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 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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A multiple configuration air mattress pump system is disclosed. The pump system includes a number of standard components with a few inexpensive varied components to allow for easy and less expensive use of the pump with mattresses having varying numbers of inflatable zones.

Abstract: Air mattresses primarily intended for hospitals, long-term care facilities and in-home use are described. The mattress includes multiple foam layers and an air sector having multiple resilient foam filled air cylinders. The air cylinders at different locations are filled with foam having different density (firmness); some are filled with multiple layers of foam. Each air cylinder has an air inlet connected to the atmosphere by an inlet valve and an air outlet. The air outlets are either connected to one or more restricted internal check outlet valves in a non-powered air mattress, or connected to a pump via hose connectors in a powered air mattress. The restricted outflow of air from the cylinders in a non-powered air mattress allows the patient to slowly settle into the supportive foam layers for optimal interface pressure distribution. The air cylinders re-inflate when the patient adjusts position or is vacated from the surface.

Abstract: A patient support having real time pressure control. The patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a bladder including a plurality of upright cylindrical elements. The pressure within the bladder is controlled based on the pressure or force sensed by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of air cylinders disposed crosswise and aligned to define the support surface. The air cylinders include a first foam therein. Adjacent cylinders are provided with varying support characteristics to define multiple support zones along a length of the support surface. At least some of the plurality of air cylinders additionally include an integrated bolster at ends thereof that is formed of a second foam, firmer than the first foam.

Abstract: A healthy bed for actively supporting human spine curve mainly comprises a lower base, a mobilizing device inside the lower base, a height sensor, a control device, an inflating device, an upper mattress having an air cushion layer and a plurality of push rods wherein the control device is used for memorizing the spine curve of a person lying on the upper mattress. When a user lies on the upper mattress, the push rod is pressed to push the mobilizing device moving downward, the height sensor detects a moving distance of the mobilizing device for the control device to determine whether the user is the one whose spine curve is memorized, if so, then the inflating device is activated to inflate the air cushion layer to let the surface of the upper mattress meet the profile of the spine curve of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data.

Abstract: A mattress has at least one inflatable top layer made up of a plurality of adjacent elements that are individually inflatable by a pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device and at least one bottom layer supporting the top layer. The bottom layer has a recess for receiving a sensor connected to the pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device, and making it possible to determine the pressure applied by the body of an individual bearing against the inflatable top layer and to regulate the inflation pressures of the elements of the top layer. In at least one support zone designed to support the sacrum of an individual, the top layer is made up of a plurality of inflatable elements that are of a width smaller than their height.

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 sensor for detecting and measuring a load pressure applied to a support device comprises at least one capacitive cell including a flat condenser comprising at least one layer of a compressible insulating dielectric material interposed between two layers of conductive material. A support device capable of supporting the body of a person comprises at least one top layer composed of a plurality of air-filled inflatable cells communicating with inflation elements, characterized in that it comprises a sensor, of which said condenser is disposed under said top layer and connected to an electronic control and regulation device capable of controlling inflation or deflation elements.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion having independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones, each of which includes at least an A bladder and a B bladder. Pressure within all the core portion A bladders is adjustable separately from pressure within all the core portion B bladders. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are adjustable separately from pressure within the B bladders of the given zone. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the A bladders of zones other than the given zone, and pressure within the B bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the B bladders of zones other than the given zone.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers and a moveable inflatable limb elevation chamber. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively 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 limb elevation chamber may also be selectively inflated and deflated as well being positioned at any desired portion of the inflatable mattress in order to raise one or more human limbs off the surface of the mattress.

Abstract: A three dimensional matrix of air, other gas, or hydraulic fluid cells is proposed for the purpose of providing an ideal surface for load distribution. These cells will be arranged into layers stacked onto each other, with successive layers inflated to decreasing pressures. Neighboring cells can either communicate with each other freely, emulating an open cell construction, or be locked, emulating a closed cell construction, thus providing dynamic, as well as passive, control.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

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

Abstract: A distributed pressure control system for a support surface includes a main controller including a source of pressurized air and a communication interface, and an air manifold having an air inlet coupled with the air source and a plurality of air outlets. A plurality of control modules are each attachable to a respective one of the plurality of air outlets. Each control module includes at least one valve and includes a control unit communicating with the communication interface. The control modules effect inflation and deflation of air cells in the support surface via the valves based on a signal from the communication interface.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress has two sets (A, B) of cells, which are inflated and deflated cyclically and in sequence, to provide alternating support for a patient. Each set (A, B) has central transverse cells (11a, 11b) and side forming cells (14a, 14b). The central cells (11a, 11b) provide a central region for the patient. The side forming cells (14a, 14b) protrude, when inflated, higher than the central cells, to act as side barriers preventing rolling of the patient off the mattress. At each side of the mattress a plurality of the side forming cells (14a, 14b) of both sets (A, B) is present, these cells inflating and deflating with the respective central cells (11a, 11b), so that the side barrier effect is provided by the two sets (A, B) cells alternatingly.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: A bed comprises a bed frame and a bed deck supported by the bed frame. The bed deck comprises a step deck, including a lower deck, an upper deck, a side wall connecting the lower deck to the upper deck, and a recess defined by the lower deck and the side wall. The side wall at least partially surrounds the recess. A mattress comprises a safety mattress extending across the lower bed deck and having air cells including air cells resting on the upper bed deck.

