Patient care system

• US 20010029628A1
• Filed: 05/22/2001
• Published: 10/18/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/1992
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hill-Rom Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hill-Rom Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Roe, Steven N., Alvord, Lincoln J., Loh, William, Ferrand, Robert J., Smith, Stephen D., Grass, Wesley E., Gilmartin, William A., Salsado, Jonathan, Neder, Charles W., Silva, William, Fish, William R., Thomas, Marc M., OʼConnor, Richard W.
• Granted Patent: US 6,438,776 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 5/600
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/20 Displays or monitors
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/44 for weight
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/74 for anti-shear when adjusting furniture
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/00 Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons stretchers with facilities for picking up patients or disabled persons A61G1/003
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/002 having adjustable mattress frame
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/02 with toilet conveniences, or specially adapted for use with toilets
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05 Parts, details or accessories of beds devices for prevention against falling out A47C21/08, A47D7/00 ; mattresses A47C27/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0506 Head or foot boards head or foot boards for comfort or ergonomics A47C19/022
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0507 Side-rails
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0509 sliding or pivoting downwards
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0514 mounted to individual mattress supporting frame sections
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0516 with height adjustability
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/052 characterised by safety means, e.g. to avoid injuries to patient or caregiver
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0524 characterised by integrated accessories, e.g. bed control means, nurse call or reading lights
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0527 Weighing devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05776 with at least two groups of alternately inflated chambers

Abstract

A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.

Claims

1. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

an inflatable mattress supported on said support surface; and

means for controlling fluid flow relative to said mattress comprising;

a first valve assembly having a first valve seat and a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat,

a second valve assembly having a second valve seat and a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat,

said first and second valve assemblies being configured to vary fluid flow through each valve seat in proportion to the relative position of the respective valve member to said valve seat, and

means coupled to said first and second valve assemblies for moving said first valve member in a first direction relative to said first valve seat while concurrently moving said second valve member in a second direction relative to said second valve seat, the movement in said first and second directions producing increasing restriction to fluid flow in one of said valve seats and decreasing restriction to fluid flow in the other of said valve seats.

2. A bed according to

claim 1

wherein said first and second valve seats are coaxial.

3. A bed according to

claim 2

further comprising means movable relative to said valve members for defining a channel, containing said second valve seat, and extending through said first valve member, said first valve member controlling fluid flow around said channel-defining means adjacent to said first valve seat and said second valve member controlling fluid flow through said channel.

4. A bed according to

claim 3

wherein said first and second valve members are mounted fixedly relative to each other.

5. A bed according to

claim 4

wherein said means defining a channel includes a first tubular element for supporting said first valve member, and a second tubular element disposed slidably and matingly relative to said first tubular element for supporting said second valve seat.

6. A bed according to

claim 5

further comprising means for limiting the travel of said first tubular element relative to said second tubular element.

7. A bed according to

claim 6

wherein said travel-limiting means includes a protrusion extending from one of said first and second tubular elements, and an edge of said other of said first and second tubular elements positioned to be contacted by said protrusion.

8. A bed according to

claim 7

wherein said first tubular element extends away from said second tubular element beyond said first valve member and said second valve member is attached to said first tubular member, and said second valve member seats in said second valve seat when said first tubular element is moved away from said second valve seat.

9. A bed according to

claim 3

further comprising means for limiting the travel of said first valve member relative to said second channel means.

10. A bed according to

claim 2

wherein said first and second valve members are mounted fixedly relative to each other.

11. A bed according to

claim 10

wherein said first and second valve seats are in opposing relationship, said first and second valve members are disposed substantially between said first and second valve seats, and said moving means moves said valve members between said first and second valve seats.

12. A bed according to

claim 1

wherein said mattress comprises at least one bladder having a width less than the width of said mattress and a length less than the length of said mattress, said one bladder being associated with a first body part supportable substantially completely by said one bladder when said bladders in said first set are maintained at a first pressure and supportable substantially completely by at least one bladder in another set when said bladders in said first set are maintained at a second pressure substantially less than the pressure in said bladders of said other set;

and

control means for controlling said application of fluid at first and second pressures for first and second periods of time, respectively, such that said first body part is alternately supported substantially directly on said first set of bladders and supported substantially indirectly by adjacent body parts supported on other sets of bladders.

45. A bed according to any of claims 1, 13, 21 or 36 wherein said means for defining an upwardly facing support surface has a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a support plane for a torso of a person disposed in a supine or prone position on said support surface;

said bed further comprising;

a base frame supportable relative to a floor; and

means for supporting said platform relative to said base frame comprising means defining three axes of pivoting of said platform relative to said frame, characterized in that none of said three axes are perpendicular to said platform plane, and on each axis there exists a first point that is closest to a first of said other axes and a second point, spaced from said first point, that is closest to the second of said other axes, and means for pivoting said platform independently about each of said three axes for varying the pitch, roll and distance of said platform relative to said base frame.

13. A bed comprising an air distribution system;

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface; and

an inflatable mattress supported on such support surface formed of individual inflatable cells, said air distribution system comprising;

a housing for defining a first chamber to be in communication with a source of pressurized fluid, a second chamber in communication with said inflatable cell, a first fluid-flow port providing fluid communication between said first and second chambers, and a second fluid-flow port spaced from and in opposing relationship with said first fluid-flow port for exhausting fluid from said first chamber;

a first valve member movable relative to said first fluid port for controlling fluid flow between said first and second chambers;

a second valve member fixed relative to said first valve member and movable relative to said second fluid port for controlling fluid flow out of said second chamber; and

actuator means coupled to said first and second valve assemblies for moving said first and second valve members between said first and second fluid ports.

14. A method of supporting a person on an inflatable cell of a mattress comprising the steps of:

providing communication between a source of fluid under a positive pressure and the inflatable cell through an inlet fluid-flow port;

providing communication between a negative pressure destination for fluid and the inflatable cell through an outlet fluid-flow port; and

varying the amount of fluid passing through the second fluid flow port.

15. A method according to

claim 14

further comprising the step of maintaining the inlet fluid-flow port substantially unrestricted.

16. A method according to

claim 14

further comprising the step of varying the amount of fluid passing through the inlet fluid-flow port.

17. A method according to

claim 16

wherein said steps of varying said amount of fluid passing through the inlet and the outlet fluid-flow ports are performed simultaneously.

18. A method according to

claim 17

wherein the variation in fluid flow through the inlet varies inversely proportionally to the variation in fluid flow through the outlet.

19. A method according to

claim 16

wherein said steps of varying the amount of fluid passing through the inlet and the outlet fluid-flow ports are performed independently.

20. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said support surface;

a source of fluid at a first pressure;

a fluid destination at a second fluid pressure less than said first pressure;

a housing having

a first valve seat defining a first fluid flow port providing communication

between fluid at said first pressure and an inflatable mattress cell, and

a second valve seat spaced from said first valve seat and defining a second fluid flow port providing communication between said cell and said fluid destination;

a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for varying fluid flow from said source through said first fluid port to said cell;

a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat for varying fluid flow from said cell through said second fluid port to said fluid destination;

first actuator means responsive to a first control signal and coupled to said first valve member for moving said first valve member relative to said first valve seat; and

second actuator means coupled to said second valve member for moving said second valve member relative to said second valve seat in response to a second control signal;

said first and second actuator means being independently controllable for controlling, in combination, the fluid pressure in said cell.

21. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said support surface;

a housing having a first wall;

a replaceable valve cartridge coupling a source of fluid and said cell comprising;

a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow path,

a valve seat in fluid communication with said fluid-flow path,

a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, said valve member being manually engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative to said first wall, and

means for moving said valve member relative to said valve seat; and

means for attaching said first fluid-flow element to said first wall by applying force on said first fluid-flow element along said valve axis.

22. A bed according to

claim 21

wherein said valve seat is fixed to said first fluid-flow element in said first fluid-flow path and faces toward said first wall, and said valve member is disposed between said valve seat and said first wall and is attached to said extension member by a shaft extending through said valve seat.

23. A bed according to

claim 21

wherein said first wall has a first fluid port, said fluid flow path of said first fluid-flow element being in fluid communication with said first fluid port when said valve cartridge is secured to said first wall.

24. A bed according to

claim 21

wherein said housing includes a second wall spaced from said first wall, and having an opening sized to receive said cartridge.

25. A bed according to

claim 24

further comprising means for sealing said cartridge relative to said second wall opening.

26. A bed according to

claim 25

further comprising a second valve seat providing fluid communication between sail first fluid-flow path and said exterior of said first fluid-flow element, and a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat, one of said second valve seat and said second valve member being positioned relative to the one of said first valve seat and said first valve member for movement relative to said first fluid-flow element.

27. A bed according to

claim 26

wherein said first and second valve seats are fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, and said first and second valve members are fixed relative to each other, said first valve member and second valve member being movable between a first position in which said first valve seat is closed and said second valve seat is open, and a second position in which said first valve seat is open and said second vale seat is closed.

28. A bed according to

claim 26

wherein said second valve seat is positioned between said position of said first and second walls when said cartridge is fixed to said first wall.

29. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said support surface;

a housing having a first wall;

a replaceable valve cartridge for coupling a source of pressurized fluid to said cell, comprising;

a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow path,

a valve seat in fluid communication with said first fluid-flow path,

a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element,

an extension member fixed relative to said other of said valve seat and valve member and manually engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative to said first wall,

said first fluid-flow element and said extension member being structured to provide for said transference of force between said extension member and said first fluid-flow element when force is applied to said extension member relative to the first fluid-flow element along said valve axis, and

means for controlling movement of said valve member relative to said valve seat; and

means for attaching said first fluid-flow element to said first wall by applying force on said extension member along said valve axis relative to said first fluid-flow element.

30. A bed according to

claim 29

wherein said valve seat is fixed to said first fluid-flow element in said first fluid-flow path and faces away from said extension member, and said valve member is disposed between said valve seat and said first wall and is attached to said extension member by a shaft extending through said valve seat.

31. A bed according to

claim 29

wherein said first wall has a first fluid port, said fluid flow path of said first fluid-flow element being in fluid communication with said first fluid port when said valve cartridge is secured to said first wall.

32. A bed according to

claim 29

wherein said housing includes a second wall spaced from said first wall, and having an opening sized to receive said cartridge.

33. A bed according to

claim 32

further comprising means for sealing said cartridge relative to said second wall opening.

