Abstract: A support surface (10) is disclosed which includes a foam perimeter (18), a truncated-triangular shaped core (19), a foam topper (21), and a coverlet (22). The foam perimeter includes an interior well (25) defined by a floor (26), a top surface (27), and at least two diverging side walls (28). The core is comprised of a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped, inflatable air cells (31). Each air cell has a bottom wall (32), a top wall (33), two side walls (34), and two end walls (35). The ends walls diverge from each other as they extend from the bottom wall to the top wall so that each air cell has a generally trapezoidal shape along its lateral length.

Abstract: A mattress including an air pressure indicator configured to indicate the pressure of the mattress.

Abstract: Patient support pads that form a part of conventional surgical tables are removed and replaced with pads that provide three dimensional volumetric pressure redistribution. The pads are releasably secured in overlying relation to conventional frame cushions that overlie the frame of a surgical table. Three pads are provided, one each for the head, torso, and foot section of the table so that the articulation of the table is not compromised by the pads. The pads not only prevent or inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers during surgery but also provide therapeutic, curative treatment of the patient's dermis and epidermis by redistributing pressure without distorting or compressing soft tissue. A dual hose bifurcated manifold system connects each inflated pad to its contiguous inflated pad so that pressure applied in any one section of the surface is transmitted and redistributed over all of the inflated pads.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body with a recess. A pump matching the recess is installed in the recess. Whereby, the inflatable body and pump are integrated together, and it is very convenient to use and carry. Furthermore, the pump is concealed in the inflatable product, giving the inflatable product an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A bidirectional air pump to selectively inflate or deflate an inflatable object has a housing, a pump assembly and a motor. The housing has a controller cover, a pump cover, and a motor cover. The pump assembly is mounted inside the housing and has a centrifugal pump, a binary supply/discharge valve assembly, a selectable check valve assembly and a valve controller. The motor is mounted inside the housing. The valve assembly and the motor cooperate to pump air into or draw air out of an air mattress or inflatable sofa.

Abstract: A decubitis mat includes a plurality of individual cells (16 which are pressurized by air. A polymer sensor/vent structure (20) is mounted on the top surface of each cell and defines a plurality of polymer filled channels (28) and a vent valve (26) which is biased to a closed position. As a body resting on the mat heats the polymer, it undergoes a phase change an expands, causing biasing forces (30) which bias the vent valve to open, permitting air in the cell to be released providing air flow to the body.

Abstract: The present invention involves a patient support system. The support system has a fluid bladder and a container. The container has an air pump, a manifold and a CPR dump system. The CPR dump system has a manifold aperture, a plug positioned in the manifold's aperture, a rod interconnected to the plug and protruding from the container's opening, a magnetized alignment apparatus, and a magnetized stop mechanism. The magnetized stop mechanism fastens to the rod and magnetically attaches to the magnetized alignment apparatus which insures the plug is lodged in the manifold's aperture. When a user wants to expeditiously deflate the inflatable fluid bladder, the user pulls on the distal end with sufficient force to detach the magnetized stop mechanism from the magnetized alignment apparatus thereby the plug dislodges from the manifold aperture and allows the inflatable fluid bladder to deflate within a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting pressure in pockets is provided. The system including at least one pressure measuring device in at least one pocket of a structure to detect stress areas in an individual; a control unit for receiving device data transmitted by the at least one pressure measuring device, the control unit comprising: a receiving module and a monitoring module for receiving the device data; a processing module for receiving the device data from the receiving module and determining if pressure in the at least one pressure measuring device requires change; and a pressure unit in the structure for receiving instructions from the processing module, wherein the instructions are provided to the at least one pressure measuring device for adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A mattress system for a hospital bed including a mattress and a control system. The mattress system may include a mattress including a core bladder, a width bladder and a vacuum device to apply a vacuum to the width bladder. The mattress is adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient.

Abstract: A mattress has cells with low air permeability envelopes. Check valves permit air flow into cell groups. An inflation structure expands within the cells when not loaded to cause the envelope to fill with air through the check valves. Another mattress has a cell with a primary bladder, a hollow inflation structure in the primary bladder, a secondary bladder in the hollow inflation structure. The inflation structure expands when not under load to cause the primary bladder to fill with air through the check valve. An air cell has a bladder, a check valve permitting air flow to the bladder, and an inflation structure that expands in the bladder when not under load to cause the bladder to fill with air through the check valve. The inflation structure is a cylindrical foam structure with a portion removed along a surface and a D-shaped hollow space within an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a fan and motor assembly for pumping air, a housing built into the inflatable body, and an air conduit disposed at least in part in the housing. The housing has an interior region. The air conduit is movable between a first position and a second position, the fan and motor inflating the inflatable body when the air conduit is in the first position, and deflating the inflatable body when the air conduit is in the second position. Air flows between the interior region of the housing and the inflatable body during inflation and deflation.

