Patient support

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a patient, such as a mattress. More specifically, the present invention relates to patient supports suitable for use in hospitals, first aid facilities, and other patient treatment environments. Furthermore, the present invention relates to pressure-relieving support surfaces, beds and bed frames of various sizes and shapes, and support surfaces configured to function for different types of patients.

Known patient supports have been granted, for example, to Weismiller et al., US Pat. No. 5,630,238, Weismiller et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,548, Heimbrock et al. U.S. Patent No. 6,076,208, U.S. Patent No. 6,240,584 granted to Perez et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,320,510 granted to Menkedick et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,320,510 granted to Washburn et al. It is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,378,152 and US Pat. No. 6,499,167 granted to Ellis et al. The disclosures of all these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

<p> According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cover, an air permeable first layer, first and second regions having a plurality of laterally extending fluid chambers, and a plurality of upright can-shaped fluids. A first layer having a third region having a chamber and a first pressure sensing assembly located beneath the first region that can function to detect a force applied to the first region. A pressure sensing assembly, a second pressure sensing assembly located beneath the second region, a second pressure sensing assembly capable of functioning to detect a force applied to the second region, and the first pressure. To adjust the pressure of one or more of the first region, the second region and the third region, based on the pressure signals received from the detection assembly and the second pressure detection assembly. A patient support with one pressure sensing assembly and a controller operably coupled to the second pressure sensing assembly is provided.</p><p> According to another embodiment of the invention, said to provide a cover defining an internal region, an air permeable first layer located within the internal region, and an air flow through the first layer. A first air supply unit connected to the first layer and one or more laterally extending fluid chambers and one or more upright cans located below the air permeable first layer. A plurality of air fluid chambers including a fluid chamber having a shape, a second air supply unit connected to the air fluid chamber for selectively expanding and contracting the air fluid chamber, and within the internal region. A first angle sensor located in the first joint movable portion of the patient support, and a second angle sensor located in the internal region and located in the second joint movable portion of the patient support. To control the expansion and contraction of the air-fluid chamber in response to the angle signals received from the first angle sensor and the second angle sensor, and to control the air flow through the air permeable layer. For this purpose, a patient support including the first air supply unit and the second air supply unit and a controller connected to the first angle sensor and the second angle sensor is provided.</p><p> According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cover, the air permeable first support layer arranged inside the cover, the air supply unit connected to the first support layer, and the bottom of the first layer. A second support layer having a head region and a seat region, a first detection assembly placed below the head region, and a second detection located below the seat region. Whether the patient support is used by the patient based on the assembly and the signals received from the first detection assembly and the second detection assembly and the signals received from the first detection assembly and the second detection assembly. Provided is a patient support comprising a controller that determines whether or not and regulates the air flow through the air permeable first layer.</p><p> Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following detailed description of embodiments that illustrate the best embodiments of the present invention that are currently understood.</p>

&lt;&lt; Detailed Description &gt;&gt; FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a patient support, that is, a mattress 10, according to the present invention. The patient support 10 is placed on the exemplary bed 2. As shown, the bed 2 is a hospital bed having a frame 4, a headboard 36, a footboard 38, and a plurality of side rails 40.

In general, the frame 4 of the exemplary bed 2 has a deck 6, which is supported by a base 8. Deck 6 has one or more deck parts (not shown). Some or all of these deck parts may be articulated parts, that is, they may be pivotable with respect to the base 8. Generally, the patient support 10 is configured to be supported by the deck 6.

The patient support 10 has an associated control unit 42. The control unit 42 specifically controls the expansion and contraction of specific internal components of the patient support 10. The control unit 42 has a user interface 44. The user interface 44 allows the caregiver, maintenance technician, and / or service provider to configure the patient support 10 according to the needs of a particular patient. For example, each characteristic associated with the support of the patient support 10 can be adjusted for the patient's size, weight, posture, or activity. The user interface 44 is password protected or otherwise designed to be inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

The user interface 44 also allows the patient support 10 to be adapted to various bed configurations. For example, deck 6 may be a flat deck or a stepped or concave deck. The treatment / caregiver may select an appropriate deck configuration via the user interface 44. The exemplary control unit 42 and user interface 44 are described in detail in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2007 / 008831, which was assigned to the assignee of the invention. The disclosure of this patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the patient support 10 includes a cranial end 32 that is configured to generally support the patient's head and / or upper part of the body, and the patient's feet and / or body. It has a foot side end 34 that is configured to support the lower part of the body. The patient support 10 has a cover 12 that defines the internal region 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal region 14 has a first layer 20, a second layer 50, and a third layer 52. However, in other embodiments of the invention, all three layers need not be present, or additional layers may be present, and such embodiments do not deviate from the scope of the invention. Can be understood by those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 20 has a support material. The second layer 50 has a plurality of expandable fluid chambers arranged under the first layer 20. The third layer 52 has a plurality of pressure sensors arranged below one or more of the fluid chambers of the second layer 50. These will be described in more detail below.

The internal region 14 further comprises a plurality of bolsters (long pillows) 54, one or more filler portions 56, and an air valve control assembly or valve box or control box or pneumatic box 58. Further, a refractory material may be arranged in the inner region 14.

The patient support 10 may be connected to the deck 6 by one or more connector 46s. For example, the connector 46 may be a conventional woven or knit or fabric strap with a D-shaped ring, or an assembly consisting of hooks and rings, or a Velcro® brand strip, or similar. It is a fastener of. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable connectors such as buttons, snaps, ropes and chains can be used as well.

Each component of one embodiment of the patient support according to the present invention is shown in the exploded view of FIG. This embodiment of the patient support 10 has an upper cover portion 16 and a lower cover portion 18. The upper cover portion 16 and the lower cover portion 18 are conventional means (eg, chucks, velcro® strips, snaps, buttons, or the like so as to form a cover 12 that defines an internal region 14. They are connected to each other by suitable fasteners etc.). Although in the illustration multiple layers and / or components are located in the internal region 14, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention does not necessarily require the presence of all of the illustrated components.

The first support layer 20 is arranged below the top cover portion 16 in the internal region 14. The first support layer 20 has one or more materials, structures, or fabric materials suitable for supporting the patient, such as foams, inflatable fluid chambers, and three-dimensional materials. Suitable 3D materials include, for example, Spacenet, Tytex and / or similar materials. One embodiment of a suitable three-dimensional material for the support layer 20 is shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the second support layer 50 with one or more inflatable fluid chamber assemblies is located below the first support layer 20. Illustrated embodiments of the second support layer 50 include a first fluid chamber assembly or head fluid chamber assembly 60, a second fluid chamber assembly or seat fluid chamber assembly 62, and a third fluid chamber assembly or foot fluid. It has a chamber assembly 64. However, in other embodiments, there is only one fluid chamber assembly extending from the head end 32 to the foot end 34, for example, an additional thigh fluid chamber assembly. Those skilled in the art will understand that they may have other configurations with multiple fluid chamber assemblies, such as. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid chamber assemblies 60, 62, 64 have a vertically oriented, upright, can-shaped or substantially cylindrical fluid chamber. Generally, the fluid chamber assemblies disclosed herein are made from lightweight, flexible, air-impermeable materials such as polymer materials such as polyurethane, urethane coated fibers, vinyl and rubber. ..

The pressure sensing layer 69 has, for example, a first sensor pad or head sensor pad 68 and a second sensor pad or seat sensor pad 70 and is located under fluid chamber assemblies 60, 62, 64. ing. As shown, the head sensor pad 68 is approximately aligned below the head fluid chamber assembly 60 and the seat sensor pad 70 is approximately aligned below the seat fluid chamber assembly 62. The head filler 66 is placed on the head sensor pad 68 so that the head sensor pad 68 is properly placed under the area of the patient support 10 that is most likely to support the patient's head or upper body. It may be adjacently arranged in the vicinity of the cranial end portion 32. In other embodiments, one sensor pad may be placed, or, for example, an additional sensor pad may be placed under the foot fluid chamber assembly 64, and / or sensors in a different arrangement. Pads may be arranged.

In the illustrated embodiment, a turning aid cushion or turning fluid chamber or rotating fluid chamber 74 is located below the sensor pads 68, 70. The exemplary orientation assist cushion 74 shown in FIG. 3 has a pair of inflatable fluid chambers 74a, 74b. Another suitable rotating fluid chamber 74 is a bellows-shaped fluid chamber. Other suitable turning aid cushions are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,499,167 granted to Ellis et al. The disclosure of this patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 also deploys a plurality of other supporting components 66, 72, 76, 78, 80, 84, 86, 90. One or more of these support components are deployed to allow the patient support 10 to be used in conjunction with a variety of different bed frames, particularly different bed frames with different deck configurations. One or more of these support components may be selectively expanded or contracted, or the patient support to fit the patient support 10 to a particular deck configuration, such as a stepped or concave deck, a flat deck, etc. It may be added or removed with respect to 10.

