Abstract: A mattress has at least one inflatable top layer made up of a plurality of adjacent elements that are individually inflatable by a pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device and at least one bottom layer supporting the top layer. The bottom layer has a recess for receiving a sensor connected to the pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device, and making it possible to determine the pressure applied by the body of an individual bearing against the inflatable top layer and to regulate the inflation pressures of the elements of the top layer. In at least one support zone designed to support the sacrum of an individual, the top layer is made up of a plurality of inflatable elements that are of a width smaller than their height.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a body weight of a user are provided. The apparatus includes a container containing a fluid inside for supporting the user, a fluid sensor measuring a pressure of the fluid inside the container, and a control unit determining the body weight of the user. The fluid sensor measures a change of the pressure as the user lying on the container, and the control unit determines the body weight of the user based on the change of the pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transferring a patient from a first bed to a second bed, wherein said patient is disposed upon said first bed and said first bed and second bed comprise a surface for resting said patient comprising a plurality of predetermined sections. The method further discloses removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed; combining said surface of said first bed with said surface of said second bed; and transferring said patient from said first bed to second bed.

Abstract: In an air mattress (1) including a plurality of levels of air mattress layers (5, 7) which are vertically stacked, in each of the levels of air mattress layers (5, 7), flexible hollow air cells (43, 23) each extending along the width of the air mattress (1) are arranged in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction of the air mattress (1), air cells (43, 23) in each of the upper air mattress layer (7) and the lower air mattress layer (5) are divided into a plurality of groups such that the air cells (43, 23) are expanded or contracted in units of the groups by supplying or discharging air to/from these air cells (43, 23).

Abstract: A three dimensional matrix of air, other gas, or hydraulic fluid cells is proposed for the purpose of providing an ideal surface for load distribution. These cells will be arranged into layers stacked onto each other, with successive layers inflated to decreasing pressures. Neighboring cells can either communicate with each other freely, emulating an open cell construction, or be locked, emulating a closed cell construction, thus providing dynamic, as well as passive, control.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air mat that reduces the number of manufacturing processes by means of rotational molding, while preventing the generation of defective products, to a device for molding an air mat, and to an air mat manufactured and molded by the method and device. In a method for manufacturing an air mat formed in such a manner as to integrally couple a cushion part having a plurality of air bags arranged therein for containing air at the insides thereof with a plate-shaped lower sheet disposed on the lower surface of the cushion part, the method includes the steps of: preparing a lower mold having a plurality of air bag molding recesses having given depths arranged at given intervals thereon, for molding the cushion part of the air mat.

Abstract: A multi-purpose air mattress apparatus is disclosed for use in at least a bed of a vehicle having an opposing pair of inwardly protruding wheel wells. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, an inflatable air mattress having a pair of opposing sidewalls, each defining a lateral recess sized for accepting at least a portion of the wheel wells therewithin and further defining recess ledges that selectively sit atop the wheel wells. With the apparatus positioned within the vehicle bed and the wheel wells positioned at least partially within the lateral recesses, the recess ledges in combination with a perimeter ledge cover substantially any exposed portions of the wheel wells, while a set of upper and lower perimeter chambers further maintain a stable structure of the apparatus during use both within a vehicle bed as well as on any other relatively flat surface in otherwise conventional fashion.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided that includes a top panel having a top surface, and a bottom panel having a plurality of perforations defined therethrough. The bottom panel is sealingly assembled to the top panel. An inflatable foot rest is attached to the top surface of the top panel and is suitable for raising at least one leg of a patient when the patient is lying upon the top panel.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress has two sets (A, B) of cells, which are inflated and deflated cyclically and in sequence, to provide alternating support for a patient. Each set (A, B) has central transverse cells (11a, 11b) and side forming cells (14a, 14b). The central cells (11a, 11b) provide a central region for the patient. The side forming cells (14a, 14b) protrude, when inflated, higher than the central cells, to act as side barriers preventing rolling of the patient off the mattress. At each side of the mattress a plurality of the side forming cells (14a, 14b) of both sets (A, B) is present, these cells inflating and deflating with the respective central cells (11a, 11b), so that the side barrier effect is provided by the two sets (A, B) cells alternatingly.

