Abstract: An alternating pressure valve system is provided comprising a blower with an air intake and an air outlet; a rotor valve assembly connected to the air outlet from the blower where the rotor valve assembly comprising: a housing with an air intake, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a circular chamber; and a wedged shaped rotor valve rotatably contained within the circular chamber of the housing such that the rotor valve can rotate to partially block the first air outlet, partially block the second air outlet, or block neither air outlets; The rotor valve is preferably controlled by a gearmotor and pressure sensors to detect the relative pressure in each outlet.

Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus includes a housing which is selectively coupled to a portion of a bed in either a first orientation or a second orientation.

Abstract: Supporting device, notably mattress, mattress support or supporting device for seats, comprising several elements comprising flexible fluid-holding chambers aligned vertically and assembled in a network so as to form a structure enabling a body to rest. The pressure in each fluid-holding chamber is transmitted insider first conduits (4) coming out of said chamber. The first conduits communicate this pressure to the fluid-holding chambers of the neighboring elements.

Abstract: A mattress including a cover having a side wall defining an interior region of the cover, a first cushion integral with the side wall of the cover, and a second cushion positioned in the interior region of the cover.

Abstract: A mattress having a head end and a foot end comprises a first support section configured to support an occupant's feet, legs, and seat, and a second support section located adjacent the head end of the mattress to support an occupant's back and head. A portion of the head support section is movable toward the head end of the mattress as the second support section is moved to an elevated position relative to the first support section.

Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus (10) includes a housing (12), a fluid supply (114) located within the housing (12), a first hanger (60) coupled to the housing (12), and a second hanger (62) coupled to the housing (12). The first hanger (60) is configured to couple the housing (12) to a footboard (82) in a first orientation, and the second hanger (62) is configured to couple the housing (12) to the footboard (82) in a second orientation.

Abstract: An air cushion control system having an air chamber sensor including an air chamber, a bottom out sensor and an overinflation sensor, an air pump to inflate the air chamber, an air valve to release air from the air chamber, connections for the air cushion control system to an air cushion, and a microprocessor to control the inflation and the release of air from the air chamber. The air cushion control system reduces decubitus ulcers by incorporating both an automatic adjustment system to prevent the seated individual from bottoming-out in the air cushion and measure immersion depth to maximize pressure reduction.

Abstract: A force optimization apparatus is provided including a patient support surface and an interface pressure sensor.

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: A patient support structure including a unit having at least two defined shaped zones (30, 32) inflatable from a deflated condition in order to modify the topography of the support. One of the zones (30) is larger than the other (32) so that inflation of the larger zone lifts a patient to one side (towards the smaller zone 32) and the inflated smaller zone supports the patient and prevents the patient from slipping off the support structure. In a more preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises two units, each having at least two defined shaped inflatable zones (30, 32), the larger zone 30 of each unit being in opposed configuration and the units being inflatable independently of one another so that a patient can be lifted to one side or the other side according to which unit is inflated.

Abstract: The contour and topography adjusting mattress distributes the weight equally over the entire contact surface, thus prevents morning sore spot formation and prevents decubitus wound formation in the prolonged bed-ridden patients. The massaging action of the mattress relieves muscular pain, relaxes the body, increases the blood circulation, also it further prevents sore spot and decubitus wound formation in the bed-ridden patients. It can be used in hospitals or at home.

Abstract: There is provided a bedrest including an inflatable bladder, a compressor assembly and a microprocessor based controller for inflating and deflating the bladder. The compressor assembly has several stages reducing the volume of air. The compressor assembly includes a housing having an air intake, a motor and a centrifugal blower for passing air into a valve assembly. When inflating, the air passes under pressure through the centrifugal blower, past the motor and through a check valve into the valve assembly and through air outlet that is connected to an air supply tube. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is equipped with a solenoid relief valve for use when deflating the bladder. The microprocessor based controller enables an individual to inflate or deflate the bladder to any desired amount with a simple control.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad including at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to an apparatus for supplying fluid, such as air, under pressure to a fluid accommodating means such as an air mattress and automatically adjusting the fluid pressure. The apparatus has a coupling device which attaches the apparatus to the air mattress. A housing encloses a motor, an impeller, a two-way valve and a solenoid. The solenoid opens the two-way valve to allow inflation or deflation of the air mattress. The motor is reversible and the impeller is used to force fluid into or out of the mattress. A controller is used to inflate and deflate the mattress. The controller can be attached to the apparatus or it can be a remote control.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes at least one inflatable air bladder formed of anti-shear material, and a cover including a foam layer and a highly stretchable material layer. The at least one air bladder occupies a majority of the interior region of the cover, and the foam layer is placed over the at least one air bladder between the highly stretchable material layer and the at least one air bladder.

