Variably Pressurizable Chambers (e.g., With Pump) Patents (Class 5/713)
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Patent number: 6385803Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Industries S.A.Inventor: Jean-Louis Viard
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Patent number: 6378152Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Robyn P. Washburn, Ryan A. Reeder, Larry E. Luff, Ares Marasligiller, James R. Stolpmann, Roger D. Dalton, Steven R. Westerfeld, Steven E. Weigold
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Patent number: 6370716Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: John W. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6367106Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Sand Therapeutic, Inc.Inventor: Steven M. Gronsman
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Patent number: 6357066Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Carla Terzian Pierce
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Publication number: 20020029423Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover, Kerry J. Mensching
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Patent number: 6353950Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Randall Ohman
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Patent number: 6351863Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Greg W. Branson, Richard J. Schuman, David J. Ulrich
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Patent number: 6351862Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Alan W. Henley, Dana H. Delk, Robert C. Novack, James J. Romano
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Patent number: 6349439Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Huntleigh Technology, PLCInventors: Stephen John Cook, Christopher John Daughtery
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Publication number: 20020016995Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Stephen John Cook, Christopher John Daughtery
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Patent number: 6327727Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Viktor Bocharnikov
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Patent number: 6317912Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventors: Kurtis F. Graebe, Randy M. Marling
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Publication number: 20010039681Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 1998Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: ROYCE W. JOHNSON, DAVID M. TUMEY, CESAR Z. LINA, X. LU ZHENG, WILLIAM M WISE
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Patent number: 6311348Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Luff, Steven R. Westerfeld, Ryan A. Reeder
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Publication number: 20010034908Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: Noel Daly
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Patent number: 6302145Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Scott McCormick, Steven D. DeRidder, W. Layne Carruth, Stephen R. Schulte
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Patent number: 6295675Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover, Kerry J. Mensching
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Publication number: 20010023511Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Inventor: John W. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20010023512Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Applicant: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Perez, Sohrab Soltani, James J. Romano
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Patent number: 6282735Abstract: A hydrotherapy mattress assembly which includes an air-over-foam core, a base for receiving the air-over-foam core, and a top cover overlying the air-over-foam core. The top cover provides a patient support surface and includes a drain trough. The drain trough is coupled to a drain which extends through the air-over-foam core and the base, so that liquids can be drained from the patient support surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: James R. Stolpmann, Kenneth R. Smith, Roger D. Dalton, Gary W. Ferdon, Jonathan H. Mueller
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Patent number: 6269505Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: M.P.L. Ltd.Inventor: John W. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6267739Abstract: A pneumatically operated massaging cushion characterised by comprising: a compressor (16), a cyclic distributor (14) fed by said compressor (16) and provided with a plurality of exits (13), at least one manifold (6) comprising a plurality of longitudinal ducts (8) connected to the different exits (13) of said cyclic distributor (14), a plurality of side by side transverse compartments (2) inflatable independently of each other, means (10) for the individual connection of each of said transverse compartments (2) to one of said longitudinal ducts (8), the connections between the longitudinal ducts (8) of said manifold (6) and the exits (13) of said cyclic distributor (14) and between said transverse compartments (2) and said longitudinal ducts of said manifold (6) being such as to ensure the operation and the temporary and successive inflation of the adjacent transverse compartments.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventor: Franco Cengarle
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Patent number: 6266833Abstract: An air bed structure capable of alternate aerating and lying thereon on one's side, wherein, the air bed is divided into a right and a left part each being comprised of a plurality of elongate air bladders in several sets or groups. Air bladders of each set are communicated with one another. The air bladders in each side both are alternately arranged mutually to cooperate with two air valves of specific design, a plurality of pipe lines and a controlling electronic circuit to provide various aeration states of complete aeration, first one-side aeration, second one-side aeration, first alternate aeration, second alternate aeration etc. Thereby a patient lying on the air bed can adjust the aeration state of the air bed in pursuance of requirement. This is extremely ideal and convenient for patients and old people.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventor: Joenne Lin
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Publication number: 20010008029Abstract: An air massager cushioning device that not only support a weight of an individual who sits or rests on the air massager cushioning device with minimal surface tension but also creates a massaging effect on the body part of the individual positioned on the cushioning device. The cushioning device has first and second air support structures, where each support structure has alternating offset air glands. One of the two support structures has alternating apertures, wherein the alternating air glands of one of the two support structures are respectively inserted into the alternating offset apertures to form a matrix surface arrangement of the cushioning device. The air cushioning device creates a massaging effect by rapidly inflating the air glands of one of the two support structures while rapidly deflating the air glands of the other one of the two support structures, thereby creating a massaging effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2001Publication date: July 19, 2001Inventors: Paul B. Thomas, Robert Leventhal
