Variably Pressurizable Chambers (e.g., With Pump) Patents (Class 5/713)
-
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
-
Patent number: 6134732Abstract: An alternating pressure pad includes a first series and a second series of inflatable cells. The first and second series of inflatable cells are interleaved, with one series within the other series. Each cell of the first series of inflatable cells and each cell of the second series of inflatable cells extends transversely across the alternating pressure pad and defines a non-linear and non-repeating path, with the path defined by substantially all of the cells of the first series being identical to the path defined by substantially all of the cells of the second series.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Huntleigh Technology PLCInventors: Paul William Chapman, Veronica Irene Fletcher, Clive Russel Perry
-
Patent number: 6122786Abstract: An inflatable mattress for supporting patients comprises two inflatable longitudinal tubes extending along the respective longitudinal edges of the mattress and a plurality of inflatable transverse tubes. Each transverse tube has adjacent its end an aperture, with the longitudinal tube extending through the aligned apertures at one side of the mattress and the longitudinal tube extending through the aligned apertures at the other side of the mattress. The transverse tubes are selectively inflatable in various modes under microprocessor control.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Rober LimitedInventor: Graham Ball
-
Patent number: 6119291Abstract: A percussion and vibration apparatus for use in a bed is provided. A pressurized air input port is configured to be coupled to a pressurized air supply system. A valve assembly is coupled to the pressurized air input port. A percussion and vibration bladder port is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to be coupled to at least one percussion and vibration bladder. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to be coupled to a communication network to regulate flow of pressurized air through the valve assembly from the pressurized air input port to the percussion and vibration bladder port.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, Scott D. McCormick, Stephen R. Schulte, David J. Ulrich, Dan Mansfield, John Vodzak, Mike Frondorf
-
Patent number: 6119292Abstract: A portable patient torso support and rotating system mattress overlay having a base sheet sized to fit under a patient with means to secure it to the support surface of a mattress, and two side by side pairs of inflatable and deflatable bladders attached to the base sheet and sized and positioned to fit under each side of the torso of a patient lying thereon and structured, when fully inflated, to rotate the patient up to 90 degrees to turn on their hip.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Air Med Assist Products, LLCInventor: Tommy B. Haas
-
Patent number: 6115860Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing bed sores in a bedridden patient. A patient-supporting low air loss bed includes a frame, a first set of air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted transversely on the frame, and a second set of substantially rectangular air bags for supporting a patient thereon mounted substantially transversely on the frame, and all of the air bags are connected to a gas source. The configuration of the air bags is such that when the first set of air bags is inflated, the patient supported thereon in moved toward the first side of the frame of the low air loss bed and when the second set of air bags is inflated while the first set of air bags is deflated, the patient is moved toward the second side of the low air loss bed. The configuration of the air bags also retains the patient on the top surface of the air bags when the patient is rolled in one direction or the other.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.Inventor: John H. Vrzalik
-
Patent number: 6108843Abstract: There is provided an air bed including (a) a plurality of air chambers arranged adjacent to one another and composed of air-impermeable sheet, (b) an air pump for introducing air to said air chambers, (c) a plurality of on/off valves each of which is located between each of said air chambers and said air pump, (d) a plurality of pressure sensors each of which senses a pressure in each of said air chambers and emits a signal accordingly, and (e) a controller receiving said signal from each of said pressure sensors and controlling on/off of each of said of/off valves in accordance with said signal. In accordance with the above-mentioned air bed, since the air pump is connected to each one of the air chambers, it is possible to control an internal pressure of each of the air chambers.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Aihou Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunio Suzuki, Masahiko Yasunaga
-
