Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: A portable baby sleep system for providing a baby bed and accessories which are transportable. There is: a base member; a wall member, foldably coupled to the base member; a flexible mattress member, foldably coupled to the base member opposite the wall member, and removably coupleable to the wall member; a first handle member, coupled to the wall member opposite the base member; a second handle member, coupled to the flexible mattress member opposite the base member; a speaker module, coupled to the flexible mattress member; a power module, in communication with the speaker module; a control module, in communication with the speaker module, in communication the power module; and an air bladder module, coupled to the flexible mattress member, in communication with the power module. The portable baby sleep system has a transportation mode and a sleep mode.

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: 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 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 support device of the mattress type (1), in particular for supporting the body of an individual, comprises a plurality of n compartments (2), preferably at least three compartments, more preferably three to 24 compartments suitable for being inflated with a fluid, in particular inflated with air, a plurality p of said compartments, where p is an integer in the range 2 to n, each having at least one fluid feed and/or vent orifice (4-1, 4-2) for said compartment and at least one solenoid valve (3-1, 3-2) serving to control the feed and/or vent of fluid to or from said compartments, the device being characterized in that said valves co-operate with or are integrated in said feed and/or vent orifices, each said valve (3-1, 3-2) being dedicated to filling and/or venting a single compartment.

Abstract: A built-in pump (20) for an airbed (A). A single mechanical control (26) turns on and off operation of a fan motor (32), opens a single valve (68) used with the pump, and selects whether a fan (52) connected to the fan motor (32) is blowing air into the airbed (A) or is sucking air out of the airbed through the valve. The single valve (68) is mounted on the side of the housing (22) for the pump (20). This feature permits the airbed (A) to be folded against the back of the housing (22), allowing more efficient folding and storage.

Abstract: A person support surface comprises a multitude of inflatable cells. The cells are inflated and deflated to adjust an interface pressure between the person support surface and a person supported by the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stand alone integrated mattress. The system has a self-contained mattress unit, at least one inflatable bladder, at least one fluid source, at least one dispersion unit and at least one control unit. The self-contained mattress unit has at least a head section and a foot section, and is capable of converting from a horizontal position or an inclined position to a chair-like conformation. There is at least one inflatable bladder in each section of the self-contained mattress unit. There is also at least fluid source. In addition there is at least one dispersion unit in each section and each dispersion unit provides a fluid, obtained from the fluid source, to a conduit which directs the fluid into the inflatable bladder positioned in the section of the dispersion unit. The control system is positioned in one of the sections and interconnected to each dispersion unit to control the dispersion of the fluid to the inflatable bladders in each section.

Abstract: An air cushion having a first and second set of flexible air chambers providing alternative up and down motion when inflated and deflated, wherein each set of air chambers includes a primary channel branching into a plurality of secondary channels. An air supply device is connected to the two sets of air chambers for alternatively inflating and deflating each said set of air chambers. The secondary channels are arranged in an alternative manner to provide alternate up and down motion. The primary channel is connected with each of the secondary channels and conducts air directly between the secondary channels and an air supply device.

Abstract: A set of inflatable, tubular, and concentric tubes or air bladders are placed in a bedding or seating product and adjusted to meet the preferences of a user. The tubes are arranged concentrically with the innermost tube defining an aperture at the center of the product. The tubes are connected to air supply hoses that are inflated through activation of an electronically controlled air pump. The flow may be controlled by solenoid or other valves. The user via a remote may control the inflation of one or more of the tubes to provide the optimum level of comfort to the user.

Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes an adjustable width.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion having a group of mutually inflatable and deflatable cells wherein at least one cell in the group may be selectively and repeatedly included or excluded from the group for mutual inflation and deflation when included and independent inflation and deflation when excluded.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface, which includes at least one fluid bladder and a recess, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid to the bladder, with at least a portion of the fluid delivery system being located in the recess. The fluid delivery system includes a pump having a fluid output and a fluid input. The apparatus further includes a chamber wall that defines a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid input or output of the pump, with the chamber wall absorbing vibration from the pump when the pump is operated to output fluid at its fluid output.

Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a mattress pad, a back support to raise a part of the mattress pad, and an air pump assembly built into the mattress pad to inflate the mattress pad and the back support.

