Abstract: A quick draining air valve comprises a first valve having an air inlet device for inputting high pressure air; a second valve having at least one channel which is extended to a surface of the second valve; a distal end of the channel extending with a tube which is connected to the air inflation tube; the second valve being connected to the first valve so that high pressure air enters into the tube through the channel and then into the air inflation tube; and a cover plate being openable, high pressure air providing by the first valve being drained out with a high speed from the second valve; by the channel of the second valve, residue air in the air inflation tube connected to the tube of the second valve is drained out from the second valve.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a mattress having a plurality of vertically-oriented inflatable bladders and a pneumatic box located inside the mattress. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented or substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A body support such as a cushion, mattress, chair or the like has at least one inflatable air chamber. A pressure sensor senses interface pressures at different locations on a surface of the air chamber. Indicators derived from the interface pressures indicate the onset of a trend toward bottoming out. A controller controls air pressure within the air chamber based at least in part on values of the indicators. The controller may be implemented as a state machine.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures.

Abstract: A fluid bladder system has a conventional fluid bladder and a resilient member in the fluid bladder. The resilient member is of a size that it allows the fluid in the fluid bladder to be the principal support applied to the patient. The resilient member only applies a force to the patient only after the patient displaces the fluid in the fluid bladder so the resilient structure is the only entity that inhibits the patient from bottoming out.

Abstract: A unique support surface that provides a controllable inflation system, and a turning bladder structure for turning a patient quickly for the application of a nursing protocol. The support surface includes air cell arrays and turning bladders which are used to turn the patient in either direction under control of the medical practitioner. The air cell arrays can be arranged longitudinally or laterally. The multiple turning bladders are preferably formed with a unique butterfly shape that minimizes the amount of air required to inflate, which then results in high-speed turning of the patient.

Abstract: An improved structure of automatic pressure adjustable air bed mainly includes an air mattress, an air pump, and air pipes arranged therebetween, as well as a control system disposed on the air bed. The control system includes multiple pressure sensors disposed on the air mattress for acquiring pressure signals, and a main control unit for controlling actions of the air pump or electrical controlled valves thereon, thereby achieving the automatic adjustment of firmness of the air mattress.

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: A mattress adjusting system includes at least two airbag sets disposed in the mattress which overlap to each other, at least one air pump for supplying air to a main air tube, each airbag set being connected with the main air tube via a branch air tube, and a control valve disposed in each branch air tube for turning on/off the branch air tube, said air pump and control valves are manipulated by at least one controller. Each airbag set is inflated so as to support the mattress, or the airbag set could be alternatively deflated and inflated to provide a massage effect. When the two airbag sets overlapping to each other are alternatively deflated and inflated, the raised surface of the mattress could appear to shift smoothly.

Abstract: This disclosure described 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: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body having an exterior wall defining at least one air chamber therein, at least one electrical air pump unit, an electrical switch connected electrically to the electrical air pump unit, and at least one controller. The controller is operable manually to activate the electrical air pump unit so as to perform a selected one of inflation, full deflation, and partial deflation of the air chamber in the inflatable body.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for connecting an air supply unit and a mattress or cushion.

Abstract: A inflatable product for an inflatable body includes a casing with an airway adapted to communicate with an interior of the inflatable body, and a resilient element movably positioned inside the casing to define with the easing a space therebetween. An on/off switch is adapted to connect to an air pump. A driving element is movably positioned inside the casing to be in response to the movement of the resilient element so as to selectively activate the on/off switch to activate the air pump. A recoil element is positioned around the driving element and has a distal end which is abutted against the resilient element. The spring is compressed/decompressed when the resilient element moves in response to pressure inside the inflatable body so that activation/deactivation of the on/off switch is controlled via the movement of the resilient element as well as the compression of the spring.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress system is provided for treating a patient. The mattress system has a mattress having plurality of vertically elongated cells extending from a base layer that are arranged in a row and column grid arrangement. Each cell has a sidewall and a patient support surface extending therefrom, and a cavity defined interior of the sidewall, the patient support surface and the base layer. The elongated cells are further grouped into a first group of cells and a second group of cells such that the cavities of the cells of the first group are fluidly interconnected to define a first group chamber and the cavities of the cells of the second group are fluidly interconnected to define a second group chamber. Further, the chamber of the first group is not fluidly interconnected with the chamber of the second group. Additionally, the cells of the first group alternate with the cells of the second group diagonally across the mattress. Each of the grouping of cells has an inlet port and an exit port.

Abstract: An inflatable bed assembly having a plurality of inflatable cushion cells disposed on the top of the inflatable bed. Each cushion cell has a vent fluidly interconnecting the interior volume of the cushion cell with a main air chamber of the bed. When the bed is inflated, the cushion cells inflate and form raised projections on the top of the bed. The cushion cells provide a pressure sensitive surface which molds to the user's body for increased comfort. The vents are sized to allow the cushion cells to inflate upon inflation of the main air chamber, partially deflate when pressure is applied, and re-inflate when the pressure is removed. The size of the vents dampens the rate that air passes through the vent. The controlled inflation and deflation of the cells softens the impact caused by application of a body thereon and simulates the dampened response of “memory-foam”.

