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 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: 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 air bed having a pump and a relief valve is operably connected with a control box. The control box is capable of being programmed or receiving scripted information from a media file such that timed pressure changes may be made in the air bed by operation of the pump and the relief valve. These changes are synchronized with a message being played by a media player. Thus the air bed interacts with a person lying on the bed. This interaction is used, preferably in a sales setting, to convey information to the person about the operation and features of the air bed.

Abstract: A pillow height control system includes a pillow height control device adapted to receive a body position signal that is generated by the body sleeping position sensor. The pillow control device is placed between the bed and the cushioning material that supports the sleeper's head. The device controls an electromechanical device that moves a platform that supports the cushioning material up or down to a position accurate enough to minimize the stress on the neck and shoulder. The fact that sleeper changes sleeping position from time to time several times during his sleep fails many designs. In preferred embodiments, user can adjust the optimum heights of the pillow for different sleeping positions.

Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen patient treatment system generally comprises and inflatable enclosure for encasing a patient having at least partially contained therein an inflatable mattress system. By integrating the therapeutic functions of the inflatable mattress system within the hyperbaric chamber the simultaneous provision of hyperbaric oxygen and skin treatment therapies is made possible. A control system is provided to maintain desired patient interface pressures throughout the provision of hyperbaric treatment. Features are disclosed for maximizing patient comfort while ensuring the ability to fully monitor and treat the patient during therapy. A thixotropic may also be used as part of the pressure relieving portion of the mattress system.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame and positioned to lie above the frame to support a patient. The mattress has at least one bladder configured to receive a medium. The apparatus also includes a power pack pivotably coupled to and supported by one of the base, the frame and the mattress and configured to supply the medium to the at least one bladder of the mattress.

Abstract: An automatic control system for controlling the firmness of a fluid supported mattress of a bed assembly. The control system includes a motorized fluid pump, a control unit for operating the pump to adjust the firmness of the air mattress, a hand held remote control unit for actuating the control unit, and a transceiver system for transmitting information signals between the hand held unit and the control unit. The air control system provides for independent control of both bladders in a two bladder air mattress from a single unit, and allows a user to consistently set the firmness of each mattress air bladder to a desired value. The air control system includes an air pump specially designed to minimize transmission of motor noise into the environment.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus comprises a rolling transfer tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The rolling transfer tube is flattened when placed under a patient to form an upper run and a lower run. A fluid chamber that receives fluid under pressure is defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface has a plurality of perforations through which fluid is expelled to create a fluid bearing between the upper run and the lower run.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient is provided that includes a cover and a plurality of air bladders positioned in an interior region of the cover. An air supply is provided that provides air to the plurality of bladder. A tube apparatus is provided that delivers air from the air supply to the plurality of bladders. A valve controls the flow of air to at least one of the plurality of bladders. An electrical cable is coupled to the valve and at least a portion of the electrical cable is positioned in the tube apparatus. At least a portion of the tube is made of cloth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filled support comprising a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other at least one fluid conduit interconnecting at least two of the plurality of chambers together. There is also at least one connection head coupled to the at least one fluid conduit. There is also at least one portable pump which is connectable to the connection head. This portable pump is for inserting additional fluid into the fluid conduit wherein the fluid then flows into the plurality of chambers. There is also a portable pressure relief device which is connectable to the connection head. This device comprises a pressure gauge for determining a pressure of fluid inside the fluid filled support. The pressure gauge also includes an adjustable pressure relief valve which is adjustable to relieve fluid from the support wherein the at least one portable pump and the at least one portable pressure relief device are used to adjust pressure in the system.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a first inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body. The first compartment is composed of at least two layers of vinyl, one layer of vinyl forming the top of the compartment and the second forming the bottom. A second inflatable compartment extends generally the length and width of the first compartment and is attached to the first compartment through a perimeter seal that is recessed from the periphery of the air mattress. The second compartment is tufted and so contain a layer of resilient material.