Patent number: 6108844Abstract: A sleeper sofa incorporating an air mattress including a telescoping mattress frame for supporting a mattress support subassembly consisting of hinge panels. The hinges used to connect the panels limit the angular range of motion of adjacent panels to plus or minus 90.degree. from a coplanar arrangement. The "panel" that defines the seating surface on which seat cushions rest when the sofa is in the seating position may be supported in the seating position by a pair of side rails that lack significant structure in the seating plane. This "panel" may also include a set of sinuous springs clad in padding similar to the seat-cushion support surface of a conventional non-sleeper sofa. The air mattress used in the sleeper sofa can be a multi-chamber design in which the outer edges of the mattress are inflated to a higher pressure to prevent the user from rolling off the edge of the mattress.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: SleepTec, Inc.Inventors: Dieter H. Kraft, Darren M. McKim, Troy W. Larson, James A. Flanegan
-
Patent number: 6098222Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibratory patient support system for providing therapeutic vibrational action or forces to a patient suffering from a respiratory ailment. The vibratory patient support system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, a plurality of inflatable sacs supported upon the support frame with each sac having an upper surface so that the plurality of sacs forms a patient support surface. The inflatable sacs are pressurized and maintained at a predetermined pressure. This predetermined pressure may be a patient height and weight specific pressure profile. A vibrating component is provided separate from the apparatus for pressurizing and maintaining the air sacs at the predetermined pressure. The vibrating component vibrates at least a portion of the patient support surface at a predetermined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Robert C. Novack, Donald E. Williamson, James R. Stolpmann, Kenith W. Chambers
-
Patent number: 6098223Abstract: An inner spring mattress with firmness adjusting air bladders, the inflation pressure of which defines the mattress firmness. A plurality of inflatable bladders are disposed within the mattress. The bladders may span the entire width of the mattress. Alternatively, the width of the mattress may be divided in two using two bladders placed end-to-end providing independent firmness control for both sides of the mattress. Still further, bladders may be grouped together to form firmness zones, and the entire process may be computer controlled.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Lynn D. Larson
-
Patent number: 6094762Abstract: A method and apparatus to comfortably support a patient on an inflatable chamber. The support apparatus includes an inflatable mattress and a pump to correct the pressure of the mattress. An inflatable chamber is provided below the mattress to act as a pressure transducer. When the difference in pressure between the inflatable mattress and the inflatable sensor reaches a predetermined value, a controller actuates a correction device including a pump and a release valve to correct the pressure of the inflatable mattress. The apparatus allows the mattress to be automatically maintained at a desirable pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom Industries, S.A.Inventors: Jean-Louis Viard, Gilles Camus
-
Patent number: 6092249Abstract: A cushion system for supporting a body such as a seated person at risk of developing pressure sores. An array of one or more foam members is biased such that each foam member exhibits a substantially constant force per unit area when supporting the body. The bias may be passive, by choice of foam characteristics, and additionally, may be applied actively by providing a gas to the foam and controlling the pressure of the gas in response to the pressure conditions at the interface with the supported body.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Charles M. Grinnell, Michael T. Bush, Gustavo Y. Buhacoff
-
Patent number: 6085372Abstract: The mattress includes a main assembly, a pair of bolsters, and a bottom assembly. The main assembly is adapted to overlay the conventional mattress of the bed, and has opposing longitudinal sides, and comprises a plurality of cells that are selectively inflatable for moving the patient in the preselected ways so as to prevent the patient from having the skin breakdowns. The pair of bolsters are replaceably attached to, and extend along, the opposing longitudinal sides of the main assembly, and are inflatable, and when inflated, form barriers that prevent the patient from falling off the bed when the patient is turning. The bottom assembly is adapted to overlay the conventional mattress of the bed and underlie the main assembly, and when inflated, forms a static air space between the main assembly and the conventional mattress of the bed that prevents the patient from bottoming out on the low side of the turning, while suspending the patient in the cushion of static air if the power to the main assembly fails.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventors: Ingrid B. James, Brian O. James
-
Patent number: 6079070Abstract: A cushion for use as an overlay for providing pressure relief so that pressure ulcers may be eliminated or retarded. The cushion includes a pair of inflatable side-by-side upper cells, a pair of individually inflatable side-by-side lower bladders, a crib, and a manifold all disposed within a cover. The manifold, which has inlet hoses connectable to a pump and outlet hoses connectable to the cells, bladders, and, if inflatable, the crib, is reusable, and the other components may be made inexpensively to be disposable so that the expense of cleaning and sanitizing after patient use may be avoided. For inclining the cushion upper surface to one side, one of the bladders is inflated while the other is uninflated.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.Inventor: Roland E. Flick
