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 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.

The present invention provides a low friction device for transferring patients from one surface to another. This system allows a patient to be immobilized on one supporting surface. The immobilized patient can then be transferred laterally onto the target modality using an air bearing that is thin, homogeneously radiolucent and compatible with a variety of diagnostic imaging and treatment modalities.

A method of manufacturing a patient transfer system including obtaining an inflatable device, where the device includes a top sheet of material and a bottom sheet of material connected to the top sheet of material defining a cavity therebetween to be inflated. The device further includes a plurality of passages in the bottom sheet extending from the cavity to an exterior of the device, where the passages are configured to permit air to pass from the cavity to the exterior of the device. The device also including a plurality of inflation-limiting members connecting the top sheet and bottom sheet, and an input configured for receiving air to inflate the device. The method further includes providing an absorbent body pad with the inflatable device, the absorbent body pad configured to be positioned between the top sheet of material and a patient positioned on the inflatable device.

The present invention provides a low friction device for transferring patients from one surface to another. This system allows a patient to be immobilized on one supporting surface. The immobilized patient can then be transferred laterally onto the target modality using an air bearing that is thin, homogeneously radiolucent and compatible with a variety of diagnostic imaging and treatment modalities.

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 system for supporting a patient on an inclined surface includes an inflatable device. The inflatable device includes a top sheet of material connected to a bottom sheet of material, the top sheet and the bottom sheet defining a cavity to be inflated, wherein the bottom sheet of material is configured to permit air to pass from the cavity to the exterior of the device and to flow between a bottom surface of the device and a support surface upon which the device is configured to rest, and an input configured for receiving air to inflate the device. The system further includes a high-friction pad configured to attach to the top sheet of material, and at least one attachment system configured to maintain the device on a support surface.

An air assisted lateral patient transport system that uses a semi-permeable fabric with a uniform air permeable surface on the bottom layer of the plenum. The semi-permeable fabric provides lift to assist moving patients, and allows cleaning solutions to enter the device for cleaning. The patient transfer device allows independent control of air pressure in each air chamber such that air pressure can be dynamically modified to avoid bed sores and other blood circulation related problems during transport. In addition, a unique patient restraint strap is employed that eliminates buckles for patient safety and comfort. The multi chambered patient transport system 1 provides a support surface on which to receive a patient, easily move the patient, and provide air pressure controls to avoid bed sores during transport and while being treated at a medical facility. The system includes a plurality of independent air chambers to independently control air pressure in each air chamber.

A combination patient-transfer and intraoperative heater device has a top and bottom chamber separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top chamber, which has a plurality of apertures for discharge of temperature-controlled filtered heated or cooled air at a regulated pressure for patient comfort and mitigation of infection. Heated or cooled filtered air is delivered to the area surrounding the patient, maintaining body temperature during anaesthesia. The bottom chamber has a plurality of apertures. When air pressure is low or off, the bottom chamber is flat and un-inflated. When air pressure is increased, air enters the bottom chamber and the apertures emit air, creating an air cushion facilitating lateral movement of the lifter device. The device performs two functions that now require separate devices and air blowers, it saves space and reduces both costs and complexity in the operating room while mitigating risk of infection.

Disclosed is an inflatable patient repositioning sheet that includes an inflatable body and a first air supply port and a second air supply port of the inflatable body. The sheet includes a first air delivery sock and a second air delivery sock in the inflatable body. Each air delivery sock has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of each air delivery sock is in communication with one of the air supply ports and the second end portion is opposite the first end portion. The sheet includes at least one anchor member resisting movement of the second end portion of each air delivery sock toward the first end portion of the air delivery sock in response to air being supplied into the other of the air delivery socks.