Abstract: A system to determine usage and monitor compliance of a Sequential Compression Therapy (SCT) device is disclosed. The system is configured to track the duration, amplitude and frequency of application of sequential compression therapy and communicate this information over a communication network. The system further includes sensing capability incorporated in the compression sleeve to monitor physiological signals. The system is configured to trigger an alarm if either the duration of the sequential compression therapy or the physiological signal does not meet a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A person monitoring system is operable to predict the onset of an adverse condition of a person. The system receives first information corresponding to a feature of a person support apparatus and second information corresponding to a physiological characteristic of the person. The system calculates a condition score as a function of the first and second information. In some instances, the system alerts a caregiver if the condition score exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the person monitoring system alerts a caregiver when a person supported on a person support apparatus is regaining consciousness by monitoring one or more of a change in position, a heart rate, and a respiration rate. A person monitoring system that monitors a person's quality of sleep and presents information concerning the quality of sleep to one or more interested parties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus operates according to a set of default operating parameters, processes information corresponding to an occupant of the person-support apparatus from a receiver to determine if an optimal value for an operating parameter is different from the default value, modifies a default operating parameter to an optimal value based on the information corresponding to the occupant of the person-support apparatus to create a modified operating parameter, and operates the person-support apparatus utilizing the modified operating parameter.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure, a variable output pump, a power supply and a controller. The pump includes a driver that is responsive to variations in the power signal applied to the driver to vary the output from the pump. The pump output is varied depending on the amount of flow needed as determined by a sensor that senses the pressure in the inflatable support structure.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: A method and a system have been described to determine a pressure relief set point for a person-support apparatus. The method includes determining the change in pressure or volume in a zone from a vacant mode to a person occupied mode and computing the weight supported there from.

Abstract: An occupant support (20) includes an intermediate layer (26, 30, 120) and a wicking layer (52) atop the intermediate layer. The wicking layer comprises a first region (62) having a lower moisture wick rate (W1) and a second region (64) having a higher wick rate (W2). A moisture management cover (52) for use with an occupant support article has discrete higher (64) and lower (62) wick rate regions. A related method for transporting moisture away from a target region of an occupant support comprises distributing the moisture over an area beyond area A and exposing the distributed moisture to a fluid stream capable of receiving the moisture.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system for DVT prevention and therapy coupled to a person support surface of a person-support apparatus. In one embodiment the system can include at least one bladder, a controller, a fluid supply unit and a valve assembly in one embodiment. The at least one bladder can be configured to provide percussion therapy or sequential compression to the lower limbs of the person supported on the person-support apparatus. The fluid supply unit can be configured to supply fluid to the at least one bladder via the valve assembly. The controller can control the opening and closing of the valve assembly depending on the pressure inside the at least one bladder. In another embodiment, the system for DVT prevention and therapy uses mechanical actuation devices to provide a mechanical stimulus to the patient's limb.

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 constant low-flow air source control system and method is used to operate a pump to inflate an inflatable support structure used to support a person.

Abstract: A person support apparatus may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. One or more sensors, which may be operably coupled to the person support apparatus, monitor changes in the position of a person situated on the person support apparatus. A control system receives output from the sensor or sensors over a period of time, while the person is positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system makes a determination relating to the activity and/or mobility of the person positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system may use the activity and/or mobility determination to control a feature of the person support apparatus, or for other purposes.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure, a variable output pump, a power supply and a controller. The pump includes a driver that is responsive to variations in the power signal applied to the driver to vary the output from the pump. The pump output is varied depending on the amount of flow needed as determined by a sensor that senses the pressure in the inflatable support structure.

Abstract: A person support apparatus may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. One or more sensors, which may be operably coupled to the person support apparatus, monitor changes in the position of a person situated on the person support apparatus. A control system receives output from the sensor or sensors over a period of time, while the person is positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system makes a determination relating to the activity and/or mobility of the person positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system may use the activity and/or mobility determination to control a feature of the person support apparatus, or for other purposes.

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 constant low-flow air source control system and method is used to operate a pump to inflate an inflatable support structure used to support a person.

Abstract: A cooling system 70 for an occupant 62 of an occupant support is a targeted cooling system comprising a coolant conduit 100 having an inlet 102 for receiving coolant from a source of coolant and an outlet 104 for discharging the coolant to a destination 120. The conduit is nonpermanently and manually shape adjustable, shape stable subsequent to adjustment, and removably securable to one or both of the occupant support and the occupant. In one embodiment the destination is an ambient environment selected to achieve targeted coolant delivery to a localized region of the occupant's body. A cooling glove 190 to be worn by a user has at least one coolant intake 210 and at least one of a) a coolant passage 240 extending from the coolant intake to an exhaust opening 260; and b) a cooperative relationship with the user which defines a fluid pathway 220 bounded in part by the glove and in part by the user.

Abstract: A gas supply system comprises a person-support surface, a garment, and a gas supply. The person-support surface includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The garment includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The gas supply is configured to supply a gas to both the garment and the person-support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing and a communication system. The housing includes a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion has an engagement surface and a coupler configured to cooperate with a portion of a person-support apparatus to removably couple the housing to the person-support apparatus. The communication system includes at least one communication device coupled to the housing. The communication device is configured to at least one of transmit and receive at least one of a data signal and a power signal to/from the person-support apparatus and an external device.