Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a control unit for a patient support, such as a mattress. One embodiment of the control unit includes a base portion and a display portion pivotably coupled to the base portion. The control unit may also include one or more communication ports for sending or receiving data from one or more remote devices over a network. The control unit may also include a memory port into which memory may be removably inserted. The control unit may also include a visual indicator configured to be activated by a triggering event, such as a patient exiting the mattress. The display unit may include a touchscreen user interface. The display unit may also be configured to display audiovisual material.

Abstract: A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area.

Abstract: A method of inflating, in alternating manner, inflatable cells of a support device for supporting an element to be supported is provided, which device is of the mattress type for supporting the body of a patient, said mattress being made up of cells that are inflatable with a fluid, in particular air, and having at least one zone made up of first and second series of inflatable cells referred to respectively as “first” cells and as “second” cells, the cells of each series communicating fluidly with one another and with inflation means, in which method alternating deflation and re-inflation cycles are performed during which each of said series of cells is deflated and then re-inflated in alternation and in succession, said first cells being deflated and then re-inflated simultaneously respectively with the re-inflation and with the deflation of said second cells, the alternating deflation and re-inflation of said first and second cells of the support device taking place in a cycle controlled by said inflation

Abstract: A self-contained gatching mattress is provided having a gatching mattress sleep deck, a first air bladder cushion, a second cushion material, a control box having an air pump system and a manifold, a conduit distribution unit, a sliding bridge, and a cushion material positioned above the sliding bridge and the control box. The sliding bridge forms a gap area for conduits to extend from the control box to the conduit distribution unit which decreases the chances of the conduits being kinked or the conduits altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to a patient positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended.

Abstract: A patient position apparatus includes a plurality of sensing conductors and a control module operatively coupled to the sensing conductors. The sensing conductors are arranged along a substantially planar surface. The sensing conductors provide sensing information in response to a patient being within proximity of the sensing conductors. The control module selectively adjusts fluid pressure of at least one inflatable cell in response to the sensing information.

Abstract: An alternating pad comprises a first set and a second set of alternately inflatable cells. Both sets of inflatable cells are supplied with air from a pump via a rotary valve. A sensor is positioned under the pad to receive pressure exerted by a patient upon movement and to be compressible relative to the applied pressure. Any change in patient position or movement will cause an alteration in the airflow in the sensor pad tube and will reduce or increase the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer. Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump and increases or decreases the air flow to the cells to alter the amplitude of the cells and also controls the timing of the rotary valve to change the timing of the inflation and deflation cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length.

Abstract: The Evolution Bed is a specially designed hospital mattress, with the surface of the mattress boasting a series of inflatable air bladders which are programmed to periodically release, thus alleviating pressure to various points of the body. The Evolution Bed is offered in a wide variety of comfort choices from soft pillow top versions to extra firm, back supporting models. This mattress is manufactured of durable foam material and covered in all-cotton batting, and in another embodiment, produced as an innerspring mattress containing a series of stainless steel coils which are covered in dual insulators and fiber padding and secured in place via durable steel border rods. The novel feature of the Evolution Bed is found in the inclusion of a system of air bladders which encompass the top of the mattress.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infant bed having a support frame, an elastically inflatable mattress removably disposed on the support frame, an inflating and heating apparatus operably connected to the elastically inflatable mattress, wherein the inflating and heating apparatus continuously circulates heated air through the elastically inflatable mattress vibrating, expanding, and contracting an upper sleeping surface of the elastically inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A body position and pressure control apparatus is provided capable of highly accurately detecting body pressure distribution without causing a sense of discomfort for a sleeper, changing body positions, and distributing body pressure. The body position and pressure control apparatus has a mattress provided with a plurality of divided portions and supporting a sleeper, an elastomer sensor, and a body pressure adjuster controlling each of the divided portions based on an instruction from the elastomer sensor and thereby changing the body pressure distribution of the sleeper. The elastomer sensor has a sheet sensor main body and a calculator, the sensor main body having an elastomer sensor thin film, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of detectors corresponding to the divided portions provided between the electrodes.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.

