Abstract: A patient control unit for controlling functions of a hospital bed includes a housing having a first side that includes a plurality of user inputs to control the functions of the hospital bed. The housing has a second side that includes a dock to secure a handheld phone in place on the housing. A hospital bed has a head-of-bed angle (HOBA) lockout selector that is used to signal a controller to prevent a head section of the bed from being moved below a threshold.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a system for monitoring a patient in a bed, the system comprising a camera, a user interface comprising a screen, and a computing system. The computing system can be configured to monitor, with the camera, for motion within each of a plurality of zones, the plurality of zones comprising a one or more inner zones extending adjacent along the bed, one or more outer zones extending adjacent along the one or more inner zones, and one or more end zones. Motion within the inner zones can trigger a fall alert while motion within the outer or end zones can suspend one or more functions to prevent the fall alert from being issued. The end zones can comprise a bottom zone and one or more top zones.

Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.

Abstract: An occupant support comprises an occupant support structure which includes an occupant position monitoring system comprising a sensor for producing a sensor output signal as a function of occupant position on the occupant support structure, and an alarm state selector for enabling or disabling an alarm. A controller receives the sensor output signal and produces a controller output signal for commanding the alarm and a nonalarm device such that such that when the alarm is disabled the controller output signal governs operation of the nonalarm device but not operation of the alarm device and when the alarm is enabled the controller output signal governs operation of the nonalarm device and the alarm device.

Abstract: A moisture detection and alarming system connected to a person-support apparatus has been described. The system comprises a moisture detection sheet connected to at least one pressure sensor, at least moisture sensor and a controller. The pressure sensor can be configured to send a signal to the controller. The controller can be configured to receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and determine the presence of a person supported on the person support apparatus. If a person is supported on the person-support apparatus then a moisture sensor is activated by the controller to sense the moisture content on a mattress pad. If the moisture content on the mattress pad is out of a predefined range then an alarming unit can be activated. The controller may further be connected to at least one of a hospital network, communication station and nurse call system.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a bed exit alarm system including an audible alarm that sounds when an alert condition is detected, such as when a patient exits the bed or moves toward exiting the bed. The bed exit alarm system includes at least one user input that is used to enable the bed exit alarm system and a bed exit alarm silence input that stops the audible alarm from sounding or that prevents the alarm from sounding. The bed exit alarm system is configured such that after the bed exit alarm silence input is used, the bed exit alarm system is re-enabled automatically without any action by a caregiver in response to one or more sensors sensing that the patient is, once again, supported on the bed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein related to person support apparatuses and systems, and in particular, to such apparatuses and systems that incorporate or are used with vital signs monitoring devices.

Abstract: A bed for use with a patient coupled to a medical device via at least one patient care line is provided. The bed includes a frame including at least one movable patient support section and an actuator coupled to the movable patient support section. The actuator is operable to move the movable patient support section. The bed also includes control circuitry that is coupled to the actuator to command operation of the actuator. The control circuitry ceases operation of the actuator in response to receiving a signal indicative of an unwanted condition of the at least one patient care line.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing an improved bed pad, seatbelt or floor mat sensor monitoring system with the ability to detect a connection failure between the monitoring module and the target sensor by monitoring the connection for loss of data being transmitted or returned (looped back) by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: A weighing system and method associated with a mattress is operable to determine a patient weight value while the patient is positioned on the mattress.

