The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Steven I Reger

Donald C Neth

Thomas F McGovern

Richard Robert Navarro

An apparatus () for supporting a patient during a medical procedure includes a bead bag () that is filled with compressible beads () and that forms a lower layer of the apparatus (). The apparatus () also includes a layer of foam material () that is located above the bead bag and an air cell grid () that has a plurality of inflatable air cells (). The air cell grid () forms an upper layer of the apparatus () and provides a soft surface upon which the patient lies. The bead bag (), when subjected to a vacuum, becomes rigid for supporting the air cell grid () against the patient for helping to maximize a surface area of contact between the patient and the apparatus ().

Patient support apparatus having an air cell grid and associated method

A system is provided for generating prescription wheelchair seats or specialized seating or body supports. The system includes a deformable seat portion which is formed to specialized dimensions of a seated patient. A planar, linear, array of linear transducers is stepped across the form in one dimension forming a series of signals representative of generally planar cross sections of the form. This series of cross-sectional signals is provided as an input to a numerically controlled cutting device which cuts a series of sheet stock foam in accordance with each cross-sectional area measured. These cross-sectional pieces are then assembled into the prescription seat.

Computer aided fabrication of wheelchair seats or other body supports

A system for generating a prescription wheelchair or other seating or body support arrangement includes a deformable seat portion. A patient to be fitted with the wheelchair is placed upon the seat deforming a surface thereof. A signal representative of force distribution resultant from the patient along the seat is generated. In accordance with this signal, the seat surface may be selectively varied by a plurality of pneumatic actuators. An updated force distribution signal is generated. In this fashion, a means and method is provided for arriving at preselected force distribution of the patient on the wheelchair seat. This data is made available for transmission to a fabrication unit from which a permanent seat cushion with the desired characteristics may be fabricated.

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Cleveland, OH, United States of America

Steven I Reger