Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patient transfer mattress, comprising an upper (2) and lower (3) sheet, and having disposed therebetween a plurality of pods (20) connecting the upper (2) and lower (3) sheets, the pods (20) comprising a first aperture (21) in a peripheral wall thereof and, a second aperture (22) in an end thereof, said first and second apertures allowing air to flow from within a main cavity of the mattress and out to form a cushion of air.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a base having a plurality of wheels, and a patient support coupled to the base, wherein at least a part of the patient support is for supporting a head of a patient, and at least one of the wheels has a plurality of secondary wheels. A patient support system includes a patient support, a transportation mechanism for transporting the patient support, a positioner for moving the patient support relative to the transportation mechanism, and a positioning system for determining an actual position associated with the patient support with respect to a multi-dimensional coordinate system, wherein one of the transportation mechanism and the positioner is for coarse positioning of the patient support, and another one of the transportation mechanism and the positioner is for fine positioning of the patient support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transferring a patient from a first bed to a second bed, wherein said patient is disposed upon said first bed and said first bed and second bed comprise a surface for resting said patient comprising a plurality of predetermined sections. The method further discloses removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed; combining said surface of said first bed with said surface of said second bed; and transferring said patient from said first bed to second bed.

Abstract: A patient transfer tube and method for manufacturing the same. In a polyethylene embodiment of the tube, there is at least a base layer that contains at least 85% by weight of polyetheylene, has an overall density of at least 0.935 g/cm3, and has a thickness in the range of 33-64 microns.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A patient transfer device comprising at least one inflatable mattress which in turn may comprise one or more inflatable pads. The inflatable mattress includes a plurality of fasteners for attaching an accessory across a top surface of the mattress. The types of accessories that may be attached to the mattress include various types of covers, flexible body litters having carry handles, cushions, other inflatable and non-inflatable mattresses, and garments and wraps for moving the patient together with the device and for making the device capable of being attached to or worn by a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a human body supporting apparatus, comprising: a main body, and an armrest member, wherein the armrest member is connected with the main body, and includes an extensible member. The extensible member includes a moving assisting status and a closed status, wherein the extensible member is unfolded and connected with the main body in the moving assisting status. According to the present invention, a patient can be moved by less force and simpler process via the foregoing extensible members operated in the moving assisting status.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bearing pallet comprising a network of tethers oriented and connected between the upper and bottom sheets of a plenum chamber, which cause a system of indentations to become formed in the bottom sheet when the plenum chamber is inflated. Perforations in the bottom sheet enable air to escape thereby generating an air film below the chamber within the predefined system of indentations. The size, shape, depth, bottom surface tension/stiffness, airflow through, quantity and location of the indentations can be varied in order to optimize lifting performance and efficiency and reduce system level losses over irregularities and gaps in the support surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: A patient positioning device for restoring a patient to a desired position in a hospital bed. An example patient positioning device may include a flexible track positioned along each of the lateral edges of a sleep surface and extending substantially the entire length of the sleep surface, a sheet including beaded edges for slidably engaging the tracks such that the sheet spans between the first track and the second track on the sleep surface, and/or a drive mechanism located proximate a head end of the sleep surface and configured to pull the sheet towards the head end of the bed.

Abstract: A device for turning over a recumbent person has devices that can partly enclose the recumbent person. These devices are formed by a strip and end of which is provided with a handle, and an arm, an end of which is pushed under the recumbent person, and a bent end piece. The arm is hinged via a first end to the strip and the end piece is hinged near the middle with the end of the strip turned away from the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transferring a patient from a first bed to a second bed, wherein said patient is disposed upon said first bed and said first bed and second bed comprise a surface for resting said patient comprising a plurality of predetermined sections. The method further discloses removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed; combining said surface of said first bed with said surface of said second bed; and transferring said patient from said first bed to second bed.