Abstract: An air-inflated mattress, comprising a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, wherein said shroud band connects the top and bottom layers together to form an inflatable bladder. A middle layer below said top layer is partially sealed to the top layer to form a plurality of sealed or half-sealed cavities, in which some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, via a plurality of air vents in the middle layer, creating air-pockets arrayed on the top surface of the air mattress.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: An equalizing pressure control system for connection to at least two pressure zones of a body support. The equalizing pressure control system ensures that an object will be slowly and safely lowered to a static position in the event of a sudden failure of an external pump or a supply pressure to the at least two pressure zones.

Abstract: An air mattress has a top chamber and a bottom chamber separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top surface of the top chamber, which has a plurality of apertures discharging air through apertures that are not blocked by the patient. The top chamber is provided with temperature-controlled heated or cooled air at a regulated pressure. Heated or cooled air from the top chamber is delivered to an area substantially surrounding the patient. The bottom chamber has a bottom surface containing a plurality of apertures that remain closed due to the weight of the mattress and the patient when the pressure-regulated air is beneath a pre-selected value. When the air pressure is increased, the apertures at the bottom surface of the bottom chamber emit air, creating an air cushion underneath the air mattress that facilitates lateral movement of the mattress over a flat or irregular surface, such as from a hospital bed to a stretcher, or from a stretcher to an operating table.

Abstract: The cushion according to the invention is made up of several layers of pneumatic elements (3) which each form a matrix (2). These pneumatic elements (3) each have a multiplicity of holes (5a) into which elastic spring elements, for example foam cylinders (1), are inserted. The pneumatic elements (3) are all substantially congruent, such that the holes (5a) of superposed pneumatic elements (3) are in each case located at the same places. An individual pneumatic element (3) is produced from two superposed sheets of an elastic plastic. The two sheets are welded sealingly to each other at the edges of the cushion and at the edges of the holes (5a). The holes (5a) are cut out after the welding. Each pneumatic element (3) has at least one connection for compressed gas. While supporting a patient, the pneumatic elements (3) are alternately supplied with compressed gas and then relaxed again.

Abstract: A sonic percussion therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a control module. The sonic percussion structure is attached to the inflatable cell so that the sonic percussion structure moves in response to movement of the inflatable cell. The control module includes a sonic percussion control module and a position control module. The sonic percussion control module independently controls frequency and/or intensity of at least one of the plurality of sonic percussion structures. The position control module selectively raises and lowers at least one of the plurality of sonic percussion structures with respect to a patient surface.

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: The invention relates to a bed comprising a mattress with a plurality of air chambers arranged in a grid, each chamber being equipped with at least one air connection. The bed is also equipped with a plurality of controllable valves, each valve being assigned to one of the air chambers and several sensors. A control unit is connected to the sensors and controls the valves individually in accordance with the output signals of the sensors. In addition, the inventive bed comprises an air source that is connected to the valves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system and method for recommending a bedding product for an individual. In one arrangement, a test mattress system comprises a mattress portion, a box spring portion, and fluid bladders positioned at various locations within the system. In an alternative embodiment, a method comprises the steps of taking a first pressure measurement of at least one bladder situated within a test mattress while the individual reclines on the test mattress; elevating pressure within the at least one bladder; and taking a second pressure measurement of the at least one bladder while the individual reclines on the test mattress.

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 double air-inflated mattress having an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber having a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, the outer shroud band connecting the top and bottom layers to form an inflatable bladder; a middle layer below said top layer partially sealed to the top layer to form a plurality of sealed or half-sealed cavities, in which some or all of said cavities are in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder, the lower chamber having a top layer, an outer shroud band, a plurality of anchor separators and a bottom layer, said outer shroud band connecting the top and bottom layers to form an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A therapeutic mattress system is provided for treating a patient. The mattress system has a mattress having plurality of vertically elongated cells extending from a base layer that are arranged in a row and column grid arrangement. Each cell has a sidewall and a patient support surface extending therefrom, and a cavity defined interior of the sidewall, the patient support surface and the base layer. The elongated cells are further grouped into a first group of cells and a second group of cells such that the cavities of the cells of the first group are fluidly interconnected to define a first group chamber and the cavities of the cells of the second group are fluidly interconnected to define a second group chamber. Further, the chamber of the first group is not fluidly interconnected with the chamber of the second group. Additionally, the cells of the first group alternate with the cells of the second group diagonally across the mattress. Each of the grouping of cells has an inlet port and an exit port.

Abstract: A reversible inflation system allowing a single pump to be used for both inflation and deflation of the air bladder. The present embodiment of the inflation system includes a motor and an impeller located within a housing having a diaphragm valve and a slide. Presently, the slide determines the direction of fluid flow through the housing, so that in a first position, the system causes fluid to flow into the bladder, and in a second position, the system causes fluid to flow out of the bladder.

