Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
005713000 | Variably pressurizable chambers (e.g., with pump) | 80 |
20080201857 | BUILT-IN PUMP FOR AN AIRBED WITH A SINGLE VALVE - A built-in pump ( | 08-28-2008 |
20080201858 | MATTRESS TYPE SUPPORT DEVICE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE SOLENOID VALVE FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FEED/VENT TO OR FROM COMPARTMENTS OF THE MATTRESS - A support device of the mattress type ( | 08-28-2008 |
20080216248 | System and Method for Maintaining Air Inflatable Mattress Configuration - 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. The overall mattress assembly, including the control systems and the methodologies associated with such control systems, provide a unique approach to the maintenance of a consistently comfortable patient support surface. The use of a handheld unit for both programming the system and downloading information about the operation of the system is also anticipated. The specific cushion construction designs associated with the head, body, and foot cushion components of the mattress are tailored to operate specifically with the control capabilities (sensors and air flow regulators) of the invention. | 09-11-2008 |
20080313816 | Device and method for carefully settling a patient in a defined position - 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. | 12-25-2008 |
20090007341 | INFLATABLE SUPPORT - 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. | 01-08-2009 |
20090013475 | Reclining Means - 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. | 01-15-2009 |
20090056030 | MATTRESS COVER FOR CONVALESCING PATIENT - 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. The side edges of the coverlet form a drip edge and may be attached to the mattress by suitable means. | 03-05-2009 |
20090064418 | Distributed Pressure Control for Support Surfaces - A distributed pressure control system for a support surface includes a main controller including a source of pressurized air and a communication interface, and an air manifold having an air inlet coupled with the air source and a plurality of air outlets. A plurality of control modules are each attachable to a respective one of the plurality of air outlets. Each control module includes at least one valve and includes a control unit communicating with the communication interface. The control modules effect inflation and deflation of air cells in the support surface via the valves based on a signal from the communication interface. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070942 | HOSPITAL BED - A hospital bed including a mattress and a frame. The width of the frame of the hospital bed is adjustable and the width of the mattress is adjustable. The hospital bed may include a frame and mattress adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient. | 03-19-2009 |
20090089934 | Gradient bed - A three dimensional matrix of air, other gas, or hydraulic fluid cells is proposed for the purpose of providing an ideal surface for load distribution. These cells will be arranged into layers stacked onto each other, with successive layers inflated to decreasing pressures. Neighboring cells can either communicate with each other freely, emulating an open cell construction, or be locked, emulating a closed cell construction, thus providing dynamic, as well as passive, control. | 04-09-2009 |
20090089935 | Pressure Switch Applicable for an Inflatable Body - A inflatable product for an inflatable body includes a casing with an airway adapted to communicate with an interior of the inflatable body, a resilient element movably positioned inside the casing to define with the casing a space therebetween, an on/off switch adapted to connect to an air pump, a driving element movably positioned inside the casing to be in response to the movement of the resilient element so as to selectively activate the on/off switch to activate the air pump and a recoil element positioned around the driving element and a distal end of which is abutted against the resilient element, wherein the spring is compressed/decompressed when the resilient element moves in response to pressure inside the inflatable body so that activation/deactivation of the on/off switch is controlled via the movement of the resilient element as well as the compression of the spring. | 04-09-2009 |
20090100604 | METHOD OF INFLATING, IN ALTERNATING MANNER, A SUPPORT DEVICE HAVING INFLATABLE CELLS, AND A DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD - A method of inflating, in alternating manner, inflatable cells of a support device for supporting an element to be supported is provided, which device is of the mattress type for supporting the body of a patient, said mattress being made up of cells that are inflatable with a fluid, in particular air, and having at least one zone made up of first and second series of inflatable cells referred to respectively as “first” cells and as “second” cells, the cells of each series communicating fluidly with one another and with inflation means, in which method alternating deflation and re-inflation cycles are performed during which each of said series of cells is deflated and then re-inflated in alternation and in succession, said first cells being deflated and then re-inflated simultaneously respectively with the re-inflation and with the deflation of said second cells, the alternating deflation and re-inflation of said first and second cells of the support device taking place in a cycle controlled by said inflation means being switched on/off, wherein the switching on/off of said inflation means is controlled as a function of the values of the pressures of the fluid measured inside said cells and of comparison of said values with at least one reference pressure value determined as a function of the morphology of the patient. | 04-23-2009 |