Abstract: A distributed pressure control system for a support surface includes a main controller including a source of pressurized air and a communication interface, and an air manifold having an air inlet coupled with the air source and a plurality of air outlets. A plurality of control modules are each attachable to a respective one of the plurality of air outlets. Each control module includes at least one valve and includes a control unit communicating with the communication interface. The control modules effect inflation and deflation of air cells in the support surface via the valves based on a signal from the communication interface.

Abstract: The pressure of air to be fed into each of air cells (51-54) of an air mattress body (50) is selected by an air pressure selector (12) based on body information entered through an entry control panel (20), thereby adjusting the mattress hardness. Meanwhile, an operating mode selector switch (17) selects one of a rest mode and a pressure switch mode as an operating mode of the air mattress body (50).

Abstract: A bed comprises a bed frame and a bed deck supported by the bed frame. The bed deck comprises a step deck, including a lower deck, an upper deck, a side wall connecting the lower deck to the upper deck, and a recess defined by the lower deck and the side wall. The side wall at least partially surrounds the recess. A mattress comprises a safety mattress extending across the lower bed deck and having air cells including air cells resting on the upper bed deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air cushion unit that can be assembled into any shape and dimension, and more particularly to an innovative one which is prefabricated with interconnected air rings, air pipes and air chambers along with close-packed air columns and air nozzles, allowing to adjust flexibly the pressure value. So, it can be widely applied to meet different sitting or lying demands under various stress states.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reclining means which has a mattress with a multiplicity of air chambers arranged in lattice form. Also provided is a mattress-profile memory which stores, for each of the air chambers, valve-control data corresponding to a mattress profile. The reclining means also has a data-carrier holder, into which a data carrier can be inserted, and means for writing valve-control data into a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder, as well as means for reading valve-control data which are stored on a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder.

Abstract: A mattress and temperature control system for preventing pressure ulcers is provided. The mattress and temperature control system may include at least two chambers that may be alternately pressurized to each independently support a patient's body reclined on the mattress at different times. In some embodiments, the chambers may be implemented as an inflatable tubing system including at least two inflatable tubing circuits each having inflatable tubes disposed adjacent one another in an alternating manner. The tubes may be inflated with liquid or gas fluids. The system may include a tube pressurizing control device for controlling the inflation of the at least two inflatable tubing circuits in an alternating manner. A gas permeable membrane may encapsulate the inflatable tubing system and may be used to move air between the patient and the mattress for cooling and to remove any moisture.

Abstract: An air mattress having one or more inflatable, air-tight chambers where the firmness is adjustable using a pumping system controlled by one or more remote control units. As an improvement over the prior art, the pumping system is installed within the confines of the mattress and outside of the inflatable chambers to increase overall efficiency, accuracy, reliability, and environment compatibility of the mattress while maintaining the ease of diagnostics and repair. This new art also makes the mattress more user friendly by reducing perceivable pumping noise and by relieving the hassle of dealing with hoses and external pump of the prior art. The air mattress may also include any and all features of the prior art such as mattress edge support foam and layers of comfort-providing foam.

Abstract: A mattress includes reduced-firmness materials along a central region thereof in order to mitigate the occurrence of a central ridge following repeated use of the mattress as a sleeping surface. An associated box spring may also, or instead, present a central region with reduced firmness. An adjustable member may be employed to controllably compensate for the development of a central ridge.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.