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Patent number: 6253402Abstract: An air bed structure capable of alternate lying thereon on either of one's sides, wherein, the air bed is divided into an upper and a lower layer, each layer is divided into a right and a left part each being comprised of an air bladder. A U typed air bladder is provided between the upper and the lower layers. The air bladders are arranged to cooperate with two specific air valves, multiple pipe lines and a controlling electronic circuit to provide various aeration states including single air-bladder aeration on both sides of the air bed, single air-bladder aeration on one side of the air bed, both air-bladder aeration on one side of the air bed, single air-bladder aeration on the other side of the air bed and both air-bladder aeration on the other side of the air bed etc. Thereby a patient lying on the air bed can adjust the aeration state of the air bed in pursuance of requirement. The body of the patient can be raised to rotate rightward, leftward by making a small or big turning of his body.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventor: Joenne Lin
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Patent number: 6253401Abstract: An air mattress system includes a plurality of inflatable air chambers operatively connected to form an air mattress, a reversible air pump operatively connected to the air chambers, and a manually operable control operatively connected to the air pump for controlling the operation of the air pump. The manually operable control has at least a first setting for operating the air pump in a first direction for inflating the air chambers and at least a second setting for operating the air pump in a second direction for deflating the air chambers. Preferably, at least one inflatable air chamber is disposed below the plurality of air chambers to form a foundation for the air mattress. A gauge is included for measuring the air pressure in at least one of the air chambers, the gauge having a display for displaying the measured air pressure to a user.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventor: Dennis Boyd
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Patent number: 6243894Abstract: 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, a second side bolster configured to be positioned along the second side of the mattress, and a transverse tether having a first end coupled to the first side bolster and a second end coupled to the second side bolster.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Suppawat Kosumsuppamala, Timothy G. Clark, Ronald B. Jalbert
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Patent number: 6240584Abstract: A mattress assembly comprises an inflatable central support portion having a head end, a foot end, a first side and a second side, and first and second side bolsters coupled to the first and second sides, respectively, of the inflatable central support portion. The first and second side bolsters each have at least two chambers extending along a longitudinal axis of the first and second side bolsters. At least one of the chambers is a manifold in fluid communication with the central support portion. The manifold is configured to be coupled to an air supply to supply air to the central support portion and the other chambers.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Perez, Sohrab Soltani, James J. Romano
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Patent number: 6223369Abstract: Multiple varieties of patient support surfaces are presented with a common modular assembly primarily including a perimeter chassis and integrated upper support element. Perimeter bolsters provide relatively firmer support for gently prompting a patient towards the center of the bed, without obstructing regular entry and egress. The added stability facilitates safer transfers and better sitting at the edge of the bed. Pressure redistribution air cylinders (turned either longitudinally or laterally) are captured by shaped, slotted inner bolsters aid underside arches of an integral foam topper. All such features work collectively to cradle and surround the air cylinders. The resulting interlocking, integrated design provides flexible progressive support while maximizing structural integrity. Different arrangements of air cylinders and static or dynamic performance thereof, either non-powered or powered, permit different embodiments to be created using the same modular assembly approach.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edmund K. Maier, Richard W. Raburn, Mark D. Chastain
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Patent number: 6216294Abstract: A device for positioning patients for diagnostic and therapeutic uses having, in particular a horizontally disposed bearer element for the patient (i.e., such as a table). In addition, at least one inflatable or pump-up-able cushion is provided with which the position of the patient, or specific regions of the patient's body, can be altered.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Storz Medical AGInventor: Othmar Wess
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Patent number: 6216300Abstract: In operation of a support for a patient's body, used in medical or veterinary treatment, which applies alternating-pressure to the body in order to reduce or minimize the risk of pressure sores caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, inflatable cells of the support are inflated and deflated cyclically in a predetermined sequence. To provide improved effect in relieving or preventing pressure sores, the cells are deflated in the sequence in such a manner that the interior pressure falls from 10 mmHg (135 Pa) to 0 mmHg in a time period of not more than 15 s. Preferably the interior pressure falls to below 0 mmHg (ambient atmospheric pressure). A vacuum pump or pumps may be employed to achieve this result.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Pegasus LimitedInventor: Angus Patrick Douglas Hannagan
