Abstract: Active comfort controlled bedding systems include a variable firmness control and/or variable climate control. The active comfort controlled bedding systems generally include a plurality of air bladders, each one of the plurality of air bladders includes a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within a respective air bladder. A control unit configured to selectively operate a pump and valves to sequentially adjust a pressure in two or more of the plurality of air bladders having an applied load of an end user thereon to provide a repeating pattern within the two or more plurality of air bladders, wherein the repeating pattern is defined by a pressure increase and subsequent decrease in a selected one of the plurality of air bladders followed a pressure increase and subsequent decrease in a selected other one of the plurality of air bladders to provide a massaging action.

Abstract: A diagnostic support suitable to be attached to a patient includes a band suitable to be wrapped around and tightened onto a portion of the patient corresponding to an area of interest of the patient and an air space incorporated in the band and suitable to expand so that, when the band is tightened onto the portion of the patient, the air space compresses and stiffens the portion of the patient.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat with a lying function has a seat cushion, a backrest which is arranged on a first end region of the seat cushion, and a calf support which can be elongated and which is arranged on a second end region of the seat cushion. The calf support is provided with a lifting device for lifting two outer support panels out of a rest position and into a support position which protrudes beyond a support surface of the calf support.

Abstract: An external counter pulsation system (ECP) and method for using the system to improve circulation as well as cardiovascular related diseases. The ECP system of the present invention comprises a helical air bladder for modulating blood flow of major veins and arteries of the thigh. High efficiency is realized with the helical shape of the air bladder to lower the cost, weight and size of the ECP of the present invention.

Abstract: A pneumatic module has an air passage formed therein, including an air inlet to receive a source of pressurized air, a first subsystem with an air splitter in fluid communication with the air inlet, a second subsystem, and a third subsystem. The air splitter is configured to create two unequal air pressure fields to deflect an airflow from the air inlet to the second subsystem. The second subsystem is configured to create two unequal air pressure fields to deflect the airflow toward a first air bladder to inflate the first air bladder, and when the first air bladder reaches a first threshold air pressure, a first backpressure from the first air bladder causes the second subsystem to switch and deflect the air flow to a second air bladder. A second backpressure causes the air splitter to switch and deflect the airflow from the second subsystem to the third subsystem.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is different embodiments of legs and feet massage apparatuses for providing massage effects to the legs and/or feet of a user. Another aspect is different embodiments of hands and arms massage apparatuses for providing massage effects to the arms and/or hands of the user. Additional aspect is an armrest sliding adjustment apparatus. A further aspect is a bicep and tricep panel sliding adjustment apparatus. Additional aspect is a chair that includes at least one of the following devices, apparatuses and systems described in this application: any of the legs and feet massage apparatuses; any of the hands and arms massage apparatuses; an armrest sliding adjustment apparatus; a bicep and tricep panel sliding adjustment apparatus; a neck and shoulder massage system; an integrated smart medical device; at least one health monitoring device or system; a virtual reality device; and a touchscreen-based control system.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus and/or method involving respective sets of interleaved pressure cells, which operate to inflate and deflate independently of one another. The pressure cells further provide shear relief by deflecting along a direction of movement, such as along a shear direction of an upper surface coupled to the pressure cells. Such deflection may, for example, be implemented with elongated pressure cells and along a direction that is perpendicular to a length thereof. Shear relief in this regard may be facilitated by undercut regions of the respective pressure cells, at which location the pressure cells are coupled to an underlying surface and which is smaller in dimension relative to an overlying portion of the pressure cell.

Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seat, a first bladder assembly connected to the seat, a second bladder assembly connected to the seat, and/or an electrical control unit (ECU) configured to independently control the first bladder assembly and the second bladder assembly. The ECU may be configured to maintain a level of inflation of the first bladder assembly to provide a hugging effect to a user of the seat while inflating and deflating the second bladder assembly to guide breathing of said user.

Abstract: A bedding system, method and kit for the automation and ventilation of an existing duvet are disclosed. The system has an inflatable lining configured to be inserted and affixed into a cover together with the duvet, the inflatable lining comprising a network of pneumatic chambers defining a plurality of openings extending through the lining allowing air to circulate through the lining; and an air blower operatively connected to the inflatable lining for blowing air into the network of pneumatic chambers, so as in use, the inflatable lining is inflated to allow for the duvet and its cover to be straightened back into position after every use of the bed. The system can also include a sub-network for providing warm or cold air to control the temperature of the bedding. In contrast to traditional systems, the proposed invention is light weight and easily adaptable to current commercially available beds.

Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seat, a first bladder assembly connected to the seat, a second bladder assembly connected to the seat, and/or an electrical control unit (ECU) configured to independently control the first bladder assembly and the second bladder assembly. The ECU may be configured to maintain a level of inflation of the first bladder assembly to provide a hugging effect to a user of the seat while inflating and deflating the second bladder assembly to guide breathing of said user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating instrument location are described. The methods and systems can obtain a first motion estimate based on robotic data and a second motion estimate based on position sensor data. The methods and systems can determine a motion estimate disparity based on a comparison of the first and second motion estimates. Based on the motion estimate disparity, the methods and systems can update a weighting factor for a location derivable from the robotic data or a weighting factor for a location derivable from the position sensor data. Based on the updated weighting factor, the methods and systems can determine a location/position estimate for the instrument. The methods and systems can provide increased accuracy for a position estimate in cases where the instrument experiences buckling or hysteresis.

Abstract: Pneumatic and therapeutic compression systems are disclosed including treatment protocols that may be used with such systems. A pneumatic compression system may include a source and sink of a pressurizing fluid. The pressurizing fluid may be sourced to a number of valves, each valve controllable by a control device including a computing device. The computing device may control each valve separately to allow any one or more of the valves to connect to the fluid source or the fluid sink. The computing device may include one or more therapeutic protocols that may direct one, two, or more valves to switch between fluid sourcing and fluid sinking, substantially simultaneously or in a sequence. A therapeutic compression system may include the pneumatic system in fluid communication with an inflation sleeve composed of multiple cells. Each cell may be inflated or deflated by a valve according to the therapeutic protocol.

Abstract: A dynamic-directional seat pad which contains an inflating element (1), wherein a plan view of the inflatable element (1) contains a back side (4), concave sides (2) and a concave front side (3).

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus that manages behavioral treatment therapy includes generating a treatment plan comprising therapeutic techniques that is transmitted to at least one of a client at a client device or a practitioner at a practitioner device associated with the client. Analytic data may be obtained regarding execution of at least one of the therapeutic techniques and at least one of biomarker data from at least one biomarker sensor coupled to the client or environmental data from at least one environmental characteristic sensor during execution of the therapeutic technique. One or more of the therapeutic techniques are adjusted based on the analytic data and the at least one of the biomarker data or the environmental data. The adjusted one or more of the therapeutic techniques are transmitted to at least one of the client device or the practitioner device.

Abstract: The movement inducing device includes a plurality of air bags, each being provided with a contacting portion configured to contact with a user and induce a movement of an intended skeletal muscle of the user; a drive mechanism configured to expand and compress the air bags by adjusting supply and discharge of air to and from each air bag and a control unit provided with a drive control unit configured to control driving of the drive mechanism to make the intended skeletal muscle of the user perform at least one of an isotonic muscle activity, an isometric muscle activity and an isokinetic muscle activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying graduated pressure to an underlying surface. An exemplary device is a graduated compression device or a graduated pressure bandage, that is able to apply graduated pressure to a limb, with higher pressure being applied at one end of the device, e.g. near the ankle in use, and gradually applying less pressure at the other end of the device, e.g. such that the lowest pressure is applied to the end of the stocking closest to the thigh in use.

Abstract: A seat device includes a holding member that holds an air tube and is located below a seat cushion. The holding member includes a base wall that defines a holding surface for the air tube, a locking portion that locks air tubes routed along the holding surface on the base wall, and a side wall extending in a routing direction of each of the air tubes.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a patient support for supporting a patient. The patient support comprises a crib assembly comprising a support material with a cover assembly disposed over the crib assembly. The cover assembly defines a recess and comprising a patient support surface having an outer periphery. The patient support further comprises a connector assembly for connecting the patient support to a fluid source with the connector assembly comprising a connector with a plurality of ports. The assembly defines a three dimensional interior corner adjacent the recess in the cover assembly. The connector assembly is disposed in the recess of the cover assembly such that the plurality of ports of the connector are presented for connection to the fluid source at the three dimensional interior corner and inside the outer periphery of the patient support surface.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyance seat including a pelvis support member of which a state or the like is adjusted. The conveyance seat includes the pelvis support member configured to support a portion of an occupant's body where a pelvis is positioned and lumbar supports configured to move the pelvis support member. The pelvis support member includes a seat back side support portion positioned behind a back portion of the occupant, a seat cushion side support portion positioned below buttocks of the occupant, and a connection portion that connects the seat back side support portion and the seat cushion side support portion. The lumbar supports are configured to move the pelvis support member so that a position of at least one of the seat back side support portion, the seat cushion side support portion, and the connection portion is changed with respect to the portion where the pelvis is positioned.

Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.

