US20210244586A1 - Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care - Google Patents
Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210244586A1 US20210244586A1 US17/243,878 US202117243878A US2021244586A1 US 20210244586 A1 US20210244586 A1 US 20210244586A1 US 202117243878 A US202117243878 A US 202117243878A US 2021244586 A1 US2021244586 A1 US 2021244586A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- patient
- controller
- rate
- actuator
- patient support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/002—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame
- A61G7/018—Control or drive mechanisms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
- A61B5/6891—Furniture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/006—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs convertible to stretchers or beds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
- A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
- A61G2203/16—Touchpads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/70—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort
Definitions
- Patient support systems facilitate care of patients in a health care setting.
- Patient support systems comprise patient support apparatuses such as, for example, hospital beds, stretchers, cots, tables, and wheelchairs.
- Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise a base and a patient support surface upon which the patient is supported.
- these patient support apparatuses have one or more actuatable devices to perform one or more functions on the patient support apparatus. These functions can include lifting and lowering the patient support surface, raising a patient from a slouched position, turning a patient, centering a patient, and the like.
- the caregiver When the caregiver wishes to operate an actuatable device to perform a function, the caregiver often actuates a user input device, often in the form of a button on a control panel.
- the caregiver is required to continue depressing the button until a desired outcome is achieved, e.g., the patient support surface is lifted to a desired height, the patient is sufficiently raised from the slouched position to a desired position, etc.
- a default rate of operation of the actuatable device may be too fast for certain patient conditions, such as when the patient has a history of skin lesions. Furthermore, the default rate of operation may be slower than desired, especially when the patient is not disposed on the patient support apparatus.
- a patient support system designed to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices and overcome one or more of the aforementioned challenges is desired.
- FIG. 1A is perspective view of a patient support apparatus including a mattress.
- FIG. 1B is perspective view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1A without the mattress.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a powered wheel assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coordinated motion device.
- FIGS. 4A-4F are side views of various states of the coordinated motion device of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic view of a control system.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a control system.
- FIG. 7 is an illustration of a control panel for the patient support apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- FIG. 8 is an illustration of a control panel for the coordinated motion device of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of sources of patient-related information.
- FIG. 10 is a chart showing different rates of operation for a lift device based on different patient conditions.
- FIG. 11 is a chart showing different rates of operation for a fowler adjustment device based on different movement sensitivity scores.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic of a method of controlling a rate of operation for an actuatable device based on a patient condition.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic of a method of controlling a rate of operation for an actuatable device with a voice actuation interface.
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the coordinated motion device of FIG. 3 with the seat, back rest, and leg rest removed.
- FIG. 15A shows a progression of states assumed by the coordinated motion device of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 15B shows a schematic view of a control system for the coordinated motion device of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 16 is a schematic of a method of controlling a rate of operation for the coordinated motion device.
- FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a mattress taken longitudinally along the mattress to illustrate a pump and inflatable bladders.
- FIG. 17B is another cross-sectional view of the mattress taken laterally across the mattress.
- FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C are illustrations of raising a patient from a slouched position to a raised position.
- FIGS. 19A and 19B are illustrations of centering the patient relative to a centerline.
- FIGS. 20A and 20B are illustrations of turning a patient.
- FIG. 21 is a simplified fluid and control schematic for a patient raising device, a patient centering/turning device, and a patient ingress/egress device.
- FIG. 22 is a side view of a lift device.
- FIG. 23 is a side view of a fowler and gatch adjustment device.
- a patient support system PS comprising a patient support apparatus 30 for supporting a patient in a health care setting.
- the patient support apparatus 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B comprises a hospital bed. In other embodiments, however, the patient support apparatus 30 may comprise a stretcher, cot, table, chair, wheelchair, or similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.
- a support structure 32 provides support for the patient.
- the support structure 32 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B comprises a base 34 and an intermediate frame 36 .
- the intermediate frame 36 is spaced above the base 34 .
- the support structure 32 also comprises a patient support deck 38 disposed on the intermediate frame 36 .
- the patient support deck 38 comprises several sections, some of which are pivotable relative to the intermediate frame 36 , such as a fowler section 40 , a seat section 42 , a thigh section 44 , and a foot section 46 .
- the patient support deck 38 provides a patient support surface 48 upon which the patient is supported.
- a mattress 50 is disposed on the patient support deck 38 .
- the mattress 50 comprises a secondary patient support surface 52 upon which the patient is supported.
- the base 34 , intermediate frame 36 , patient support deck 38 , and patient support surfaces 48 , 52 each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to the designated placement of the patient's head and feet on the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the construction of the support structure 32 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically set forth above.
- the mattress 50 may be omitted in certain embodiments, such that the patient rests directly on the patient support surface 48 (see FIG. 1B ).
- a first side rail 54 is positioned at a right head end of the intermediate frame 36 .
- a second side rail 56 is positioned at a right foot end of the intermediate frame 36 .
- a third side rail 58 is positioned at a left head end of the intermediate frame 36 .
- a fourth side rail 60 is positioned at a left foot end of the intermediate frame 36 . If the patient support apparatus 30 is a stretcher or a cot, there may be fewer side rails.
- the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 are movable between a raised position in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus 30 , and a lowered position in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress.
- the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 may also be movable to one or more intermediate positions between the raised position and the lowered position.
- the patient support apparatus 30 may not comprise any side rails.
- a headboard 62 and a footboard 64 are coupled to the intermediate frame 36 .
- the headboard 62 and footboard 64 may be coupled to other locations on the patient support apparatus 30 , such as the base 34 .
- the patient support apparatus 30 does not include the headboard 62 and/or the footboard 64 .
- Caregiver interfaces 66 such as handles, are shown integrated into the footboard 64 to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus 30 over floor surfaces. Additional caregiver interfaces 66 may be integrated into the headboard 62 and/or other components of the patient support apparatus 30 . The caregiver interfaces 66 are graspable by the caregiver to manipulate the patient support apparatus 30 for movement.
- the caregiver interface 66 may comprise one or more handles coupled to the intermediate frame 36 .
- the caregiver interface 66 may simply be a surface on the patient support apparatus 30 upon which the caregiver logically applies force to cause movement of the patient support apparatus 30 in one or more directions, also referred to as a push location. This may comprise one or more surfaces on the intermediate frame 36 or base 34 . This could also comprise one or more surfaces on or adjacent to the headboard 62 , footboard 64 , and/or side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 .
- the caregiver interface 66 may comprise separate handles for each hand of the caregiver.
- the caregiver interface 66 may comprise two handles.
- the patient support apparatus 30 may include a powered wheel assembly 68 .
- the powered wheel assembly 68 may comprise a wheel 70 and a wheel motor 72 .
- the wheel motor 72 may be located inside of wheel 70 and is configured to cause wheel 70 to rotate about a generally horizontal rotational axis 74 .
- Wheel motor 72 receives its commands and/or electrical power through a pair of cables 76 that connect thereto.
- Wheel motor 72 rotates wheel 70 about the rotational axis 74 .
- each wheel 70 comprises a corresponding wheel motor 72 .
- the powered wheel assemblies 68 are coupled to the base 34 to facilitate transport over the floor surfaces.
- the powered wheel assemblies 68 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 34 adjacent to corners of the base 34 .
- the powered wheel assemblies 68 are able to rotate and swivel relative to the base 34 during transport. It should be understood that various configurations of the powered wheel assemblies 68 are contemplated. In addition, in some embodiments, wheels that are not powered may be used, and these wheels may be caster wheels, non-steerable, steerable, or combinations thereof. Additional wheels are also contemplated.
- the patient support apparatus 30 may comprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or more powered wheel assemblies 68 . In some cases, the patient support apparatus 30 may not include any wheels. Alternatively still, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to the base 34 .
- a fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 34 .
- the patient support system PS may include a chair 100 .
- the chair 100 comprises a seat 102 , a back rest 104 , a leg rest 106 , arm rests 108 , and wheels 110 .
- the seat 102 , the back rest 104 , and the leg rest 106 cooperate to define the patient support surface 111 .
- the chair 100 is constructed such that both height and tilt of seat 102 is adjustable.
- chair 100 is constructed such that back rest 104 is pivotable between a generally upright position and a rearwardly reclined position.
- Leg rest 106 is constructed such that it is able to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position.
- Arm rests 108 may be constructed such that a user can raise and lower their height relative to seat 102 .
- chair 100 may be constructed in order to carry out these various motions of the seat 102 , back rest 104 , and leg rest 106 are contemplated.
- various configurations of the seat 102 , back rest 104 , leg rest 106 , arm rests 108 , and wheels 110 are contemplated.
- the chair 100 can be moved to six different configurations, including a Trendelenburg state ( FIG. 4A ), a flat state ( FIG. 4B ), a recline state ( FIG. 4C ), a second upright state ( 4 D), a first upright state ( FIG. 4E ), and a stand state ( FIG. 4F ).
- a Trendelenburg state FIG. 4A
- a flat state FIG. 4B
- a recline state FIG. 4C
- a second upright state 4 D
- a first upright state FIG. 4E
- a stand state FIG. 4F
- the relative position of each of the seat 102 , the back rest 104 , and/or the leg rest 106 may be different relative to the floor.
- the patient support system PS may comprise one or more actuatable devices 200 , each configured to perform one or more predetermined functions. Each of these actuatable devices 200 including one or more actuators 202 . As such, each actuatable device 200 may comprise two or more actuators 202 .
- the actuator 202 is a variable rate actuator 202 that is capable of operating at different rates of operation depending on the current and/or voltage applied to the actuator 202 . In other words, the actuators 202 are of a type that their rate of operation can be controlled by changing a characteristic of the electrical signal provided to the actuator 202 .
- the type of actuator 202 that can be used is also not particularly limited.
- the actuator 202 should be broadly understood as a type of motor or device that is capable of moving or controlling a mechanism or a system. While the described embodiments are electric actuators and pumps, it should be understood that any type of actuator could also be used in certain applications.
- actuator 202 refers to electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators.
- actuator 202 comprises actuators 202 that cause linear or rotational movement, that cause movement of a fluid, and the like.
- the actuator 202 may comprise a rotary actuator, etc.
- actuatable devices 200 are not particularly limited, and may comprise any device or system that comprises one or more actuators 202 .
- the actuatable device 200 is one that, when actuated, results in a change of position of one or more patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 of the patient support system PS. This change in position of one or more patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 , when the patient occupies the patient support system PS, results in a change in the position of one or more portions of the patient's body.
- the rate that the patient changes positions can also be controlled.
- each of the actuatable devices 200 results in movement of one or more portions of the patient P in one or more dimensions relative to a static surface, such as relative to a floor of a hospital.
- Examples of such movement include, but are not limited to: forward and reverse movement of the patient by virtue of movement of the patient support system PS along a floor; raising and lowering movement of the patient by virtue of movement of the patient support system PS upward and downwards relative to the floor; angular movement by virtue of changing the angle of at least a portion of the patient support system PS relative to a floor; rotation of the patient along a longitudinal axis of the patient support system PS (while the patient support apparatus 30 remains stationary relative to the floor); or various combinations of those types of movement.
- the actuatable devices 200 that results in the change of the position of one or more patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 of the patient support system PS may comprise a coordinated motion device 204 , a patient raising device 206 , a patient turning device 208 , a patient centering device 210 , a patient ingress/egress device 212 , a lift device 214 , a fowler adjustment device 216 , a gatch adjustment device 218 , and a transport device 220 .
- the actuatable device 200 may be of the type that does not result in a change of position, orientation, and/or elevation of the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 .
- These ‘non-position actuatable devices’ may comprise, but are not limited to, patient comfort devices, such as entertainment devices, lighting devices, a temperature device, a humidity device, and aromatherapy devices, and patient therapy devices, such as vibration therapy devices, percussion therapy devices, compression therapy devices, patient warming devices, and electrical stimulation devices.
- patient comfort devices such as entertainment devices, lighting devices, a temperature device, a humidity device, and aromatherapy devices
- patient therapy devices such as vibration therapy devices, percussion therapy devices, compression therapy devices, patient warming devices, and electrical stimulation devices.
- the rate of operation of these non-position actuatable devices can also be controlled by changing the frequency, tempo, rate of temperature change, rate of humidity change, intensity of therapy, etc. of the devices.
- a controller 222 is provided to control operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 comprises one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing an algorithm stored in memory 224 to control operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the functions described herein.
- the controller 222 may be carried on-board the patient support system PS, or may be remotely located. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A , the controller 222 is mounted to the base 34 of the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the controller 222 may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control all the actuatable devices 204 - 220 or one or more subcontrollers for each of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 . Furthermore, two or more of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 may utilize the same controller 222 , or sub-controller. Thus, multiple controllers 220 and/or or sub-controllers, may be configured to collectively control all of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- Power to the actuatable devices 204 - 220 and/or the controller 222 may be provided by a power source 226 , such as a battery power supply or an external power source.
- a power source 226 such as a battery power supply or an external power source.
- the actuator 202 is coupled to the power source 226 .
- the power source 226 may provide direct current or alternating current.
- the controller 222 controls the rate of operation of the actuator 202 , and accordingly, changes the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 to which the actuators 202 are coupled.
- the controller 222 may be coupled to the power source 226 and be configured to provide a pulse width modulation signal.
- the application of the pulse-width modulation signal to the power source 226 may be used to control the effective voltage supplied by the power source 226 to the actuators 202 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuators 202 .
- the voltage and/or current may also be regulated using other available techniques, and the controller 222 may utilize these other techniques to control the rate of operation of the actuators 202 .
- the controller 222 may be coupled to the alternating current power source 226 and further configured to control the amplitude and/or frequency of the alternating current provided to the actuators 202 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuators 202 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate at which the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 are moved.
- the controller 222 may effectively control the rate at which the patient is moved by controlling the rate of operation of the associated actuator 202 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate at which various portions of the patient's body move relative to a surface, such as a floor of the hospital.
- the rate of patient movement can refer to different types of movement including, but not limited to, the rate at which the patient is raised or lowered relative to the floor of the hospital; the rate at which the patient is angularly moved or tilted relative to the floor; the rate at which the patient is transported relative to the floor; or the rate at which the patient is rotated relative to a longitudinal axis of the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the controller 222 may utilize a look-up table or other suitable algorithm to determine the appropriate voltage or current to be supplied to each of the actuators 202 based on the desired rate at which the actuatable devices 204 - 220 should be adjusted. This information may be determined with mathematical modelling or using empirical data.
- the actuators 202 are kinematically dissimilar from one another, the application of equal voltages to those actuators 202 would result in different types or magnitudes of motion. Therefore, the amount of voltage supplied to any of the actuators 202 generally differ even if the rate of operation for those actuators 202 is desired to be the same.
- the different voltages compensate for the kinematic dissimilarity of the actuators 202 . For example, for linear actuators in actuatable devices 204 - 220 that have kinematically dissimilar configurations, for the same voltage, the pistons for those linear actuators 202 would necessarily extend (or retract) at different rates.
- the controller 222 is coupled to the actuatable devices 204 - 220 in a manner that allows the controller 222 to control a rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 may communicate with the actuatable devices 204 - 220 via wired or wireless connections.
- the controller 222 generates and transmits control signals to the actuatable devices 204 - 220 , or components thereof, to cause the actuatable devices 204 - 220 to perform one of more of the desired functions. It should be appreciated that because the actuatable devices 204 - 220 comprise the actuators 202 , the controller 222 essentially controls the actuators 202 included in each of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- any mention of the rate of operation of the actuators 202 and the actuatable devices 200 are interchangeable with one another, as the rate of operation of the actuator 202 is proportioned to the rate of operation for the associated actuatable device 200 .
- the controller 222 may monitor a current state of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 and determine desired states in which the actuatable devices 204 - 220 should be placed.
- the state of the actuatable device 204 - 220 may be a position, a relative position, a pressure, an intensity, a frequency, an amplitude, a period, an angle, an energization status (e.g., on/off), or any other parameter of the actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the patient support system PS may comprise user input devices 228 .
- the caregiver, or other user may actuate one of the user input devices 228 , which transmits a corresponding user input signal to the controller 222 , and the controller 222 controls operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the user input signal. Operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 may continue until the caregiver discontinues actuation of the user input device 228 , e.g., until the user input signal is terminated. In other words, depending on which user input device 228 is engaged, i.e., what user input signal is received by the controller 222 , the controller 222 controls operation of one of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the user input devices 228 may comprise devices capable of being actuated by a user, such as the caregiver or the patient.
- the user input devices 228 may be configured to be actuated in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to, mechanical actuation (hand, foot, finger, etc.), hands-free actuation (voice, foot, etc.), and the like.
- Each user input device 228 may comprise a button, a gesture sensing device for monitoring motion of hands, feet, or other body parts of the caregiver (such as through a camera, e.g., an optical or thermal camera), a microphone for receiving voice activation commands, a foot pedal, and a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor such as a light bar or light beam to sense a user's body part, ultrasonic sensor, etc.).
- the buttons/pedals can be physical buttons/pedals or virtually implemented buttons/pedals such as through optical projection or on a touchscreen.
- the buttons/pedals may also be mechanically connected or drive-by-wire type buttons/pedals where a user applied force actuates a sensor, such as a switch or potentiometer.
- any combination of user input devices 228 may also be utilized for any of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- user input devices 228 may be located on one of the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , the headboard 62 , the footboard 64 , or other suitable locations.
- the user input devices 228 may also be located on a portable electronic device (e.g., iWatch®, iPhone®, iPad®, or similar electronic devices), as shown in FIG. 1A .
- the patient support apparatus 30 comprises a patient control panel PCP that comprises numerous user input devices 228 in the form of buttons B 1 -B 12 and a nurse control panel NCP that comprises numerous input devices 228 in the form of buttons B 1 -B 12 .
- the buttons B 1 -B 12 may be mechanical press buttons, virtual buttons on a touch screen, and the like. While buttons have been shown in the illustrated example, any of the aforementioned user input devices 228 may be used to control the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the patient support apparatus 30 may comprise any number of actuatable devices and the corresponding number of user input devices.
- the nurse control panel NCP may be coupled to the patient support apparatus 30 such that the nurse control panel NCP is out of reach of the patient when the patient is disposed on the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 .
- the patient control panel PCP may be coupled to the patient support apparatus 30 such that the patient control panel PCP is within reach of the patient when the patient is disposed on the patient support surface 48 , 52 .
- the precise locations of the nurse control panel NCP and patient control panel PCP are not particularly limited.
- the patient control panel PCP may comprise different user input devices 228 than the nurse control panel NCP.
- the nurse control panel NCP comprises rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15
- the patient control panel PCP does not comprise the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the nurse control panel NCP may allow the caregiver to control more rates of operation for more actuatable devices 204 - 220 than the patient control panel PCP.
- the patient control panel PCP may provide user input devices 228 that allows adjustment of the fowler adjustment device 216 , but not the lift device 214 .
- both the nurse control panel NCP and the patient control panel PCP both comprise the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- buttons B 1 -B 12 controls different predetermined functions of one or more of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the button B 1 upon actuation, causes the controller 222 to energize the patient raising device 206 to raise the patient six inches toward the head end of the patient support deck 38 (as may be needed when the patient is in a slouched position).
- the button B 2 upon actuation, causes the controller 222 to energize the patient raising device 206 to raise the patient eight inches toward the head end of the patient support deck 38 (as may be needed when the patient is in a slouched position and six inches of raising is not enough).
- the button B 3 upon actuation, causes the controller 222 to energize the patient centering device 210 to laterally urge the patient towards a longitudinal centerline of the mattress 50 .
- the buttons B 4 and B 5 upon actuation, cause the controller 222 to energize the patient turning device 208 to turn the patient on one side or another, respectively.
- the buttons B 7 and B 8 upon actuation, cause the controller 222 to energize the lift device 214 to lift or lower the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 relative to the floor surface.
- the buttons B 9 , B 10 upon actuation, cause the controller 222 to energize the fowler adjustment device 216 to adjust a position of the fowler section 40 of the patient support deck 38 relative to the floor surface.
- buttons B 11 , B 12 upon actuation, cause the controller 222 to energize the gatch adjustment device 218 to adjust the position of the foot section 46 and thigh section 44 relative to the floor.
- the buttons, B 16 coupled to caregiver interface 66 , upon actuation, cause the controller 222 to energize the transport device 220 to move the patient support apparatus 30 across the floor.
- buttons B 1 -B 12 the caregiver may be required to continue actuating (e.g., continue depressing or continue touching) the buttons B 1 -B 12 until the caregiver is satisfied with the adjustment that was made to the actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- Other user input devices 228 can be continually actuated in other ways, depending on their mode of actuation. For instance, an infrared sensor that generates a light beam can be continually actuated by continually breaking the light beam. Similarly, a gesture sensing device can be continually actuated by continually sensing an actuating gesture.
- the user input devices 228 are configured to also enable continued operation (i.e., energization) of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 , even after the caregiver ceases to actuate the user input device 228 , e.g., after the caregiver ceases to depress or touch one of the buttons B 1 -B 12 , for a predetermined period of time, or until the desired adjustment is complete.
- continued operation i.e., energization
- the patient support apparatus 30 may further comprise user input devices 228 associated with designation of one or more operational modes. These operational modes may designate a predetermined set of rates of operation for one or more of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- button B 17 designates a patient mode
- B 18 designates a cleaning mode
- B 19 designates a transport mode
- B 29 designates a CPR mode
- B 30 designates an empty mode
- B 31 designates an automatic mode.
- the number of modes are not particularly limited, and the exemplary modes described above are provided merely for illustration.
- the patient mode may include rates of operation for one or more actuatable devices 204 - 220 that are generally suitable for when a patient is disposed on the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 .
- the patient mode may be the default rate of operation for each of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the cleaning mode may include rates of operation for one or more actuatable devices 204 - 220 that are optimal to quickly place the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 in a position suitable for cleaning.
- the transport mode may include rates of operation for one or more actuatable devices 204 - 220 that are suitable for movement of the patient support system PS across long distances.
- the CPR mode corresponds to rates of operation that are suitable to quickly place the patient support apparatus 30 and the corresponding actuatable devices 204 - 220 in a condition that allows CPR resuscitation of the patient.
- the empty mode corresponds to rates of operation that are suitable when no patient is adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 .
- the automatic mode corresponds to a configuration of the controller 222 where the controller 222 automatically determines a rate of operation suitable for the actuatable device 204 - 220 based on the patient condition 236 and/or the patient presence (as described below).
- various other operational modes may be utilized, and thus, additional user input devices 228 associated with these operational modes are contemplated.
- the user input devices 228 comprise a voice actuation interface 230 in communication with the controller 222 .
- the voice actuation interface 230 may comprise a microphone 231 in communication with the controller 222 to receive voice activation commands from the caregiver.
- the voice activation commands may be associated with functions of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 in the same manner as buttons B 1 -B 12 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the voice activation commands.
- the caregiver verbally commands “FOWLER UP”, “FAST”, in the vicinity of the voice activation interface 230 .
- the caregiver verbally commands “FOWLER”, “STOP”
- the voice actuation interface 230 may be responsive to voice commands issued by the patient.
- the controller 222 may be further configured to change the rate of operation of actuatable devices 204 - 220 already in motion based on the voice commands received from the voice actuation interface 230 . For example, if the fowler adjustment device 216 is tilting upwards at the FAST rate of operation, and the caregiver verbally commands “SLOWER” in the vicinity of the voice actuation interface 230 , the controller 222 decreases the rate of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 relative to the current rate of operation.
- the controller 222 increases the rate of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 relative to the current rate of operation.
- the measure at which the rate of operation is increased or decreased is not particularly limited, and may be a predetermined interval configured specifically for each of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 , such as 1, 2, 3, or 4 centimeter/s second.
- the controller 222 may also be responsive to voice commands that directly indicate the rate of operation desired for each actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the caregiver commands “LIFT DEVICE DOWN”, “1 CENTIMETER PER SECOND”, and the controller 222 controls the lift device 214 at the rate of operation of 1 centimeter per second.
- such direct rate of operation commands may be different depending on the type of motion produced by the actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the voice actuation interface 230 comprises a voice activation enabling device B 20 to enable usage of the voice actuation interface 230 .
- the voice activation enabling device B 20 is in communication with the controller 222 .
- the voice activation enabling device B 20 may comprise different types of user input devices 228 described above.
- the voice activation enabling device B 20 may be located anywhere on the patient support apparatus 30 or remote from the patient support apparatus 30 . However, the voice activation enabling device B 20 could be mounted in other suitable locations, such as the base 34 , the intermediate frame 36 , the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , the headboard 62 , the footboard 64 , or other suitable locations.
- the voice activation enabling device B 20 may also be located on a portable electronic device.
- the voice activation enabling device B 20 is actuated by the caregiver to enable voice activation commands to cause the controller 222 to transmit various output signals to the actuatable devices 204 - 220 . In some embodiments, if the voice activation enabling device B 20 is not actuated before voice activation commands are made, the controller 222 will not respond to the voice activation commands. Actuation of the voice activation enabling device B 20 enables the voice activation interface 230 to provide the user input signal to the controller 222 to control one or more of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the patient support system PS further comprises an identification device 232 (See FIG. 1A ).
- the identification device 232 is in communication with the controller 222 .
- the identification device 232 is configured to identify a role of a person near the patient support system PS.
- the controller 222 may be configured to enable or disable certain user input devices 228 based on the role of the person identified by the identification device 232 , such as buttons B 17 -B 19 corresponding to the operational modes.
- the controller 222 may be configured to automatically select one of the operational modes based on the role of the person identified by the identification device 232 .
- the identification device 232 may comprise an identifier, such as an RFID tag/badge, or other type of identifier capable of communication with the controller 222 , such as an RFID reader on the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the controller 222 may automatically enable the voice actuation interface 230 when the identification device 232 identifies that the role of the person adjacent to the patient support system PS should be authorized to issue voice commands to the patient support system PS.
- the chair 100 may comprise a chair control panel CCP.
- the chair control panel CCP comprises user input devices 228 .
- the chair control panel CCP comprises button B 21 corresponding to a standing state of the chair 100 ( FIG. 4F ); button B 22 corresponding to a first upright state of the chair 100 ( FIG. 4E ); button B 23 corresponding to a second upright state ( FIG. 4D ); button B 24 corresponding to a recline state ( FIG. 4C ); button B 25 corresponding to a flat state ( FIG. 4B ); button B 26 corresponding to a Trendelenburg state ( FIG. 4A ); button B 27 corresponding to a lift up control; and button B 28 corresponding to a lift down control.
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the actuators 202 based on a patient condition 234 .
- the patient condition 234 may be determined by the controller 222 based on patient-related information.
- the patient-related information may be information obtained from an electronic medical record (EMR) 238 , obtained from a sensing system 236 , or obtained from a caregiver input using the user input device 228 .
- EMR electronic medical record
- the EMR 238 may be copied and stored locally on the memory 224 , or may stored on a network to which the controller 222 is coupled.
- the patient-related information may comprise medical procedure data, patient characteristic data, caregiver observation data, medication data, prior injury data, or combinations thereof.
- the medical procedure data may comprise a type of medical procedure, a duration since last medical procedure, a duration since admittance or combinations thereof.
- the patient characteristic data comprises height, width, pathology, race, age, weight, body mass index, activity level, movement history, fall risk (as based on a Morse Fall Scale Score) or combinations thereof.