The support components shown in Figure 3 are made from foam, inflatable fluid chambers, three-dimensional materials, other suitable support materials, or a combination thereof. For example, as shown, the head filler 66 has a plurality of foam ribs extending laterally across the patient support 10. It is also possible to use the head filler 66 as an expandable fluid chamber. The filler portion 72 is substantially located under the sensor pads 68, 70 and has a foam layer extending laterally across the patient support 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the filler portion 72 has a very rigid foam, such as a polyethylene closed cell foam with a thickness of half an inch (1.27 cm).

The head bolster assembly 76, the seat bolster assembly 78, and the foot bolster assembly 86 each have a plurality of inflatable fluid chambers oriented in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of inflatable fluid chambers of each assembly are laterally separated from each other by a connecting plate 144. The bolster assemblies 76, 78 and 86 will be described later with reference to FIG.

As shown, the first foot filler portion 80 has a plurality of inflatable fluid chambers extending laterally across the patient support 10. The second foot filler portion 84 has a foam member. The foam member has a notched portion, for example to allow the foot portion to retract, or for other reasons. The deck filler portion 90 has a plurality of expandable fluid chambers extending in the lateral direction. As shown, the deck filler portion 90 has two fluid chamber portions, respectively, arranged under the head portion and the seat portion of the mattress, which are arranged on the outside of the cover 12. The deck filler portion 90 may have one or more fluid chamber regions or may be located within the internal region 14. Such embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, a pneumatic valve box 58 and an air supply tube assembly 82 are provided. Receptor 88 is sized to accommodate the pneumatic valve box 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptor 88 is connected to the lower cover portion 18 by a velcro® strip. The pneumatic box 58 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support layer 20 has a breathable, i.e., air permeable material. This material acts as a cushion, or in support of the patient placed on it, allowing air circulation under the patient. The circulating air may be at temperatures as high as atmospheric temperature, or may be cooled or warmed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the support layer 20 has low friction air permeability that allows the patient support layer 20 to move with the movement of the patient on the patient support 10, for example to reduce shear forces. Has or is wrapped in an enclosure of material (eg, spandex, nylon, or similar material). In other embodiments, the enclosure is made of a non-air permeable but moisture / vapor permeable material, such as a Teflon or urethane coated cloth.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary three-dimensional material suitable for use in support layer 20. This illustrated embodiment of the support layer 20 has a plurality of alternating first layer 27 and second layer 29. Layers 27 and 29 have a first sublayer 28 and a second sublayer 30, respectively. As shown, the sublayers 28, 30 are arranged back to back and have a plurality of apex or semicircular conical or dome-shaped protrusions 22 and valleys or recesses 24, respectively. The separator material 26 is arranged between the first sublayer 28 and the second sublayer 30. In other embodiments, an alternative or additional separator material 26 may be deployed between layers 27, 29, or no separator material 26 may be provided at all.

As many layers and sub-layers as desired in a particular embodiment of support layer 20 may be deployed. In one embodiment, four layers are deployed, and in another embodiment, eight layers are deployed. Generally, 0 to 20 layers of three-dimensional material are deployed on the support layer 20.

Three-dimensional materials suitable for use in support layer 20 include Spacenet from Freudenberg &amp; Co. in Weinheim, Germany, and Titex from Road Island, USA. Polyester fabrics such as Tytex available from (Tytex) and other woven, non-woven, or woven breathable supports and fibers that are elastic. , Or microfilaments, or monofilaments, or supports or fibers such as those having thermoplastic fibers. Another embodiment of the support layer and suitable three-dimensional material was entitled "PRESSURE RELIEF SUPPORT SURFACE", filed May 2, 2005 and assigned to the assignee of the invention. It is described in US Patent Application No. 11 / 119,980 (assignment reference number 8266-1220). The contents of the disclosure of this patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

An exemplary second support layer with a base 96 and multiple inflatable fluid chambers is shown in the side view of FIG. In the illustrated example, each inflatable fluid chamber extends upward from the base 96 along the vertical axis 101 and away from the base 96, and is substantially can-shaped. The inflatable fluid chambers are arranged in a plurality of fluid chamber regions, namely, the head fluid chamber region 60, the seat fluid chamber region 62, and the foot fluid chamber region 64. The first and second foot filler portions 80, 84 and the tube assembly 82 are located at the foot end 34 of the patient support 10 under the foot fluid chamber assembly 64. The pneumatic valve box 58 is also located at the foot side end 34 of the patient support 10 below the foot fluid chamber region 64. In other embodiments, the pneumatic box 58 may be located elsewhere in the patient support 10 or may be located outside the patient support 10.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the above-described embodiment of the patient support 10. In this figure, a cover 12, a support layer 20, and a foot fluid chamber assembly 64 are provided to show an arrangement of one embodiment of a low air loss unit 91 and a pneumatic box 58 arranged in the foot portion 34. Is in a state where is removed. The low air loss unit 91 includes a supply tube 92 and an air distributor 94. The pneumatic box 58 has valves, circuits, and other components for connecting the fluid chamber 50 to the air supply 152 (FIG. 13) to expand and contract the vertical fluid chamber 50. The pneumatic box 58 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B. The low air loss device may have an opening that allows air to be expelled from the air fluid chamber. The low air loss device 91 may be used to move air through the upper layer at speeds in the range of approximately 2-10 cubic feet / minute (CFM). In general, low air loss devices are designed to help control the patient's humidity level and body temperature.

The supply tube 92 is connected to the air supply section and provides air to the air distributor 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the feed tube extends across the width of the patient support 10 and / or diagonally. The feed tube may be curved or bent towards the seat fluid chamber region 62. The tube 92 and distributor 94 may be made of a lightweight, air-impermeable material such as plastic.

As shown in FIG. 6, the air distributor 94 is connected to the end of the supply tube 92 arranged near the seat fluid chamber region 62. The air distributor 94 has one or more openings 93 for allowing air to be expelled from the tube 92 and circulated between the longitudinal fluid chamber 50 and the three-dimensional material of the first support layer 20. It is an elongated hollow member. In one embodiment, the air passes through the support layer 20 and heads upward. Vents (not shown) are located on the cover 12 to allow circulating air to escape from the internal region 14. The vents are generally located at the end of the patient support 10 opposite the supply tube 92. As mentioned above, in embodiments where the 3D material 20 is enclosed in an enclosure within the internal region 14, additional vents may be deployed in the 3D material enclosure. In such an embodiment, the vents are similarly located approximately on the opposite side of the supply tube 92.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air supplied by the supply tube 92 does not flow upward through the cover 12, whereas in other embodiments, the cover 12 allows air to pass through the cover 12 and upward to the patient. It may have a breathable, i.e., air permeable material that allows it to flow out. Further, in other embodiments, one supply tube may be arranged instead of the supply tube 92 and the air distributor 94. Although the above-mentioned air circulation function is illustrated in the above-exemplified embodiment, it is not necessarily an essential component in the present invention.

Other embodiments of the low air loss device 91'are shown in FIGS. 7-10. As shown in FIG. 7, the low air loss device 91'has a supply tube 600 and an enclosure 602. Enclosure 602 has a cranial end 604 and a foot end 606. The supply tube 600 is attached to the enclosure 602 at the foot end 606. Enclosure 602 has a rectangular opening 612 near the cranial end 604 to allow air to escape from the enclosure and the support layer 20 having multiple layers of three-dimensional material. See above for details. As mentioned above, multiple layers of three-dimensional material may have indentations that face upwards towards the patient or downwards in the opposite direction from the patient. As described above, the enclosure 602 may be made of a material that allows vapor to pass but does not allow air to pass through. Further, the opening 612 may have a series of slits.

As shown in FIGS. 7-8, when the low air loss unit 91'is started, air flows through the support layer 20 towards the cranial end 606. Air flows out of opening 612 and is expelled from patient support 10 through cover opening 614 of cover 12'. The cover opening 614 extends over almost the entire width of the cover 12'and has a snap (not shown) to close a portion of the opening. In another embodiment, the opening 614 may be an air permeable material rather than an opening. Alternatively, the opening 614 may have a chuck or velcro® or hook / ring fastener instead of a snap.

As shown in FIG. 9, the refractory material 616 is arranged inside the enclosure 602. The refractory material 616 has a coarse weave to make the refractory material air permeable. Further, the support layer 20 has a first layer 618, a second layer 620, a third layer 622, and a fourth layer 624 of a three-dimensional material. The first layer 618 and the second layer 620 are attached to each other at a plurality of first attachment positions 626 to form a plurality of upper channels 628. The third layer 622 and the fourth layer 624 are attached to each other at a plurality of second attachment positions 630 to form a plurality of lower channels 632. Usually, the attachment points are located at the top of one layer, which is adjacent to the valley of the adjacent layer. Air flows through the upper channel 628 and the lower channel 632. Air also flows through the outer region 634 located inside the enclosure 602. The upper channel 628 and lower channel 632 allow air to flow more easily under the patient.