34. A bed according to

claim 33

wherein said sealing means includes a second valve seat forming said second wall opening, a second valve member fixed relative to said cartridge, and means for moving said second valve member relative to said second value seat when said cartridge is fixed relative to said first wall.

35. A bed according to

claim 34

wherein said second wall is fixed relative to said first wall, said second valve member is fixed on said extension means, and said means for moving said first valve member relative to said first valve member concurrently moves sail second valve member relative to said second valve seat.

36. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said support surface; and

a valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid to said cell, comprising;

a housing having a first wall, and a second wall defining a fluid-flow port spaced from said first wall and in communication with said cell,

a base member positionable through said fluid-flow port,

means for attaching said base member to said first wall,

a valve member mounted and movable relative to said base member and said second wall for selective fluid sealing engagement with said fluid-flow port, and

means for moving said valve member relative to said fluid-flow port.

37. A bed according to

claim 36

further comprising an extension member fixed relative to said valve member, extending through said fluid-flow port, and movable with said valve member relative to said base member, said extension member being manually engageable for securing and removing said base member relative to said first wall.

38. A bed according to

claim 37

wherein said base member and extension member are structured to provide for said transference of force between said extension member and said base member when force is applied to said extension member relative to said base member.

39. A bed according to

claim 38

wherein said base member is attachable to said first wall by applying force on said extension member toward said base member.

40. A bed according to

claim 37

wherein said base member and extension member are tubular and extend coaxially along an axis passing through said fluid-flow port.

41. A bed according to

claim 40

wherein said extension member and base member have respective surfaces in contact during movement of said extension member relative to said base member to form a fluid seal.

42. A bed according to

claim 41

further comprising means for limiting said travel of said extension member relative to said base member.

43. A bed according to

claim 42

wherein said travel-limiting means includes a protrusion extending from one of said extension member and said base member, and an edge of the other of said extension member and said base member is positioned to be contacted by said protrusion.

44. A bed according to 41 wherein said first wall has a second fluid-flow port, said base member and extension member defining a fluid-flow path in communication with said second fluid-flow port and extending through said first fluid-flow port when said base member is attached to said first wall.

46. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress having a plurality of inflatable cells supported on said support surface; and

a modular connector system for forming a sealed passageway between two of said cells comprising;

a receptacle mounted to one of said cells and having an inner cavity, extending between the interior and the exterior of said one cell, with first and second open ends, and a lip extending inwardly around said receptacle first open end and defining an opening,

a disk positioned in said inner cavity of said receptacle adjacent to said receptacle first open end and sealingly positionable against said lip for closing said receptacle first open end when positioned against said lip, and

an insert mounted to another of said cells having a main portion with an inner cavity defining an insert passageway, extending between said interior and exterior of said other cell, with first and second open ends, a shoulder extending outwardly from adjacent to said insert first open end, said main portion being sized to be received in said second open end of said receptacle with said second open end of said insert spaced from said lip, said space between said lip and said insert second end defining a chamber in which said disk is captured with said disk being movable between a first position against said lip and a second position spaced from said lip,

the disk and insert second end being structured to allow fluid flow between said insert and said disk when said disk is in said second position, and sealingly engages said lip when said disk is in said first position, said modular system forming a check valve preventing fluid flow through said insert when said disk is in said first position, and allowing fluid to flow through said insert when said disk is in said second position.

47. A bed according to

claim 46

wherein said second end of said receptacle has a second lip extending inwardly about said second opening, with said disk being positionable in a third position sealingly against said second lip when said insert is not positioned fin said receptacle, thereby preventing fluid flow through said receptacle.

48. A bed according to

claim 46

further comprising a reducer having a passageway that is reduced relative to said passageway of at least one of said insert and said receptacle, and means for sealingly securing said reducer to said one of said insert and said receptacle.

49. A bed according to

claim 48

wherein said reducer has an outwardly extending flange and at least one of said insert and said receptacle has a groove in said respective inner cavity sized to receive said flange.

50. A bed according to

claim 49

wherein said insert has said groove adjacent to said first end.

51. A bed according to

claim 49

wherein said receptacle has said groove in said opening of said lip.

52. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress supported on said support surface and having first and second inflatable cells, said first inflatable cell having a wall defining an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid;

an outlet coupling member spaced from said first cell inlet for transmitting fluid input through said first cell inlet;

the second inflatable cell having an inlet for receiving fluid for inflating said second cell; and

means selectively connectable to said outlet coupling member for joining said second cell inlet to said outlet coupling member, whereby fluid received in said first cell inlet is also received in said second cell.

53. A bed according to

claim 52

wherein said coupling member includes valve means for closing said coupling member when said joining means is not joining said second cell inlet to said outlet coupling member.

54. A bed according to

claim 53

wherein said valve means includes a check valve that is defeated when said joining means is joining said second cell inlet to said outlet coupling member.

55. A bed according to

claim 52

wherein said first cell has a second inlet for receiving pressurized fluid for inflating said first cell, said bed further comprising conduit means providing fluid communication between said first inlet and said outlet coupling member, whereby said first cell is not inflated by pressurized fluid received in said first inlet.

56. A bed according to

claim 52

wherein said outlet coupling member includes:

a receptacle having an inner cavity with first and second open ends providing a fluid passageway, and a lip extending inwardly around said receptacle first open end, said lip having an opening;

a disk positioned in said inner cavity of said receptacle adjacent to said receptacle first open end and sealingly positionable against said lip for closing said receptacle first open end when positioned against said lip; and

means for capturing said disk in said inner cavity; and

wherein said joining means includes an insert attached to said second cell and having a main portion with an inner cavity defining an insert passageway with first and second open ends, a shoulder extending outwardly from adjacent to said insert first open end, said main portion being sized to be received in said second open end of said receptacle with said second open end of said insert spaced from said lip, said space between said lip and said insert second open end defining a chamber in which said disk is captured, with said disk being movable between a first position against said lip and a second position spaced from said lip;

the disk and insert second open end being structured to allow fluid flow between said insert and said disk when said disk is in said second position, and sealingly engages said lip when said disk is in said first position, and thereby forming a check valve preventing fluid flow through said insert when said disk is in said first position, and allowing fluid to flow through said insert when said disk is in said second position.

57. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface with at least two openings;

means for providing fluid communication between a source of fluid and said openings;

a first inflatable cell having a wall supported relative to said support surface over said openings;

a first inlet coupling member mounted to said first cell wall adjacent to a first of said openings, said first inlet coupling member being selectively securable to said one opening for providing fluid communication between said panel opening and the interior of said first cell;

a second inlet coupling member mounted to said first cell wall adjacent to said second opening, said second inlet coupling member being selectively securable to said second opening for providing fluid communication between said panel opening and the interior of said first cell;

an outlet coupling member mounted to said first cell wall spaced from said first and second inlet coupling members;

conduit means disposed within said first cell walls providing fluid communication between said second inlet coupling member and said outlet coupling member, whereby said first cell is not inflated by pressurized fluid received in said second inlet coupling member;

a second inflatable cell supported relative to said support surface and having an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid for inflating said second cell; and

a third inlet coupling member in fluid communication with said second cell inlet and Selectively connectable to said outlet coupling member for joining said second cell inlet to said outlet coupling member, whereby fluid received in said second inlet coupling member is conducted into said second cell.

58. A bed according to

claim 57

wherein said first cell is part of a mattress supported on said platform means and having an upper surface for supporting a person, and said second cell is a restraining cushion having a first side that is generally orthogonal to and longer than a second side when viewed from an end of said mattress, said restraining cushion being selectively positionable on said mattress with one of said first and second sides on said mattress and said other of said first and second sides facing inwardly toward a person supported on said mattress, whereby said restraining cushion is positionable at different positions along a person'"'"'s body for providing different amounts of space for a person supported on said mattress.

59. A bed comprising:

means for defining at least two panels that are relatively pivotable about a pivot axis;

a mattress having at least one inflatable cell supported on each of said panels;

a first housing mounted to a first one of said two panels and defining a first fluid-flow path in fluid communication with said cell supported on said first panel, said first housing having a first fluid-flow port;

a second housing mounted to said second one of said two-panels for pivoting about said pivot axis relative to said first housing, said second housing defining a second fluid-flow path in fluid communication with said cell supported on said second panel and having a second fluid-flow port generally facing said first fluid-flow port;

means joining said first and second fluid-flow ports for communicating said first fluid-flow path with said second fluid-flow path; and

means supported relative to at least one of said first and second housings for maintaining said duct means generally in alignment between said first and second fluid-flow ports during relative pivoting of said first and second housings.

60. A bed according to

claim 59

wherein said maintaining means is a membrane extending between said first and second housings, said membrane being attached along one edge to at least one of said first and second housings adjacent to said pivot axis, and having an opening through which said communicating means extends.

61. A bed according to

claim 60

wherein said communicating means is a bellows to allow extension or retraction in length between said first and second openings.

62. A bed according to

claim 61

wherein said bellows has alternating sections of relatively large cross-sectional area and relatively small cross-sectional area, said membrane opening conforming generally to the size of said bellows at a section having a small cross-sectional area.

63. A bed according to

claim 62

wherein said first housing further defines a third fluid-flow passageway and has a third fluid-flow port in communication with said third fluid-flow passageway, said third fluid-flow port being positioned distally of said pivot axis relative to said first fluid-flow port;

and said second housing further defines a fourth fluid-flow passageway and has a fourth fluid-flow port in communication with said fourth fluid-flow passageway, said fourth fluid-flow port being positioned distally of said pivot axis relative to said second fluid-flow port and generally facing said third fluid-flow port;

said bed further including a second bellows extending between said third and fourth fluid-flow ports, said membrane including a second opening through which said second bellows extends, said second opening conforming to a section of said second bellows having a relatively small cross-sectional area.

64. A bed according to

claim 63

wherein each bellows has a plurality of sections with a reduced cross-sectional area, said maintaining means including a plurality of said membranes with first and second openings, each opening receiving a different section of said first and second bellows having a relatively small cross-sectional area.

65. A bed according to

claim 59

wherein said mattress includes a plurality of inflatable cells supported on each of said panels, wherein an inflatable mattress comprising first and second separately inflatable cells having contiguous faces extending, when inflated, obliquely relative to said support surface, with said Contiguous face of said first cell extending over said contiguous face of said second cell;

and

means for securing said first and second cells to said defining means with said first cell partially supported on said second cell when a person is supported on said mattress.