- the caregiver observation data comprises psychological data, phobia data, pain level data, nausea level data, pain sensitivity data, or combinations thereof.
- the patient-related information comprises a skin injury profile based on sensory perception, moisture, activity levels, nutrition, friction, shear, or combinations thereof.
- the patient condition may correspond to one or more diagnosis-related group (DRG).
- DRG diagnosis-related group
- the type of patient-related information is not particularly limited, and may comprise any information about the patient that may affect their medical treatment or sensitivity to movement and motion, such as changes in position.
- the patient condition 234 may be entered by the caregiver using the user input devices 228 described above, rather than being determined from the EMR 238 .
- This allows the caregiver to include additional patient-related information at the time of controlling the patient support system PS.
- the caregiver may enter the patient-related information using the voice actuation interface 230 described above by stating the command “PATIENT IS NAUSEOUS”.
- the controller 222 may subsequently control the rate of operation of the actuator 202 in a manner that is suitable for a nauseous patient.
- the caregiver may enter the patient-related information with a keyboard, touch-screen, or other suitable user-input device that is in communication with the controller 222 .
- the type of patient-related information that can input with the user input device 228 is not particularly limited.
- the patient condition 234 may be based on patient-related information obtained by a sensing system 236 .
- the sensing system 236 is in communication with the controller 222 , as shown in FIG. 6 . Additionally, the sensing system 236 may be used by the controller 222 for various purposes.
- the sensing system 236 comprises one or more patient condition sensors 240 .
- the patient condition sensor 240 is configured to sense a patient condition of the patient disposed on the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 .
- the patient condition sensor 240 provides a patient condition input signal to the controller 222 , which comprises patient-related information.
- the patient condition sensor 240 comprises a patient physiological sensor.
- the type of patient physiological sensor is not particularly limited, and may comprise a heart rate sensor (such as an electrocardiography sensor), a patient temperature sensor, a load cell, a blood pressure sensor, a patient shear sensor, a camera (optical or thermal), a patient moisture sensor, a neurological sensor (such as an electroencephalography sensor), a breathing monitor, a patient expression sensor, an acoustic sensor, or combinations thereof.
- a heart rate sensor such as an electrocardiography sensor
- a patient temperature sensor such as a patient temperature sensor, a load cell, a blood pressure sensor, a patient shear sensor, a camera (optical or thermal), a patient moisture sensor, a neurological sensor (such as an electroencephalography sensor), a breathing monitor, a patient expression sensor, an acoustic sensor, or combinations thereof.
- the patient physiological sensor may be used to determine a variety of physiological conditions such as a patient's heart rate, breathing data, patient's temperature, blood pressure, whether the patient is sleeping, the patient is coughing, etc.
- the controller 222 may utilize this sensed physiological data instead or, or in addition to, the patient condition 234 obtained from the EMR 238 or the patient condition 234 inputted by the caregiver with the user input devices 228 .
- the one or more patient condition sensors 240 can be coupled directly to various parts of the patient's body including, but not limited to, the patient's head, chest, arm, wrist, leg, stomach, foot, neck, back, and other suitable locations for sensing of the patient's physiological conditions. As shown in FIG. 1A , the patient condition sensor 240 is a pulse oximeter coupled to the patient's finger.
- the patient condition sensor 240 may be located on or in the base 34 , the intermediate frame 36 , the patient support deck 38 , the mattress 50 , the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , the headboard 62 , the footboard 64 , the back rest 104 , the leg rest 106 , the seat 102 , or the arm rests 108 or other suitable locations as described further below, so long as the patient condition sensor 240 can determine the patient's physiological condition.
- the controller 222 may be configured to recognize certain sounds as corresponding to certain patient-related information. Thus, if the patient grunts, cries, groans, or otherwise audibly expresses themselves, the controller 222 , with the acoustic sensor, can recognize these sounds, or pattern of sounds, as indicating the patient condition 234 . In one example, if the patient is crying, the acoustic sensor can send a signal to the controller 222 indicative of the crying, and the controller 222 can recognize the input signal as indicative that the patient is crying.
- the controller 222 can correlate certain types of audible sounds as indicative of the pain level of the patient, and subsequently control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on that pain level. Thus, if the patient is crying, the controller 222 may control the actuatable devices 204 - 220 with the SLOW rate of operation.
- the types of sounds recognizable by the controller 222 is not particularly limited.
- the controller 222 recognize patient-related information based on the decibels of the sounds made by the patient.
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the pain level in combination with other types of patient-related information, such as the heart rate.
- patient condition sensor 240 comprises a force sensor
- the force sensor may be coupled to one or more portions of the patient support apparatus 30 , such as top of the side rails 54 and 56 . More specifically, the force sensor may be coupled to one or more grips (not shown) provided by the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 . In situations where the patient grasps one or more of the grips provided by the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , and thus engages the force sensor coupled to the grips, the controller 222 can recognize the force applied to the grips as indicating the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 can correlate certain forces applied to the grips of the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 as indicative of the pain level of the patient, and subsequently control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on that pain level.
- the controller 222 may utilize a look-up table to compare expected forces with actual forces to determine what actual forces correspond to various patient conditions 234 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the pain level in combination with other types of patient-related information, such as the heart rate.
- the location and position of the force sensors are not particularly limited, and may be mounted to any portion of the patient support apparatus 30 that a patient would be expected to apply a force when stressed or in pain.
- the controller 222 may automatically select a rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204 - 220 that is suitable to move a patient that is highly-stressed.
- the sensing system 236 may comprise a patient presence sensor 241 .
- the patient presence sensor 241 may be configured to determine whether the patient is disposed adjacent to one of the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 , and provide a patient presence input signal to the controller 222 .
- the type of patient presence sensor 241 is not particularly limited and may comprise a force sensor (such as a load cell), a weight sensor, an optical sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, an accelerometer, motion sensors, infrared sensors, membrane switches, cameras (optical or thermal), a potentiometer, an ultrasonic sensor, or combinations thereof.
- the patient presence sensor 241 may further be configured to determine a position of various portions of the patient as it relates to current positions of the patient relative to various portions of the patient support system PS (e.g., the patient is slouched, the patient is off center, the patient is lying supine, the patient is getting ready to exit, the patient is sitting up, etc.).
- the patient presence sensor 241 is shown coupled to each of the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , and footboard 64 .
- the patient presence sensor 241 may monitor thresholds or discrete point movements.
- the patient presence sensors 241 can be located anywhere on the patient support system PS or remote from the patient support system PS.
- the patient presence sensor 241 is shown coupled to the back rest 104 , the seat 102 and the leg rest 106 .
- the patient presence sensor 241 may be located in any suitable location, in or on the base 34 , the intermediate frame 36 , the patient support deck 38 , the mattress 50 , the side rails 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , the headboard 62 , the footboard 64 , the back rest 104 , the leg rest 106 , the seat 102 , the arm rests 108 , or other suitable locations.
- the patient presence sensor 241 comprises load cells to measure whether a load is applied to the patient support surface 111 .
- the patient presence sensor 241 comprises an infrared sensor configured to detect whether the patient is adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , without the patient actually being in contact with that support surface 48 , 52 .
- This non-contact patient presence sensing modality can alternatively utilize optical sensors, such as a light curtain, to detect whether the patient is positioned adjacent to the support surface 48 , 52 .
- optical sensors such as a light curtain
- the sensing system 236 may further be configured to sense a current position of the actuator 202 and/or state of the actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the sensing system 236 may determine whether the actuator 202 is fully-extended, partially-extended, or the precise extent of extension.
- the position of the actuator 202 can be determined with an encoder, or similar device.
- the controller 222 may utilize these position input signals from the sensing system 236 to determine a pattern of movement of the patient support system PS.
- the pattern of movement of the patient support system PS may include a history of movement of the actuators 202 between various positions, or movement of the actuatable device 200 between one or more states.
- the sensing system 236 may comprise an ambient condition sensor, such as a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, or an acoustic sensor, in communication with the controller 222 . Still, other types of sensors are also contemplated for use with sensing system 236 .
- Patient-related information from the sensing system 236 can be stored in the memory 224 of the controller 222 and can be used to provide a history log or charts for the caregiver, as well as activate alarms or other indicators to the caregiver if needed.
- the controller 222 may be coupled to an indicator device 242 .
- the indicator device 242 may be configured to indicate to the caregiver certain aspects of the patient condition 234 obtained from the patient-related information.
- the indicator device 242 comprises at least one of a display, a speaker, and a light emitting device.
- the indicator system 242 comprises multiple indicators.
- the indicator device 242 shown in FIG. 7 comprises a display 244 .
- the display 244 may be an LCD, LED, or other type of display.
- the indicator device 242 may comprise a light source for indicating patient-related information to the caregiver.
- the indicator device 242 may be in communication with the controller 222 to indicate the patient condition 234 to the caregiver.
- the controller 222 may be configured to present information to the caregiver using the indicator device 242 when the controller 222 determines that the current patient condition 234 requires additional operation of one of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the indicator device 242 can be configured to communicate suggestions to the caregivers about additional operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 or provide reminders to the caregivers about the proper rate of operation for one or more of the actuatable devices 200 . For instance, graphic or text messages may be presented to the caregiver with the indicator device 242 that the patient is sensitive to changes in position.
- the indicator device 242 can be located anywhere on the patient support system PS that is suitable to indicate information to the caregiver.
- the indicator device 242 may also be located remote from the patient support system PS, such as on a portable electronic device, nurse's station, or other location.
- the display 244 shows that the current patient condition 234 is “neck injury”, e.g., the patient condition 234 indicates that the patient was admitted for a neck injury.
- the controller 222 controls the rate of operation of the actuators 202 based on the user input signal received.
- the controller 222 may determine the user-selected rate of operation based on the user input signal provided to the controller 222 .
- the controller 222 determines that the user desires to control the rate of operation of the actuator 202 and, subsequently, the controller 222 transmits the appropriate output signal to the actuators 202 to the one or more actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the user-selected rate of operation should be understood to refer to any rate of operation that was selected by the user of the patient support system PS.
- the user input device 228 may allow the caregiver to directly select the rate of operation for the actuatable device 204 - 220 in various manners, and based on the corresponding user input signal, the controller 222 can control the actuatable devices 200 based on the user-selected rate of operation. In one configuration, the controller 222 may determine a user-selected rate of operation based on actuation pattern of the user input device 228 . For example, two rapid engagements of button B 10 provides a user input signal that the controller 222 recognizes as indicating that a FAST rate of operation is desired by the caregiver for the fowler adjustment device 216 .
- the controller 222 subsequently transmits an output signal to the fowler adjustment device 216 that causes the fowler section 40 to move towards the intermediate frame 36 at the FAST rate of operation.
- a single engagement of button B 1 provides a user input signal to the controller 222 that the controller 222 recognizes as indicating that a SLOW rate of operation is desired by the caregiver for the patient raising device 206 , and the controller 222 subsequently transmits an output signal to the patient raising device 206 that causes the patient raising device 206 to operate at the SLOW rate of operation.
- the user input device 228 may provide for direct selection of the rate of operation by the caregiver, with a user input device 228 that can be adjusted along a continuous spectrum, such as a rotatable or slidable control knob or pressure sensor.
- a user input device 228 that can be adjusted along a continuous spectrum, such as a rotatable or slidable control knob or pressure sensor.
- the controller 222 can recognize the corresponding user input signal as indicating that the user desires a FAST rate of operation.
- the controller 222 can recognize the corresponding user input signal as indicating that the user desires a SLOW rate of operation.
- the patient support system PS may comprise user input devices 228 capable of selecting a nearly infinite number of rates of operation, or a certain number of predefined rates of operation. While the FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW rates of operation are described throughout this disclosure, it should be appreciated that the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 and the actuators 202 at an infinite number of different rates of operation. Of course, additional predetermined rates of operation other than the FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW predetermined rates of operation are also contemplated.
- rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 are depressed, all actuations of any user input device 228 with a certain period of time are controlled at the user-selected rate of operation.
- a single press of the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 may only control the rate of operation for the next user input device 228 that is actuated.
- the controller 222 may be configured to determine the source of the user input signal received, and control the rate of operation of actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on that source. For example, the controller 222 may determine whether the user input signal was derived from actuation of the user input device 228 on the nurse control panel NCP or the patient control panel PCP, and control the rate of operation of the actuatable device 204 - 220 based on the source of that user input signal. For example, if the controller 222 determines that the source of the user input signal is the nurse control panel NCP, the controller 222 may enable the full range of the rates of operation for all of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 may enable less than the full range of rates of operation for less than all of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 . For instance, if the controller 222 determines that the source of the user input signal is the patient control panel PCP and the user input signal indicates that the rate of operation of the lift device 214 is desired to be controlled such as by pressing button B 7 twice, the controller 222 may disregard the user input signal and not allow adjustment of the rate of operation for the lift device 214 .
- voice activation commands can directly control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 by using the voice actuation interface 230 .
- the user verbally commands “FOWLER UP”, “SLOW” in the vicinity of the voice activation interface 230 .
- the controller 222 transmits an output signal to the fowler adjustment device 216 which causes the fowler adjustment device 216 to tilt the patient upward at the SLOW rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may be configured to perform an authentication protocol before transmitting an output signal to the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the user input signal received from the one or more user input devices 228 .
- the authentication protocol may be based on the role of the person identified with the identification device 232 .
- the controller 222 may query the identification device 232 to confirm that person(s) who are adjacent to the patient support system PS are entitled to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 with the user-selected rate of operation. This can be accomplished by reading an identifier device 232 and comparing the identifier to a look-up table in the memory 224 that correlates the identifier to various roles.
- the controller 222 may be configured to only allow certain roles of person to select certain rates of operations for certain actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 may establish certain permission thresholds for certain roles.
- the ‘NURSE’ role may be entitled to adjust the rate of operation for all actuatable devices 204 - 220 across the full range of available rates of operation.
- the ‘ASSISTANT’ role may only be entitled to adjust the rate of operation for less than all of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 across less than the full range of available rates of operation.
- persons associated with the ‘ASSISTANT’ role may only be entitled to adjust the rate of operation of the lift device 214 with the SLOW rate of operation.
- an infinite number of permission thresholds can be set for an infinite number of roles.
- the controller 222 may be configured to query the identification device 232 when the controller 222 receives a user input signal based on the actuation of the buttons B 17 , B 18 , B 19 associated with one or more preset operational modes, such as the PATIENT mode, the CLEANING mode, the TRANSPORT mode, or the CPR mode.
- the controller 222 may confirm that the role of the person identified by the identification device 232 corresponds to the operational mode selected by the user. If the controller 222 determines that the role of the person that is adjacent to the patient support system PS is permitted to enable the operational mode that is selected, the controller 222 may enable the operational mode selected, and the preset rates of operation that accompany it.
- the controller 222 may not enable the selected operational mode. As such, in this embodiment, the controller 222 prevents selection of the one or more operational modes by persons who are not permitted to utilize the one or more operational modes. For example, if a user actuates button B 18 to designate the CLEANING operational mode and the identification device 232 determines that user is associated with the NURSE role, the controller 222 may not enable the CLEANING operational mode, but may allow the controller 222 to enter the PATIENT mode. Similarly, the controller 222 may only enable the CPR operational mode for users associated with the NURSE role.
- the memory 224 may store the permission thresholds for the operational modes. Each operational mode may correspond to a preset rate of operation for at least one actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 is configured to determine a desired rate of operation based on the selected operational mode.
- the transport device 220 may have a preset rate of operation of FAST for the TRANSPORT mode.
- the transport device 220 may have a preset rate of operation of SLOW for the PATIENT mode.
- the FAST rate of operation may correspond to a rate of operation of the transport device 220 ranging from 5 to 15 mph, whereas the SLOW rate of operation of the transport device 220 may range from 1 to 5 mph.
- the transport device 220 may be controlled to perform at other rates of operation other than the ranges contemplated above for the TRANSPORT mode and the PATIENT mode.
- the FAST rate of operation for the transport device 220 may allow quick movements of the patient support apparatus 30 along the floor.
- the CPR mode may have preset rate of operation of FAST for the lift device 220 , the fowler adjustment device 216 , and the gatch adjustment device 218 .
- the empty mode may have a preset rate of operation of FAST for more than one actuatable devices 204 - 220 , or all of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- Each operational mode may be associated with a particular algorithm that yields a suitable rate of operation based on the patient-related information.
- the algorithm may be based on the fall risk (such as the Morse Fall Scale Score), the weight of the patient, the age of the patient, the pain level of the patient, or combinations thereof.
- the fall risk such as the Morse Fall Scale Score
- different types of patient-related information may be weighted differently in the algorithm to determine the suitable rate of operation.
- any suitable algorithm may be utilized for each operational mode to ensure that the rate of operation for each of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 is suitable for the patient condition and/or patient presence.
- the controller 222 determines the desired rate of operation based on a combination of the user input signal and the patient presence input signal. This allows the controller 222 to verify whether the patient is disposed adjacent to one or more of the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 before controlling the actuatable devices 204 - 220 with the user-selected rate of operation. If the patient is disposed adjacent to the one of more patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 as determined by the patient presence sensor 241 , the controller 222 may not allow the actuatable devices 204 - 220 to be controlled at a rate of operation above a predetermined rate of operation, such as above the MEDIUM or SLOW rates of operation.
- the controller 222 may enable all rates of operation for one or more of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 . For example, if the caregiver actuates a user input device 228 associated with the transport device 220 at a FAST rate of operation and the controller 222 determines that the patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 based on the patient presence input signal, the controller 222 may not send an output signal to the transport device 220 that would cause the transport device 220 to operate at the FAST rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may cause the indicator device 242 to notify a caregiver that the user-selected rate of operation is not appropriate.
- the controller 222 may automatically control the transport device 220 with a rate of operation that is suitable for when the patient is present, such as the SLOW rate of operation.
- the caregiver or other person may wish to lower the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 relative to the floor. Accordingly, the caregiver selects the buttons B 8 or B 28 to lower the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 and the controller 222 starts operation of the lift device 214 . Normally, the lift device 214 operates at a single rate of operation despite whether the patient is positioned on the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 or not.
- the controller 222 may determine that no patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 based on the patient presence input signal, and may automatically control the rate of operation of the lift device 214 with an increased rate of operation, such as the FAST rate of operation.
- the FAST rate of operation may be desirable in order to increase the efficiency of certain operations, such as cleaning operations.
- the SLOW rate of operation in these circumstances, may require the caregiver to wait several seconds until the lift device 214 lowers the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 to a sufficient height to allow the cleaning operations. This creates unnecessary delay that compromises hospital efficiency.
- the controller 222 may allow or prevent the selection of certain operational modes depending on the patient presence input signal. More particularly, the controller 222 may prevent actuation of the cleaning mode and/or the transport mode if the patient presence sensor 241 determines that the patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 . For example, if the controller 222 determines that the patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 , the controller 222 may not allow operation of the patient support system PS in the TRANSPORT mode or CLEANING mode. Alternatively, if the controller 222 determines that the patient is not adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 , the controller 222 may enable all of the operational modes.
- the controller 222 may be further configured to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may utilize a look-up table to control the rate of operation based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may query a look-up table that correlates pre-loaded patient conditions to various rates of operation to determine the desired rate of operation based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may utilize an algorithm to determine the desired rate of operation for the actuator 202 and/or the actuatable device 204 - 220 based on the patient condition 234 .
- the patient condition 234 can be obtained from the patient-related information that is present in the EMR 238 , entered by the caregiver with the user input device 228 , or sensed by the patient condition sensors 240 .
- the controller 222 may thereafter operate to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the patient condition 234 .
- the user may deactivate the automatic mode such that the controller 222 does not control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the patient condition, but solely controls the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on user input signals received from various user input devices 228 .
- the controller 222 receives a user input signal from the user input device 228 that indicates that the user desires to change the configuration of one of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 based on the patient condition 234 , determines the desired rate of operation for the actuatable device 204 - 220 and transmits an output signal to that actuatable device 204 - 220 to control the actuatable device 204 - 220 at the desired rate of operation.
- the user does not need to select a user-selected rate of operation, as the controller 222 is configured to automatically determine the desired rate of operation based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may be configured to cause the indicator device 242 to display a rate of operation for the actuatable device 204 - 220 that would be suitable. At that point, the user may manually select the rate of operation based on the recommendation communicated by the indicator system 242 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for the actuator 202 and/or actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the combination of the user input signal and the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 upon receiving the user input signal from one or more user input devices 228 , may query the patient condition 234 in order to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable in light of the patient condition 234 . If the controller 222 determines that the user-selected rate of operation is not suitable based on the patient condition 234 , the controller 222 may automatically send an output signal that commands the actuator 202 of the actuatable device 204 - 220 to perform at a rate of operation that is more suitable for the patient condition 234 than the user-selected rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may simply prevent operation of the actuator 202 if the user-selected rate of operation is not suitable based on the patient condition 234 . Furthermore, if the controller 222 determines that the user-selected rate of operation is unsuitable for the patient condition 234 , the controller 222 may control the indicator device 242 to alert the caregiver that the user-selected rate of operation is not suitable. Similarly, the indicator device 242 may cooperate with the controller 222 to display a suitable rate of operation that is suitable for the patient condition 234 .
- the actuatable device 200 is the lift device 214 .
- PLOT 1 shows a first rate of operation R 1 of the lift device 214 suitable for a patient that does not require extraordinary care, a normal patient condition.
- PLOT 2 shows the second rate of operation R 2 for the lift device 214 suitable for a patient that has a moderate sensitivity to movement due to a history of skin lesions.
- PLOT 3 shows a third rate of operation R 3 for the lift device 214 suitable for a patient that has high sensitivity to movement based on extensive burns and recent skin grafts.
- the controller 222 is configured to control the lift device 214 with rates R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 depending on the patient condition.
- the controller 222 may determine that the caregiver wishes to raise the patient from a flat position to a position where the patient's head is raised as indicated by the caregiver actuating the button B 9 . Actuation of the button B 9 transmits the user input signal to the controller 222 . The controller 222 may respond by selecting or initiating operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 (described in detail below). During normal operation, the fowler adjustment device 216 would raise the fowler section 40 at a single constant rate, regardless of the patient condition 234 of the patient positioned on the patient support surface 48 , 52 . The fowler adjustment device 216 would continue changing its configuration until the caregiver discontinues actuation of the button B 9 .
- the controller 222 may change the rate of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 such that rate of operation for the fowler adjustment device 216 is appropriate for the patient condition 234 of the patient that is disposed on the patient support surface 48 , 52 .
- the patient has a neck injury, and thus the patient condition 234 reflects this neck injury.
- the caregiver selects button B 9 associated with changing the angle of the fowler section 40 , and depresses button B 13 , simultaneously or subsequently.
- the controller 222 determines that, for the fowler adjustment device 216 , the rate of operation should be SLOW. Because the user-selected rate of operation is faster than the desired rate operation determined based on the patient condition 234 , the controller 222 determines that the user-selected FAST rate of operation is not suitable. As such, the controller 222 controls the rate of operation such that the fowler adjustment device 216 instead operates at the SLOW rate operation.
- the SLOW rate of operation for the fowler adjustment device 216 minimizes the pain and/or discomfort experienced by the patient that may otherwise result from fast rates of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 which may disrupt the neck injury of the patient.
- the controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation based on the user-selected rate of operation and based on the patient condition 234 before transmitting the output signal to the fowler adjustment device 216 to control the rate of operation for the fowler adjustment device 216 . If the controller 222 determines that the user-selected rate of operation is suitable based on the patient condition 234 , the controller 222 transmits an output signal to the fowler adjustment device 216 which causes the fowler adjustment device 216 to operate at the user-selected rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may be configured to prevent actuation of certain actuatable devices 204 - 220 and/or certain rates of operation based on the patient condition 234 . For example, with reference to FIG. 1A , if the patient condition 234 indicates that the patient had neck surgery, the controller 222 may prevent the actuation of the fowler adjustment device 216 altogether. That is, the controller 222 may ignore user input signals associated with control of the fowler adjustment device 216 .
- lock-out is not particularly limited, and the controller 222 may prevent the patient support system PS from entering a Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg orientation; a height of the patient support deck 38 may be prevented from being adjusted outside of an acceptable range; the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 may be prevented from entering an unacceptable orientation; and other suitable lock-outs are contemplated.
- the controller 222 may automatically control the rate of operation of two actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the patient condition 234 . For example, if the user actuates the buttons B 9 , B 11 associated with the fowler adjustment device 216 and the gatch adjustment device 218 simultaneously, the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for the fowler adjustment device 216 and the gatch adjustment device 218 in a manner to minimize the discomfort experienced by the patient disposed on the patient support surface 48 , 52 .
- the controller 222 may first transmit an output signal to the fowler adjustment device 216 with a FAST rate of operation for a period of time, and then subsequently transmit an output signal to both the fowler adjustment device 216 and the gatch adjustment device 218 with a SLOW rate of operation.
- a FAST rate of operation for a period of time
- SLOW rate of operation for a period of time
- the controller 222 may be further configured to determine a movement sensitivity score based on the patient condition 234 , and be configured to determine the desired rate of operation based on the movement sensitivity score.
- the movement sensitivity score is based on a skin injury profile.
- the movement sensitivity score is computed based on the weight of the patient, the position of the patient, temperature of the patient, temperature of the room, the moisture level, the patient's medication history, the sensed patient condition, or combinations thereof.
- the movement sensitivity score can be determined based on a combination of the patient-related information that makes up the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may utilize a look-up table to determine the rate of operation, or may utilize a suitable algorithm.
- the movement sensitivity score can be inputted by the user with the user input device 228 or the voice actuation interface 230 .
- the actuatable device 200 is the fowler adjustment device 216 .
- P 1 shows a fourth rate of operation R 4 of the fowler adjustment device 216 suitable for a patient that that has a movement sensitivity score of 10, such as a burn victim.
- P 2 shows the fifth rate of operation R 5 for the fowler adjustment device 216 suitable for a patient that has a movement sensitivity score of 5, such as patient with a history of skin lesions.
- P 3 shows a sixth rate of operation R 6 for the fowler adjustment device 216 suitable for patient that has a movement sensitivity score of 1, such as a patient that does not require extraordinary caution with movement.
- the controller 222 may be configured to control the fowler adjustment device 216 at rates R 4 , R 5 , R 6 based on the movement sensitivity score.
- the controller 222 may determine what types of motion and what rate of operations are appropriate for a person with a given movement sensitivity score. Thus, as described above, the controller 222 may prevent actuation of one or more actuatable devices or one or more rates of operation if the movement sensitivity score exceeds a predetermined threshold. The controller 222 may cooperate with the indicator device 242 to output the movement sensitivity score and suitable rates of operation for the patient having the determined movement sensitivity score.
- the controller 222 may be further configured to control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the state of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 , based on input from the sensing system 236 , or based on the sensed state or position of each actuator 202 of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 .
- the state of the actuatable device 204 - 220 may comprise a sensed current position of the actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the sensed current position of the actuators 202 may comprise the sensed current position of all actuators 202 associated with the actuatable device 204 - 220 .