Abstract: The invention is a bladder formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. The sidewalls of the bladder can be constructed with an inverted seam construction to eliminate finishing steps in the manufacture of cushioning bladders and alternatively to provide a clean, seamless appearance along the side walls. The inverted seam can be formed by attaching the peripheral edges of inner barrier layers to the outer barrier layers adjacent a weld between inner barrier layers to provide an inside-out inverted seam appearance. An inverted seam can also be formed by providing separate sidewall elements attached to the barrier layers of the bladder to provide a seam displaced from the center of the sidewall.

Abstract: An inflatable sex-support unit for mattress configured to be temporarily or permanently attachable to such mattress, comprising of bladders that are stowed away in layers of bedspread and foams, that inflate to a height of 12 or more inches above the unit's surface to elevate and support the back area including the buttocks; to elevate and support the left leg in a wide spread posture; to elevate and support the right leg in a wide spread posture; while leaving enough space between the two lower bladders for a second party to occupy during sexual intercourse. The top area provides a soft and smooth surface that is also utilized for sleeping atop such bed or on the ground surface.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2) The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilizing two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.

Abstract: An air pump assembly is disposed within an inflatable article, and includes a movable member. When the movable member is moved relative to a base to an inflating position, an outflow outlet in the base is closed, and an inflow valve is activated to open an inflow outlet in the base so as to permit air to be sucked into the inflatable article through an inflow inlet and the inflow outlet in the base by an air pump. When the movable member is moved to a deflating position, the inflow inlet is closed, and an outflow valve is activated to open an outflow inlet in the base so as to permit air to be forced out of the inflatable article through the outflow inlet and the outflow outlet.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a spacing structure and a base portion.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion cell has first and second inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is defined by at least one diagonal seal structure. In addition, each inflatable compartment also has at least one fluid opening. In one embodiment the diagonal seal structure is offset from opposite corners of the inflatable cushion cell. In one embodiment patient support system includes a plurality of inflatable such cushion cells are located within a frame. In one embodiment a pressure control system is used control the inflation of the first and second inflatable compartments. In one embodiment a method is used to move a patient in an inflatable patient support system.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supporting a patient during a medical procedure includes a bead bag (18) that is filled with compressible beads (20) and that forms a lower layer of the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) also includes a layer of foam material (30) that is located above the bead bag and an air cell grid (36) that has a plurality of inflatable air cells (38). The air cell grid (36) forms an upper layer of the apparatus (10) and provides a soft surface upon which the patient lies. The bead bag (18), when subjected to a vacuum, becomes rigid for supporting the air cell grid (36) against the patient for helping to maximize a surface area of contact between the patient and the apparatus (10).

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-control medical mattress includes a platform and multiple supports mounted on the platform. Each support is a bladder for selectively receiving fluid to support a patient. A skirt is mounted to a periphery of the platform and surrounds the platform for retaining water with the platform for a nurse to conveniently clean the body of the patient who lies on the platform. The multiple supports respectively correspond to the head, neck, shoulder, pelvis and knee for supporting the patient who lies on the platform when the multiple supports are full of fluid.

Abstract: A bolster for resisting rolling of a person off of a mattress, comprising a lateral cushion adapted to be disposed proximate and parallel to an edge of the mattress, and a tensile portion having a means for attachment to said lateral cushion, providing a distributed tensile force to resist a laterally outward displacement of the lateral cushion, the tensile force being transmitted beneath the mattress having a force vector downward and inward. Both the lateral cushion and the mattress may be inflatable, and preferably a pair of lateral cushions, interconnected by a tensile sheet below the mattress, are provided.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes a pack having a first vent with a first valve, a second vent with a second valve, a third vent in communication with the ambient, a first chamber in communication with the first vent, a second chamber in communication with the second vent, and an air pump pumping air into and out of the pack through the third vent when activated in a first and second direction. A first switch structure is movable between first and second orientations. The first orientation opens the first valve and activates the air pump in the first direction to inflate the first chamber. The second orientation closes the first valve. A second switch structure is movable between third and fourth orientations. The third orientation opens the second valve and activates the air pump in the second direction to deflate the second chamber. The fourth orientation closes the second valve.