20090100605 | INFLATABLE CELL, A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH A CELL, AND A SUPPORT DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH A CELL - An inflatable cell that is inflatable with a fluid, such as air, comprises a flexible casing that is closed at its ends, the casing defining, between its walls, at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one fluid insertion means for inserting fluid into the chamber and at least one fluid removal means for removing fluid from said chamber, these insertion and removal means being bonded in substantially airtight manner to at least one end of the casing; and at least one link means for linking the cell to another identical cell, which link means are integral with or secured to the casing. A method of manufacturing such a cell and a support device of the mattress type that is manufactured on the basis of assembling together such cells are also disclosed. | 04-23-2009 |
20090106905 | Air Mattress Device and Its Use - There is realized a configuration in which, even when pressure is concentrated, the pressure can be adjusted based on accurate and precise detection of pressure distribution, thereby providing sleeping comfort. | 04-30-2009 |
20090106906 | SELF-CONTAINED GATCHING, ROTATING AND ADJUSTABLE FOOT SECTION MATTRESS - A self-contained gatching mattress having a gatching mattress sleep deck, a first air bladder cushion, a second cushion material, a control box having an air pump system and a manifold, a conduit distribution unit, a sliding bridge, and a cushion material positioned above the sliding bridge and the control box. The sliding bridge forms a gap area for conduits to extend from the control box to the conduit distribution unit which decreases the chances of the conduits being kinked or altering the cushion's tissue interface pressure to patient's positioned on the cushion when the sleep deck is gatched and/or portions are retracted or extended. | 04-30-2009 |
20090144909 | PRESSURE CONTROL FOR A HOSPITAL BED - A patient support including a pressure adjustable mattress system. The pressure adjustable mattress system includes a support surface and a controller to control the pressure of the support surface. | 06-11-2009 |
20090193590 | BED FOR PREVENTING BED SORES - An anti-bedsore bed, comprising multiple expandable/contractable air bags | 08-06-2009 |
20090205139 | Bed with Lying Support and Method for Dynamically Supporting a Lying Position - The invention relates to a lying support such as a bed ( | 08-20-2009 |
20090249552 | Support Surface with Inflatable Core Zones - A mattress includes a core portion having independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones, each of which includes at least an A bladder and a B bladder. Pressure within all the core portion A bladders is adjustable separately from pressure within all the core portion B bladders. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are adjustable separately from pressure within the B bladders of the given zone. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the A bladders of zones other than the given zone, and pressure within the B bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the B bladders of zones other than the given zone. | 10-08-2009 |
20090320211 | INFLATABLE BED WITH CUSHION CELLS - An inflatable bed assembly having a plurality of inflatable cushion cells disposed on the top of the inflatable bed. Each cushion cell has a vent fluidly interconnecting the interior volume of the cushion cell with a main air chamber of the bed. When the bed is inflated, the cushion cells inflate and form raised projections on the top of the bed. The cushion cells provide a pressure sensitive surface which molds to the user's body for increased comfort. The vents are sized to allow the cushion cells to inflate upon inflation of the main air chamber, partially deflate when pressure is applied, and re-inflate when the pressure is removed. The size of the vents dampens the rate that air passes through the vent. The controlled inflation and deflation of the cells softens the impact caused by application of a body thereon and simulates the dampened response of “memory-foam”. | 12-31-2009 |
20100000020 | Dynamic therapy bed system - A therapeutic mattress system is provided for treating a patient. The mattress system has a mattress having plurality of vertically elongated cells extending from a base layer that are arranged in a row and column grid arrangement. Each cell has a sidewall and a patient support surface extending therefrom, and a cavity defined interior of the sidewall, the patient support surface and the base layer. The elongated cells are further grouped into a first group of cells and a second group of cells such that the cavities of the cells of the first group are fluidly interconnected to define a first group chamber and the cavities of the cells of the second group are fluidly interconnected to define a second group chamber. Further, the chamber of the first group is not fluidly interconnected with the chamber of the second group. Additionally, the cells of the first group alternate with the cells of the second group diagonally across the mattress. Each of the grouping of cells has an inlet port and an exit port. Air can be injected into the respective group of cells at the inlet port and at least a portion of the air in each group of cells can be exhausted from the respective exit ports. A blower assembly is also provided to provide and exhaust air from the respective air chambers in one of a standard, alternating pressure, rotation, wound therapy, percussion or vibration mode. | 01-07-2010 |