- the controller 222 is configured to determine the desired rate of operation based on a combination of the state of the actuatable device 204 - 220 and/or the presence of the patient adjacent to one or more of the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 . If the controller 222 determines that the actuatable device 204 - 220 has a first state and that no patient is positioned adjacent to patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 , the controller 222 may determine a first desired rate of operation; whereas, if the controller 222 determines that the actuatable device 204 - 220 has the first state and that the patient is positioned adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 the controller 222 may determine a second desired rate of operation. In such a configuration, the first desired rate of operation is higher than the second desired rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may be configured to determine the state of the actuatable device 204 - 220 by sensing a current position of the actuators 202 of the actuatable device 204 - 220 . In such a configuration, the controller 222 is configured to determine the desired rate of operation based on the combination of the sensed current position of the actuators 202 , and the patient presence input signal. This may allow the controller 222 to quickly change the state of the actuatable device 200 from the first state to the second state without risk of causing injury to the patient. Other ways of determining the state of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 are also contemplated.
- the actuatable devices 204 - 220 may have many possible configurations for performing the predetermined functions of the patient support system PS. Exemplary configurations of some of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 are described further below, comprising the coordinated motion device 204 , patient raising device 206 , the patient turning device 208 , the patient centering device 210 , the patient ingress/egress device 212 , the lift device 214 , the fowler adjustment device 216 , the gatch adjustment device 218 , and the transport device 220 . It should be understood that numerous configurations of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 , other than those specifically described, are possible.
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of these actuatable devices 204 - 220 based on the patient condition 234 , as obtained from the EMR 238 or the sensing system 236 .
- a few exemplary scenarios of how these actuatable devices 204 - 220 may be utilized are also described below. However, numerous other scenarios not described herein, are also possible.
- a method of controlling the actuator comprises the step 246 of determining the patient condition for the patient; the step 248 of determining a desired rate of operation for the actuator based on the patient condition; and the step 250 of controlling the actuator with the desired rate of operation to move the patient.
- the method comprises a step 252 of actuating the voice actuation interface; a step 254 of transmitting the user input signal from the voice actuation interface to the controller; a step 256 of determining a desired rate of operation for the actuator based on the user input signal; and a step 258 of controlling the actuator with the desired rate of operation.
- the coordinated motion device 204 may comprise an actuator system comprising two or more actuators 202 .
- the coordinated motion device 204 may be configured to perform compound movements that, when a patient is present, causes multiple portions of the patient's body to be moved in a coordinated manner.
- the coordinated motion device 204 is capable of assuming different states. Each state pertains to a different orientation of one or more portions of the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 .
- the coordinated motion device 204 is capable of changing the angular orientation of various portions of the patient's body simultaneously, such as the patient's head, back, thighs, calves, and/or feet.
- the actuators 202 and patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 of the coordinated motion device 204 cooperate to assume a first state and a second state.
- the controller 222 is configured to control a rate of operation at which the actuators 202 and the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 cooperate to move from the first state to the second state.
- the chair 100 comprises the coordinated motion device 204 .
- the chair 100 comprises a back rest actuator 112 , a leg rest actuator 114 , a lift actuator 116 , and a seat actuator 118 .
- the controller 222 is coupled to each of these actuators and is configured to control the rate of operation of each actuator 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 . While four actuators are shown in this exemplary embodiment, it should be appreciated that the coordinated motion device 204 may comprise only two or three actuators, or may comprise more than four actuators. Similarly, while in the illustrated embodiment the chair 100 is displayed.
- 1A may comprise the coordinated motion device 204 .
- the controller 222 essentially creates a coordinated motion device 204 that is capable of assuming multiple states.
- each state of the coordinated motion device 204 pertains to a different orientation of one or more portions of the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 , 111 .
- the patient support surface 111 is cooperatively defined by the patient-facing surface of the seat 102 , the patient-facing surface of the back rest 104 , and the patient-facing surface of the leg rest 106 .
- the chair 100 is in the flat state (See FIG. 4B )
- the patient support surface 111 defined by the seat 102 , the back rest 104 , and the leg rest 106 are generally level with one another, and generally parallel to the floor surface.
- the standing state See FIG.
- the seat 102 assumes an angle of approximately 30 degrees, whereas the back rest 104 and the leg rest 106 are perpendicular to the floor.
- the chair 100 When the patient is disposed on the chair 100 while the chair 100 from one state to another, different portions of the patient's body are moved in a coordinated manner (e.g., the patient's back and the patient's legs are changing their angle relative to the floor simultaneously).
- the chair 100 comprises a chair control panel CCP that comprises buttons B 21 -B 26 that correspond to the different states that can be assumed by the coordinated motion device 204 , i.e., the chair 100 .
- the controller 222 will activate the necessary ones of actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 to move the chair 100 to the corresponding state.
- Buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 correspond to the FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW rates of operation as described above with respect to the patient support apparatus 30 .
- Buttons B 27 and B 28 transmit a user input signal that causes the height of the seat 102 to raise and lower relative to the floor.
- the controller 222 may be configured to control the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 such that the patient support surface 111 defined by the chair 100 will pass through the first upright state ( FIG. 4E ), the second upright state ( 4 D), and the recline state ( FIG. 4C ) before eventually reaching flat state ( FIG. 4B ).
- the controller 222 may be configured to control the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 such that the patient support surface 111 defined by the chair 100 will pass through the first upright state ( FIG. 4E ), the second upright state ( 4 D), and the recline state ( FIG. 4C ) before eventually reaching flat state ( FIG. 4B ).
- all six states ( FIG. 4A - FIG. 4E ) of the chair 100 are arranged sequentially and the chair 100 is only able to move from one state to another in the predefined sequence.
- it will always move sequentially from its current state to its final state by moving through certain intermediate states.
- the chair 100 is movable to a virtually infinite number of intermediate states between the six states shown in FIGS. 4A-4F and FIG. 15A .
- the patient support surface 111 defined by the seat rest 102 , the back rest 104 , and the leg rest 106 is movable to a virtually infinite number of positions, which accordingly, are capable of positioning the patient disposed on the patient support surface 111 in a virtually infinite number of positions.
- seat actuator 118 comprises a stationary end 120 pivotally mounted a chassis 122 .
- Seat actuator 118 further comprises an extendible end 124 that is pivotally mounted to a seat frame 126 .
- extendible end 124 causes the seat frame 126 to tilt in such a manner that a forward end of seat 102 moves downward relative a backward end of seat 102 (i.e., the seat frame 126 will rotate in a counter clockwise direction about seat pivot axis 128 ).
- the retraction of seat actuator 118 will, in contrast, cause seat frame 126 to tilt in the opposite manner (i.e., seat frame 126 will rotate in a clockwise direction).
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the seat actuator 118 in order to control the rate of tilt of the seat 102 .
- Back rest actuator 112 comprises a stationary end 130 that is mounted to back rest 104 and an extendible end 132 that is mounted to the seat frame 126 .
- the extension and retraction of back rest actuator 112 will therefore cause back rest 104 to pivot with respect to seat frame 126 . More specifically, when back rest actuator 112 extends, back rest 104 will rotate in a counterclockwise direction. In contrast, when back rest actuator 112 retracts, back rest 104 will rotate in a clockwise direction. Because back rest 104 is coupled to the seat frame 126 , the rotation of seat frame 126 will also cause back rest 104 to rotate.
- the relative angle between back rest 104 and seat 102 will only change when back rest actuator 112 is actuated (and not when seat actuator 118 extends or retracts while back rest actuator 112 does not change length).
- the angle of back rest 104 with respect to the floor (or another fixed reference) will change as seat frame 126 pivots about seat pivot axis 128 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the seat actuator 118 in order to control the rate at which the back rest 104 rotates in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions relative to the seat frame 126 .
- Leg rest actuator 114 comprises a stationary end 134 that is mounted to seat frame 126 and an extendible end 136 that is mounted to leg rest 106 .
- the extension of leg rest actuator 114 therefore will pivot leg rest 106 from a retracted position to an extended position.
- the extension and retraction of leg rest actuator 114 will change the orientation of leg rest 106 with respect to seat frame 126 .
- the orientation of leg rest 106 with respect to seat frame 126 will not change based on the extension or retraction of any other actuators 112 , 116 , 118 .
- the orientation of leg rest 106 with respect to the floor will change when seat frame 126 is pivoted about seat pivot axis 128 by seat actuator 118 .
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for the leg rest actuator 114 to control the rate at which the leg rest 106 pivots from the retracted position to the extended position.
- seat frame 126 will therefore change the orientations of all of seat 102 , back rest 104 , and leg rest 106 with respect to the floor, but will not, by itself change the orientations of any of these components (seat 102 , back rest 104 , and leg rest 106 ) with respect to each other.
- Lift actuator 116 comprises a stationary end 138 that is coupled to a base 142 and an extendible end 140 that is coupled to an X-frame lift 144 .
- the X-frame lift 144 comprises two legs 146 that are pivotally coupled to each other about a center axis 148 .
- lift actuator 116 extends or retracts, the relative angle between each of the legs 146 changes, which changes the overall height of the X-frame lift 144 .
- chassis 122 is mounted on a top end of X-frame lift 144 , the changing height of the scissor lift 144 changes the height of chassis 122 .
- Lift actuator 116 therefore raises the height of chassis 122 when it extends and lowers the height of chassis 122 when it retracts.
- seat frame 126 is mounted on chassis 122 , and because back rest 104 and leg rest 106 are both mounted to seat frame 126 , raising and lowering the height of chassis 122 simultaneously raises and lowers the height of the seat 102 , back rest 104 , and leg rest 106 .
- extending and retracting lift actuator 116 does not, by itself, change the angular orientations of any of leg rest 106 , back rest 104 , and/or seat 102 with respect to each other or the floor.
- the controller 222 may be coupled to the lift actuator 116 to control the rate of operation for the lift actuator 116 to control the rate operation at which the seat 102 , back rest 104 , and leg rest 106 are raised or lowered relative to the floor.
- the controller 222 may use predefined positions of each actuator 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 for each of the desired states, as target values for controlling actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 .
- memory 224 may comprise data associated with the desired positions for actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 for each state of the chair 100 .
- the controller 222 may use the stored position data in the memory 224 as the target positions in the control of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 .
- the sensing system 236 may be configured to detect the current positions of each actuator 112 , 114 , 116 , and 118 to determine when the actual position matches the predefined position.
- the controller 222 can determine what positions of each actuator 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 correspond to each state of the chair 100 .
- the controller 222 may be configured to control each of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , and 118 in a coordinated manner such that each actuator 112 , 114 , 116 , and 118 arrives at the desired state simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, as disclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/801,167, entitled “MEDICAL SUPPORT APPARATUS” which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- the controller 222 may selectively control the operation of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 of the chair 100 such that patient support surface 111 reaches the desired state in a fluid manner.
- the controller 222 may allow the coordinated motion device 204 to move in an uncoordinated manner. For example, if the controller 222 determines that the patient is not adjacent to the patient support surface 111 , the controller may disengage the coordinated motion mode, which allows the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 to move such that they do not necessarily reach the state simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously.
- the controller 222 may effectively control the rate at which the coordinated motion device 204 moves from one state to another.
- Buttons B 13 , B 14 , and B 15 correspond to FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW rates of operation. If a user depresses rate selector button B 13 corresponding to the FAST rate of operation, and subsequently depresses button B 21 corresponding to the standing state, the controller 222 controls the rate of operation of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 such that the chair 100 moves from its current state towards the upright state at an accelerated rate.
- the controller 222 controls the rate of operation of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 such that the chair 100 moves from its current state toward to the flat state at the SLOW rate of operation. Even at this SLOW rate of operation, the controller 222 may control the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 such that they move in a coordinated manner and arrive at the desired state at substantially the same time.
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 based on both the user input signal and the patient presence input signal. Accordingly, if the patient presence sensor 241 detects that the patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 111 , the controller 222 , based on the patient presence input signal may determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable. Thus, if the patient presence input signal indicates that the patient is not adjacent to the patient support surface 111 , the controller 222 may generally permit faster rates of operation for the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , and 118 .
- the controller 222 may control the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 at the FAST rate of operation. If the patient is present, the controller 222 may control the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 at the SLOW rate of operation, even if the user-selected rate of operation is the FAST rate of operation. Such automatic control ensures that the patient is not moved at unsuitable speeds.
- the controller 222 may query the patient presence sensor 241 to determine whether the patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 111 . If the patient presence sensor 241 determines that the patient is adjacent to the patient support surface 111 , the controller 222 may not permit the chair 100 to operate at the user-selected rate of operation. Instead, the controller 222 may automatically select a suitable rate of operation, typically a slower rate of operation, than the user-selected rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may automatically select a faster rate of operation than the user-selected rate of operation. Such a feature may permit the user to quickly place the chair 100 in the desired state without risk of patient injury.
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 based on both the user input signal and the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 based on the patient condition 234 , may determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable. Thus, if user-selected rated of operation is unsuitable for the patient condition 234 of the patient disposed on the patient support surface 111 , the controller 222 may automatically adjust the rate of operation to a rate of operation that is suitable for the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may query the patient condition 234 before moving the chair 100 to the Trendelenburg state at the FAST rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may move the chair 100 to the Trendelenburg state at a SLOW rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the chair 100 based on the current state. For example, if the chair 100 is in the standing state and the user desires that the chair 100 be placed in the flat state, the controller 222 may determine that a FAST rate of operation is desired. In contrast, if the user simply wishes to move from the standing state to the reclined state, the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the chair 100 at the SLOW rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation for the chair 100 based on how many intermediate states are between the current state and the desired state, or the distance that the actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 would need to extend/retract to move from the current state to the desired state.
- the controller 222 may also be configured to determine the direction of movement of the actuatable device 204 - 220 , and determine the desired rate of operation based on the direction of movement and/or the patient presence signal. Thus, the controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation of the actuatable device to be increased or decreased in one direction relative to the desired rate of operation in the opposite direction. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4A-4F , the controller 222 may determine that the chair 100 is moving in a first direction from the flat state ( FIG. 4B ) to the stand state ( FIG. 4F ) by receiving inputs from the underlying actuators 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 .
- the controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation to be a first rate of operation based on motion in that first direction.
- the controller 222 may further determines that the chair is moving in a second direction from the stand state ( FIG. 4F ) to the flat state ( FIG. 4B ) based on inputs from the underlying actuators. Because the second direction of motion is likely associated with absence of the patient, the controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation to be a second rate of operation, with the second rate of operation being greater than the first rate of operation. It should be appreciated that while this example was described in view of the chair 100 , the controller 222 may determine the rate of operation for any actuatable devices based on the direction of movement, and thus, asymmetric rate of operation control is enabled. Other ways of determining the state of the actuatable devices 204 - 220 are also contemplated. For example, the controller 222 may determine rate of operation based on both the direction of movement and the patient presence.
- a method of controlling the coordinated motion device comprises a step 260 of transmitting a user input signal from the user input device to the controller; a step 262 of determining a desired rate of operation for each of the actuators based on the user input signal; and a step 264 of transmitting an output signal to control the actuators with the desired rate of operation.
- the patient raising device 206 , the patient centering device 210 , and the patient turning device 208 may be integrated into the mattress 50 .
- the mattress 50 is referred to as a self-contained therapy mattress since several working components of the mattress 50 that are used to carry out the functions of the patient raising device 206 , the patient centering device 210 , and the patient turning device 208 are enclosed by a cover 300 of the mattress 50 .
- the cover 300 can be any conventional material including, but not limited to natural fibers, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof.
- the cover 300 may be formed of a vapor permeable material.
- the cover 300 may be flexible and stretchable to accommodate inflation of various inflatable bladders described herein.
- the mattress 50 may be configured to perform other functions, such as patient egress/ingress, patient temperature control, etc.
- the patient raising device 206 is configured to perform the function of moving the patient from a slouched position towards a non-slouched position by moving the patient towards the head end of the patient support system PS.
- the illustrated patient raising device 206 comprises a patient raising bladder structure 302 positioned within the cover 300 .
- the patient raising bladder structure 302 comprises patient raising inflation bladders 304 that are connected together longitudinally so that each of the patient raising inflation bladders 304 spans across a majority of a width of the mattress 50 below the patient and together, the patient raising inflation bladders 304 span a majority of a length of the mattress 50 below the patient.
- FIGS. 18A through 18C illustrate a progressive inflation scheme used to raise the patient six inches from the slouched position (see FIG. 18A ).
- the patient raising inflation bladders 304 are inflated and deflated to create a wave-like force directed towards the head end of the patient support apparatus 30 to push the patient toward the head end.
- only one of the patient raising inflation bladders 304 are fully inflated at a time to create the wave-like force needed to raise the patient.
- each patient raising inflation bladder 304 begins to deflate and the next adjacent patient raising inflation bladder 304 toward the head end begins to inflate (see, e.g., FIG. 18B ).
- the patient centering device 210 is configured to move the patient from an off-center position toward the longitudinal centerline CL of the mattress 50 , such as when the patient has shifted too far to one side or the other of the mattress 50 .
- the patient centering device 210 comprises a patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 positioned within the cover 300 .
- the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 comprises a pair of elongate bladders 308 that are connected together along a longitudinal seam so that each of the elongate bladders 308 spans a majority of the length of the mattress 50 , but spans one half or less the width of the mattress 50 , below the patient.
- the elongate bladders 308 are selectively inflated to guide the patient toward the longitudinal centerline CL of the mattress 50 when desired. Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19 B, inflation of one of the elongate bladders 308 is shown to urge the patient toward the centerline CL of the mattress 50 . Movement of the patient toward the centerline CL may not be immediate, but may occur gradually as the elongate bladders 308 remains inflated.
- the patient turning device 208 is configured to perform the function of turning the patient and/or providing rotational therapy to the patient.
- the patient turning device 208 may utilize the same patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 as the patient centering device 210 .
- the elongate bladders 308 are independently inflated to raise one side or the other of the patient. Referring to FIGS.
- the elongate bladders 308 are used for rotation therapy by sequentially inflating/deflating the elongate bladders 308 to raise one side of the patient to an angle ( 3 , lower the patient, and then raise the other side of the patient to the angle ⁇ such that the patient experiences a side-to-side rotation that shifts pressures between the patient and the mattress 50 .
- the method may comprise controlling the pump with the desired rate of operation to control the rate at which the patient turns.
- the patient ingress/egress device 212 is configured to perform the function of easing ingress and/or egress of the patient to and/or from the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the patient ingress/egress device 212 comprises a main air bladder 310 positioned within the cover 300 .
- the main air bladder 310 is sized to extend substantially the full width of the mattress 50 and a majority of the length of the mattress 50 .
- the main air bladder 310 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a single air bladder than can be inflated and deflated, depending on the needs of the patient or the caregiver.
- the main air bladder 310 may be fully inflated to ease ingress and egress of the patient.
- the main air bladder 310 is less than fully inflated, e.g., to soften the mattress 50 and provide additional comfort to the patient, it can be difficult for the patient to move across the mattress 50 for ingress or egress. Accordingly, by fully inflating, and stiffening the mattress 50 , movement across the mattress 50 can be made easier for the patient.
- the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder 310 are supported within the cover 300 of the mattress 50 by a base cushion 312 .
- the base cushion 312 is located between outside lateral cushions 314 and outside longitudinal cushions 316 .
- the cushions 312 , 314 , 316 may be rigid or flexible, may comprise one or more air bladders, or simply be constructed of conventional bedding materials such as foam, and the like.
- the cushions 312 , 314 , 316 may be separate cushions or may be integrated into an integral cushion structure.
- a control unit 318 is shown at the foot end of the mattress 50 in FIG. 17A .
- the control unit 318 comprises a rigid box that encloses a pump 320 and a motor 322 for operating the pump 320 . As shown, the control unit 318 may fit within the cover 300 of the mattress 50 or outside of the cover 300 .
- the pump 320 is used to inflate the patient raising inflation bladders 304 , the elongate bladders 308 , and the main air bladder 310 . Other configurations of the control unit 318 are also possible.
- the fluid flow schematics generally illustrate the fluid flow paths in which fluid, such as air, flow from an air source A (such as outside air) via the pump 320 to the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder 310 .
- This schematic discloses a valve 324 , such as a solenoid valve or other types of valve, that control the movement of the fluid into and out of the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder 310 to perform the functions described herein.
- the valve 324 is controlled by the controller 222 , and may be able to selectively establish fluid communication between the pump 320 and each of the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder 310 or close off such fluid communication.
- the valve 324 may also be able to vent the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder 310 to atmosphere to deflate the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder 310 .
- additional valves not shown, may be utilized to carry out the functions of the patient raising bladder structure 302 , the patient centering/turning bladder structure 306 , and the main air bladder structure 306 .
- the pump 320 sequentially inflates one or more of the patient raising inflation bladders 304 , as shown in FIGS. 18A through 18C to move the patient from the slouched position to a raised position.
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient raising device 206 by controlling the rate of operation of the pump 320 and/or motor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of the user input devices 228 , such as the buttons B 1 or B 2 .
- the pump 320 and/or motor 322 may be the actuator 202 of the patient raising device 206 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient raising device 206 based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient raising device 206 based on the user input signal and based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may control the pump 320 and/or motor 322 to operate at an increased rate of operation in order to increase the rate at which the patient is urged towards the head end of the patient support apparatus 30 .
- this entails operating the pump 320 to inflate the patient raising inflation bladders 304 until the patient has reached the desired patient position. This may comprise operating the pump 320 until a current center of gravity of the patient is moved toward the head end of the patient support apparatus 30 by a desired distance.
- the controller 222 controls the rate of operation of the patient raising device 206 based on the user input signal and based on the patient condition 234 . For example, if the user depresses button B 1 indicating that the user wishes to actuate the patient raising device 206 , and depresses button B 13 indicating the FAST rate of operation is desired, the controller 222 may query the patient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for the patient condition 234 , and control the pump 320 and/or motor 322 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient moves towards the head end of the patient support system PS. This slower rate of operation may also avoid disorienting effects on the patient from abrupt movement and reduce shear forces to the patient's skin.
- operation of the patient raising device 206 including the time to inflate/deflate one sequence of the patient raising inflation bladders 304 may be twice as long as the time needed for the same operation if the controller 222 controlled the rate of operation at the FAST rate of operation.
- the controller 222 may determine a rate of operation for the patient raising device 206 based on other patient-related information. For example, the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for the patient raising device 206 based on the skin condition of the patient, or the patient's movement sensitivity score.
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation of the patient centering device 210 .
- the pump 320 operates to inflate one or more of the elongate bladders 308 to move the patient toward the centerline CL of the mattress 50 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient centering device 210 by controlling the rate of operation of the actuator 202 , in the illustrated embodiment, the rate of operation of the pump 320 and/or motor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of the user input devices 228 , button B 3 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient centering device 210 based on the user input signal and based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient centering device 210 based on the user input signal and based on the patient condition 234 .
- the elongate bladder 308 that is located on the side of the mattress 50 on which the patient is sensed is first inflated.
- the elongate bladder 308 may be inflated at a moderate angle such that the patient slowly slides towards the centered position on the centerline CL.
- both of the elongate bladders 308 may be inflated simultaneously, to different levels (e.g., different pressures or angles as measured by pressure sensors or angle sensors in communication with the controller 222 ) or the same level to keep the patient in the centered position.
- the controller 222 may query the patient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for patient condition 234 . If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for the patient centering device 210 for the patient condition 234 , such as when the patient has severe burns, the controller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for the patient condition 234 , and control the pump 320 and/or motor 322 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient is moved towards the longitudinal centerline CL of the patient support apparatus 30 . In one embodiment, the controller 222 may control the pump with the desired rate of operation to control the rate at which the patient moves toward the centerline of the patient support surface.
- the pump 320 may inflate one or more of the elongate bladders 308 to turn the patient.
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient turning device 208 by controlling the rate of operation of the pump 320 and/or motor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of the user input devices 228 , such as buttons B 4 , B 5 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient turning device 208 based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient turning device 208 based on the user input signal and the based on the patient condition 234 .
- the pump 320 may inflate the main air bladder 310 to assist the ingress or egress of the patient from the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient ingress/egress device 212 by controlling the rate of operation of the pump 320 and/or motor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of the user input devices 228 , button B 6 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient ingress/egress device 212 based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient ingress/egress device 212 based on the user input signal and the patient condition 234 .
- the lift device 214 is configured to lift and lower the patient between the minimum and maximum heights of the patient support system PS, and intermediate positions there between.
- the lift device 214 comprises a pair of lift arms 400 pivotally connected at a center thereof and arranged in a scissor-lift configuration.
- the lift arms 400 are movable to raise and lower the patient support surfaces 48 , 52 relative to the base 34 and the floor surface.
- Each of the lift arms 400 have a first end pivotally connected at a fixed pivot point 402 to one of the base 34 and the intermediate frame 36 .
- the lift arms 400 extend from the first end to a second end.
- a pin 404 is fixed to the second end and arranged to slide in a horizontal guide slot 406 defined in one of the base 34 and the intermediate frame 36 .
- a lift actuator 408 is fixed at one end to the base 34 and to one of the pins 404 at the other end. When actuated, the lift actuator 408 directly slides the pin 404 in the horizontal guide slot, which also indirectly slides the other pin 404 in the other horizontal guide slot 406 , to raise and lower the patient support surface 42 .
- the lift actuator 408 may comprise an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, or similar driving mechanism.
- Other configurations of the lift device 214 are also possible, such as column lift mechanisms shown in FIG. 1A , the lift system of the chair 100 , or any other suitable lift mechanism.
- the controller 222 is configured to initiate operation of the lift device 214 in response to receiving a user input signal when the caregiver presses the button B 7 or B 8 to operate the lift actuator 408 to either lift or lower the patient support surface 48 , 52 .
- the controller 222 is further configured to control the rate of operation of the lift device 214 by controlling the rate of operation of the actuator 202 , in the illustrated application, the rate of operation of the lift actuator 408 in response to receiving the user input signal from buttons B 7 , B 8 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the lift device 214 based on the user input signal received from buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the lift device 214 based on the user input signal and based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may query the patient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for the patient condition 234 . If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for the patient condition 234 , such as when the patient has a psychological sensitivity to falling as observed by the caregiver or is a fall risk, the controller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation for the patient condition 234 , and control the lift actuator 408 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient moves towards the base 34 of the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the slower rate of operation may minimize the patient's anxiety and/or the likelihood that the patient would fall from the patient support surface 48 , 52 .
- the patient's fear of falling may have been mentioned to the caregiver, and the caregiver may have entered this patient condition 234 to the memory 224 through the user input device 228 before actuation of the lift device 214 .
- the user may actuate the user input device 228 associated with the cleaning mode B 18 . If the patient position sensor 241 determines that no patient is positioned adjacent to the support surface 48 , 52 , 111 , the controller 222 may control the lift device 214 with the FAST rate of operation. This allows such a user to quickly lower the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 to a convenient height, and clean and sanitize the patient support surface 48 , 52 , 111 , while avoiding potential injury to the patient based on the increased rate of operation.
- the patient condition sensor 240 detects that the patient is asleep with a heart rate sensor, an acoustic sensor, a camera (optical or thermal), or other suitable sensor. If the user subsequently decides to actuate the lift device 214 by depressing button B 8 with a MEDIUM rate of operation (e.g., the user did not select one of the rate selector buttons or did not depress B 8 with an actuation pattern indicating that a SLOW or FAST rate of operation is desired), the controller 222 based on the patient condition 234 (i.e., that the patient is asleep), automatically determines a suitable rate of operation that is desired based on the patient condition 234 “ASLEEP”. For example, the controller 222 may determine that the MEDIUM rate of operation is not suitable for a patient that is asleep, and automatically controls the lift device 214 at SLOW rate of operation that is slower than the MEDIUM rate of operation.
