Variably Pressurizable Chambers (e.g., With Pump) Patents (Class 5/713)
  • Patent number: 5903941
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Shafer, Eugene P. Duval
  • Patent number: 5901393
    Abstract: An inflatable support pad wherein a first group of inflatable cells are in flow communication with each other, a second group of inflatable cells are in flow communication with each other, and the cells of the first group of cells are interleaved with the cells of the second group of cells whereby the cells are alternatively inflatable and alternately exhaustible. Seal seam portions or walls which separate adjacent cells have serpentine shapes and are disposed relative to each other to define alternately broad and narrow cell portions. The serpentine shapes are truncated to eliminate or reduce duck-billing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Pepe, Scott A. Endress, Kris Fotevski, John K. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5890882
    Abstract: A portable, battery powered inflator with removable batteries which are switch activated. The inflator has an air intake and output for delivering air into a variety of air bladders with different sized valves. The batteries are typical dry cells and not rechargeable to save cost. The inflator has a cover that allows quick removable and replacement of the batteries. An adapter assembly including a transition structure and adapters are provided to allow inflation of a variety of bladders having different sized valves. The attaching of the transition structure engages the switch completing an electrical circuit that activates the motor to deliver air automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Innovative Air Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Feldman
  • Patent number: 5881410
    Abstract: A plane heater is mounted on the lower surface of an air mat having a function of preventing bedsore, and the temperature of a patient is maintained via an air layer of the air mat. A time delay caused by heating via the air layer is adjusted through prediction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Teikoku Hormone MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 5873137
    Abstract: A pneumatic mattress system includes a plurality of rigid ribs position side-by-side and hingedly interconnected so as to form a continuous overlay basis which is flexible in one direction. A plurality of pneumatic cushions is attached to each rib so as to provide a cushioned surface. The pressure of the pneumatic cushions is controlled by a main pressure control system which includes a main supply conduit with a pressurized inlet and an exhaust, both controlled by a control unit, and a pressure sensor. The pneumatic cushions are connected through a number of tubes located within the ribs to a rib control system which selectively connects them to the main supply conduit. By synchronized control of the pressure of the main supply conduit and the rib control system, the pressure within each cushion can be measured and controlled independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Medogar Technologies
    Inventor: Yehuda Yavets-Chen
  • Patent number: 5848450
    Abstract: An airbed having multi-zone air mattress is provided having a control that can identify the configuration of any of a plurality of hand control units connected thereto and can interpret control functions differently based on the identified unit configuration. A plurality of normally closed valves seal pressures in each of the zones when power to an air pump is off while mattress zone pressures are constantly monitored and the measurements sent by the control through a communications port for monitoring of the motion or care of a user of the bed and for analysis and diagnosis. When pump power is on, the pressure in the zones is regulated at predetermined pressure settings ideal for the user. Deviations from ideal pressure cause a programmed controller to calculate inflation or deflation times for the respective zones that would be required to inflate or exhaust the zones to the desired pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Oexman, David B. Scott
  • Patent number: 5836027
    Abstract: An integrated matrix bedding system includes an air/foam mattress matrix assembly which comprises an airtight structure assembled within a restraining member. The airtight structure has a base with a plurality of compressible and expandable members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in a matrix arrangement. A plurality of connecting tubes are connected to the base and interconnected to two adjacent compressible and expandable members for distributing air between the plurality of compressible and expandable members. The restraining member has a plurality of interior cavities arranged in a matrix arrangement which corresponds and aligns with the compressible and expandable members. The plurality of compressible and expandable members are respectively inserted within the interior cavities of the restraining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventors: Robert D. Leventhal, Paul B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5815864
    Abstract: An air pressurization and control system for a low air loss air floatation mattress or cushion is disclosed. The control system controls air supplied to the air floatation mattress within a range of pressures and flowrates so as to inflate all of the cells of the mattress and to maintain a flow of air to all of the cells over an extended period of time while maintaining all of the cells at a desired level of inflation for the air floatation support of the patient without any of the cells exerting decubitus pressures above the maximum desired decubitus pressure and so as to prevent collapse of any of the cells. A sensor is provided for sensing the pressure of the air within the common supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Sytron Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Sloop