Abstract: An air cushion control system having an air chamber sensor including an air chamber, a bottom out sensor and an overinflation sensor, an air pump to inflate the air chamber, an air valve to release air from the air chamber, connections for the air cushion control system to an air cushion, and a microprocessor to control the inflation and the release of air from the air chamber. The air cushion control system reduces decubitus ulcers by incorporating both an automatic adjustment system to prevent the seated individual from bottoming-out in the air cushion and measure immersion depth to maximize pressure reduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lying support such as a bed (2), wherein the lying support (3) comprises movement means for effecting a reciprocal, substantially rotating movement in the back of a person lying on the lying support (3) by imposing a rotation on the intervertebral disks, relative to one another, a mattress and movement means therefor and to a method for supporting a lying person.

Abstract: An anti-bedsore bed, comprising multiple expandable/contractable air bags 1 placed in parallel with each other in the width direction of the bed, an air-supplying/discharging means 2 of expanding and contracting the air bags 1 by supplying and discharging compressed air into and out of the air bags 1 at a particular interval t, and a control means 3 of controlling the air-supplying/discharging means 2, wherein the air bags 1 are formed cylindrical in the expanded state in such a manner that possible bedsore-developing regions of a care-receiver A are elevated and lowered at a particular interval t, and the air bags 1 has a blood circulation-accelerating unit 4 made of a material accelerating blood circulation of the care-receiver A. The blood circulation-accelerating unit 4 removes muscle stiffness by accelerating blood circulation and prevents bedsore of the care receiver who are in the bedridden state.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion and a width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the core portion. The mattress has independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide an integral air mattress capable of preventing caving-in. To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an air mattress consisting of three sheets 1 to 3 stacked and airtightly sealed at their circumferential portions, the mattress comprising: first-layer air cells 6a and 6b consisting of tubular air cells formed widthwise by the first and second sheets 1 and 2; and second-layer air cells 8 consisting of tubular air cells formed widthwise by the second and third sheets 2 and 3, wherein the first-layer air cells 6a and 6b and the second-layer air cells 8 are arranged so as not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. The overlying first-layer air cells 6a and 6b are set at low pressure so as not to cause bedsores easily, while the underlying second-layer air cells 8 are set at high pressure so as not to cause caving-in easily.

Abstract: A surgical table includes a horizontal patient support with a base extending therefrom and supporting the patient support at a desired height. The surgical table also includes an adjustment platform positioned upon the patient support. The adjustment platform includes a plurality of expansion members adapted to selectively adjust the relative position of the patient.

Abstract: A patient support including a pressure adjustable mattress system. The pressure adjustable mattress system includes a support surface and a controller to control the pressure of the support surface.

Abstract: A self-contained gatching mattress 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 altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to patient's positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended.

Abstract: A mattress system has a cover, a crib, and a fluid bladder system. The crib surrounds the perimeter of the fluid bladder system and the cover overlies the top surface of the crib and fluid bladder system. The fluid bladder systems provide at least one conventional bladder therapy to a patient positioned on the mattress system. The fluid bladder system interconnects to the crib to not form a hammock effect so the crib functions as a restraint. The fluid bladder is also designed to bottom out to form an exterior cavity. A second cushion is inserted into the exterior cavity and positioned so the crib continues to function as a restraint. The second cushion provides a therapy to the patient that is different from the fluid bladder system.

Abstract: There is realized a configuration in which, even when pressure is concentrated, the pressure can be adjusted based on accurate and precise detection of pressure distribution, thereby providing sleeping comfort. An air mattress device has a sensor that detects the distribution of pressure applied to an elastic sheet, by means of light emitting parts and light receiving parts of optical fibers uniformly distributed in the elastic sheet. Based on pressure distribution detected by the sensor, the air mattress device adjusts the amount of gas filled in an air mattress. The sensor can be disposed above the air mattress of the air mattress device.

Abstract: An inflatable cell that is inflatable with a fluid, such as air, comprises a flexible casing that is closed at its ends, the casing defining, between its walls, at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one fluid insertion means for inserting fluid into the chamber and at least one fluid removal means for removing fluid from said chamber, these insertion and removal means being bonded in substantially airtight manner to at least one end of the casing; and at least one link means for linking the cell to another identical cell, which link means are integral with or secured to the casing. A method of manufacturing such a cell and a support device of the mattress type that is manufactured on the basis of assembling together such cells are also disclosed.

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 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: 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 inflatable product for an inflatable body includes a casing with an airway adapted to communicate with an interior of the inflatable body, a resilient element movably positioned inside the casing to define with the casing a space therebetween, an on/off switch adapted to connect to an air pump, a driving element movably positioned inside the casing to be in response to the movement of the resilient element so as to selectively activate the on/off switch to activate the air pump and a recoil element positioned around the driving element and a distal end of which is abutted against the resilient element, wherein the spring is compressed/decompressed when the resilient element moves in response to pressure inside the inflatable body so that activation/deactivation of the on/off switch is controlled via the movement of the resilient element as well as the compression of the spring.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.

Abstract: A hospital bed including a mattress and a frame. The width of the frame of the hospital bed is adjustable and the width of the mattress is adjustable. The hospital bed may include a frame and mattress adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient.

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.