- a MEDIUM rate of operation e.g., the user did not select one of the rate select
- the controller 222 operates the lift actuator 408 to slowly lower the patient support apparatus 30 to the lowered position.
- the controller 222 operates the lift actuator 408 to slowly lower the patient support apparatus 30 to the lowered position.
- slowly lowering the patient support apparatus 30 such as at a rate much slower than the MEDIUM rate of operation of the lift device 214 using the nurse control panel NCP, the patient is not awakened.
- the slower rate of operation may be less likely to wake up a patient.
- the fowler adjustment device 216 and the gatch adjustment device 218 is configured to articulate the deck 38 of the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the fowler adjustment device 216 in the exemplary embodiment comprises a fowler actuator 500 coupled to the fowler section 40 .
- the fowler actuator 500 moves the fowler section 40 relative to the intermediate frame 36 .
- the gatch adjustment device 218 comprises a thigh actuator 502 coupled to, and configured to move, the thigh section 44 and a foot actuator 504 is coupled to, and configured to move, the foot section 46 .
- the fowler actuator 500 , thigh actuator 502 , and the foot actuator 504 may comprise electric linear actuators that extend between the intermediate frame 36 and the particular deck section being adjusted.
- the fowler section 40 is pivotally connected to the intermediate frame 36 at a fixed pivot 506
- the thigh section 44 is pivotally connected to the intermediate frame 36 at a fixed pivot 508
- the foot section 46 is pivotally connected to the thigh section 44 at pivot point 510 .
- the fowler actuator 500 has as a first end pivotally connected to the intermediate frame 36 and a second end pivotally connected to the fowler section 40
- the thigh actuator 502 has first end pivotally connected to the intermediate frame 36 and a second end pivotally connected to the thigh section 44
- the foot actuator 504 has a first end pivotally connected to the intermediate frame 36 and a second end pivotally connected to the foot section 46 .
- each deck adjustment actuators 500 , 502 , 504 raises and lowers the respective deck section 40 , 44 , 46 at various inclination angles relative to the intermediate frame 36 . It is contemplated that any suitable deck adjustment system may be utilized in conjunction with the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the deck adjustment device may be configured to provide coordinated motion between the multiple actuators 500 , 502 , 504 as described above with reference to the chair 100 .
- the patient support deck 38 can be configured to assume a chair state, a bed exit state, a flat state, etc.
- the controller 222 may be configured to control the actuators 500 , 502 , 504 such that the actuators 500 , 502 , 504 reach the desired state simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously.
- the controller 222 is configured to initiate operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 in response to receiving the user input signal from button B 9 .
- the controller 222 is further configured to control the rate of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 by controlling the rate of the actuator 202 , in the illustrated embodiment, the rate of operation of the fowler actuator 500 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of the user input devices 228 , such as the buttons B 9 or B 10 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 based on the user input signal received from the buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 based on the user input signal and based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may query the patient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for the patient condition 234 . If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for the patient condition 234 , such as when the patient has a neck injury, the controller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for the patient condition 234 , and automatically control the fowler actuator 500 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient tilts away from the intermediate frame 36 of the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the controller 222 may determine a rate of operation for the fowler adjustment device 216 based on other patient-related information. For example, the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for the fowler adjustment device 216 based on the skin condition of the patient, or the patient's movement sensitivity score.
- the transport device 220 may comprise the one or more powered wheel assemblies 68 (See FIG. 2 ). Controller 222 is configured to control the wheel motors 72 such that the wheels 70 rotate about the rotational axis 74 . The direction and rate of the powered wheel assemblies 68 can be controlled based on the user input device 228 .
- buttons B 16 are force sensors that are provided on footboard 64 that detect a magnitude of forces exerted by a caregiver on the patient support apparatus 30 .
- the controller 222 may generally power the powered wheel assemblies 68 proportionally to the forces exerted by a caregiver on buttons B 16 .
- controller 222 supplies power to the powered wheel assemblies 68 in increments, rather than a continuous fashion.
- more than one powered wheel assembly 68 can be driven as a pair with the same power level, while the rear wheels could be driven as a separate pair (with the same power level as each other, but not necessarily the same power level as the front wheels).
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the transport device 220 by controlling the rate of operation of the actuator 202 , in this example, the rate of operation of the wheel motor 72 that rotate the wheels 70 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of the user input devices 228 , such as buttons B 16 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the transport device 220 based on the user input signal received from the buttons B 13 , B 14 , B 15 .
- the controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the transport device 220 based on the user input signal and based on the patient condition 234 .
- the controller 222 may query the patient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for the patient condition 234 . If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for the patient condition 234 , such as when the patient had major spinal surgery a few hours prior to transport, the controller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for the patient condition 234 , and control the powered wheel assemblies 68 , i.e., the wheel motors 72 , with the SLOW rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient support apparatus 30 moves along the floor. This slower rate of operation may minimize the pain experienced by the patient.
- the controller 222 may determine a rate of operation for the transport device 220 based on other patient-related information. For example, the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for the transport device 220 based on the skin condition of the patient, or the patient's movement sensitivity score.
- the user may actuate the user input device 228 associated with the transport mode B 19 . If the patient presence sensor 241 determines that no patient is positioned adjacent to the support surface 48 , 52 , 111 , and transmits the corresponding patient presence input signal to the controller 222 , the controller 222 controls the transport device 220 with the FAST rate of operation. This allows such a user to quickly move the patient support apparatus 30 while avoiding potential injury to any patient.
- the TRANSPORT mode may only be selected if the identification device 232 determines that the person adjacent to the support surface 48 , 52 , 111 is a TRANSPORTER (i.e., a person responsible for moving the patient support system PS).
- the controller 222 may control the rate of operation for devices other than those described above based on the user input device and/or patient condition.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/369,188, filed on Dec. 5, 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/271,054, filed on Dec. 22, 2015, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- Patient support systems facilitate care of patients in a health care setting. Patient support systems comprise patient support apparatuses such as, for example, hospital beds, stretchers, cots, tables, and wheelchairs. Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise a base and a patient support surface upon which the patient is supported. Often, these patient support apparatuses have one or more actuatable devices to perform one or more functions on the patient support apparatus. These functions can include lifting and lowering the patient support surface, raising a patient from a slouched position, turning a patient, centering a patient, and the like. When the caregiver wishes to operate an actuatable device to perform a function, the caregiver often actuates a user input device, often in the form of a button on a control panel. To continue performing the function, the caregiver is required to continue depressing the button until a desired outcome is achieved, e.g., the patient support surface is lifted to a desired height, the patient is sufficiently raised from the slouched position to a desired position, etc. A default rate of operation of the actuatable device may be too fast for certain patient conditions, such as when the patient has a history of skin lesions. Furthermore, the default rate of operation may be slower than desired, especially when the patient is not disposed on the patient support apparatus.
- A patient support system designed to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices and overcome one or more of the aforementioned challenges is desired.
-
FIG. 1A is perspective view of a patient support apparatus including a mattress. -
FIG. 1B is perspective view of the patient support apparatus ofFIG. 1A without the mattress. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a powered wheel assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coordinated motion device. -
FIGS. 4A-4F are side views of various states of the coordinated motion device ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic view of a control system. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a control system. -
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a control panel for the patient support apparatus ofFIGS. 1A and 1B . -
FIG. 8 is an illustration of a control panel for the coordinated motion device ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of sources of patient-related information. -
FIG. 10 is a chart showing different rates of operation for a lift device based on different patient conditions. -
FIG. 11 is a chart showing different rates of operation for a fowler adjustment device based on different movement sensitivity scores. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic of a method of controlling a rate of operation for an actuatable device based on a patient condition. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic of a method of controlling a rate of operation for an actuatable device with a voice actuation interface. -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the coordinated motion device ofFIG. 3 with the seat, back rest, and leg rest removed. -
FIG. 15A shows a progression of states assumed by the coordinated motion device ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 15B shows a schematic view of a control system for the coordinated motion device ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 16 is a schematic of a method of controlling a rate of operation for the coordinated motion device. -
FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a mattress taken longitudinally along the mattress to illustrate a pump and inflatable bladders. -
FIG. 17B is another cross-sectional view of the mattress taken laterally across the mattress. -
FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C are illustrations of raising a patient from a slouched position to a raised position. -
FIGS. 19A and 19B are illustrations of centering the patient relative to a centerline. -
FIGS. 20A and 20B are illustrations of turning a patient. -
FIG. 21 is a simplified fluid and control schematic for a patient raising device, a patient centering/turning device, and a patient ingress/egress device. -
FIG. 22 is a side view of a lift device. -
FIG. 23 is a side view of a fowler and gatch adjustment device. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , a patient support system PS comprising apatient support apparatus 30 is shown for supporting a patient in a health care setting. Thepatient support apparatus 30 illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B comprises a hospital bed. In other embodiments, however, thepatient support apparatus 30 may comprise a stretcher, cot, table, chair, wheelchair, or similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient. - A
support structure 32 provides support for the patient. Thesupport structure 32 illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B comprises abase 34 and anintermediate frame 36. Theintermediate frame 36 is spaced above thebase 34. Thesupport structure 32 also comprises apatient support deck 38 disposed on theintermediate frame 36. Referring specifically toFIG. 1B , thepatient support deck 38 comprises several sections, some of which are pivotable relative to theintermediate frame 36, such as afowler section 40, aseat section 42, athigh section 44, and afoot section 46. Thepatient support deck 38 provides apatient support surface 48 upon which the patient is supported. - Referring to
FIG. 1A , amattress 50 is disposed on thepatient support deck 38. Themattress 50 comprises a secondarypatient support surface 52 upon which the patient is supported. Thebase 34,intermediate frame 36,patient support deck 38, and patient support surfaces 48, 52 each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to the designated placement of the patient's head and feet on thepatient support apparatus 30. The construction of thesupport structure 32 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically set forth above. In addition, themattress 50 may be omitted in certain embodiments, such that the patient rests directly on the patient support surface 48 (seeFIG. 1B ). - Side rails 54, 56, 58, 60 are supported by the
base 34. Afirst side rail 54 is positioned at a right head end of theintermediate frame 36. Asecond side rail 56 is positioned at a right foot end of theintermediate frame 36. Athird side rail 58 is positioned at a left head end of theintermediate frame 36. Afourth side rail 60 is positioned at a left foot end of theintermediate frame 36. If thepatient support apparatus 30 is a stretcher or a cot, there may be fewer side rails. The side rails 54, 56, 58, 60 are movable between a raised position in which they block ingress and egress into and out of thepatient support apparatus 30, and a lowered position in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress. The side rails 54, 56, 58, 60 may also be movable to one or more intermediate positions between the raised position and the lowered position. In still other configurations, thepatient support apparatus 30 may not comprise any side rails. - A
headboard 62 and a footboard 64 are coupled to theintermediate frame 36. In other embodiments, when theheadboard 62 and footboard 64 are included, theheadboard 62 and footboard 64 may be coupled to other locations on thepatient support apparatus 30, such as thebase 34. In still other embodiments, thepatient support apparatus 30 does not include theheadboard 62 and/or the footboard 64. - Caregiver interfaces 66, such as handles, are shown integrated into the footboard 64 to facilitate movement of the
patient support apparatus 30 over floor surfaces. Additional caregiver interfaces 66 may be integrated into theheadboard 62 and/or other components of thepatient support apparatus 30. The caregiver interfaces 66 are graspable by the caregiver to manipulate thepatient support apparatus 30 for movement. - Other forms of the
caregiver interface 66 are also contemplated. Thecaregiver interface 66 may comprise one or more handles coupled to theintermediate frame 36. Thecaregiver interface 66 may simply be a surface on thepatient support apparatus 30 upon which the caregiver logically applies force to cause movement of thepatient support apparatus 30 in one or more directions, also referred to as a push location. This may comprise one or more surfaces on theintermediate frame 36 orbase 34. This could also comprise one or more surfaces on or adjacent to theheadboard 62, footboard 64, and/or side rails 54, 56, 58, 60. In other embodiments, thecaregiver interface 66 may comprise separate handles for each hand of the caregiver. For example, thecaregiver interface 66 may comprise two handles. - The
patient support apparatus 30 may include apowered wheel assembly 68. Referring toFIG. 2 , thepowered wheel assembly 68 may comprise awheel 70 and awheel motor 72. Thewheel motor 72 may be located inside ofwheel 70 and is configured to causewheel 70 to rotate about a generally horizontalrotational axis 74.Wheel motor 72 receives its commands and/or electrical power through a pair ofcables 76 that connect thereto.Wheel motor 72 rotateswheel 70 about therotational axis 74. In the embodiment shown, eachwheel 70 comprises acorresponding wheel motor 72. Thepowered wheel assemblies 68 are coupled to the base 34 to facilitate transport over the floor surfaces. Thepowered wheel assemblies 68 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 34 adjacent to corners of thebase 34. In the embodiment shown, thepowered wheel assemblies 68 are able to rotate and swivel relative to the base 34 during transport. It should be understood that various configurations of thepowered wheel assemblies 68 are contemplated. In addition, in some embodiments, wheels that are not powered may be used, and these wheels may be caster wheels, non-steerable, steerable, or combinations thereof. Additional wheels are also contemplated. For example, thepatient support apparatus 30 may comprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or morepowered wheel assemblies 68. In some cases, thepatient support apparatus 30 may not include any wheels. Alternatively still, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to thebase 34. A fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of thebase 34. - In another embodiment, referring to
FIG. 3 , the patient support system PS may include achair 100. Thechair 100 comprises aseat 102, aback rest 104, aleg rest 106, arm rests 108, andwheels 110. Theseat 102, theback rest 104, and theleg rest 106 cooperate to define thepatient support surface 111. Thechair 100 is constructed such that both height and tilt ofseat 102 is adjustable. Furthermore,chair 100 is constructed such thatback rest 104 is pivotable between a generally upright position and a rearwardly reclined position.Leg rest 106 is constructed such that it is able to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. Arm rests 108 may be constructed such that a user can raise and lower their height relative toseat 102. Several manners in whichchair 100 may be constructed in order to carry out these various motions of theseat 102, backrest 104, andleg rest 106 are contemplated. Of course, various configurations of theseat 102, backrest 104,leg rest 106, arm rests 108, andwheels 110 are contemplated. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A-4F , thechair 100 can be moved to six different configurations, including a Trendelenburg state (FIG. 4A ), a flat state (FIG. 4B ), a recline state (FIG. 4C ), a second upright state (4D), a first upright state (FIG. 4E ), and a stand state (FIG. 4F ). In each of those states, the relative position of each of theseat 102, theback rest 104, and/or theleg rest 106 may be different relative to the floor. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , the patient support system PS may comprise one or moreactuatable devices 200, each configured to perform one or more predetermined functions. Each of theseactuatable devices 200 including one ormore actuators 202. As such, eachactuatable device 200 may comprise two ormore actuators 202. In certain embodiments, theactuator 202 is avariable rate actuator 202 that is capable of operating at different rates of operation depending on the current and/or voltage applied to theactuator 202. In other words, theactuators 202 are of a type that their rate of operation can be controlled by changing a characteristic of the electrical signal provided to theactuator 202. - The type of
actuator 202 that can be used is also not particularly limited. Theactuator 202 should be broadly understood as a type of motor or device that is capable of moving or controlling a mechanism or a system. While the described embodiments are electric actuators and pumps, it should be understood that any type of actuator could also be used in certain applications. As such,actuator 202 refers to electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators. Thus,actuator 202 comprisesactuators 202 that cause linear or rotational movement, that cause movement of a fluid, and the like. For example, theactuator 202 may comprise a rotary actuator, etc. - The types of
actuatable devices 200 are not particularly limited, and may comprise any device or system that comprises one ormore actuators 202. In certain embodiments, theactuatable device 200 is one that, when actuated, results in a change of position of one or more patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 of the patient support system PS. This change in position of one or more patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, when the patient occupies the patient support system PS, results in a change in the position of one or more portions of the patient's body. Thus, by controlling the rate of operation of theactuatable device 200, the rate that the patient changes positions can also be controlled. - More specifically, in situations where a patient occupies the patient support system PS, i.e., contacts one or more support surfaces 48, 52, 111, operation of each of the
actuatable devices 200 results in movement of one or more portions of the patient P in one or more dimensions relative to a static surface, such as relative to a floor of a hospital. Examples of such movement include, but are not limited to: forward and reverse movement of the patient by virtue of movement of the patient support system PS along a floor; raising and lowering movement of the patient by virtue of movement of the patient support system PS upward and downwards relative to the floor; angular movement by virtue of changing the angle of at least a portion of the patient support system PS relative to a floor; rotation of the patient along a longitudinal axis of the patient support system PS (while thepatient support apparatus 30 remains stationary relative to the floor); or various combinations of those types of movement. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , without being limited, theactuatable devices 200 that results in the change of the position of one or more patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 of the patient support system PS may comprise a coordinatedmotion device 204, apatient raising device 206, apatient turning device 208, apatient centering device 210, a patient ingress/egress device 212, alift device 214, afowler adjustment device 216, agatch adjustment device 218, and atransport device 220. - It is also contemplated that the
actuatable device 200 may be of the type that does not result in a change of position, orientation, and/or elevation of thepatient support surface - A
controller 222 is provided to control operation of the actuatable devices 204-220. Thecontroller 222 comprises one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing an algorithm stored inmemory 224 to control operation of the actuatable devices 204-220. Additionally or alternatively, thecontroller 222 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the functions described herein. Thecontroller 222 may be carried on-board the patient support system PS, or may be remotely located. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1A , thecontroller 222 is mounted to thebase 34 of thepatient support apparatus 30. Thecontroller 222 may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control all the actuatable devices 204-220 or one or more subcontrollers for each of the actuatable devices 204-220. Furthermore, two or more of the actuatable devices 204-220 may utilize thesame controller 222, or sub-controller. Thus,multiple controllers 220 and/or or sub-controllers, may be configured to collectively control all of the actuatable devices 204-220. - Power to the actuatable devices 204-220 and/or the
controller 222 may be provided by apower source 226, such as a battery power supply or an external power source. By virtue of thepower source 226 being coupled to the actuatable devices 204-220, theactuator 202 is coupled to thepower source 226. Thepower source 226 may provide direct current or alternating current. - The
controller 222 controls the rate of operation of theactuator 202, and accordingly, changes the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 to which theactuators 202 are coupled. In configurations where thepower source 226 is a direct current power source, thecontroller 222 may be coupled to thepower source 226 and be configured to provide a pulse width modulation signal. The application of the pulse-width modulation signal to thepower source 226 may be used to control the effective voltage supplied by thepower source 226 to theactuators 202. In such a configuration, by controlling the effective voltage supplied to theactuators 202, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of theactuators 202. The voltage and/or current may also be regulated using other available techniques, and thecontroller 222 may utilize these other techniques to control the rate of operation of theactuators 202. - In configurations where the
power source 226 is an alternating current power source, thecontroller 222 may be coupled to the alternatingcurrent power source 226 and further configured to control the amplitude and/or frequency of the alternating current provided to theactuators 202. Thus, by controlling the amplitude and/or frequency of the alternating current supplied to theactuators 202, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of theactuators 202. - For those
actuators 202 that are coupled to actuatable devices 204-220 that, when actuated, cause a change in position or orientation of one or more patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, thecontroller 222 may control the rate at which the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 are moved. When the patient is disposed on the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, thecontroller 222 may effectively control the rate at which the patient is moved by controlling the rate of operation of the associatedactuator 202. Thus, thecontroller 222 may control the rate at which various portions of the patient's body move relative to a surface, such as a floor of the hospital. The rate of patient movement can refer to different types of movement including, but not limited to, the rate at which the patient is raised or lowered relative to the floor of the hospital; the rate at which the patient is angularly moved or tilted relative to the floor; the rate at which the patient is transported relative to the floor; or the rate at which the patient is rotated relative to a longitudinal axis of thepatient support apparatus 30. - The
controller 222 may utilize a look-up table or other suitable algorithm to determine the appropriate voltage or current to be supplied to each of theactuators 202 based on the desired rate at which the actuatable devices 204-220 should be adjusted. This information may be determined with mathematical modelling or using empirical data. - It should be appreciated that in situations where the
actuators 202 are kinematically dissimilar from one another, the application of equal voltages to thoseactuators 202 would result in different types or magnitudes of motion. Therefore, the amount of voltage supplied to any of theactuators 202 generally differ even if the rate of operation for thoseactuators 202 is desired to be the same. The different voltages compensate for the kinematic dissimilarity of theactuators 202. For example, for linear actuators in actuatable devices 204-220 that have kinematically dissimilar configurations, for the same voltage, the pistons for thoselinear actuators 202 would necessarily extend (or retract) at different rates. Of course, it should be understood that the voltages supplied tovarious actuators 202 are described above as being different from each other “in general” in recognition of the reality that the voltages, although unequal and independent, may be momentarily numerically equal. Similarly, certain combinations of a prescribed change in elevation and a prescribed change in angular orientation may result in voltages that, although independent of each other, are, by chance, numerically equal for a sustained period of time. However in general most combinations of prescribed elevation change and prescribed angular orientation change will require numerically unequal voltages. - The
controller 222 is coupled to the actuatable devices 204-220 in a manner that allows thecontroller 222 to control a rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220. Thecontroller 222 may communicate with the actuatable devices 204-220 via wired or wireless connections. Thecontroller 222 generates and transmits control signals to the actuatable devices 204-220, or components thereof, to cause the actuatable devices 204-220 to perform one of more of the desired functions. It should be appreciated that because the actuatable devices 204-220 comprise theactuators 202, thecontroller 222 essentially controls theactuators 202 included in each of the actuatable devices 204-220. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that any mention of the rate of operation of theactuators 202 and theactuatable devices 200 are interchangeable with one another, as the rate of operation of theactuator 202 is proportioned to the rate of operation for the associatedactuatable device 200. - Furthermore, in some embodiments, the
controller 222 may monitor a current state of the actuatable devices 204-220 and determine desired states in which the actuatable devices 204-220 should be placed. The state of the actuatable device 204-220 may be a position, a relative position, a pressure, an intensity, a frequency, an amplitude, a period, an angle, an energization status (e.g., on/off), or any other parameter of the actuatable device 204-220. - Referring again to
FIG. 6 , the patient support system PS may compriseuser input devices 228. The caregiver, or other user, may actuate one of theuser input devices 228, which transmits a corresponding user input signal to thecontroller 222, and thecontroller 222 controls operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 based on the user input signal. Operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 may continue until the caregiver discontinues actuation of theuser input device 228, e.g., until the user input signal is terminated. In other words, depending on whichuser input device 228 is engaged, i.e., what user input signal is received by thecontroller 222, thecontroller 222 controls operation of one of the actuatable devices 204-220. - The
user input devices 228 may comprise devices capable of being actuated by a user, such as the caregiver or the patient. Theuser input devices 228 may be configured to be actuated in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to, mechanical actuation (hand, foot, finger, etc.), hands-free actuation (voice, foot, etc.), and the like. Eachuser input device 228 may comprise a button, a gesture sensing device for monitoring motion of hands, feet, or other body parts of the caregiver (such as through a camera, e.g., an optical or thermal camera), a microphone for receiving voice activation commands, a foot pedal, and a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor such as a light bar or light beam to sense a user's body part, ultrasonic sensor, etc.). Additionally, the buttons/pedals can be physical buttons/pedals or virtually implemented buttons/pedals such as through optical projection or on a touchscreen. The buttons/pedals may also be mechanically connected or drive-by-wire type buttons/pedals where a user applied force actuates a sensor, such as a switch or potentiometer. - Referring again to
FIG. 1A , it should be appreciated that any combination ofuser input devices 228 may also be utilized for any of the actuatable devices 204-220. For example,user input devices 228 may be located on one of the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60, theheadboard 62, the footboard 64, or other suitable locations. Further, theuser input devices 228 may also be located on a portable electronic device (e.g., iWatch®, iPhone®, iPad®, or similar electronic devices), as shown inFIG. 1A . - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1A andFIG. 7 , thepatient support apparatus 30 comprises a patient control panel PCP that comprises numeroususer input devices 228 in the form of buttons B1-B12 and a nurse control panel NCP that comprisesnumerous input devices 228 in the form of buttons B1-B12. The buttons B1-B12 may be mechanical press buttons, virtual buttons on a touch screen, and the like. While buttons have been shown in the illustrated example, any of the aforementioneduser input devices 228 may be used to control the actuatable devices 204-220. Furthermore, as should be appreciated, thepatient support apparatus 30 may comprise any number of actuatable devices and the corresponding number of user input devices. - The nurse control panel NCP may be coupled to the
patient support apparatus 30 such that the nurse control panel NCP is out of reach of the patient when the patient is disposed on the patient support surfaces 48, 52. On the other hand, the patient control panel PCP may be coupled to thepatient support apparatus 30 such that the patient control panel PCP is within reach of the patient when the patient is disposed on thepatient support surface - In certain embodiments, the patient control panel PCP may comprise different
user input devices 228 than the nurse control panel NCP. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the nurse control panel NCP comprises rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15, whereas the patient control panel PCP does not comprise the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15. In other words, the nurse control panel NCP may allow the caregiver to control more rates of operation for more actuatable devices 204-220 than the patient control panel PCP. For example, the patient control panel PCP may provideuser input devices 228 that allows adjustment of thefowler adjustment device 216, but not thelift device 214. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, both the nurse control panel NCP and the patient control panel PCP both comprise the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15. - Each of the buttons B1-B12 controls different predetermined functions of one or more of the actuatable devices 204-220. The button B1, upon actuation, causes the