An example of the supply tube 600 is shown in FIG. The supply tube 600 has an outer body 636 and an inner body 638. The outer body 636 may be made of the same material as the enclosure. The inner body 638 is formed from a layer of wound three-dimensional material. The three-dimensional material makes the supply tube 600 less prone to twisting or breaking, which can block or reduce the air supply to the enclosure 602. In another embodiment, the feed tube 600 may be made of PVC, plastic, or any other conventional tube material.

In another embodiment, enclosure 602 does not have support layer 20. In this embodiment, the openings 612 may be located near the foot end 606 or along at least one of the sides of the enclosure. In another embodiment, the feed tube 600 is attached to the enclosure 602 at the cranial end 604, or to any location in the enclosure, such as the top 608, bottom 610, or side (not shown) of the enclosure. .. In one embodiment, the supply tube 600 is integrated with the enclosure 602. In another embodiment, the supply tube 600 is attached to a fitting (not shown).

In another embodiment, the supply tube 600 is branched by a T-shaped instrument (not shown) and attached to the enclosure 602 in two or more locations. PVC is used as the material for the feed tubing of this embodiment, but plastic or any other conventional tubing material may be used.

FIG. 12 shows bolster (long pillow) assemblies 76, 78. The bolster assemblies 76, 78 are generally configured to support a portion of the patient along the longitudinal edge of the patient support 10. One or more bolster assemblies 76, 78 to fit the patient support 10 to a particular bed frame configuration, or to provide additional support along the edges of the patient support 10, or the patient support 10 It may be deployed to facilitate the patient's entry and exit from the patient, or to keep the patient in the central region of the patient support 10, or for other reasons. For example, the internal pressure of the bolster fluid chamber may be higher than the internal fluid chamber pressure of assemblies 60, 62, 64, or may rise or fall in real time to achieve one of the above or other objectives. You may.

The bolster assemblies 76 and 78 each have a plurality of bolsters, namely an upper bolster 140 and a lower bolster 142. The upper bolster 140 is located above the lower bolster 142. Each combination of the upper bolster 140 and the lower bolster 142 is configured to be positioned along the longitudinal edge of the patient support 10. Each combination of the upper bolster 140 and the lower bolster 142 is enclosed in cover 138.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bolsters 140, 142 are inflatable fluid chambers. In other embodiments, either or both of the bolsters 140, 142 may be made of foam, or may be filled with a three-dimensional material, fluid, or other suitable support. Good. For example, in one embodiment, the upper bolster 140 has two foam layers, a viscoelastic upper layer and a non-viscoelastic lower layer, while the lower bolster 142 is an inflatable fluid chamber. The bolsters 140 and 142 may expand together or separately, as shown in FIG. 13 and described later.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support plate 144 is a rectangular member that extends across the width of the mattress 10. As shown in each figure, five such ribbed members 144 are spaced apart from each other under the head and seat of the mattress. In another embodiment, each support plate 144 has a central portion (ie, a transversely extending portion) cut out and two plate ends at each isolated end (below the bolster). Only the part remains. This results in the deployment of five pairs of support plates 144 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal length of the mattress 10.

The bolster assembly 86 is similar to the bolster assemblies 76 and 78, except that the upper layer of the bolster assembly 86 has multiple longitudinal fluid chambers 50 of longitudinal portions 214 and 216. The bolster assembly 86 has a fluid chamber oriented in the longitudinal direction as a lower bolster portion thereof.

A schematic diagram of the air pressure control system for the patient support 10 is shown in FIG. Reading FIG. 13 from second to first, a simplified plan view of the patient support 10 with some parts omitted to better illustrate each air region 160 and a simplified view of the patient support 10. The side view, the schematic view of the pneumatic valve box 58, the schematic view of the control unit 42, and the air lines 146, 148, 150 connecting the control unit 42, the valve box 58, and each air region 160 are shown. Has been done.

As shown in FIG. 13, each air region 160 of the patient support 10 is assigned as follows: region 1 corresponds to head fluid chamber assembly 60, region 2 corresponds to seat fluid chamber assembly 62, region Area 3 corresponds to foot fluid chamber assembly 64, area 4 corresponds to upper lateral bolster 140, area 5 corresponds to lower lateral bolster 142, area 6 corresponds to upper foot bolster 140, area 7 corresponds to lower foot Corresponds to bolster 142, area 8 corresponds to the first direction conversion auxiliary fluid chamber 74, area 9 corresponds to the second direction conversion auxiliary fluid chamber 74, area 10 corresponds to the deck filler 90, area 11 corresponds to the foot filler 80. Applicable.

The air line 150 connects each region 160 to the valve assembly 162 of the valve box 58. The valve box 58 is located at the foot portion 34 of the patient support 10. For example, the valve box 58 is detachably connected to the bottom 18 of the cover 12 within the internal area 14, ie, by one or more Velcro® brand fasteners, or other suitable fittings. ing.

Each air line 150 is connected at one end to an inlet port on the corresponding fluid chamber or fluid chamber assembly. Each air line 150 is connected to the valve assembly 162 at the other end. Each valve assembly 162 has a first or fill valve 163 and a second or release valve 165. Each first valve 163 is connected to the air supply unit 152 of the control unit 42 by each air line 148. Therefore, the first valve 163 functions to control the expansion of the corresponding region 160, that is, to fill that region with air. The second valve 165 may be used, for example, when the internal air pressure in region 160 exceeds a predetermined maximum value, or when contraction is required or desired in other environments (eg, during a medical emergency, or when the patient support 10 is being transported, etc.). ), It functions to at least partially contract the corresponding area 160, that is, to bleed air.

The valves 163 and 165 each have an open mode 224, a closed mode 226, and a switching mechanism 228 (such as a spring) that switches the valve from one mode to another based on the control signal from the control unit 42. There is. In closed mode 226, air flows from the air supply 152 through the valve 163 into its corresponding region 160 to inflate the corresponding fluid chamber. In the case of the discharge valve 165, air is expelled from region 160 into the atmosphere. In open mode 228, neither expansion nor contraction occurs.

In the illustrated embodiment, an emergency release valve 230 is deployed to allow rapid contraction of each turning fluid chamber 74. The emergency release valve 230 takes in air from the atmosphere through the filter 164 and discharges the air to the atmosphere through the filter 164. The air supply 152 is an air pump, compressor, blower, or other suitable air source.

The air supply unit 152 is connected to the switching valve 166 by an air line 146. The switching valve 166 functions to control whether expansion or contraction of the region occurs. An optional proportional valve 171 may be connected to the air line 148 to facilitate smooth expansion or contraction of the turning auxiliary fluid chamber 74, or for other reasons.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve box 58 has a first valve module 156 and a second valve module 158. The first valve module 156 has a plurality of valves (ie, the first side as seen from the patient placed on the patient support 10) that are generally associated with the first side of the patient. The second valve module 158, on the other hand, has a plurality of valves that are generally associated with the patient's second side (ie, the second side).

The various regions 160 are individually expandable. The specific area 160 is inflated or contracted so that the patient support 10 can be adapted to various bed frame configurations. For example, Deck Filler 90 (Region 10 in Figure 23), Total Care® Bed Frames and Care Assist® Beds, available from Hill-Rom Company. If the patient support 10 is fitted to a specific bed frame structure, such as a frame, such as a step deck structure, it will be inflated, as well as Hill-Rom. When using the patient support 10 with a flat deck bed frame, such as an Advanta® bed available from Company, shrink. Also, for example, when using the patient support 10 with the VersaCare® bed, TotalCare® bed, CareAssist® bed, the foot filler 80 ( The area 11) of FIG. 23 is inflated, but the lower lateral bolster 142 (area 5 of FIG. 23) is not inflated when using the patient support 10 with the VersaCare® bed. Furthermore, flat decks or other bed frames such as Advanta® bed frames, VersaCare® bed frames available from Hill-Rom Company, for example. When using the patient support 10 above, inflate the lower foot bolster 142 (region 7 in FIG. 23).

