Abstract: A thermal control unit supplies temperature controlled fluid to one or more thermal pads used to control the temperature of a patient. The thermal control unit includes a fluid outlet, fluid inlet, heat exchanger, pump, and a controller. The controller receives first and second data from at least two different sources to determine if the patient is shivering or not. The two different sources may include a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the fluid, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the patient, a tissue oxygenation sensor, a vibration/motion sensor, a thermal image sensor, an electromyograph, and/or other sensors. In some embodiments, the thermal control unit takes one or more automatic actions in response to detection of patient shivering.

Abstract: A thermal control system for controlling a patient's temperature includes a thermal control unit and an off-board computing device. The thermal control unit includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a pump, a heat exchanger, a display, one or more sensors, a transceiver, and a controller. The thermal control system employs one or more machine learning techniques to perform one or more of the following: automatically implement one or more user-preferred settings, automatically predict the occurrence of one or more events based on analyses of prior events, and/or automatically improve one or more algorithms based on analyses of additional sensor data. The machine learning techniques may be implemented onboard the thermal control unit and/or may be implemented at a remote computing device (e.g. a server) that collates and analyzes data from multiple thermal control units, and then sends the results of the analyses back to the thermal control units.

Abstract: A thermal control unit supplies temperature controlled fluid to a patient to control the patient's temperature. The thermal control unit includes a fluid outlet, fluid inlet, heat exchanger, pump, patient core temperature probe port, auxiliary sensor port, and controller. The controller receives patient core temperature readings from the patient temperature probe port and auxiliary sensor readings from the auxiliary sensor port. The controller may control a temperature of the circulating fluid in both a feedback manner using patient core temperature readings and a feedforward manner using readings from the auxiliary sensor. The auxiliary sensor may measure a characteristic of the patient's tissue indicative of thermal resistance, and/or the auxiliary sensor may measure a temperature of the patient's tissue at an intermediate depth. The controller may use the intermediate temperature to predict arrival at a target patient temperature.

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 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 system with chest compression system and harness assembly with sensor system. The harness assembly secures shoulders and hips of the patient on a patient support surface during transport. A chest compression system is integrated into the harness assembly in a manner that provides chest compressions to the patient while the patient is secured on the patient support surface. The tension of the harness assembly is selectively adjusted and/or a fluid bladder may be selectively expanded. A controller is in communication with the chest compression system and controls operation of the chest compression system. The sensor system is integrated into the harness assembly and in communication with the controller. The chest compression system may be removable from the harness assembly via an adapter. The chest compression system may be integrated into the patient support apparatus to secure the patient to the patient support surface while providing chest compressions.

Abstract: A patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, recliner, cot, or the like, includes a frame, a plurality of load cells, a support surface supported by the load cells, a detection circuit, and a controller. The controller determines if any of the load cells are in an error state based upon information from the detection circuit. If the load cells include memory having calibration data stored therein, the controller communicates with the memory and uses the calibration data to determine an amount of weight supported on the surface. The detection circuit may include one or more Wheatstone bridges wherein the controller monitors voltages between midpoints of the Wheatstone bridges. The load cells may include an activation lead that is monitored by the detection circuit and a sensor lead that is used by the controller to determine an amount of weight supported on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A stroke detection device includes a cell phone having a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic of the user of the cell phone. An app executed by the cell phone passively monitors the characteristic to determine if the user has experienced a stroke. The app requests that the user take one or more tests using the cell phone if the presence of a stroke is possible. The tests include the user speaking a specific phrase into the cell phone that is compared to a previously recorded sound sample of the user; the user taking a picture of himself or herself with the cell phone that the app compares to a previous picture of the user; and the user attempting to hold his or her arm out straight while holding the cell phone wherein accelerometers in the phone measure the steadiness of his or her arm.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for controlling a patient's temperature includes a fluid outlet for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to a patient, a pump, a heat exchanger, and a controller that automatically pauses thermal treatment of the patient prior the patient reaching a target temperature. During the pause, the controller assesses a reaction of the patient and changes a temperature of the fluid only inside the thermal control unit if the patient is likely to reach the target temperature without further thermal treatment. However, if the patient is unlikely to reach the target temperature without further thermal treatment, the controller restarts the thermal treatment. The controller may pause thermal treatment again prior to reaching the target temperature and assess the patient's reaction. In some embodiments, the controller may selectively include and exclude a fluid reservoir in a circulation channel within the thermal control unit.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for controlling a patient's temperature includes a fluid outlet for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to a patient, a pump, a heat exchanger, and a controller that automatically pauses thermal treatment of the patient prior the patient reaching a target temperature. During the pause, the controller assesses a reaction of the patient and changes a temperature of the fluid only inside the thermal control unit if the patient is likely to reach the target temperature without further thermal treatment. However, if the patient is unlikely to reach the target temperature without further thermal treatment, the controller restarts the thermal treatment. The controller may pause thermal treatment again prior to reaching the target temperature and assess the patient's reaction. In some embodiments, the controller may selectively include and exclude a fluid reservoir in a circulation channel within the thermal control unit.