20100031449 | MATTRESS ADJUSTING SYSTEM - A mattress adjusting system includes at least two airbag sets disposed in the mattress which overlap to each other, at least one air pump for supplying air to a main air tube, each airbag set being connected with the main air tube via a branch air tube, and a control valve disposed in each branch air tube for turning on/off the branch air tube, said air pump and control valves are manipulated by at least one controller. Each airbag set is inflated so as to support the mattress, or the airbag set could be alternatively deflated and inflated to provide a massage effect. When the two airbag sets overlapping to each other are alternatively deflated and inflated, the raised surface of the mattress could appear to shift smoothly. | 02-11-2010 |
20100064443 | STRUCTURE OF AUTOMATIC PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE AIR BED - An improved structure of automatic pressure adjustable air bed mainly includes an air mattress, an air pump, and air pipes arranged therebetween, as well as a control system disposed on the air bed. The control system includes multiple pressure sensors disposed on the air mattress for acquiring pressure signals, and a main control unit for controlling actions of the air pump or electrical controlled valves thereon, thereby achieving the automatic adjustment of firmness of the air mattress. | 03-18-2010 |
20100071137 | RESILIENT MATERIAL/AIR BLADDER SYSTEM - A fluid bladder system has a conventional fluid bladder and a resilient member in the fluid bladder. The resilient member is of a size that it allows the fluid in the fluid bladder to be the principal support applied to the patient. The resilient member only applies a force to the patient only after the patient displaces the fluid in the fluid bladder so the resilient structure is the only entity that inhibits the patient from bottoming out. | 03-25-2010 |
20100095462 | PATIENT SUPPORT - This disclosure describes a mattress having a plurality of vertically-oriented inflatable bladders and a pneumatic box located inside the mattress. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations. | 04-22-2010 |
20100132124 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTERNAL PRESSURE OF INFLATABLE PAD - A system, apparatus and method for controlling an internal pressure of an inflatable pad are disclosed. The apparatus includes a control valve, a sensor, a driving device and a controller. The control valve is switched between statuses to selectively perform inflation and deflation of the inflatable pad. The sensor measures the internal pressure of the inflatable pad. The driving device is coupled to the control valve to blow air into the inflatable pad. The controller is coupled to the control valve for controlling the internal pressure at a predetermined pressure. Responsive to the present of a user, the controller deflates the inflatable pad within a deflation period and records the internal pressure during the deflation period. A characteristic curve is obtained representing the variation of the internal pressure corresponding to the user and an appropriate pressure is determined based on the characteristic curve. | 06-03-2010 |
20100146709 | PATIENT SUPPORT - A patient support includes a layer of fluid pressurized bladders, the bladders each having a chamber and an upwardly facing surface for facing and supporting a patient, and a cover over the layer of fluid pressurized bladders. Respective bladders in at least a group of the bladders each have a resilient body in its respective chamber to reform the shape of the respective bladder when a compression load on the respective bladder is removed wherein the pressure in the respective bladders is generally maintained without a powered supply of air. The cover has an upwardly facing patient surface and a bladder layer facing surface, with the patient surface for forming a patient support surface on the support, and the bladder layer facing surface for lying on the upwardly facing surfaces of the bladders. | 06-17-2010 |
20100205750 | INFLATABLE CELLULAR MATTRESS WITH ALTERNATING ZONES OF INFLATED CELLS - A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area. | 08-19-2010 |
20100281619 | AIR MATTRESS SYSTEM WITH INFLATABLE LIMB CHAMBER - A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers and a moveable inflatable limb elevation chamber. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers. The limb elevation chamber may also be selectively inflated and deflated as well being positioned at any desired portion of the inflatable mattress in order to raise one or more human limbs off the surface of the mattress. | 11-11-2010 |
