the mattress of the cushion, similar to a box spring and a mattress in a common bed.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion for preventing pressure sore. The cushion for preventing pressure sore includes an air cell layer, an air passage layer, a base layer, and a plurality of air ducts. The air cell layer has a plurality of air cells; the air cell layer is divided into at least four air cell zones. Air cells in each air cell zone are in communication with each other, but air cells in any two adjacent air cell zones are not in communication with each other; the air passage layer is under the air cell layer and has a plurality of air passages therein. Each air passage is in connection and communication with at least one of the air cell zones; the air passage layer and the air cell layer are disposed on the base layer; an end of each air duct is in communication with a corresponding air passage, and the other end extends out of the cushion and is provided with a joint; and each air duct has a respective valve.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area.

Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.

Abstract: A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting.

Abstract: A patient transfer kit including an inflatable mattress, alternatively with a rigid top board with a patient restraint system on which a patient can be placed, when patient immobilization is required. A portable cart is included with a chamber for storage of a plurality of mattresses. The cart also has a gas/air blower and power supply system for powering the blower. The power system includes provision for drawing power from line AC/DC, and has a rechargeable battery and charger for maintaining the battery by connecting the supply to the line AC/DC. The mattress has a perforated bottom surface for exit of air to provide an air cushion, and is constructed with a white top surface and a dark bottom surface for optimum recognition of contamination, and identification of the bottom surface which must be placed downward. The cart is coated with an antimicrobial substance to minimize the risk of contaminants.

Abstract: The invention provides a mattress comprising an array of air springs, each in communication with a supply of air for selectively varying the air pressure within said spring, so as to provide a resilient body against which a user may recline; an aperture in an upper surface of each air spring, providing access to a cavity within said spring, said cavity open to ambient pressure and sealed from the air supply.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.

Abstract: A variable size air mattress that has at least a first plenum, a second plenum side-by side with said first plenum, a first inflation/deflation valve for the air mattress communicating with said first plenum, and a second inflation/deflation valve communicating with said second plenum, to allow inflation for only the first plenum when said first inflation/deflation valve is open but said second inflation/deflation valve is closed, or when both said first and second inflation/deflation valves are open, communicating with said first plenum and said second plenum so that when inflated the air mattress is a larger size of a double bed mattress, a queen bed mattress, or a king bed mattress, depending on the size of said first and second plenums. The air mattress may further include a third plenum, such that said second and third plenums are on either side of said first plenum.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A gas supply system comprises a person-support surface, a garment, and a gas supply. The person-support surface includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The garment includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The gas supply is configured to supply a gas to both the garment and the person-support surface.

Abstract: A patient support including a pressure adjustable mattress system. The pressure adjustable mattress system includes a support surface and a controller to control the pressure of the support surface.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a patient support having an air permeable layer, a plurality of inflatable bladders, a pressure-sensing assembly and a controller. In one embodiment, a combination of transverse bladders and vertically oriented can-shaped bladders is provided. In one embodiment, one or more angle sensors are provided in articulatable sections of the patient support.

Abstract: A bedding product (5) comprises a mattress (10) and padding (20) and an inflatable bladder assembly (30). The bedding product (5) may have a plurality of inflatable members (31, 32) located underneath select portions of the padding (20). The bedding product (5) may have a sensor (41) adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring and an air supply system (50) operatively coupled to the sensor (41) and adapted to control a supply of air to one of the inflatable members (31, 32).

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.

Abstract: The described system and method allows for the control of inflation and deflation of air mattresses such that fast and accurate deflate times and satisfaction of consumer expectations may be achieved. A combination of empirically-derived deflate profiles, corrected dynamic measurements, and static measurements may be used to achieve fast and accurate deflation to user-defined target pressures. Additionally, a marketing routine that invokes simulated deflation or simulated inflation when deflation or inflation is not necessary but a user is expecting deflation or inflation, respectively, may be used to better satisfy the user's expectations.