  • Patent number: 5815865
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a plurality of mattress structure components are arranged for selective assembly to provide a customized mattress structure at the point of sale to accommodate the musculoskeletal condition and interface pressure preference of the user. The mattress structure components include a perimetrical frame having a central opening and a plurality of cores which are provided in a variety of firmness and support characteristics such that various combinations of firmness and support can be selectively provided. The frame is preferably made from a relatively firm foam rubber such as a high resiliency, high density urethane foam and the plurality of cores includes air bladders, "zone foam" elements, "sculptured foam" shaped from foam blocks, and combinations thereof for filling the central opening of the perimetral frame. The mattress is also suitable for use with an articulating deck having longitudinally spaced head, seat, thighs and foot sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Sleep Options, 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
  • Patent number: 5794289
    Abstract: A mattress wherein at least one fabric strip bridges a foam crib for an inflatable cushion to provide lateral stability thereto such as when the mattress is tilted for turning a patient over or otherwise. The fabric strip position is selected so as not to interfere with pressure relief to a portion of the patient's body where pressure ulcers frequently occur. In order to accurately and quickly monitor the tilt of a mattress, transmitting and receiving coils are provided on opposite sides of an assembly of lifting bladders for the side of the mattress being lifted, and the signal strength is measured when a signal is transmitted therebetween, and the angle of tilt is determined therefrom. In order to reduce exposure of lines leading to an inflatable mattress, a notch is provided in a crib for receiving a pump for pressurizing a cushion within the crib so that the pump is positioned to face exteriorly of the crib to allow heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Wortman, Michael P. Rechin, Roland E. Flick, John K. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5794288
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the pressure of fluid within a chamber upon which a person rests includes a manifold having a wall defining an interior region in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid and an air sack defining the chamber. The air sack includes a wall defining an interior region of the air sack. The wall is formed to include an air loss opening in fluid communication with the interior region of the air sack. The apparatus also includes a flow control assembly having a conduit in fluid communication with the interior region of the air sack and with the interior region of the manifold. The flow control assembly also includes a check valve mounted in the conduit to prevent the flow of pressurized fluid through the conduit from the interior region of the air sack to the interior region of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Sohrab Soltani, James J. Romano, Timothy W. Perez
  • Patent number: 5755000
    Abstract: A low air-loss mattress comprises a containment envelope enclosing two lengthwise extending inflatable side chambers each connected to receive air under pressure from a source and each connected to supply such air under pressure to one or more laterally extending inflatable air sacks positioned between the two side chambers. Each air sack is formed with a multiplicity of holes through which air can leave the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Egerton Hospital Equipment Limited
    Inventor: Martin Stuart Thompson
  • Patent number: 5745941
    Abstract: An inflatable overlay for a bed mattress has a base sheet with a top and sides sized to retentively fit over the mattress, and inflatable elements secured to the sheet defining a body support surface. Impermeable sheet material is layered on the base sheet to form air conduits connected for supplying the inflatable elements. The overlay is pliable and can be folded or rolled for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventor: Craig S. Miller, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5745942
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lateral rotation therapy mattress system for a patient, including: a plurality of side-by-side longitudinal air cells, the air cells being divided into first and second side-by-side groups, wherein decreasing the pressure of pressurized air in the second group will cause the patient to rotate in the direction of the second group; and first and second pairs of solenoid valves connected to provide, respectively, the pressurized air to the first and second groups, wherein opening one of the solenoid valves in a the first and second pairs of solenoid valves will provide a desired low air pressure level and opening both of the solenoid valves in a the first and second pairs of solenoid valves will provide a desired high air pressure level, the low air pressure levels providing partial turn of the patient and the high pressure levels providing full turn of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Geomarine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 5729853
