Abstract: The present invention provides a hospital bed (10) including a force sensor (24) or scale apparatus configured to detect the weight of a patient (42).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pressure sensor, in particular for detecting and measuring at least one bearing pressure applied to a support device, in which said pressure sensor comprises at least one resistive force-detector cell placed between at least two protective plates suitable for avoiding any pressure bearing at a point or along a line directly against a surface of the resistive cell and for converting such a pressure into uniform pressure over the entire area of the resistive cell. The present disclosure also relates to a support device including such a pressure sensor and to a method of measuring pressures applied to such a support device by an object to be supported such as the body of a patient.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable mattress and coverlet used to reduce and treat decubitus ulcers. The mattress is an air inflatable mattress and is particularly adapted for use on a bed in a hospital, nursing home, health care facility or the like. The air inflatable mattress has a series of apertures on the top allowing small amounts of air to pass through to the underside of the coverlet. According to one aspect of the invention the coverlet is placed over the top of air inflatable mattress in the central portion thereof between the head of the bed and the foot of the bed. The coverlet is of sufficient length to extend under the weight bearing portions of the patient. The coverlet has as a first layer a moisture wicking fabric, such as a polyester, and on one side of the moisture wicking fabric there is attached a microporous polymeric member which allows air from the mattress to pass through the coverlet to the patient. Adjacent the polymeric member is another layer comprising a spacer fabric.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress comprises a support system having upper and lower inflatable support chambers arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber comprises a top layer and a bottom layer. The inflatable mattress further comprises an inflatable reinforcing chamber disposed between the upper and lower inflatable support chambers and attached to the lower inflatable support chamber.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support for use in combination with a bed frame. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional fiber material positioned above a plurality of vertical air cells.

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.

Abstract: A mattress has at least one inflatable top layer made up of a plurality of adjacent elements that are secured together and 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 is provided with 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 correspondingly, in order to facilitate desired penetration of the body on the device.

Abstract: A weighing system associated with a mattress and configured to measure a patient's weight while the patient is positioned on the mattress.

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, such as a support system that employs an inflatable cushion cell with a diagonal seal structure.

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 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 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 rotational mattress has (a) a support surface and a rotating bladder object or (b) the support surface, the rotating bladder and a cushion material object. Depending on the embodiment used, the rotating bladder object and/or cushion material object has at least one longitudinal hinge; a longitudinal hinge extends from the object's head end toward the object's foot end. In one embodiment, the longitudinal hinge can be a shaped aperture and within the shaped aperture is a second cushion material. The second cushion material is less rigid than the cushion material.

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 or another type of support surface which allows for discrete manipulation of the pressure on a supported body. The present invention includes resilient fluid cells having a spring bias, grouped to allow adjustable dynamic control of the pressure exerted on various locations of the body support. Each of the fluid cells has a multiple port air distribution system, either integral to the fluid cell or attached to the fluid cell. The multiple port air distribution system includes ports and allows for the control of intake flow, outflow, and sound. A harnessing system is attached to the ports of the multiple port air distribution system and interconnects the fluid cells in a pattern desired by the user. The harnessing system controls the directions and flow volume of air into the fluid cells creating selected zones. The harnessing configuration is customizable to a particular patient. The fluid cells are held together by a casing.

Abstract: An inflatable device comprising a substantially fluid impermeable bladder is disclosed. The fluid controller comprises an electrically powered pump positioned at least partially within a profile of the bladder. The fluid controller is coupled to the inflatable bladder and is adapted to permit air to exit the bladder through the fluid controller and to be provided to the bladder through the fluid controller.

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 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 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 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: 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.