66. A bed comprising:

means for defining at least two panes that are relatively pivotable about a pivot axis;

a mattress having at least one inflatable cell supported on each of said at least two panels;

a first housing mounted to a first one of said two panels and defining a first fluid-flow path, said first housing having a first fluid-flow port and a second fluid-flow port spaced from said first fluid-flow port, both said first and second fluid-flow ports being in communication with said first fluid-flow path;

a second housing mounted to a second one of said two panels and defining a second fluid-flow path having a third fluid-flow port in communication with said second fluid-flow path and generally facing said second fluid-flow port;

means joining said second and third fluid-flow ports for communicating said first fluid-flow path with said second fluid-flow path;

first means for coupling said first fluid-flow path to said cell supported on said first panel; and

second means for coupling said second fluid-flow path to said cell supported on said second panel.

67. A bed according to

claim 66

wherein each of said first and second coupling means comprise valve means for varying the amount of fluid flowing between the respective one of said first and second fluid-flow paths and said associated mattress cell.

68. A bed according to

claim 67

wherein said mattress sections each include a plurality of cells, and wherein each of said first and second coupling means comprises a valve for each mattress cell.

69. A bed according to

claim 67

wherein said first housing defines a third fluid-flow path, a fourth fluid-flow port, and a fifth fluid-flow port spaced from said fourth fluid-flow port, both said fourth and fifth fluid-flow ports being in communication with said third fluid-flow path, and said fifth fluid-flow port being positioned distally of said pivot axis relative to said second fluid-flow port;

and said second housing defines a sixth fluid-flow port, said sixth fluid-flow port being positioned distally of said pivot axis relative to said third fluid-flow port and generally facing said fifth fluid-flow port;

said bed further including a second one of said communicating means extending between said fifth and sixth fluid-flow ports.

70. A bed according to

claim 69

wherein each of said valve means also couples the respective one of said third and fourth fluid-flow paths to the respective cell.

71. A bed according to

claim 70

wherein each valve means couples the respective one of said first and second paths to both the associated cell and the associated one of said third and fourth paths.

72. A bed according to

claim 70

wherein each valve means couples the respective one of said third and fourth paths through the respective one of said first and second paths to the associated cell.

73. A bed according to

claim 72

wherein each valve means comprises channel means coupling the respective one of said third and fourth paths with the associated cell.

74. A bed according to

claim 73

wherein each housing has a first wall separating said first path from said associated cell and having a seventh fluid-flow port coupling said first path with said associated cell, and a second wall spaced from said first wall, separating said first and second paths, and having an eighth fluid-flow port;

and said valve means comprises a base member defining a Valve-flow path-extending through said base member, and positionable through said seventh fluid-flow port, means for attaching said base member to said second wall with said eighth fluid-flow port in fluid communication with said valve-flow path, a first valve member mounted and movable relative to said base member and said first wall for engaging selectively and sealingly said seventh fluid-flow port, and means controllable for moving said valve member relative to said seventh fluid-flow port.

75. A bed according to

claim 74

wherein said valve means further includes a second valve member movable With said first valve member for closing said valve-flow path when said seventh fluid-flow port is open.

76. A bed according to

claim 70

wherein said valve means for varying said amount of fluid flowing between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell includes:

a first valve assembly having a first valve seat providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell, and a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat;

a second valve assembly having a second valve seat providing fluid communication between said third fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell, and a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat;

the first and second valve assemblies being structured for varying fluid flow through each valve seat in proportion to the relative position of the respective valve member to said valve seat; and

means coupled to said first and second valve assemblies for moving said first valve member in a first direction relative to said first valve seat while concurrently moving said second valve member in a second direction relative to said second valve seat, said movement in said first and second directions producing increasing restriction to fluid flow in one of said valve seats and decreasing restriction to fluid flow in the other of said valve seats.

77. A bed according to

claim 70

wherein said valve means for varying said amount of fluid flowing between said first and third fluid-flow paths and the associated mattress cell includes:

a first valve seat providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve seat in opposing relationship with said first valve seat and providing fluid communication between said third fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve member fixed relative to said first valve member and movable relative to said second valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said associated mattress cell and said third fluid-flow path; and

means for moving said first and second valve members between said first and second valve seats.

78. A bed according to

claim 70

wherein said valve means for varying said amount of fluid flowing between said first fluid-flow path and the associated mattress cell includes:

a first valve seat providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve seat providing fluid communication between said third fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said associated mattress cell and said third fluid-flow path;

first means responsive to a first control signal and coupled to said first valve member for moving said first valve member relative to said first valve seat; and

second means responsive to a second control signal and coupled to said second valve member for moving said second valve member relative to said second valve seat,

the first and second moving means being independently controllable for controlling, in combination, fluid pressure in said cell.

79. A bed according to

claim 67

wherein said first housing has a wall extending along said first fluid-flow path, and said associated valve means comprises a replaceable valve cartridge having a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow passageway, a valve seat in fluid communication with said first fluid-flow passageway, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, said valve member being manually engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative to said wall, and actuator means for moving sail valve member relative to said valve seat;

and said bed further comprising means for attaching said first fluid-flow element to said wall by applying force on said first fluid-flow element along said valve axis.

80. A bed according to

claim 67

wherein said first housing has a wall extending along said first fluid-flow path, and said associated valve means comprises a replaceable valve cartridge having a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow passageway, a valve seat in fluid communication with said fluid-flow passageway, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, an extension member fixed relative to said other of said valve seat and valve member and manually engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative to said wall, said first fluid-flow element and said extension member being structured to provide for said transference of force between said extension member and said first fluid-flow element when force is applied to said extension member relative to said first fluid-flow element along said valve axis, and means for controlling movement of said valve member relative to said valve seat;

and said bed further comprising means for attaching said first fluid-flow element to said wall by applying force on said extension member along said valve axis relative to said first fluid-flow element.

81. A bed according to

claim 67

wherein said first housing has a first wall, and a second wall saving a fluid-flow port spaced from said first wall and in communication with said first fluid-flow path;

and said associated valve means comprises a base member positionable through said fluid-flow port, means for attaching said base member to said first wall, a valve member mounted and movable relative to said base member and said second wall for engaging selectively and sealingly said fluid-flow port, and means controllable for moving said valve member relative to said fluid-flow port.

82. A bed according to

claim 66

wherein said second housing further has an outlet port in fluid communication wish said second fluid-flow path and spaced from said third fluid-flow port;

said bed further comprising;

a valve member mounted pivotably relative to said second housing for pivoting about a pivot axis between a normal position in which said valve member sealingly closes said outlet port, and a release position in which said valve member is spaced from said outlet port, and thereby allowing fluid in said second fluid-flow path to flow through said outlet port;

first means for securing said valve member in said normal position; and

second means for securing said valve member in said release position.

83. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress supported on said support surface and having first and second inflatable cells;

a housing for defining a first fluid-flow path, and having a first fluid-flow port in communication with said first fluid-flow path, and an upper wall adjacent to said inflatable cells, said first fluid flow path being adjacent to said upper wall, said housing further defining a second fluid-flow path and having an intermediate wall positioned between said first and second fluid-flow paths, and a second fluid-flow port in communication with said second fluid-flow path; and

means for coupling selectively said first and second fluid-flow paths to a cell.

84. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said intermediate wall is spaced from said upper wall, and said second fluid-flow path is disposed below said first fluid-flow path.

85. A bed according to

claim 84

wherein said coupling means comprises a base member positionable through said first fluid-flow port, means for attaching said base member to said intermediate wall, a valve member mounted and movable relative to said base member and said first wall for engaging selectively and sealingly said first fluid-flow port, and means controllable for moving said valve member relative to said first fluid-flow port.

86. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said second fluid-flow path is also adjacent to said upper wall and said intermediate wall extends generally vertically between said first and second fluid-flow paths.

87. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said coupling means comprises:

a first valve assembly having a first valve seat providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell, and a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat;

a second valve assembly having a second valve seat providing fluid communication between said second fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell, and a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat;

the first and second valve assemblies being structured for varying said fluid flow through each valve seat in proportion to said relative position of said respective valve member to said valve seat; and

means coupled to said first and second valve assemblies for moving said first valve member in a first direction relative to said first valve seat while concurrently moving said second valve member in a second direction relative to said second valve seat, the movement in said first and second directions producing increasing restriction to fluid flow in one of said valve seats and decreasing restriction to fluid flow in said other of said valve seats.

88. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said coupling means comprises:

a first valve seat providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve seat in opposing relationship with said first valve seat and providing fluid communication between said second fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve member fixed relative to said first valve member and movable relative to said second valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said associated mattress cell and said third fluid-flow path; and

means for moving said first and second valve members between said first and second valve seats.

89. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said coupling means comprises:

a first valve seat providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress coil;

a second valve seat providing fluid communication between said second fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell;

a second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said associated mattress cell and said second fluid-flow path;

first means responsive to a first control signal and coupled to said first valve member for moving said first valve member relative to said first valve seat; and

second means responsive to a second control signal and coupled to said second valve member for moving said second valve member relative to said second valve seat;

the first and second moving means being independently controllable for controlling, in combination, said fluid pressure in said cell.

90. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said coupling means comprises a replaceable valve cartridge having a fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow passageway, a valve seat in fluid communication with said fluid-flow passageway and one of said first and second fluid-flow ports, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative to said fluid-flow element, said valve member being manually engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative to one of said walls, means for moving said valve member relative to said valve seat;

and said bed further comprising means for attaching said fluid-flow element to said one wall by applying force on said fluid-flow element along said valve axis.

91. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said coupling means comprises a replaceable valve cartridge having a fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow passageway, a valve seat in fluid communication with said fluid-flow passageway, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative to said fluid-flow element, an extension member fixed relative to said other of said valve seat and valve member and manually engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative to said wall, said fluid-flow element and said extension member being structured to provide for the transference of force between said extension member and said fluid-flow element when force is applied to said extension member relative to said fluid-flow element along said valve axis, and means for controlling movement of said valve member relative to said valve seat;

and said bed further comprising means for attaching said fluid-flow element to said wall by applying force on said extension member along said valve axis relative to said fluid-flow element.