Abstract: A nest-like mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a multiple compartments and a nest-like fitting characterized in that the multiple inner compartments are soft, air-filled sac structure and are fitted within an individual cavity of the nest-like fitting, each air-filled inner compartment is provided with an independent nozzle, and the inner compartment has a pulling strap which allows mounting at corresponding cavity of the nest-like fitting, the nest-like fitting is provided with a plurality of cavities and each cavity allows an inner compartment and the air-filled inner compartments are located on the individual cavity, the lateral side opening of the fitting is provided with a covering cloth, the edge of the covering cloth and that of the fitting are mounted with zip or fastening/button member so as to close the side opening.

Abstract: An improved multiple chambered maternity mattress (10) is specially configured to include a bellows (24) for providing fine-grained adjustability of size and firmness of its centrally disposed womb well region (AWW). The bellows (24) consisting of a plurality of accordion-like sections which are interconnected to form a single expandable air chamber that is inflatable under the control of the user while actually in use via a remote control unit (16). The womb well is formed as a cylindrical cavity or opening (26) which extends for the full height of the mattress (10) such that the bellows (24) may change its effective height thereby establishing the physical size of the womb well for optimum user comfort and benefit. Low friction materials and/or coatings on the cylindrical cavity walls (28) assure minimal friction of the contacting surfaces and bellows tips assuring an infinitely fine height/size/firmness adjustment.

Abstract: An inflatable product has a socket disposed in a wall of an inflatable body and extending into an interior of the inflatable body. A pump is slidably disposed in the socket, and is slidable from a retracted position to an extended position. The retracted position defines an insertion limit of the pump into the socket, and the extended position defines a withdrawal limit of the pump from the socket. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable body when in the extended position. The pump includes a power source connected to a fan, operable to inflate the inflatable body. The pump includes a switch operable to activate the fan when in a closed position. The switch is in an the closed position when the pump is in the extended position, and in an open position when the pump is in the retracted position. The pump includes an air intake in fluid communication with ambient air when the pump is in the extended position, and the air intake is sealed from the ambient air when the pump is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus 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 empowering 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: An inflatable product includes a first chamber, a first mechanically-controlled valve, an air pump, a first switch and a switch circuit. The air pump inflates the first chamber through the first mechanically-controlled valve. The first switch activates the air pump and opens the first mechanically-controlled valve. The air pump is activated through the switch circuit by the first switch, wherein the switch circuit has a second switch turned on by the first switch when the first switch is turned on, and a relay activated to supply the air pump with power when the second switch is turned on.

Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes an adjustable width.

Abstract: An alternating pad consisting of transverse inflatable cells (1 and 2) alternately inflated and deflated. An internal cell (5) is provided at the outermost edges of each transverse cell (1,2). The internal cell (5) is constantly inflated at a higher pressure than the traverse cells (1, 2). The internal cell (5) is at a lower height than the cells (1,2) and preferably of a chamfered shape to provide optimum pressure relief across the whole surface of the pad. The internal cell (5) provides stable patient exit, entry or transfer from a bed or seat.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel adjustable mattress and pillow system and related methods in which a sensing mat positioned on the top face of a mattress affects microprocessor-controlled optimization of the contour of the mattress and a pillow based on a user's position. In one embodiment, the novel adjustable mattress and pillow system of the invention provides real time contour optimization through use of a variety of sensing techniques that make the system particularly useful in environments such as hospital critical care facilities where proper positioning of a user on a mattress and a pillow may prove important to user's health.

Abstract: An air cushion with selectively deflated chambers has a base, multiple air pouches, multiple attachment devices, at least two air tubes, an air pump and a cover sheet. The air pouches are mounted on the base, and each air pouch has an inner space and multiple compression straps. The inner space is divided into multiple chambers that communicate with each other. Each compression strap keeps a selected chamber of the air pouches from inflating. The attachment devices are mounted on the base to attach the air pouches to the base. The at least two air tubes connect to the air pouches and communicates with the inner spaces of the air pouches. The air pump connects to and pumps air through the air tubes into the air pouches. Any one of the chambers can be kept from inflating if the chamber contacts injured skin of a patient.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes an inflatable body, a switching pipe and a fan and motor. The switching pipe is switched between a first position and a second position. The fan and motor inflates the inflatable body when the switching pipe is switched to the first position. The fan and motor deflates the inflatable body via the switching pipe when the switching pipe is switched to the second position.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: A mattress supporting a reclining body with low body pressure and in alignment. The mattress extends in a lateral direction from side to side and extends in a longitudinal direction from a mattress head to a mattress foot where the mattress includes a head part, a shoulder part, a waist part, a hip part and a leg part. The reclining body has a displacement profile that causes the mattress to undergo differing vertical displacements when supporting the reclining body. The mattress core has displacement parameters varying to match the displacement profile of the reclining body while supporting the reclining body with low body pressure. The core has a plurality of regions where the vertical displacement in one or more of the regions varies to match the displacement profile of the reclining body to maintain the reclining body in alignment.