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Patent number: 6216299Abstract: A wheelchair cushion system for alternating the pressure points upon the individual's body and providing adequate ventilation to the individual's body in contact with the cushion thereby significantly reducing pressure sores. The inventive device includes a battery, a power switch electrically connected to the battery, a pump timer electrically connected to the power switch and to a pump, a first cycle timer electrically connected to the power switch and a first valve wherein the first valve is fluidly connected to the pump, a second cycle timer electrically connected to the power switch and a second valve wherein the second valve is fluidly connected to the pump, a plurality of first pockets fluidly connected to said first valve, and a plurality of second pockets fluidly connected to the second valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Steven Kohlman
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Patent number: 6212714Abstract: A bed having a foot prop on an adjustable length deck foot section and a mattress with a length and thickness adjustable foot section and a thickness adjustable heel section. The adjustability of the deck and the mattress allows sizing of the bed to the occupant as well as heel management. The foot prop is also adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: E. David Allen, Kenneth L. Kramer, Peter M. Wukusick, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory W. Branson, David J. Ulrich, James M. C. Thomas, Paul M. McDaniel, III, Denis R. Zwink
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Patent number: 6212719Abstract: An air massager cushioning device that not only supports a weight of an individual who sits or rests on the air massager cushioning device with minimal surface tension but also creates a massaging effect on the body part of the individual positioned on the cushioning device. The cushioning device has first and second air support structures, where each support structure has alternating offset air glands. One of the two support structures has alternating apertures, wherein the alternating air glands of one of the two support structures are respectively inserted into the alternating offset apertures to form a matrix surface arrangement of the cushioning device. The air cushioning device creates a massaging effect by rapidly inflating the air glands of one of the two support structures while rapidly deflating the air glands of the other one of the two support structures, thereby creating a massaging effect.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: D2RM Corp.Inventors: Paul B. Thomas, Robert Leventhal
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Patent number: 6212718Abstract: A mattress structure (30) having a plurality of side-by-side lower support elements (50), a layer of material (54) underlying the lower support elements (50), and a plurality of side-by-side upper support elements (52) overlying and being supported by lower support elements (50) is described. The upper support elements (52) are connected by a plurality of tethers (128) to the layer of material (54), with the tethers (128) extending between adjacent lower support elements (50). Each of one of the upper support elements (52) and lower support elements (50) is an inflatable air bladder with specified sets of air bladders defining tube set zones (142, 144, 146). The pressure of the zones (142, 144, 146) is controlled by an air pressure system (170).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, IncInventors: James R. Stolpmann, Kenneth R. Smith, Roger D. Dalton, Gary W. Ferdon, Jonathan H. Mueller
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Patent number: 6206654Abstract: An air mattress inflator/deflator assembly includes a cylindrical housing which contains a device for pressurizing the housing, generally a blower and motor. The blower is located near one end of the housing, and pressurizes its interior. One or more valves are selectively operable to direct the pressurized air in the housing to tubing which communicates with an air mattress. The internal pressure of the air mattress can be increased by activating the motor and blower and a valve, pressurizing the housing and directing pressurized air to the air mattress. The internal pressure of the air mattress can be decreased by activating a valve, and releasing air in the air mattress through the housing and out to the ambient. A closed cell foam block surrounds the housing and an intake muffler both reduce operating noise levels.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: DLM Plastics CorporationInventor: Daniel G. Cassidy
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Patent number: 6202237Abstract: A bed includes a number of holes for receiving a number of pneumatic actuating devices, such as the air bag type or the bellows type pneumatic actuating devices. An air pump supplies a pressurized air to the pneumatic actuating devices via a number of air valves to actuate the pneumatic actuating devices to act on the users. An air reservoir is disposed between the air pump and the air valves for storing the pressurized air. One or more seats are disposed on the bed and each has a pneumatic actuating device for acting on the side portion of the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Horng Jiun Chang
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Patent number: 6202672Abstract: A valve assembly for an air mattress having a common actuator on a manifold between opposed supply and exhaust valves moving the valves along their actuating axis. 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. The solenoids are of an improved design.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Scott McCormick, Steven D. DeRidder, W. Layne Carruth, Stephen R. Schulte
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Patent number: 6202239Abstract: A multi-zone support generally includes a top foam layer, a middle foam layer located beneath the top foam layer, and a bottom foam layer located beneath the middle foam layer. The resistance to a compressing force generally increases per layer from top to bottom. The top layer has a top and bottom planar surface. The middle layer incorporates five zones of support. Three of the zones include a sinusoidal surface for supporting the head/shoulder, hips, and legs/feet while the other two zones include a sold surface for supporting the back and thighs. The bottom surface includes a number of channels, the channels help to carry heat and moisture away from the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Select Comfort Corp.Inventors: Kevin Ward, Steve Hawkins
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Patent number: 6178578Abstract: A mattress is provided having an elongated foam base, a plurality of air sacks positioned above the foam base, and a longitudinally-extending manifold. Each air sack defines an interior region. The manifold includes an outer wall defining an interior region in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid and in fluid communication with the interior region of each air sack. The foam base and the plurality of air sacks cooperate to define a channel. The manifold is positioned in the channel and supported on top of the foam base.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Sohrab Soltani, James J. Romano, Timothy W. Perez