92. A bed according to

claim 83

wherein said housing further has an outlet port in fluid communication with one of said first and second fluid-flow paths and spaced from said corresponding one of said first and second fluid-flow ports;

said bed further comprising a valve member mounted pivotably relative to said housing for pivoting about a pivot axis between a normal position in which said valve member sealingly closes said outlet port, and a release position in which said valve member is spaced from said outlet port, thereby allowing fluid in said one fluid-flow path to flow through said outlet port;

first means for securing said valve member in said normal position; and

second means for securing said valve member in said release position.

93. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said support surface;

a housing to define a fluid plenum in communication with said air mattress and having an outlet port;

a valve member mounted pivotably relative to said housing for pivoting about a pivot axis between a normal position in which said valve member sealingly closes said outlet port, and a release position in which said valve member is spaced from said outlet port, and thereby allowing fluid in said plenum to flow through said outlet port;

first means for securing said valve member in said normal position; and

second means for securing said valve member in said release position.

94. A bed according to

claim 93

wherein said securing means comprises first stop means engageable with said housing for maintaining said valve member in said normal position, said valve member being movable relative to said housing along said pivot axis for disengaging said stop means relative to said housing.

95. A bed according to

claim 94

wherein said housing further defines an exhaust chamber in communication with said air mattress and an exhaust port, and said valve member includes a duct and an external port for providing an exhaust passageway from said exhaust port to said external port spaced from said exhaust port, said duct being in communication with said exhaust port when said valve member is in said normal position, and being spaced from said exhaust part when in said release position.

96. A bed according to

claim 94

wherein said securing means comprises second stop means engageable with said housing for maintaining said valve member in the release position, said second stop means engaging said housing when said valve member is moved along said pivot axis for disengaging said first stop means.

97. A bed comprising:

a platform with an upper surface;

a mattress supported on said platform upper surface for supporting a person, said mattress including a plurality of sets of separately inflatable cells distributed along said upper surface, with each of said sets including at least one cell, and each of said cells having an inlet for inflating said cell;

a plurality of sets of means for producing a flow of air, with each set of producing means having at least one of said producing means, and with each of said producing means being mounted relative to said platform and having an inlet for receiving air and an outlet for outputting air having pressure greater than the pressure at said inlet; and

a plurality of duct means with each duct means being for coupling a set of producing means to said inlet of each of said cells in only one of said sets of cells, whereby there is a one-to-one correspondence between said sets of cells and said sets of producing means.

98. A bed according to

claim 97

wherein at least one set of producing means includes a plurality of producing means coupled in series, whereby the maximum pressure produced by said set of producing means is greater than the maximum pressure of each individual producing means.

99. A bed according to

claim 97

wherein said platform includes a plurality of relatively movable panels, and each of said panels includes at least one of said sets of cells, and each of said sets of producing means is fixedly mounted relative to the one of said panels supporting the associated set of cells.

100. A bed according to

claim 99

wherein each of said panels supports a plurality of sets of cells and has fixedly mounted under it the corresponding plurality of sets of producing means.

101. A bed according to

claim 98

wherein at least one of said producing means in at least one of said sets of producing means is responsive to a control signal for producing the output air at a selected pressure, said bed further comprising means for generating said control signal to be representative of said selected pressure.

102. A bed according to

claim 101

wherein each of said producing means in each of said sets is responsive to a respective control signal for producing said selected pressure independent of the pressures produced by the other sets of producing means.

103. A bed according to

claim 101

wherein said one producing means is a fan having a motor that rotates at a speed proportional to said applied voltage and the resulting cell pressure is proportional to the motor rotational speed, whereby said control signal is the applied voltage, and said selected pressure is produced by applying the applied voltage at a level that produces said selected pressure.

104. A bed according to

claim 103

wherein said generating means includes means for determining the applied voltage appropriate for producing a selected pressure.

105. A bed according to

claim 103

further comprising baffle means disposed in each of said duct means for reducing said transmission of sound waves through said duct means into said cells.

106. A bed according to

claim 105

wherein said baffle means each comprises a resilient flap extending into said associated one of said duct means, said flap being unattached along at least one edge for bending when a pressure differential exists on opposite sides of said flap.

107. A bed according to

claim 106

wherein said baffle means each substantially closes said associated one of said duct means when no pressure differential exists on opposite sides of said flap.

108. A bed according to

claim 97

wherein each of said duct means comprises a passageway extending through the platform associated with and supporting each cell inflated by said duct means, said bed further comprising gate means slidable relative to said associated platform between a first position in which said passageway is closed and a second position in which said passageway is open.

109. A bed according to

claim 108

wherein each of said duct means includes means for sealing each of the associated passageways relative to said upper surface when each associated gate means is in said first position for preventing cleansing fluids applied to said upper surface from passing through said passageway.

110. A bed according to

claim 108

wherein said duct means includes means for securing said associated cell to said passageway and said gate means anchors said connector means in said passageway when said gate means is in said second position.

111. A bed according to

claim 110

wherein said gate means is slidable to a third position in which said gate means releases said securing means and said securing means must be removed from said passageway before said gate means can be slid to said first position.

112. A bed according to

claim 97

wherein said sets of cells include a plurality of sets of primary cells having an upper surface for supporting a person and a plurality of sets of base cells laterally supporting said primary cells, with at least one of said sets of primary cells and said sets of base cells laterally supporting said at least one set of primary cells being inflated by different ones of said sets of producing means.

113. A bed according to

claim 97

further comprising baffle means disposed in at least one of said duct means for reducing the transmission of sound waves through said one duct means into said cells.

114. A bed comprising:

a platform with an upper surface;

a mattress supported on said platform upper surface for supporting a person, said mattress including at least one inflatable cell having an inlet for inflating said cell;

means for producing a flow of air at a pressure greater than ambient air pressure;

duct means coupling said producing means to said cell inlet, said duct means including a passageway extending through said platform; and

gate means slidable relative to said platform between a first position in which said passageway is closed and a second position in which said passageway is open.

115. A bed according to

claim 114

wherein said gate means includes means for sealing said passageway relative to said upper surface when said gate means is in said first position for preventing cleansing fluids applied to said upper surface from passing through said passageway.

116. A bed according to

claim 114

wherein said duct means includes means for securing said inlet of said cell to said passageway and said gate means anchors said securing means in said passageway when said gate means is in said second position.

117. A bed according to

claim 116

wherein said gate means is slidable to a third position in which said gate means releases said securing means and said securing means must be removed from said passageway before said gate means can be slid to said first position.

118. A bed according to

claim 117

wherein said securing means has an end that extends into said passageway and has a flange element extending laterally of said end, and said gate means comprises plate means slidable below and parallel to said upper surface wherein said plate means has an oblong opening having an enlarged end sized to freely receive said end of said securing means, including said flange element, said opening further having a locking end with a reduced dimension appropriate for engaging said flange element when said end of said securing means extends into said enlarged end of said opening and said plate means is slid from said third position in which said enlarged end of said opening is in line with said passageway with said end of said securing means in said opening to said second position in which said locking end is in line with said passageway and said flange element is engaged by said plate means.

119. A bed according to

claim 115

wherein said gate means comprises plate means slidable below and parallel to said upper surface wherein said sealing means comprises a plug that matingly fits into said passageway, said plate means including means for resiliently urging said plug toward said upper surface.

120. A bed according to

claim 119

wherein said urging means comprises a resilient member fixed at one end to said plate means and fixed at the other end to said plug.

121. A bed according to

claim 114

further comprising baffle means disposed in said duct means for reducing said transmission of sound waves through said duct means into said cell.

122. A bed comprising:

a generally planar platform formed as a plurality of relatively articulatable panels, each panel having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a mattress supported on said platform upper surface for supporting a person, said mattress including a plurality of sets of separately inflatable cells distributed along said upper surface of each of said panels, with each of said sets including at least one cell, and each of said cells having a lower surface supported on a panel upper surface and an inlet located in said lower surface for inflating said cell;

each of said panels having passageways extending between said upper and lower surfaces in line with said cell inlets;

hollow connectors attached to said cells in line with said inlets for conducting air into said cells, said connectors having a flange end spaced from said cells with a flange extending laterally from said flange end;

a fan for each set of cells mounted relative to said lower surface of the panel supporting the associated set of cells, each of said fans rotating at a speed proportional to the level of an applied voltage, whereby the pressure in the associated set of cells is directly proportional to the level of the applied voltage;

a duct coupling each fan outlet to said lower end of said passageways of said cells inflated by said fan;

control means for applying an applied voltage to each fan corresponding to a target air pressure for the associated set of cells; and

plate means associated with each passageway and slidable relative to the associated panel, each of said plate means including an oblong opening having an enlarged end sized to freely receive said flange end of the associated one of said connectors, said opening further having an anchoring end with a reduced dimension appropriate for engaging said flange when said flange end of said connector extends into said enlarged end of said opening and said plate means is slid from a position in which said enlarged end of said opening is in line with said passageway to a position in which said anchoring end is in line with said passageway and said flange is engaged by said plate means.

123. A bed according to

claim 122

wherein one of said panels is a seat panel having sets of cells for supporting the seat of a person supported on said mattress, and at least one of said sets of said sells supported on said seat panel is inflated by two of said fans coupled in series, whereby the cell pressure produced by said two series-coupled fans is greater than the cell pressure produced by each individual fan.

124. A method of inflating a plurality of cells of a mattress supported on a bed platform comprising the steps of:

dividing the plurality of cells into exclusive sets of cells;

mounting one fan means for each set of cells under the platform and under the associated cells;

coupling each fan to the associated set of cells; and

applying a voltage to each fan for inflating the associated set of cells.

125. A method according to

claim 124

where the cell pressure is directly proportional to the voltage applied to the associated fan means, and wherein said method further comprises the steps of selecting a different cell pressure and changing the applied voltage to a voltage appropriate for producing the different cell pressure.

126. A bed comprising:

first means for defining an upwardly facing support surface;

a mattress supported on said support surface;

a frame extending in a generally vertical plane mounted relative to an end of said first defining means and having horizontally spaced, generally vertically extending channels;

a table positionable adjacent to said channels and having a guide element extending into each channel, which guide elements are slidable relative to said channels for moving said table between a storage position in which said guide elements are positioned in lower regions of said channels, and a raised position in which said guide elements are positioned at upper regions of said channels;

means for coupling said table to said guide elements for pivoting said table about a pivot axis between an upright position in which said table is generally vertically disposed and a lowered position in which said table is generally horizontally disposed; and

first means for limiting said pivoting of said table relative to said channels in a first direction.