controller 222 to energize thepatient raising device 206 to raise the patient six inches toward the head end of the patient support deck 38 (as may be needed when the patient is in a slouched position). The button B2, upon actuation, causes thecontroller 222 to energize thepatient raising device 206 to raise the patient eight inches toward the head end of the patient support deck 38 (as may be needed when the patient is in a slouched position and six inches of raising is not enough). The button B3, upon actuation, causes thecontroller 222 to energize thepatient centering device 210 to laterally urge the patient towards a longitudinal centerline of themattress 50. The buttons B4 and B5, upon actuation, cause thecontroller 222 to energize thepatient turning device 208 to turn the patient on one side or another, respectively. The buttons B7 and B8 upon actuation, cause thecontroller 222 to energize thelift device 214 to lift or lower the patient support surfaces 48, 52 relative to the floor surface. The buttons B9, B10, upon actuation, cause thecontroller 222 to energize thefowler adjustment device 216 to adjust a position of thefowler section 40 of thepatient support deck 38 relative to the floor surface. The buttons B11, B12, upon actuation, cause thecontroller 222 to energize thegatch adjustment device 218 to adjust the position of thefoot section 46 andthigh section 44 relative to the floor. Referring now toFIG. 1A , the buttons, B16, coupled tocaregiver interface 66, upon actuation, cause thecontroller 222 to energize thetransport device 220 to move thepatient support apparatus 30 across the floor. - In order for the caregiver to continue operating one of the actuatable devices 204-220 to perform the desired function using one of the buttons B1-B12 (or other user input devices 228), the caregiver may be required to continue actuating (e.g., continue depressing or continue touching) the buttons B1-B12 until the caregiver is satisfied with the adjustment that was made to the actuatable device 204-220. Other
user input devices 228 can be continually actuated in other ways, depending on their mode of actuation. For instance, an infrared sensor that generates a light beam can be continually actuated by continually breaking the light beam. Similarly, a gesture sensing device can be continually actuated by continually sensing an actuating gesture. - In certain embodiments described herein, the
user input devices 228 are configured to also enable continued operation (i.e., energization) of the actuatable devices 204-220, even after the caregiver ceases to actuate theuser input device 228, e.g., after the caregiver ceases to depress or touch one of the buttons B1-B12, for a predetermined period of time, or until the desired adjustment is complete. - The
patient support apparatus 30 may further compriseuser input devices 228 associated with designation of one or more operational modes. These operational modes may designate a predetermined set of rates of operation for one or more of the actuatable devices 204-220. In the illustrated embodiment, button B17 designates a patient mode; B18 designates a cleaning mode; B19 designates a transport mode; B29 designates a CPR mode; B30 designates an empty mode; and B31 designates an automatic mode. Of course, the number of modes are not particularly limited, and the exemplary modes described above are provided merely for illustration. - The patient mode may include rates of operation for one or more actuatable devices 204-220 that are generally suitable for when a patient is disposed on the patient support surfaces 48, 52. The patient mode may be the default rate of operation for each of the actuatable devices 204-220. The cleaning mode may include rates of operation for one or more actuatable devices 204-220 that are optimal to quickly place the patient support surfaces 48, 52 in a position suitable for cleaning. The transport mode may include rates of operation for one or more actuatable devices 204-220 that are suitable for movement of the patient support system PS across long distances. The CPR mode corresponds to rates of operation that are suitable to quickly place the
patient support apparatus 30 and the corresponding actuatable devices 204-220 in a condition that allows CPR resuscitation of the patient. The empty mode corresponds to rates of operation that are suitable when no patient is adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48, 52. The automatic mode corresponds to a configuration of thecontroller 222 where thecontroller 222 automatically determines a rate of operation suitable for the actuatable device 204-220 based on thepatient condition 236 and/or the patient presence (as described below). Of course, it should be appreciated that various other operational modes may be utilized, and thus, additionaluser input devices 228 associated with these operational modes are contemplated. - In some embodiments, referring to
FIG. 7 , theuser input devices 228 comprise avoice actuation interface 230 in communication with thecontroller 222. Thevoice actuation interface 230 may comprise amicrophone 231 in communication with thecontroller 222 to receive voice activation commands from the caregiver. The voice activation commands may be associated with functions of the actuatable devices 204-220 in the same manner as buttons B1-B12. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of actuatable devices 204-220 based on the voice activation commands. For example, if the caregiver wishes to tilt thefowler section 40 upwards at a FAST rate of operation, the caregiver verbally commands “FOWLER UP”, “FAST”, in the vicinity of thevoice activation interface 230. Similarly, if the caregiver wishes to stop the movement of thefowler section 40, the caregiver verbally commands “FOWLER”, “STOP” Of course, thevoice actuation interface 230 may be responsive to voice commands issued by the patient. - The
controller 222 may be further configured to change the rate of operation of actuatable devices 204-220 already in motion based on the voice commands received from thevoice actuation interface 230. For example, if thefowler adjustment device 216 is tilting upwards at the FAST rate of operation, and the caregiver verbally commands “SLOWER” in the vicinity of thevoice actuation interface 230, thecontroller 222 decreases the rate of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 relative to the current rate of operation. Similarly, if thefowler section 40 is tilting upwards at the SLOW rate of operation, and the caregiver verbally commands “FASTER” in the vicinity of thevoice actuation interface 230, thecontroller 222 increases the rate of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 relative to the current rate of operation. The measure at which the rate of operation is increased or decreased is not particularly limited, and may be a predetermined interval configured specifically for each of the actuatable devices 204-220, such as 1, 2, 3, or 4 centimeter/s second. - Of course, the
controller 222 may also be responsive to voice commands that directly indicate the rate of operation desired for each actuatable device 204-220. Thus, in one example, the caregiver commands “LIFT DEVICE DOWN”, “1 CENTIMETER PER SECOND”, and thecontroller 222 controls thelift device 214 at the rate of operation of 1 centimeter per second. Of course, such direct rate of operation commands may be different depending on the type of motion produced by the actuatable device 204-220. - In the illustrated example, the
voice actuation interface 230 comprises a voice activation enabling device B20 to enable usage of thevoice actuation interface 230. The voice activation enabling device B20 is in communication with thecontroller 222. The voice activation enabling device B20 may comprise different types ofuser input devices 228 described above. The voice activation enabling device B20 may be located anywhere on thepatient support apparatus 30 or remote from thepatient support apparatus 30. However, the voice activation enabling device B20 could be mounted in other suitable locations, such as thebase 34, theintermediate frame 36, the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60, theheadboard 62, the footboard 64, or other suitable locations. The voice activation enabling device B20 may also be located on a portable electronic device. - The voice activation enabling device B20 is actuated by the caregiver to enable voice activation commands to cause the
controller 222 to transmit various output signals to the actuatable devices 204-220. In some embodiments, if the voice activation enabling device B20 is not actuated before voice activation commands are made, thecontroller 222 will not respond to the voice activation commands. Actuation of the voice activation enabling device B20 enables thevoice activation interface 230 to provide the user input signal to thecontroller 222 to control one or more of the actuatable devices 204-220. - In certain embodiments, the patient support system PS further comprises an identification device 232 (See
FIG. 1A ). Theidentification device 232 is in communication with thecontroller 222. Theidentification device 232 is configured to identify a role of a person near the patient support system PS. Thecontroller 222 may be configured to enable or disable certainuser input devices 228 based on the role of the person identified by theidentification device 232, such as buttons B17-B19 corresponding to the operational modes. In addition, thecontroller 222 may be configured to automatically select one of the operational modes based on the role of the person identified by theidentification device 232. Theidentification device 232 may comprise an identifier, such as an RFID tag/badge, or other type of identifier capable of communication with thecontroller 222, such as an RFID reader on thepatient support apparatus 30. In addition, thecontroller 222 may automatically enable thevoice actuation interface 230 when theidentification device 232 identifies that the role of the person adjacent to the patient support system PS should be authorized to issue voice commands to the patient support system PS. - With respect to the patient support system PS shown in
FIG. 3 , and with reference toFIG. 8 , thechair 100 may comprise a chair control panel CCP. The chair control panel CCP comprisesuser input devices 228. For instance, the chair control panel CCP comprises button B21 corresponding to a standing state of the chair 100 (FIG. 4F ); button B22 corresponding to a first upright state of the chair 100 (FIG. 4E ); button B23 corresponding to a second upright state (FIG. 4D ); button B24 corresponding to a recline state (FIG. 4C ); button B25 corresponding to a flat state (FIG. 4B ); button B26 corresponding to a Trendelenburg state (FIG. 4A ); button B27 corresponding to a lift up control; and button B28 corresponding to a lift down control. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of theactuators 202 based on apatient condition 234. Thepatient condition 234 may be determined by thecontroller 222 based on patient-related information. The patient-related information may be information obtained from an electronic medical record (EMR) 238, obtained from asensing system 236, or obtained from a caregiver input using theuser input device 228. - In embodiments where the patient-related information is obtained from the
EMR 238, theEMR 238 may be copied and stored locally on thememory 224, or may stored on a network to which thecontroller 222 is coupled. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , the patient-related information may comprise medical procedure data, patient characteristic data, caregiver observation data, medication data, prior injury data, or combinations thereof. The medical procedure data may comprise a type of medical procedure, a duration since last medical procedure, a duration since admittance or combinations thereof. The patient characteristic data comprises height, width, pathology, race, age, weight, body mass index, activity level, movement history, fall risk (as based on a Morse Fall Scale Score) or combinations thereof. The caregiver observation data comprises psychological data, phobia data, pain level data, nausea level data, pain sensitivity data, or combinations thereof. In one specific embodiment, the patient-related information comprises a skin injury profile based on sensory perception, moisture, activity levels, nutrition, friction, shear, or combinations thereof. The patient condition may correspond to one or more diagnosis-related group (DRG). Of course, the type of patient-related information is not particularly limited, and may comprise any information about the patient that may affect their medical treatment or sensitivity to movement and motion, such as changes in position. - In certain embodiments, the
patient condition 234 may be entered by the caregiver using theuser input devices 228 described above, rather than being determined from theEMR 238. This allows the caregiver to include additional patient-related information at the time of controlling the patient support system PS. For example, the caregiver may enter the patient-related information using thevoice actuation interface 230 described above by stating the command “PATIENT IS NAUSEOUS”. Thecontroller 222 may subsequently control the rate of operation of theactuator 202 in a manner that is suitable for a nauseous patient. Similarly, the caregiver may enter the patient-related information with a keyboard, touch-screen, or other suitable user-input device that is in communication with thecontroller 222. The type of patient-related information that can input with theuser input device 228 is not particularly limited. - As described above, the
patient condition 234 may be based on patient-related information obtained by asensing system 236. Thesensing system 236 is in communication with thecontroller 222, as shown inFIG. 6 . Additionally, thesensing system 236 may be used by thecontroller 222 for various purposes. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , thesensing system 236 comprises one or morepatient condition sensors 240. Thepatient condition sensor 240 is configured to sense a patient condition of the patient disposed on the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111. Thepatient condition sensor 240 provides a patient condition input signal to thecontroller 222, which comprises patient-related information. In one example, thepatient condition sensor 240 comprises a patient physiological sensor. The type of patient physiological sensor is not particularly limited, and may comprise a heart rate sensor (such as an electrocardiography sensor), a patient temperature sensor, a load cell, a blood pressure sensor, a patient shear sensor, a camera (optical or thermal), a patient moisture sensor, a neurological sensor (such as an electroencephalography sensor), a breathing monitor, a patient expression sensor, an acoustic sensor, or combinations thereof. - The patient physiological sensor may be used to determine a variety of physiological conditions such as a patient's heart rate, breathing data, patient's temperature, blood pressure, whether the patient is sleeping, the patient is coughing, etc. The
controller 222 may utilize this sensed physiological data instead or, or in addition to, thepatient condition 234 obtained from theEMR 238 or thepatient condition 234 inputted by the caregiver with theuser input devices 228. - The one or more
patient condition sensors 240, especially the patient physiological sensors, can be coupled directly to various parts of the patient's body including, but not limited to, the patient's head, chest, arm, wrist, leg, stomach, foot, neck, back, and other suitable locations for sensing of the patient's physiological conditions. As shown inFIG. 1A , thepatient condition sensor 240 is a pulse oximeter coupled to the patient's finger. Alternatively, thepatient condition sensor 240 may be located on or in thebase 34, theintermediate frame 36, thepatient support deck 38, themattress 50, the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60, theheadboard 62, the footboard 64, theback rest 104, theleg rest 106, theseat 102, or the arm rests 108 or other suitable locations as described further below, so long as thepatient condition sensor 240 can determine the patient's physiological condition. - In embodiments where the
patient condition sensor 240 comprises the acoustic sensor, thecontroller 222 may be configured to recognize certain sounds as corresponding to certain patient-related information. Thus, if the patient grunts, cries, groans, or otherwise audibly expresses themselves, thecontroller 222, with the acoustic sensor, can recognize these sounds, or pattern of sounds, as indicating thepatient condition 234. In one example, if the patient is crying, the acoustic sensor can send a signal to thecontroller 222 indicative of the crying, and thecontroller 222 can recognize the input signal as indicative that the patient is crying. Thecontroller 222 can correlate certain types of audible sounds as indicative of the pain level of the patient, and subsequently control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204-220 based on that pain level. Thus, if the patient is crying, thecontroller 222 may control the actuatable devices 204-220 with the SLOW rate of operation. Of course, the types of sounds recognizable by thecontroller 222 is not particularly limited. Of course, thecontroller 222 recognize patient-related information based on the decibels of the sounds made by the patient. Furthermore, it is contemplated that thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 based on the pain level in combination with other types of patient-related information, such as the heart rate. - In embodiments where
patient condition sensor 240 comprises a force sensor, the force sensor may be coupled to one or more portions of thepatient support apparatus 30, such as top of the side rails 54 and 56. More specifically, the force sensor may be coupled to one or more grips (not shown) provided by the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60. In situations where the patient grasps one or more of the grips provided by the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60, and thus engages the force sensor coupled to the grips, thecontroller 222 can recognize the force applied to the grips as indicating thepatient condition 234. Thecontroller 222 can correlate certain forces applied to the grips of the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60 as indicative of the pain level of the patient, and subsequently control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204-220 based on that pain level. In such an embodiment, thecontroller 222 may utilize a look-up table to compare expected forces with actual forces to determine what actual forces correspond to variouspatient conditions 234. Furthermore, it is contemplated that thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 based on the pain level in combination with other types of patient-related information, such as the heart rate. Of course, the location and position of the force sensors are not particularly limited, and may be mounted to any portion of thepatient support apparatus 30 that a patient would be expected to apply a force when stressed or in pain. In one exemplary configuration, if the patient is exhibiting a first force on the grip of theside rail 54 that is indicative that the patient is highly stressed, thecontroller 222 may automatically select a rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204-220 that is suitable to move a patient that is highly-stressed. - In certain embodiments, the
sensing system 236 may comprise apatient presence sensor 241. Thepatient presence sensor 241 may be configured to determine whether the patient is disposed adjacent to one of the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, and provide a patient presence input signal to thecontroller 222. - The type of
patient presence sensor 241 is not particularly limited and may comprise a force sensor (such as a load cell), a weight sensor, an optical sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, an accelerometer, motion sensors, infrared sensors, membrane switches, cameras (optical or thermal), a potentiometer, an ultrasonic sensor, or combinations thereof. - The
patient presence sensor 241 may further be configured to determine a position of various portions of the patient as it relates to current positions of the patient relative to various portions of the patient support system PS (e.g., the patient is slouched, the patient is off center, the patient is lying supine, the patient is getting ready to exit, the patient is sitting up, etc.). - Referring to
FIG. 1A , thepatient presence sensor 241 is shown coupled to each of the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60, and footboard 64. Thepatient presence sensor 241 may monitor thresholds or discrete point movements. Thepatient presence sensors 241 can be located anywhere on the patient support system PS or remote from the patient support system PS. Referring toFIG. 3 , thepatient presence sensor 241 is shown coupled to theback rest 104, theseat 102 and theleg rest 106. However, thepatient presence sensor 241 may be located in any suitable location, in or on thebase 34, theintermediate frame 36, thepatient support deck 38, themattress 50, the side rails 54, 56, 58, 60, theheadboard 62, the footboard 64, theback rest 104, theleg rest 106, theseat 102, the arm rests 108, or other suitable locations. - In one embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 3 , thepatient presence sensor 241 comprises load cells to measure whether a load is applied to thepatient support surface 111. Alternatively, with reference toFIG. 1A , thepatient presence sensor 241 comprises an infrared sensor configured to detect whether the patient is adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48, 52, without the patient actually being in contact with thatsupport surface support surface - The
sensing system 236 may further be configured to sense a current position of theactuator 202 and/or state of the actuatable device 204-220. For example, in embodiments where theactuator 202 is alinear actuator 202, thesensing system 236 may determine whether theactuator 202 is fully-extended, partially-extended, or the precise extent of extension. The position of theactuator 202 can be determined with an encoder, or similar device. Thecontroller 222 may utilize these position input signals from thesensing system 236 to determine a pattern of movement of the patient support system PS. The pattern of movement of the patient support system PS may include a history of movement of theactuators 202 between various positions, or movement of theactuatable device 200 between one or more states. - Additionally, in some embodiments, the
sensing system 236 may comprise an ambient condition sensor, such as a humidity sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, or an acoustic sensor, in communication with thecontroller 222. Still, other types of sensors are also contemplated for use withsensing system 236. - Patient-related information from the
sensing system 236 can be stored in thememory 224 of thecontroller 222 and can be used to provide a history log or charts for the caregiver, as well as activate alarms or other indicators to the caregiver if needed. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , thecontroller 222 may be coupled to anindicator device 242. Theindicator device 242 may be configured to indicate to the caregiver certain aspects of thepatient condition 234 obtained from the patient-related information. Theindicator device 242 comprises at least one of a display, a speaker, and a light emitting device. In some cases, theindicator system 242 comprises multiple indicators. For instance, theindicator device 242 shown inFIG. 7 comprises adisplay 244. Thedisplay 244 may be an LCD, LED, or other type of display. Of course, theindicator device 242 may comprise a light source for indicating patient-related information to the caregiver. - The
indicator device 242, as shown inFIG. 6 , may be in communication with thecontroller 222 to indicate thepatient condition 234 to the caregiver. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 may be configured to present information to the caregiver using theindicator device 242 when thecontroller 222 determines that the currentpatient condition 234 requires additional operation of one of the actuatable devices 204-220. Additionally, theindicator device 242 can be configured to communicate suggestions to the caregivers about additional operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 or provide reminders to the caregivers about the proper rate of operation for one or more of theactuatable devices 200. For instance, graphic or text messages may be presented to the caregiver with theindicator device 242 that the patient is sensitive to changes in position. - The
indicator device 242 can be located anywhere on the patient support system PS that is suitable to indicate information to the caregiver. Theindicator device 242 may also be located remote from the patient support system PS, such as on a portable electronic device, nurse's station, or other location. InFIG. 1A , thedisplay 244 shows that the currentpatient condition 234 is “neck injury”, e.g., thepatient condition 234 indicates that the patient was admitted for a neck injury. - In a first embodiment, the
controller 222 controls the rate of operation of theactuators 202 based on the user input signal received. Thecontroller 222 may determine the user-selected rate of operation based on the user input signal provided to thecontroller 222. Thus, through actuation of the rate selector buttons B13-B15 (or other suitable user input device 228), thecontroller 222 determines that the user desires to control the rate of operation of theactuator 202 and, subsequently, thecontroller 222 transmits the appropriate output signal to theactuators 202 to the one or more actuatable devices 204-220. The user-selected rate of operation should be understood to refer to any rate of operation that was selected by the user of the patient support system PS. - The
user input device 228 may allow the caregiver to directly select the rate of operation for the actuatable device 204-220 in various manners, and based on the corresponding user input signal, thecontroller 222 can control theactuatable devices 200 based on the user-selected rate of operation. In one configuration, thecontroller 222 may determine a user-selected rate of operation based on actuation pattern of theuser input device 228. For example, two rapid engagements of button B10 provides a user input signal that thecontroller 222 recognizes as indicating that a FAST rate of operation is desired by the caregiver for thefowler adjustment device 216. Thecontroller 222 subsequently transmits an output signal to thefowler adjustment device 216 that causes thefowler section 40 to move towards theintermediate frame 36 at the FAST rate of operation. As an additional example, a single engagement of button B1 provides a user input signal to thecontroller 222 that thecontroller 222 recognizes as indicating that a SLOW rate of operation is desired by the caregiver for thepatient raising device 206, and thecontroller 222 subsequently transmits an output signal to thepatient raising device 206 that causes thepatient raising device 206 to operate at the SLOW rate of operation. - Alternatively, the
user input device 228 may provide for direct selection of the rate of operation by the caregiver, with auser input device 228 that can be adjusted along a continuous spectrum, such as a rotatable or slidable control knob or pressure sensor. Thus, if the user engages the pressure sensor with a certain force, thecontroller 222 can recognize the corresponding user input signal as indicating that the user desires a FAST rate of operation. Along the same lines, if the user engages the pressure sensor with a second force, smaller than the first force, thecontroller 222 can recognize the corresponding user input signal as indicating that the user desires a SLOW rate of operation. - In summary, it is contemplated that the patient support system PS may comprise
user input devices 228 capable of selecting a nearly infinite number of rates of operation, or a certain number of predefined rates of operation. While the FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW rates of operation are described throughout this disclosure, it should be appreciated that thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 and theactuators 202 at an infinite number of different rates of operation. Of course, additional predetermined rates of operation other than the FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW predetermined rates of operation are also contemplated. In certain embodiments, once the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15 are depressed, all actuations of anyuser input device 228 with a certain period of time are controlled at the user-selected rate of operation. Alternatively, a single press of the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15 may only control the rate of operation for the nextuser input device 228 that is actuated. - In one embodiment, the
controller 222 may be configured to determine the source of the user input signal received, and control the rate of operation of actuatable devices 204-220 based on that source. For example, thecontroller 222 may determine whether the user input signal was derived from actuation of theuser input device 228 on the nurse control panel NCP or the patient control panel PCP, and control the rate of operation of the actuatable device 204-220 based on the source of that user input signal. For example, if thecontroller 222 determines that the source of the user input signal is the nurse control panel NCP, thecontroller 222 may enable the full range of the rates of operation for all of the actuatable devices 204-220. However, if thecontroller 222 determines that the source of the user input signal is the patient control panel PCP, thecontroller 222 may enable less than the full range of rates of operation for less than all of the actuatable devices 204-220. For instance, if thecontroller 222 determines that the source of the user input signal is the patient control panel PCP and the user input signal indicates that the rate of operation of thelift device 214 is desired to be controlled such as by pressing button B7 twice, thecontroller 222 may disregard the user input signal and not allow adjustment of the rate of operation for thelift device 214. - It is also contemplated that voice activation commands can directly control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 by using the
voice actuation interface 230. For example, if the caregiver wants to tilt thefowler section 40 upwards at the SLOW rate of operation, the user verbally commands “FOWLER UP”, “SLOW” in the vicinity of thevoice activation interface 230. In response to receiving and recognizing these voice activation commands, thecontroller 222 transmits an output signal to thefowler adjustment device 216 which causes thefowler adjustment device 216 to tilt the patient upward at the SLOW rate of operation. - In some embodiments, the
controller 222 may be configured to perform an authentication protocol before transmitting an output signal to the actuatable devices 204-220 based on the user input signal received from the one or moreuser input devices 228. The authentication protocol may be based on the role of the person identified with theidentification device 232. Thus, once thecontroller 222 receives the user input signal from theuser input device 228, thecontroller 222 may query theidentification device 232 to confirm that person(s) who are adjacent to the patient support system PS are entitled to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 with the user-selected rate of operation. This can be accomplished by reading anidentifier device 232 and comparing the identifier to a look-up table in thememory 224 that correlates the identifier to various roles. - For example, the
controller 222 may be configured to only allow certain roles of person to select certain rates of operations for certain actuatable devices 204-220. Thus, thecontroller 222 may establish certain permission thresholds for certain roles. The ‘NURSE’ role may be entitled to adjust the rate of operation for all actuatable devices 204-220 across the full range of available rates of operation. In contrast, the ‘ASSISTANT’ role may only be entitled to adjust the rate of operation for less than all of the actuatable devices 204-220 across less than the full range of available rates of operation. For example, persons associated with the ‘ASSISTANT’ role may only be entitled to adjust the rate of operation of thelift device 214 with the SLOW rate of operation. Of course, an infinite number of permission thresholds can be set for an infinite number of roles. - Furthermore, the
controller 222 may be configured to query theidentification device 232 when thecontroller 222 receives a user input signal based on the actuation of the buttons B17, B18, B19 associated with one or more preset operational modes, such as the PATIENT mode, the CLEANING mode, the TRANSPORT mode, or the CPR mode. Thecontroller 222 may confirm that the role of the person identified by theidentification device 232 corresponds to the operational mode selected by the user. If thecontroller 222 determines that the role of the person that is adjacent to the patient support system PS is permitted to enable the operational mode that is selected, thecontroller 222 may enable the operational mode selected, and the preset rates of operation that accompany it. However, if thecontroller 222 determines that the role of the person that is adjacent to the patient support system PS is not permitted to enable the operational mode that is selected by the user, thecontroller 222 may not enable the selected operational mode. As such, in this embodiment, thecontroller 222 prevents selection of the one or more operational modes by persons who are not permitted to utilize the one or more operational modes. For example, if a user actuates button B18 to designate the CLEANING operational mode and theidentification device 232 determines that user is associated with the NURSE role, thecontroller 222 may not enable the CLEANING operational mode, but may allow thecontroller 222 to enter the PATIENT mode. Similarly, thecontroller 222 may only enable the CPR operational mode for users associated with the NURSE role. - The
memory 224 may store the permission thresholds for the operational modes. Each operational mode may correspond to a preset rate of operation for at least one actuatable device 204-220. Thecontroller 222 is configured to determine a desired rate of operation based on the selected operational mode. For example, thetransport device 220 may have a preset rate of operation of FAST for the TRANSPORT mode. On the other hand, thetransport device 220 may have a preset rate of operation of SLOW for the PATIENT mode. The FAST rate of operation may correspond to a rate of operation of thetransport device 220 ranging from 5 to 15 mph, whereas the SLOW rate of operation of thetransport device 220 may range from 1 to 5 mph. Of course, thetransport device 220 may be controlled to perform at other rates of operation other than the ranges contemplated above for the TRANSPORT mode and the PATIENT mode. Generally, the FAST rate of operation for thetransport device 220 may allow quick movements of thepatient support apparatus 30 along the floor. - As another example, the CPR mode may have preset rate of operation of FAST for the
lift device 220, thefowler adjustment device 216, and thegatch adjustment device 218. Furthermore, the empty mode may have a preset rate of operation of FAST for more than one actuatable devices 204-220, or all of the actuatable devices 204-220. - Each operational mode may be associated with a particular algorithm that yields a suitable rate of operation based on the patient-related information. In one embodiment, the algorithm may be based on the fall risk (such as the Morse Fall Scale Score), the weight of the patient, the age of the patient, the pain level of the patient, or combinations thereof. Of course, different types of patient-related information may be weighted differently in the algorithm to determine the suitable rate of operation. Furthermore, any suitable algorithm may be utilized for each operational mode to ensure that the rate of operation for each of the actuatable devices 204-220 is suitable for the patient condition and/or patient presence.