20110094040 | MULTI-COMPARTMENTED BODY SUPPORT SYSTEM WITH MULTI-PORT VALVE ASSEMBLY - A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable body support | 04-28-2011 |
20110099723 | Adjustable Width Mattress with Relief Portions - A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly | 05-05-2011 |
20110113561 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING FOOT RETRACTION IN A MATTRESS REPLACEMENT SYSTEM - A patient support surface, such as a mattress, includes one or more sensors to sense movement of at least a portion of the mattress caused by extension or retraction of an associated mattress support section of a bed frame. A pneumatic control system adjusts inflation and/or deflation of at least one inflatable bladder of the mattress in response to a signal received from the one or more sensors. | 05-19-2011 |
20110113562 | ENDBOARD FOR PERSON SUPPORT APPARATUS - An endboard for a person support apparatus comprises a housing, a first opening, and a passage. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The first opening in the housing is configured to receive a fluid from a fluid supply. The passage is positioned between the first surface and the second surface of the housing. The passage is configured to facilitate communication of fluid from the first opening to a second opening in the housing. | 05-19-2011 |
20110138539 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT - A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure set-point to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint. | 06-16-2011 |
20110185509 | Patient Immersion Control - A mattress includes a base member, a support surface disposed on the base member, and a proximity control system cooperable the support surface and the base member. The proximity control system controls immersion of an object on the support surface. | 08-04-2011 |
20110225740 | ANGLE DETECTION AND CONTROL - An alternating pressure pad ( | 09-22-2011 |
20110247143 | TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE REGULATING TOPPER FOR NON-POWERED PERSON-SUPPORT SURFACES - A person-support surface comprises a non powered mattress and a coverlet positionable on the non powered mattress. The coverlet includes an entry positioned at a first end of the coverlet, an exit positioned at a second end of the coverlet opposite the entry, an upper air impermeable layer, and a lower air impermeable layer coupled to the upper air impermeable layer to form an air flow path along the coverlet between the entry and the exit. The upper air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable and the lower air impermeable layer is a vapor permeable. | 10-13-2011 |
20110252570 | THERAPEUTIC MATTRESS SYSTEM AND METHODS OF FABRICATING SAME - A cellular structure includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells coupled to the base, a sealing layer, and a pressurization system. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The cells each extend outwardly from the base, and are grouped together in at least a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone. The cells in each of the first, second, and third zones are only coupled in flow communication with the cells in that respective zone. The pressurization system is coupled to the first, second, and third zones for selectively and independently pressurizing each of the zones. The pressurization zone is configured such that in a first mode of operation, the first zone is pressurized and the second and third zones are depressurized, and in a second mode of operation, the first zone is depressurized while the second and third zones are pressurized. | 10-20-2011 |
20110252571 | MULTIPLE AIR PASSAGES APPLIED TO AIR MATTRESS - A multiple air passages applied to air mattress includes a plurality of transverse bladders, in particular, the bladders are longitudinally compressed to define air passages, and cavities are formed between the air passages and some specific bladders for communicating the air passages with an interior of the aforementioned bladders. The air passages of the present invention can apply to an alternating air mattress or to one with multiple zones. By means of the air passages conducive to an air-crossing transmission and a designated distribution, the present invention preferably omits a complex distribution and attains a neat appearance, lower costs, and a mass production. | 10-20-2011 |
20110283460 | Air-Operated Device for Better Sleep - An air-operated device for better sleep includes a pad whose inside has an interlayer composed of two sheets stacked together. The top surface of the pad has an accommodating cavity in communications with the interlayer. The pad has an air vent. Two airbags are disposed adjacently in the accommodating cavity. The airbags are in touch with the interlayer by the adjacent side. The airbags are connected to the air vent of the pad via an air-transporting pipe, respectively. An action pad is disposed correspondingly in the accommodating cavity and depresses the two airbags. A controller is connected to the air vent of the pad to inflate and deflate the airbags. When the airbags are inflated, the action pad is pushed by the air bags to sway upward. | 11-24-2011 |