-
Patent number: 6079068Abstract: 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: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Support Systems International IndustriesInventor: Jean-Louis Viard
-
Patent number: 6079065Abstract: A bed assembly has a frame with at least one articulated frame section and a drive system for moving the articulated frame section. The drive system includes a first electrical circuit and a remote control unit that sends command signals to the first electrical circuit. The bed further includes a mattress having at least one air bladder and a controller including a compressor fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder. The controller includes a second electrical circuit that couples to the first electric circuit so that at least one of the command signals received from the remote control unit is communicated to the second electrical circuit via the first electrical circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: PaTMarK Company, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Luff, Steven R. Westerfeld, Ryan A. Reeder
-
Patent number: 6073284Abstract: A surgical table includes a base, a vertical support member extending vertically upwardly from the base, a frame extending outwardly from the support member, and a mattress supported by the frame and positioned to lie above the frame. The mattress is configured to support a patient and has at least one bladder configured to receive a medium. The surgical table also includes a power pack positioned to lie within the base and configured to supply the medium to the mattress to change the shape of the mattress.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Borders
-
Patent number: 6073289Abstract: A diffuser assembly is configured to support a fluidizable medium on a fluidized bed. The diffuser assembly includes a diffuser board which is permeable to air and impermeable to the fluidizable medium, and a metal plate coupled to the diffuser board. The metal plate is formed to include a plurality of apertures therein to permit air to pass through the metal plate. The metal plate has an outer perimeter edge. The plurality of apertures are spaced inwardly from the outer perimeter edge of the metal plate by a predetermined distance to define a solid border configured to block air flow through the metal plate adjacent the outer perimeter edge.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Michael V. Bolden, Vincent L. Babson, Daniel A. Denson
-
Patent number: 6073290Abstract: A one piece air mattress suitable for use in health care settings to aid in prevention of bed sores has air cells permanently attached to a common base sheet along a base perimeter of each cell. The air cells and base sheet are of flexible radio frequency weldable plastic material, and all the air cells can be simultaneously welded to the base sheet in a single welding step using a special welding jig. Air supply conduits are defined by strips bonded to the base sheet in overlying relationship to orifices opening the supply conduits to the air cells, thereby eliminating the need for external air hoses and connections. An alternating pressure air mattress can be made by opening different air supply conduits to alternating sets of the air cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Foamex L.P.Inventor: Craig S. Miller, Sr.
-
Patent number: 6073291Abstract: An improved inflatable medical patient transfer apparatus has a combination of transverse partition members and a raised perimeter section to reduce deleterious ballooning and uneven inflation as well as quick emergency deflation and provide additional security for a patient supported upon such transfer apparatus. Additional differentially inflatable patient rolling chambers are preferably supplied on the top of the transfer apparatus to provide assistance to medical personnel in beginning to roll patients reclining or lying upon the transfer apparatus particularly in a deflated condition on a hospital bed. An improved air inlet arrangement is also provided along with certain indicia upon the surface of the transfer apparatus to expedite use by hospital personnel.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventor: David T. Davis
-
Patent number: 6065167Abstract: Fluid-filled, flexible-walled chambers in a variety of shapes are embraceably fitted with elastic loops or girths whereby the overall resiliency and cushioning ability of the chambers is improved. The expanded versatility of the resilient chambers makes possible improved designs of airbed and waterbed mattresses, and of toys, sports and safety equipment.A method for controlling and improving the impact between automobile safety airbags and auto passengers is made possible through the incorporation of elastic girths in the design of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Alan Brian Gancy
-
Patent number: 6062215Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.Inventors: James R. Leininger, Peter A. Leininger, Ronald B. Hicks, William H. Quirk, IV
-