11A and 11B are simplified conceptual diagrams showing the control system of the present invention and the patient support or mattress 10. FIG. 11A illustrates the patient support 10 including the various components of the patient support 10. On the other hand, FIG. 11B illustrates the control unit 42 and various components inside it. The patient support 10 has a sensor pad 52, which is connected to the pneumatic valve control box 58 described above. The sensor pad 52 has a head sensor pad 68 and a seat sensor pad 70. The head sensor pad 68 is located at the cranial end 32 of the mattress 10. The seat sensor pad 70 is located in the middle of the mattress 10 between the head end 32 and the position of the pneumatic valve control box 58. The seat sensor pad 70 is arranged so as to be located in the middle portion thereof, that is, the seat portion thereof in a state where the patient on the mattress 10 is lying down. Further, when the cranial end 32 of the mattress 10 is raised, the patient's seat is positioned above the seat sensor pad 70. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the head sensor pad 68 is located below the head fluid chamber assembly 60 and the seat sensor pad 70 is located below the seat fluid chamber assembly 62. .. In this embodiment, each of the head sensor pad 68 or the seat sensor pad 70 is located under or at least adjacent to one of a plurality of can-shaped fluid chambers or cushions 50. The head angle sensor 502 is connected to the control box 58, in which the head angle information is provided by a signal generated by the sensor 52. This information may be used to regulate the pressure in the seat fluid chamber 62.

The sensor pad 52 is connected to the pneumatic control box 58 by an associated cable. The pneumatic control box 58 has a multiplexer 508. The multiplexer 508 is connected to the head sensor pad 68 and the seat sensor pad 70 by a signal and control line 510. The multiplexer board 508 is also connected to the air control board 512. The air control board 512 is connected to the first valve block 514 and the second valve block 516. The communication / power line 518 is connected to the control unit 42 in FIG. 11B. Similarly, a ventilation supply line 520 that allows air to flow through the patient support 10 to cool the patient and dehumidify the patient is also connected to the control unit 42 in FIG. 11B. The pressurization / suction supply line 522 is also connected to the control unit 42.

The control unit 42 shown in FIG. 11B and FIG. 1 inputs information that can be selected by the user, such as the display 44 that displays the user interface screen and the selection of various functions or characteristics of the present device, into the control unit 42. It has a user interface input device 524 for the purpose. The movement of the patient support 10 is controlled by the selection made on the user interface input device 524. For example, you can selectively control the pressure of various fluid chambers in the mattress 10, control the deck 6 such as putting the bed 2 in a raised head position, or display the current state of the mattress or deck position. Or can perform other functions.

The algorithm control board 526 is connected to the user interface input device 524. The algorithm control board 526 receives a user-generated input signal received from the input device 524 when the user selects a function as described above. The input device 524 includes various input devices such as a push button activated by pressing, a touch screen, a device activated by voice, or another device capable of selecting an input. When the algorithm control board 526 receives various control signals via the user input device 524, it controls not only the operation of the mattress 10 but also various other devices incorporated in the control unit 42. For example, the algorithm control board 526 is connected to the display board 528, which sends a signal to the display 44 to which it is connected. The display board 528 is also connected to the speaker 530. The speaker 530 indicates, for example, the selection of various functions on the input device 524, or the condition of the patient placed on the patient support (eg, exiting, etc.), or the treatment provided to the patient. Generates an audible signal indicating the condition (eg, rotation treatment completed, etc.). The algorithm control board 526 receives the required power from the power source 532. The power supply 532 has an AC input module 534, which is usually connected to a wall outlet in the hospital room.

The algorithm control board 526 is connected to the air supply unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the air supply unit has a compressor 536 and a blower 538. Both the compressor 536 and the blower 538 receive the control signal generated by the algorithm control board 526. The compressor 536 is used to expand the air-fluid chamber. Blower 538 is used for air circulation provided to mattress 10 via ventilation supply line 520. However, the compressor 536 may be used for both expanding the fluid chamber and circulating air within the mattress 10. The pressurization / suction switching valve 540 is connected to the compressor 536. The compressor 536 is switched to pressurize or aspirate air against the mattress 10. The muffler 541 is connected to the valve 540. In the pressurized position, air pressure is applied to the mattress 10 to inflate the mattress to support the patient. In the suction position, a valve 540 is used to draw air from the fluid chamber therein so that the mattress is in a folded state, for example to move to another location or provide CPR function. CPR button 542 is connected to algorithm control board 526.

As shown, the algorithm control board 526, the compressor 536, the blower 538, and the user input device or user control module 524 are located on the outside of the mattress and on the footboard 38 as shown in FIG. It is part of the control unit 42 that may be. The sensor and sensor pad 52, the pneumatic valve control box 58, and the air control board or microprocessor 512 for controlling the valve and sensor pad system 52 are located inside the mattress 10. It is also within the scope of the invention to place some of these devices within different parts of the overall system. For example, the algorithm control board 526 may be placed inside the mattress 10 or the air control board 512 may be placed inside the control unit 42.

As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14B, the control box 58 includes a multiplexer 252 and an air control board 250. The control board 250 is connected to the multiplexer 252 by a jumper 254. The multiplexer 252 is further connected to the head sensor pad 68 and the seat sensor pad 70 by a signal and control line (not shown). The control board 250 is also connected to the first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158 by a plurality of lead wires 251. The control board 250 and the control unit 42 are connected by a communication / power line 258. The communication line 258 is connected to the communication plug 259 of the control board 250. A jumper 254 connects the multiplexer 252 to the control board 250 for power supply and access to communication line 258. Each lead 251 provides starting force to the first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158.

As described above, the first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158 have a fill valve 163 and a release valve 165. The first valve module 156 has a charge valve 163a to 163f and a release valve 165a to 165f. The second valve module 156 has a charge valve of 163 g to 163 l and a discharge valve of 165 g to 165 l. In the illustrated embodiment, the fill valves 163a-163l and the discharge valves 165a-165l are 12 volt 7 watt electromagnetic direct dynamic poppet valves. The control board 252 can activate the charge valve 163a ~ l and the release valve 165a ~ l separately or simultaneously. The charge valves 163a to 163l and the discharge valves 165a to 165l can all operate at the same time. In the operation for starting each of the valves 163 and 165, the control board 250 sends a signal to the valve to be operated. The signal energizes the coil in each valve (not shown) for half a second and then switches to pulsating power (fast on / off) to save power at startup. This activation causes the valve to either open or close depending on which valve was activated.

The recharge valve 163 is connected to the air supply unit 152 of the control unit 42 by the second air line 148. The air line 148 has an outer box line assembly 260 and an inner box line assembly 262. The external box line assembly 260 has an external inlet hose 264 and an L-shape 266 connected to the external inlet hose 264. The internal box line assembly 262 includes an inner inlet hose 268 connected to the L-shape 266, a coupling branch connector 270, a first module hose 272, and a second module hose 274. The connector 270 has a first opening 276 for receiving the inner inlet hose 268, a second opening 278 for receiving the first module hose 272, and a third opening 280 for receiving the second module hose 274. have. The first module hose 272 is connected to the first valve module 156 by a male connector 282, and the second module hose 274 is connected to the second valve module 158 by a male connector 282. During operation, air from the air supply 152 passes through the supply line 148, enters the outer boxline assembly 260 through the outer inlet hose 264, passes through the L-shape 266 and reaches the inner inlet hose 268. The air then flows from the inlet hose 268 to the coupling branch connector 270, where the air branches into the first module hose 272 and the second module hose 274. Air flows from the first module hose 272 to the first valve module 156 and from the second module hose 274 to the second valve module 158. The operation of the first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158 will be described later.

The control box 58 has a base 284, a cover 286, and a tray 288. Cover 286 has multiple fasteners (such as screws) 290. The base 284 has a plurality of screw hole cover posts 292. The cover post 292 is configured to receive a screw 290 to connect the cover 286 to the base 284. The internal area 298 is defined by the cover 286 and the base 284. The tray 288 is connected to the base 284 by a plurality of rivets 291 fixed through the tray 288 and the plurality of rivet holes 293 arranged on the base 284.

The internal boxline assembly 262, the first valve module 156, the second valve module 158, the control board 250, and the multiplexer 252 are housed in the internal area 298. The base 284 also has a plurality of control board posts 294, a plurality of multiplexer posts 296, and a plurality of module posts 300. The first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158 are connected to the module post 300 by a shoulder screw 302 and a washer 304. The control board 250 is connected to the control board post 294 and the multiplexer 252 is connected to the multiplexer post 296 by a plurality of snap mounts 306.

The first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158 are attached to the third air lines 150a, 150b, 150d to 150f, and 150g to l by a plurality of connecting bodies 308. The connector 308 has a first end 310 and a second end 312. The third air lines 150a, 150b, 150d ~ 150f, 150g ~ l each have a mounting part (not shown) that is acceptable by the second end 312. Each of the first end 310s is attached to port 314 on the first valve module 156 and the second valve module 158. The first end 310 is attached through a plurality of openings 316 in the base 284.