Abstract: An increased height inflatable support system consisting of two or more vertically stacked chambers. Such a support system can have one or more stabilizer bars attached to said support system, to help keep said support system from rolling over. In addition, the present invention introduces the concept of using a support chamber to provide additional strength at junctions between said vertically stacked chambers. Additionally, fabric, padding, or flocking may be added to one or more surfaces of an upper chamber to improve overall support system comfort.

Abstract: A multi-layered, composite, inflatable and deflatable article of manufacture is provided. The article includes at least two layers of a flexible, waterproof, air impermeable, optionally water-vapor-permeable material, the two layers forming at least one inflatable compartment therebetween. The two layers have at least one additional layer of a porous insulating material, e.g., batting, disposed between them within the compartment. The layers are all adhesively bonded together about the periphery of the compartment and, optionally, at discrete locations within the periphery of the compartment. The porous insulating layer is otherwise unattached to either of the waterproof layers, and preferably is not otherwise attached to either. The compartment has at least one sealable opening therein through which air may be injected into or removed from the compartment, as desired, to thereby inflate or deflate the compartment to a desired volume and to thereby control its insulative value.

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 support element comprises a fluid filled bladder and a fluid container substantially surrounded by the bladder. The fluid container is in constant fluid communication with ambient fluid outside the bladder. The fluid container is configured to deform from its original shape when an external force is applied to the bladder and to reform to its original shape upon removal of the external force from the bladder.

Abstract: A mattress device includes a plurality of dual-fluid fluidizing units juxtapositionally secured in a mattress envelope; each dual-fluid fluidizing unit consisting of a lower air cell and an upper gel (or gel-like) cell superimposed and secured on the lower air cell, having a plurality of flexible ventilating and baffling tubes formed through each upper gel cell for venting air from the lower air cell to the patient's body as lying on the upper gel cells for therapeutically treating the patient as synergetically effected by both the air and gel cells.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a slide housing positioned between two outer casing halves. Each casing half has a plurality of nipple connector seats. Each nipple connector seat has at least one external detent. The slide housing has a series of nipple connectors along its length that are inserted into air conduits in the peripheral edge of the cushion, which, in turn, are connected to the individual inflation zones. Each nipple connector has at least one retainer groove in the surface. The casing half detents engage the cushion edge and the retainer grooves to retain the nipple in the air conduits. There is a movable slide inside the slide seat bore. The slide has a longitudinal inner bore and a number of openings along its length that communicate with the inner bore.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient includes a body support portion having a head end, a foot end, and a knee support portion. The body support portion has a first air zone extending from the head end to the knee support portion and a second air zone extending from the knee support portion to the foot end. The mattress assembly also includes a control module configured to supply air to the first and second air zones to maintain the first air zone at a substantially constant first pressure and to maintain the second air zone at a substantially constant second pressure. The second pressure is less than the first pressure to provide reduced pressure on a patient's calves and feet located on the second air zone.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the firmness of an inflatable air mattress wherein an air blower supplies pressurized air to the inflatable chamber(s) of the mattress through a port containing a valve in response to a target fullness selected by the user, the blower operation being controlled by a processor having an array of blower speeds included in a computer readable medium blower so that the speeds are selected in response to the target value.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an elastic layer for supporting a person. A plurality of rows of expandable and retractable tubes are embedded in the elastic layer. A source of compressed air and a control system are provided for sequentially injecting and releasing air into and from a first set of alternate tubes and then into and from a second set of alternate tubes for imparting continuous motion to the elastic layer.

Abstract: A modulated air cushion includes a base having a top face, multiple air pouches removably attached to the top face of the base in a matrix arrangement via a bonding device. Each air pouch has an inlet formed on the air pouch. An air pump is provided to have a controller and at least two tubes connected to the controller. Each of the at least two tubes integrally have branches each provided with multiple air nozzles corresponding to the inlets of the air pouches. The air pump is able to inflate air pouches in odd and even columns or odd and even rows independently or simultaneously.

