2458results about "Medical transport" patented technology

This invention relates to active protective garments which are inconspicuously worn by an individual and which activate upon certain conditions being met. Activation causes inflation of regions of the active protective garment to provide padding and impact cushioning for the wearer.The invention is an active protective garment such as pair of shorts or pants, a jacket, a vest, underwear, and the like. The garments comprise multiple layers of material that constrain pockets or regions that are inflatable by a source of compressed gas or foam. The garments also comprise sensors to detect ballistic parameters such as acceleration, distance, relative acceleration, and rotation. The sensor information is used to determine whether activation is required. Detection and activation are accomplished in a very short time period in order to offer maximal protection for the individual wearing the garment. The system comprises a computer or logic controller that monitors the sensor data in real time and coordinates the information from all sensors. The system calculates velocity, distance, and rotational velocity. A rule-based system is used to detect a complex fall in progress and discriminate said fall in progress from the events of every day life. The pockets or inflatable regions of the garment protect the individual against falls and other impacts that may cause bone fracture or organ damage.

A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients for facial support during surgery. The helmet apparatus is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable, substantially transparent helmet casings, which are removably attachable to a plurality of dismountable facial cushions providing even support to the facial surface of a patient. The removable facial cushions are dimensioned on and interior surface to accommodate different sized facial structures of different patients to yield maximum pressure diffusion on the face and chin of the patient and are replaceable when worn. The exterior surface of the facial cushions are dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior surface of the helmet casing. A plurality of different facial cushions and helmet casings are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodate the broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery. The cushions may be marked with printed or color coded indicia to designate size. A view of the patients eyes and surrounding area is afforded through in line ocular apertures extending around a front surface area and up at least one sidewall. The ocular aperture is in line with a cushion ocular aperture when the cushion is engaged with the casing thereby allowing a view of the patent eye and surrounding face through the ocular aperture from the side of the device. Additional utility is provided by variable elevation above a registered engagement with a mount which also may provide a mirrored surface to reflect the patent facial features for viewing by upright doctors and operating staff. An optional integral heating element aids in temperature control of the patient's head during surgery.

The present invention provides a portable patient turning and lifting device and associated methods for turning and lifting an immobilized patient. The device comprises at least one inflation bladder configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient supporting surface, such as a bed. The bladder is inflated with pressurized fluid. Preferably, the inflation bladder is secured by a body support having at least one support pad on which the patient is positioned. An embodiment provides two inflatable turning bladders oriented on the left and right sides of the back of the body support. Preferably, at least one fluid pump is provided in communication with the bladders, and it is preferably fitted with a controller to tailor the sequencing and timing of the inflation to reposition the patient's body.

Disclosed is a mechanism for raising and lowering a patient support including a base having two spaced posts extending upwardly, a sliding sleeve on each base post and a cross member fixed to and extending between the sleeves. An actuator is located between the base and the cross member to move the cross member vertically with respect to the base. A horizontal member located above the cross member is slidingly moveable with respect to the sleeves and includes guides to capture the sleeves. A pulley is provided on the cross member and supports a chain or belt, fixed to the base at a first end and at the other end to the horizontal support. As the actuator raises and lowers the cross member, the upper support is raised and lowered at a greater speed. On the base is a reversible fold down pole to assist the patient in raising and lowering themselves.

A bed is provided which orients a user in a multi-angled, prone position. The bed supports a downward positioning of a user's face to maintain an open airway to reduce or eliminate sleeping problems associated with gravity aggravated apnea. By positioning the user's head downward, gravity operates to maintain the user's airway open as opposed to forcing it closed. The bed is provided with a moisture absorbent covering which may be changed and laundered as desired.

The patient support apparatus includes a base frame and a patient support assembly. The patient support assembly is pivotably mounted the base frame and is moved by a first actuator to rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. The patient support assembly includes an upper body portion, a lower body portion and a leg portion. The upper body portion, the lower body portion and the leg portion are pivotably interconnected with a linkage frame so that they can be moved in unison by a second actuator between a supine configuration and an upright, chair shaped configuration. Thus, the patient support apparatus is adjustable between a flat, bed shaped configuration and a seat shaped configuration and is also movable between a horizontal position and an upright position.

A hand-held disposable portable urinal device particularly well-suited for female use. The easy-to-use device has a leak and splash resistant soft upper seal attached to a retractable funnel, which easily folds back into a sealable bag. The funnel has a neck portion which allows the user to comfortably hold the urinal close to the ureter during use. The disposable urinal bag is odor- and vapor-sealable, and has a hydrophobic polymer containing inner bag for absorbing the urine. In addition, the disposable urinal has a deodorizer activated by the urine upon contact. The disposable urinal is easily transported in a folded state, and preferably comes three in a box. After use, the disposable urinal may be sealed and thrown away.