20110296622 | Active Supporting Device for Health Bed and Method thereof - An active supporting device for a health bed and a method thereof is disclosed, an air spring layer is on a top surface of a mattress; the air spring layer comprises a plurality of gasbags, each of the gasbags is connected to an aerating/deflating device through an air tube set, the aerating/deflating device is connected to a control device, the control device drives the aerating/deflating device to aerate or deflate the gasbags of the air spring layer through the air tube set, each air tube of the air tube set is connected to a pressure sensor; the air spring layer is on a top surface of the mattress and covers the parts of a human being from the neck to the buttocks of the human being, initially the aerating/deflating device aerates the all gasbags and detect the pressure in each gasbag via each air tube, after each pressure approaches a preset value, the aeration is stopped, so that the aerating time period of each gasbag is obtained. Thus, the gasbags corresponding to the waist need longer time periods. After re-aeration, the gasbags corresponding to the waist are enough to actively support the waist for the best sleep. | 12-08-2011 |
20110296623 | PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT - A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels. | 12-08-2011 |
20110296624 | PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT - A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver. | 12-08-2011 |
20110308019 | BODY POSITION AND PRESSURE CONTROL APPARATUS - A body position and pressure control apparatus is provided capable of highly accurately detecting body pressure distribution without causing a sense of discomfort for a sleeper, changing body positions, and distributing body pressure. The body position and pressure control apparatus has a mattress provided with a plurality of divided portions and supporting a sleeper, an elastomer sensor, and a body pressure adjuster controlling each of the divided portions based on an instruction from the elastomer sensor and thereby changing the body pressure distribution of the sleeper. The elastomer sensor has a sheet sensor main body and a calculator, the sensor main body having an elastomer sensor thin film, a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of detectors corresponding to the divided portions provided between the electrodes. | 12-22-2011 |
20120036646 | INFLATABLE CELLULAR MATTRESS WITH ALTERNATING ZONES OF INFLATED CELLS - A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area. | 02-16-2012 |
20120079662 | SUPPORT APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner. | 04-05-2012 |
20120144595 | MATTRESS DEFLATION MANAGEMENT - A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure that varies in size as a frame of the patient support apparatus varies in size. The inflatable support structure includes a bladder assembly and bias members that urge the bladder assembly to a collapsed configuration during deflation of the bladder assembly. | 06-14-2012 |
20120174322 | CONTROL FOR PRESSURIZED BLADDER IN A PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS - An apparatus for supporting a patient, such as a hospital bed, is provided. The apparatus includes a patient support surface and at least one fluid containing bladder. A pressure control assembly is operably coupled with the bladder. When the fluid pressure within the bladder falls outside of an acceptable range of pressure values, the active adjustment of the pressure within the bladder is initiated by the pressure control assembly if the pressure does not return to the acceptable range of pressure values within a time period, e.g., a time delay, that has a variable length. | 07-12-2012 |
20130031725 | System and Method for Controlling Air Mattress Inflation and Deflation - The described system and method allows for the control of inflation and deflation of air mattresses such that fast and accurate deflate times and satisfaction of consumer expectations may be achieved. A combination of empirically-derived deflate profiles, corrected dynamic measurements, and static measurements may be used to achieve fast and accurate deflation to user-defined target pressures. Additionally, a marketing routine that invokes simulated deflation or simulated inflation when deflation or inflation is not necessary but a user is expecting deflation or inflation, respectively, may be used to better satisfy the user's expectations. | 02-07-2013 |
20130036556 | AIR MATTRESS SYSTEM - A portable air mattress system includes an inflatable member expandable from a deflated state to an inflated state. An inflation device is in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The inflation device is configured to selectively inflate the inflatable member to the inflated state. Further, the inflation device can be removed and reattached by the user. A power supply cable is in electrical communication with the inflation device. The power supply cable is configured to provide electrical power from a power source to the inflation device so as to power the inflation device. The terminal end of the power supply cable includes a universal serial bus (USB) connector. | 02-14-2013 |
20130061399 | Air Mattress Having Only Two Inflate/Deflate Ports For Inflating Four Or Six Separate Bladders - The invention relates generally to a multi-bladder air mattress where only two inflation-deflation port members are required to inflate an air mattress having either four or six separate air bladders. | 03-14-2013 |