Patent number: 6061855Abstract: The present invention is a patient support system. The system includes a mattress unit, an inflatable bladder, a manifold plate and a quick release plate. The mattress unit contains the inflatable bladder. The manifold plate allows air to enter into and be released from the bladder. The manifold plate has a set of female receptacles open to the exterior surface of the mattress unit. The quick release plate has a set of male connectors that correspond to the female receptacles. Each male connector has a slidable variance, permitting it to be removably received from the corresponding female receptacle. Thus, when any pulling force is applied to the quick release plate, the quick release plate disengages from the manifold plate resulting in the bladder deflating within a predetermined time frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.Inventor: Roland E. Flick
-
Patent number: 6058538Abstract: A patient support includes an alternating pressure pad having separate sets of alternately inflatable cells and at least one further inflatable cell under the pad, with a support for the head of a patient lying thereon, and a control mechanism arranged to maintain alternate inflation and deflation of the cells of the pad to deflate the cells at the head end of the pad and also to inflate the cells under the pad in order to raise the level of the chest of a patient supported on the pad.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Huntleigh Technology, PLCInventors: Paul William Chapman, Veronica Irene Fletcher, Alastair George McLeod, Clive Russel Perry
-
Patent number: 6058537Abstract: A pressure control apparatus includes an air pump which is pneumatically connected to an air mattress, with an air pressure sensor in the mattress for detecting the current air pressure within the mattress. A central control unit is interconnected with the pressure sensor and the air pump and is programmable to add or remove air from the mattress to control the pressure within the mattress. A plurality of position sensors in the mattress will detect the posture and/or position of an occupant of the bed and transmit this information to the control unit. The control unit can then determine the actual position of the occupant and adjust the air pressure within the air mattress accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Lynn D. Larson
-
Patent number: 6047423Abstract: A fluid-filled mattress with firmness adjusting air bladders is provided wherein the individual bladders may be individually inflated and deflated to provide precise firmness adjustment. Further, a computer control of the bladders may be utilized to adjust the firmness of the air bladders.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Inventor: Lynn D. Larson
-
Patent number: 6047424Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for at least one air therapy device stored on a bed which includes an electrical communication network, and an air handling unit. The apparatus includes a manifold having at least one chamber coupled to the air handling unit. The at least one chamber is formed to include an outlet, and a normally closed valve configured to seal the outlet. The manifold also includes a connector coupled to the at least one air therapy device, and an electrical connector coupled to the electrical communication network of the bed. The apparatus also includes a control module having a valve assembly including an inlet and an outlet. The control module also includes a controller, and an electrical connector coupled to the controller. The control module is configured to be inserted into the manifold so that the inlet of the control module is coupled to the outlet of the manifold and opens the normally closed valve to couple the valve assembly to the air handling unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, Scott D. McCormick, Stephen R. Schulte, David J. Ulrich, Dan Mansfield
-
Patent number: 6037723Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Select Comfort CorporationInventors: David C. Shafer, Eugene P. Duval
-
Patent number: 6014784Abstract: A system supporting a cushion, containing a plurality of covered inflatable air bladders and the controls and means for inflating the bladders. Bladders may be arranged in two or more arrays and controlled so that each array is inflated and deflated at different times than are other arrays. This provides continuously variable pressure points for a cushion which supports a person. A re-programable microprocessor controls the sequence and timing of array inflation which can be selected to suit individual needs. An included rechargeable battery provides power for at least 16 hours operation and enables easy system portability. The system may be used in cushioning for wheelchairs, and for many other seating and support applications, including support for animals. It includes a remote control/alarm panel with an on/off switch and audio/visual alarms warning of power or other system failure.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Inventors: Rex E. Taylor, Thomas W. Christopherson
-
Patent number: 6009580Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting a body element. The apparatus includes at least one support device with at least one closed or controlled-release chamber, a filling device and an emptying means device for filling said chamber with a filling fluid and emptying the fluid from the chamber, and a distance-measurement device for measuring the distance between a top face and a bottom face of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a reaction-measurement device for measuring the reaction of the support device relative to the morphological data of the body element to be supported, and a control system including a combination device for combining the measurement of the penetration distance d provided by the distance-measurement device and the measurement of the reaction provided by the reaction-measurement device. This combination is advantageously constituted by summing the two obtained measurements.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Support Systems International IndustriesInventors: Jean-Luc Caminade, Jean-Marc Montant