Abstract: Multiple foam-filled cells form a cushioned support surface of a seat or mattress. Individual cells may be collapsed by connection through a manifold and valve to a vacuum source. The collapsed cell essentially removes contact pressure in a localized area of the person supported on the surface and restores localized blood flow. After a pre-determined time interval, atmospheric pressure is readmitted to the cell.

Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.

Abstract: A mattress for supporting a reclining body. The mattress includes a resilient top member having a top region possessing uniform displacement parameters and also includes resilient supporting means supporting the top member with variable displacement. The combination of members with uniform displacement parameters over members with variable displacement parameters enables the mattresses to support the body in alignment and with uniform low pressure.

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: Air bed assembly having a knockdown foundation made up of preassembled boxes which are used as shipping containers for the other elements of the bed, mattresses having interposed sets of isolated chambers for improved pressure distribution, contoured foam rails surrounding the mattresses and a visco-elastic foam pad overlying them, a cover with a removable pillow top enclosing the mattresses and foam, a blower assembly mounted inside one of the rails with control valves for supplying air to and removing air from the mattresses, and individual controls for returning the pressure in the mattresses to a desired level upon command and for preventing a drop in mattress pressure as the blower is turned on to increase that pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diminish the material's creep problem found in inflatable bladders. This is accomplished by positioning an anti-creep zone within a bladder. The anti-creep zone is separated from the remainder of the bladder by a fluid barrier. The fluid barrier can have various embodiments that prevent and/or allow predetermined amounts of fluid into the anti-creep zone.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.

Abstract: A cushioning device including a first fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a second fluid bladder support structure having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and at least one fluid accumulation reservoir. The first and second fluid bladder support structures deform under application of a load and reform upon removal of the load. A first conduit interconnects the first fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the second fluid bladder support structure. The first conduit includes a first one-way valve which permits fluid flow from the first fluid bladder support structure to the second fluid bladder support structure. A second conduit interconnects the second fluid bladder support structure in fluid communication with the at least one fluid accumulation reservoir.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress topper including an inflatable chamber which may be formed out of polyvinyl chloride with or without lamination or flocking. The inflatable chamber is designed to rest upon a support system, namely a bed without additional securing devices or may be integrated within a conventional mattress. The inflatable chamber being inflated by air to an adjustable level to provide the desired support for its user through plastic tubing connected between a pump and an air inlet sealed to the polyvinyl chloride chamber. The inflatable mattress topper is easily set-up for continual use or removed for occasional use.

Abstract: A mattress having a head end and a foot end comprises a first support section configured to support an occupant's feet, legs, and seat, and a second support section located adjacent the head end of the mattress to support an occupant's back and head. A portion of the head support section is movable toward the head end of the mattress as the second support section is moved to an elevated position relative to the first support section.

Abstract: Supporting device, notably mattress, mattress support or supporting device for seats, comprising several elements comprising flexible fluid-holding chambers aligned vertically and assembled in a network so as to form a structure enabling a body to rest. The pressure in each fluid-holding chamber is transmitted insider first conduits (4) coming out of said chamber. The first conduits communicate this pressure to the fluid-holding chambers of the neighboring elements.

Abstract: Air bed assembly having a knockdown foundation made up of preassembled boxes which are used as shipping containers for the other elements of the bed, mattresses having interposed sets of isolated chambers for improved pressure distribution, contoured foam rails surrounding the mattresses and a visco-elastic foam pad overlying them, a cover with a removable pillow top enclosing the mattresses and foam, a blower assembly mounted inside one of the rails with control valves for supplying air to and removing air from the mattresses, and individual controls for returning the pressure in the mattresses to a desired level upon command and for preventing a drop in mattress pressure as the blower is turned on to increase that pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a bedrest including an inflatable bladder, a compressor assembly and a microprocessor based controller for inflating and deflating the bladder. The compressor assembly has several stages reducing the volume of air. The compressor assembly includes a housing having an air intake, a motor and a centrifugal blower for passing air into a valve assembly. When inflating, the air passes under pressure through the centrifugal blower, past the motor and through a check valve into the valve assembly and through air outlet that is connected to an air supply tube. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is equipped with a solenoid relief valve for use when deflating the bladder. The microprocessor based controller enables an individual to inflate or deflate the bladder to any desired amount with a simple control.

Abstract: An inflatable support system having an upper chamber attached to a lower chamber and in fluid communication therewith which may be inflated with a single pump and deflated with a first valve, the upper chamber having a pillow top appearance when inflated.