A body rest structure includes a torso support for supporting the torso of a human body in a prone, elevated position which serves to induce a mild stretch of the user's thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The torso support includes an upper chest and shoulder support platform and a lumbar support platform. An open region extends longitudinally between the platforms to provide room for at least a portion of the weight of the chest below the shoulders to pull down on the body between the platforms. The support may include a rear supporting surface to provide lifting support from below the hips and abdomen of the body. A head support for supporting the head of the body in a downwardly facing position when the torso is supported by the torso support is also disclosed. The head support includes a front portion for providing lifting support to the forehead of the body, and parallel opposed side portions for supporting opposed sides of the face. Each side portion has an upper surface that slopes upwardly from the front portion of the head support to the associated distal end of the side portion.

A cushion set for positioning a human body, including a face support cushion, a spacer block cushion, an upper torso support cushion, a lower torso support cushion, a calf support cushion and a bolster. The face support cushion is generally in the shape of an inverted “U” having a generally inverted U-shaped opening passing therethrough. The upper torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the face support cushion, the lower torso support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the upper torso support cushion, the calf support cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the lower torso support cushion, and the bolster is adapted to be releasably attached to the calf support cushion. The spacer block cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to the underside of the face support cushion.

A patient care management system for assisting a physician in monitoring drug use by a patient. The system receives drug dispensation data for a drug, on the basis of which the system determines drug supply availability data. The drug supply availability data is indicative of periods of time during which the drug was available in non-duplicate supply, or in oversupply, or in insufficient supply. The periods of time are displayed with respect to a common time base. Each degree of supply availability is visually displayed via a graphical user interface using, e.g., a color coded scheme, so as to be distinguishable by a user. This allows a physician to rapidly assess over-consumption or compliance problems. Plural drugs may be monitored on a single display screen. The system may also be adapted to allow an prescribing physician to assess refill compliance, hospitalization periods and prescription drug costs.

A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

A unitary support for holding and cushioning the head and face of a surgical patient has a resilient body of molded foam. The resilient body has a cavity formed in the upper face for receiving and cushioning the head and face of a patient. The resilient body has access openings therein for additional apparatus, such as an endotracheal tube, and to permit viewing of the patient's face during surgery. The resilient body has stiffening structure to prevent constriction of the openings during use and to prevent constriction of an endotracheal tube or similar apparatus.

A mattress for a hospital bed is provided. The mattress includes an encasing enclosing a compressible mattress portion and a rigid mattress portion. The compressible mattress portion has an integral construction extending from a head end of the bed to a foot end of the bed. The rigid mattress portion contracts from a first elongated position to a second retracted position, and the rigid portion contracting the compressible mattress portion therewith. The rigid mattress portion may be provided at any side or end section of the mattress. Accordingly, the width or length of the mattress can be modified.

A double chambered transfer mattress is provided capable of partial deflation that that includes a top inflatable mattress and a bottom inflatable mattress that are separated by a common wall from one another. A selectable inlet / outlet valve is arranged for airflow communication between an interior chamber of the bottom inflatable mattress and a source of pressurized air. A one-way valve is positioned through the common wall so as to provide selective air flow communication between the top inflatable mattress and the bottom inflatable mattress so that when the inlet / outlet valve is opened, so as to deflate the bottom inflatable mattress, the one-way valve is actuated so as to prevent deflation of the top inflatable mattress.

An adjustable surgical frame for supporting a patient to facilitate different surgical approaches to the spine of the patient includes a first end, an opposite second end, and a length extending between the first and second ends thereof. The surgical frame has a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends along the length thereof, and includes a first support surface, a second support surface, and a third support surface. The surgical frame also includes an adjustable chest support, an adjustable hip and upper leg support, and an adjustable feet and lower leg support. The surgical frame is moveable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, and the chest support, the hip and upper leg support, and the feet and lower leg support are moveable to accommodate differently sized patients on the surgical frame.

A head support device which enables a user to comfortably rest in the prone position. The head support device includes a padded member having a generally horse-shoe shape with a top, arcuate sides spaced apart ends, a first inner side wall and a second inner side wall, a first region for supporting the user's face in the frontal sinus area, a second region adjacent to the eye socket and cheek area for supporting the user's face area, and a third region for support along the sides of the user's mandible. The support device also includes a substantially rigid support member for supporting the padded member. The support member has a pair of upstanding splayed outwardly walls which define an air channel for the free exchange of air when the user inhales or exhales. The support member has a plurality of opposing, substantially parallel zones which provide support for the above described support regions of the padded member when the user is lying in the prone position. The padded member is secured to the support member using an attachment method that does not interfere with said padded member conforming to the facial configuration of the user.