    Abstract: An air-loss mattress (1) to which air under pressure is supplied from a source, control apparatus (2) for controlling the supply of air under pressure from the source to the air-loss mattress through a connector which form part of the mattress, and means included in the control apparatus for setting a required pressure of air flow to the mattress, the air-loss mattress being characterized in that it includes a manifold conduit (25) connected to the source of air under pressure through an outlet pipe (26) of the control apparatus, an open-ended tube (27) connected at one end to pressure recording means of the control apparatus with its free end positioned within the manifold conduit (25) to provide a direct measure of the pressure of air present within this manifold, and means for automatically varying the rate at which air is supplied to the mattress from the source in dependence upon differences existing between the pressure recorded by the pressure recording means and the set pressure in a sense to minimize
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Egerton Hospital Equipment Limited
    Inventor: Martin Stuart Thompson
  • Patent number: 5715548
    Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Peter M. Wukusick, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, James M. C. Thomas, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr., Jay T. Butterbrodt, David J. Ulrich, David A. Albersmeyer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, John D. Miller, John W. Ruehl
  • Patent number: 5704084
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress is of an elongated plan form and comprises a plurality of inflatable cells also of an elongated form which are disposed contiguously in a row extending along the longitudinal axis of the mattress. Constraints of a tray-like form circle the cells so as to retain them in a position with their upper ends exposed whereby by the upper ends form a resilient support surface. The cells are formed with pleats so that when a body is placed on the resilient upper surface the support surface material is not tensioned substantially. A cell is of a flexible sheet material and comprises an inner sheet disposed between outer sheets. The outer sheets are secured by spot welds to the inner sheets. Inflation air can flow freely between opposite sides of the inner sheets. The spot welds on each side of a cell define a series of sub-cells. The mattress may be "tuned" so as to change the yield characteristics of a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Talley Group Limited
    Inventors: John James Henry Evans, Ronald James Peter Evans, Christopher Peter Evans
  • Patent number: 5701622
    Abstract: A pulsating medical (surgical) operating table cushion comprising an air sac array having two groups of pneumatically expandable and contractible air cells respectively communicating with one another in each of the groups. An air pump supplies air under pressure to the cells in each group through a separate conduit pipe for each respective group. Solenoid valves direct the air flow from the air pump either into the first conduit or the second conduit based upon an air supply controller. A timer provided in the air supply control circuitry changes the sequence of the air control valves after a predetermined period of time passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Sentech Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Biggie, Lydia B. Biggie
  • Patent number: 5699570
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve vent line mattress system utilizes a self-adjusting approach with a single air source to obtain in combination a low air loss feature for beneficial cooling and drying of a patient's skin. A single air supply source outputs a predetermined positive flow of air into one or more patient air support bladders. An air distribution manifold received within a mattress body receives and disperses overflow pressure routed thereto from the patient air support bladders via an air passageway having a first pressure relief valve with an established set point. A second pressure relief valve is associated with a pump return line adjunct to the constant air flow pump. The net effect is to disperse overflow pressure from the mattress bladders (tending to keep such bladders at a constant pressure) while providing low air loss through the mattress for patient cooling and drying effects, all utilizing a single air flow source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Wilkinson, Richard W. Raburn
  • Patent number: 5687438
    Abstract: A pneumatic device for therapeutic treatment of the skin and skin pressure areas of immobile patients seated in a chair, or a mobile wheel chair, which provides for alternating low air loss pressure sacs that are in contact with the seated patient that includes an air sac array overlay that is conveniently and quickly mounted to a bedside chair, or wheel chair, a portable air supply that can be attached for controlling the individual air sac alternating air pressures, the portable air supply housing being mounted on the side arm of a chair, or another location on a wheel chair, and a separate removable coverlet that is liquid impervious for incontinent patients while providing for sweat absorption for the patient seated thereon. The portable air supply can be quickly detached from the air sac chair overlay for use with a bed mattress air pressure alternating device. The portable air supply being battery powered when used on a mobile wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Sentech Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Biggie, Lydia B. Biggie, Kevin Zigarac
  • Patent number: 5685036
    Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an alternating pressure mattress system, including: a mattress including a plurality of narrow, parallel, closely-spaced, horizontally adjacent air sacks, every other one of the air sacks forming a first group of air sacks being commonly connected for the introduction thereinto of pressurized air and the others of the air sacks forming a second group of air sacks and being commonly connected for the introduction thereinto of pressurized air; apparatus to supply the pressurized air to the first and second groups of air sacks; control apparatus to alternatingly inflate and deflate the first and second groups of air sacks for selected periods of time; and the control apparatus providing for intervals of time at inflation/deflation transitions during which periods of time the pressurized air is being furnished to both the first and second groups of air sacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Geomarine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Kopfstein, Norman Dieter, Jack Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 5680662
    Abstract: A cushioning mattress is provided to normalize and distribute the weight of a patient's body to reduce the tangential forces bearing on the skin of the patient. The cushioning mattress comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and a series of alternating "tunnel" billows and "loop" billows. Each tunnel billow comprises a separate piece of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along two parallel seams to define a wide-based closed cell. Each loop billow comprises a separate piece of material affixed to the top or bottom surface along a single seam to define a narrow-based closed. Each tunnel and loop billow contains a visco-elastic material capable of conforming to any surface which it engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Veritas Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Purdy, Roy E. Reed, Kerry L. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5666681
    Abstract: A sleep support surface includes a mattress having at least two bladders located adjacent a foot end. The bladders each have a predetermined, adjustable internal pressure. The pressure in at least one of the bladders is selectively and independently reduced to provide pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress. The pressure in a bladder located toward the head end of the mattress and adjacent the at least one bladder is increased. This pressure increase advantageously provides the lifting force under the calves of the patient to reduce further pressure on the patient's heels. A visual indication of the location each of the at least two bladders in the mattress is provided to facilitate selection of the at least one bladder in which to reduce pressure during the pressure reducing step, thereby providing pressure relief on the heels of the patient lying on the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, Greg W. Branson, Richard J. Schuman, David J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5657499
    Abstract: An efficient pump system for transferring air between sets of bladders in a cushion. The pump system utilizes a reversible piston within a cylinder in conjunction with an equalizing valve in the piston which opens when the piston reaches the end of travel in one direction. The weight of a seated user then forces air back across the piston from an inflated bladder to the previously deflated bladder until the pressure is equalized. In this fashion the work done by the pump is cut in half. The inflation and deflation of the different bladders is controlled to vary the pressure on the several pressure points of a seated user. A principal application is for wheel chair use to prevent pressure ulcers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Vaughn, Edward J. Constantineau, Gordon E. Groves
  • Patent number: 5655239
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a cellular air loss mattress system comprising an air mattress and an air supply means. Cells of the mattress system are welded onto a unitary top piece and a unitary bottom piece. Means for supplying air, preferably an air blower, is connected to the center cell (also referred to as the pelvic cell) via a supply hose. The air exiting the air blower travels through the supply hose and fills the center cell. The air is allowed to directly travel into adjacent cells via internal air connectors. The inner diameter of each air connector is adjusted to create different pressure zones within the air mattress to support the different pressure requirements of a patient's body. The highest pressure zone is the center cell that initially receives air from the air supply means. The pressure decreases as air moves from the center cell to adjacent cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Caparon, Kurt M. Sabin, Craig S. Miller, Jr., Craig S. Miller, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5652484
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Shafer, Eugene P. Duval
  • Patent number: 5647079
    Abstract: A patient air mattress replacement system having a pair of air support layers with a hose assembly containing a plurality of supply tubes for providing air to the air support layers. The mattress includes an interface connection which connects the support layers to the hose assembly and valve fittings which prevent escape of air from at least one support layer when the hose assembly is disconnected from the interface connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Hakamiun, Craig D. Ellis, Benjamin Salvatini, John A. Brenner, David N. Ashcraft, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover
  • Patent number: 5640731