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Patent number: 6163909Abstract: A pneumatic mattress includes a number of air envelopes and a base pad having two side portions secured to the air envelopes with a number of fastener nuts and fasteners which may solidly secure the air envelopes to the base pad. A number of couplers are engaged between the side portions of the base pad and the fasteners for reinforcing purposes. An air pump is coupled to the air envelopes with a number of air valves and one or more hoses. A relief valve is engaged in the hose for discharging the air in the air envelopes quickly.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: Jeng Ming Lin
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Patent number: 6163908Abstract: An air sac for use on a low air loss bed. The air sac is provided with a releasable connector for retaining the air sac to the low air loss bed and with a nipple for receiving air from a gas supply source to inflate the air sac. The air sac is also provided with a cutout which allows the patient to be rolled toward one end of the air sac when the air sac is inflated, A pillar is provided on the end of the air sac toward which the patient is rolled when the air sac is inflated to retain the patient on the air sac. The air sacs are arranged in sets with every other sac mounted to the frame of the low air loss bed in alternating arrangement whereby the patient is rolled first in one direction when the air sacs of one set are inflated and then back in the other direction when the air sacs in the first set are deflated and the air sacs in the second set are inflated.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
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Patent number: 6159172Abstract: A passive-motion having a support surface provided by a plurality of bellows-like or bladder-like cells which are sequentially or independently inflatable and deflatable to alter the configuration of the support surface continuously to cause a person seated on the support surface to continuously and instinctively adjust the additude of his spinal column and associated muscles.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Sand Therapeutic, Inc.Inventors: Gary Gray, David J. DeVries, David G. Goulooze
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Patent number: 6154907Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic cushion (1) having a base sheet (2) from which there project a plurality of adjacent inflatable cells (3) that are individually deformable in height. At least some of the cells (3) are internally fitted with respective individual sensors of cell deformation that deliver electrical signals indicating that a determined threshold of deformation of a cell (3) has been crossed.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Poly System InjectionInventor: Gerard Cinquin
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Patent number: 6152169Abstract: The present invention relates to a pilot operated low pressure shut off valve. The valve is used within a mattress unit and has an air inlet, an air chamber, an air outlet, a pressure inlet, an adjustable pressure chamber, and a movable shank. The air inlet receives and directs pressurized air into an air chamber. The air chamber directs the pressurized air into the mattress unit when the movable shank opens the air outlet. The movable shank opens the air outlet when (1) the pressure inlet receives and directs a portion of the pressurized air toward an adjustable pressure chamber and (2) the pressurized air is at or above a first predetermined air pressure. When these two conditions are met, the pressurized air enters the adjustable pressure chamber which results in the movable shank moving which in turn opens the air outlet to allow the pressurized air to enter the mattress unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.Inventor: Roland E. Flick
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Patent number: 6151739Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Greg W. Branson, Richard J. Schuman, David J. Ulrich
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Patent number: 6151740Abstract: First and second air cell units 2 and 3, respectively, are divided into their right and left air cells 2a, 3a, 2b and 3b, respectively, and central bent sections 2c and 3c. Each of the bent section 2c and 3c connects associated right and left air cells together at offset relationship in the direction of the mat length. The first and the second air cell units are alternately inflated and deflated, so that the air cells are inflated asymmetrically to thereby support a patient lying thereon at asymmetrical portions. The bent sections 2c and 3c are configured to gently deform the respective air cells so as to allow the bent sections to abut closely on the patient's back without a sense of incompatibility with the air cells. The air mat may thus provide well-balanced and well-distributed supporting forces for the patient, which is suitable for preventing decubitus of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Molten CorporationInventors: Mikihiko Morimoto, Maki Mimura
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Patent number: 6148461Abstract: A low air loss mattress continuously supports a person lying thereon, and includes an upper layer of inflatable cells, and a separate lower layer of inflatable cells. The lower layer of inflatable cells is always maintained at a constant pressure which is higher than the pressure in the upper layer of cells to prevent a person lying on the mattress from contacting the underlying support surface, in particular, when sitting or during transport. Cells forming the upper layer may be inflated at different pressures to provide optimum support to different parts of the body.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Huntleigh Technology, PLCInventors: Stephen John Cook, Alastair George McLeod, Rolf Schild
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Patent number: 6145142Abstract: The present invention details a pressurizable mattress. The mattress has at least one inflatable cushion having a pair of sides, and at least one set of an electromagnetic energy emitting device and an electromagnetic energy receiving device. The electromagnetic energy emitting device, when operating, illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion. The electromagnetic energy receiving device collects the illuminating energy. The operation of the mattress requires a means for measuring the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion. The measuring means determines the optical aperture of the inflatable cushion by measuring the quantity of illuminating energy collected by the electromagnetic energy receiving device when the electromagnetic energy emitting device illuminates the interior of the inflatable cushion.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rechin, John K. Whitney, deceased