Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, cot, recliner, or the like, includes an exit detection system having a plurality of force sensors that support the weight of an occupant positioned on a support surface. The force sensors are part of an exit detection system that issues an alarm when the occupant exits, or is about to exit, the person support apparatus. The distribution of weight applied to the force sensors is used to determine if the occupant is about to exit the person support apparatus. Compensation is made to the exit detection system for changes in the weight distribution that are not caused by movement of the occupant. Such changes may be due to siderail movement, support surface pivoting, and/or movement of other components of the person support apparatus.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more units that are adapted monitor the radio frequency conditions of a facility or portion of the facility. The units include a packet sniffer and/or an RF spectrum analyzer. Sniffed packets and spectrum data are recorded and made available for analysis and display, either locally on the units or at one or more remote locations. The locations of the units are also gathered, thereby enabling correlation of the sniffed packets and/or RF spectrum data with locations within the facility. Real time RF conditions can thereby be gathered and used to improve the wireless communications within the facility and/or to ensure the wireless communication infrastructure of the facility is operating satisfactorily. The units may be person support apparatuses, such as beds, chairs, stretchers, cots, or the like.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, chair, or the like, includes a frame, a support surface supported by the frame, a plurality of load cells that detect weight supported on the support surface, at least one A/D converter, and a controller. The load cells output analog signals that are converted to digital by the A/D converters. The controller switches a sampling rate of the A/D converters between at least first and second rates. The outputs from the load cells are forwarded to a plurality of signal acquisition nodes that include the A/D converters. The nodes are positioned at locations that minimize the length of travel of the analog signals, thereby reducing noise interference. Shivering, occupant absence/presence, vital signs, occupant movement, and/or other parameters are detected by the load cells.

Abstract: A location detection system identifies the locations of medical devices such as patient support apparatuses and/or patient care devices within a medical facility. The devices communicate via a wired connection to one or more medical facility systems (e.g. nurse call system, computer network, etc.), and/or via a wireless connection to such systems. The location detection system automatically determines location information of the devices and communicates the location information so that the recipient of any outgoing alerts and/or other information sent from the devices is apprised of the location of the particular device sending the alert or other information. Caregivers are thereby able to respond to the correct location of an alert, and software systems such as EMR systems, admission discharge and transfer (ADT) systems, etc. are able to correlate transmitted device data with the location and/or patient assigned to that location.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a plurality of primary sensors adapted to measure different parameters used in the control of the patient support apparatus. One or more suites of secondary sensors are added to the patient support apparatus to provide data about the primary sensors. The secondary sensors may be used to detect errors in the primary sensors, to modify outputs from the primary sensors, and/or to provide usage and/or diagnostic data about the use of the patient support apparatus. The suite(s) of secondary sensors may measure parameters that affect the outputs of one or more of the primary sensors. In some embodiments, the suite(s) of secondary sensors include one or more dormant sensors that are not used on the patient support apparatus until a code modification is received from one or more external sources instructing the control system of the patient support apparatus to begin using the dormant sensor(s).

Abstract: A location detection system identifies the locations of medical devices such as patient support apparatuses and/or patient care devices within a medical facility. The devices communicate via a wired connection to one or more medical facility systems (e.g. nurse call system, computer network, etc.), and/or via a wireless connection to such systems. The location detection system automatically determines location information of the devices and communicates the location information so that the recipient of any outgoing alerts and/or other information sent from the devices is apprised of the location of the particular device sending the alert or other information. Caregivers are thereby able to respond to the correct location of an alert, and software systems such as EMR systems, admission discharge and transfer (ADT) systems, etc. are able to correlate transmitted device data with the location and/or patient assigned to that location.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more units that are adapted monitor the radio frequency conditions of a facility or portion of the facility. The units include a packet sniffer and/or an RF spectrum analyzer. Sniffed packets and spectrum data are recorded and made available for analysis and display, either locally on the units or at one or more remote locations. The locations of the units are also gathered, thereby enabling correlation of the sniffed packets and/or RF spectrum data with locations within the facility. Real time RF conditions can thereby be gathered and used to improve the wireless communications within the facility and/or to ensure the wireless communication infrastructure of the facility is operating satisfactorily. The units may be person support apparatuses, such as beds, chairs, stretchers, cots, or the like.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, includes an exit detection system that utilizes an occupant motion parameter to determine whether to issue an alert or not. The motion parameter may be based on the weight and motion of the occupant. Successive positions of the occupant are determined in order to calculate a velocity of the occupant. In some embodiments, the kinetic energy of the occupant is used to determine if an alert should be issued. Objects positioned on the person support apparatus may also be detected and tracked. Auto-zeroing of a built-in scale, as well as automatic recognition of the removal, movement, and/or addition of objects is also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more units that are adapted monitor the radio frequency conditions of a facility or portion of the facility. The units include a packet sniffer and/or an RF spectrum analyzer. Sniffed packets and spectrum data are recorded and made available for analysis and display, either locally on the units or at one or more remote locations. The locations of the units are also gathered, thereby enabling correlation of the sniffed packets and/or RF spectrum data with locations within the facility. Real time RF conditions can thereby be gathered and used to improve the wireless communications within the facility and/or to ensure the wireless communication infrastructure of the facility is operating satisfactorily. The units may be person support apparatuses, such as beds, chairs, stretchers, cots, or the like.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a plurality of primary sensors adapted to measure different parameters used in the control of the patient support apparatus. One or more suites of secondary sensors are added to the patient support apparatus to provide data about the primary sensors. The secondary sensors may be used to detect errors in the primary sensors, to modify outputs from the primary sensors, and/or to provide usage and/or diagnostic data about the use of the patient support apparatus. The suite(s) of secondary sensors may measure parameters that affect the outputs of one or more of the primary sensors. In some embodiments, the suite(s) of secondary sensors include one or more dormant sensors that are not used on the patient support apparatus until a code modification is received from one or more external sources instructing the control system of the patient support apparatus to begin using the dormant sensor(s).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a plurality of primary sensors adapted to measure different parameters used in the control of the patient support apparatus. One or more suites of secondary sensors are added to the patient support apparatus to provide data about the primary sensors. The secondary sensors may be used to detect errors in the primary sensors, to modify outputs from the primary sensors, and/or to provide usage and/or diagnostic data about the use of the patient support apparatus. The suite(s) of secondary sensors may measure parameters that affect the outputs of one or more of the primary sensors. In some embodiments, the suite(s) of secondary sensors include one or more dormant sensors that are not used on the patient support apparatus until a code modification is received from one or more external sources instructing the control system of the patient support apparatus to begin using the dormant sensor(s).