    Abstract: An air mattress has a plurality of air cells formed in or by an elastic casing. The air cells are connected in series and in parallel with each other by a plurality of air channels. Mattress sections and subsections are formed by combining the channels into groups providing at least one channel group for each section or subsection. Perforations pass through the casing outside the air cells and outside the air channels for ventilating. Air ducts interconnect neighboring mattress sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Manfred Toedter
  • Patent number: 5634225
    Abstract: An air support unit for use in a modular air support bed has a common base pad of pliable material and inflatable elements releaseably fastened to one side of the base pad to define a body support surface. The air support unit constitutes a lightweight, foldable module easily and quickly interchangeable in a given bed with other modules having different patient support characteristics. The air support unit may be contained in a coverlet having a detachable top for easy access to the air support unit. An interior frame of resilient foam may be provided around the air support unit inside the coverlet for enhanced edge support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Craig S. Miller, Sr., Craig S. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5630238
    Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, a plurality of air therapy devices located on the bed, and a plurality of control modules. Each control module includes a connector for coupling a corresponding air therapy device to the air handling unit and to the electrical communication network. Each control module also includes a controller for operating the corresponding air therapy device with the air handling unit based on command signals received from the electrical communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, David J. Ulrich, Jay T. Butterbrodt, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jason C. Brooke, Eric R. Meyer, Gregory W. Branson, James M. C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5619764
    Abstract: A mattress for recumbent prophylaxis, which has a plurality of support elements in sequence relative to one another, with each support element having at least two air-inflatable double chambers or inflatable members connected together by a fillet. Each double chamber or inflatable member has a bottom hollow body connected to an opposite, top hollow body by a common partition wall with at least one opening. The support elements are detachably connectable with one another and are arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mattress. Each of the bottom hollow bodies are connectable by a short connecting piece through hose connections to an air pump assembly in such a manner that the different chamber systems which are not communicating with one another can be acted upon with air alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Helmut Lopau
  • Patent number: 5611096
    Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Bartlett, Randall L. Ohman
  • Patent number: 5606756
    Abstract: An air bedding system with a diapghagm pump built into it. The diaphragm pump is comprised of a shaft, means for rotating the shaft at a speed of less than 3,300 revolutions per minute, a first connecting rod connected to a first diaphragm and operatively connected to the shaft, a second connecting rod connected to a second diaphragm and operatively connected to the shaft, and means for converting rotary motion of the shaft into reciprocating linear motion of both the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod such that, as the first connecting rod is moved in a first direction at a first rate of travel, the second connecting rod is simultaneously moved in a second linear direction at a second rate of travel, which is equal to said first rate of travel, and wherein the second linear direction is the opposite of the first linear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Price Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald H. Price
  • Patent number: 5606754
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: SSI Medical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Robert C. Novack, Donald E. Williamson, James R. Stolpmann, Kenith W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 5594963
    Abstract: A pressure-relieving therapeutic mattress system that uniquely combines three releasably connected main air cushions that are separately controlled for supporting corresponding portions of a patient at minimal patient interface pressures, together with a sculpted foam sub-mattress supported on a versatile, lightweight frame having a specially-adapted hard pan surface and an efficient, lightweight, variable-speed air supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Berkowitz
  • Patent number: 5586347
    Abstract: A mattress having an integral air system responding to a load pressure. Included are a pump body (1), an air reservoir (2), air pipes (7), one-way valves (3), a manually adjustable pressure regulating valve (5) provided with a scale (6) and an insulated air cell (4). The pressure is maintained in air cell (4) when air is being squeezed from pump bodies (1) and pushed into the unpressurized reservoir (2) by way of the one-way valves (3) when a user of the mattress creates a zone-wise load pressure. The compressed air in reservoir (2) remains as a reserve therein and equalizes the in air cell (4) dropping pressure having been lost due to diffusion. The equalization is controlled by a need adjustable pressure regulating valve (5) having an adjusting knob (15) and a scale (6) thereon. The thus manufactured mattresses are adjustable in their support capabilities from soft to hard. The mattress can thereby be matched to the needs of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Airlux AG