Abstract: A seat apparatus includes a vehicle seat including a cushion member having a bottom portion with a plurality of recessed portions, a plurality of air cells configured to expand by injection of compressed air, and a fluid supply mechanism configured to supply the fluid to the air cells. In the seat apparatus, at least one of the recessed portions is provided at a portion of the bottom portion of the cushion member positioned at a seating portion of the vehicle seat, the hip of a passenger being placed on the seating portion. Each air cell is expandable in a corresponding one of the recessed portions. The fluid supply mechanism is configured to expand at least one air cell by supplying the compressed air thereto and to change the at least one air cell to be expanded by switching a fluid supply destination.

Abstract: A system and method determines a user's compliance with a prescribed therapeutic pneumatic compression treatment by applying external pressure to a body limb using a pneumatic compression sleeve having a pneumatically fillable cell; measuring pneumatic pressure within the pneumatically fillable cell; generating a pressure signal corresponding to the measured pneumatic pressure; determining biological events associated with the user based upon the pressure signal; generating a positive detection signal for each determined biological event associated with the user; and determining a user's compliance with a prescribed therapeutic pneumatic compression treatment when a predetermined number of positive detection signals have been generated within a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An air supply and exhaust device including: a distributor configured to supply air by supplying air pressure from a pump sequentially to each of a plurality of air cells and exhaust air by supplying atmospheric pressure to the air cell to which air has been supplied; and a control circuit configured to cause the pump and the distributor to operate simultaneously during air supply and exhaust operation to the air cells, and stop the pump from operating and then stop the distributor from operating after a predetermined time has passed when the air supply and exhaust operation to the air cells is stopped, wherein the predetermined time is set to be longer than a time for the distributor to switch from a state of supplying air to one of the air cells to a state of exhausting air from the one of the air cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.

Abstract: A massage apparatus includes: a base; a first air bag and a second air bag, the first air bag and the second air bag vertically overlapped with each other, the first air bag being disposed on an upper side of the second air bag, and the first air bag and the second air bag being joined to each other at an overlapped site; an air injection and discharge section connected to the first air bag for injecting air into and discharging air from the first air bag; a coupling section including a through hole arranged to communicate the air bags with each other is provided at a site where the air bags is joined to each other; and a fixing section rotatably fixing the first air bag to the base provided on a portion of the first air bag, the portion being not overlapped with the second air bag.

Abstract: A fluid-fillable cushion comprises upper and lower layers, a first chamber and a second chamber and a discrete pressure distributing unit situated between the upper and lower layers, said pressure distributing unit providing a fluid connection between at least the first chamber and the second chamber. Such a cushion reduces leaks and allows controlled pressure equalisation between the chambers. Also disclosed is a process for making such cushions and seating products comprising such cushions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for loading vibration is provided. The apparatus for loading vibration has a contacting unit, a first vibration unit, a storage unit and a control unit. The contacting unit is capable of coming into contact with a biological body which pulsates or beats in a contact state of a first contact condition. The first vibration unit provides a self-excited vibration to the biological body through the contacting unit. The storage unit stores a second contact condition which synchronizes the self-excited vibration with the pulses or the beats. The control unit controls the contact state of the contacting unit so as to make the first contact condition become closer to the second contact condition.

Abstract: A method for using a back lifting chair designed for treating and preventing back problems by monitoring posture, weight distribution, and sitting duration of an occupant of a seating device, and reducing pressure on a user's spinal disc by adjusting the user's posture. The method allows for an up-lifting motion on the user's torso, reducing the weight and pressure asserted on the lumbar disc, and preventing any further damage to it. The method allows for an upward and downward movement, hence partially or completely lifting the user from the seat, effectively reducing the pressure on the user's spine and back. The upward motion can be initialized by the user, or alternatively, it can be automatically activated by the weight sensor installed on the seat device which detects the prolonged period of sitting.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.

Abstract: A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining patient compliance for using a compression therapy device. The systems may include a compression therapy sleeve and a controller having a non-transitory memory device. During a therapy session, the controller may record in the memory device operational therapy data obtained from sensors associated with the controller and/or sleeve. The controller may calculate a compliance metric based in part on the therapy data. The controller may then communicate the data or metric to one or more recipients. The methods may include allowing the patient to transfer a removable memory device from the controller to a personal computer, and uploading the therapy data or metric stored on it to a recipient website. Alternative methods may include the patient receiving the metric from the controller at the end of the therapy session, and then providing the metric to a recipient by phone.

Abstract: A portable deep vein leg massager apparatus with harness attaching to a human lower leg having a segmented calf surface staged assemblies compressing and decompressing the calf muscle directionally toward the shin. The segmented staged electromechanical assemblies act synchronously to compel deep vein blood vessels to push blood from the ankle towards the heart.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a DVT pump mounted in the patient support, and a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the DVT pump. Optionally, the patient support further includes a control system to detect when a DVT device is coupled or in close proximity to the port and/or the type of DVT device. Further, the control system may be configured to control the pump based on the type of DVT device coupled to the port.