Abstract: Patient support systems are generally disclosed. An example patient support system may include a base; first and second longitudinally oriented sidewalls extending upward from lateral side portions of the base; a substantially vapor-impermeable barrier on the top surface of the base and on inwardly facing surfaces of the sidewalls; a substantially vapor-permeable top cover extending between the sidewalls such that a generally longitudinally oriented channel configured to receive airflow therethrough is substantially defined by a lower surface of the top cover, an upper surface of the barrier on the base, and inwardly facing surfaces of the barrier on the sidewalls; a supply conduit extending from an exterior air supply connector to an internal air supply opening within the channel; an air discharge opening within the channel; and an inflatable support disposed in the channel. The interior volume of the inflatable support may be fluidicly isolated from the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable device comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a fluid controller is coupled to and supported by an inflatable bladder of an inflatable device. The fluid controller may be located in a compartment, and the compartment may be within the profile of the bladder. The inflatable device may be a single bladder mattress or a dual bladder mattress. The inflatable device may include a heater or an articulation device. The inflatable device may be multi-positional device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hospital bed including a force sensor or scale apparatus configured to detect the weight of a patient.

Abstract: An inflatable component (4) for an alternating pressure mattress (1). The inflatable component has at least two inflatable cells (15). Each cell (15) has at least two opposite edges (23, 24) and at least part of one of two opposite edges is free and lies within an outer peripheral edge of the component. The inflatable component (4) may be formed from two layers of material joined together along predetermined lines to define the cells. The inflatable component may include two or more groups of cells, each connected to a respective air inlet (19, 20). The inflatable component may be comprised in a mattress.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for maintaining a patient in a position in which the patient's torso can be moved during surgery, for example by which the sternum can be closed after open chest surgery. The device has two contact members for contacting a respective scapula and support structures for maintaining the contact members in a grip position. In use, each contact member imparts a force on the respective scapula to close the patient's sternum.

Abstract: An air mattress apparatus includes an air mattress which comprised of an array of air bladder cells that are individually inflatable to quiescent pressure levels which provide comfortable support for the body of a human, and a pressure-pulse generator controlled by a wave sequence generator for introducing into ordered patterns of air bladder cells a wave-like time sequence of air pressure pulses which vary quiescent pressure levels in the cells, the pressure wave resulting in a traveling wave of support force variation which travels over the surfaces of the pulsed air bladder cells, thus inhibiting formation of bedsores. The wave pattern may optionally simulate water waves and/or rocking motions of a boat to produce relaxing effects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are adapted for characterizing human tissue type. A plurality of inflatable bladders enable the application of kinetic energy to the human tissue. Collected data responsive to the applied kinetic energy differentiates between different tissue types and patient loading. The data can be routed via a network to a remote location.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress assembly comprising a mattress having a substrate assembly that includes a plurality of cylinders positioned side by side over the length of the mattress. Each cylinder is configured as a low air loss system to allow air to flow into the cylinder from a source and out of the cylinder through small holes located on the top of each cylinder. An overlay assembly provides a foam cushion that provides a supporting surface above the substrate assembly for the patient. A calf lift bladder operates to effectively raise or lower the patient's feet to prevent pressure related injuries. A lateral rotation assembly selectively raises and lowers a selected half of the mattress to turn patients in a lateral direction. A bolster inflates in response to the lateral rotation assembly to secure the patient within the mattress.

Abstract: An air tool with a modularized air pad includes several air pad units, each of which has one pad body whose top surface is formed with an accommodating recess and whose one side has an air opening; two air bags disposed at the bottom of the accommodating recess, each of the air bags having two air chambers and connecting to the air opening via an air pipe; and one buffer pad accommodated in the accommodating recess on the air bags. When the air opening is selected to inflate the air chamber of one air bag, the buffer pad undergoes an upward swing motion according to the inflated air bags.

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: The objective of the present invention is to provide a mattress including a plurality of cells provided on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body, and a pressure control means that changes a setting of a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. An elastic cushion layer is provided on a body pressure working surface of the cells, and a constricted portion is formed in a middle in the height of the each cell so that the body pressure working surface of the cell is allowed to tilt following deformation of the cushion layer as a result of the cells' precession-deformation at the constricted portion.

Abstract: A sensing device is configured for placing in an air cushion bed below air bladders thereof to detect an exact state of the bed in use, and includes a first and a second sheet connected together to define an air chamber therebetween. The air bladders and the air chamber are communicable with one another via inflation valves on the first sheet and are synchronously and identically inflated. First and second sensing elements are disposed outside and inside the air chamber, respectively. The first sensing element has deformation and acceleration sensors arranged thereon for monitoring how the bed reacts to a patient lying thereon and the manner in which the bed is being used. The second sensing element includes upper and lower conductive sensing sheets and an electrical connection state therebetween is used to detect whether the air bladders are sufficiently inflated. Thus, the air cushion bed is safer for use.