Abstract: A hospital bed adapted for use with an open geometry imaging system, such as a C-arm imager, is provided. The hospital bed includes a mobile base, a frame, a bed top, and a patient support. At least one portion of the bed top and patient support are substantially radiotransparent. The radiotransparent portions are capable of axial displacement along the lengthwise axis of the bed, thereby allowing the use of an imager on a patient in the bed without interference from the base. The axial displacement is preferably indexed to at least one predetermined stop position. One or more independent lateral sections can be selectively moved away from the radiotransparent portion, allowing for a reduction in the overall width of the bed. A patient transport system is also provided, in which the bed top and attached patient support can be used as a portable support, such as a stretcher, and may be secured to the base for subsequent transport and/or imaging when appropriate.

Abstract: A mattress assembly including an inflatable central support portion and a side bolster. A check valve is configured to prevent fluid flow from at least a portion of the side bolster to the central support portion.

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 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 fluid channeling system that comprises a series of elongated chambers having a rectangular cross section. Each of these chambers is disposed adjacent to the other and extends parallel to the other in either a single layer configuration or a two layer configuration. There is at least one fluid such as air, helium, or an air helium combination disposed within these chambers. The fluid enters these chambers through at least one fluid intake valve which is in fluid communication with these chambers. Helium has particular properties that make it conducive for this type of an application. Helium is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, in addition, Helium can diffuse through many materials commonly used in laboratories such as rubber and PVC. Therefore, if the present invention uses Helium, the materials used in creating this device must reflect these properties.

Abstract: A bed and mattress structure includes an articulating frame having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thigh, and foot sections. The head, thigh and foot sections are movable relative to each other and relative to the seat section. A deck on the frame supports a user. A mattress is interposed between the deck and the user. The mattress includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending air bladders corresponding respectively to the frame sections. A power driver tilts the frame sections to desired tilted positions. An air supply fills each bladder to desired air pressures to support the user. A drive controller controls the power drive for tilting the frame sections to various desired positions. An air supply controller controls the air supply for filling the air bladders to desired air pressures. A hand held controller includes a key pad cooperating with a programmable device to provide signals through a cord in response to inputs from the user.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. An air passageway in formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. The passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic feel.

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 valve assembly for a patient support having a mattress including a bladder comprises an interior housing formed to include a supply chamber, an exhaust chamber, a plenum, and an exterior housing surrounding the interior housing. A supply valve and an exhaust valve are located in the interior housing and connect the supply chamber and the exhaust chamber, respectively, to the plenum. A supply solenoid and an exhaust solenoid are coupled to the interior housing and covered by the exterior housing. The supply solenoid and the exhaust solenoid are coupled to the supply and exhaust valves respectively.

Abstract: A side bolster system is provided for use with a mattress having a first side and a second side. The side bolster system of the present invention includes a first side bolster configured to be positioned along the first side of the mattress, and a second side bolster configured to be positioned along the second side of the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress is provided with a plurality of inflatable cushion elements each having two cushion chambers. Air or filling pressure medium can be regulated by a device with a pump. The pump is coupled to a control in which filling pressure values and/or arithmetical operations are programmed. The pump is also provided with sensors. This enables the filling pressure to be increased or reduced on the basis of the weight of a lying person loading the cushion elements until a predetermined value corresponding to a specific degree of hardness or comfort for lying is attained. Simple pressure on a key on a remote control is therefore sufficient to bring about completely automatic adaptation to the lying person, regardless of whether he or she weighs 40 or 150 kg. This intelligent mattress offers an absolute maximum of individual comfort for lying with a minimum of effort for operation.

Abstract: A check valve adapted for use between first and second fluid chambers. The check valve is configured to prevent fluid flow from the second fluid chamber into the first fluid chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns an air cushion for pressure relief and control. The cushion consists of a plurality of air-filled cells connected with one another through channels. The channels connect separate groups of cells with one another in a modular pattern. The cushion may be designed in many different sizes, e.g. in mattress size.

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: An inflation device comprises an electrically-driven air pump, a rotary valve, two sets of air sacs, and a pressure control unit. The air sacs are connected with the rotary valve which is in turn connected with the air pump. The air sacs are kept in the state of periodic and alternate inflation and deflation. The magnitude of pressure of the compressed air from the air pump is detected by the pressure control unit so as to interrupt or resume the power supply to the air pump.