    Inventor: Willi Frischknecht
  • Patent number: 5586348
    Abstract: An air mattress includes an underlay (1) and a number of elongate first elements (2), filled with air and fastened to the bottom part of the mattress parallel to each other and transversally against the lengthwise direction of the mattress. The first mattress elements (2) form upward directed arched structures from their cross-section when inflated with air. The mattress also includes a number of elongate air-inflatable resilient second elements (9), in connection with the first mattress elements (2). Each first element (2) is at least partly around each second element (9) outside the first element. Each first mattress element (2) includes at least one first fastening member arranged in the lengthwise direction of the mattress element and a corresponding second fastening member arranged on the underlay (7). The fastening members are removably attached to each other, so each mattress element is unfastened from the underlay and change another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Consumer Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilkka Toivio, Terttu Toivio, Kari Olkkonen
  • Patent number: 5584085
    Abstract: A support arrangement is provided which has a simplified structure and is quite versatile in the support surface which is produced. The support structure includes a number of chambers or pillows which are coupled together in a sequential or serial relationship such that the air supplied to the support to inflate the chambers or pillows enters at one end and travels the length of the chamber or pillow to enter and inflate the next chamber or pillow. That is, the air supply follows a serpentine path. In this manner a simplified air supply arrangement is accomplished for the entire support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Surgical Design Corporation
    Inventor: William Banko
  • Patent number: 5561873
    Abstract: An inflatable flexible pallet having generally rectangular dimensions defined by top and bottom sheets within which an array of structurally interrelated inflatable chambers are formed to support a load when inflated. The flexible pallet is configured to resist lateral and longitudinal shrinkage of the load support surface, resist ballooning and hot dogging, and reduce rotational instability by providing a greater load surface support area having sufficient rigidity to support the desired load, while simultaneously achieving improved air dispersion for a more uniform jacking of the load, and maintaining a preset internal pressure using an automatic self-regulating valve to provide circulatory therapy to a patient lying atop the pallet for an extended period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Patient Transfer Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Weedling
  • Patent number: 5560057
    Abstract: A turning air mattress serving to facilitate the therapeutic benefits of turning a bed ridden patient includes a combination of elongated transverse and longitudinal air cells disposed on a base and encompassed by a cell liner. The air cells are attached to a plurality of cell manifolds in communication with a control system. A top cover covering the air cells is attached to the base, and a fleece and top sheet are fittedly retained over the air cells.The control system having a microprocessor monitors the pressure within the air cells, along with overall system functions. The control system also enables a patient to be rotated from side to side, and leveled after being turned, in a smooth transition from a level position to a turned position, or from a turned position to a level position, while substantially maintaining spinal alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Roger T. Madsen, Thomas H. Ludden
  • Patent number: 5556169
    Abstract: The multi-layer support system for conforming to and supporting an object comprises a first, compartmented, fluid-sealed layer containing a plurality of beads which are movable within the first layer when fluid is introduced and which are inhibited from motion when an amount of the fluid is evacuated from the first layer, the first layer is conformable to the surface contours of a body or object. A second compartmented, fluid-sealed layer is adjacent the first layer and moves when air is introduced therein, the first and second layers are coupled together and preferably co-extensive such that movement of a portion of the second layer causes movement of the portion of the first layer to further mold the first layer. Introducing fluid to the first and second layers conforms the first layer to the body and subsequently evacuating fluid from the first layer sets the first layer beads to provide a rigid, contoured surface which follows the contours of the body and supports the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventors: Milton E. Parrish, Ethan J. Mesmer
  • Patent number: 5542136
    Abstract: A portable mattress system has a mattress unit, a control unit, and a control panel. The mattress unit has a plurality of sleeves with transverse openings which each receive an elongate bladder, and has in a foot section a recess that can receive the control unit. A coupling arrangement detachably operatively couples the control unit to the mattress unit. The control panel is flat and thin and is coupled to the control unit by a cable. An arrangement is provided to support the mattress unit on the control unit when the mattress unit is in a deflated condition, and the control unit has rotatable wheels and a handle for facilitating easy transport of the entire mattress system to or from a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Tappel