A plurality of feedback couplings 318 are mounted through a plurality of feedback openings 320 of the base 284. The feedback coupling 318 has a first feedback end 322 and a second feedback end 324. The first feedback end 322 is connected to a feedback line (not shown), which is connected to feedback ports 135 located in each of the air regions 160. The second feedback end 324 receives the feedback transfer line 326. Each of the transfer lines 326 is connected to a pressure transducer 328 located on the control board 250. The pressure transducer 328 receives the pressure from each of the air regions 160 and transmits a pressure data signal representing the internal air pressure of the region 160 to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 uses these pressure signals to determine the appropriate pressure for a particular mattress function such as CPR, patient movement, maximum expansion, etc. The pressure signal from the transducer 328 connected to the foot region 160k is also used to maintain the optimum pressure in the foot region 160k. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure in the foot region 160k (region 3) is calculated as a percentage of the pressure in the seat region 160e (region 2). The pressure in the seat region 160e and the pressure in the head region 160f are determined using both the transducer 328 and the pressure sensor 136. The pressure of one or more of the multiple regions 160 may be adjusted in real time.

As shown in FIG. 13, the fill valves 163a to 163l and the release valves 165a to 165l are connected to various parts of the patient support 10 via the third air lines 150a, 150b, 150d to 150f, 150g to 150l. .. The charge valve 163a and the release valve 165a are connected to the upper foot bolster 140c, the charge valve 163b and the release valve 165b are connected to the lower lateral bolsters 142a and 142b, and the charge valve 163c is connected to the atmosphere. The release valve 165c is set aside for future treatment. Further, the charge valve 163d and the discharge valve 165d are connected to the first direction conversion auxiliary body 74a, the charge valve 163e and the discharge valve 165e are connected to the seat fluid chamber 62, and the charge valve 163f and the discharge valve 165f are connected. It is connected to the head fluid chamber assembly 60, the filling valve 163g and the release valve 165g are connected to the foot filler 80, and the filling valve 163h and the release valve 165h are connected to the upper lateral bolsters 140a, 140b. , Fill valve 163i and discharge valve 165i are connected to deck filler 90, fill valve 163j and discharge valve 165j are connected to first orientation turning aid 74b, and fill valve 163k and discharge valve 165k are foot fluids. It is connected to chamber 164, with the fill valve 163l and the release valve 165l connected to the lower foot bolster 142c. The release valves 165d, 165j are used to bleed air from the first turnover aid 74a and the second turnover aid 74b when the first turnover aid 74a and the second turnover aid 74b are not used. It is urged to the open position. The release valves 165d, 165j return to their respective open positions when the mattress loses the force or pressure to bleed air from the first turn aid 74a and the second turn aid 74b. When air is expelled from region 160, the pressure within region 160 after contraction is real tie rather than preset.

In one embodiment, the user inputs an input command to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 processes the input command and transmits a control signal based on the input command to the control board 250 via the communication line 258. Further, or instead, the control signal is from the control unit 42 to increase or decrease the internal pressure of one or more of the regions 160 based on the information obtained from the transducer 328 and / or the sensor 136. It is also possible to generate it based on the operation information.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress control units 42 and 58 operate separately from the operation of the bed frame 4. However, in another embodiment, the bed frame 4 and the mattress 10 may be configured to exchange or share data via a communication line. For example, data is transmitted from bed frame 4 to mattress systems 42, 58 and used to adjust the support parameters of mattress 10. In one embodiment, for example, a signal is transmitted from frame 4 when the foot portion 34 retracts, which causes the mattress systems 42, 58 to reduce the internal pressure of each longitudinal fluid chamber 50 of the foot assembly 64. Let it react.

As mentioned above, the air supply unit 152 can act as an aspirator to supply air or remove air from each region 160. In the supply mode, the microprocessor of the control board 250 activates the corresponding fill valves 163a to 163l or discharge valves 165a to 165l based on the control signal from the control unit 42. For example, if the control signal indicates to increase the pressure in the head fluid chamber assembly 160, the fill valve 163f is activated. On the other hand, if the control signal indicates to reduce the pressure of the head fluid chamber assembly 160, the release valve 165f is activated. In suction mode, one or more refill valves 163a-163l may be activated to allow the air in the area of interest to be expelled rapidly.

An angle sensor cable 256 is deployed to transmit signals from the head angle sensor 502 to the control board 250. The angle sensor cable 256 is connected to the angle plug 257 of the control board 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the head angle sensor 502 is located inside the head bolster assembly 76, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 15. The head angle sensor 502 raises the cranial end 32 of the bed 2 as the head portion of the frame 4 joints upwards to lift the patient's head or downwards to lower the patient's head. Indicates the angle. In one embodiment, the angle sensor 502 transmits the angle of the cranial end 32 to all nodes or circuit boards within the mattress control systems 42, 58. The angle sensor 502 produces an instruction or instruction signal when the cranial end 32 is at an angle of at least 5 °, at least 30 °, and at least 45 °. A head angle instruction is transmitted to the control unit 42, which evaluates and processes the signal. When the cranial end 32 is at an angle above 30 °, the turning aid 74 becomes inoperable, primarily for patient safety reasons. When the cranial end 32 is at an angle above 45 °, information is sent to the control unit 42 for use in the algorithm. The 5 ° angle indication is primarily to ensure that the patient support 10 is in a relatively flat position. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle sensor 502 is a ball switch. In another embodiment, the angle sensor 502 may be a wire potentiometer.

As shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, three balls 702, 704, and 706 are deployed inside the angle sensor 502. The first ball 702 is activated by moving the first ball 702 from the first position 708 to the second position 710 at an angle of at least 5 ° at the cranial end 32. The second ball 704 moves from the first position 712 to the second position 714 to indicate that the cranial end 32 is at an angle of at least 30 °. The third ball 706 moves from the first position 716 to the second position 718, indicating that the cranial end 32 is at an angle of at least 45 °.

FIG. 17 shows the patient support 10 in a transport position on the carrier 750. As described above, the air supply unit 42 can function as an aspirator to expel air from within the patient support 10. This allows the patient support 10 to be folded. As shown in FIG. 17, the connecting body 46 holds the patient support 10 in a carrying position. A plurality of support plates 144 are provided as separate plates to facilitate the folding process. When the patient support 10 is folded, any remaining air that has not been expelled by the air supply 42 is expelled from the patient support 10.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of another embodiment of the patient support 10 with the enclosure 602. Enclosure 602 has an upper surface 608, a refractory material 16 arranged below the upper surface 608, and a three-dimensional layer 20 arranged under the refractory material 16. The three-dimensional layer 20 has an upper film layer 220 and a lower film layer 222. The upper and lower membrane layers 220 also have the property of impermeable to air, and the three-dimensional material 20 is described in, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 9 and the corresponding description, Spacenet, Titex ( It can be realized with Tytex) and / or similar materials. Below the insufficiency layer 222, one or more inflatable fluid chambers 50 are deployed as additional support layers. At the foot end 34 of the patient support 10, a pneumatic box 58 and an additional layer 84 are deployed. In the illustrated embodiment, layer 84 has a retractable foam material.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, air is supplied by an air supply (not shown) via a supply tube 600 located near one end 34 of the patient support 10. The supply tube 600 is connected to the fixture 700. The fixture 700 is attached to the distribution tube 800. This sequence is shown in detail with reference to FIG. 20 and will be described below. Air enters the enclosure 602 through the distribution tube 800 and flows in the direction 660 from one end 34 of the patient support 10 to the other end 32. Air can be expelled from enclosure 602 by an efflux assembly 662 near the end 32 of the patient support 10. In the illustrated embodiment, air flows from the foot end to the cranial end of the patient support. In other embodiments, air may flow in opposite directions or may traverse the patient support laterally.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment having a supply tube 600, a fixture 700, and a distribution tube 800 for supplying air to the enclosure 602. Air is received by the supply tube 600 and carried to the distribution tube 800. The supply tube 600 and the distribution tube 800 are attached by a fitting 700. The fitting 700 may be a T-shaped fitting as shown in FIG. 20, or any other suitable fitting known in the art. Air flows into enclosure 602 through the distribution tube 800.

Another embodiment of the arrangement of the feed tube 600, the fixture 700 and the distribution tube 800 is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. This embodiment has a cloth manifold configuration 810. The cloth manifold configuration 810 has a cloth manifold 820. The fabric manifold 820 is made from an outer layer material 822 that is impermeable to air. The cloth manifold 820 is a soft material that provides additional comfort to the patient and has a receiving portion 824 and multiple partitioning portions 826. The receiving portion 824 can be attached to a flow tube (not shown) or directly to an air supply (not shown). The distribution portion 826 is connected to enclosure 602 by one or more Velcro® brand strips or similar fasteners 828. The distribution portion 826 may also have a hollow receiving opening 832 used to further secure the distribution portion 826 to the enclosure 602. The fabric manifold 820 has an inner layer 830 made from three-dimensional material 20, such as Spacenet, Tytex, and / or similar materials described above, as shown in FIG. You may. The inner layer 830 may be configured to help prevent twisting or breakage of the fabric manifold 820, which may block or reduce the air supply to the enclosure 602.