Abstract: An air inflatable mattress and mattress coverlet are provided for the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers (i.e., pressure sores or bedsores). The mattress incorporates a user selectable static or alternating air powered support surface for more uniformly redistributing pressure exerted on a patient's skin. The mattress coverlet encompasses a low air loss feature independent of the mattress's user selectable air powered support surface. Such low air loss feature provides a patient contact surface exhibiting a high moisture vapor transfer ratio in conjunction with a forced air flow to aid in reducing the moisture and heat near the patient's body. Both the mattress and mattress coverlet are driven by an external control system which houses the user controls, as well as the necessary pumps, regulators, and valving.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a casing with an internal bore and a plurality of openings along the length of the casing connected to the individual inflation zones by air conduits and a movable slide within the casing bore. The slide has a number of openings along the its length that communicate with an inner bore. The valve is opened by aligning the slide openings with the casing openings to allow the inflation zones to communicate through the valve slide bore and is closed by moving the slide openings out of alignment with the casing openings to seal off the inflation zones.

Abstract: A system for sleep surface adjustment is described. The sleep surface is provided by a sleep support system that is configured for at least two users. The sleep surface of the sleep support system is supported by at least two fluid chambers whose pressure is independently adjustable. The fluid chambers are surrounded by an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of side walls; each wall has in interior and exterior surface. The system for sleep surface adjustment generally comprises a topper pad and a base pad. The topper pad is positioned above the fluid chambers and extends between the exterior surfaces of the side walls. The base pad is positioned below at least one of the fluid chambers and is used to raise that fluid chamber to a desired height if necessary.

Abstract: A hand-held controller is used to control an apparatus that supports a person. The hand-held controller includes a display that displays graphical images pertaining to functions of the apparatus. An illustrative apparatus comprises a frame and a mattress supported by the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a patient. The apparatus comprises a support device 20 essentially comprising only at least one closed or controlled-release chamber 21 together with inlet and outlet means 26 via which the filling fluid can be fed in or removed, and an independent control device 40 is provided disposed under the support device 20, said control device 40 comprising filling and emptying means for filling the chamber with filling fluid or for emptying said fluid therefrom and the control means proper 50, 41, 42 for controlling feeding in and removing the filling fluid. The invention makes it possible to simplify manufacture and management of a support for supporting an element to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: A variable firmness mattress structure includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending air bladders and an air supply for filling each bladder to a respective desired air pressure to support a user at a desired mattress firmness. A control system for the variable firmness mattress structure includes at air controller cooperating with the air supply for filling the air bladders to desired air pressures and a hand-held controller in communication with the air controller. The hand-held controller is configured to receive a first input from the user indicating that a first desired mattress firmness currently exists and to transmit to the air controller a first signal corresponding to the first input. The first desired mattress firmness corresponds to a first set of respective desired air pressures in the bladders.

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. The cushioning device includes a tilting apparatus that provides assistance in rotating the patient from one position to another. 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: The invention relates to a therapeutic seat or bed for reducing the likelihood of decubitus ulcers, which can form in the skin surrounding a weight-bearing bony protrusion. The seat or bed includes one or more compressible supports in a cushion that can be moved between a compressed, relaxed, or inflated state to relieve pressure from the skin surrounding the bony protrusion to increase the blood flow or stimulate the blood flow through the area surrounding the bony protrusion.

Abstract: A patient support device, and more particularly, a patient support device which provides improved full-body comfort to conscious patients immobilized for one or more hours while undergoing imaging or interventional procedures. The patient support device preferably comprises a foam for supporting the body and inflatable bladders for providing adjustable comfort to the cervical, lumbar and patellar regions of the patient. Arm restraints which safely and securely position patient's arms laterally on a narrow support (table).

