A manifold assembly includes a manifold core defining an inlet tube, an outlet tube, a first projection configured to be fluidly coupled with a first bladder, and a second projection configured to be fluidly coupled with a second bladder. A connector is operably coupled to the manifold core and defines a first pathway region, a second pathway region, and release notches. A motor rotates the connector to a first position to fluidly couple the outlet tube with the first projection via the first pathway region and the inlet tube with the second projection via the second pathway region, to a second position to fluidly couple the first and projections with the release notches, and to a third position to fluidly couple the outlet tube with the second projection via the first pathway region and the inlet tube with the first projection via the second pathway region.

A dynamic support apparatus. The dynamic support apparatus includes a cushion, at least one actuator wherein the at least one actuator defines an interior volume and wherein the interior volume may be configured to be at least partially filled with a fluid, and a support disposed in the interior volume wherein the support configured to support an occupant when the interior volume is not filled with the fluid such that the support is sufficient to support the occupant.

A wheelchair is provided. First supports for supporting a user of the wheelchair are unevenly disposed to form a perimeter, and second supports for supporting the user of the wheelchair are unevenly disposed at least partially within the perimeter of the first supports. The first supports support the user when the first supports are in a raised position and the second supports are in a lowered position. The second supports support the user when the second supports are in a raised position and the first supports are in a lowered position. A alternation of supporting the user with the first supports or the second supports facilitates reduction of pressure sores of the user. In various embodiments, multiple groups of supports are used, the supports contour to a user's anatomy and/or the supports are pneumatic.

The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for improving rehabilitation of patients with limited mobility. The apparatus comprises a foam block, with a plurality of foam support pylons thereon, creating a nearly planar top cut according to the support pylons. The foam support pylons have the desirable effect of mitigating pressure and blood pooling at undesirable sites on the patient's body. The method comprises creating such a foam block and placing it under the patient's body in the patient's bed. The support pylons may have sensors or be capable of receiving changes to their physical structure to further facilitate rehabilitation. This can be achieved using electrical wires running through trenches between the support pylons.

The present disclosure provides a patient positioning device and methods of using such a device that allows for the easy securing of the device to the operating room table or hospital bed, a comfortable surface for patients to rest on during their diagnostic, therapeutic or surgical procedure, that helps reduce the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers, protects the patient by providing an infectious barrier, helps protects the patient from electrical injury by creating a non-conductive barrier between the patient the metal operating table, and protects the operating room table and equipment with an integrated, impermeable barrier to prevent blood, other bodily fluids and other fluids such as intravenous fluids, blood products and irrigation from soiling the operating or procedure table and nearby equipment. The device overcomes several challenges that exist with current devices and methods and is simple, disposable, and cost-effective. It allows for easier, faster and safer patient positioning, improved infection control, lower risk of electrical injury, improved protection from pressure ulcer formation, less waste compared to current options in a single, one-package solution. Additionally, a leg portion of the device can include an inflatable member which serves as a Sequential Compression Device which can be repeatedly inflated/deflated to facilitate circulation and prevent formation of blood clots.

The subject invention is a device intended for use where support or restriction of motion of a body part is desired. The subject of the present invention is the formation of a network of lattice intrusions into the matrix of the device so that elements of the lattice can be removed to form a depression in the matrix of the device that conforms to the anatomy of the region that is being supported and positioned while offloading pressure.

A mat that enables promotion of respiration in a supine position. The mat includes a back support part. The back support part includes: a spine support part that continuously supports three or more continuous lumbar vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae and including a first lumbar vertebra to a twelfth thoracic vertebra of the spine in the back of a person in a supine position; and a pair of serratus posterior inferior muscle corresponding parts which are respectively disposed on widthwise both sides of the spine support part and below a portion conforming to a pair of left and right serratus posterior inferior muscles of the person in the supine position. The pair of serratus posterior inferior muscle corresponding parts and the spine support part are configured such that a body pressure from the serratus posterior inferior muscle corresponding parts is lower than a body pressure from the spine support part.

A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

The inventive subject matter provides a modular mattress system wherein the mattress surface may be adjusted for positioning of a user's body. The mattress system deploys a number of interconnected mattress cells. The mattress cells may have varying characteristics, and combinations of mattress cells may be interconnected to form a complete mattress. The proximal surface is formed of padding material and collectively form the entire mattress surface when connected. At least one actuator is mechanically coupled to padding material and an actuator controller in communication therewith directs movement of the actuator to position the padding material. A mattress cell communication interface is communicably coupled to the actuator controller and configured to communicably couple with at least one external device.

A support structure for supporting and/or contacting a body or a part of a body. The support structure includes: a base layer having a first surface configured to face the body or part of body and a second surface opposite the first surface, a plurality of fingers extending from the first surface, each finger extending in an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface and having a distal end configured to support the body or part of body, the fingers being arranged at a distance from each other, wherein at least one finger is more rigid than a deformable portion of the base layer, the deformable portion surrounding the finger.