Abstract: A bolster for resisting rolling of a person off of a mattress, comprising a lateral cushion adapted to be disposed proximate and parallel to an edge of the mattress, and a tensile portion having a means for attachment to said lateral cushion, providing a distributed tensile force to resist a laterally outward displacement of the lateral cushion, the tensile force being transmitted beneath the mattress having a force vector downward and inward. Both the lateral cushion and the mattress may be inflatable, and preferably a pair of lateral cushions, interconnected by a tensile sheet below the mattress, are provided.

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 bedding product having a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs has a length and a width and comprises a row of interconnected pockets. Each of the pockets contains at least one spring encased in fabric. The bedding product may have a plurality of inflatable members located underneath select portions of at least some of the strings of springs. Each of the inflatable members may be of a width substantially equal to the width one of the string of springs. The bedding product may have a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring and an air supply system operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and adapted to control a supply of air to the inflatable members.

Abstract: An air distribution support surface product includes a vapor permeable material such as a sheet of breathable material, a fluid resistant material, such as a sheet of waterproof material and an intermediate fluid passing material interposed between the vapor permeable material and the fluid resistant material to form a plurality of chambers. One of the chambers serves as a type of fluid retention chamber and another chamber serves as a type of fluid loss chamber. A fluid intake opening may be provided to allow fluid, such as air, to inflate the chambers. In one example, both of the chambers share the intermediate fluid passing material. As such, the fluid retention chamber is formed by the fluid resistant material and the intermediate fluid passing material. The fluid loss chamber is formed by the vapor permeable material and the intermediate fluid passing material.

Abstract: A mattress assembly is provided that includes an adjustable width.

Abstract: A bedsore reduction system for beds includes a generally rectangular base plate, a mattress support plate and a diagonal connecting plate extending between said base plate and said mattress support plate and pivotably connecting the opposite side edges of the base plate and the mattress support plate. An inflatable upper wedge-shaped air chamber having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is positioned between the mattress support plate and the diagonal connecting plate and an inflatable lower wedge-shaped air chamber having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape is positioned between the base plate and the diagonal connecting plate. Finally, a controllable inflation device such as a set of air pumps is operatively connected to the upper and lower wedge-shaped air chambers for inflating and deflating them such that the mattress support plate is adjustable in the yaw orientation relative to horizontal thereby tilting a mattress supported on thereon for prevention of bedsores.

Abstract: A system for monitoring bed or mattress operation including portable monitor having a memory, a wireless input in selective communication with the bed, a wireless output in selective communication with the bed, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including an identification for the bed and a control data associated with the bed identification, and selectively link with the bed via the output and receive computer readable information from the bed via the wireless input to update control data stored in the data structure; and control a display to report the control data to the user.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes a first chamber, a pack, and a fan and motor received in the pack. The pack has an air intake connected to the outside of the first chamber and a first air outlet connected to the inside of the first chamber. A first valve for opening and closing the first air outlet is received in the pack. Air is pumped by the fan and motor from the outside of the first chamber through the air intake and the first valve and then into the first chamber from the first air outlet.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic bag includes two outer films up-down stacked, and two inner films located between them. By thermal-sealing means, an interval line is formed between upsides and downsides of the two inner films, while a pneumatic passage is formed between the upsides of the two inner films and the interval line. Air tubes are formed between downsides of the two outer films and the interval line, while the two inner films are bonded at the interval line to form air ingress for connecting through the pneumatic passage and the air tube. After thermal-sealing upsides of the two outer films and the interval line, a buffer space is formed between the outer films and the two films. When the air of the air tube is leaking to the buffer space, the air of the buffer space will press the inner films to seal the pneumatic passage and prevent from leaking.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress has a body and multiple chamber walls. The body has a top, a bottom, an annular sidewall, a primary chamber defined in the body and a partitioning member mounted in the primary chamber between the top and bottom surfaces. The chamber walls are arranged in a row, are mounted in the primary chamber adjacent to the top of the body above the partitioning member. Adjacent bags separate from each other at an interval. Each chamber wall has a sub chamber. The separate chamber walls individually and respectively support persons lying on the inflatable mattress so that each person's movement only deforms a corresponding chamber wall instead of deforming other chamber walls on which other persons lie. Therefore, the persons on the inflatable mattress would not interfere with each other.