Abstract: The inventive rotating gantry system consists of a welded tubular track tube which establishes a circular overhead track under which the rotating gantry rotates. There is a longitudinal elongated beam or support bar which extends beyond the periphery of the rotating gantry at both ends. The longitudinal elongated beam is rotating beneath the gantry by a four wheel cluster of rollers which surround the circular overhead track and run thereon. The elongated longitudinal beam has a moving trolley running there along and the moving trolley has attached thereto a vertical post which at a bottom thereof has a patient pick-up or transfer device. The rotating gantry can be suspended from a ceiling, be self-supporting or be attached to walls of a room be way of extendable extensions attached to the rotating gantry.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

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

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided that includes a top panel having a top surface, and a bottom panel having a plurality of perforations defined therethrough. The bottom panel is sealingly assembled to the top panel. An inflatable foot rest is attached to the top surface of the top panel and is suitable for raising at least one leg of a patient when the patient is lying upon the top panel.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an integrated patient room having multiple features designed to enhance the safety, satisfaction and/or outcomes for a patient and/or caregiver. In one embodiment, the integrated patient room comprises at least one bed and at least one chair. The bed and the chair can each assume a wide range of positions, and can be pre-programmed into preferred positions. Further, the bed, chair, and/or other components in the patient room may be automatically synchronized with one another to facilitate transfer of a patient. A touch screen monitor with an intuitive graphical user interface may be employed as a communication portal. The functions of the bed, chair and/or other components in the room may be accessed and/or controlled through the communication portal.

Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.

Abstract: A toilet transfer system is described for assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet. The system comprises a base unit that is attached to a toilet and that may be supported by one or more legs. The system further comprises a transfer board that is rotatably coupled to the base unit, allowing the transfer board to be positioned in a variety of positions without need to detach the toilet transfer system from the toilet. The transfer board may be pointed forward to allow the wheelchair to be positioned for transfer, pointed towards the wheelchair for transfer, and pointed back for compact storage between transfers and for normal use of the toilet. A coupling system accommodates height differentials between the toilet and the wheelchair, and allows the transfer board to become lifted up off the base unit and/or rotated without becoming misaligned from the base unit.

Abstract: A transfer board with at least a pair of elongated elements interconnected by means of at least one hinge allowing the elongated members to fold on each other when not in use, wherein the said hinge forms a rigid joint between the said elongated members when the said members are unfolded for use; and wherein the location of the hinge is offset to one side of the joint centerline such that the rigid joint formed between the connecting parts is not primarily-dependent on the mating surfaces perpendicular to the long axis of the said elongated members and forming an alternative primary load path between the soffit of the first elongated member and the cooperating upper surface of the projecting connector of the second elongated member. In this respect the gap between the elongated members remains constant under normal use and eliminates a possible pinching point.

Abstract: A support pad includes a recess in an upper surface for receiving an inflatable transfer mattress. The recess may extend to a depth such that an upper surface of the transfer mattress is flush with the upper surface of the support pad when the transfer mattress is deflated. Alternatively, the recess may be adapted for receipt of a transfer mattress having an accessory on an upper surface of the mattress such that an upper surface of the accessory is flush with the upper surface of the pad. The support pad may include side and end portions to form an overlay adapted for placement on an underlying support member having larger dimensions than the transfer mattress. The support pad may also be sectioned to include one or more detachably connected portions to facilitate sliding removal of a transfer mattress from the recess of the support pad.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an architectural system and a patient adjustment device. The patient adjustment device is coupled to the architectural system and adapted to pull on a patient receiver to move a patient received by the patient receiver and located on a bed relative to the bed to adjust the position of the patient.

Abstract: A material mover includes substantially rectangular top and bottom sheets connected to perimeter sidewalls defining at least one chamber. The bottom sheet is perforated with orifices at least in a central portion and has a greater width than that of the top sheet at least in middle and lower regions of the top and bottom sheets. A plurality of partition members connect at least portions of the top and bottom sheets to one another within the chamber, extend parallel to lateral edges of the top and bottom sheets, and are spaced from the perimeter sidewalls. A fluid weir is defined along an outer periphery of the bottom sheet to provide a fluid film reservoir at least under the central portion of the bottom sheet including the orifices. Fluid in the fluid reservoir is substantially contained by the fluid weir.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing a person from a lateral incumbent position to a sitting position and vice versa, comprising: engaging means for engaging on the person. The invention relates to a bed provided with such an apparatus. The invention further relates to a method for displacing a person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus including at least one dampened belt retractor, a base, a support column, at least one positioning arm on the support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support connected to bed linens or other flexible member so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered or when the patient support is raised.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable device allows a caregiver to fix one or two of the caregiver's lower legs and knees in position with respect to one or two of a patient's lower legs and knees so that the fixed lower legs together support and balance the combined body weight of the caregiver and patient, allowing the caregiver to pivot the patient up or down from a seated position by using the fixed knees as a fulcrum. The device has a central concavity that engages one person's leg below the knee from one direction, and peripheral concavities on either side of the central concavity that engage another person's legs below the knee from the opposite direction. Legs in the peripheral concavities partially straddle the leg in the central concavity. The device may be strapped onto the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an anatomical positioner on a patient care platform includes a clamping mechanism for allowing an operator to quickly and securely join the apparatus to the patient care platform. Guide rails are joined to the clamping mechanism. The guide rails extend away from the patient care platform. Slides slidably join to the guide rails to allow the operator to position the anatomical positioner to impart a force on a patient on the patient care platform. The slides include brakes for at least stopping movement in a direction away from the patient care platform, and brake releases for releasing the brakes. Supports join to the slides for supporting the anatomical positioner. The supports have restraints for allowing the operator to quickly secure and adjust the anatomical positioner, whereby the anatomical positioner is positioned by the operator to impart the force on the patient and locked in place.