Abstract: A disposable patient transfer mattress includes a rectangular top sheet, a rectangular bottom sheet, internal baffles, and a receptacle configured to receive a connector for supplying air to inflate the mattress. The bottom sheet corresponds to the top sheet, and the periphery of the bottom sheet is joined to the periphery of the top sheet. The internal baffles extend between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. Each baffle is a rectangular sheet with first and second parallel edges, and each baffle is joined to the top sheet along the first edge and to the bottom sheet along the second edge. The bottom sheet has a plurality of holes configured to provide a continuous cushion of air under the mattress when the mattress is inflated. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and internal baffles are made of fabric backed with a thermally weldable material, where the thermally weldable material faces the interior of the mattress for facilitating thermal welding of the baffles to the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A support structure includes a mattress, a bottom sheet, at least one side guard and at least one positioning assembly. The mattress has a plurality of bladders. The side guard is disposed on any one lateral side of the top surface of the mattress. The positioning assembly can fix the side guard to the mattress. The side guard can protect two sides of a bedded person and prevent the bedded person from falling from the mattress. When the side guard is pushed by an external force, the bedded person does not fall into the vertical gap.

Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat back that has a back frame, a cushion pad attached to the back frame, and a massaging unit having a plurality of massaging elements. The cushion pad has a plurality of through bores that pass therethrough in the direction of thickness thereof. The massaging elements are constructed so as to be elastically deformed or compressed along moving axes and to be pneumatically expanded and contracted along the moving axes. The massaging elements are disposed in the through bores in a manner that the moving axes of the massaging elements extend along longitudinal axes of the through bores. The massaging elements have deformability or compressibility identical with or greater than the deformability or compressibility of the cushion pad when the massaging elements are not operated.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is provided having a base layer, first and second longitudinally extending side walls, and a patient support layer positioned on the base layer and between the foam sidewalls. In one embodiment, the patient support layer has a plurality of separately zoned air cell sections, including a head zone adjacent a head end of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, and a seat zone between the head zone and the foot zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the gentle placement of a patient in a defined position. In order to provide a device for the placement of patients which both allows gentle positioning and at the same time holds the patient in a defined position, the device according to the invention comprises a mattress having a surface able to adopt a flexible state, as a result of being subjected to a first control signal, and a rigid state, as a result of being subjected to a second control signal, a cushion which is filled with a fluid, rests on the mattress and comprises a flexible wall in the region of the patient or the body part of the patient resting on the cushion, and a fluid pump which is connected via a valve to the fluid in the cushion and via which the internal pressure and/or the internal volume of the cushion may be adjusted to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An adaptable surface system including a plurality of individually adjustable surface units and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor corresponds to one of the adjustable subsurface units and is positioned to measure an amount of pressure exerted upon the subsurface unit. The system also includes a controller that receives a first pressure value from a pressure sensor, compares the value to a threshold, and adjusts the height of the first subsurface unit based on the comparison. The controller also receives a second pressure value from a second pressure sensor, compares the second pressure value to the threshold, and adjusts the height of a second subsurface unit based on the comparison.

Abstract: A patient support includes a first layer, a first air supply coupled to the first layer, a second layer, and a second air supply coupled to the second layer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented or substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.

Abstract: A mattress configured to support a patient including a foot section having a leg portion, a heel pressure relief portion, and a raised calf support portion positioned intermediate the leg portion and the heel pressure relief portion.

Abstract: An inflatable device has non-pressurized ducts and channels formed within the body of the inflatable device when inflated, wherein the inflation pressure of the inflatable device is maintained when the interior of the ducts and channels are exposed to atmospheric pressures allowing fluid to flow through the ducts and channels at substantially lower pressure levels than the inflation pressure of the inflatable device. When used for heating or cooling, a plurality of non-pressurized channels and pressurized support columns can be located in substantial proximity to the surface of the inflatable device in contact with the object to be heated or cooled.

Abstract: This disclosure described 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: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed system that inflatably frames an inflatable mattress, to provide improved firmness, privacy, storage and bed-linen retention.

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 lo device or have a storage compartment. The inflatable device may be configurable using one or more members such as a membrane or fasteners.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: An equalizing pressure control system for connection to at least two pressure zones of a body support. The equalizing pressure control system ensures that an object will be slowly and safely lowered to a static position in the event of a sudden failure of an external pump or a supply pressure to the at least two pressure zones.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for automated deflation of an air mattress to create discomfort and arouse a recumbent individual on the mattress. The method comprises the steps of providing an air mattress comprising a plurality of separate chambers; and automatically deflating at least one chamber of said plurality of separate chambers in response to a signal so as to create discomfort.