- In other embodiments, the
controller 222 determines the desired rate of operation based on a combination of the user input signal and the patient presence input signal. This allows thecontroller 222 to verify whether the patient is disposed adjacent to one or more of the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 before controlling the actuatable devices 204-220 with the user-selected rate of operation. If the patient is disposed adjacent to the one of more patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 as determined by thepatient presence sensor 241, thecontroller 222 may not allow the actuatable devices 204-220 to be controlled at a rate of operation above a predetermined rate of operation, such as above the MEDIUM or SLOW rates of operation. Similarly, if the patient is not disposed adjacent to the one or more patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 as determined by thepatient presence sensor 241, thecontroller 222 may enable all rates of operation for one or more of the actuatable devices 204-220. For example, if the caregiver actuates auser input device 228 associated with thetransport device 220 at a FAST rate of operation and thecontroller 222 determines that the patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface controller 222 may not send an output signal to thetransport device 220 that would cause thetransport device 220 to operate at the FAST rate of operation. Instead, thecontroller 222 may cause theindicator device 242 to notify a caregiver that the user-selected rate of operation is not appropriate. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 may automatically control thetransport device 220 with a rate of operation that is suitable for when the patient is present, such as the SLOW rate of operation. - By way of further example, once the patient has exited the patient support system PS, the caregiver or other person may wish to lower the
patient support surface patient support surface controller 222 starts operation of thelift device 214. Normally, thelift device 214 operates at a single rate of operation despite whether the patient is positioned on thepatient support surface controller 222 may determine that no patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface lift device 214 with an increased rate of operation, such as the FAST rate of operation. The FAST rate of operation may be desirable in order to increase the efficiency of certain operations, such as cleaning operations. The SLOW rate of operation, in these circumstances, may require the caregiver to wait several seconds until thelift device 214 lowers thepatient support surface - Additionally, in embodiments where various operational modes are selectable, the
controller 222 may allow or prevent the selection of certain operational modes depending on the patient presence input signal. More particularly, thecontroller 222 may prevent actuation of the cleaning mode and/or the transport mode if thepatient presence sensor 241 determines that the patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface controller 222 determines that the patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface controller 222 may not allow operation of the patient support system PS in the TRANSPORT mode or CLEANING mode. Alternatively, if thecontroller 222 determines that the patient is not adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, thecontroller 222 may enable all of the operational modes. - The
controller 222 may be further configured to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 based on thepatient condition 234. Thecontroller 222 may utilize a look-up table to control the rate of operation based on thepatient condition 234. For example, thecontroller 222 may query a look-up table that correlates pre-loaded patient conditions to various rates of operation to determine the desired rate of operation based on thepatient condition 234. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 may utilize an algorithm to determine the desired rate of operation for theactuator 202 and/or the actuatable device 204-220 based on thepatient condition 234. As described above, thepatient condition 234 can be obtained from the patient-related information that is present in theEMR 238, entered by the caregiver with theuser input device 228, or sensed by thepatient condition sensors 240. By depressing the button B31, corresponding to the automatic mode, thecontroller 222 may thereafter operate to control the rate of operation of the actuatable devices 204-220 based on thepatient condition 234. Of course, in other embodiments, the user may deactivate the automatic mode such that thecontroller 222 does not control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204-220 based on the patient condition, but solely controls the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204-220 based on user input signals received from varioususer input devices 228. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 receives a user input signal from theuser input device 228 that indicates that the user desires to change the configuration of one of the actuatable devices 204-220. Thecontroller 222, based on thepatient condition 234, determines the desired rate of operation for the actuatable device 204-220 and transmits an output signal to that actuatable device 204-220 to control the actuatable device 204-220 at the desired rate of operation. Thus, in such an embodiment, the user does not need to select a user-selected rate of operation, as thecontroller 222 is configured to automatically determine the desired rate of operation based on thepatient condition 234. Alternatively, based on thepatient condition 234, thecontroller 222 may be configured to cause theindicator device 242 to display a rate of operation for the actuatable device 204-220 that would be suitable. At that point, the user may manually select the rate of operation based on the recommendation communicated by theindicator system 242. - The
controller 222 may control the rate of operation for theactuator 202 and/or actuatable devices 204-220 based on the combination of the user input signal and thepatient condition 234. Thus, thecontroller 222, upon receiving the user input signal from one or moreuser input devices 228, may query thepatient condition 234 in order to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable in light of thepatient condition 234. If thecontroller 222 determines that the user-selected rate of operation is not suitable based on thepatient condition 234, thecontroller 222 may automatically send an output signal that commands theactuator 202 of the actuatable device 204-220 to perform at a rate of operation that is more suitable for thepatient condition 234 than the user-selected rate of operation. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 may simply prevent operation of theactuator 202 if the user-selected rate of operation is not suitable based on thepatient condition 234. Furthermore, if thecontroller 222 determines that the user-selected rate of operation is unsuitable for thepatient condition 234, thecontroller 222 may control theindicator device 242 to alert the caregiver that the user-selected rate of operation is not suitable. Similarly, theindicator device 242 may cooperate with thecontroller 222 to display a suitable rate of operation that is suitable for thepatient condition 234. - Referring the chart of
FIG. 10 , in one example, theactuatable device 200 is thelift device 214.PLOT 1 shows a first rate of operation R1 of thelift device 214 suitable for a patient that does not require extraordinary care, a normal patient condition.PLOT 2 shows the second rate of operation R2 for thelift device 214 suitable for a patient that has a moderate sensitivity to movement due to a history of skin lesions.PLOT 3 shows a third rate of operation R3 for thelift device 214 suitable for a patient that has high sensitivity to movement based on extensive burns and recent skin grafts. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control thelift device 214 with rates R1, R2, and R3 depending on the patient condition. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , in one example, thecontroller 222 may determine that the caregiver wishes to raise the patient from a flat position to a position where the patient's head is raised as indicated by the caregiver actuating the button B9. Actuation of the button B9 transmits the user input signal to thecontroller 222. Thecontroller 222 may respond by selecting or initiating operation of the fowler adjustment device 216 (described in detail below). During normal operation, thefowler adjustment device 216 would raise thefowler section 40 at a single constant rate, regardless of thepatient condition 234 of the patient positioned on thepatient support surface fowler adjustment device 216 would continue changing its configuration until the caregiver discontinues actuation of the button B9. However, based on thepatient condition 234, in response to depressing the button B9, thecontroller 222 may change the rate of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 such that rate of operation for thefowler adjustment device 216 is appropriate for thepatient condition 234 of the patient that is disposed on thepatient support surface - In the illustrated embodiment, the patient has a neck injury, and thus the
patient condition 234 reflects this neck injury. The caregiver selects button B9 associated with changing the angle of thefowler section 40, and depresses button B13, simultaneously or subsequently. Based on thepatient condition 234, i.e., the neck injury, thecontroller 222 determines that, for thefowler adjustment device 216, the rate of operation should be SLOW. Because the user-selected rate of operation is faster than the desired rate operation determined based on thepatient condition 234, thecontroller 222 determines that the user-selected FAST rate of operation is not suitable. As such, thecontroller 222 controls the rate of operation such that thefowler adjustment device 216 instead operates at the SLOW rate operation. The SLOW rate of operation for thefowler adjustment device 216 minimizes the pain and/or discomfort experienced by the patient that may otherwise result from fast rates of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 which may disrupt the neck injury of the patient. - The
controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation based on the user-selected rate of operation and based on thepatient condition 234 before transmitting the output signal to thefowler adjustment device 216 to control the rate of operation for thefowler adjustment device 216. If thecontroller 222 determines that the user-selected rate of operation is suitable based on thepatient condition 234, thecontroller 222 transmits an output signal to thefowler adjustment device 216 which causes thefowler adjustment device 216 to operate at the user-selected rate of operation. - The
controller 222 may be configured to prevent actuation of certain actuatable devices 204-220 and/or certain rates of operation based on thepatient condition 234. For example, with reference toFIG. 1A , if thepatient condition 234 indicates that the patient had neck surgery, thecontroller 222 may prevent the actuation of thefowler adjustment device 216 altogether. That is, thecontroller 222 may ignore user input signals associated with control of thefowler adjustment device 216. The type of “lock-out” is not particularly limited, and thecontroller 222 may prevent the patient support system PS from entering a Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg orientation; a height of thepatient support deck 38 may be prevented from being adjusted outside of an acceptable range; the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 may be prevented from entering an unacceptable orientation; and other suitable lock-outs are contemplated. - In some embodiments, if two or more
user input devices 228 are actuated simultaneously to generate two or more input signals, thecontroller 222 may automatically control the rate of operation of two actuatable devices 204-220 based on thepatient condition 234. For example, if the user actuates the buttons B9, B11 associated with thefowler adjustment device 216 and thegatch adjustment device 218 simultaneously, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation for thefowler adjustment device 216 and thegatch adjustment device 218 in a manner to minimize the discomfort experienced by the patient disposed on thepatient support surface controller 222 may first transmit an output signal to thefowler adjustment device 216 with a FAST rate of operation for a period of time, and then subsequently transmit an output signal to both thefowler adjustment device 216 and thegatch adjustment device 218 with a SLOW rate of operation. Of course, any combination of rates of operation for any suitable time periods, in any suitable sequence, are contemplated. - The
controller 222 may be further configured to determine a movement sensitivity score based on thepatient condition 234, and be configured to determine the desired rate of operation based on the movement sensitivity score. In one embodiment, the movement sensitivity score is based on a skin injury profile. In another embodiment, the movement sensitivity score is computed based on the weight of the patient, the position of the patient, temperature of the patient, temperature of the room, the moisture level, the patient's medication history, the sensed patient condition, or combinations thereof. Of course, the movement sensitivity score can be determined based on a combination of the patient-related information that makes up thepatient condition 234. Thecontroller 222 may utilize a look-up table to determine the rate of operation, or may utilize a suitable algorithm. Finally, the movement sensitivity score can be inputted by the user with theuser input device 228 or thevoice actuation interface 230. - Referring the chart of
FIG. 11 , in one example, theactuatable device 200 is thefowler adjustment device 216. P1 shows a fourth rate of operation R4 of thefowler adjustment device 216 suitable for a patient that that has a movement sensitivity score of 10, such as a burn victim. P2 shows the fifth rate of operation R5 for thefowler adjustment device 216 suitable for a patient that has a movement sensitivity score of 5, such as patient with a history of skin lesions. P3 shows a sixth rate of operation R6 for thefowler adjustment device 216 suitable for patient that has a movement sensitivity score of 1, such as a patient that does not require extraordinary caution with movement. Thecontroller 222 may be configured to control thefowler adjustment device 216 at rates R4, R5, R6 based on the movement sensitivity score. - The
controller 222 may determine what types of motion and what rate of operations are appropriate for a person with a given movement sensitivity score. Thus, as described above, thecontroller 222 may prevent actuation of one or more actuatable devices or one or more rates of operation if the movement sensitivity score exceeds a predetermined threshold. Thecontroller 222 may cooperate with theindicator device 242 to output the movement sensitivity score and suitable rates of operation for the patient having the determined movement sensitivity score. - The
controller 222 may be further configured to control the rate of operation for the actuatable devices 204-220 based on the state of the actuatable devices 204-220, based on input from thesensing system 236, or based on the sensed state or position of eachactuator 202 of the actuatable devices 204-220. As described above, the state of the actuatable device 204-220 may comprise a sensed current position of the actuatable device 204-220. The sensed current position of theactuators 202 may comprise the sensed current position of allactuators 202 associated with the actuatable device 204-220. - In certain embodiments, the
controller 222 is configured to determine the desired rate of operation based on a combination of the state of the actuatable device 204-220 and/or the presence of the patient adjacent to one or more of the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111. If thecontroller 222 determines that the actuatable device 204-220 has a first state and that no patient is positioned adjacent to patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, thecontroller 222 may determine a first desired rate of operation; whereas, if thecontroller 222 determines that the actuatable device 204-220 has the first state and that the patient is positioned adjacent to the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 thecontroller 222 may determine a second desired rate of operation. In such a configuration, the first desired rate of operation is higher than the second desired rate of operation. - The
controller 222 may be configured to determine the state of the actuatable device 204-220 by sensing a current position of theactuators 202 of the actuatable device 204-220. In such a configuration, thecontroller 222 is configured to determine the desired rate of operation based on the combination of the sensed current position of theactuators 202, and the patient presence input signal. This may allow thecontroller 222 to quickly change the state of theactuatable device 200 from the first state to the second state without risk of causing injury to the patient. Other ways of determining the state of the actuatable devices 204-220 are also contemplated. - The actuatable devices 204-220 may have many possible configurations for performing the predetermined functions of the patient support system PS. Exemplary configurations of some of the actuatable devices 204-220 are described further below, comprising the coordinated
motion device 204,patient raising device 206, thepatient turning device 208, thepatient centering device 210, the patient ingress/egress device 212, thelift device 214, thefowler adjustment device 216, thegatch adjustment device 218, and thetransport device 220. It should be understood that numerous configurations of the actuatable devices 204-220, other than those specifically described, are possible. Additionally, numerous scenarios exist in which the rate of operation of these actuatable devices 204-220 can be operated based on thepatient condition 234. As previously described, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of these actuatable devices 204-220 based on thepatient condition 234, as obtained from theEMR 238 or thesensing system 236. A few exemplary scenarios of how these actuatable devices 204-220 may be utilized are also described below. However, numerous other scenarios not described herein, are also possible. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , a method of controlling the actuator is also provided. The method comprises thestep 246 of determining the patient condition for the patient; thestep 248 of determining a desired rate of operation for the actuator based on the patient condition; and thestep 250 of controlling the actuator with the desired rate of operation to move the patient. - In another embodiment, referring to
FIG. 13 , the method comprises astep 252 of actuating the voice actuation interface; astep 254 of transmitting the user input signal from the voice actuation interface to the controller; astep 256 of determining a desired rate of operation for the actuator based on the user input signal; and astep 258 of controlling the actuator with the desired rate of operation. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , the coordinatedmotion device 204 may comprise an actuator system comprising two ormore actuators 202. The coordinatedmotion device 204 may be configured to perform compound movements that, when a patient is present, causes multiple portions of the patient's body to be moved in a coordinated manner. Thus, the coordinatedmotion device 204 is capable of assuming different states. Each state pertains to a different orientation of one or more portions of the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111. In one embodiment, the coordinatedmotion device 204 is capable of changing the angular orientation of various portions of the patient's body simultaneously, such as the patient's head, back, thighs, calves, and/or feet. Theactuators 202 and patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111 of the coordinatedmotion device 204 cooperate to assume a first state and a second state. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control a rate of operation at which theactuators 202 and thepatient support surface - Referring to
FIG. 3 andFIGS. 4A-4F , in one embodiment, thechair 100 comprises the coordinatedmotion device 204. Referring now toFIG. 14 , thechair 100 comprises aback rest actuator 112, aleg rest actuator 114, alift actuator 116, and aseat actuator 118. Thecontroller 222 is coupled to each of these actuators and is configured to control the rate of operation of each actuator 112, 114, 116, 118. While four actuators are shown in this exemplary embodiment, it should be appreciated that the coordinatedmotion device 204 may comprise only two or three actuators, or may comprise more than four actuators. Similarly, while in the illustrated embodiment thechair 100 is displayed. Thepatient support apparatus 30 ofFIG. 1A may comprise the coordinatedmotion device 204. For example, by jointly controlling thefowler adjustment device 216 and thegatch adjustment device 218 of thepatient support apparatus 30, thecontroller 222 essentially creates a coordinatedmotion device 204 that is capable of assuming multiple states. - As described above, each state of the coordinated
motion device 204 pertains to a different orientation of one or more portions of the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111. InFIG. 3 , thepatient support surface 111 is cooperatively defined by the patient-facing surface of theseat 102, the patient-facing surface of theback rest 104, and the patient-facing surface of theleg rest 106. Thus, when thechair 100 is in the flat state (SeeFIG. 4B ), thepatient support surface 111 defined by theseat 102, theback rest 104, and theleg rest 106 are generally level with one another, and generally parallel to the floor surface. On the other hand, in the standing state (SeeFIG. 4F ), theseat 102 assumes an angle of approximately 30 degrees, whereas theback rest 104 and theleg rest 106 are perpendicular to the floor. When the patient is disposed on thechair 100 while thechair 100 from one state to another, different portions of the patient's body are moved in a coordinated manner (e.g., the patient's back and the patient's legs are changing their angle relative to the floor simultaneously). - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , as described above, thechair 100 comprises a chair control panel CCP that comprises buttons B21-B26 that correspond to the different states that can be assumed by the coordinatedmotion device 204, i.e., thechair 100. When a user presses on any one of the buttons B21-B26, thecontroller 222 will activate the necessary ones ofactuators chair 100 to the corresponding state. Buttons B13, B14, B15 correspond to the FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW rates of operation as described above with respect to thepatient support apparatus 30. Buttons B27 and B28 transmit a user input signal that causes the height of theseat 102 to raise and lower relative to the floor. - Referring to
FIG. 15A , when the user actuates button B25 corresponding to the flat state (FIG. 4B ), and thechair 100 is currently in the standing state (FIG. 4F ), thecontroller 222 may be configured to control theactuators patient support surface 111 defined by thechair 100 will pass through the first upright state (FIG. 4E ), the second upright state (4D), and the recline state (FIG. 4C ) before eventually reaching flat state (FIG. 4B ). This is because, in some configurations, all six states (FIG. 4A -FIG. 4E ) of thechair 100 are arranged sequentially and thechair 100 is only able to move from one state to another in the predefined sequence. Similarly, regardless of the initial state of thechair 100, it will always move sequentially from its current state to its final state by moving through certain intermediate states. - However, it should be appreciated the
chair 100 is movable to a virtually infinite number of intermediate states between the six states shown inFIGS. 4A-4F andFIG. 15A . Thus, thepatient support surface 111 defined by theseat rest 102, theback rest 104, and theleg rest 106 is movable to a virtually infinite number of positions, which accordingly, are capable of positioning the patient disposed on thepatient support surface 111 in a virtually infinite number of positions. - Referring again to
FIG. 14 , in the illustrated embodiment,seat actuator 118 comprises astationary end 120 pivotally mounted achassis 122.Seat actuator 118 further comprises anextendible end 124 that is pivotally mounted to aseat frame 126. Whenseat actuator 118 extends,extendible end 124 causes theseat frame 126 to tilt in such a manner that a forward end ofseat 102 moves downward relative a backward end of seat 102 (i.e., theseat frame 126 will rotate in a counter clockwise direction about seat pivot axis 128). The retraction ofseat actuator 118 will, in contrast, causeseat frame 126 to tilt in the opposite manner (i.e.,seat frame 126 will rotate in a clockwise direction). Thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of theseat actuator 118 in order to control the rate of tilt of theseat 102. - Back
rest actuator 112 comprises astationary end 130 that is mounted to backrest 104 and anextendible end 132 that is mounted to theseat frame 126. The extension and retraction ofback rest actuator 112 will therefore cause backrest 104 to pivot with respect toseat frame 126. More specifically, when backrest actuator 112 extends, backrest 104 will rotate in a counterclockwise direction. In contrast, when backrest actuator 112 retracts, backrest 104 will rotate in a clockwise direction. Becauseback rest 104 is coupled to theseat frame 126, the rotation ofseat frame 126 will also cause backrest 104 to rotate. In other words, the relative angle betweenback rest 104 andseat 102 will only change when backrest actuator 112 is actuated (and not whenseat actuator 118 extends or retracts whileback rest actuator 112 does not change length). The angle ofback rest 104 with respect to the floor (or another fixed reference), however, will change asseat frame 126 pivots about seat pivot axis 128. Thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of theseat actuator 118 in order to control the rate at which theback rest 104 rotates in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions relative to theseat frame 126. -
Leg rest actuator 114 comprises astationary end 134 that is mounted toseat frame 126 and anextendible end 136 that is mounted toleg rest 106. The extension ofleg rest actuator 114 therefore will pivotleg rest 106 from a retracted position to an extended position. The extension and retraction ofleg rest actuator 114 will change the orientation ofleg rest 106 with respect toseat frame 126. The orientation ofleg rest 106 with respect toseat frame 126 will not change based on the extension or retraction of anyother actuators leg rest 106 with respect to the floor will change whenseat frame 126 is pivoted about seat pivot axis 128 byseat actuator 118. Thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation for the leg rest actuator 114 to control the rate at which theleg rest 106 pivots from the retracted position to the extended position. - In summary, the pivoting of
seat frame 126 about its pivot axis 128 will therefore change the orientations of all ofseat 102, backrest 104, andleg rest 106 with respect to the floor, but will not, by itself change the orientations of any of these components (seat 102, backrest 104, and leg rest 106) with respect to each other. -
Lift actuator 116 comprises astationary end 138 that is coupled to abase 142 and anextendible end 140 that is coupled to anX-frame lift 144. TheX-frame lift 144 comprises twolegs 146 that are pivotally coupled to each other about acenter axis 148. Whenlift actuator 116 extends or retracts, the relative angle between each of thelegs 146 changes, which changes the overall height of theX-frame lift 144. Further, becausechassis 122 is mounted on a top end ofX-frame lift 144, the changing height of thescissor lift 144 changes the height ofchassis 122.Lift actuator 116 therefore raises the height ofchassis 122 when it extends and lowers the height ofchassis 122 when it retracts. Becauseseat frame 126 is mounted onchassis 122, and becauseback rest 104 andleg rest 106 are both mounted toseat frame 126, raising and lowering the height ofchassis 122 simultaneously raises and lowers the height of theseat 102, backrest 104, andleg rest 106. However, extending and retractinglift actuator 116 does not, by itself, change the angular orientations of any ofleg rest 106, backrest 104, and/orseat 102 with respect to each other or the floor. Thecontroller 222 may be coupled to thelift actuator 116 to control the rate of operation for thelift actuator 116 to control the rate operation at which theseat 102, backrest 104, andleg rest 106 are raised or lowered relative to the floor. - Referring to
FIG. 15B , thecontroller 222 may use predefined positions of each actuator 112, 114, 116, 118 for each of the desired states, as target values for controllingactuators memory 224 may comprise data associated with the desired positions foractuators chair 100. Wheneverchair 100 is commanded by a user to move from its current position to one of the desired states, thecontroller 222 may use the stored position data in thememory 224 as the target positions in the control of theactuators sensing system 236 may be configured to detect the current positions of each actuator 112, 114, 116, and 118 to determine when the actual position matches the predefined position. Of course, other ways of controlling theactuators controller 222 can determine what positions of each actuator 112, 114, 116, 118 correspond to each state of thechair 100. - The
controller 222 may be configured to control each of theactuators controller 222 may selectively control the operation of theactuators chair 100 such thatpatient support surface 111 reaches the desired state in a fluid manner. - If the
controller 222 determines that no patient occupies the patient support system PS, such as thechair 100, based on the patient presence input signal, thecontroller 222 may allow the coordinatedmotion device 204 to move in an uncoordinated manner. For example, if thecontroller 222 determines that the patient is not adjacent to thepatient support surface 111, the controller may disengage the coordinated motion mode, which allows theactuators - By selectively controlling the rates of operation for one or
more actuators controller 222 may effectively control the rate at which the coordinatedmotion device 204 moves from one state to another. Buttons B13, B14, and B15 correspond to FAST, MEDIUM, and SLOW rates of operation. If a user depresses rate selector button B13 corresponding to the FAST rate of operation, and subsequently depresses button B21 corresponding to the standing state, thecontroller 222 controls the rate of operation of theactuators chair 100 moves from its current state towards the upright state at an accelerated rate. Similarly, if the user depresses rate selector button B15 corresponding to the SLOW rate of operation, and subsequently depresses button B25 corresponding to the flat state, thecontroller 222 controls the rate of operation of theactuators chair 100 moves from its current state toward to the flat state at the SLOW rate of operation. Even at this SLOW rate of operation, thecontroller 222 may control theactuators - As described above, the
controller 222 may control the rate of operation of theactuators patient presence sensor 241 detects that the patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface 111, thecontroller 222, based on the patient presence input signal may determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable. Thus, if the patient presence input signal indicates that the patient is not adjacent to thepatient support surface 111, thecontroller 222 may generally permit faster rates of operation for theactuators controller 222 may control theactuators controller 222 may control theactuators - For example, if the