20130167301 | AIR CUSHION BED WITH SENSING MAT CAPABLE OF DETECTING THE LYING OF A PATIENT THEREON - An air cushion bed includes an inflatable air mattress; a first sensing mat provided on an outer surface of the air mattress and including a first upper and a first lower sensing sheet with a first soft pad sandwiched between them; and a first determining module electrically connected to the first upper and lower sensing sheets. When the first sensing mat is compressed and the first upper and lower sensing sheets are electrically connected to each other via holes on the first soft pad, the first determining module determines there is a patient lying on the air mattress or the air mattress with a patient lying thereon is insufficiently inflated. A second sensing mat and a second determining module can be additionally provided on another outer surface of the air mattress opposite to the first sensing mat for the air cushion bed to determine both of the above two situations. | 07-04-2013 |
20130174347 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS PROVIDING VARIABLE SUPPORT AND VARIABLE COMFORT CONTROL OF A SLEEP SYSTEM AND AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT THEREOF - An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data. | 07-11-2013 |
20130205508 | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING THE HARDNESS OF AN AIR BED BASED ON FRONT LYING OR SIDE LYING AND METHOD THEREOF - A device for automatically adjusting the hardness of an air bed based on front or side lying comprises: a mattress body having at least one air cushion, wherein the air cushion has an air inlet/outlet; gravity sensors traverse positioned in the mattress body; a cylindrical member, which one end is connected with the air inlet/outlet; an inflation/deflation device connected with the other end of the cylindrical member, wherein the other end is not connected with the air cushion; and a control device electrically connected with the inflation/deflation device and the air cushion previously stores the predetermining values of front lying and side lying, the gravity sensors are triggered to send signals to the control device while the user lies on, the control device determines the result of front lying or side lying based on the triggering amount and drives the inflation/deflation device to inflate/deflate the air cushion. | 08-15-2013 |
20130219628 | PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS - A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided. A rotation monitoring system and temperature control system of the patient support apparatus are provided. A display activation system is also provided. | 08-29-2013 |
20130263378 | Occupant Support with a Migration Sensitive Bladder and Method for Migration Detection - A method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. | 10-10-2013 |
20130263379 | MATTRESS - The objective of the present invention is to provide a mattress including a plurality of cells provided on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body, and a pressure control means that changes a setting of a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. An elastic cushion layer is provided on a body pressure working surface of the cells, and a constricted portion is formed in a middle in the height of the each cell so that the body pressure working surface of the cell is allowed to tilt following deformation of the cushion layer as a result of the cells' precession-deformation at the constricted portion. | 10-10-2013 |
20140000040 | MATTRESS STRUCTURE INCLUDING LOW AIR LOSS | 01-02-2014 |
20140026326 | PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE PLATFORM SYSTEM - The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform system including a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable platform system. | 01-30-2014 |
20140026327 | ADAPTIVE CUSHION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING FORCE CONCENTRATIONS ON A HUMAN BODY - An adaptive cushion for reducing pressure on body parts of a person positioned on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a force sensor. The cushion includes a controller for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to air pressures that tend to reduce the interface pressures sensed by the force sensors. A pressure reduction method includes varying the inflation pressure in a first air bladder cell while measuring the sum of the interface pressures exerted on all or a plurality of the air bladder cells, re-pressurizing the first cell to that air pressure for which a minimum total interface pressure was obtained, repeating this process for the remaining air bladder cells. | 01-30-2014 |
20140041127 | METHODS OF OPTIMIZING A PRESSURE CONTOUR OF A PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE PLATFORM SYSTEM - The present invention provides a method of optimizing a pressure contour of a pressure adjustable platform system by (a) measuring pressure in a plurality of bladders in the pressure adjustable platform system; (b) assessing whether a change in pressure in one or more of the plurality of bladders occurs; (c) determining whether a subject on the pressure adjustable platform system has adjusted position, moved or tossed; (d) generating an adaptive sleep algorithm; and (e) adjusting the pressure in one or more bladders. | 02-13-2014 |
20140047644 | Anti-Snore Bed Having Inflatable Members - A bedding product ( | 02-20-2014 |