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: The invention relates to a reclining means which has a mattress with a multiplicity of air chambers arranged in lattice form. Also provided is a mattress-profile memory which stores, for each of the air chambers, valve-control data corresponding to a mattress profile. The reclining means also has a data-carrier holder, into which a data carrier can be inserted, and means for writing valve-control data into a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder, as well as means for reading valve-control data which are stored on a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder.

Abstract: A mattress and temperature control system for preventing pressure ulcers is provided. The mattress and temperature control system may include at least two chambers that may be alternately pressurized to each independently support a patient's body reclined on the mattress at different times. In some embodiments, the chambers may be implemented as an inflatable tubing system including at least two inflatable tubing circuits each having inflatable tubes disposed adjacent one another in an alternating manner. The tubes may be inflated with liquid or gas fluids. The system may include a tube pressurizing control device for controlling the inflation of the at least two inflatable tubing circuits in an alternating manner. A gas permeable membrane may encapsulate the inflatable tubing system and may be used to move air between the patient and the mattress for cooling and to remove any moisture.

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: A patient support includes a layer of fluid pressurized bladders, the bladders each having a chamber and an upwardly facing surface for facing and supporting a patient, and a cover over the layer of fluid pressurized bladders. Respective bladders in at least a group of the bladders each have a resilient body in its respective chamber to reform the shape of the respective bladder when a compression load on the respective bladder is removed wherein the pressure in the respective bladders is generally maintained without a powered supply of air. The cover has an upwardly facing patient surface and a bladder layer facing surface, with the patient surface for forming a patient support surface on the support, and the bladder layer facing surface for lying on the upwardly facing surfaces of the bladders.

Abstract: A disposable patient transfer mattress includes a rectangular top sheet, a rectangular bottom sheet, internal baffles, and a receptacle configured to receive a connector for supplying air to inflate the mattress. The bottom sheet corresponds to the top sheet, and the periphery of the bottom sheet is joined to the periphery of the top sheet. The internal baffles extend between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. Each baffle is a rectangular sheet with first and second parallel edges, and each baffle is joined to the top sheet along the first edge and to the bottom sheet along the second edge. The bottom sheet has a plurality of holes configured to provide a continuous cushion of air under the mattress when the mattress is inflated. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and internal baffles are made of fabric backed with a thermally weldable material, where the thermally weldable material faces the interior of the mattress for facilitating thermal welding of the baffles to the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a patient support having an air permeable layer, a plurality of inflatable bladders, a pressure-sensing assembly and a controller. In one embodiment, a combination of transverse bladders and vertically oriented can-shaped bladders is provided. In one embodiment, one or more angle sensors are provided in articulatable sections of the patient support.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for controlling an internal pressure of an inflatable pad are disclosed. The apparatus includes a control valve, a sensor, a driving device and a controller. The control valve is switched between statuses to selectively perform inflation and deflation of the inflatable pad. The sensor measures the internal pressure of the inflatable pad. The driving device is coupled to the control valve to blow air into the inflatable pad. The controller is coupled to the control valve for controlling the internal pressure at a predetermined pressure. Responsive to the present of a user, the controller deflates the inflatable pad within a deflation period and records the internal pressure during the deflation period. A characteristic curve is obtained representing the variation of the internal pressure corresponding to the user and an appropriate pressure is determined based on the characteristic curve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air core filling system for reclining or seating furniture, for example, for a mattress, an armchair, a car seat, a piece of camping furniture or similar, comprising an air core and an integrated air core filling system, reacting to a load, which independently, supplies a dosed amount of air into the air core, in order to maintain the same at a given adjustable pressure in the non-loaded state. Said air core filling system comprises an air pump system (3) with at least two separate chambers (2, 6) and control system (17), whereby the first chamber (2) is directly connected to the air core by a line (1) and a second chamber (6) is connected to the air core by a line (7) through a pressure regulation valve (13) and to the ambient air by a line (9).

Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat back that has a back frame, a cushion pad attached to the back frame, and a massaging unit having a plurality of massaging elements. The cushion pad has a plurality of through bores that pass therethrough in the direction of thickness thereof. The massaging elements are constructed so as to be elastically deformed or compressed along moving axes and to be pneumatically expanded and contracted along the moving axes. The massaging elements are disposed in the through bores in a manner that the moving axes of the massaging elements extend along longitudinal axes of the through bores. The massaging elements have deformability or compressibility identical with or greater than the deformability or compressibility of the cushion pad when the massaging elements are not operated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the gentle placement of a patient in a defined position. In order to provide a device for the placement of patients which both allows gentle positioning and at the same time holds the patient in a defined position, the device according to the invention comprises a mattress having a surface able to adopt a flexible state, as a result of being subjected to a first control signal, and a rigid state, as a result of being subjected to a second control signal, a cushion which is filled with a fluid, rests on the mattress and comprises a flexible wall in the region of the patient or the body part of the patient resting on the cushion, and a fluid pump which is connected via a valve to the fluid in the cushion and via which the internal pressure and/or the internal volume of the cushion may be adjusted to a predetermined value.