Abstract: A pressure pad (1) has two sets of cells (11, 12) with a sensor pad (8) positioned under the pad (1). During inflation, part of the low goes to the sensor pad (8) to exhaust and the rest fills the cells (11 or 12). Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube (10) will alter the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer (16). Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump (6) thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad (1) is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure P1 and the torso section at a higher pressure P2. A control module (50) to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad (1). The pressure pad (1) can be an alternating or static pad.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress topper including an inflatable chamber which may be formed out of polyvinyl chloride with or without lamination or flocking. The inflatable chamber is designed to rest upon a support system, namely a bed without additional securing devices or may be integrated within a conventional mattress. The inflatable chamber being inflated by air to an adjustable level to provide the desired support for its user through plastic tubing connected between a pump and an air inlet sealed to the polyvinyl chloride chamber. The inflatable mattress topper is easily set-up for continual use or removed for occasional use.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The deck includes a retractable foot section. The mattress includes a foot portion positioned over the retractable foot section. The foot portion includes a calf support portion and a heel-pressure relief portion.

Abstract: An overlay mattress has a plurality of internal elevating means, such as inflatable bladders, for raising selected portions of the mattress to achieve a wide range of patient positions. A fluid such as air may be supplied from a conventional surgical room air supply, a compressed canister, or a compressor to inflate the bladders. A fluid distribution system controls the flow of fluid to desired bladders. The overlay mattress may be used in conjunction with conventional surgical tables and mattresses. A thermal control means is also included in the overlay mattress to regulate a patient's body temperature. A pressure shifting means is also included to reduce the risk of bedsore formation.

Abstract: A pneumatic support and transfer system particularly useful for transferring morbidly obese patients from one location such as a hospital bed to another location such as a stretcher includes a specially constructed air mattress having a soft yet stable cradle formed by a peripheral air chamber which is in continuous communication with open ended passages formed by separate fluid impervious surface panels which maintain the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress out of contact with one another when the mattress is pressurized.

Abstract: A bed comprises a fluid supply and a bed support coupled to the fluid supply. A patient support surface is configured to couple to the bed support.

Abstract: An air mattress with alternate lifting function consists of a plurality of air pouches and side pouches. The side pouches are longitudinally located under the transverse air pouches. The side pouches are inflatable alternately to enable two sides of the air mattress moving up and down alternately to give a patient's body lain on the air mattress sideways exercises. The air pouches may be inflated alternately and synchronously with the inflation of the side pouches to alter pressing areas on the patient's body to prevent the patient from suffering harmful effect resulting from impeded blood circulation due to prolonged pressure exerting on the patient's body.

Abstract: A support surface 10 includes a series of inflatable cells 30, 40 inflated alternately by a compressor 11. The cells 30, 40 are exhausted via an exhaust port 50 having a restrictor 60 of known diameter. A pressure transducer 70 measures the cell 30, 40 pressure. Some of the cells 30, 40 during their deflating/inflating cycle are exhausted through the exhaust port 50 and the cell pressure decay over a time is monitored. A microprocessor calculates the mathematical function related to the cell pressure decay with time, compares the value with compiled data and adjusts the output of the compressor accordingly. The sequence of exhausting via port 50 is repeated at every inflation/deflation cycle and the pressure decay monitored and compared with the known data and the compressor output adjusted automatically to provide a new operating pressure. Therefore, any changes in the person's position i.e.

Abstract: A bed rest apparatus for supporting a human body and relieving bedsores includes a compressible pad that encloses a plurality of crosswise fluid-filled channels. The crosswise channels are closed on one end and open on the other end. The compressible pad is placed upon a mattress or chair to support as patient. The apparatus further includes a fluid pump distributor with an attached fluid reservoir and a plurality of flexible transfer tubes that connect the open end of each crosswise channel to the fluid pump distributor. The pump distributor delivers fluid from the fluid reservoir to the flexible transfer tubes to fill the crosswise channels with fluid. The pump distributor temporally varies the pressure of the fluid in the crosswise channels, thus relieving pressure points on the patient and preventing bedsores.

Abstract: A decubitus mattress includes an inflatable cell surrounded by foam with a built-in low-voltage (AC) air pump assembly for controlling the air cell's inflation. In some embodiments, a mattress includes a plurality of inflatable cells, one or more of which (particularly at the foot end of the mattress) can be selectively deflated with valves that are located along the side of the mattress, in corresponding positions.