Patent•
Climate controlled bed assembly
17 Jul 2009-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface, where the core includes at least one passageway extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. The bed also includes a lower portion configured to support the upper portion and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion. In some arrangements, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device.
Citations
More filters
Patent•
08 Nov 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering, and the heating element is deactivated after a period of time.
Abstract: A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.
47 citations
Patent•
11 Sep 2014
TL;DR: In this article, a moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices, such as a notification device and a sensor event communication system.
Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.
36 citations
Patent•
22 Feb 2013TL;DR: In this paper, an upper portion or mattress has at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the internal passageway of the upper portion.
Abstract: According to some embodiments, a climate controlled bed or other seating assembly comprises an upper portion or mattress having at least one fluid distribution member (e.g., spacer fabric) that is in fluid communication with the at least one internal passageway of the upper portion, wherein the at least one fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within the fluid distribution member. In some embodiments, the internal passageway terminates at or near a bottom surface of the upper portion or mattress. The bed or other seating assembly additionally includes one or more inlays or interlays or intermediate layers, or components thereof, positioned between the upper portion and a foundation.
34 citations
Patent•
13 Mar 2014
TL;DR: In this article, a method and system may include transmitting a signal to a pump of an air mattress to set the pressure of the air mattress, and receiving, at a central controller, a user preference condition for an automatic adjustment of the pressure in the air mattresses.
Abstract: A method and system may include transmitting a signal to a pump of an air mattress to set the pressure of the air mattress to an initial pressure; receiving, at a central controller, a user preference condition for an automatic adjustment of the pressure in the air mattress; receiving, at the central controller, an indication that the air mattress is empty; and based on determining that the user preference condition has been met and receiving the indication: detecting a change in the pressure of the air mattress beyond a threshold value; and based on the detection, adjusting the pressure of the air mattress to the initial pressure.
34 citations
Patent•
19 Jul 2011
TL;DR: In this article, a moisture detection and alarming system connected to a person-support apparatus has been described, which consists of a moisture detector, a pressure sensor, and a controller, which can detect the presence of a person supported on the person support apparatus.
Abstract: A moisture detection and alarming system connected to a person-support apparatus has been described. The system comprises a moisture detection sheet connected to at least one pressure sensor, at least moisture sensor and a controller. The pressure sensor can be configured to send a signal to the controller. The controller can be configured to receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and determine the presence of a person supported on the person support apparatus. If a person is supported on the person-support apparatus then a moisture sensor is activated by the controller to sense the moisture content on a mattress pad. If the moisture content on the mattress pad is out of a predefined range then an alarming unit can be activated. The controller may further be connected to at least one of a hospital network, communication station and nurse call system.
33 citations
References
More filters
Patent•
17 Nov 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat (10), at least one heat pump (26 and 28), one heat sensor (54 and 56), and a controller (64), each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger (34 and 36) and a main exchanger fan (42 and 44).
Abstract: A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat (10), at least one heat pump (26 and 28), at least one heat pump temperature sensor (54 and 56), and a controller (64). Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger (34 and 36) and a main exchanger fan (42 and 44) for passing the conditioned air from the main exchanger to the variable temperature seat. The Peltier modules and each main fan may be manually adjusted via a temperature switch (60) and a fan switch (58), respectively. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors (102 and 104) to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant.
304 citations
Patent•
28 Mar 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle is described. But this insert is not suitable for the use in a commercial vehicle, as it is unsuitable for indoor environments.
Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.
302 citations
Patent•
10 Mar 2005
TL;DR: In this paper, an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat is described. And the system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual.
Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.
262 citations
Patent•
12 May 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid is described, which consists of a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a temperature-sensitive device configured to pump heat.
Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.
227 citations
Patent•
11 Feb 1986
TL;DR: In this paper, an open cell foam pad is ripple-cut to create a convoluted face of hills and valleys, and a plurality of air-flow channels are cut through the pad in each valley formed.
Abstract: An open cell foam pad is ripple-cut to create a convoluted face of hills and valleys. A plurality of air-flow channels are cut through the pad in each valley formed. The channels with plugs therein provide the user of the pad with the ability to direct air circulation through the pad to certain parts of the body. These air channels also function to dissipate excess body fluids or medicines. For situations demanding the highest possible amount of air circulation, the ripple-cut pad with open air-flow channels is flat-topped. The size of the flat area on each hill is determined by the weight of body to be supported. For a body weight under 100 pounds, a maximum area of 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch is used with a contact surface to open space ratio of 1:3. For a body weight between 100 and 150 pounds, a maximum area of 1 inch by 1 inch is used with a contact surface to open space ratio of 1:1. For a body weight greater than 150 pounds, a maximum of area of 11/4 inch by 11/4 inch is used.
223 citations