127. A bed according to

claim 126

further comprising second means for limiting said pivoting of said table relative to said channels in a second direction opposite from said first direction.

128. A bed according to

claim 126

further comprising a base for supporting said first defining means, and second means mounting said frame to said base for pivoting about a generally vertical axis whereby the position of said table when in a lowered position is adjustable relative to said base.

129. A bed comprising:

a platform supported above a floor and having a foot end and opposite sides;

an inflatable mattress supported on said platform and having a predetermined thickness, an upper surface, and a foot end on said foot end of said platform;

a stand-up board extending between said sides of said platform; and

means for mounting said stand-up board on said foot end of said platform adjacent to said mattress, said mounting means being adjustable for varying said angle of said stand-up board relative to said platform.

130. A bed according to

claim 129

wherein said mounting means is releasable for removing said stand-up beard from said platform.

131. A bed according to

claim 129

further comprising means for moving said stand-up board from a support position in which said stand-up board extends above said mattress for contact by said feet of a person when said platform is tilted up with said foot end down, and a storage position in which said stand-up board is positioned below said upper surface of said mattress.

132. A bed according to

claim 131

further comprising a frame supported on said platform, and said moving means includes hinge means coupling said board to said frame and means for securing said board in said support position.

133. A bed according to

claim 132

wherein said hinge means includes a hinge rod about which said panel pivots, said moving means further including a slide member having a slot through which said rod extends, said slide member being movable relative to said rod between a support position in which said panel is prevented from moving on said hinge means and a hinge position in which said panel is allowed to pivot on said rod.

134. A bed comprising:

a platform supported above a floor and having a foot end and opposite sides;

an inflatable mattress having a predetermined thickness supported on said platform and having a foot end on said foot end of said platform;

a stand-up board extending between said sides of said platform;

means for mounting said stand-up board on said foot end of said platform adjacent to said mattress; and

means for moving said stand-up board from a support position in which said stand-up board extends above said mattress for contact by said feet of a person when said platform is tilted up with said foot end down, and a storage position in which said stand-up board is positioned below the upper surface of said mattress.

135. A bed according to

claim 134

wherein said stand-up board further includes a frame supported on said platform, and said moving means includes hinge means coupling said stand-up board to said frame and means for securing said stand-up board in said support position.

136. A bed according to

claim 135

wherein said hinge means includes a hinge rod about which said stand-up board pivots, said moving means further including a slide member having a slot through which said rod extends, said slide member being movable relative to said rod between a support position in which said stand-up board is prevented from moving on said hinge means and a hinge position in which said stand-up board is allowed to pivot on said rod.

137. A bed comprising:

a platform supported relative to the floor and having opposite ends and opposite sides extending between said ends, and having an upper surface on which a person is supported above the floor;

a base end board mounted adjacent to and extending generally along the length of one end of said platform, said base end board having a side portion adjacent to each side of said platform, and an intermediate portion between said side portions, said side portions extending above said upper surface of said platform and said intermediate portion extending upwardly to a level below said level of said side portions;

a panel positionable above said intermediate portion and extending upwardly adjacent to said side portions of said end board; and

means for supporting said panel on said end board with said panel being manually removable from said position above said intermediate portion of said end board for providing access to said platform over said intermediate portion of said end board.

138. A bed according to

claim 137

wherein said end board and panel have conforming surfaces.

139. A bed according to

claim 137

further comprising means for supporting said panel on an end of said platform.

140. A bed according to

claim 139

further comprising means for tilting said platform toward a vertical orientation with the end on which said panel is supported being lower than the other end, and wherein said means for supporting said panel on said end of said platform supports said panel transverse to said upper surface of said platform, said end of said platform on which said panel is supported being said lower end, whereby a person supported on said platform stands on said panel when said platform is in a tilted position.

141. A bed according to

claim 137

wherein at least one side portion of said base end board has an upper surface and an opening in said surface;

said bed further comprising extendable support bar means mounted in said side portion of said base end board and having an upper end, said bar means being extendable between a recessed position in which said upper end is disposed adjacent to said board opening, and a raised position in which said upper end is supported substantially above said board opening with said bar means extending through said board opening.

142. A bed comprising:

means having opposite ends and being supported above a floor for supporting a person;

a board mounted adjacent to one end of said supporting means and extending above said one end of said supporting means, said board having ends at spaced locations along said one end and a predetermined thickness adjacent to at least one end of said board, said one end of said board having an upper surface and an opening in said upper surface; and

support bar means mounted in said one end of said board and having an upper end, said bar means being extendable between a recessed position in which said upper end is disposed adjacent to said board opening, and a raised position in which said upper end is supported substantially above said board opening with said bar means extending through said board opening.

143. A bed according to

claim 142

wherein said upper end of said bar means is disposed substantially below said upper surface when said upper end is in said recessed position, said bar means further having means mounted on said upper end providing for engagement by the hand of a person for raising said bar means to said raised position.

144. A bed according to

claim 142

further comprising equipment support means mounted to said bar means for collapsing along said bar means for storage when said bar means is in said recessed position, and for extending outwardly from said bar means when said bar means is raised sufficiently to position said support means above said upper surface of said board.

145. A bed according to

claim 144

further comprising means for extending said support means outwardly from said bar means when said support means is raised through said board opening.

146. A bed according to

claim 145

wherein said opening is of a predetermined size that is greater than said size of said bar means and said extending means includes leverage means mounted to said support means and engageable by said opening when said support means is collapsed along said bar means for extending said support means outwardly as said leverage means passes through said opening.

147. A bed comprising:

a base supportable on a floor;

a frame supported on and extending upwardly above said base when said base is on a floor;

support bar means mounted to said frame and having an upper end, said bar means being extendable between a recessed position in which said bar means is disposed adjacent to said frame, and a raised position in which said upper end is supported substantially above said bar means; and

equipment support means mounted to said bar means for collapsing along said bar means for storage when said bar means is in said recessed position, and for extending outwardly from said bar means when said bar means is raised sufficiently to position said support means above said frame.

148. A bed according to

claim 147

wherein said frame includes an upper opening through which said bar means extends, said bed further comprising means for extending said support means outwardly from said bar means when said support means is raised through said opening.

149. A bed according to

claim 148

wherein said opening is of a predetermined size that is greater than said size of said bar means and said extending means includes leverage means mounted to said support means and engageable by said frame means when said support means is collapsed along said bar means for extending said support means outwardly as said leverage means passes through said opening.

150. A bed comprising:

an elongate platform for supporting a person;

an end frame mounted relative to an end of said platform;

an elongate equipment support member mounted on said end frame for movement relative to said end frame;

means movable relative to said end frame for holding selectively said support member substantially in a fixed position relative to said end frame when said holding means is in a holding position; and

means selectively operable for preventing movement of said holding means from said holding position, and thereby preventing inadvertent movement of said support member from said fixed position.

151. A bed according to

claim 150

wherein said preventing means is further movable relative to said holding means between a first position preventing movement of said holding means from said holding position and a second position allowing movement of said holding means away from said holding position.

152. A bed according to

claim 151

wherein said preventing means comprises an element mounted relative to said end frame, said element being positioned adjacent to said holding means when said preventing means is in said first position and said element is spaced from said holding means when said preventing means is in said second position, whereby said element prevents movement of said holding means from said holding position when said element is adjacent to said holding means.

153. A bed according to

claim 152

wherein said holding means comprises a lever pivotable relative to said end frame to said holding position for engaging said support member when said support member is in said fixed position and said element is in said second position, said element preventing pivoting of said lever from said holding position when said element is in said first position.

154. A bed according to

claim 153

wherein said element is fixed relative to said end frame, and said holding means and said support member are movable together relative to said end frame with said lever in said holding position.

155. A bed according to

claim 154

further comprising a manually engageable handle mounted on said end frame and movable for moving said lever relative to said holding position, and said handle is not movable relative to said end frame when said preventing means is in said first position.

156. A bed according to

claim 155

wherein said lever pivots about a pin fixed to said end frame, said lever having a slot through which said pin extends for allowing movement of said lever relative to said pin and in line with the length of said support member and thereby allowing movement of said lever relative to said element.

157. A bed according to

claim 154

wherein said holding means is movable by moving said support member longitudinally relative to said end frame.

158. A bed according to

claim 150

further comprising a manually engageable handle mounted on said end frame and movable for moving said holding means relative to said holding position, said handle not being movable relative to said end frame when said preventing means is preventing movement of said holding means from said holding position.

159. A bed comprising:

an elongate platform configured to support a person and having a foot end;

a foot board mounted adjacent to said foot end of said platform and having a chamber and a stop element adjacent to said chamber;

a cylindrical equipment support pole mounted in said chamber of said foot board for movement longitudinally relative to said foot board between a storage position in which said pole is recessed in said foot board and a support position in which a portion of said pole extends above said foot board;

a pivot pin mounted to said foot board adjacent to said stop element; and

a lever having a pole-engageable arm and a foot, said lever being mounted in said foot board for pivoting about said pin relative to a holding position in which said arm engages said pole for holding said pole relative to said lever in said support position, said lever further being movable for a limited distance relative to said pin while in said holding position together with said pole between a lock position in which said foot engages said stop element, preventing said lever from pivoting from said holding position and a release position in which said foot does not engage said stop element and allows pivoting of said lever away from said holding position, thereby removing said pole-engageable member from engagement with said pole, and releasing said pole for movement away from said support position.

160. A bed according to

claim 159

further comprising a handle mounted on said foot board and manually moveable for moving said lever relative to said holding position, said handle not being movable relative to said foot board when said ever is in said lock position, and being movable relative to said foot board when said lever arm is in said release position.

161. A bed comprising:

a base frame;

a platform configured to support a person;

means disposed at only three substantially horizontal, spaced-apart positions for supporting said platform on said base frame; and

a load cell mounted on each of said supporting means for sensing the weight supported by the respective supporting means.

162. A bed comprising:

a base frame;

a platform configured to support a person;

means disposed at a plurality of space-apart positions for supporting said platform on said base frame;

means for sensing said weight supported by each supporting means of a person supported on said platform;

means responsive to said weight supported by each of said supporting means for determining said position of said person on said platform.