Abstract: A location detection system identifies the locations of medical devices such as patient support apparatuses and/or patient care devices within a medical facility. The devices communicate via a wired connection to one or more medical facility systems (e.g. nurse call system, computer network, etc.), and/or via a wireless connection to such systems. The location detection system automatically determines location information of the devices and communicates the location information so that the recipient of any outgoing alerts and/or other information sent from the devices is apprised of the location of the particular device sending the alert or other information. Caregivers are thereby able to respond to the correct location of an alert, and software systems such as EMR systems, admission discharge and transfer (ADT) systems, etc. are able to correlate transmitted device data with the location and/or patient assigned to that location.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, that includes a sensor adapted to detect movement of the occupant while the occupant is supported on the support apparatus. A controller monitors outputs from the sensor in response to a mobility assessment control being activated. After monitoring the outputs for a period of time, the controller generates a mobility score based on the outputs from the sensor. In some embodiments, the controller use outputs from the sensor to determine which region of a defined surface area the patient has moved to. The controller records these visited regions over a time period and uses them to generate the mobility assessment. The mobility assessment provides an objective measure of an important factor used in predicting a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, chair, or the like, includes a frame, a support surface supported by the frame, a plurality of load cells that detect weight supported on the support surface, at least one A/D converter, and a controller. The load cells output analog signals that are converted to digital by the A/D converters. The controller switches a sampling rate of the A/D converters between at least first and second rates. The outputs from the load cells are forwarded to a plurality of signal acquisition nodes that include the A/D converters. The nodes are positioned at locations that minimize the length of travel of the analog signals, thereby reducing noise interference. Shivering, occupant absence/presence, vital signs, occupant movement, and/or other parameters are detected by the load cells.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support surface, one or more force sensors that detect weight on the patient support surface, a recharger, and a controller. The recharger is adapted to recharge a personal electronic device of the patient's. The controller controls power supplied to the recharger based on outputs from the force sensors. Additionally or alternatively, a barrier is provided having a coil therein. The recharger includes a magnet for magnetically coupling to the barrier, and the recharger wirelessly receives power from the coil when the recharger is magnetically coupled to the barrier. Alternatively, the magnet holds a personal electronic device that receives power wirelessly from a coil inside the barrier. In still another variation, a pendant is included for controlling movement of the patient support apparatus and the pendant includes a recharger adapted to recharge a personal electronic device.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A location detection system identifies the locations of medical devices such as patient support apparatuses and/or patient care devices within a medical facility. The devices communicate via a wired connection to one or more medical facility systems (e.g. nurse call system, computer network, etc.), and/or via a wireless connection to such systems. The location detection system automatically determines location information of the devices and communicates the location information so that the recipient of any outgoing alerts and/or other information sent from the devices is apprised of the location of the particular device sending the alert or other information. Caregivers are thereby able to respond to the correct location of an alert, and software systems such as EMR systems, admission discharge and transfer (ADT) systems, etc. are able to correlate transmitted device data with the location and/or patient assigned to that location.

Abstract: A first node of a patient care device processes data relating to the patient care device and sets a public variable equal to a value of the data. A second node receives the public variable from the first node, sets a private variable equal to the value of the public variable, and executes a software program that reads the private variable but not the public variable. In other embodiments, the second node checks to see if the public variable is registered at the second node, and if so, uses the private variable in carrying out a function. The first node executes a first software program that sets the public variable to the value and relies on a service to share the value with the second node. The sharing occurs despite the first software program not containing any instructions for transmitting the value or variable to the second node.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more units that are adapted monitor the radio frequency conditions of a facility or portion of the facility. The units include a packet sniffer and/or an RF spectrum analyzer. Sniffed packets and spectrum data are recorded and made available for analysis and display, either locally on the units or at one or more remote locations. The locations of the units are also gathered, thereby enabling correlation of the sniffed packets and/or RF spectrum data with locations within the facility. Real time RF conditions can thereby be gathered and used to improve the wireless communications within the facility and/or to ensure the wireless communication infrastructure of the facility is operating satisfactorily. The units may be person support apparatuses, such as beds, chairs, stretchers, cots, or the like.