A patient transfer system is provided to move a patient between modalities. The system includes a deploying modality having a top surface configured to support the patient; a patient transfer support positionable on the top surface of the deploying modality, the patient transfer support also being configured for movement from the top surface of the deploying modality to a top surface of the receiving modality; a patient transfer support locating feature positionable to limit movement of the patient transfer support relative to the top surface of the receiving modality; and a keying feature positionable to engage at least one of a surface associated with the receiving modality or a surface of the patient transfer support, the keying feature being configured to inhibit movement of the patient transfer support in at least one direction relative to the top surface of the receiving modality. The patient transfer support locating feature limits the range of movement of the patient transfer support relative to the top surface of the receiving modality when the patient transfer support is moved from the top surface of the deploying modality to the top surface of the receiving modality.

A valve for an inflatable device includes a pocket configured to be located in a cavity of the inflatable device. The pocket includes an entrance opening to receive air from an air source and an exit opening to deliver air to the cavity. The exit opening is spaced apart from the entrance opening, such that airflow passes through the valve by flowing from the entrance opening, through the pocket, and out through the exit opening to enter the cavity. The pocket may include a second exit opening spaced from the entrance opening and the exit opening, and may include a first branch and a second branch extending away from each other, and wherein the exit opening is located on the first branch and the second exit opening is located on the second branch.

A transfer system includes an air-bearing support with first and second longitudinal sections. A port is provided in flow communication with the first and second longitudinal sections, and configured for inflation of the air-bearing support for transfer of a patient or other body. A selective coupling extends between the first and second longitudinal sections, adapted to attach the first and second sections together for transfer of the body on the air-bearing support, and to at least partially detach the first and second longitudinal sections for separation and removal, e.g., upon deflation of the patient support, after the transfer is accomplished.

A patient support device includes a sheet configured to be placed beneath the patient in use and a plurality of straps connected to the sheet and configured for use in moving, lifting, turning, and/or positioning the patient. The straps may include one or more retractable straps that each have a stretchable retraction strap connected thereto and configured for retracting the retractable strap. The straps may also include one or more central support straps connected to the sheet in an area positioned between the legs of the patient. The sheet may also include a head support for supporting the patient's head, which head support may also include one or more straps. The straps may be connected to a hoist, which is then used to lift the patient.

An air supply supplies air to multiple different inflatable devices. The air supply includes an air compressing device, and at least two pressure valves. The air supply operates to introduce air from the first pressure valve to a first inflatable device at a first pressure that is within a first air pressure range. The air supply also operates to introduce air, on demand, from the second pressure valve to a second inflatable device at a second pressure within a second air pressure range while continuing to supply air to the first inflatable device at a pressure within the first air pressure range. The second pressure and/or the second pressure range is different from the first pressure and/or the first pressure range.

A transfer mattress includes a top panel; a bottom panel; an outer stringer having a superior edge coupled to the top panel and an inferior edge coupled to the bottom panel such that a portion of the outer stringer extending between the top panel and the bottom panel is at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the top panel and the bottom panel when the mattress body is inflated; and an inner stringer positioned between the central longitudinal axis and the outer stringer and having a superior edge coupled to the top panel and an inferior edge coupled to the bottom panel such that a portion of the inner stringer extending between the top panel and the bottom panel is at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the top panel and the bottom panel when the mattress body is inflated.

A patient support device includes a sheet configured to be placed beneath the patient in use and a plurality of straps connected to the sheet and configured for use in moving, lifting, turning, and/or positioning the patient. The straps may include one or more retractable straps that each have a stretchable retraction strap connected thereto and configured for retracting the retractable strap. The straps may also include one or more central support straps connected to the sheet in an area positioned between the legs of the patient. The sheet may also include a head support for supporting the patient's head, which head support may also include one or more straps. The straps may be connected to a hoist, which is then used to lift the patient.

An inflatable device includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet to define a cavity when inflated such that the top sheet forms a top wall of the cavity and the bottom sheet forms a bottom wall of the cavity. The device includes a cavity junction connecting the top sheet and the bottom sheet configured to separate the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity. The device includes a first port having a first opening in fluid communication with the first cavity and configured to allow passage of air into the first cavity. The device includes a second port having a second opening in fluid communication with the second cavity and configured to allow passage of air into the second cavity. The device further includes an opening in the cavity junction configured to allow air flow from the second cavity into the first cavity.

An inflatable device includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet to define a cavity when inflated such that the top sheet forms a top wall of the cavity and the bottom sheet forms a bottom wall of the cavity. The device includes a cavity junction connecting the top sheet and the bottom sheet configured to separate the cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity. The device includes a first port having a first opening in fluid communication with the first cavity and configured to allow passage of air into the first cavity. The device includes a second port having a second opening in fluid communication with the second cavity and configured to allow passage of air into the second cavity. The device further includes an opening in the cavity junction configured to allow air flow from the second cavity into the first cavity.

An inflatable stretcher includes an upper and a lower cover member connected along their outer peripheral edges to define an internal air space. The lower cover member has a plurality of perforations forming an overall pattern contoured to the shape of a human body. First and second partitioning member are disposed in the air space and connected to the upper and lower cover members to divide the air space into a plurality of widthwise-extended air release passages and two lengthwise-extended air flow passages located at two lateral sides of the air release passages. A flow opening is formed between each second partitioning member and each corresponding first partitioning member. The flow openings respectively have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of each air release passage, enabling air supplied from an inflation device into the air space to produce an increased air lifting force at positions corresponding to a patient's hips.