-
Patent number: 6008598Abstract: A hand-held controller is provided for controlling at least one function of a bed and mattress assembly. The hand-held controller includes a button engageable to control the at least one function of the bed and mattress assembly, and a display configured to provide feedback to a user regarding the at least one function. The display simultaneously displays a graphical image and numerical data when the button is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: PaTMarK Company, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Luff, Ryan A. Reeder
-
Patent number: 5991949Abstract: An inflatable mattress for clinical bed use has a base pad including two sheets joined to define one or more narrow air conduits extending along the pad. A body supporting surface is provided by individually detachable inflatable elements covering the base pad. Each inflatable element is secured across the pad transversely to and communicates with at least one air conduit through apertured fasteners. Air permeable foam in the air conduits holds the conduits open in a gatched condition of the pad. Cushioning material contained between the sheets exteriorly to the air conduits provides body support in the event of deflation of the mattress. Constant pressure and alternating pressure modes of operation are supported with appropriate air supply systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Foamex L.P.Inventors: Craig S. Miller, Sr., Craig S. Miller, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5983428Abstract: 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: May 8, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Pegasus Airwave LimitedInventor: Angus Patrick Douglas Hannagan
-
Patent number: 5983429Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supports a patient on an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure preferably has two components: a) lower inflatable layer which is selectively operable to provide basic support for the patient and which includes a plurality of laterally offset zone which may be independently inflatable to control rotation of the patient. Further, a second inflatable layer includes a plurality of zones for establishing optimal patient interface pressures and patient comfort levels, and may also include sufficiently independent inner chambers to facilitate the providing of specific therapies such as alternation of primary pressure contact areas, or percussion or vibration of the patient through inner cell inflation.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventors: Richard B. Stacy, Craig D. Ellis, Barry D. Hand, James M. C. Thomas, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover, Richard I. Barnett, Paul B. King, Ryszard S. Ozarowski, William T. Sutton
-
Patent number: 5970548Abstract: A support sac for a patient support mattress comprises an elongate sac formed of a pressure retaining flexible material adapted to be fluid filled under pressure. The sac has a body contact portion (10) remote from a support surface portion (22), the body contact portion being provided with a plurality of pleats or ruffles whereby said contact portion has a surface area per unit length significantly greater than the surface area per unit length of the support surface portion thereby to alleviate hammocking effects.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Robert Dudley Welch
-
Patent number: 5970549Abstract: An inflatable support assembly ensures adequate support and comfort for a traveler. The assembly includes an inflatable mattress, a cover shaped to encase the mattress, and at least one support member formed of a rigid material that is secured in a pocket or support member receptacle formed in the cover. In preferred forms, the support member is configured to resist bending in a first direction while permitting bending in a second direction, and the assembly includes two support members secured in two corresponding pockets in the cover and positioned adjacent a head/neck and back area relative to the mattress to maximize support and comfort. The assembly is also provided with a carrying case and a portable air pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Edward P. Rudden
-
Patent number: 5970550Abstract: An inflatable mattress having multiple compartments which may be selectively inflated and deflated to produce variable contact of the mattress with the occupant's body. Some of the compartments may be active, and others inactive, with the active compartments of the mattress controlled by automatic controls to cyclically inflate and deflate the compartments. The device may be operated manually to allow the operator to deflate the necessary compartments for placement of a bedpan, or other access to the occupant. Multiple foam rubber wedges are inserted into deflated compartments, then inflated to turn the occupant on his or her side. Various embodiments are inflated by air, nitrogen or water. A water-to-air heat pump, or an air-to-air heat pump may be used to control the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Jimmy Gazes