Abstract: A subject support apparatus (100) includes a plurality of chambers (102) configured to hold a fluid under pressure and support a living being. At least one pressure transducer (108) determines a pressure of at least one of the chambers (108) and generates a signal indicative thereof. A controller (124) dynamically controls fluid entering and leaving the at least one chamber (102) based on the signal, thereby maintaining a pre-determined pressure range in the at least one chamber (102).

Abstract: An active supporting device for a health bed and a method thereof is disclosed, an air spring layer is on a top surface of a mattress; the air spring layer comprises a plurality of gasbags, each of the gasbags is connected to an aerating/deflating device through an air tube set, the aerating/deflating device is connected to a control device, the control device drives the aerating/deflating device to aerate or deflate the gasbags of the air spring layer through the air tube set, each air tube of the air tube set is connected to a pressure sensor; the air spring layer is on a top surface of the mattress and covers the parts of a human being from the neck to the buttocks of the human being, initially the aerating/deflating device aerates the all gasbags and detect the pressure in each gasbag via each air tube, after each pressure approaches a preset value, the aeration is stopped, so that the aerating time period of each gasbag is obtained. Thus, the gasbags corresponding to the waist need longer time periods.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.

Abstract: An air-operated device for better sleep includes a pad whose inside has an interlayer composed of two sheets stacked together. The top surface of the pad has an accommodating cavity in communications with the interlayer. The pad has an air vent. Two airbags are disposed adjacently in the accommodating cavity. The airbags are in touch with the interlayer by the adjacent side. The airbags are connected to the air vent of the pad via an air-transporting pipe, respectively. An action pad is disposed correspondingly in the accommodating cavity and depresses the two airbags. A controller is connected to the air vent of the pad to inflate and deflate the airbags. When the airbags are inflated, the action pad is pushed by the air bags to sway upward.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hospital bed including a force sensor or scale apparatus configured to detect the weight of a patient.

Abstract: A bed exit detecting system cooperable with a mattress includes a pair of bolster air cells respectively positionable adjacent opposite sides of the mattress. A pressure source is provided in fluid communication with the bolster air cells, and a pressure sensor is connected to the air cells. A signal processor communicating with the pressure sensor and the pressure source includes an alarm that is activated when a predetermined pressure change in one of the air cells is detected by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A multiple air passages applied to air mattress includes a plurality of transverse bladders, in particular, the bladders are longitudinally compressed to define air passages, and cavities are formed between the air passages and some specific bladders for communicating the air passages with an interior of the aforementioned bladders. The air passages of the present invention can apply to an alternating air mattress or to one with multiple zones. By means of the air passages conducive to an air-crossing transmission and a designated distribution, the present invention preferably omits a complex distribution and attains a neat appearance, lower costs, and a mass production.

Abstract: A cellular structure includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base, a sealing layer, and a pressurization system. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The cells each extend outwardly from the base, and are grouped together in at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The cells in each of the first, second, and third zones are only coupled in flow communication with the cells in that respective zone. The pressurization system is coupled to the first, second, and third zones for selectively and independently pressurizing each of the zones. The pressurization zone is configured such that in a first mode of operation, the first zone is pressurized and the second and third zones are depressurized, and in a second mode of operation, the first zone is depressurized while the second and third zones are pressurized.

Abstract: The air cells are attached detachably to the base members. By this, it is possible to set up the size or the arrangement of the air cells. For example, in a hospital, it is possible to change easily and inexpensively the air cells on a bed according to the patient's height, the body shape, the state, or the condition of affected part. Thus, it is exceedingly advantageous for dispersing the pressure added to the body.

Abstract: Presented herein is a portable cushion that is divided into multiple inner cells, said structure comprising a base layer, at least two columns of at least two inflatable cells each disposed on said base layer, a lightweight, portable air pressure generator for supplying air to the cushion, and a hose to connect said cushion to said air pressure generator, wherein the inflating sequence of the cushion enables one layer of cells to fully inflate before the subsequent layer of cells is able to inflate.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a mattress, has multiple air sources to inflate air bladders of the apparatus. In one embodiment, a first air source provides air to one or more main support bladders and a second air source provides air to one or more microclimate bladders when a control system of the patient support apparatus operates according to a first mode of operation. The first and second air sources provide air to a turn bladder when the control system operates according to a second mode of operation. In another embodiment, a first air source provides air to at least one main support bladder and to at least one microclimate bladders. A second air source is dedicated for inflating at least one turn bladder.