Abstract: There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus (20) for attachment to the air conduits (6,8,10,12) of a zoned air cell cushion A or mattress to an associated valve. The attachment apparatus comprises a connector assembly (24) with connectors (26, 28, 30, 32) secured in the ends (N1, N2, N3, N4) of air conduits secured in a conduit constraint (38). Each air conduit is in fluid communication with a separate inflation zone (r,s,t,u) of the cushion or mattress. The connectors are in fluid cooperation with a valve (60) that places normally isolated zones into fluid communication and vice versa. The connector assembly may function as a base for any one of a number of valves (60, 103, 150, 200, 400, 500).

Abstract: An air foam mattress system includes a foam top component, and a foundation component including a plurality of segmented, individually wrapped, inflatable air cells allowing for a plurality of pivot points, a segmented perimeter, and individual pressure adjustment of the segments for maximum patient comfort in all articulated bed positions. In an embodiment, the air cell contains a u-shaped insert providing segmented perimeter sections integral to the air cell. In another embodiment, the air cell contains a trapezoidal shaped insert with multiple segments having different degrees of foam stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a mattress of a novel structure that can quickly perform dispersion of a body pressure acting part of a user, and can reduce discomfort felt by the user when doing a cell internal pressure switching operation, as well as a control method thereof. The present invention is provided with: a grouping step for, on the basis of a body pressure applied to each of a plurality of cells, dividing the plurality of cells into groups; a target internal pressure setting step for setting a target internal pressure of the cells for each group divided at the grouping step; and an internal pressure adjusting step for interconnecting the cells in each group and adjusting the internal pressure of the cells to the internal pressure set in the target internal pressure setting step.

Abstract: A multi-chamber air mattress has an outer air chamber having a top and a bottom and a sidewall therebetween; and an inner air chamber disposed entirely within said outer chamber and having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall therebetween. An air pump, a first connection between the air pump and the outer chamber and a second connection between the air pump and the inner chamber to provide air to the outer and inner chambers.

Abstract: An internal valve (10, 10? or 10?) and its methods of use for stabilizing and reinforcing inflatable objects are disclosed. The internal valve is a novel, simple modification to conventional check valves with the addition of a discharging means (14, 22 or 28)for external control. An internal supplemental chamber comprises one or more partitions that are secured, directly or by I-beams (40?), to main chamber's walls (40) of an inflatable object and stretched when the main chamber is inflated. With the internal valve as the passage to and from the main chamber, the enclosed or isolated supplemental chamber (30, 30?, 32, 34, 36 or 38) functions as a stabilizing or reinforcing component. A plurality of chambers 36 can form cylinder beams for an inflatable mattress.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a multi-bladder air mattress where only two inflation-deflation port members are required to inflate an air mattress having either four or six separate air bladders.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes a plurality of cushioning layers arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally arranged in a plane, and with each cushioning layer interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer wherein each cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its adjacent cushion layer.

Abstract: An air mattress including an inflatable compartment, strips, a connecting sheet and pillow strips is provided. The inflatable compartment includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall surrounding peripheries of the top wall and the bottom wall. The strips are air-pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment, wherein the strips are connected between the bottom wall and the top wall and located in a lying portion of the top wall. The connecting sheet is air-pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment and facing a pillow portion of the top wall, wherein the connecting sheet is connected between the side wall and the strips adjacent to the pillow portion. The pillow strips are air-pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment, wherein the pillow strips are connected between the connecting sheet and the pillow portion of the top wall.

Abstract: An air mattress system includes two contiguous inflatable air chambers arranged side by side and operatively connected to form an air mattress and a peripheral air chamber operatively connected to and arranged around the perimeter of the two contiguous inflatable air chambers. An air pump is connected with each of the air chambers, and a control is provided for controlling the operation of the air pump.

Abstract: An air mattress includes an inflatable compartment, strips and decoration strips. The inflatable compartment includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall surrounding the peripheries of the top wall and the bottom wall. The strips are air pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment. The strips are connected between the top wall and the bottom wall. The decoration strips surround the top wall and are connected between the top wall and the side wall, so that the side wall is formed into a first layer portion and a second layer portion.

Abstract: A mattress including a plurality of cells aligned and disposed on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body; and a pressure control member that changes a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. The cells are configured such that as the each cell is inflated by fluid supplied to the fluid chamber within the cell, the height of the each cell increases and a width dimension of the each cell in a direction of alignment decreases, and that peripheral portions of adjacent cells in the direction of alignment are overlapped with each other prior to cell inflation.