163. A bed according to

claim 162

wherein said platform has opposite ends and opposite sides extending between said ends and an upper surface configured to support a person;

said bed further comprising;

a base end board mounted on said base frame adjacent to and extending generally along said length of one end of said platform, said base end board having a side portion adjacent to each side of said platform, and an intermediate portion between said side portions, said side portions extending above said upper surface of said platform and said intermediate portion extending upwardly to a level below the level of said side portions;

a panel positionable above said intermediate portion and extending upwardly adjacent to said side portions of said end board; and

means for supporting said panel on said end board with said panel being manually removable from said position above said intermediate portion of said end board for providing access to said platform over said intermediate portion of said end board.

164. A bed according to

claim 162

wherein said platform has opposite ends;

said bed further comprising;

a board mounted to said base frame adjacent to one end of said platform and extending above said one end of said platform, said board having an upper surface and an opening in said upper surface; and

extendable support bar means mounted in said board and having an upper end, said bar means being extendable between a recessed position in which said upper end is disposed adjacent to said hoard opening, and a raised position in which said upper end is supported substantially above said board opening with said bar means extending through said board opening.

165. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person;

a bar mounted relative to said platform;

means for adjusting a feature of the person'"'"'s environment; and

a control unit mountable on said bar for controlling said adjusting means, including;

a first housing having a front face and a rear face,

a first control mounted in said front face of said housing,

a web having first and second oppositely disposed margins, said web being attached to said housing along said first margin, and

means for attaching said web along said second margin relative to said housing, there being a sufficient distance between said first and second margins to wrap around said bar with said second margin attached relative to said housing.

166. A bed according to

claim 165

wherein said web is resilient and said attaching means is sufficiently strong to attach said second margin of said web relative to said housing with said web in tension.

167. A bed according to

claim 166

wherein said web is integral with said front face of said housing.

168. A bed according to

claim 167

further comprising a second housing attached to said second margin of said web and having a front face and a rear face, said rear faces of said housings being adjacent to each other when said web is wrapped around said bar, and a second control mounted in said front face of said second housing.

169. A bed according to

claim 168

wherein said attaching means attaches said first housing to said second housing.

170. A bed according to

claim 169

wherein said first and second housings have tops and said web extends from said top of said first housing to said top of said second housing.

171. A bed according to

claim 170

wherein at least one of said first and second controls has at least one display for displaying information and said front face is generally disposed in a plane, and said display is positioned at an angle transverse to said plane of said front face.

172. A bed according to

claim 171

wherein said display is recessed behind said plane of said front face.

173. A bed according to

claim 169

wherein said first and second housings are structured to form with said web a cavity for receiving said bar.

174. A bed comprising:

means for supporting a person;

a bar mounted relative to said platform means;

means controllable for adjusting a feature of the person'"'"'s environment; and

a control unit mountable on said bar for controlling said adjusting means, including;

a first housing having a front face and a rear face,

a first control mounted in said front face of said housing,

a second housing having a front face and a rear face, and

means for attaching said first housing and said second housing to said bar with said rear face of said first housing facing said rear face of said second housing.

175. A bed according to

claim 174

wherein said attaching means provides pivoting of said first housing relative to said second housing.

176. A bed according to

claim 175

further comprising means for attaching said first housing to said second housing with said rear face of said first housing facing said rear face of said second housing when said first housing and second housing are attached to said bar.

177. A bed comprising:

a frame configured to support a person above a floor;

a plurality of support wheels supporting said frame on the floor; and

a guide wheel assembly comprising;

a guide wheel,

means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame with said guide wheel contacting the floor, and

means for coupling said guide wheel to said mounting means for resiliently urging said wheel sufficiently toward the floor for maintaining said wheel in contact with the floor while said support wheels support said frame on the floor.

178. A bed according to

claim 177

wherein said frame is elongate, and said mounting means mounts said guide wheel for rotation about an axis transverse to said length of said frame.

179. A bed according to

claim 178

wherein said mounting means further comprises means for retracting said guide wheel to a position above the floor.

180. A bed comprising:

a frame configured to support a person above a floor;

a plurality of support wheels supporting said frame on the floor; and

a guide wheel assembly comprising;

a guide wheel, and

means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame with said guide wheel contacting the floor, including means for retracting said guide wheel from a guide position in contact with the floor to a retracted position above the floor.

181. A bed according to

claim 180

wherein said wheel is rotatable about a wheel axis and said retracting means is operable for pivoting said wheel about a pivot axis spaced from said wheel axis.

182. A bed according to

claim 180

wherein said retracting means is further operable for returning said wheel from said retracted position to said guide position.

183. A bed according to

claim 180

further comprising means for pivoting said support wheels about a vertical axis, and means for locking simultaneously said support wheels in a fixed position relative to said vertical axis.

184. A bed according to

claim 183

wherein said retracting means includes manually actuatable lever means for pivoting said guide wheel, said lever means also being coupled to said locking means for locking said support wheels when said guide wheel is in said guide position, and unlocking said support wheels when said guide wheel is in said retracted position.

185. A bed comprising:

means for supporting a person;

a base member mountable relative to said supporting means;

a guard rail for providing a barrier to a person exiting said supporting means;

means for mounting said guard rail to said base member for vertically changing the elevation of said guard rail between a barrier position above the level of said platform means, and a storage position below the level of said platform means; and

energy storage means coupling said guard rail and said base member for storing energy when said guard rail is lowered from said barrier position toward said storage position, and for releasing the energy by applying an upward force on said guard rail when said guard rail is raised toward said barrier position.

186. A bed according to

claim 185

wherein said base member includes a first guide means and said mounting means includes a first member slidable vertically relative to said guide means with said first member moving downwardly guided by said guide means when said guard rail is lowered, and said energy storage means includes coil spring means having a first end coupled to said guard rail and a second end coupled to said base member.

187. A bed according to

claim 186

wherein said mounting means further includes a second guide means coupled to said first member and a second member connected to said guard rail and slidable vertically relative to said first member wherein said second member moves downwardly guided by said second guide means when said guard rail is lowered, said mounting means further including cable means coupling said first member, second member and base member for transferring energy between said first and second members as said guard rail is moved vertically between said barrier position and said storage position.

188. A bed according to

claim 187

further comprising lock means for locking said first member relative to said second member.

189. A bed according to

claim 188

wherein said lock means includes a resilient arm fixed relative to one of said first and second members and coupling means for coupling selectively said arm relative to said other of said first and second members, and means for flexing said arm and thereby uncoupling said arm relative to said other member, thereby allowing movement between said first and second members.

190. A bed according to

claim 185

wherein said guard rail includes a bar;

said bed further comprising a control unit mountable on said bar for controlling functions comprising;

a first housing having a front face and a rear face;

first controls mounted in said front face of said housing;

a web having first and second oppositely disposed margins, said web being attached to said housing along said first margin; and

means for attaching said web along said second margin relative to said housing, there being a sufficient distance between said first and second margins to wrap around said bar with said second margin attached relative to said housing.

191. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person;

a base member mountable relative to said platform;

a guard rail for providing a barrier to a person exiting said platform;

elevation changing means mounting said guard rail to said base member for vertically changing the elevation of said guard rail between a barrier position above the level of said platform, and a storage position below the level of said platform; and

lock means for locking said guard rail relative to said base member, including (a) means for coupling selectively said guard rail and said mounting means, (b) a lock member movable between a lock position in which said guard rail is locked in position relative to said base member and an unlocked position in which said guard rail is movable relative to said base member, (c) trigger means, and (d) cable means coupling said rigger means to said lock member, said trigger means being operable for moving said lock member between said lock position and said unlocked position.

192. A bed according to

claim 191

wherein said guard rail includes a bar;

said bed further comprising a control unit mountable on said bar for controlling functions comprising;

a first housing having a front face and a rear face;

first controls mounted in said front face of said housing;

a web having first and second oppositely disposed margins, said web being attached to said housing along said first margin; and

means for attaching said web along said second margin relative to said housing, there being a sufficient distance between said first and second margins to wrap around said bar with said second margin attached relative to said housing.

193. A bed comprising:

means for supporting a person;

a base member fixedly mountable relative to said supporting means;

a guard rail for providing a barrier to a person exiting said supporting means; and

mounting means mounting said guard rail to said base member for vertically changing the elevation of said guard rail between a barrier position above the level of said supporting means, and a storage position below the level of said supporting means, including a sleeve member fixedly attached to said base member and having a vertically disposed first passageway, a hollow first shaft slidingly received in said first passageway of said sleeve member, a second shaft fixedly attached to said guard rail and slidingly received in said first shaft, and means coupling said sleeve member, first shaft and second shaft for moving said first shaft relative to said sleeve member and relative to said second shaft when said guard rail is moved relative to said base member.

194. A bed according to

claim 193

wherein said first shaft is at a raised position relative to said sleeve member when said guard rail is in said barrier position, and is at a lowered position relative to said sleeve member when said guard rail is in said storage position.

195. A bed according to

claim 194

wherein said first shaft has a lower end extending below said sleeve means and an upper end extending above said sleeve means, said bed further comprising means for coupling said lower end of said first shaft and said sleeve member for storing energy when said guard rail is lowered from said barrier position toward said storage position, and releasing the stored energy by applying an upward force on said first shaft relative to said sleeve member when said guard rail is raised toward said barrier position.

196. A bed according to

claim 195

wherein said coupling means further includes cable means coupling said sleeve member, first shaft and second shaft for transferring energy between said first and second members as said guard rail is moved vertically between said barrier position and said storage position.

197. A bed comprising:

a frame supported on a floor;

a platform configured to support a person;

means for supporting said platform on said frame, including first and second hydraulic ram means, each ram means having opposite ends attached to said frame and said platform, respectively, with the respective ends of said first and second ram means attached to said frame being spaced apart, said first and second ram means being operable for lowering said platform toward a lowered position adjacent to said frame; and

means for transferring weight from said platform directly to said frame when said platform is in a lowered position.

198. A bed according to

claim 197

wherein said transferring means transfers weight from said platform to said frame for a range of positions of said platform along said frame.

199. A bed according to

claim 198

wherein said first and second ram means are operable for moving said platform relative to said frame along said range of positions.

200. A bed according to

claim 199

wherein said transferring means includes a rail mounted to one of said platform and frame and a weight-transferring member mounted to the other of said platform and frame, with said rail moving relative to said weight-transferring member during movement of said platform relative to said frame along said range of positions.