Abstract: A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable.

Abstract: An automatic deactivation mechanism is configured for an air bladder pump having a casing and a motor located therein to pump air into an air bladder from the atmosphere and through an air valve connected through the casing. The automatic deactivation mechanism includes a housing positioned within the casing and has defined therethrough a first aperture in fluid communication with the atmosphere through the casing and a second aperture in fluid communication with the air bladder through the casing. Included within the housing are at least two switches and a diaphragm positioned between the switches. The housing is sealed so that when a threshold pressure is reached therein, at least one switch is triggered by deflection of the diaphragm to automatically deactivate the pump by de-energizing the motor.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.

Abstract: A method includes providing an adjustable bed flame including one or more articulating portions; providing an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed flame to form an adjustable bed, said air inflatable mattress including flex regions about which the air inflatable mattress can flex; regulating air pressure in the air inflatable mattress with an air pump; and storing user preferences in a remote memory, said user preferences representing recall parameters relating to one or more adjustable aspects of the adjustable bed, said remote memory disposed apart from both the adjustable bed frame, the air inflatable mattress, and the air pump, and said storing user preferences comprising: storing a plurality of values that define a range of available parameters for the adjustable bed, said storing the plurality of values including storing a table having a plurality of entries.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an air cell which is capable of detecting that the upper end side and the lower end side of the air bag are nearer than a predetermined distance. This air cell has an air bag, a base member to which the lower end portion of the air bag is attached, an air chamber AR configured by the air bag and the upper surface of the base member, a thin film portion which forms the bottom surface of the air chamber and capable of deforming elastically in the up-and-down direction, an extending member configured to extend upwardly from the upper surface of the thin film portion, detecting means which is provided under the thin film portion and which detects downward deformation of the thin film portion.

Abstract: An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly having at least one air chamber, and an electric air pump unit disposed on the bedstead assembly. The air pump unit includes a centrifugal pump device for performing initial inflation of the air chamber, a diaphragm pump device for performing subsequent inflation of the air chamber, and a control valve operable to allow for and interrupt fluid communication between the centrifugal pump device and the air chamber.

Abstract: An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress for use on a truck bed is disclosed and claimed. The inflatable mattress includes a lower mattress layer with left and right recessions dimensioned to substantially surround the wheel well sides. The inflatable mattress includes an upper mattress layer dimensioned to substantially cover the lower mattress layer and the wheel well tops.

Abstract: A mattress includes a base member, a support surface disposed on the base member, and a proximity control system cooperable the support surface and the base member. The proximity control system controls immersion of an object on the support surface.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a patient support surface having a cover defining an interior region, with a plurality of inflatable zones and a plurality of control nodes located within the interior region. Each control node comprises an air control system including an air supply and a processor.

Abstract: A patient support includes a first layer, a first air supply coupled to the first layer, a second layer, and a second air supply coupled to the second layer.

Abstract: A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure set-point to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint.