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient is provided that includes a cover and a plurality of air bladders positioned in an interior region of the cover. An air supply is provided that provides air to the plurality of bladder. A tube apparatus is provided that delivers air from the air supply to the plurality of bladders. A valve controls the flow of air to at least one of the plurality of bladders. An electrical cable is coupled to the valve and at least a portion of the electrical cable is positioned in the tube apparatus. At least a portion of the tube is made of cloth.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress (10) includes an outer cover (12, 18) formed from an air impermeable material. The outer cover (12, 18) is configured to define an interior region and having a top support surface (20). The mattress (10) also includes at least one air fluidized support module (48, 54) located within the interior region of the cover (12, 18). The mattress (10) further includes a connector (68, 94) coupled to the air fluidized support module (48, 54), the connecter (68, 94) being configured to be coupled to an air supply (58). The mattress (10) also includes a vent connector (165) coupled to the outer cover (12, 18) in communication with the interior region of the cover (12, 18). The vent connector (165) is configured to exhaust air from the interior region of the cover (12, 18).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternating pressure pad comprising at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has further means, such as, for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alternating pressure pad comprising at least two sets of inflatable cells, each set being alternately inflated and deflated, wherein at least one cell in each cell set has further means, such as, for example, circumferential internal membranes or external straps, to accelerate the deflation of the at least one cell.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus includes an air mattress overlaying a support structure. A remote control unit includes a switch and a timer, which in turn controls an air pump for the cyclic inflation and deflation of the air mattress. The remote control unit may be operated either automatically or manually. The air mattress is periodically inflated and deflated so that a person resting on the air mattress is raised and lowered at selected intervals to experience several passive movements, which induce deep relaxation and other parasympathetic responses. A special support member may be placed between the air mattress and the support structure to provide a desired pressure on a person's spinal joints. A biofeedback device may be used to provide feedback to an operator, or to the remote control unit, to optimize the inflation, dwell and deflation cycles.

Abstract: A composite mattress is comprised of a rectangular intermediate base with four upper sidewalls extending vertically above the base adjacent the edges of the base forming an upper cavity, four lower sidewalls extending vertically below the base adjacent the edges of the base forming a lower cavity, a spring mattress comprised of a plurality of coil springs individually encased within material pockets positioned in the lower cavity below the base, an air mattress comprised of a plurality of adjustable air cell units formed with independent air cells positioned in the upper cavity above the base, and a cover encasing the entire composite mattress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting and monitoring the distance between a patient and a reference point on an inflatable air mattress and for controlling the air supply to that mattress in relation to such distance. The patient distance sensing system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, an inflatable air mattress positioned atop the bed frame with the upper surface of the inflatable air mattress forming a patient support surface, an air supply operable to provide controlled variations in air supply, and a series of patient distance sensing devices. Such devices including a heterodyning proximation detector, a force responsive distance sensing device, and a light responsive sensing device. Each device is operable to act separately or cooperatively in maintaining a therapeutically beneficial patient support surface through variable control of the delivery of inflation pressure to the air mattress.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a bed assembly from (a) a first configuration in which the bed assembly includes a foam mattress, an articulating frame for supporting the foam mattress, and a drive system for moving at least one section of the articulated frame, to (b) a second configuration in which the bed assembly includes an air mattress, the articulating frame, and the drive system, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of removing the foam mattress from the articulating frame, placing an air mattress that includes at least one air bladder on the articulating frame, coupling an air control module pneumatically to the at least one air bladder, and coupling the air control module electrically to the drive system so that command signals received by the drive system to adjust pressure of the at least one air bladder are routed from the drive system to the air control module to operate the air control module to adjust pressure of the at least one air bladder.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress is provided with an upper visco-elastic foam layer to reduce the pressure variation flet by a patient lying on the mattress. The foam layer may extend into gaps between the cells making up the mattress. A foam layer may also be provided beneath the cells so that the mattress has a more conventional appearance.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an air mattress having a common actuator on a manifold between opposed supply and exhaust valves moving the valves along actuating axes. The system includes a plurality of actuator/valve combinations for different portions of the air mattress. A pulsating valve is provided which includes a housing having therein supply and exhaust valves each directly controlled by supply and exhaust solenoids.

Abstract: A mattress is provided that is configured to be located on a bed frame. The mattress includes a support surface having a head end, a foot end, and spaced apart first and second side portions. The mattress further includes an air bladder coupled to and extending along the first side of the support surface. The air bladder is inflatable and deflatable to adjust the width of the mattress.

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.