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: The present invention relates to a device for evacuating a person lying on a mattress, comprising a central portion having two opposite long sides and two opposite short sides, which sides substantially correspond to those of a mattress with which the device is used, said device comprising wrapping means for wrapping the mattress and a person lying thereon, said wrapping means comprising an at least partially flexible wrapping element having two projecting parts which each extend from underneath a respective long side of the mattress in the wrapping position, and fastening means for fastening the two projecting parts together when forming the envelope, wherein said at least one flexible wrapping element of the device according to the invention comprises a first wrapping sheet on a first long side of the central portion. The invention further relates to a method for evacuating a person lying on a mattress by means of such a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for lifting and/or moving a person from a first position to another. The system includes a frame having a base frame and a lifting frame being part of a lifting device for the person. The system also includes at least three wheels positioned in different parts of the base frame and allowing the handling system to be moved over a surface from said first position to another, and at least one user interface allowing the person or another person to control the handling system. Further, the system includes at least one of the wheels being directional controllable from the at least one user interface and each of the wheels being mounted pivotally around a vertical axle of the wheels. The invention also relates to a user interface and a method of handling a person.

Abstract: A patient lifting system is provided having a vest component adjustably proportioned to fit upon the torso of a patient, and a leg belt component adapted to embrace the patient's legs just below the knees. A caregiver utilizes the lifting system by standing in front of the patient while pulling upon the vest and applying pushing force with his knee upon the leg belt. Such action causes the leg belt to act as a fulcrum which redirects the pulling force upwardly to lift the patient.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable frame allows a caregiver to fix one or two of the caregiver's lower legs and knees in position with respect to one or two of a patient's lower legs and knees so that the fixed lower legs together support and balance the combined body weight of the caregiver and patient, allowing the caregiver to pivot the patient up or down from a seated position by using the fixed knees as a fulcrum. The frame has a lower section with a central concavity that engages one person's leg below the knee from one direction, and peripheral concavities on either side of the central concavity that engage another person's legs below the knee from the opposite direction. Legs in the peripheral concavities partially straddle the leg in the central concavity. The frame is strapped onto the patient with an upper portion of the frame braced against the patient's upper leg.

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 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: A patient transfer device includes an inflatable pad and a flap attached to the inflatable pad. The flap engages a patient such that the flap is worn by the patient. The flap may be attached to a front end of the pad and include a pair of spaced notches for receiving the legs of a patient. The flap may be further attached along side edges to a top sheet of the pad such that the transfer device is worn by the patient as a pair of shorts. Alternatively, the flap may be attached to a back end of the pad and include an upper portion having a pair of spaced openings for receipt of the arms of a patient. The flap may further include a pair of opposite side panels for encircling the torso of a patient as a vest.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer and transport device and method for moving a patient from a bed to another location within a medical facility. The transport device includes an integral transfer mechanism for transferring a patient from a hospital bed to the device and back.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patient transfer system with associated patient support frames, lift carts, lifts, carts, and other accessories for use therewith. The support frames of the present invention as depicted in the exemplary embodiments are designed to: (a) provide rigidity (exoskeleton) to the human body for positioning to provide stability for purposes of transferring, lifting and/or transporting the subject via a mobile device, such as a powered lift device; (b) a male/female coupling for coupling to a tine or other carriage mechanism of a lifting device thereto for the purpose of moving or lifting the subject; and/or (c) be used as a support or frame that will interact with the body as an exoskeleton to aid with the activities of daily living.