With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment 900 of the patient support is configured with a cranial end 932 that is configured to generally support the patient's head and / or upper part of the body. It has a foot end 934 that is configured to generally support the patient's foot and / or lower part of the body. The patient support 900 has a cover 912, the cover 912 defining the internal region 914. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal region 914 has a first layer 920, a second layer 950, and a third layer 952.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 920 has an air permeable supporting material. The second layer 950 has a plurality of expandable fluid chambers arranged under the first layer 920. The third layer 952 has a pressure sensing assembly located below one or more of the fluid chambers of the second layer 950. The patient support 900 may be connected to the deck 6 by one or more connectors 46 as described above.

Each component of the patient support 900 is shown in the exploded view of FIG. The patient support 900 has an upper cover portion 916 and a lower cover portion 918. The upper cover portion 916 and the lower cover portion 918 are provided by conventional means (eg, chucks, velcro strips, snaps, buttons, or other suitable fasteners) to form the cover 912. Both are connected. The cover 912 defines the internal area 914.

A fire barrier 910, such as Ventex, is located under the cover assembly 916. The first support layer 920 is arranged below the top cover portion 916 in the internal region 914. The first support layer 920 has one or more layers made of an air permeable three-dimensional material wrapped in Lycra® or a similar material. Suitable 3D materials include, for example, Spacenet, Tytex, or / and similar materials. In the illustrated embodiment, layer 920 has a combination of a three-dimensional polyester spacer fabric and a polyester spring fabric such as Spacenet. In one embodiment, one layer of spacer fabric and four layers of Spacenet are deployed. In one embodiment, a layer of Spacenet is placed beneath the spacer fabric.

The second support layer 950 has one or more inflatable fluid chamber assemblies and is located below the first support layer 920. Illustrated embodiments of the second support layer 950 include a first fluid chamber assembly or head fluid chamber assembly 960, a second fluid chamber assembly or seat fluid chamber assembly 962, and a third fluid chamber assembly or foot fluid chamber. Has assembly 964 and. The first fluid chamber assembly 960 and the second fluid chamber assembly 962 have a plurality of fluid chambers 963 in a lateral or log-like shape. These fluid chambers 963 may be connected together by an integrated base so that they can be removed together as a single area. These fluid chambers 963 may also be individually removable. Communication of fluid to or from fluid chamber 963 may be provided by plenum and multiple ports deployed in each mattress area, or by separate ports deployed in each fluid chamber. You may. The third fluid chamber assembly 964 has a plurality of fluid chambers 965 in the shape of an upright can or cylinder, as described above. In this embodiment, the fluid chamber assemblies 960, 962, 964 are manufactured from a polyurethane coated nylon twill.

The pressure sensing layer 969 has a first sensing assembly or head sensor assembly 968 and a second sensing assembly or seat sensor assembly 970, which is located below the fluid chamber assemblies 960 and 962. The head sensor assembly 968 is approximately aligned below the head fluid chamber assembly 960 and the seat sensor assembly 970 is approximately aligned below the seat fluid chamber assembly 962. Additional detection assemblies may be further deployed on the foot portion of the patient support and data from it may be used to adjust the pressure of one or more of the mattress fluid chambers, or the mattress function or You may decide whether to start or stop the treatment.

Each of the sensor assemblies 968, 970 has two fluid chamber pads 1045 and associated electrical equipment and circuits, as shown in FIG. Cable 967 connects each pad to the valve box 958. In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid chamber pad 1045 portion is about the same size. Near the cranial end 932 so that the cranial end filler 966 is placed below the area of the patient support 900 that is most likely to support the patient's head or upper body. May be placed adjacent to the head sensor assembly 968.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detection assembly 968 is supported by the bolster assembly 976 and the detection assembly 970 is supported by the bolster assembly 978, as shown in FIG. The fluid chamber pad 1045 is secured to the plate 1044 by a connector 1054. Each fluid chamber pad 1045 has one or more fluid chambers 1046 filled with fluid, a pressure transducer 1048, and associated circuitry. The structure and operation of the detection assemblies 968, 970 is similar to that described in US Pat. No. 6,094,762 assigned to Hill-Rom Industries SA, France. The contents of the disclosure of this patent are incorporated herein by reference.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid chamber assembly 1045 has a fluid chamber filled with fluid arranged between a pair of support members or "blades" 1047. The fluid-filled fluid chamber 1046 and its associated vanes 1047 extend laterally across the width of the patient support 900 and are supported by the intermediate portion 1040 of the support plate 1044. The fluid chamber 1046 is filled with silicone oil or gel. The vane 1047 is made of the same material as the fluid chamber 1046 and is configured to secure the fluid chamber 1046 in place. The corresponding circuit boards 1051 for each of the fluid chamber pads 1045 are supported by the outer edge portion 1042 of the support plate. That is, the circuit board 1051 is located under the bolsters 976, 978 and on the plate 1044. The pressure transducer 1048 and connector 1050 are deployed on each of the circuit boards 1051. The pressure transducer 1048 measures the fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 1046 filled with the fluid associated with it and sends a pressure signal to the pressure sensor hub board 1252 (FIG. 26) via the connector 1050 and line 1052. The valve box 958 adjusts the pressure in the fluid chamber assemblies 960, 962, 964 based on the signal generated by the sensors 968, 970, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B. Acts as an intermediary with the control unit 1542. The pressure in the foot bolster fluid chamber may also be adjusted based on the signal generated by one or more of the pressure sensing assemblies 968, 970. In addition, the signals generated by the pressure sensing assemblies 968, 970 may be used to control or control the operation of the low air loss device 1091 in layer 1 920. In one embodiment, a strain gauge based sensor is used instead of the fluid-filled sensor described above.

With reference to FIG. 24 again, in the illustrated embodiment, a turning auxiliary cushion, or turning fluid chamber, or rotating fluid chamber 974 is located above the detection assemblies 968, 970. An exemplary turning auxiliary cushion 974 has a pair of longitudinally inflatable fluid chambers 974a, 974b.

In the embodiment of FIG. 24, a plurality of other supporting components 966, 974, 980, 984, 990, 992, 994, 996 are also deployed. One or more of these support components are deployed to allow the patient support 900 to be used in a variety of different bed frames, especially in connection with different bed frames with different deck configurations. One or more of these support components may selectively inflate or contract to fit the patient support 900 to a particular deck configuration, such as a stepped or concave deck, or a flat deck, or patient support. It may be added to the body 900 or removed from the patient support 900.

Each support component shown in FIG. 24 is manufactured from foam, inflatable fluid chambers, three-dimensional materials, other suitable support materials, or a combination thereof, as shown. For example, as shown, the fillers 966, 974, 980, 990, 992, 994, 996 have an expandable fluid chamber. The filler portion 984 has a foam layer, which is located substantially below the foot portion 964.

A pneumatic valve box 958 is also deployed in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptor 958 is detachably secured to the lower cover portion 918. The pneumatic box 958 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 26 to 27.

The low air loss device 1091 allows air to pass through layer 920, typically at about 2-10 cubic feet / minute. In general, low air loss devices are designed to help control the patient's humidity level and temperature.

In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the feed tube 1092 has tube components 1060, 1070, 1080. The tube assembly 1092 is connected to the air supply and supplies air to layer 920. Each component of tube assembly 1092 may be manufactured from a lightweight, air-impermeable material such as plastic.

In the embodiment of FIG. 24, a cloth manifold 1082 is deployed in place of the tube assembly 1092. The low air loss supply manifold 1082 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 22 and described above with reference to FIG.

FIG. 26 is a simplified plan view showing a pneumatic valve box assembly 958 configured to be used in connection with pressure sensing assemblies 968, 970. The control box 958 has a sensor hub board 1252 and an air control board 1250. The air control board 1250 is connected to the sensor hub 1252 by a connector 1251. The sensor hub 1252 is further connected to the detection assemblies 968, 970 by signal and control lines (not shown). The air control board 1250 is also connected to the first valve module 1254 and the second valve module 1256 by leads 1258, 1260. A communication / power line 1518 connects the control board 1250 to the control unit 1542. In other respects, the pneumatic assembly 958 is generally similar in structure and operation to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14A-14B and described with reference to FIG. 14B.

FIG. 27 is a simplified conceptual diagram showing the control system 1542 and related components of the patient support or mattress 900 according to the present invention. The patient support 900 has a sensor assembly 952, which is connected to the pneumatic valve control box 958 as described above. The sensor assembly 952 has a head sensor assembly 968 and a seat sensor assembly 970. The head sensor assembly 968 is located at the cranial end 932 of the mattress 900. The seat sensor pad 970 is located in the central portion of the mattress 900, i.e. the seat portion 936, between the cranial end 932 and the position of the pneumatic valve control box 958. The seat sensor pad 970 is arranged such that the patient resting on the mattress 900 is approximately located in its central portion, i.e., the seat portion located on the pad 970. Further, when the cranial end 932 of the mattress 900 is raised, the patient's seat is approximately located above the seat sensor pad 970. As described above with reference to FIG. 23, the head sensor pad 968 is located below the head fluid chamber assembly 960 and the seat sensor pad 970 is located below the seat fluid chamber assembly 962. Other embodiments may have more or less sensor assemblies and / or sensor pads.