Abstract: A cushioning device having a first deep cell inflatable bladder, a first restraint structure, a pump and an attachment. The first deep cell inflatable bladder has a first side, a second side, an upper surface and a lower surface. The first restraint structure has a top surface and a bottom surface. The pump has (a) a maximum inflation mode that inflates the first deep cell inflatable bladder so the bladder's upper surface and the first restraint's top surface are in or approximately in the same plane and (b) a normal operating inflation mode that provides sufficient inflation to (A) prevent the first bladder's upper surface from contacting the first bladder's lower surface, (B) decrease (i) the formation of debuticus ulcers on a patient and (ii) the patient's tissue interface pressure, and (C) allow the restraint structure to inhibit and/or restrain the patient from rolling off the first deep cell inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A patient support surface, such as a mattress, includes one or more sensors to sense movement of at least a portion of the mattress caused by extension or retraction of an associated mattress support section of a bed frame. A pneumatic control system adjusts inflation and/or deflation of at least one inflatable bladder of the mattress in response to a signal received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: An endboard for a person support apparatus comprises a housing, a first opening, and a passage. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The first opening in the housing is configured to receive a fluid from a fluid supply. The passage is positioned between the first surface and the second surface of the housing. The passage is configured to facilitate communication of fluid from the first opening to a second opening in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support surface. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional networked fiber material positioned inside a cover.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly 48 including a core portion 49 having a head end and a foot end defining a core longitudinal length; a left width adjustment portion 56 comprising a plurality of left width adjustment bladders 60, the left width adjustment portion extending laterally away from a left side of the core portion; a right width adjustment portion 58 comprising a plurality of right width adjustment bladders 62, the right width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the right side of the core portion; the left and right width adjustment portions each having a head end substantially longitudinally aligned with the head end of the core portion and extending footwardly a longitudinal distance less than the core longitudinal length thereby defining left and right relief portions 66, 68.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable body support 30 system, such as a mattress, having multiple, inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively and independently inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers. The system includes a valve assembly that includes a plurality of solenoid valves to direct air at a pressure of less than 1 pound per square inch into each chamber and a separate vent valve all operable by a controller to regulate the level of inflation of each inflatable chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a socket built in the inflatable body, and an electric pump. The electric pump includes a pump body and an air outlet, connected to the socket to pump the inflatable body, wherein the pump body is wholly or partially located in the socket. A connector may be provided at a predetermined position of the electric pump for connecting an external power to actuate the electric pump.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a mattress, a control unit spaced from the mattress, and a connector assembly that pneumatically and electrically interconnects the control unit with the mattress. The control unit has a main housing and a plurality of user interface modules that are selectively coupleable to the control unit and that are programmed differently to provide different modes of operation for the mattress system. A pressure sensor inside the mattress detects the presence or absence of a person on the mattress. The mattress system has a bed exit alarm system that, when armed, provides a bed exit alarm if the pressure sensor in the mattress detects that a patient has exited the mattress. The connector assembly includes a dual mode connector having both electrical and pneumatic couplers and a dual lumen hose assembly that extends from the dual mode connector to the mattress.

Abstract: A pump assembly (200) for therapeutic inflatable cell apparatus, the assembly comprising a common pump unit (210), control means (160), and, first and second valve means (201;202), each valve means comprising a cycle control valve means, said cycle control valve means being provided with at least one fluid passageway and each valve means being adapted to be positioned to predetermined conditions so as to regulate fluid quantity in respective therapeutic inflatable cell apparatus, each valve means is adapted to perform at least one respective inflation/deflation sequence, and the assembly being such that, in use, on air being required by a valve means at a particular instance during the respective inflation/deflation sequence, the control means activates the common pump unit and air is pumped to an air outlet to feed air to the at least two valve means, and the pump assembly being such that the first and second valve means are operable both singularly and simultaneously.

Abstract: The portable collapsible baby mattress apparatus provides multiple caregiving functions for an infant. The inflatable mattresses pads are selectively fastened to provide a horizontal mattress assembly, and selectively disassembled for portability and compact state. Functions include simulation of a caregivers heartbeat and breathing, entertainment and education for an infant via the view screen and speaker/mic, infant monitoring with alarm, and height and swivel adjustment of the view screen.

Abstract: A bedsore prevention mattress is disclosed, which can effectively prevent a bedsore of a patient who uses a bed or the like for a long time by circulating air while raising a portion directly contacting with a back, waist or shoulder of a patient. The bedsore prevention mattress comprises a plurality of air cylinder apparatuses each equipped with a vertically installed cylinder body, a piston rod which is engaged to each cylinder body and moves up and down, and a contact means which is engaged to an upper side of the piston rod and contacts with a patient's back; an air supply apparatus for supplying a high pressure air to each air cylinder apparatus; an air supply tube H which connects each air cylinder apparatus and the air supply apparatus; and a control unit C which controls the operations of the air supply apparatus and the air cylinder apparatus.