20140047645 | MATTRESS AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING PRESSURE OF MATTRESS - A mattress and a method of adjusting the pressure of a mattress are provided. The method includes a first process of measuring internal pressure before a user lies on a mattress having at least two zones in which cells having a closed inner space filled with fluid are formed, a second process of measuring an increase in the internal pressure of each cell occurring when the user lies on the mattress, and an average pressure adjusting process of adjusting an amount of the fluid introduced into each cell of the mattress based on a pressure variation caused by a difference between the internal pressure detected from each cell in the first process and the internal pressure detected from each cell in the second process. | 02-20-2014 |
20140059781 | INFLATABLE MATTRESS AND CONTROL METHODS - A patient support, such as a mattress, includes a plurality of inflatable bladders. Depth sensors are included in the support that measure the degree of penetration of a patient into the mattress. An air pressure sensor is also included that measures the pressure inside at least one bladder. A suitable inflation level of the mattress is determined by monitoring the rate of change of the depth with respect to air pressure as the bladder is either inflated or deflated. By detecting an inflection point in the graphical relationship of the depth and pressure outputs, a suitable inflation point for the bladders is determined that reduced interface pressures experienced by the patient, yet does not overly sink the patient into the mattress to a degree or discomfort. Analyzing the outputs of the depth and pressure sensors can also be used to detect a patient's heart rate and respiration rate. | 03-06-2014 |
20140082849 | MATTRESS DEFLATION MANAGEMENT - A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure that varies in size as a frame of the patient support apparatus varies in size. The inflatable support structure includes a bladder assembly and bias members that urge the bladder assembly to a collapsed configuration during deflation of the bladder assembly. | 03-27-2014 |
20140109319 | CUSHIONING DEVICE AND METHOD OF CUSHIONING A BODY - Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device. | 04-24-2014 |
20140130264 | CUSHION CELL AND CUSHION BODY USING THE SAME - The objective of the present invention is to provide: a cushion cell with a new structure which is designed to disperse stresses when the cushion cell is in an inflated state such that excellent durability is achieved and in which a large support area for the human body can be obtained with excellent space efficiency relative to a square shaped space for disposal in an inflated state; and a cushion body with a new structure using the same. The cushion cell is formed with a fluid chamber inside and the height of the cushion cell can be changed by adjusting the pressure in the fluid chamber. The planer shape of the cushion cell in a deflated state is a square shape, and each side part has a curved shape protruding outwards. | 05-15-2014 |
20140137332 | MULTI-ZONE FLUID CHAMBER AND MATTRESS SYSTEM - A support surface assembly comprises a support surface and a multi-zone chamber comprising two or more inflatable bladders forming the support surface. In an example, first and second bladders of the multi-zone chamber are arranged in a head to toe configuration and are substantially free to move with respect to one another. In another example, a flexible joint is included between first and second bladders, the flexible joint including one or more releasable fasteners. In another example, a fluid communication conduit between first and second bladders couples the first and second bladders in a series fluid communication. In another example, the bladders form an array of bladders arranged in series from a head to a foot of the support surface, wherein each of the bladders has substantially the same dimensions. | 05-22-2014 |
20140259431 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SETTINGS OF A BED WITH A REMOTE CONTROL - A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259432 | PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members that raise or lower portions of the patient support based on the status of a valve assembly. The patient support may also include a plurality of inflatable members positioned at a foot end of the patient support to support lower legs of a patient including their heels. Another valve assembly is provided to control a bleed rate of air from the heal bladders. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259433 | INFLATABLE AIR MATTRESS ALARM AND MONITORING SYSTEM - This disclosure describes, among other things, techniques for waking a user by changing the user's sleep environment. In one example, a method includes receiving, at a central controller of an air mattress system, at least one user alarm setting, generating, via the central controller, at least one instruction based on the received user alarm setting, and transmitting, from the central controller, the at least one instruction to a first component of the air mattress system to adjust a feature of the first component. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259434 | INFLATABLE AIR MATTRESS SYSTEM WITH DETECTION TECHNIQUES - In one example, this disclosure describes a method including receiving, at a central controller of an air mattress system, a plurality of air pressure value, determining a plurality of average values using the plurality of the received air pressure values, calculating a difference value between a first one of the plurality of average values and a second one of the plurality of average values, comparing the difference value to a threshold value, determining, based on the comparison, whether a user of the air mattress system moved. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259435 | ULTIMATE COMFORT N CARE BED, AND A BED APPARATUS CAPABLE OF SEAMLESSLY CHANGING BED SHEETS WHILE BEING OCCUPIED BY A PERSON, A METHOD OF RELIEVING ULCERS, AND A METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof. Optionally, the medical or hospital bed can also have an air bladder system to inflate or deflate the hospital bed mattress while a bed sheet is being changed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140352074 | Patient Support with Air Bladder Control Sensitive to An Orientation Angle Sensor - A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region, and a first air supply coupled to the first layer to provide air flow through the first layer. The patient support also includes a plurality of air bladders located beneath the air permeable first layer and a second air supply coupled to the air bladders to selectively inflate and deflate the air bladders. An angle sensor is located in the interior region in an articulatable portion of the patient support. A controller is coupled to the first and second air supplies and the angle sensor to control inflation and deflation of the air bladders in response to an angle signal received from the angle sensor and to control air flow through the air permeable layer in response to the angle signal. | 12-04-2014 |
20150007393 | CONTROLLER FOR MULTI-ZONE FLUID CHAMBER MATTRESS SYSTEM - A sleep system comprises a mattress comprising a plurality of zones, each zone comprising at least one fluid inflatable bladder, a controller configured to control a fluid pressure within the at least one fluid inflatable bladder of each of the plurality of zones, and a user controlling device in communication with the controller, the user controlling device being configured to display a firmness identifier, the firmness identifier comprising a plurality of symbols, each symbol corresponding to a pressure setting within the at least one fluid inflatable bladder of a corresponding one of the plurality of zones. | 01-08-2015 |
20150026896 | System and Method for Adjusting Settings of a Bed With a Remote Control - A method may include presenting a user interface on a display of a remote control to label a first air chamber of a plurality of air chambers; receiving a label from a user for the first air chamber; presenting a prompt to the user on the display to enter a pressure setting for the first air chamber, the prompt including the label received from the user; receiving a pressure setting for the first air chamber from the user; and transmitting a control signal to instruct the first air chamber to adjust pressure to the pressure setting. | 01-29-2015 |
20150040326 | CONFIGURABLE AIR DIFFUSION BODY SUPPORTS - A patient positioning wedge, mattress, pillow, pod, or other surface or apparatus for preventing or relieving pressure ulcers or other types of wounds through low air loss therapy, alternating pressure therapy, or both, and the ports, controllers, and manifolds used in combination. The mattress includes a plurality of perforated or otherwise porous air cells for supporting the patient's body weight. The mattress further includes valves and accessory ports to pump air into accessories, such as patient positioning wedges, pods, and pillows. Each accessory also includes perforated or otherwise porous air cells. The air cells in the mattress and accessories allow for low air loss therapy and/or alternating pressure therapy by passing air between the contact surface of the mattress or accessory and the contact surface of the patient, thus helping alleviate pressure, heat, friction, and moisture, while maintaining support and stability of the patient. | 02-12-2015 |
20150074914 | MATTRESS TYPE SUPPORT DEVICE INCLUDING FEED/VENT VALVE - A support device of the mattress type ( | 03-19-2015 |
20150374137 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT - A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint. | 12-31-2015 |
20160038362 | CONFIGURABLE AIR DIFFUSION BODY SUPPORTS - A patient positioning wedge, mattress, pillow, pod, or other surface or apparatus for preventing or relieving pressure ulcers or other types of wounds through low air loss therapy, alternating pressure therapy, or both, and the ports, controllers, and manifolds used in combination. The mattress includes a plurality of perforated or otherwise porous air cells for supporting the patient's body weight. The mattress further includes valves and accessory ports to pump air into accessories, such as patient positioning wedges, pods, and pillows. Each accessory also includes perforated or otherwise porous air cells. The air cells in the mattress and accessories allow for low air loss therapy and/or alternating pressure therapy by passing air between the contact surface of the mattress or accessory and the contact surface of the patient, thus helping alleviate pressure, heat, friction, and moisture, while maintaining support and stability of the patient. | 02-11-2016 |