A head angle sensor 1502 and a foot angle sensor 1262 are connected to the control box 958, which allows the signal from the sensor 1502 to regulate the pressure of one or more of the fluid chamber regions 960, 962, 964. Part angle information is provided. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the head angle sensor 1502 is located within the internal region of the head portion of the mattress 900 and the foot angle sensor 1262 is located within the internal region of the foot portion of the mattress 900. There is. The foot angle sensor 1262 is further located within the control box 958 within the internal area of the mattress 900.

The sensor assembly 952 is connected to the pneumatic control box 958 by an associated cable. The pneumatic control box 958 has a sensor hub board 1252. The sensor hub board 1252 is connected to the head sensor assembly 968 and the seat sensor pad 970 by a signal and control line 1510. The sensor hub board 1252 is also connected to the air control board 1250. The air control board 1250 is connected to the first valve block 1524 and the second valve block 1256. Communication / power line 1518 is connected to control unit 1542. Similarly, ventilation or low air loss supply lines 1520, 1504 are also connected to control unit 1542. The air pressurization / suction supply line 1522 is also connected to the control unit 1542.

The control unit 1542 is similar to that previously shown and described. Generally, the mattress 900 utilizes serial communication and the CAN communication protocol along with the Controller Area Network (CAN) open-based application layer for communication with various modules of the mattress system. Use a "masterless" system (rather than a "master / slave" system). A signal is transmitted from the sensor and other components across the network to the algorithm control unit, which in turn activates or stops the component based on the processing of that signal, sending the corresponding control signal to the network. Send across. For example, starting or stopping an air supply or blower, or opening or closing certain valves.

The control unit 1542 includes a display 1544 that displays a user interface screen and a touch screen user interface input device 1524 for inputting information that can be selected by the user, such as selection of various functions or characteristics of the device, into the control unit 1542. Have. The choices made on the user interface input device 1524 control the operation of the patient support 900. This operation includes, for example, selectively controlling the pressure of various fluid chambers in the mattress 900, displaying the current state or position of the mattress, and other functions.

In the illustrated embodiment of control unit 1542, the algorithm control board 1526 is connected to the user interface input device 1524. The algorithm control board 1526 receives a user-generated input signal received via the input device 1524 when the user selects such a function. The input device 1524 can be realized by various input devices such as a push button activated by pressing, a touch screen, a device activated by voice, and a device capable of selecting other inputs. When the algorithm control board 1526 receives various control signals via the user input device 1524, it controls the operation of the mattress 900 and various other devices incorporated in the control unit 1542. For example, the algorithm control board 1526 is connected to the display board 528, which sends a signal to the display 1544 to which it is connected. The display board 528 is also connected to the speaker 1530. The speaker 1530 indicates the selection of various functions made by the input device 1524, or indicates the condition of the patient placed on the patient support (eg, exiting, etc.), or the treatment provided to the patient. Generates an audible signal that may indicate the condition of the mattress (eg, rotation treatment completed, etc.), or the condition or condition of the mattress itself. The algorithm control board 1526 draws the required power from the power source 1532. The power supply 1532 has an AC input module 1534, which is usually connected to a wall outlet in the hospital room.

The algorithm control board 1526 is connected to the air supply section. The air supply unit has a compressor 1536 and a blower 1538 in the illustrated embodiment. Both the compressor 1536 and the blower 1538 receive the control signals generated by the algorithm control board 1526. Compressor 1536 is used to inflate the air-fluid chamber. Blower 1538 is used for the low air loss circulation provided to the mattress 900 through the ventilation supply lines 1520, 1504. However, compressor 1536 may be used for both expanding the fluid chamber and circulating air within the mattress 900. The pressurization / suction switching valve 1540 is connected to the compressor 1536. Compressor 1536 is switched to pressurize or draw air from the mattress 900. The muffler 1541 is connected to the valve 1540. In the pressurized position, air pressure is applied to the mattress 900 to inflate the mattress 900 to support the patient. In the suction position, the valve 1540 is used to draw air from the fluid chamber so that the mattress is in a folded position, for example to move it elsewhere or to perform CPR function. The CPR button 1542 is connected to the algorithm control board 1526.

As shown, the algorithm control board 1526, compressor 1536, blower 1538, and user input device or user control module 1524 are located outside the mattress and are part of the control unit 1542. The control unit 1542 may be located on the footboard 38 as shown in FIG. The sensor 952 or part thereof, the pneumatic valve control box 958, and the air control board or microprocessor 1250 for controlling these valves are located in the mattress 900. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to place some of these devices at different locations in the overall system. For example, the algorithm control board 1526 may be located within the mattress 900, or the air control board 1250 may be located within the control unit 1542.

As mentioned above, the control unit 1542 provides a graphical display that can be used by authorized persons, such as therapists / caregivers or technicians, to interact with the patient support 900. FIG. 28 shows the main screen 1600 for the user to interact with the patient support 900. The main screen 1600 has graphical functional areas 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608, 1610, 1612, 1614, 1616, 1618. When activated, the menu button 1602 gives the user access to an additional graphical dialogue screen for setting various functions and characteristics of the patient support 900. The alarm status window 1604 is a graphical display indicating whether or not any alarm has been set. For example, the alarm clock icon may be displayed when the direction change reminder alarm function (described later) is enabled. Also, when the bed exit alarm function (described later) is enabled, the icon of the person standing next to the bed may be displayed. If there are no valid features, the graphical display icon may be grayed out or hidden at all.

The bed icon 1606 graphically shows the current state of the mattress 900. For example, the icon 1606 changes when the head or foot angle of the mattress 900 changes from the horizontal position. When the mattress is occupied, people's icons etc. are displayed. Buttons 1608, 1610, 1612 enable or disable maximal inflatable or turning assist mattress treatment. The enable key 1614 locks or unlocks other buttons on the dialogue screen. Display area 1616 indicates mattress features that are not currently available. For example, if the head angle of the mattress is larger than 30 °, the turning assist buttons 1610 and 1612 are disabled. If there are no features currently disabled, no icon will be displayed in the display area 1616.

Graphical display 1618 appears on display 1600 when the head angle of mattress 900 is greater than 30 ° and the mattress is occupied. When the mattress detects any error condition, notification 1620 displays a graphical symbol, such as a telephone handset display. If the mattress is working without any error conditions, the icon 1622 will not be displayed. When the icon 1622 is displayed, it may also display a phone number and error code to call.

29A-29D are simplified views showing the flow of user interaction through the various interactive screens of Display 1600. Many of these functions are described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US06 / 26788, filed July 7, 2006 (agent reference number 8266-1555). The contents of this patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

As mentioned above, the mattress 900 of FIGS. 23-24 is configured to be used with a variety of different beds and bed frames. The mattress 900 may be used with a bed that allows for a chair position, such as the Total Care® bed available from Hill-Rom Company. As shown in FIG. 29B, the display 1600 has an interface screen 1624 for setting and / or activating the chair mode. The chair mode is usually activated by a technician when the mattress 900 is installed on a Total Care® or similar chair bed.

The mattress 900 of FIGS. 23 to 24 is configured to react when the bed on which it is installed takes a chair position. In the illustrated embodiment, the mattress 900 detects when the bed is in a chair position based on the head and foot angles detected by the head angle sensor 1502 and the foot angle sensor 1262. For example, the chair position is detected when the head angle of the mattress 900 is greater than about 60 ° from the horizontal and the foot angle of the mattress is descending about 45 ° below the horizontal. The mattress 900 detects the chair position independently of the support bed, that is, without receiving any data from the bed frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the mattress 900 detects the chair position, certain adjustments are made to the mattress. To make it easier for the patient to get off the mattress, or to make the patient more comfortable while the patient is upright, slightly reduce the pressure in the head region fluid chamber 960 and expel air from the foot region fluid chamber 964. To do. In addition, chair mode disables mattress treatments such as maximal swelling and turning assistance.