-
Patent number: 5966762Abstract: An air mattress includes a plurality of inflatable sacs juxtapositionally connected together in a mattress envelope; an air pump for inflating or deflating the sacs for cushioning a patient ridden thereon; a leg bending device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs transversely juxtapositioned at a leg section of the mattress envelope and formed as arcuate shape when inflated for cushioning a patient's bending leg; a body turning device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs longitudinally juxtapositioned at a right and left side of a torso section and a head section of the mattress envelope, and alternatively inflated and deflated at the right and left sides for turning the patient's body leftwardly and rightwardly; and a head lifting device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs gradually decreasing in height from a head portion to a patient's shoulder or neck portion for cushioning the patient's head, thereby forming an air mattress for ergonomically cushioning different body portions ofType: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Shan-Chieh Wu
-
Patent number: 5966763Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover having an upwardly-facing patient-support surface defining an interior region of the surface pad system, and a vacuum bead bag received in the interior region. The vacuum bead bag includes a flexible cover defining an interior region containing compressible beads including a lower layer of compressible beads and an upper layer of compressible bead separated from the lower layer of compressible beads by a membrane made from a flexible material. The system also includes a bladder received in the interior region of the cover and positioned to lie beneath the vacuum bead bag. The bladder defines an interior region and is inflatable when pressurized fluid is received in the interior region of the bladder so that the vacuum bead bag conformingly engages the patient on the patient-support surface when the bladder is inflated.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: James Milton Cherry Thomas, Robert C. Novack, Karl Norman Caldwell, John Alan Bobey, Marla Dukes Repik
-
Patent number: 5963997Abstract: A low air loss therapeutic air support system which simultaneously prevents the development of pressure sores and skin maceration due to the build up of heat and moisture at points of interface between the device and the patient and has an active feedback system which provides for real time adjustments to the inflation pressure of the support surface in response to an increase in the compressive pressure on a part of the support surface from shifting of the patient's position or other causes which can be used interchangeably with a sleeping surface and a wheelchair seating system.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Inventor: Mark Hagopian
-
Patent number: 5960494Abstract: During a surgical procedure being performed on a patient in the prone (face down) position, the patient's head and face are supported by a facial support mask having two or more contoured cushions that are independently inflatable and deflatable with respect to each other. The inflatable cushions are sequentially pressurized and depressurized, thus providing continuous, soft support for the patient's head, while alternatively relieving compression forces applied to pressure-sensitive facial areas. Alternately pressurizing and depressurizing the inflatable cushions shifts the location of compressive forces, thus relieving compressed tissues and permitting recovery of normal blood circulation in sensitive facial tissues. The patient's head, neck and face are not disturbed while the support cushions are cycled through various pressurization and depressurization states.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventors: Grant D. Gilliland, Thaddeus H. Ashmore, Guy D. Gilliland
-
Patent number: 5956787Abstract: An anti-decubitus pneumatic mattress adapted to replaceably overlay a conventional mattress of a bed and have a patient move in preselected ways so as to prevent the patient from having skin breakdowns, and from falling off the bed when the patient is turning, and from bottoming out on a low side of the turning, while being suspended in a cushion of static air, if power to the anti-decubitus pneumatic mattress fails. The mattress includes a main assembly, a pair of bolsters, and a bottom assembly. The main assembly is adapted to overlay the conventional mattress of the bed, and has opposing longitudinal sides, and comprises a plurality of cells that are selectively inflatable for moving the patient in the preselected ways so as to prevent the patient from having the skin breakdowns.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventors: Ingrid B. James, Brian O. James
-
Patent number: 5947168Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly deflating a chamber. The apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber of determined inflation volume with an inflation fluid comprises an inflation device for inflating said inflatable chamber with an inflation fluid to a predetermined inflation pressure, and further comprises a rapid deflation device for rapidly deflating said chamber by sucking out said inflation fluid at a high flow rate, the rapid deflation device being used on deactivating said chamber, in particular so as to transport it with its volume being reduced to as small as possible.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Support Systems International IndustriesInventor: Jean-Louis Viard