Abstract: A medical air mattress has a mattress body, a lower bedspread and an upper bedspread. The mattress body is formed by multiple air cells substantially parallel arranged in a row forming an air cell row. The upper bedspread covers the mattress body and is securely connected to the lower bedspread. The mattress further comprises a pumping assembly with a pump and at least a pipeline connecting the pump with the air cells such that inflating and/or deflating of the air cells is controllable selectively.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A seat having a backrest and a seat cushion is provided with at least one adjusting element on both sides of the longitudinal center plane of the seat. By alternatingly actuating the adjusting elements in the two halves of the seat, mobilization of the spinal column of a seat user occurs. In order to increase the acceptance of such a mobilization, which requires comparatively long stroke lengths of the adjusting elements to achieve a physiological effectiveness, an accustomization phase occurs before the action phase. During the accustomization phase, the adjusting elements exercise, for example, only about half of the stroke during the action phase. Preferably, a transition phase may be interposed between the accustomization phase and the action phase.

Abstract: A human body support, such as a chair, has a plurality of support segments that are arranged in an array. Each support segment has a protrusion elevation that is independently variable and controllable in its distance of protrusion elevation against the supported human body. A sensor is connected to a human body on the support and senses a human body parameter that can indicate the presence of drowsiness. A controller analyzes the sensed parameter to detect whether the sensed parameter is within a range indicating the presence of drowsiness. The controller applies a wave of varying segment protrusion elevation against the human body in response to the detection of drowsiness. The wave progresses in a direction from an inferior location on the human body toward a more superior location. Alternatively, a wave of electrical stimuli is applied by similarly positioned electrodes and causes periodic tightening and relaxing of proximate muscles.

Abstract: A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea comprising reducing an effective amount of extracellular fluid of a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic valve system for carrying out a compressed air supply to and evacuation from a plurality of air chambers of massage instruments of an air-type massage device, comprising: a plurality of first electromagnetic valves which are connected to each air chamber via supply tubes; a second electromagnetic valve further comprising a first aperture which communicates with external air; and a plurality of first check valves which are disposed within a header in an intermediate location between the second electromagnetic valve and each air chamber with a connection tube therebetween, and allow air to pass from the air chambers toward the second electromagnetic valve only when air pressure on the second electromagnetic valve side is lower than air pressure on the air chamber side.

Abstract: A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.

Abstract: A boot assembly and method that simulates, in a static equine animal (stalled or hauled), the natural mechanical action of walking or other gaited exercise. The assembly has a boot, containing a shock absorbing pad that is fitted with dual pulsing bladders disposed under or inside the shock absorbing pad. Pressuring and relaxing the pulsing bladder in the bottom of the boot rhythmically pushes against the sole and frog and against the toe of the equine hoof in much the same way that the hoof is exercised when the animal is moving. The pulsing action helps stimulate blood flow through the hoof and is beneficial to shod, injured, and transported horses. The assembly may be fitted on one or more hooves, and may be automated to provide timing and sequencing to simulate different gaits of the animal. In some aspects the assembly is disc posed in an ice boot or ice spa boot to also provide cryotherapy as well as simulated exercise.

Abstract: A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient.

Abstract: A controller assembly for delivering pressurized fluid to a compression treatment device includes a first pump assembly including a first pump unit and a first electrical contact. The first pump assembly defines a first pneumatic passage configured for fluid communication with the pump unit. A second pump assembly includes a second pump unit and a second electrical contact. The second pump assembly defines a second pneumatic passage fluidly communicable with the second pump unit. The first pump assembly defines a receptacle into which the second pump assembly is slidingly receivable. The sliding reception of the second pump assembly into the first pump assembly establishes fluid communication between the first and second pneumatic passages and establishes electrical communication between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: A system for applying compression treatment to a wearer's body includes a compression garment positionable on the wearer's body. The garment includes an inflatable bladder and fasteners. The fasteners are electrically conductive and form part of an electric circuit. Connection of the fasteners closes the electric circuit and disconnection of the fasteners opens the circuit. A controller that provides air pressure to the garment is able to detect whether the electric circuit is opened or closed.

Abstract: A system including a compressible element configured to compress a muscle in a limb of a user, a controller configured to control a sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element, and a generator configured to move a working fluid to compress the compressible element as controlled by the controller. The sequence, rate or amount of compression of the compressible element is established to reduce an amount of effort expended by a heart of a user to move a volume of blood. Another system and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for creating a massaging and heating/cooling operation with a closed-loop circulation system for working fluid, and in particular, a closed-loop circulation system that includes a controlled leak adjacent a pump for the working fluid to inject and release the working fluid.

Abstract: A method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion including sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.