Abstract: An air mattress includes an inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body; and having a top, bottom, and non-vertical sides, said top and bottom being generally parallel to one another and being composed of at least two horizontal layers of vinyl, one layer of vinyl forming the top of the compartment and the second forming the bottom; at least one internal, generally vertical wall connected to and restraining the relative vertical movement of the top and bottom of the inflatable compartment; and the sides being connected at least at a first location to and horizontally restrained by the internal, generally vertical wall and forming an indentation in the sides of the mattress. Alternately, the mattress profile is formed by a connection between the sides and at least one internal horizontal layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed comprising a mattress with a plurality of air chambers arranged in a grid, each chamber being equipped with at least one air connection. The bed is also equipped with a plurality of controllable valves, each valve being assigned to one of the air chambers and several sensors. A control unit is connected to the sensors and controls the valves individually in accordance with the output signals of the sensors. In addition, the inventive bed comprises an air source that is connected to the valves.

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: An inflatable mattress having an inflated torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflated torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflated torso support pad. The first leg and the second leg may be spread apart or deflated and rolled upon themselves so as to provide easy access to the patient during clinical procedures. A method is provided for positioning a patient with the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A bed mattress support apparatus and method includes a fluid filled bladder or multiplicity of bladders to vertically support a rigid platform. The rigid platform provides a suspended surface to support a mattress, foam pad, or other mattress-like device. A frame surrounds the bladder to prevent lateral movement of the bladder. Motion limiting features control vertical displacement of the platform.

Abstract: An inflatable bed is adapted for use with a sofa, and includes an upper inflatable pad unit disposed on and connected to a lower inflatable pad body, and having a bridging unit that is misaligned from the lower inflatable pad body in a vertical direction and that has a bottom surface adapted to face a seat surface of the sofa when the bridging unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa. Two auxiliary inflatable pad bodies are attached respectively on opposite lateral ends of the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit. Each auxiliary inflatable pad body is adapted to fill a space between the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit and a corresponding arm of the sofa when the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa.

Abstract: A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet/outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet/outlet valve is closed, so that air continues to escape from perforations in the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress is providing including an encasing housing a base layer and a patient support layer in a cavity of the encasing. The base layer has a foam base member and foam side panels connected to the base member. The patient support layer is provided above the base layer and has a plurality of sections or zones. In one embodiment, a plurality of the sections are made of an inflatable component, and another of the plurality of sections are made of a non-inflatable component. In an alternate embodiment, each of the sections contains an inflatable component. In one embodiment, the zones of the patient support surface include a head zone adjacent a head of the mattress, a foot zone adjacent a foot end of the mattress, a seat zone adjacent the head zone, and a knee zone between the seat zone and the foot zone. A foam mattress is provided in the head zone, and an air mattress having a plurality of individual air cells fluidly interconnected is provided in the foot zone.

Abstract: An inflatable bed is adapted for use with a sofa, and includes an upper inflatable pad unit disposed on and connected to a lower inflatable pad body, and having a bridging unit that is misaligned from the lower inflatable pad body in a vertical direction and that has a bottom surface adapted to face a seat surface of the sofa when the bridging unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa. Two auxiliary inflatable pad bodies are attached respectively on opposite lateral ends of the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit. Each auxiliary inflatable pad body is adapted to fill a space between the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit and a corresponding arm of the sofa when the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide an integral air mattress capable of preventing caving-in. To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an air mattress consisting of three sheets 1 to 3 stacked and airtightly sealed at their circumferential portions, the mattress comprising: first-layer air cells 6a and 6b consisting of tubular air cells formed widthwise by the first and second sheets 1 and 2; and second-layer air cells 8 consisting of tubular air cells formed widthwise by the second and third sheets 2 and 3, wherein the first-layer air cells 6a and 6b and the second-layer air cells 8 are arranged so as not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. The overlying first-layer air cells 6a and 6b are set at low pressure so as not to cause bedsores easily, while the underlying second-layer air cells 8 are set at high pressure so as not to cause caving-in easily.