-
Patent number: 5944066Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber. The apparatus comprises inflation means 50 for inflating an inflatable chamber 14 defined by a support device 12 for supporting a patient P. The apparatus 10 comprises at least one first inflation means 52 for performing inflation at a high flow rate and at a low pressure so as to fill the volume of said chamber 14 substantially fully at a low pressure, and a second inflation means 54 for inflating at a low flow rate but at a high pressure to obtain said predetermined inflation pressure in said chamber 14. The invention makes it possible to inflate the chamber 14 rapidly, which is particularly important in medical applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Support Systems International IndustriesInventor: Jean-Louis Viard
-
Patent number: 5926883Abstract: 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 11, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rechin, John K. Whitney, deceased
-
Patent number: 5926884Abstract: An air distribution device with a plurality of sheets is provided to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers. Air from an air source is provided between sheets of the coverlet which are air tight except for a plurality of very tiny apertures that are provided in the top sheet. The device is used between a support surface such as an alternating pressure mattress and a patient. The air escaping from the tiny apertures circulates around the patient to remove excess moisture from the patient's skin and wounds. The top sheet of the coverlet is made of a low friction nylon with an undercoating of a waterproof yet vapor permeable polyurethane. The top sheet has a plurality of apertures punched through the material. The central sheet is made out of the identical material of the top sheet, except there are no tiny apertures.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Sentech Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Biggie, Lydia B. Biggie
-
Patent number: 5920934Abstract: A connector for use in connecting an air-inflatable mattress to a control unit, where the connector has three modes of operation: Off; On; and CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) when the male body part and the female body part are mutually engaged. These modes arise from different alignments of the air passages of the first component and second component of the male body part at surfaces which abut one another. Fluid supply lines to be connected are attached to the unions. The female body part is attached to a wall of the control unit, and the male body part is on the ends of the supply lines running to the air-inflatable mattress.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Pegasus Airwave LimitedInventors: Angus Patrick Douglas Hannagan, Michael Alan McGrath
-
Patent number: 5918336Abstract: An alternately inflated/deflated air bed being made by an arrangement of many air bag sets, each of them provided therein with a first air bag which is further provided therein with a second air bag. The first air bag thus is divided into two air chambers. An air pipe is provided on the first air bag for air intake and discharge. The second air bag is constantly kept inflated. The air bag sets are arranged in series. When the air bag sets of the odd and of the even numbers are alternately inflated/deflated by simultaneous discharge or intake of the two air chambers, the first air bags are inflated/deflated twice as much, so that a patient lying on the air bed obtains adequate ventilation by alternately changing contact points of his body with the air bed. When there is a power loss or machine failure which causes the first air bags to discharge, the second air bags support the patient to still feel comfortable.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Apex Medical Corp.Inventors: Daniel Lee, Terry Tu
-
Patent number: 5906205Abstract: A surgical positioning device for supporting the body of a patient in a selected lateral position comprises a bag made of flexible, air-impermeable material filled with a charge of elastically deformable expanded polystyrene beads, and includes a valve for evacuating air from the bag such that the bag forms a rigid structure to support the patient's body in the selected position. An inflatable pillow is attached to the upper edges of the bag at the center thereof such that when inflated, the pillow supports the patient's axilla and eliminates pressure, thereby to prevent injury to the patient's brachial plexus.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Eugene Lloyd Hiebert
-
Patent number: 5904172Abstract: An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress includes at least one air bladder, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle. The improved valve enclosure assembly is fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder. An enclosure defines a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and has at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump. A pressure monitor is operably coupled to the processor and is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder. A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Select Comfort CorporationInventors: James Edwin Gifft, Paul James Mahoney