201. A bed according to

claim 197

further comprising:

a plurality of support wheels for supporting said frame on the floor;

a guide wheel;

means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame with said wheel contacting the floor on which said frame is supported; and

means for coupling said guide wheel to said mounting means for resiliently urging said wheel sufficiently toward the floor for maintaining said wheel in contact with the floor while said other wheels support said frame on the floor.

202. A bed according to

claim 197

further comprising:

a plurality of support wheels for supporting said frame on the floor;

a guide wheel; and

means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame with said guide wheel contacting a floor on which said frame is supported, including means for retracting said guide wheel from a guide position in contact with the floor to a retracted position above the floor.

203. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person, and including first and second panels having respective upwardly facing support surfaces and adjacent edges; and

means for varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second panels.

204. A bed according to

claim 203

wherein said means for varying and changing includes a first means for pivoting said first panel relative to said second panel, and a second means for varying the distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second panels.

205. A bed according to

claim 204

wherein said first means pivots said first panel relative to said second means.

206. A bed according to

claim 204

further comprising a third means for pivoting said second panel relative to said second means.

207. A bed according to

claim 204

wherein said second means comprises a first arm coupled to said first means, a second arm coupled to said second panel, and means for coupling said first arm to said second arm.

208. A bed according to

claim 207

wherein said first and second arms are pivotably mounted to a base member and said coupling means controls the relative movement of said first and second arms.

209. A bed according to

claim 208

wherein said coupling means comprises a link interconnecting said first and second arms.

210. A bed according to

claim 208

wherein said coupling means comprises a first pinion fixedly attached to said first arm and a second pinion fixedly attached to said second arm, said first and second pinions having meshing teeth.

211. A bed according to

claim 208

wherein said second means further includes a first support member extending away from said first panel and a second support member extending away from said second panel with each support member having a distal portion spaced from said respective panel, and a fourth means for varying the distance between said respective distal portions of said support panels.

212. A bed according to

claim 203

wherein said varying and changing means rotates said first panel about an axis of rotation spaced from said first panel.

213. A bed according to

claim 212

wherein said varying and changing means also rotates said second panel about said axis of rotation.

214. A bed according to

claim 213

wherein said axis of rotation is also spaced from said second panel.

215. A bed according to

claim 212

wherein said axis is spaced above said first panel.

216. A bed according to

claim 215

wherein said axis corresponds to the position of the hip joint of a person supported on said platform.

217. A bed according to

claim 203

wherein said varying and changing means varies the angle and changes the distance concurrently.

218. A bed according to

claim 203

wherein said varying and changing means joins said first and second panels together.

219. A bed according to

claim 203

further comprising:

a base frame supportable relative to a floor;

a swing arm for supporting said platform above said frame;

means for allowing pivoting of said platform relative to said swing arm;

a first adjustable-length arm opposing said swing arm and extending between said frame and said allowing means;

second and third adjustable-length arms extending between said frame and said platform spaced from said allowing means, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotally attached relative to said platform; and

means for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said platform about three transverse axes.

220. A bed according to

claim 219

wherein each of said panels has an edge opposite from the respective adjacent edge, and said allowing means is coupled to said adjacent edge of one of said first and second panels and said second and third arms are both coupled to said opposite edge of said one panel.

221. A bed comprising:

means for defining an upwardly facing support surface, including first and second panels having respective adjacent edges; and

means for rotating said first panel relative to said second panel about an axis of rotation spaced from said first panel.

222. A bed according to

claim 221

wherein said rotating means also rotates said second panel about said axis of rotation.

223. A bed according to

claim 221

wherein said axis of rotation is also spaced from said second panel.

224. A bed according to

claim 221

wherein said axis is spaced above said first panel.

225. A bed according to

claim 224

wherein said axis corresponds to the position of the hip joint of a person supported on said bed.

226. A bed according to

claim 224

further comprising:

a base frame supportable relative to a floor;

a swing arm for supporting said defining means above said frame;

means for allowing pivoting of said defining means relative to said swing arm;

a first adjustable-length arm opposing said swing arm and extending between said frame and said allowing means;

second and third adjustable-length arms extending between said frame and said defining means, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotally attached relative to said defining means; and

means for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said defining means about three transverse axes.

227. A bed according to

claim 226

wherein each of said panels has an edge opposite from the respective adjacent edge, and said allowing means is coupled to said adjacent edge of one of said first and second panels and said second and third arms are both coupled to said opposite edge of said one panel.

228. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person, and including first and second panels having respective upwardly facing support surfaces and adjacent edges;

a first support member extending from said first panel and having a distal portion spaced from said first panel;

a second support member extending from said second panel and having a distal portion spaced from said second panel;

adjustable-length rod means pivotably connected to said respective distal portions for varying the distance between said respective distal portions;

a base member carried on said rod means;

a first arm having a first end pivotably connected to said first panel and a second end pivotably connected to said base member;

a second arm having a first end pivotably connected to said second panel and a second end pivotably connected to said base member; and

means for coupling said first arm to said second arm for providing corresponding movement of said first and second arms relative to said base member.

229. A bed according to

claim 228

wherein said coupling means comprises a link interconnecting said first and second arms.

230. A bed according to

claim 228

wherein said coupling means comprises a first pinion fixedly attached to said first arm and a second pinion fixedly attached to said second arm, said first and second pinions having meshing teeth.

231. A hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two chambers comprising:

means for defining a channel for conducting fluid between said two chambers and including a restricted opening through which fluid flows;

means movable relative to said defining means for varying the size of said opening through which fluid flows; and

means for moving linearly one of said defining means and said varying means relative to the other;

said opening having a cross-sectional area through which fluid flows that varies linearly as said defining means and said varying means move linearly relative to each other.

232. A hydraulic valve according to

claim 231

wherein said defining means and said varying means are movable along a channel axis and said opening extends along said axis.

233. A hydraulic valve according to

claim 232

wherein said opening has a uniform width along said axis.

234. A hydraulic valve according to

claim 231

wherein said defining means includes a port separate from said opening in fluid communication with said channel and one of said two chambers, and said varying means is movable relative to said port and extends sealingly into said port when said opening is at least partially restricted.

235. A hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two chambers comprising:

a housing for defining a channel for conducting fluid between said two chambers, including a protrusion extending into one of said chambers and in which said channel exists, said protrusion having an opening through which fluid flows;

a gate member for restricting selectively said opening; and

means for moving linearly one of said gate and said housing relative to the other;

said opening having an unrestricted cross-sectional area that varies linearly as said gate and said housing move linearly relative to each other.

236. A hydraulic valve according to

claim 235

wherein said housing and said gate member are movable along a channel axis and said opening extends axially along a predetermined length.

237. A hydraulic valve according to

claim 236

wherein said opening has a uniform width along at least a portion of its length.

238. A hydraulic valve according to

claim 235

wherein said housing includes a port separate from said opening and in fluid communication with said channel and one of said two chambers, and said gate member is movable relative to said port and extends sealingly into said port when said opening is at least partially restricted.

239. A hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two chambers comprising:

a housing for defining a cylindrical channel for conducting fluid along a channel axis between the two chambers, including a protrusion extending into one of the chambers and in which said channel exists, said protrusion having an open end and a restricted slit adjacent to said open end, said slit extending through said channel wall with a uniform width along said channel axis for conducting fluid between the one chamber and said channel;

a plunger disposed in said channel and having an enlarged end for closing said open end, and a reduced-diameter shaft extending from said enlarged end in said channel for allowing fluid to flow in said channel between said shaft and said channel wall, said plunger being movable along said channel axis for varying the size of said slit through which fluid flows, said enlarged end sealing said open end of said channel during movement of said plunger; and

means for moving linearly said plunger along said channel axis, whereby the size of said slit through which fluid flows varies linearly as said plunger is moved linearly along said channel axis.

240. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person;

a base frame supported on a floor for supporting said platform; and

means for moving hydraulically at least a portion of said platform relative to said frame;

said moving means comprising a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic fluid, and a valve for regulating the flow of fluid relative to said cylinder;

said valve comprising;

means for defining a channel having an opening extending along an axis for conducting fluid;

means movable along said axis relative to said defining means for varying the proportion of said opening through which fluid flows; and

means for moving said varying means relative to said defining means with the size of said opening through which fluid flows varying linearly with movement of said varying means.

241. A bed according to

claim 240

wherein said valve opening has a uniform width along said axis.

242. A bed according to

claim 240

wherein said defining means includes a port separate from said opening in fluid communication with said channel, and said varying means is movable relative to said port and extends sealingly into said port when said opening is at least partially restricted.

243. A bed according to

claim 242

wherein said varying means includes a gate member extendable from a closed position closing said opening and said port to an open position beyond said port in which said opening and at least a portion of said port are unrestricted.

244. A bed according to

claim 240

further comprising:

a swing arm for supporting said platform above said frame;

means for allowing pivoting between said platform and said swing arm;

a first adjustable-length arm including one of said hydraulic cylinders, opposing said swing arm, and extending between said frame and said allowing means;

second and third adjustable-length arms, each including one of said hydraulic cylinders, and extending between said frame and said platform, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotally attached relative to said platform;

said moving means being controllable for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said platform about three transverse axes.

245. A bed according to

claim 240

wherein said platform includes first and second panels having respective upwardly facing support surfaces and adjacent edges;

said bed further comprising means coupled to said moving means for varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second panels.

246. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person;

a base supported on a floor for supporting said platform; and

means for moving hydraulically at least a portion of said platform relative to said base;

said moving means comprising a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic fluid, and a valve for regulating said flow of fluid relative to said cylinder;

said valve comprising;

means for defining two fluid chambers;

a housing having a wall defining a cylindrical channel for conducting fluid along a channel axis between said two chambers, including a protrusion extending into one of said chambers and in which said channel exists, said protrusion having an open end and a restricted slit adjacent to said open end, said slit extending through said channel wall with a uniform width along said channel axis for conducting fluid between said one chamber and said channel;

a plunger disposed in said channel and having an enlarged end for closing said open end, and a reduced-diameter shaft extending from said enlarged end in said channel for allowing fluid to flow in said channel between said shaft and said channel wall, said enlarged end being movable along said channel axis for varying said size of said slit through which fluid flows, said enlarged end sealing said open end of said channel during movement along said slit; and

means for moving linearly said plunger along said channel axis, whereby said proportion of said slit through which fluid flows varies linearly as said plunger is moved linearly along said channel axis.

