Abstract: A chair bed including a bedframe and a mattress positioned on the bedframe is provided. The bedframe is configured to move between a substantially flat bed position and a chair position. The mattress includes an inflatable treatment apparatus such as a pulmonary rotational therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, or a decubitus ulcer treatment device.

Abstract: A pilot operated check valve is configured to be positioned inside a fluid supply tube connected between an air supply manifold and an air zone located on a support surface of abed. The pilot operated check valve includes a body having an air inlet and an air outlet connected by an air passageway. The pilot operated check valve also includes a valve member configured to move between an open position and a closed position to block air flow through the passageway. Additionally, the pilot operated check valve includes a push rod having a first end coupled to the valve member to unseat the valve member when the valve member is in its open position and a second end. The pilot operated check valve includes a diaphragm located in a chamber of the body adjacent the second end of the push rod. The pilot operated check valve further includes an inlet port configured to be coupled to the manifold to admit pressure against the diaphragm.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in controlling an air supply to an inflatable patient support system, especially an alternating pressure mattress. The rotary valve comprises a body member having a planar surface and at least two apertures for communication with cells or sets of cells in the patient support system. A further aperture is provided for connection to a pressurized air source and an actuator member is rotatable in face to face contact with the planar surface. The actuator has a recessed portion which forms an air supply chamber when in contact with the planar surface. The valve further comprises a drive for rotating the actuator with respect to the first member and a detector for detecting the position of the actuator relative to the body member and, in conjunction with a control for controlling the timing and duration of air supply to the cells or sets of cells.

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: A mattress having a head end and a foot end includes 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 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: 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: 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 pneumatic seat adjustable for a bedside chair, wheelchair or other type of seats, having a series of air cells controlled and operated through a micro-chip. The cells are inflated to a level of inflation adjusted to the weight of the body. In an order pre-set in the micro-chip, one cell at a time sequentially deflates for a pre-determined length of time, thus allowing unobstructed blood flow to the part of the body above the deflated cell. After the determined period of time, the cell is re-inflated to the previous level of inflation and another cell deflates. The pattern of inflation and deflation may be altered to create diverse programs and numerous applications.

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 airbed mattress includes a valve for controlling inflation of the mattress. The valve is normally biased to a closed position to prevent changes in the mattress' level of inflation. The valve may be opened by introduction of an air pump. The valve and air pump are designed to operate cooperatively by employment of an adaptor to facilitate the introduction of the air pump. The valve has an air passageway which contains an internal airflow control assembly. The control assembly operates to open the valve to passage of air upon introduction of the air pump and adaptor as well as effecting the closing of the valve when the air pump and adaptor are withdrawn. The valve also may have an extension adapted for a releasable connection with an air pump and adaptor for holding the valve open.

Abstract: An air and sonic massaging apparatus for providing an improved massaging effect with opposing lower air nodes beneath the upper air nodes in order to provide the user with greater displacement when patterned inflation and deflation of the device occurs. The apparatus includes an air device and a sonic device which is located underneath the air device. The air and sonic massaging apparatus inhibits turning forces and sideway motions, and keeps the motion more linear and at a higher consistent force. The apparatus has separate air flow circuits that provide alternating or conjoined patterns of inflation and deflation on a single device. The sonic device includes a sonic transducer that creates acoustic waves generated by a rigid transmission plate through movement by the translation of significant solid mass. The sonic device provides high magnitudes of acoustic energy to the directly coupled air device or directly coupled to the user's body air cavity.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a first through a fourth sheets (6, 7, 8, and 9), respectively, which are bonded together along the peripheries thereof and at a multiplicity of bonding spots, creating a triple-layer air cell structure consisting of a first, a second, and a third air cells (13, 15, and 17), respectively. A multiplicity of first bonding spots (10) bonding the first and second sheets together are spaced apart at regular intervals along longitudinal and transverse lines such that four neighboring spots occupy four corners of a tetragon. On the other hand, a multiplicity of second bonding spots (14) bonding the second and the third sheets together are arranged at positions which correspond to the centers of the tetragons. The third air cell has the same structure as the first air cell. These air cells are inflated such that the third air cell maintains high a pressure, while the first and second air cells maintain a low pressure. The low pressure air mattress may effectively prevent bedsores.

Abstract: An inflation seat assembly is adapted for connecting an inflatable article to a motor-driven air pump. The air pump has air inlet and outlet ports, and is operable so as to draw and supply air via the air inlet and air outlet ports, respectively. The inflation seat assembly includes a casing, an inlet check valve, an air outlet, and a closure member. The casing has a base wall, a peripheral wall, and a skirt flange. The base and peripheral walls cooperate to form a receiving space for retaining the air pump removably therein. The inlet check valve can be coupled to the air outlet port of the air pump, and permits air flow into the inflatable article. The air outlet is in fluid communication with the inflatable article. The closure member is used to close selectively the air outlet.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a barrier coupled to a frame. The barrier includes an interior region containing a fluid supply. A related method is provided for converting a patient support apparatus to include a fluid filled patient support surface.

Abstract: A device for controlling air filling and air exhausting of an air cushion includes a casing provided inside with a motor controlled by a wire controller and a fan blade, and an upper cover mounted on the casing. An air-exhausting nozzle closed by a film is provided outside the casing. A support plate is positioned above the fan blade, fixed on an upper surface with a transformer and an electro-magnetic valve controlled by the wire controller. A push plate is combined on a front end of the magnetic rod of the electro-magnetic valve, having a push rod protruding through the casing and extending in the air-exhausting nozzle to push open the film. Then this device can be controlled by wire controlling or manual controlling to adjust resilience of an air cushion.

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: 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 mattress assembly for supporting a patient is provided that includes a cover and at least one air bladder positioned in an interior region of the cover. At least a portion of an air tube located in the interior region is made of cloth.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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.