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 patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for controlling a patient's temperature includes a fluid outlet for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to a patient, a pump, a heat exchanger, and a controller that automatically implements a step change in the temperature of the fluid delivered to the patient. The step change is implemented prior to the patient reaching a target patient temperature. In the moments after (and in some cases the moments before) the step change, the controller monitors the rate of change of patient's temperature to evaluate whether the patient will reach the target patient temperature without reversing the step change, and/or how long it will likely take for the patient to reach the target patient temperature without reversing the step change. The controller then determines whether to reverse the step change or to switch to another algorithm for controlling the fluid temperature.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a patient support surface for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a user input device, a controller, and an ultrasonic generator system. The controller is configured to control the ultrasonic generator system to provide haptic sensations to the user. The haptic sensations, in some cases, provides tactile stimuli to a user associated with a virtual button.

Abstract: A patient support system with chest compression system and harness assembly with sensor system. The harness assembly secures shoulders and hips of the patient on a patient support surface during transport. A chest compression system is integrated into the harness assembly in a manner that provides chest compressions to the patient while the patient is secured on the patient support surface. The tension of the harness assembly is selectively adjusted and/or a fluid bladder may be selectively expanded. A controller is in communication with the chest compression system and controls operation of the chest compression system. The sensor system is integrated into the harness assembly and in communication with the controller. The chest compression system may be removable from the harness assembly via an adapter. The chest compression system may be integrated into the patient support apparatus to secure the patient to the patient support surface while providing chest compressions.

Abstract: A patient support system with chest compression system and harness assembly with sensor system. The harness assembly secures shoulders and hips of the patient on a patient support surface during transport. A chest compression system is integrated into the harness assembly in a manner that provides chest compressions to the patient while the patient is secured on the patient support surface. The tension of the harness assembly is selectively adjusted and/or a fluid bladder may be selectively expanded. A controller is in communication with the chest compression system and controls operation of the chest compression system. The sensor system is integrated into the harness assembly and in communication with the controller. The chest compression system may be removable from the harness assembly via an adapter. The chest compression system may be integrated into the patient support apparatus to secure the patient to the patient support surface while providing chest compressions.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a support deck with a support surface and a deck section configured to move between a first position and a second position, a barrier to limit egress from the support surface operatively attached to the deck section for concurrent movement, and a user interface coupled to the barrier and configured to receive input from a user. The user interface includes a screen to display visual content to the user, and an input device to generate an input signal in response to receiving user input. An orientation sensor determines an orientation of the screen based on movement of the deck section between the first position and the second position. A controller is configured to perform a function in response to receiving the input signal, and maintain a predetermined orientation of the visual content displayed on the screen as the screen moves with the deck section.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as abed, cot, stretcher, or the like, includes a frame, support surface, exit detection system, and control. The exit detection system includes multiple sensors and a controller configured to issue an exit alert when the patient exits from the support surface. The control is configured to disarm the exit detection system, and the controller is further configured to use outputs from the exit detection sensors to detect when the patient on the support surface may be making an attempt to disarm the exit detection system, and to prevent the patient from disarming the exit detection system during the attempt. The sensors may comprise load cells. In some embodiments, the control is positioned at the foot end of the patient support apparatus, while in other embodiments, the control may be positioned along a siderail of the patient support apparatus.

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).