247. A bed according to

claim 246

wherein said plunger further comprises a flange attached to said shaft opposite from said open end for sealing said passageway relative to said channel, said fluid applying offsetting forces to said flange and to said enlarged end.

248. A bed according to

claim 247

wherein said moving means further includes an unpressurized reservoir of hydraulic fluid and said one chamber is in direct fluid communication with said reservoir, said enlarged end thereby receiving reduced fluid pressure.

249. A bed comprising:

a platform configured to support a person;

a base frame supported on a floor for supporting said platform; and

means for moving hydraulically at least a portion of said platform relative to said frame, said moving means comprising;

a hydraulic cylinder,

hydraulic fluid,

a directional valve for controlling said extension and retraction of said cylinder,

a reservoir for containing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and

a regulating valve coupled between said directional valve and said reservoir for regulating the flow of fluid between said cylinder and said reservoir.

250. A bed according to

claim 249

wherein said regulating valve comprises:

means for defining a channel having an opening extending along an axis for conducting fluid;

means movable along said axis relative to said defining means for varying the proportion of said opening through which fluid flows; and

means for moving said varying means relative to said defining means with the size of said opening through which fluid flows varying linearly with movement of said varying means.

251. A bed according to

claim 250

further comprising:

a swing arm for supporting said platform above said frame;

means for allowing pivoting of said platform relative to said first member;

a first adjustable-length arm including one of said hydraulic cylinders, opposing said swing arm, and extending between said frame and said allowing means; and

second and third adjustable-length arms, each including one of said hydraulic cylinders, and extending between said frame and said platform spaced from said allowing means, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotally attached relative to said platform;

said moving means being controllable for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said platform about three transverse axes.

252. A bed according to

claim 250

wherein said platform includes first and second panels having respective upwardly facing support surfaces and adjacent edges;

said bed further comprising means coupled to said moving means for varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second panels.

253. A bed comprising:

a base frame supportable relative to a floor;

a platform configured to support a person;

a fixed-length swing arm having a lower end pivotably attached to said frame and an upper end coupled to said platform for supporting said platform above said frame;

means for allowing pivoting of said platform relative to said swing arm;

a first adjustable-length arm opposing said swing arm and extending between said frame and said allowing means;

second and third adjustable-length arms extending between said frame and said platform and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotably attached relative to said platform; and

means for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said platform about said three transverse axes.

254. A bed according to

claim 253

wherein said second and third arms have lower ends attached pivotably to said swing arm at least one-fourth the length of said swing arm from said lower end of said swing arm.

255. A bed according to

claim 253

wherein said first arm has a lower end pivotably attached to said frame and spaced from said lower end of said swing arm, and an upper arm pivotably attached to said swing arm.

256. A bed according to

claim 255

wherein said upper end of said first arm is attached to said swing arm at least one-fourth the length of said swing arm from said upper end of said swing arm.

257. A bed according to

claim 256

wherein said upper end of said first arm is attached closer to said upper end of said swing arm than said lower ends of said second and third arms are attached to said swing arm.

258. A bed according to

claim 257

wherein said platform comprises a plurality of relatively articulatable panels and said upper ends of said second and third arms and said allowing means are attached to a first one of said panels.

259. A bed according to

claim 258

wherein said first panel and a second one of said panels have respective upwardly facing support surfaces and adjacent edges;

said bed further comprising means for varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second panels.

260. A bed according to

claim 259

wherein said allowing means is coupled to said adjacent edge of said first panel.

261. A bed comprising:

a base frame supportable relative to a floor;

a platform for supporting a person;

a swing arm having a lower end pivotably attached to said frame and an upper end coupled to said platform for supporting said platform above said frame;

a first length-adjustable arm having a lower end pivotably attached to said frame and spaced from said lower end of said swing arm, and an upper arm pivotably attached to said swing arm;

means for allowing pivoting of said platform relative to said swing arm;

second and third adjustable-length arms extending between said frame and said platform spaced from said allowing means, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotably attached relative to said platform; and

means for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said platform means about three transverse axes.

262. A bed according to

claim 261

wherein said second and third arms have lower ends attached pivotably to said swing arm at least one-fourth the length of said swing arm from said lower end of said swing arm.

263. A bed according to

claim 261

wherein said upper end of said first arm is attached to said swing arm at least one-fourth the length of said swing arm from said upper end of said swing arm.

264. A bed according to

claim 263

wherein said upper end of said first arm is attached closer to said upper end of said swing arm than said lower ends of said second and third arms are attached to said swing arm.

265. A bed according to

claim 264

wherein said platform means comprises a plurality of relatively articulatable panels and said upper ends of said second and third arms and said allowing means are attached to a first one of said panels.

266. A bed according to

claim 265

wherein said first panel and a second one of said panels have respective upwardly facing support surfaces and adjacent edges;

said bed further comprising means for varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second panels.

267. A bed according to

claim 266

wherein said allowing means is coupled to said adjacent edge of said first panel.

268. A method for controlling a changeable feature of a bed having multiple changeable features and a controller for changing the features, comprising the steps of:

receiving a feature command for changing a first feature of the bed;

associating with the first feature a second feature having first and second alternative states;

determining whether the second feature is in the first state; and

changing the first feature according to the command if the second feature is in the first state; and

changing a feature of the bed in a first way that is different than said step of changing the first feature according to the command, if the second feature is in the second state.

269. A method according to

claim 268

wherein said step of changing a feature of the bed that is different comprises generating an alarm indicating that the second feature is in the second state.

270. A method according to

claim 269

said step of generating further comprises the step of displaying a phrase stating that the second feature is in the second state.

271. A method according to

claim 268

wherein said step of receiving comprises receiving a feature command for changing the first feature in a selected way, and said step of changing a feature of the bed in a first way comprises changing the first feature in a way different than the selected way.

272. A method according to

claim 271

wherein the selected way for changing the first feature is for changing the first feature at a selected rate, and said step of changing the first feature in a different way comprises changing the first feature at a rate different than the selected rate.

273. A method according to

claim 268

wherein said step of changing a feature of the bed that is different comprises receiving a confirming command requesting the change of the first feature while the second feature is in the second state, and in response to the received confirming command, changing the first feature while the second feature is in the second state.

274. A method according to

claim 273

wherein said step of receiving a confirming command comprises the step of receiving the feature command a second time.

275. A method according to

claim 273

wherein said step of receiving a confirming command comprises the step of continuously receiving the feature command for a minimum period of time.

276. A method according to

claim 268

wherein said step of associating includes associating with the first feature a third changeable feature of the bed also having first and second alternative states, and said step of determining include determining whether the third feature is in the first state, said step of changing the first feature comprises changing the first feature if both of the second and third features are in the respective first states, and said step of changing a feature of the bed in a first way comprises changing a feature of the bed in a first way that is different than said step of changing the first feature according to the command if both of the second and third features are in the respective second states.

277. A method according to

claim 276

further comprising the step of changing a feature of the bed in a second way that is different than said step of changing a feature of the bed in a first way if the second feature is in the first state and the third feature is in the second state.

278. A method according to

claim 277

wherein said step of receiving comprises receiving a feature command for changing the first feature in a selected way, and said step of changing a feature of the bed in a second way comprises changing the first feature in a way different than the selected way.

279. A method according to

claim 277

wherein said step of changing a feature of the bed in a second way comprises receiving a confirming command requesting the change of the first feature while only one of the second and third features is in the respective first state, and in response to the received confirming command, changing the first feature according to the feature command while only one of the second and third features is in the respective first state.

280. A bed comprising:

a first feature associated with the bed and being changeable between first and second states;

a second feature also associated with the bed and being changeable between first and second states;

means for manually inputting commands, including a feature command for changing said first feature; and

a controller coupled to said first and second features and said inputting means for determining whether said second feature is in the first state, for changing said first feature according to the input command if said second feature is in the first state, and for changing a feature of the bed in a first way that is different than changing said first feature according to the input command if said second feature is in the second state.

281. A bed according to

claim 280

wherein said bed further comprises means responsive to an alarm signal for generating an alarm indicating that said second feature is in the second state, and said controller changes a feature of the bed in a first way by generating the alarm signal when an input feature command is received and said second feature is in the second state.

282. A bed according to

claim 281

wherein said generating means generates the alarm by displaying a phrase stating that said second feature is in the second state.

283. A bed according to

claim 280

wherein said inputting means is for inputting a feature command for changing said first feature in a selected way, and said controller changes a feature of the bed in the first way by changing said first feature in a way that is different than the selected way if said second feature is in the second state.

284. A bed according to

claim 283

wherein the selected way for changing said first feature is for changing said first feature at a selected rate, and said controller changes said first feature at a rate different than the selected rate.

285. A bed according to

claim 280

wherein said inputting means is also for inputting a confirming command requesting the change of said first feature while said second feature is in the second state and said controller changes a feature in the first way by receiving an input confirming command, and in response to the received confirming command, changing said first feature while said second feature is in the second state.

286. A bed according to

claim 285

wherein said inputting means is for inputting the confirming command by inputting the feature command a second time.

287. A bed according to

claim 285

wherein said inputting means is for inputting the confirming command by inputting the feature command continuously for a minimum period of time.

288. A bed according to

claim 280

wherein said bed further comprises a third changeable feature also having respective first and second alternative states, and said controller is further responsive to the received feature command for determining the state of said third changeable feature, changes said first feature according to the command if both of said second and third features are in the respective first states, and changes a feature of the bed in the first way if both of said second and third features are in the respective second states.

289. A bed according to

claim 288

wherein said controller changes a feature of the bed in a second way that is different than the first way if said second feature is in the first state and said third feature is in the second state.

290. A bed according to

claim 289

wherein said inputting means is further for inputting a feature command for changing the first feature in a selected way, and said controller changes a feature of the bed in the second way by changing said first feature in a way different than the selected way if said second feature is in the first state and said third feature is in the second state.

291. A bed according to

claim 289

wherein said inputting means is further for inputting a confirming command requesting the change of said first feature while only one of said second and third features is in the respective first state, and said controller changes a feature of the bed in the second way by receiving an input confirming command and changing said first feature while only one of said second and third features is in the respective first state.