Abstract: A bed exit and patient detection system especially adapted for use in the general medical or surgical floor area of a hospital or other healthcare facility as part of a vital signs monitoring and remote warning system includes a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in the patient's bed in a series of rectangular strips or zones that run laterally across the bed in the area of the patient's mid-back, hips and mid-legs, respectively. Each zone contains a plurality of sensors, arranged symmetrically about the centerline of the bed, with the corresponding sensors on opposite sides of the centerline in each zone being connected in parallel. The sensors are connected to a processor with multiple input channels that continuously monitors the sensor states to determine, from the pattern of sensor states observed, whether the patient is in bed, out of bed or is actively attempting to exit the bed at the sides or foot of the bed.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary frame, a first head deck mattress support member supported by the frame, a second seat deck mattress support member supported by the frame and pivotally coupled to the head deck mattress support member, a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring, and a motorized drive assembly operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and to the first mattress support member. The adjustable bed may be such that detection of the snoring sound actuates the motorized drive assembly thereby causing relative movement of the first mattress support member with respect to the second mattress support member. The sensor assembly may further be adapted to recognize a sound associated with snoring of a particular person and actuation of the motorized drive assembly may move the first mattress support member between an inclined position and a horizontal flat position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cushioning device. The present cushioning device has many attributes that are common with many cushions. Some of these common attributes are at least one bladder having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side surface positioned between the top and the bottom surfaces. Another common attribute is a bladder cavity being defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the at least one side surface. The present invention differs from other bladders in that there is a first conductive material and a second conductive material are positioned within the bladder cavity, positioned away from the bottom surface of the bladder, and capable of acting like a switch for a reactive device. The reactive device is electrically interconnected with the first and second conductive materials. When the first and second conductive materials contact each other the reactive device is capable of responding by sounding an alarm and/or re-inflating the bladder cavity with a fluid.

Abstract: A pediatric crib (10) includes a frame (11), a gate (18,19,20,21) mounted on the frame for movement relative thereto between raised and lowered positions, a locking mechanism (27) for selectively holding the gate in a particular position relative to the frame, and a warning device (30) operatively interposed between the gate and frame for indicating when the gate is not in its raised position after passage of a period of time.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact-cushioning device, which is designed to prevent injury when an occupant, confused or otherwise, falls from a height. This may be a bed or bunk, gurney or examination table. The device generally comprises an impact-reducing cushion. This cushion may be air filled or of a variety of impact absorbing materials. Also provided is a means of displacing the cushion to intercept the falling individual before he or she strikes the floor. The departure of the individual from the bed is detected by signals that are generated when one or more edge pressure switches are actuated simultaneously with signals from one or more light beam sensors. Signals thus generated are processed through an electronics module and passed to a solenoid valve. When the valve opens, gas from a canister is passed to a telescoping device. This in turn displaces the cushion. Thus a protective barrier is placed between the bed occupant and the floor.

Abstract: A pillow capable of being highly useful and convenient to a user. An alarm is arranged at a predetermined portion of a stuffed doll which is made in imitation of a real or fanciful animal or the like. The alarm may be actuated through a timer. The timer may be driven through a cell or a spring. The alarm is constructed so as to generate sound, voice, vibration, light or the like.

Abstract: A crib securable to the side of a parent's bed that includes an alarm mechanism for sounding an audible alarm when an infant attempted to climb from the crib onto the parent's bed. The crib is secured to the bedside with a crib structure bed attachment assembly. The crib structure bed attachment assembly includes two spaced under mattress boards extending from a bottom board of an open topped crib structure of the crib, past and perpendicular to a front barrier board, and a safety block secured between forward ends of the two spaced under mattress boards with adjustable length flexible tethers that are sufficiently adjustable such that the safety block is held against sides of a mattress and box spring to hold the front barrier board against an opposite side of the mattress.

Abstract: A pillow with incorporated alarm system including a cover portion defined by a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and the back panel are secured together along an outer periphery thereof. The cover portion contains padded material interiorly thereof. An alarm clock is disposed within the interior of the cover portion. A plurality of pressure sensors are disposed within the interior of the cover portion in a spaced relationship. Each of the sensors are in communication with the alarm clock whereby a lack of pressure will subsequently deactivate the alarm clock when activated.

Abstract: An efficient pump system for transferring air between sets of bladders in a cushion. The pump system utilizes a reversible piston within a cylinder in conjunction with an equalizing valve in the piston which opens when the piston reaches the end of travel in one direction. The weight of a seated user then forces air back across the piston from an inflated bladder to the previously deflated bladder until the pressure is equalized. In this fashion the work done by the pump is cut in half. The inflation and deflation of the different bladders is controlled to vary the pressure on the several pressure points of a seated user. A principal application is for wheel chair use to prevent pressure ulcers.