chair 100 is currently in the standing state (SeeFIG. 4F ), and the user depresses button B13 corresponding to the FAST rate of operation, and subsequently depresses button B25 corresponding to the flat state, thecontroller 222 may query thepatient presence sensor 241 to determine whether the patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface 111. If thepatient presence sensor 241 determines that the patient is adjacent to thepatient support surface 111, thecontroller 222 may not permit thechair 100 to operate at the user-selected rate of operation. Instead, thecontroller 222 may automatically select a suitable rate of operation, typically a slower rate of operation, than the user-selected rate of operation. However, if thepatient presence sensor 241 determines that the patient is not adjacent to thepatient support surface 111, thecontroller 222 may automatically select a faster rate of operation than the user-selected rate of operation. Such a feature may permit the user to quickly place thechair 100 in the desired state without risk of patient injury. - As described above, the
controller 222 may control the rate of operation of theactuators patient condition 234. In such an embodiment, thecontroller 222, based on thepatient condition 234, may determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable. Thus, if user-selected rated of operation is unsuitable for thepatient condition 234 of the patient disposed on thepatient support surface 111, thecontroller 222 may automatically adjust the rate of operation to a rate of operation that is suitable for thepatient condition 234. For example, if thechair 100 is currently in the standing state and the user depresses button B26 and button B13, indicating that the user desires that thechair 100 move to the Trendelenburg state at a FAST rate of operation, thecontroller 222 may query thepatient condition 234 before moving thechair 100 to the Trendelenburg state at the FAST rate of operation. Thus, if thepatient condition 234 indicates that the patient has a skin injury, thecontroller 222 may move thechair 100 to the Trendelenburg state at a SLOW rate of operation. - If the
controller 222 determines that thechair 100 is in a first state and that the user desires that thechair 100 be moved to a second state, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of thechair 100 based on the current state. For example, if thechair 100 is in the standing state and the user desires that thechair 100 be placed in the flat state, thecontroller 222 may determine that a FAST rate of operation is desired. In contrast, if the user simply wishes to move from the standing state to the reclined state, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation of thechair 100 at the SLOW rate of operation. Thecontroller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation for thechair 100 based on how many intermediate states are between the current state and the desired state, or the distance that theactuators - The
controller 222 may also be configured to determine the direction of movement of the actuatable device 204-220, and determine the desired rate of operation based on the direction of movement and/or the patient presence signal. Thus, thecontroller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation of the actuatable device to be increased or decreased in one direction relative to the desired rate of operation in the opposite direction. For example, with reference toFIGS. 4A-4F , thecontroller 222 may determine that thechair 100 is moving in a first direction from the flat state (FIG. 4B ) to the stand state (FIG. 4F ) by receiving inputs from theunderlying actuators controller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation to be a first rate of operation based on motion in that first direction. Thecontroller 222 may further determines that the chair is moving in a second direction from the stand state (FIG. 4F ) to the flat state (FIG. 4B ) based on inputs from the underlying actuators. Because the second direction of motion is likely associated with absence of the patient, thecontroller 222 may determine the desired rate of operation to be a second rate of operation, with the second rate of operation being greater than the first rate of operation. It should be appreciated that while this example was described in view of thechair 100, thecontroller 222 may determine the rate of operation for any actuatable devices based on the direction of movement, and thus, asymmetric rate of operation control is enabled. Other ways of determining the state of the actuatable devices 204-220 are also contemplated. For example, thecontroller 222 may determine rate of operation based on both the direction of movement and the patient presence. - Referring to
FIG. 16 , a method of controlling the coordinated motion device is also provided. The method comprises astep 260 of transmitting a user input signal from the user input device to the controller; astep 262 of determining a desired rate of operation for each of the actuators based on the user input signal; and astep 264 of transmitting an output signal to control the actuators with the desired rate of operation. - Referring to
FIGS. 17A and 17B , thepatient raising device 206, thepatient centering device 210, and thepatient turning device 208 may be integrated into themattress 50. In one embodiment, themattress 50 is referred to as a self-contained therapy mattress since several working components of themattress 50 that are used to carry out the functions of thepatient raising device 206, thepatient centering device 210, and thepatient turning device 208 are enclosed by acover 300 of themattress 50. Thecover 300 can be any conventional material including, but not limited to natural fibers, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. Thecover 300 may be formed of a vapor permeable material. Thecover 300 may be flexible and stretchable to accommodate inflation of various inflatable bladders described herein. Of course, it is further contemplated that themattress 50 may be configured to perform other functions, such as patient egress/ingress, patient temperature control, etc. - The
patient raising device 206 is configured to perform the function of moving the patient from a slouched position towards a non-slouched position by moving the patient towards the head end of the patient support system PS. The illustratedpatient raising device 206 comprises a patient raisingbladder structure 302 positioned within thecover 300. The patient raisingbladder structure 302 comprises patient raisinginflation bladders 304 that are connected together longitudinally so that each of the patient raisinginflation bladders 304 spans across a majority of a width of themattress 50 below the patient and together, the patient raisinginflation bladders 304 span a majority of a length of themattress 50 below the patient. - In the embodiment shown, nine patient raising
inflation bladders 304 assist in raising the patient from a slouched position. Additional patient raisinginflation bladders 304 may be employed to raise the patient, or in some cases, fewer patient raising inflation bladders may be used.FIGS. 18A through 18C illustrate a progressive inflation scheme used to raise the patient six inches from the slouched position (seeFIG. 18A ). The patient raisinginflation bladders 304 are inflated and deflated to create a wave-like force directed towards the head end of thepatient support apparatus 30 to push the patient toward the head end. As shown, in some cases, only one of the patient raisinginflation bladders 304 are fully inflated at a time to create the wave-like force needed to raise the patient. Once fully inflated, each patient raisinginflation bladder 304 begins to deflate and the next adjacent patient raisinginflation bladder 304 toward the head end begins to inflate (see, e.g.,FIG. 18B ). - Referring to
FIGS. 19A and 19B , thepatient centering device 210 is configured to move the patient from an off-center position toward the longitudinal centerline CL of themattress 50, such as when the patient has shifted too far to one side or the other of themattress 50. Referring back toFIGS. 17A and 17B , thepatient centering device 210 comprises a patient centering/turningbladder structure 306 positioned within thecover 300. The patient centering/turningbladder structure 306 comprises a pair ofelongate bladders 308 that are connected together along a longitudinal seam so that each of theelongate bladders 308 spans a majority of the length of themattress 50, but spans one half or less the width of themattress 50, below the patient. Theelongate bladders 308 are selectively inflated to guide the patient toward the longitudinal centerline CL of themattress 50 when desired. Referring toFIGS. 19A and 19B, inflation of one of theelongate bladders 308 is shown to urge the patient toward the centerline CL of themattress 50. Movement of the patient toward the centerline CL may not be immediate, but may occur gradually as theelongate bladders 308 remains inflated. - The
patient turning device 208 is configured to perform the function of turning the patient and/or providing rotational therapy to the patient. Thepatient turning device 208 may utilize the same patient centering/turningbladder structure 306 as thepatient centering device 210. When thepatient turning device 208 is operated, theelongate bladders 308 are independently inflated to raise one side or the other of the patient. Referring toFIGS. 20A and 20B , if used for rotation therapy, then theelongate bladders 308 are used for rotation therapy by sequentially inflating/deflating theelongate bladders 308 to raise one side of the patient to an angle (3, lower the patient, and then raise the other side of the patient to the angle θ such that the patient experiences a side-to-side rotation that shifts pressures between the patient and themattress 50. The method may comprise controlling the pump with the desired rate of operation to control the rate at which the patient turns. - The patient ingress/
egress device 212 is configured to perform the function of easing ingress and/or egress of the patient to and/or from thepatient support apparatus 30. Referring back toFIGS. 17A and 17B , the patient ingress/egress device 212 comprises amain air bladder 310 positioned within thecover 300. Themain air bladder 310 is sized to extend substantially the full width of themattress 50 and a majority of the length of themattress 50. Themain air bladder 310 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a single air bladder than can be inflated and deflated, depending on the needs of the patient or the caregiver. Themain air bladder 310 may be fully inflated to ease ingress and egress of the patient. For instance, if themain air bladder 310 is less than fully inflated, e.g., to soften themattress 50 and provide additional comfort to the patient, it can be difficult for the patient to move across themattress 50 for ingress or egress. Accordingly, by fully inflating, and stiffening themattress 50, movement across themattress 50 can be made easier for the patient. - The patient raising
bladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310 are supported within thecover 300 of themattress 50 by abase cushion 312. Thebase cushion 312 is located between outsidelateral cushions 314 and outsidelongitudinal cushions 316. Thecushions cushions - A
control unit 318 is shown at the foot end of themattress 50 inFIG. 17A . Thecontrol unit 318 comprises a rigid box that encloses apump 320 and amotor 322 for operating thepump 320. As shown, thecontrol unit 318 may fit within thecover 300 of themattress 50 or outside of thecover 300. Thepump 320 is used to inflate the patient raisinginflation bladders 304, theelongate bladders 308, and themain air bladder 310. Other configurations of thecontrol unit 318 are also possible. - Referring to
FIG. 21 , general fluid flow schematics for the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310, respectively, are shown. The fluid flow schematics generally illustrate the fluid flow paths in which fluid, such as air, flow from an air source A (such as outside air) via thepump 320 to the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310. This schematic discloses avalve 324, such as a solenoid valve or other types of valve, that control the movement of the fluid into and out of the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310 to perform the functions described herein. Thevalve 324 is controlled by thecontroller 222, and may be able to selectively establish fluid communication between thepump 320 and each of the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310 or close off such fluid communication. Thevalve 324 may also be able to vent the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310 to atmosphere to deflate the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and themain air bladder 310. It should be understood that additional valves, not shown, may be utilized to carry out the functions of the patient raisingbladder structure 302, the patient centering/turningbladder structure 306, and the mainair bladder structure 306. - In one exemplary operation of the
patient raising device 206, thepump 320 sequentially inflates one or more of the patient raisinginflation bladders 304, as shown inFIGS. 18A through 18C to move the patient from the slouched position to a raised position. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient raising device 206 by controlling the rate of operation of thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of theuser input devices 228, such as the buttons B1 or B2. As will be understood, thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 may be theactuator 202 of thepatient raising device 206. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient raising device 206 based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient raising device 206 based on the user input signal and based on thepatient condition 234. - For example, if the user depresses button B1 indicating that the user wishes to actuate the
patient raising device 206, and depresses button B13 indicating the FAST rate of operation, thecontroller 222 may control thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 to operate at an increased rate of operation in order to increase the rate at which the patient is urged towards the head end of thepatient support apparatus 30. In the exemplary embodiment, this entails operating thepump 320 to inflate the patient raisinginflation bladders 304 until the patient has reached the desired patient position. This may comprise operating thepump 320 until a current center of gravity of the patient is moved toward the head end of thepatient support apparatus 30 by a desired distance. - In another embodiment, the
controller 222 controls the rate of operation of thepatient raising device 206 based on the user input signal and based on thepatient condition 234. For example, if the user depresses button B1 indicating that the user wishes to actuate thepatient raising device 206, and depresses button B13 indicating the FAST rate of operation is desired, thecontroller 222 may query thepatient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for thepatient condition 234. If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for thepatient condition 234, such as when the patient has a neck injury, thecontroller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for thepatient condition 234, and control thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient moves towards the head end of the patient support system PS. This slower rate of operation may also avoid disorienting effects on the patient from abrupt movement and reduce shear forces to the patient's skin. In some cases, operation of thepatient raising device 206, including the time to inflate/deflate one sequence of the patient raisinginflation bladders 304 may be twice as long as the time needed for the same operation if thecontroller 222 controlled the rate of operation at the FAST rate of operation. - Additionally, the
controller 222 may determine a rate of operation for thepatient raising device 206 based on other patient-related information. For example, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation for thepatient raising device 206 based on the skin condition of the patient, or the patient's movement sensitivity score. - In a similar manner, the
controller 222 may control the rate of operation of thepatient centering device 210. In one exemplary operation of thepatient centering device 210, thepump 320 operates to inflate one or more of theelongate bladders 308 to move the patient toward the centerline CL of themattress 50. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient centering device 210 by controlling the rate of operation of theactuator 202, in the illustrated embodiment, the rate of operation of thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of theuser input devices 228, button B3. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient centering device 210 based on the user input signal and based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, as described above with respect to thepatient raising device 206, the controller is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient centering device 210 based on the user input signal and based on thepatient condition 234. - During operation of the
patient centering device 210, in one embodiment, theelongate bladder 308 that is located on the side of themattress 50 on which the patient is sensed is first inflated. Theelongate bladder 308 may be inflated at a moderate angle such that the patient slowly slides towards the centered position on the centerline CL. In some cases, both of theelongate bladders 308 may be inflated simultaneously, to different levels (e.g., different pressures or angles as measured by pressure sensors or angle sensors in communication with the controller 222) or the same level to keep the patient in the centered position. For example, if the user depresses button B3 indicating that the user wishes to actuate thepatient centering device 210, and depresses button B13, indicating that the user wishes to operate at the FAST rate of operation, thecontroller 222 may query thepatient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable forpatient condition 234. If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for thepatient centering device 210 for thepatient condition 234, such as when the patient has severe burns, thecontroller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for thepatient condition 234, and control thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient is moved towards the longitudinal centerline CL of thepatient support apparatus 30. In one embodiment, thecontroller 222 may control the pump with the desired rate of operation to control the rate at which the patient moves toward the centerline of the patient support surface. - In one exemplary operation of the
patient turning device 208, thepump 320 may inflate one or more of theelongate bladders 308 to turn the patient. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient turning device 208 by controlling the rate of operation of thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of theuser input devices 228, such as buttons B4, B5. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient turning device 208 based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thepatient turning device 208 based on the user input signal and the based on thepatient condition 234. - In one exemplary operation of the patient ingress/
egress device 212, thepump 320 may inflate themain air bladder 310 to assist the ingress or egress of the patient from thepatient support apparatus 30. Thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient ingress/egress device 212 by controlling the rate of operation of thepump 320 and/ormotor 322 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of theuser input devices 228, button B6. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient ingress/egress device 212 based on the user input signal received from the rate selector buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of the patient ingress/egress device 212 based on the user input signal and thepatient condition 234. - Referring to
FIG. 22 , thelift device 214 is configured to lift and lower the patient between the minimum and maximum heights of the patient support system PS, and intermediate positions there between. In the exemplary embodiment shown, thelift device 214 comprises a pair oflift arms 400 pivotally connected at a center thereof and arranged in a scissor-lift configuration. Thelift arms 400 are movable to raise and lower the patient support surfaces 48, 52 relative to thebase 34 and the floor surface. Each of thelift arms 400 have a first end pivotally connected at a fixedpivot point 402 to one of thebase 34 and theintermediate frame 36. Thelift arms 400 extend from the first end to a second end. Apin 404 is fixed to the second end and arranged to slide in ahorizontal guide slot 406 defined in one of thebase 34 and theintermediate frame 36. - A
lift actuator 408 is fixed at one end to thebase 34 and to one of thepins 404 at the other end. When actuated, thelift actuator 408 directly slides thepin 404 in the horizontal guide slot, which also indirectly slides theother pin 404 in the otherhorizontal guide slot 406, to raise and lower thepatient support surface 42. Thelift actuator 408 may comprise an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, or similar driving mechanism. Other configurations of thelift device 214 are also possible, such as column lift mechanisms shown inFIG. 1A , the lift system of thechair 100, or any other suitable lift mechanism. - In some embodiments, the
controller 222 is configured to initiate operation of thelift device 214 in response to receiving a user input signal when the caregiver presses the button B7 or B8 to operate thelift actuator 408 to either lift or lower thepatient support surface controller 222 is further configured to control the rate of operation of thelift device 214 by controlling the rate of operation of theactuator 202, in the illustrated application, the rate of operation of thelift actuator 408 in response to receiving the user input signal from buttons B7, B8. - In certain configurations, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thelift device 214 based on the user input signal received from buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thelift device 214 based on the user input signal and based on thepatient condition 234. - For example, if the user depresses button B8 indicating that the user wishes to actuate the
lift device 214 to lower thepatient support surface controller 222 may query thepatient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for thepatient condition 234. If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for thepatient condition 234, such as when the patient has a psychological sensitivity to falling as observed by the caregiver or is a fall risk, thecontroller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation for thepatient condition 234, and control thelift actuator 408 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient moves towards thebase 34 of thepatient support apparatus 30. The slower rate of operation may minimize the patient's anxiety and/or the likelihood that the patient would fall from thepatient support surface patient condition 234 to thememory 224 through theuser input device 228 before actuation of thelift device 214. - In another embodiment, if the user wishes to clean the patient support surfaces 48, 52, 111, the user may actuate the
user input device 228 associated with the cleaning mode B18. If thepatient position sensor 241 determines that no patient is positioned adjacent to thesupport surface controller 222 may control thelift device 214 with the FAST rate of operation. This allows such a user to quickly lower thepatient support surface patient support surface - In yet another embodiment, the
patient condition sensor 240 detects that the patient is asleep with a heart rate sensor, an acoustic sensor, a camera (optical or thermal), or other suitable sensor. If the user subsequently decides to actuate thelift device 214 by depressing button B8 with a MEDIUM rate of operation (e.g., the user did not select one of the rate selector buttons or did not depress B8 with an actuation pattern indicating that a SLOW or FAST rate of operation is desired), thecontroller 222 based on the patient condition 234 (i.e., that the patient is asleep), automatically determines a suitable rate of operation that is desired based on thepatient condition 234 “ASLEEP”. For example, thecontroller 222 may determine that the MEDIUM rate of operation is not suitable for a patient that is asleep, and automatically controls thelift device 214 at SLOW rate of operation that is slower than the MEDIUM rate of operation. - If the patient support system PS is not already at the lowered position, upon receiving the user input signal, the
controller 222 operates thelift actuator 408 to slowly lower thepatient support apparatus 30 to the lowered position. By slowly lowering thepatient support apparatus 30, such as at a rate much slower than the MEDIUM rate of operation of thelift device 214 using the nurse control panel NCP, the patient is not awakened. The slower rate of operation may be less likely to wake up a patient. - The
fowler adjustment device 216 and thegatch adjustment device 218 is configured to articulate thedeck 38 of thepatient support apparatus 30. Referring toFIG. 23 , thefowler adjustment device 216 in the exemplary embodiment comprises afowler actuator 500 coupled to thefowler section 40. The fowler actuator 500 moves thefowler section 40 relative to theintermediate frame 36. Thegatch adjustment device 218 comprises athigh actuator 502 coupled to, and configured to move, thethigh section 44 and afoot actuator 504 is coupled to, and configured to move, thefoot section 46. The fowler actuator 500,thigh actuator 502, and thefoot actuator 504 may comprise electric linear actuators that extend between theintermediate frame 36 and the particular deck section being adjusted. For example, as shown inFIG. 23 , thefowler section 40 is pivotally connected to theintermediate frame 36 at a fixedpivot 506, thethigh section 44 is pivotally connected to theintermediate frame 36 at a fixedpivot 508, and thefoot section 46 is pivotally connected to thethigh section 44 atpivot point 510. The fowler actuator 500 has as a first end pivotally connected to theintermediate frame 36 and a second end pivotally connected to thefowler section 40; thethigh actuator 502 has first end pivotally connected to theintermediate frame 36 and a second end pivotally connected to thethigh section 44; and thefoot actuator 504 has a first end pivotally connected to theintermediate frame 36 and a second end pivotally connected to thefoot section 46. Actuation of eachdeck adjustment actuators respective deck section intermediate frame 36. It is contemplated that any suitable deck adjustment system may be utilized in conjunction with thepatient support apparatus 30. - As described above, in certain embodiments, the deck adjustment device may be configured to provide coordinated motion between the
multiple actuators chair 100. For example, thepatient support deck 38 can be configured to assume a chair state, a bed exit state, a flat state, etc. Thus, thecontroller 222 may be configured to control theactuators actuators - In some embodiments, the
controller 222 is configured to initiate operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 in response to receiving the user input signal from button B9. Thecontroller 222 is further configured to control the rate of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 by controlling the rate of theactuator 202, in the illustrated embodiment, the rate of operation of the fowler actuator 500 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of theuser input devices 228, such as the buttons B9 or B10. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 based on the user input signal received from the buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thefowler adjustment device 216 based on the user input signal and based on thepatient condition 234. - For example, if the user depresses button B9 indicating that the user wishes to actuate the
fowler adjustment device 216 to tilt away from theintermediate frame 36, and depresses button B13 indicating the FAST rate of operation is desired, thecontroller 222 may query thepatient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for thepatient condition 234. If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for thepatient condition 234, such as when the patient has a neck injury, thecontroller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for thepatient condition 234, and automatically control the fowler actuator 500 with the desired rate of operation to slow down the rate at which the patient tilts away from theintermediate frame 36 of thepatient support apparatus 30. This slower rate of operation may reduce the patient's neck pain. Additionally, thecontroller 222 may determine a rate of operation for thefowler adjustment device 216 based on other patient-related information. For example, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation for thefowler adjustment device 216 based on the skin condition of the patient, or the patient's movement sensitivity score. - The
transport device 220 may comprise the one or more powered wheel assemblies 68 (SeeFIG. 2 ).Controller 222 is configured to control thewheel motors 72 such that thewheels 70 rotate about therotational axis 74. The direction and rate of thepowered wheel assemblies 68 can be controlled based on theuser input device 228. In one embodiment, buttons B16 are force sensors that are provided on footboard 64 that detect a magnitude of forces exerted by a caregiver on thepatient support apparatus 30. Thecontroller 222 may generally power thepowered wheel assemblies 68 proportionally to the forces exerted by a caregiver on buttons B16. For example, in some embodiments,controller 222 supplies power to thepowered wheel assemblies 68 in increments, rather than a continuous fashion. Of course, in some embodiments, more than one poweredwheel assembly 68 can be driven as a pair with the same power level, while the rear wheels could be driven as a separate pair (with the same power level as each other, but not necessarily the same power level as the front wheels). - The
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thetransport device 220 by controlling the rate of operation of theactuator 202, in this example, the rate of operation of thewheel motor 72 that rotate thewheels 70 in response to receiving the user input signal from one of theuser input devices 228, such as buttons B16. - In one configuration, the
controller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thetransport device 220 based on the user input signal received from the buttons B13, B14, B15. Alternatively, thecontroller 222 is configured to control the rate of operation of thetransport device 220 based on the user input signal and based on thepatient condition 234. - For example, if the user applies a force to one or both of buttons B16 indicating that the user desires to operate the
powered wheel assembly 68 at the FAST rate of operation, thecontroller 222 may query thepatient condition 234 to determine whether the user-selected rate of operation is suitable for thepatient condition 234. If the FAST rate of operation is not suitable for thepatient condition 234, such as when the patient had major spinal surgery a few hours prior to transport, thecontroller 222 may determine a desired rate of operation that is suitable for thepatient condition 234, and control thepowered wheel assemblies 68, i.e., thewheel motors 72, with the SLOW rate of operation to slow down the rate at which thepatient support apparatus 30 moves along the floor. This slower rate of operation may minimize the pain experienced by the patient. Additionally, thecontroller 222 may determine a rate of operation for thetransport device 220 based on other patient-related information. For example, thecontroller 222 may control the rate of operation for thetransport device 220 based on the skin condition of the patient, or the patient's movement sensitivity score. - In another embodiment, if the user wishes to transport the
patient support apparatus 30 across a long distance, the user may actuate theuser input device 228 associated with the transport mode B19. If thepatient presence sensor 241 determines that no patient is positioned adjacent to thesupport surface controller 222, thecontroller 222 controls thetransport device 220 with the FAST rate of operation. This allows such a user to quickly move thepatient support apparatus 30 while avoiding potential injury to any patient. In certain embodiments, the TRANSPORT mode may only be selected if theidentification device 232 determines that the person adjacent to thesupport surface - As described the above, the
controller 222 may control the rate of operation for devices other than those described above based on the user input device and/or patient condition. - It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.”
- Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/243,878 US20210244586A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2021-04-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
US18/127,997 US20230233391A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2023-03-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562271054P | 2015-12-22 | 2015-12-22 | |
US15/369,188 US11020295B2 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2016-12-05 | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
US17/243,878 US20210244586A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2021-04-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/369,188 Continuation US11020295B2 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2016-12-05 | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/127,997 Continuation US20230233391A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2023-03-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210244586A1 true US20210244586A1 (en) | 2021-08-12 |
Family
ID=59064905
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/369,188 Active 2038-08-19 US11020295B2 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2016-12-05 | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
US17/243,878 Abandoned US20210244586A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2021-04-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
US18/127,997 Pending US20230233391A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2023-03-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/369,188 Active 2038-08-19 US11020295B2 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2016-12-05 | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/127,997 Pending US20230233391A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2023-03-29 | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US11020295B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9907714B2 (en) * | 2014-10-14 | 2018-03-06 | Malvestio S.P.A. | Bed for hospital stay |
AU2017279786B2 (en) | 2016-12-27 | 2023-04-13 | Stryker Corporation | Variable speed patient transfer apparatus |
CN106724331B (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2019-01-15 | 浙江世道电器有限公司 | The hanging sinking type electric in back nurses bedstead |
US10828216B2 (en) | 2017-03-03 | 2020-11-10 | Medline Industries, Inc. | Inflatable patient repositioning sheet |
US10772778B2 (en) | 2017-04-25 | 2020-09-15 | Medline Industries, Inc. | Patient repositioning sheet and sling |
US11304865B2 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2022-04-19 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus with adaptive user interface |
US11810667B2 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2023-11-07 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
US10973718B2 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2021-04-13 | Stryker Corporation | Power management techniques for actuators of patient support apparatuses |
JP7049786B2 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2022-04-07 | パラマウントベッド株式会社 | Bed system |
US11139666B2 (en) | 2017-10-24 | 2021-10-05 | Stryker Corporation | Energy harvesting and propulsion assistance techniques for a patient support apparatus |
US11344228B2 (en) * | 2018-05-02 | 2022-05-31 | Wernher Ovalle | Patient monitoring device and system |
JP7190342B2 (en) * | 2018-12-05 | 2022-12-15 | パラマウントベッド株式会社 | bed equipment |
DE102019000667A1 (en) * | 2019-01-31 | 2020-08-06 | Reha & Medi Hoffmann Gmbh | Mobilization wheelchair |
US11331235B2 (en) | 2019-09-13 | 2022-05-17 | Medline Industries, Lp | Patient repositioning sheet, system, and method |
CN112656352B (en) * | 2019-10-16 | 2022-12-13 | 武汉迈瑞医疗技术研究院有限公司 | Endoscope camera host, control method thereof, endoscope imaging system and storage medium |
US11938068B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-03-26 | Stryker Corporation | Patient transport apparatus drive systems |
US11679045B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2023-06-20 | Stryker Corporation | Patient transport apparatus user interface |
US11963916B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2024-04-23 | Stryker Corporation | Track assembly for patient transport apparatus |
US11763935B2 (en) * | 2020-01-06 | 2023-09-19 | National Cheng Kung University | Care system for predicting bed exit and patient management system including the same |
CN111956001A (en) * | 2020-08-18 | 2020-11-20 | 东莞市慕思寝室用品有限公司 | Control method of intelligent mattress, device and storage medium |
CN112057261A (en) * | 2020-09-08 | 2020-12-11 | 川北医学院附属医院 | Neurosurgery is with patient postoperative care equipment |
CN112057256B (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2021-08-27 | 开封市中心医院 | Hemodialysis auxiliary nursing device |
WO2022250680A1 (en) * | 2021-05-27 | 2022-12-01 | Stryker Corporation | Method for controlling a patient support apparatus |
GB2617570A (en) * | 2022-04-11 | 2023-10-18 | Caremed Alrick Uk Ltd | Intensive care chair |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1990014816A1 (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1990-12-13 | Mediscus Products Limited | Therapeutic turning bed |
EP0656183A2 (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1995-06-07 | Lectus, Inc. | Patient care system |
US20020196141A1 (en) * | 2001-05-04 | 2002-12-26 | Boone Otho N. | Apparatus and method for patient point-of-care data management |
WO2007075701A2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-07-05 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
WO2007075699A2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-07-05 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
US20070157385A1 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-07-12 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
EP2327385A2 (en) * | 1999-12-29 | 2011-06-01 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support with barrier |
US20120073054A1 (en) * | 2010-09-28 | 2012-03-29 | O'keefe Christopher R | Hospital bed with chair lockout |
US20120259248A1 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2012-10-11 | Receveur Timothy J | Person Support Apparatus with Activity and Mobility Sensing |
US20130205501A1 (en) * | 2012-02-15 | 2013-08-15 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus and controls therefor |
WO2015032003A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Chg Hospital Beds Inc. | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US20150129333A1 (en) * | 2013-11-14 | 2015-05-14 | Transmotion Medical, Inc. | Control System and Method for Transport Device |
EP2910226A1 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2015-08-26 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electric bed |
WO2016108582A1 (en) * | 2014-12-29 | 2016-07-07 | 드림비전스주식회사 | Smart bed system and control method |
US20160235610A1 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-08-18 | Allen Medical Systems, Inc. | Using patient monitoring data to control a person support apparatus |
US20160242681A1 (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2016-08-25 | Leaf Healthcare, Inc. | Pressure Ulcer Detection Methods, Devices and Techniques |
US10290373B2 (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2019-05-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Patient couch with a control system and method for controlling the patient couch |
Family Cites Families (204)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1025915A (en) | 1911-07-24 | 1912-05-07 | Edward J Hoff | Chair. |
US2587068A (en) | 1947-10-17 | 1952-02-26 | Lillie K Sanders | Invalid lift and transfer apparatus |
US3091426A (en) | 1961-05-08 | 1963-05-28 | Arthur J Klein | Adjustable chair |
US3191196A (en) | 1962-12-07 | 1965-06-29 | Holm S Mfg Co | Head and knee rest operating drives for hospital beds and the like |
US3486789A (en) | 1967-12-28 | 1969-12-30 | Pennsalt Chemicals Corp | Adjustable chair |
AU430169B2 (en) | 1968-10-11 | 1972-11-15 | Hodge Investments Proprietary Limited' | Invalid chair |
SE343208B (en) | 1970-07-06 | 1972-03-06 | K Wrethander | |
JPS5117726B1 (en) | 1971-05-01 | 1976-06-04 | ||
US3908126A (en) | 1974-01-02 | 1975-09-23 | Pennwalt Corp S S White Dental | X-ray apparatus for providing panoramic radiographic projections |
US3936893A (en) | 1974-07-22 | 1976-02-10 | Anderson Martha A | Elevator means for the chair seat of a convertable wheel chair and bed |
NL7612267A (en) | 1976-11-04 | 1978-05-08 | Vennootschap Onder Fa Abbink E | NURSING HELP. |
US4119342A (en) | 1977-04-29 | 1978-10-10 | Jones Claude C | Convertible chair structure |
US4183578A (en) | 1978-03-29 | 1980-01-15 | Imasen Electric Co., Ltd. | Electrically operated wheeled chair for physically handicapped persons |
US5062151A (en) | 1983-01-13 | 1991-10-29 | Fisher Berkeley Corporation | Communication system |
US4850645A (en) | 1986-11-06 | 1989-07-25 | Foy Crockett | Lifting apparatus for a seating structure |
US4913264A (en) | 1988-02-02 | 1990-04-03 | The Cheney Company | Stairway chairlift mechanism |
US5112076A (en) | 1990-02-23 | 1992-05-12 | Wilson Harold R | Wheelchair with removable seat |
US4997200A (en) | 1990-03-13 | 1991-03-05 | Earls Richard J | Combination wheelchair-gurney apparatus |
US5219204A (en) | 1990-10-15 | 1993-06-15 | Bathrick Leeland M | Recliner and elevator chair |
DE9112558U1 (en) | 1991-10-09 | 1993-02-04 | Stanzwerk Wetter Sichelschmidt & Co, 5802 Wetter, De | |
US5242138A (en) | 1992-01-16 | 1993-09-07 | Gary Kornberg | Arm rest for a wheelchair |
US5342114A (en) | 1992-02-03 | 1994-08-30 | Burke Olive L | Convertible rolling chair and changing table for adult |
US5346280A (en) | 1992-03-31 | 1994-09-13 | Deumite Norman A | Chair with automatic standing aid |
US5230113A (en) | 1992-04-14 | 1993-07-27 | Good Turn, Inc. | Multiple position adjustable day night patient bed chair |
US5515561A (en) | 1992-05-19 | 1996-05-14 | Probed Medical Technologies, Inc. | Articulating bed |
GB9212055D0 (en) * | 1992-06-06 | 1992-07-22 | Arjo Mecanaids | Invalid hoist |
FR2695554B1 (en) | 1992-09-15 | 1994-12-23 | Int Diffusion Consomma | Motorized assistance device, adaptable to a lift chair and lift chair by applying. |
US5366036A (en) | 1993-01-21 | 1994-11-22 | Perry Dale E | Power stand-up and reclining wheelchair |
CA2157466C (en) | 1993-03-02 | 2001-07-17 | Kenneth Casey | Universal lift frame for a chair |
US5419571A (en) | 1993-03-08 | 1995-05-30 | Vaughan; Jack N. | Wheel chair with provisions for patient walker |
US5547245A (en) | 1993-05-12 | 1996-08-20 | Knouse; Bobby W. | Recliner chair |
JPH0741050B2 (en) | 1993-06-25 | 1995-05-10 | パラマウントベッド株式会社 | Standing chair |
US5699038A (en) | 1993-07-12 | 1997-12-16 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Bed status information system for hospital beds |
FR2717377B1 (en) | 1994-03-18 | 1996-06-21 | Idc Isolateur Denominateur | Lifting device for stand-up wheelchair and wheelchair by application. |
AU1742699A (en) | 1994-04-29 | 1999-05-06 | Michael Charles Jillings | Articulating bed |
CA2122515A1 (en) | 1994-04-29 | 1995-10-30 | Robert Wayne Suggitt | Articulating bed |
CA2122686A1 (en) | 1994-05-02 | 1995-11-03 | Robert Wayne Suggitt | Articulating bed |
US5458349A (en) | 1994-06-30 | 1995-10-17 | Mung-Tung; Wang | Multi-function electric wheel-chair |
US5984411A (en) | 1995-09-11 | 1999-11-16 | Galumbeck; Michael H. | Elevator chair |
US5917425A (en) | 1996-01-22 | 1999-06-29 | Wireless Communiations Products, Llc | IR/RF locator |
US6017354A (en) | 1996-08-15 | 2000-01-25 | Stryker Corporation | Integrated system for powered surgical tools |
SE9700447D0 (en) | 1997-02-10 | 1997-02-10 | Herbert Lewin | Medical mattress |
US5800016A (en) | 1997-03-10 | 1998-09-01 | Allred; Lyle | Elevating chair |
CN2294717Y (en) | 1997-05-15 | 1998-10-21 | 施金木 | Wheeled chair for aiding person standing |
US6076892A (en) | 1997-06-04 | 2000-06-20 | Knoll, Inc. | Multi-adjustable armrest assembly |
US5896602A (en) | 1997-08-13 | 1999-04-27 | Marblestone; Laura G. | Adjustable chair for transfer of patients |
JPH11104190A (en) | 1997-09-30 | 1999-04-20 | Nippon Signal Co Ltd:The | Bed with mechanism for assisting patient to stand up |
DE29821875U1 (en) | 1998-12-09 | 1999-02-04 | Sichelschmidt Stanzwerk | Armchair with stand-up aid |
US7034690B2 (en) | 1999-02-09 | 2006-04-25 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Infant monitoring system and method |
NL1011365C2 (en) | 1999-02-22 | 2000-08-24 | Soweco N V | Adjustable seat. |
JP2002537902A (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2002-11-12 | バートン メディカル コーポレーション | Patient transfer system |
US6024411A (en) | 1999-03-17 | 2000-02-15 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Seat mounted cupholder adapted for seat riser fold and tumble mechanism |
US6330926B1 (en) | 1999-09-15 | 2001-12-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Stretcher having a motorized wheel |
US6792633B1 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2004-09-21 | Takano Co., Ltd. | Stretcher |
US6161229A (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2000-12-19 | Assist Healthcare, Llc | Powered lift toilet seat with armrests |
US6533304B2 (en) | 1999-12-02 | 2003-03-18 | University Of Puerto Rico | Mechanically assisted standing wheelchair |
JP2001178779A (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2001-07-03 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Stand-up assisting chair |
US6296313B1 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2001-10-02 | Wen Sang Plastics Co., Ltd | Adjusting device for an armrest of a chair |
US6454285B1 (en) | 2000-03-21 | 2002-09-24 | Larry Koenig | Ergonomic wheelchair with patient lifting mechanism |
US6594837B2 (en) | 2000-03-30 | 2003-07-22 | George Khait | Service bed |
US6876303B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2005-04-05 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital monitoring and control system and method |
US6540250B1 (en) | 2000-05-12 | 2003-04-01 | Clifford D. Peterson | Height adjustable wheelchair |
US6715784B2 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2004-04-06 | Sunrise Medical Hhg Inc. | Method programming and operating a wheelchair having tilt and recline functions |
US6616607B2 (en) | 2000-10-18 | 2003-09-09 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | State information acquisition system, state information acquisition apparatus, attachable terminal apparatus, and state information acquisition method |
NL1017192C2 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-07-26 | Revab Bv | Wheelchair provided with a swiveling device near the knee of a user. |
US6533353B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2003-03-18 | Craig D. Johnston | Lift chair with adjustable arm rests |
US6612985B2 (en) | 2001-02-26 | 2003-09-02 | University Of Rochester | Method and system for monitoring and treating a patient |
JP2005506603A (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2005-03-03 | ラジアンス,インク. | System and method for associating objects using a position tracking system in an exhibition |
WO2002091297A1 (en) | 2001-05-08 | 2002-11-14 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Article locating and tracking system |
US6970097B2 (en) | 2001-05-10 | 2005-11-29 | Ge Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc. | Location system using retransmission of identifying information |
US7154397B2 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2006-12-26 | Hill Rom Services, Inc. | Patient point-of-care computer system |
EP2308395A1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2011-04-13 | Stryker Corporation | Surgical tool system including a navigation unit that receives information about the implant the system is to implant and that responds to the received information |
CH695010A5 (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2005-11-15 | Levo Ag | Stand-up wheelchair. |
CH694982A5 (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2005-10-31 | Levo Ag | Stand-up wheelchair. |
US8065024B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2011-11-22 | Paramount Bed Co., Ltd. | Coordinative control system for adjusting the back and knee bottom sections of an adjustable bed |
CN1666218A (en) | 2002-06-06 | 2005-09-07 | 成套仪器公司 | Method and system for selectively monitoring activities in a tracking environment |
DE10234715B8 (en) | 2002-07-30 | 2008-04-03 | Röchling Automotive AG & Co. KG | Rotatable body with unlocking element |
US7058999B2 (en) | 2002-10-24 | 2006-06-13 | Paramount Bed Co., Ltd. | Electric bed and control apparatus and control method therefor |
DE20303000U1 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2003-07-17 | Sander Wolfgang | Mobile electrical, height adjustable and tiltable shower and toilet chair has asynchronous parallelogram enabling simultaneous raising and tilting, further tilting motion into lying position |
DE10309210B4 (en) | 2003-02-28 | 2006-04-27 | Leica Mikrosysteme Gmbh | Use of a transport container for slides for immunological marking for tissue thin sections |
WO2004093023A2 (en) | 2003-04-11 | 2004-10-28 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Article locating and tracking apparatus and method |
KR100554450B1 (en) | 2003-05-07 | 2006-03-03 | 주식회사 우보테크 | Armrest for cars |
WO2004104619A1 (en) | 2003-05-14 | 2004-12-02 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Combined locating, tracking and communications system with active radio frequency and infrared id tags |
US7021713B2 (en) | 2003-07-25 | 2006-04-04 | Dynamic Healthtech Inc | Seat elevating mechanism for chair |
EP1506760A1 (en) | 2003-08-15 | 2005-02-16 | Pride Mobility Products, Corporation | Constant center of gravity lift and tilt mechanisms for a wheelchair seat |
ATE460915T1 (en) | 2003-08-18 | 2010-04-15 | Corcost Ltd | RAISED SEAT |
EP1665479A4 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2008-01-23 | Hill Rom Services Inc | Plug and receptacle having wired and wireless coupling |
US6907630B2 (en) | 2003-10-10 | 2005-06-21 | Midmark Corporation | Load compensation system for power chair |
US7396331B2 (en) | 2003-10-27 | 2008-07-08 | Home Guardian, Llc | System and process for non-invasive collection and analysis of physiological signals |
GB0325358D0 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2003-12-03 | Peter Cook Internat Plc | Powered furniture |
KR20070054595A (en) | 2004-02-05 | 2007-05-29 | 모토리카 리미티드 | Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitation exercise and training |
US7302722B2 (en) | 2004-07-02 | 2007-12-04 | Burke, Inc. | Bariatric transport with improved maneuverability |
EP1621175B1 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2012-06-13 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed having a chair egress position |
US7319386B2 (en) | 2004-08-02 | 2008-01-15 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Configurable system for alerting caregivers |
US7600817B2 (en) | 2004-08-16 | 2009-10-13 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Chair |
US7676862B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-03-16 | Kreg Medical, Inc. | Siderail for hospital bed |
US7743441B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-06-29 | Kreg Therapeutics, Inc. | Expandable width bed |
DK1799171T3 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2014-06-16 | Stryker Corp | Ambulance bed and hydraulic elevation mechanism therefor |
US7398571B2 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2008-07-15 | Stryker Corporation | Ambulance cot and hydraulic elevating mechanism therefor |
US7090297B2 (en) | 2004-10-13 | 2006-08-15 | La-Z-Boy Incorporated | Heavy lift chair |
JP4866361B2 (en) | 2004-10-29 | 2012-02-01 | スカイフック ワイヤレス,インク. | Location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location-based service using the same |
CN101287405B (en) | 2005-03-29 | 2011-06-29 | 史赛克加拿大管理有限公司 | Location detection system for a patient handling device |
US7788748B2 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2010-09-07 | Piedmont Global Solutions, Inc. | Hospital beds with a rotating sleep surface that can translate into a chair configuration |
US20060238007A1 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2006-10-26 | Lin Chang C | Chair with aid in lying back and getting up |
US7708093B1 (en) | 2005-06-08 | 2010-05-04 | Russell Marvin Baker | Motorized wheelchair with stand-up capability |
AU2006262282B2 (en) | 2005-06-28 | 2012-11-01 | Stryker Corporation | Powered surgical tool with control module that contains a sensor for remotely monitoring the tool power generating unit |
DE102005038029B3 (en) | 2005-08-08 | 2006-11-09 | Otto Bock Healthcare Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg | Wheelchair, with a seat which can be raised and lowered, has slits in the rear ends of the longitudinal rails under the seat to take the lower end of the backrest with a sliding movement for seat height adjustment |
DE102005038030B4 (en) | 2005-08-08 | 2007-08-09 | Otto Bock Healthcare Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg | Stand-up wheelchair |
CA2556493C (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2011-05-03 | Bed-Check Corporation | Method and apparatus for temporarily disabling a patient monitor |
FR2890855B1 (en) | 2005-09-20 | 2007-12-14 | Lifestand Vivre Debout Soc Res | VERTICALIZING SEAT WITH MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE INCLINATION OF THE FOOTREST IN A VERTICALIZED POSITION. |
US20070089238A1 (en) | 2005-10-26 | 2007-04-26 | Leisure-Lift, Inc. | Multipositional bariatric bed |
US7637464B2 (en) | 2006-01-19 | 2009-12-29 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support with mobile IV stand transport handle |
WO2007113395A1 (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2007-10-11 | Lifestand 'vivre Debout' | Multi-position chair for handicapped user |
US7455360B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2008-11-25 | L & P Property Management | Seating furniture with lift mechanism |
US20100219668A1 (en) | 2006-05-12 | 2010-09-02 | Liftseat Corporation | Devices and Methods for Lift Assistance |
ITPD20060208A1 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-25 | Vassilli Srl | WHEELCHAIR FOR REHABILITATION THAT IS VERTICALIZED OF A PERFECT TYPE |
CN2915071Y (en) | 2006-06-15 | 2007-06-27 | 刘国荣 | A critically sicked patients transportation vehicle |
US7461896B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2008-12-09 | Intel Corporation | System and device for monitoring and assisting human gross motor skills |
SE532937C2 (en) | 2006-09-19 | 2010-05-11 | Permobil Ab | Control system for a wheelchair |
EP1917948A3 (en) | 2006-11-06 | 2009-03-18 | Sunrise Medical GmbH & Co. KG | Personal mobility vehicle |
US7899006B2 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2011-03-01 | Zebra Enterprise Solutions Corp. | Location system for wireless local area network (WLAN) using RSSI and time difference of arrival (TDOA) processing |
CN200960241Y (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2007-10-17 | 山东省千佛山医院 | Special purpose transport cart for intervenient therapy patients |
JP4857156B2 (en) | 2007-03-12 | 2012-01-18 | パラマウントベッド株式会社 | Electric bed and control method thereof |
ITPD20070189A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-11-30 | Vassilli Srl | WHEELCHAIR THAT IS VERTICALIZED SIMPLIFIED. |
US20100186163A1 (en) | 2007-07-18 | 2010-07-29 | Torra Sorribes Miguel Angel | Raising wheelchair convertible to a stretcher |
US20100212087A1 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2010-08-26 | Roger Leib | Integrated patient room |
ATE538690T1 (en) | 2007-08-11 | 2012-01-15 | Linak As | REST FURNITURE LIKE A BED OR A CHAIR |
US8461968B2 (en) | 2007-08-29 | 2013-06-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Mattress for a hospital bed for use in a healthcare facility and management of same |
US8082160B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2011-12-20 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for collection and communication of data from multiple patient care devices |
US8104118B2 (en) | 2008-01-21 | 2012-01-31 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
US8123664B2 (en) | 2008-01-22 | 2012-02-28 | Invacare Corp. | Seat |
US7953537B2 (en) | 2008-02-29 | 2011-05-31 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Algorithm for power drive speed control |
US7874620B2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2011-01-25 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Health care chair |
CA2720399A1 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2009-10-29 | Ergo-Asyst Technology Llc | Multi-functional patient transfer device |
US7896442B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2011-03-01 | White William L | Method and apparatus to ingress and egress of chair |
US8375489B2 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2013-02-19 | Piedmont 361, Llc | Hospital chair beds with drop foot section |
US8495774B2 (en) | 2008-09-12 | 2013-07-30 | Piedmont 361, Llc | Hospital chair beds with articulating foot sections |
TWI361062B (en) | 2008-09-17 | 2012-04-01 | Ind Tech Res Inst | Wheelchair |
TWM355257U (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2009-04-21 | Peterson Internat Corp | Auxiliary supporting apparatus for sitting and standing |
TW201019894A (en) | 2008-11-25 | 2010-06-01 | Metal Ind Res Anddevelopment Ct | Smart-type hospital bed system |
US7862123B2 (en) | 2008-11-27 | 2011-01-04 | Medical Technologies Industries | Articulated chair having universal reclining armrest system |
JP2010154929A (en) | 2008-12-26 | 2010-07-15 | Gifu Univ | Standing assisting chair |
US8516637B2 (en) | 2009-08-05 | 2013-08-27 | B & R Holdings Company, Llc | Patient care and transport assembly |
US8437876B2 (en) | 2009-08-07 | 2013-05-07 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient health based support apparatus configuration |
US8525679B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2013-09-03 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Sensor control for apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
US8531307B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2013-09-10 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support surface index control |
US8667028B2 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2014-03-04 | At&T Global Network Services Deutschland Gmbh | System and method to determine database schema impact |
AU2010300943B2 (en) | 2009-10-02 | 2013-11-28 | Stryker Corporation | Ambulance cot and loading and unloading system |
TWM377214U (en) | 2009-10-12 | 2010-04-01 | Jian-Ming Huang | Device for assisting to stand |
US20110121626A1 (en) | 2009-11-23 | 2011-05-26 | Safety Lift Chair Associates, LLC | Lift chair |
US9265677B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2016-02-23 | Piedmont 361, Llc | Hospital chair beds with stowable stand-assist supports |
TW201124123A (en) | 2010-01-13 | 2011-07-16 | Univ Nat Taiwan Science Tech | Interface apparatus for manipulating wheelchair and wheelchair using the same |
WO2011100556A2 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2011-08-18 | Snow Solutions Llc | Convertible wheelchairs with movable carriages for transferring patients to/from the wheelchairs |
WO2011113070A1 (en) | 2010-03-07 | 2011-09-15 | Centauri Medical, INC. | Systems, devices and methods for preventing, detecting, and treating pressure-induced ischemia, pressure ulcers, and other conditions |
AU2011227308B2 (en) | 2010-03-16 | 2014-10-09 | Invacare Corporation | Wheelchair seat assembly |
DE102010014126B4 (en) | 2010-04-07 | 2011-11-10 | Ferdinand Lusch Gmbh & Co. Kg | Seating furniture with a seat pivotable in a standing-up assistance position |
JP6192032B2 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2017-09-06 | リーフ ヘルスケア インコーポレイテッド | A system for monitoring a patient's physiological status |
US20120104818A1 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2012-05-03 | Dennis Kimble Morris | Portable, Powered Chair Lift |
US20110266840A1 (en) | 2010-05-03 | 2011-11-03 | Strength Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd. | Foldable assistive stand-up chair |
US8856982B1 (en) | 2010-07-13 | 2014-10-14 | Christopher George Kalivas | Motion bed |
US8522379B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2013-09-03 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed foot section with caster cutouts |
US8413273B2 (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2013-04-09 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Control of hospital bed chair egress configuration based on patient physiology |
US8959681B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2015-02-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Ground sensor control of foot section retraction |
US8398171B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2013-03-19 | Cycling & Health Tech Industry R & D Center | Lift chair |
DE102011006359B4 (en) | 2011-03-29 | 2015-03-19 | MATIA ROBOTICS MEKATRONiK SiSTEMLER AR-GE MÜHENDiSLiK YAZILIM SANAYi VE TiCARET ANONiM SiRICETI | Mobility device for physically handicapped persons and method for raising a seated disabled person and for fixing the person standing on a self-propelled mobility device |
US8973997B2 (en) | 2011-07-19 | 2015-03-10 | Skip's Patents, Llc | Seat structure with sit-to-stand feature |
ITPR20110066A1 (en) | 2011-07-25 | 2013-01-26 | Spencer Italia Srl | WHEEL-CHANNEL WELDING CHAIR FOR PATIENT TRANSPORT WITH MANUAL AND / OR PEDAL DEVICE FOR CONTEMPORARY BRAKING OF REAR WHEELS AND AUTOMATIC CLOSING DEVICE. |
US9138173B2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2015-09-22 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for bed and patient mobility device interoperability |
JP2015500084A (en) | 2011-12-06 | 2015-01-05 | ガネル,ラン | wheelchair |
WO2013086620A1 (en) | 2011-12-16 | 2013-06-20 | Chg Hospital Beds Inc. | Patient support overload or obstruction detection |
KR101317245B1 (en) | 2011-12-29 | 2013-10-15 | 주식회사 하이로닉 | Medical bed for preventing fall |
US9179248B2 (en) | 2012-03-16 | 2015-11-03 | MCube Inc. | Methods and devices for position determination using regional minimal residual estimation |
US9700247B2 (en) * | 2012-03-21 | 2017-07-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support apparatus with redundant identity verification |
WO2013173712A1 (en) | 2012-05-18 | 2013-11-21 | University Of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated | PATIENT IN-TtHE-LOOP PARTICIPATORY CARE AND MONITORING |
US9569591B2 (en) | 2012-05-31 | 2017-02-14 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Configurable user interface systems for hospital bed |
US8887272B2 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-11-11 | General Electric Company | Medical device customization system |
US9966997B2 (en) | 2012-09-17 | 2018-05-08 | Stryker Corporation | Communication systems for patient support apparatuses |
US9259369B2 (en) | 2012-09-18 | 2016-02-16 | Stryker Corporation | Powered patient support apparatus |
US9125779B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2015-09-08 | Elwha Llc | Automated systems, devices, and methods for transporting and supporting patients |
US9539155B2 (en) | 2012-10-26 | 2017-01-10 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Control system for patient support apparatus |
US9887921B2 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2018-02-06 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Methods and nodes for handling congestion in backhaul networks |
US9782005B2 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2017-10-10 | Stryker Corporation | Medical support apparatus |
US9320444B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-04-26 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus with patient information sensors |
CA2903552C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-08-24 | Stryker Corporation | Medical support apparatus |
DK178035B1 (en) * | 2013-03-26 | 2015-04-07 | Revac Aps | Apparatus and method for assisting impaired or disabled persons |
US10026505B2 (en) * | 2013-03-26 | 2018-07-17 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support with dynamic bar code generator |
US10290071B2 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2019-05-14 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Universal caregiver interface |
WO2014172700A1 (en) | 2013-04-19 | 2014-10-23 | The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York | Four bar apparatus and method for lifting, lowering, exercise and self-propelled transit |
EP3038583B1 (en) | 2013-08-28 | 2018-01-10 | Upnride Robotics Ltd | Standing wheelchair |
US10188569B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2019-01-29 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US9830424B2 (en) | 2013-09-18 | 2017-11-28 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed/room/patient association systems and methods |
US9358169B2 (en) | 2013-10-04 | 2016-06-07 | Gendron, Inc. | Drive system for bed |
US20150105636A1 (en) | 2013-10-10 | 2015-04-16 | Covidien Lp | System and method for emergency resuscitation |
US9463126B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2016-10-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Caregiver universal remote cart for patient bed control |
US20170035628A1 (en) | 2014-07-07 | 2017-02-09 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support |
WO2016020883A1 (en) * | 2014-08-07 | 2016-02-11 | Fakhrizadeh Mohammad | Multi-functional and multipositional bed |
US10188567B2 (en) | 2014-10-30 | 2019-01-29 | Byron Wade Wurdeman | Hospital chair beds with extendable/retractable foot sections |
CN204306991U (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2015-05-06 | 高国胜 | The special auxiliary chair for closet of a kind of people with disability |
US10403401B2 (en) * | 2014-11-19 | 2019-09-03 | Stryker Corporation | Medical apparatus with selectively enabled features |
CN204655317U (en) | 2015-05-12 | 2015-09-23 | 上海理工大学 | There is the horizontal lying-type wheelchair of standing of body turning function |
CN104887425B (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2017-12-15 | 温州医科大学附属第二医院、温州医科大学附属育英儿童医院 | A kind of safety feedback control device of intelligent rehabilitation vertical bed |
US10905609B2 (en) | 2015-11-20 | 2021-02-02 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
US11020297B2 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2021-06-01 | Stryker Corporation | Powered side rail for a patient support apparatus |
US10813806B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 | 2020-10-27 | Stryker Corporation | Medical support apparatus with stand assistance |
-
2016
- 2016-12-05 US US15/369,188 patent/US11020295B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-04-29 US US17/243,878 patent/US20210244586A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2023
- 2023-03-29 US US18/127,997 patent/US20230233391A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1990014816A1 (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1990-12-13 | Mediscus Products Limited | Therapeutic turning bed |
EP0656183A2 (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1995-06-07 | Lectus, Inc. | Patient care system |
EP2327385A2 (en) * | 1999-12-29 | 2011-06-01 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support with barrier |
US20020196141A1 (en) * | 2001-05-04 | 2002-12-26 | Boone Otho N. | Apparatus and method for patient point-of-care data management |
WO2007075701A2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-07-05 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
WO2007075699A2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-07-05 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
US20070157385A1 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-07-12 | Stryker Corporation | Hospital bed |
US20160242681A1 (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2016-08-25 | Leaf Healthcare, Inc. | Pressure Ulcer Detection Methods, Devices and Techniques |
US20120073054A1 (en) * | 2010-09-28 | 2012-03-29 | O'keefe Christopher R | Hospital bed with chair lockout |
US20120259248A1 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2012-10-11 | Receveur Timothy J | Person Support Apparatus with Activity and Mobility Sensing |
US20130205501A1 (en) * | 2012-02-15 | 2013-08-15 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus and controls therefor |
WO2015032003A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Chg Hospital Beds Inc. | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
EP2910226A1 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2015-08-26 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Electric bed |
US20150129333A1 (en) * | 2013-11-14 | 2015-05-14 | Transmotion Medical, Inc. | Control System and Method for Transport Device |
US10290373B2 (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2019-05-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Patient couch with a control system and method for controlling the patient couch |
WO2016108582A1 (en) * | 2014-12-29 | 2016-07-07 | 드림비전스주식회사 | Smart bed system and control method |
US20160235610A1 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-08-18 | Allen Medical Systems, Inc. | Using patient monitoring data to control a person support apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11020295B2 (en) | 2021-06-01 |
US20170172827A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 |
US20230233391A1 (en) | 2023-07-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210244586A1 (en) | Patient Support Systems And Methods For Assisting Caregivers With Patient Care | |
US11801179B2 (en) | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care | |
US10881568B2 (en) | Method for automatically adjusting the height of a patient support | |
US20230225919A1 (en) | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care | |
US10363181B2 (en) | Patient position detection for patient support apparatus | |
US11723821B2 (en) | Patient support apparatus for controlling patient ingress and egress | |
EP3058869A1 (en) | Monitoring a patient's state to control the patient support | |
CN114555026B (en) | Tilting/lifting chair | |
JP2022504915A (en) | Smart bed system | |
US10898399B2 (en) | User controls for patient support apparatus having low height | |
EP3108921B1 (en) | Patient support system for monitoring and controlling sleep | |
US20210106478A1 (en) | Techniques for notifying persons within a vicinity of a patient support apparatus of a remote control function | |
US10413462B2 (en) | Bed apparatus and bed apparatus control method | |
EP3400925A1 (en) | System for adjusting a patient support surface | |
US20220386776A1 (en) | Tilting/lifting chair | |
US20230301851A1 (en) | Seating system | |
US20200163818A1 (en) | Patient support apparatus with notification system | |
AU2021271826A1 (en) | Beds and other body support devices with individually controllable cells comprising one or more air bladders | |
CN117979936A (en) | Bed for turning patient |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: STRYKER CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHAAF, DARREN G.;PAUL, ANISH;BHIMAVARAPU, KRISHNA;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20160208 TO 20190320;REEL/FRAME:056227/0513 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |