Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a person support system including support pads having cooling features. According to one embodiment, a person support system may include a longitudinal frame comprising at least one side rail. A support pad may be positioned on the longitudinal frame. The support pad may comprise a thermally conductive core portion comprising a support matrix and at least one thermally conductive element. A cooling source may be thermally coupled to the thermally conductive core portion through the side rail with a connector comprising thermally conductive fibers. The cooling source may draw heat from the thermally conductive core portion through the at least one thermally conductive element and the thermally conductive fibers of the connector thereby cooling at least the thermally conductive core portion of the support pad.

Abstract: A method for detecting the status of a caregiver with respect to one or more patients or detecting possible caregiver impairment includes monitoring an environmental aspect of the patient. The monitored environmental aspect is at least one of caregiver physical activity, caregiver physiological state, and patient surroundings. The method assesses conformance/nonconformance of each monitored aspect relative to a specified norm for that aspect. If the assessment of conformance/nonconformance indicates an intuitive concern of the caregiver or a possible impairment of the caregiver, the method issues a signal to a destination which indicates the possible concern or impairment. A system for carrying out the method includes a sensing subsystem, a processor, and machine readable instructions. The machine readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to identify, in response to information sensed by the sensing subsystem, the possibility of caregiver concern or impairment.

Abstract: A system for detecting potential for infection includes a wound dressing and an electronics component. The wound dressing includes a temperature sensing layer and a cover layer comprising a substrate and a backing layer. The electronics component includes a power source, an electronic control unit (ECU), and a communications interface positioned within a housing and removably coupled to the temperature sensing layer of the wound dressing. The electronics component is configured to receive a plurality of temperature readings from the temperature sensing layer, and provide an indication of potential infection of the wound based the plurality of temperature readings. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of temperature readings corresponds to a temperature of an area around a wound. Methods for preventing infections using the system are also described.

Abstract: Wound dressings including a skin contact layer and a cover layer removably adhered to the top surface of the skin contact layer are described. The skin contact layer includes a lower substrate extending around a central aperture and a lower adhesive. The lower substrate includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The lower adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface of the lower substrate. The cover layer substantially covers the central aperture of the lower substrate, and includes an upper substrate and a backing layer. An upper adhesive is positioned between the top surface of the lower substrate and a bottom surface of the backing layer. In embodiments, the cover layer can be removed and changed while the skin contact layer remains adhered to the skin around a wound.

Abstract: A system for predicting exit from an occupant support, includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, and a frame having at least one force sensor which outputs a force signal in response to force exerted thereon. The system also includes machine readable instructions stored in the memory which cause the system to perform at least the following actions when executed by the processor: 1) determine a property of the signal during an interval of time, 2) classify the property as suggesting an exit event or as not suggesting an exit event, and 3) if the property is classified as suggesting an exit event, generate a notification thereof.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A person support system is disclosed that includes cooling features to provide focal cooling to a subject supported by the person support system. Embodiments of the person support system include a longitudinal frame having at least one side rail, a deck position on the longitudinal frame, a support pad positioned on the deck, and a cooling source thermally coupled to the deck. The deck is a thermally conductive material. The cooling source draws heat from a portion of the support pad, through the top surface of the deck, and through the deck thereby cooling the portion of the support pad. The cooling source may be positioned in the side rail or directly to a bottom surface of the deck. Cooling systems that are removeably coupleable to person support systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: A support apparatus configured to support a person is provided. The support apparatus includes a top surface including one or more predetermined areas, one or more conduits located inside the support apparatus which are located proximate to the one or more predetermined areas, and an air supply configured to provide air to the one or more conduits for delivering to the one or more predetermined areas. The air supply includes a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the air provided by the air supply, a cooling element, and a controller communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and the cooling element. The controller determines whether the measured temperature of the air is higher than a predetermined temperature, and controls the cooling element to cool the air to the predetermined temperature if it is determined that the temperature of the air is higher than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments include cooling articles including a receptacle, an endothermic ingredient contained in a first capsule within the receptacle, an endothermic matrix within the receptacle, and a color indicator. The endothermic ingredient, when mixed with the endothermic matrix, generates an endothermic reaction, and the color indicator is activated upon the generation of the endothermic reaction to indicate that cooling has been initiated. Other embodiments include cooling articles including an electric circuit configured to melt at least a portion of the first capsule to enable the endothermic ingredient and the endothermic matrix to mix. Systems for providing cooling that include a person support apparatus and a cooling article including a thermoelectric device coupled to the person support apparatus to direct heat from a source region to a sink region including the person support apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Systems and processes of locating a medical imaging device relative to a person support apparatus and/or a patient are provided. An example system includes an optical sensor disposed at the person support apparatus and/or the imaging device. In embodiments, optical markers may also be disposed on one or more of the medical imaging device, the person support apparatus and/or patient for determining the relative location of the imaging device and the person support apparatus and/or patient. In other embodiments, an optical sensor may use image recognition processes to determine the relative locations. By locating and positioning the medical imaging device without taking recursive medical images to position the device, the imaging device can be positioned for a subsequent image without exposing the patient and healthcare professionals to additional radiation generated while positioning the medical imaging device, thereby reducing risk to the patient and the medical staff.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a person support system including support pads having cooling features. According to one embodiment, a person support system may include a longitudinal frame comprising at least one side rail. A support pad may be positioned on the longitudinal frame. The support pad may comprise a thermally conductive core portion comprising a support matrix and at least one thermally conductive element. A cooling source may be thermally coupled to the thermally conductive core portion through the side rail with a connector comprising thermally conductive fibers. The cooling source may draw heat from the thermally conductive core portion through the at least one thermally conductive element and the thermally conductive fibers of the connector thereby cooling at least the thermally conductive core portion of the support pad.

Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: Systems and processes of locating a medical imaging device relative to a person support apparatus and/or a patient are provided. An example system includes an optical sensor disposed at the person support apparatus and/or the imaging device. In embodiments, optical markers may also be disposed on one or more of the medical imaging device, the person support apparatus and/or patient for determining the relative location of the imaging device and the person support apparatus and/or patient. In other embodiments, an optical sensor may use image recognition processes to determine the relative locations. By locating and positioning the medical imaging device without taking recursive medical images to position the device, the imaging device can be positioned for a subsequent image without exposing the patient and healthcare professionals to additional radiation generated while positioning the medical imaging device, thereby reducing risk to the patient and the medical staff.