Abstract: A width-adjustable alternating air inflation mattress has a body. At least one lateral side of the body is added with tubular air cells for increasing the width of the bed body. The inflation of the tubular air cell is controlled by air valves. When the tubular air cells are inflated, the width thereof is increased. By above mentioned alternating air inflation mattress, in normal use, the alternating air inflation mattress has a sufficient wide and thus the patient can lie upon the bed comfortably. If it is desired to pass the alternating air inflation mattress through the door, it only needs to evacuate airs in tubular air cells at two sides of the bed to reduce the width of the bed. Other than the inflation of the tubular air cells being controllable, if the patent needs a first aid, the air in the tubular air cell can be evacuated out rapidly for executing CPR.

Abstract: An inflating/deflating device in combination with an inflatable mattress having multiple chambers includes a casing with an inlet and three outlets, a pump received in the inlet to provide inflation/deflation to the chambers of the inflatable mattress and multiple controllable valves respectively and movably mounted on the outlets such that the pump is able to inflate/deflate the chambers of the inflatable mattress simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: An inflatable bed unit includes an inflatable primary bed that has a main part, a head part connected to and in fluid communication with the main part and pivotable relative to the main part, a pillow part connected to the head part such that the head part is raised by the pillow part and is pivoted relative to the main part when the pillow part expands upon injection of air therein, and a check valve interconnecting the pillow part and the head part and defining a valve opening that is opened to permit air flow from the pillow part to the head part when the pressure in the pillow part is greater than that in the head part, and that is closed to prevent air flow from the head part to the pillow part when the pressure in the head part is greater than that in the pillow part.

Abstract: A system for transporting and positioning a patient onto an operating room table from a movable transportation device, e.g., a stretcher, to be located immediately laterally of the operating room table and transporting back onto the movable transportation device after the surgery. The system basically comprises a first and second inflatable assemblies to effect the pivoting of the patient about a longitudinal axis extending between the table and stretcher from a supine position on the stretcher to a horizontal prone position on the table. A third inflatable assembly causes the patient's spine to be in an arcuate orientation suitable for spinal surgery.

Abstract: A two-way mounting mode air pump is constructed to include a housing affixed to an inflatable object, a battery case mounted in the housing, the battery case having a female coupling device and power output contacts in the female coupling device, and a motor pump selectively mounted in the housing in either of two directions to selectively pump air into or out of the inflatable object, the motor pump having a male coupling device for coupling to the female coupling device and power input contacts in the male coupling device for contacting the power output contacts.

Abstract: An inflatable hammock mattress includes a body defining an inflatable cavity and being removably positionable onto a hammock. The body has an arcuate bottom portion and a non-planar top portion integral therewith. A plurality of side rails are connected to the top portion and extend around the perimeter of the body for assisting a user to maintain stability during operating conditions. The mattress further includes a plurality of valves disposed at one end of the body and a power-operated device including a plurality of toggling switches for automatically inflating and deflating the mattress.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cushioning device. The present cushioning device has many attributes that are common with many cushions. Some of these common attributes are at least one bladder having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side surface positioned between the top and the bottom surfaces. Another common attribute is a bladder cavity being defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the at least one side surface. The present invention differs from other bladders in that there is a first conductive material and a second conductive material are positioned within the bladder cavity, positioned away from the bottom surface of the bladder, and capable of acting like a switch for a reactive device. The reactive device is electrically interconnected with the first and second conductive materials. When the first and second conductive materials contact each other the reactive device is capable of responding by sounding an alarm and/or re-inflating the bladder cavity with a fluid.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad comprises at least two sets of inflatable cells, an air supply line to each set, a pump to circulate pressurized air through a circuit including the sets of cells and to return air from the cells to the pump, valve means for alternately causing inflation and deflation of each set, a sensor pad in the circuit through which pressurized air is passed and detecting means for detecting a reduction in air flow through the sensor pad to a level below a predetermined level and for increasing air pressure in the sets of cells to restore the air flow to a level above the predetermined level.

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover defining an interior region and including an upwardly-facing surface configured to be positioned beneath a patient. The surface pad system also includes a pad core received in the interior region of the cover to support the patient.

Abstract: An alternating pressure support surface for use by patients requiring bed rest. The air pressure control system used by the alternating pressure surface dynamically controls air pressure in multiple inflatable compartments and further controls the cross over pressure as sets of inflatable compartments are simultaneously being inflated and deflated. A pressure transducer provides feedback which is used to dynamically adjust the output pressure produced by a pump to prevent over inflation or under inflation and ensure that cross over air pressure is properly maintained to prevent under inflation which results in bottoming out.