The mattress 900 often automatically sets and controls the pressure in the fluid chamber regions 960, 962, 964, but the mattress 900 also makes the individual patient more comfortable (ie, the individual patient's). It also has a pressure adjustment feature that allows an authorized person (based on preference) to manually increase or decrease the pressure in one or more of the areas 960, 962, 964 within a given range. FIG. 30 shows an interactive screen that an authorized person can use to achieve such manual adjustment. Aspects of this function are also described in PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US06 / 26787, filed July 7, 2006. The contents of this patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 30, button 1626 on the interactive display 1630 may be activated to enable the manual pressure adjustment function. When this feature is enabled, a graphical display 1632 of the person lying on the mattress appears. The graphical display of the mattress includes the head, seat and feet, where the pressure bar 1630 is displayed. In the illustrated embodiment, below the graphical display of the mattress is the pressure regulation control 1628. The up arrow is activated to control the pressure increase in each mattress area, and the down arrow is used to control the pressure decrease. The pressure bar 1630 graphically shows the pressure level for each mattress area. As the pressure is increased, additional pressure bars are added or blackened. When the pressure is reduced, the pressure bar is removed or grayed out. The graphical display 1632 is updated in real time as an authorized person adjusts the pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure regulation (ie, increase or decrease) is limited. That is, the manual pressure adjustment can be performed within the specified pressure range. For example, the maximum increase or decrease allowed by a mattress may be plus or minus about 2 inches of water (5.08 cm).

FIG. 31 shows a graphical interactive display of control unit 1542 for setting alarm notifications or alarms. For example, the therapist / caregiver can be configured to trigger an alarm (via data from sensor assemblies 968, 970) when the mattress 900 detects that the patient is leaving the bed. The treatment / caregiver is also oriented to remind the treatment / caregiver that the patient needs to be turned or some other treatment, medication, or care is needed after a given amount of time. It can be set to activate the conversion reminder. Such alarms or notifications may be visual cues such as light irradiation or changes in graphical display, email messages, text messages sent to the treatment / caregiver's remote device, or similar appropriate notifications. Good.

FIG. 32 is a simplified flow diagram showing the logic used by the mattress 900 to detect in-use or non-use and adjust the air pressure in the mattress fluid chamber accordingly. Sensor assemblies 968 and 970 are used to detect the pressure applied to the head area 960 and seat area 962 by the patient placed on the mattress 900, respectively. At block 1702, the pressure detected by the detection assembly 970 located below the head region fluid chamber 960 is detected and processed by the programming logic of the control unit 1542 and the sensor hub circuit 1252. At block 1704, the program logic determines whether the detected head area pressure exceeds the pressure threshold. If the detected head pressure exceeds the pressure threshold, at block 1706 the system determines that the mattress 900 is currently in a pressure relief position and the head area based on the patient's weight. Automatically adjusts the cushioning pressure in the seat and foot areas to a given amount (ie, increasing or decreasing the pressure in areas 960, 962, 964 as needed). As shown in Figure 29B, the weight of an individual patient can be entered via the interactive display 1600.

In one embodiment, the initial fluid chamber pressures in the head, seat, and foot regions are determined and adjusted by an algorithmic control unit based on the patient's weight. When the head angle detected by the head angle sensor is changed, the pressure in the head region may be readjusted with a predetermined time delay (about 3 to 6 seconds). For example, when the head angle is less than 30 °, the pressure in the head fluid chamber may be adjusted to another predetermined desired level. The same applies when the head angle is changed to be within the range of 30 ° to 45 ° and when the head angle is raised to 45 ° or more.

In the illustrated embodiment, the head angle sensor is a plurality of distinct angles that indicate when the head portion of the mattress reaches different separate angles (0 °, 5 °, 15 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °). Has a ball sensor. The head angle may also be factored into the initial pressure regulation along with the patient's weight. In general, the algorithm control unit pressures the mattress to be in pressure relief mode and the mattress is being used by a patient in a pressure relief position (eg, lying down, lying down, etc.). Maintain "bed use-pressure relief" pressure as long as the sensor indicates. When the pressure sensor indicates that the patient has left the bed, the mattress transitions to block 1712's "empty bed" mode.

If the detected partial head pressure does not exceed the threshold, the system then reads in block 1708 the pressure detected by the seat pressure sensing assembly. Compare the pressure detected in the seat with the seat pressure threshold. The seat threshold may be the same as or different from the head threshold. If the detected seat area pressure does not exceed the seat pressure threshold, the system determines that the mattress is empty, i.e. not in use. In this case, the mattress 900 automatically adjusts the pressure of the fluid chamber assemblies 960, 962, and / or 964 in block 1712 for the "empty bed" mode. This may include adjusting pressure to prepare another patient for use of the bed. In addition, the pressure of one or more of the bolster and / or filler fluid chambers may be adjusted for the type of bed frame that supports the mattress 900.

If the detected seat area pressure exceeds the seat threshold, the system performs further analysis at block 1714 to determine the current state of the mattress. If the mattress is determined to be empty before that (ie 1712), the system determines that the patient is in bed. In this case, the system adjusts the pressures in regions 960, 962, 964 at block 1718 to a given desired approach pressure.

If the detected seat area pressure exceeds the threshold but the mattress is not detected to be empty before, the system prepares the patient to sit or get out of bed or get off in block 1716. Adjusting the pressure in the head, seat, and foot areas to a desired desired "exit" pressure level to help the patient exit the bed, or in a sitting position. Adjust to provide additional comfort or support to the patient. The pressure of the foot bolster may also be adjusted at block 1716. Such adjustment of the bolster pressure may be based on the type of bed frame that supports the patient. The bed frame type may be manually entered by an authorized person and stored in memory by the algorithm control unit.

When determining whether or not the detected pressure exceeds the threshold value, the detected pressure amount (water column inch (cm)) and the time during which the pressure is continuously detected are taken into consideration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, if the detected pressure is continuously above the threshold for more than 2 seconds, the pressure is considered to exceed the threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold is determined based on the results of statistical analysis of data obtained from a number of different experiments involving used and unused mattresses.

In other embodiments, pressure sensing assemblies 968, 970 may be used in place or in addition to determine the weight of the patient. As mentioned above, strain gauge-based sensors may be used instead of fluid-filled fluid chamber sensors to determine in-use and / or patient weight. Another algorithm that can be used to determine the weight of a patient while in use and / or a patient is similar to that disclosed in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2007 / 016054. The disclosure content of this patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention has been described above with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications, and uses. However, the invention is defined by the appended claims and should therefore not be limited by the embodiments, variations and uses described herein.

Each aspect of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings showing exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a patient support according to the present invention, which is placed on an exemplary hospital bed and is part of a patient support to show the internal components of the patient support. Shows the patient support with the squint removed.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the patient support with some parts removed to show the internal components of the patient support.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the components of the illustrated embodiment of the patient support.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary three-dimensional support material.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a side view showing selected components of certain embodiments of the patient support.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the components of the patient support also shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 is a side view showing selected components of another embodiment of the patient support.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the air flow through the embodiment of the patient support shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 9 is an exploded end view showing a component of an embodiment of the patient support.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an air supply tube of a low air loss device.</figref><figref num="11A">FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing each part of the control system of an embodiment with a patient support.</figref><figref num="11B">FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing each part of the control system of an embodiment with a patient support.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary bolster assembly.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic showing each air region of the illustrated patient support and the air supply system associated with them.</figref><figref num="14A">FIG. 14A is an exploded view of an exemplary pneumatic assembly.</figref><figref num="14B">FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the pneumatic assembly of FIG. 14A.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the patient support, showing the patient support with some parts removed to show the internal components of the patient support, including the angle sensor.</figref><figref num="16">16A to 16C are diagrams showing ball switches arranged inside the angle sensor.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a patient support in a transport position.</figref><figref num="18">FIG. 18 is a side view showing selected components of another embodiment of the patient support.</figref><figref num="19">FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the air flow through the embodiment of the patient support shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="20">FIG. 20 is a simplified schematic showing a supply tube attached to an enclosure by a T-shaped fixture.</figref><figref num="21">FIG. 21 is a simplified schematic showing a fabric manifold mounted in an enclosure.</figref><figref num="22">FIG. 22 is a simplified schematic showing the various layers of the fabric manifold.</figref><figref num="23">FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the patient support according to the present invention, showing the patient support with some parts removed to show the internal components.</figref><figref num="24">FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the patient support according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="25">FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the components of the patient support according to the embodiment of FIG.</figref><figref num="26">FIG. 26 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a pneumatic assembly according to the embodiment of the patient support of FIG.</figref><figref num="27">FIG. 27 is a simplified block diagram of a pneumatic assembly according to the patient support embodiment of FIG.</figref><figref num="28">FIG. 28 is an exemplary graphical display of the main menu control screen of the patient support according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="29A">FIG. 29A is a simplified menu flow diagram showing options for interaction between the patient support and the user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="29B">FIG. 29B is a simplified menu flow diagram showing options for interaction between the patient support and the user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="29C">FIG. 29C is a simplified menu flow diagram showing options for interaction between the patient support and the user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="29D">FIG. 29D is a simplified menu flow diagram showing options for interaction between the patient support and the user according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="30">FIG. 30 is an exemplary menu flow diagram showing the interaction between the patient support and the user to regulate the pressure in one or more areas of the patient support.</figref><figref num="31">FIG. 31 is an exemplary menu flow diagram showing patient support-user interaction for setting one or more automatic alarms or notifications.</figref>