A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.

An inflatable cushion for use in a system and method in supporting the knees and legs of a person during surgery included an inflatable bladder that can move from a collapsed state to an expanded state. A bladder port communicates with a source of inflating gas. The system includes the source of pressurized gas and a valve assembly to switchably control the inflation and deflation of the bladder. The bladder may have a removable cover extending around the bladder, and the bladder may have side pleats to assist in expanding with the cover having corresponding accordion folds. The method involves placing a patient on a surgical table, decompressing the patient's spine to a flat back / drop knee position, interposing the bladder between the table and the patient's knees and advancing the knees to a full prone position by inflating the bladder.

A collapsible portable headrest extends from a bed. A base fits between the mattress and box spring of a bed. An outer end of the base is connected by hinged clamps to lower ends of legs. Upper ends of legs are connected by locking hinges to inner ends of a headrest top. An opening or space for breathing is provided in cushions or a cushion on the top. Telescoping tubes with clamps adjust to mattress thickness and compact storage requirements. Clamping or locking hinges at the joints allow folding the elements flat for carrying or storing. The user rests on the bed and slides forward, resting the head with the nose in the middle of the curved horseshoe-shaped padded headrest. This position makes it possible for a masseur to massage the back while standing beside or in front of the prone subject.

A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients during surgery . The helmet is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable helmet casings which is removably attached to one of a plurality of dismountable chin supports. Removable ocular and chin support cushions chosen from a set of interchangeable ocular and chin support cushions are mountable to the interior face of the helmet casing and chin support. The removable cushions contact the allow for optimum sizing of the apparatus to face of the patient providing padding and maximum disbursement of weight and pressure of the head over a wide area of the patient's face and head. The cushions and helmet casing and chin support are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodation for broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery. Mounts and passages are optionally provided for communicating tubes supplying the patient with life support as well as wiring for sensors monitoring the patient. Additionally, a rotatable handle may be mounted upon the apparatus for use during patient movement on or off of the operating table.

A surgical positioning frame for supporting a patient includes a main beam having an axis of rotation relative to support structures. The main beam rotates the patient between a prone position and a lateral position. The main beam including a conforming main beam portion extending between the first and second support arms. The conforming main beam is preferably configured to allow a surgeon access to one lateral side of the patient and a surgical assistant access to the other lateral side of the patient with limited interference thereby.

A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery. The surgical includes a translating beam that is moveable between at least a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The translating beam is used to join a first support portion and a second support portion of the surgical frame to one another, and movement of the translating beam affords access to a patient receiving area.

A hospital bed that changes bed sheets without moving the patient. It is composed of a bedstead (including a headboard, a footboard and a bed frame), a deformable bed top, a spool rack and roller shafts on both sides; the ends of the deformable bed top are fixed on the headboard and footboard respectively, and the bed top is pressed into between the roller axles by the spool rack which forms a tightened and leveled bed top that is sunken in the spool rack. Two bed sheets cover the bed, extending respectively from headboard and footboard into the spool rack and rolling on a roller axle. The roller axles and roller shafts are parallel to the cross section of the bed, and are movable between the headboard and footboard with the spool rack. When the spool rack is moving, one bed sheet is spread, another one is rolled up automatically.

A personal lift device is disclosed having a motor having an output shaft. A gearing system is operatively connected to the output shaft for increasing torque. A strap for suspending a weight is wound onto a spool and rotating the spool extends and retracts the strap. A drive connection is made between the gearing system and the spool to permit said motor to drive said spool. A brake is associated with said spool to prevent unwanted extension of said strap from said spool, when a weight is suspended by said strap. In a preferred embodiment a clutch is provided between the brake and the drive train, and the greater the weight supported by the spool the greater the braking force. An emergency lift and lower device is also provided in the event of a failure of the motor.

The mattress with chest aperture is a cushion designed for use on a flat surface, such as a massage table. The mattress with chest aperture has at least a body support pad and may also include a chest support pad. The chest support pad is disposed under the body pad. The body pad has a selectively closable chest aperture extending through the pad that is closed by a chest insert pad. The chest insert pad is removed from the selectively closable chest aperture to form a chest cavity for massaging a person lying in a prone position. The top surface of the body pad, the chest insert pad, and the chest support pad may be an egg crate-like surface.