Abstract: A system for transferring medical patients utilizes the concept of creating a “hollow space” between the patient and the surface on which he or she is supported. A patient support material mounted to a rigid frame positioned about a bed or other hospital furniture can have slots or openings extending laterally inward from at least one side of the patient support material and oriented substantially perpendicular to a line running from the head of the bed to the foot of the bed. The slots allow respective tines of a transport device, or straps from a patient transfer chair or device, to be inserted beneath a patient lying on the patient support material such that the tines or straps (or other elongated patient support/transfer components) can be lifted above through the slots and thus transfer the patient from the patient support material to the tines or straps of the patient transfer/transport device.

Abstract: An emergency patient support and transport apparatus that is designed to be used in emergency response situations to treat patients that have been exposed to hazardous biological, chemical or radioactive materials. The patient support and transport apparatus is in the form of a rail system that allows a patient and the patient's support bed to be transported across the rails to a medical treatment zone, such as a decontamination zone, where decontamination of the patient and support bed occurs. The support and transport apparatus is formed of a patient support track formed of individual track sections that are collapsible for ease of transport and storage. The individual track sections are adapted to be interconnected to form at least two continuous rail surfaces. The patient support track is used in combination with a patient gurney having a base portion and a removable stretcher portion for supporting the patient.

Abstract: A hospital bed apparatus includes a supporting frame, a lifting mechanism, and a horizontally moving mechanism; the lifting mechanism includes two horizontal rods on two sides of a hospital bed, and a sheet is disposed between and connected to the horizontal rods; either one of the horizontal rods can be lifted so as to turn and reposition the patient on the sheet; the horizontally moving mechanism includes linearly displaceable transverse rods, and connecting rods pivoted to the transverse rods and the lifting mechanism; the sheet and the horizontal rods of the lifting mechanism will be moved outside of the hospital bed when the horizontally moving mechanism is actuated after the sheet have been lifted off the hospital bed together with the horizontal rods; thus, the patient can be shifted to another hospital bed.

Abstract: A manual lifting pelvic harness for lifting or otherwise assisting debilitated patients has a adjustable belt, adjustable straps for encircling the thighs adjacent the buttocks, and fasteners such as tongues and buckles for securing the belt about the patient and securing the straps to the belt. Straps encircle the legs independently or cross over at the patient's crotch. The belt is wide, padded and slightly stiff. Alternatively, the straps have links at their ends and the links fit over the tongue of the belt before the tongue is inserted into the buckle to fasten the belt.

Abstract: A motion control apparatus for a hospital bed includes an axial shaft passing through two wheel modules. Three pedals capable of swinging upwardly and downwardly are pivotally disposed on the chassis in parallel. Driving components are fixedly disposed in opposite directions on the axial shaft corresponding to the pedals on two sides. A coupler is disposed between each driving component and pedal. When one of the two pedals on the two sides is stepped on downwardly, the axial shaft is driven to turn and results in braking of the wheel modules. When the middle pedal is stepped on downwardly, the other pedals gathered together swing downwardly at the same time, and the pedals on the two sides come to lean on the middle pedal at the same time and stop, resulting in disabling of the braking or orientation function.

Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.

Abstract: A method for transferring a patient from a first surface to a second surface includes providing a winch having a drive system and two reels operatively coupled to the drive system. Two straps are attached to each of the reels. Two wedge cushions are provided for pushing the patient in the direction of the winch from the first surface to the second surface. The wedge cushions have a cover, an insert and an attachment mechanism for attaching them to the straps. The wedge cushions are thinner at the attachment mechanism end. The first of the two straps is passed beneath the patient and is attached to a first wedge cushion. The second of the two straps is passed beneath the patient and is attached to another wedge cushion. The reels are rotated, thereby pulling the two straps until each of the wedge cushions wedge firmly beneath the patient. Nest, the reels are rotated together, thereby pulling the two straps until the patient is transferred from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transferring a patient from a first bed to a second bed, wherein said patient is disposed upon said first bed and said first bed and second bed comprise a surface for resting said patient comprising a plurality of predetermined sections. The method further discloses removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed; combining said surface of said first bed with said surface of said second bed; and transferring said patient from said first bed to second bed.

Abstract: A transferring device for a bed, placed on a bed plate, on top of or below a mattress, comprises inner and outer inflatable bags. Both inner and outer inflatable bag are placed on said bed plate, are shaped like a comb and each have a main inflatable bag and several auxiliary inner inflatable bags which are connected with each other, while being spatially separated from each other by gaps. By inflating and deflating the inner and outer inflatable bags, a patient is easily moved on the bed plate as well as transferred onto or from the bed plate.