Abstract: An inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a barrier coupled to a frame. The barrier includes an interior region containing a fluid supply. A related method is provided for modifying a patient support apparatus to include a fluid filled patient support surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a mattress system and a method to decrease pressure applied to a patient. The mattress system has an analyzer that receives the measurements regarding the geometry of the mattress and the pressure of the bladders within the mattress. With that data, the analyzer compares those measurements and transmits a pressure signal to a pressure provider device. In response to the pressure signal, the pressure provider device alters and/or maintains the pressure in the bladders to decrease the chance of bottoming out and/or decrease the pressure applied to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a therapeutic bed comprising a mattress. The mattress has a fluid cushion and a fluid pump. The fluid cushion has a fluid support surface, a retractable/deployable bolster, and a closure mechanism. The fluid support surface has a top surface designed to receive a patient thereon. The closure mechanism corresponds to the retractable/deployable bolster and allows the retractable/deployable bolster to be deployed or retracted. When the retractable/deployable bolster is deployed the retractable/deployable bolster protrudes from the top surface and is positioned about a portion of the patient's perimeter. When the retractable/deployable bolster is retracted the closure mechanism is positioned over the retractable/deployable bolster to prevent the retractable/deployable bolster from protruding from the top surface. And the fluid pump provides a fluid to the fluid cushion.

Abstract: An air bed is disclosed. The air bed includes an air pump, an inflatable body and a cabinet detachably or fixedly connected to the inflatable body. The cabinet is a rollable and foldable airbag having at least one valve for inflation and deflation and includes at least one recess for receiving an air pump and other articles.

Abstract: A support surface (10) is disclosed which includes a foam perimeter (18), a truncated-triangular shaped core (19), a foam topper (21), and a coverlet (22). The foam perimeter includes an interior well (25) defined by a floor (26), a top surface (27), and at least two diverging side walls (28). The core is comprised of a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped, inflatable air cells (31). Each air cell has a bottom wall (32), a top wall (33), two side walls (34), and two end walls (35). The ends walls diverge from each other as they extend from the bottom wall to the top wall so that each air cell has a generally trapezoidal shape along its lateral length.

Abstract: A mattress including an air pressure indicator configured to indicate the pressure of the mattress.

Abstract: Patient support pads that form a part of conventional surgical tables are removed and replaced with pads that provide three dimensional volumetric pressure redistribution. The pads are releasably secured in overlying relation to conventional frame cushions that overlie the frame of a surgical table. Three pads are provided, one each for the head, torso, and foot section of the table so that the articulation of the table is not compromised by the pads. The pads not only prevent or inhibit the formation of decubitus ulcers during surgery but also provide therapeutic, curative treatment of the patient's dermis and epidermis by redistributing pressure without distorting or compressing soft tissue. A dual hose bifurcated manifold system connects each inflated pad to its contiguous inflated pad so that pressure applied in any one section of the surface is transmitted and redistributed over all of the inflated pads.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body with a recess. A pump matching the recess is installed in the recess. Whereby, the inflatable body and pump are integrated together, and it is very convenient to use and carry. Furthermore, the pump is concealed in the inflatable product, giving the inflatable product an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A bidirectional air pump to selectively inflate or deflate an inflatable object has a housing, a pump assembly and a motor. The housing has a controller cover, a pump cover, and a motor cover. The pump assembly is mounted inside the housing and has a centrifugal pump, a binary supply/discharge valve assembly, a selectable check valve assembly and a valve controller. The motor is mounted inside the housing. The valve assembly and the motor cooperate to pump air into or draw air out of an air mattress or inflatable sofa.

Abstract: A decubitis mat includes a plurality of individual cells (16 which are pressurized by air. A polymer sensor/vent structure (20) is mounted on the top surface of each cell and defines a plurality of polymer filled channels (28) and a vent valve (26) which is biased to a closed position. As a body resting on the mat heats the polymer, it undergoes a phase change an expands, causing biasing forces (30) which bias the vent valve to open, permitting air in the cell to be released providing air flow to the body.

Abstract: The present invention involves a patient support system. The support system has a fluid bladder and a container. The container has an air pump, a manifold and a CPR dump system. The CPR dump system has a manifold aperture, a plug positioned in the manifold's aperture, a rod interconnected to the plug and protruding from the container's opening, a magnetized alignment apparatus, and a magnetized stop mechanism. The magnetized stop mechanism fastens to the rod and magnetically attaches to the magnetized alignment apparatus which insures the plug is lodged in the manifold's aperture. When a user wants to expeditiously deflate the inflatable fluid bladder, the user pulls on the distal end with sufficient force to detach the magnetized stop mechanism from the magnetized alignment apparatus thereby the plug dislodges from the manifold aperture and allows the inflatable fluid bladder to deflate within a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting pressure in pockets is provided. The system including at least one pressure measuring device in at least one pocket of a structure to detect stress areas in an individual; a control unit for receiving device data transmitted by the at least one pressure measuring device, the control unit comprising: a receiving module and a monitoring module for receiving the device data; a processing module for receiving the device data from the receiving module and determining if pressure in the at least one pressure measuring device requires change; and a pressure unit in the structure for receiving instructions from the processing module, wherein the instructions are provided to the at least one pressure measuring device for adjusting the pressure in the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A mattress system for a hospital bed including a mattress and a control system. The mattress system may include a mattress including a core bladder, a width bladder and a vacuum device to apply a vacuum to the width bladder. The mattress is adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient.

Abstract: A mattress has cells with low air permeability envelopes. Check valves permit air flow into cell groups. An inflation structure expands within the cells when not loaded to cause the envelope to fill with air through the check valves. Another mattress has a cell with a primary bladder, a hollow inflation structure in the primary bladder, a secondary bladder in the hollow inflation structure. The inflation structure expands when not under load to cause the primary bladder to fill with air through the check valve. An air cell has a bladder, a check valve permitting air flow to the bladder, and an inflation structure that expands in the bladder when not under load to cause the bladder to fill with air through the check valve. The inflation structure is a cylindrical foam structure with a portion removed along a surface and a D-shaped hollow space within an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a fan and motor assembly for pumping air, a housing built into the inflatable body, and an air conduit disposed at least in part in the housing. The housing has an interior region. The air conduit is movable between a first position and a second position, the fan and motor inflating the inflatable body when the air conduit is in the first position, and deflating the inflatable body when the air conduit is in the second position. Air flows between the interior region of the housing and the inflatable body during inflation and deflation.

Abstract: The invention is a bladder formed of multiple layers of barrier film to provide multiple pressurized layers of cushioning fluid or gas when the bladder is filled. The sidewalls of the bladder can be constructed with an inverted seam construction to eliminate finishing steps in the manufacture of cushioning bladders and alternatively to provide a clean, seamless appearance along the side walls. The inverted seam can be formed by attaching the peripheral edges of inner barrier layers to the outer barrier layers adjacent a weld between inner barrier layers to provide an inside-out inverted seam appearance. An inverted seam can also be formed by providing separate sidewall elements attached to the barrier layers of the bladder to provide a seam displaced from the center of the sidewall.

Abstract: An inflatable sex-support unit for mattress configured to be temporarily or permanently attachable to such mattress, comprising of bladders that are stowed away in layers of bedspread and foams, that inflate to a height of 12 or more inches above the unit's surface to elevate and support the back area including the buttocks; to elevate and support the left leg in a wide spread posture; to elevate and support the right leg in a wide spread posture; while leaving enough space between the two lower bladders for a second party to occupy during sexual intercourse. The top area provides a soft and smooth surface that is also utilized for sleeping atop such bed or on the ground surface.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a system for supplying air and controlling the flow of air into and out of the chambers of a patient supporting air mattress. It includes an electric motor powered variable speed blower, a two position rotary valve, air mattress supply lines communicating between the rotary valve and the chambers of the air mattress, a continuous exhaust line also connected to the rotary valve, stepper motor controlled valves in the air mattress supply lines, pressure sensors between the stepper motor controlled valves and the chambers of the air mattress and a control unit for controlling the stepper motor controlled valves to control the amount by which the chambers of the air mattress are inflated.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. 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.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2) The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilizing two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.

Abstract: An air pump assembly is disposed within an inflatable article, and includes a movable member. When the movable member is moved relative to a base to an inflating position, an outflow outlet in the base is closed, and an inflow valve is activated to open an inflow outlet in the base so as to permit air to be sucked into the inflatable article through an inflow inlet and the inflow outlet in the base by an air pump. When the movable member is moved to a deflating position, the inflow inlet is closed, and an outflow valve is activated to open an outflow inlet in the base so as to permit air to be forced out of the inflatable article through the outflow inlet and the outflow outlet.

Abstract: A patient support is disclosed including a spacing structure and a base portion.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion cell has first and second inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is defined by at least one diagonal seal structure. In addition, each inflatable compartment also has at least one fluid opening. In one embodiment the diagonal seal structure is offset from opposite corners of the inflatable cushion cell. In one embodiment patient support system includes a plurality of inflatable such cushion cells are located within a frame. In one embodiment a pressure control system is used control the inflation of the first and second inflatable compartments. In one embodiment a method is used to move a patient in an inflatable patient support system.