Abstract:
A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and a user interface. The user interface is actuatable by a user to record a state of a plurality of conditions of the patient handling device. The controller is in communication with the user interface and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication when all the conditions remain unchanged from their recorded state, and to generate a second indication when any of the conditions change from their recorded state.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/557,349, entitled PATIENT HANDLING DEVICE INCLUDING LOCAL STATUS INDICATION, ONE-TOUCH FOWLER ANGLE ADJUSTMENT, AND POWER-ON ALARM CONFIGURATION, filed on Nov. 7, 2006, by David Terrance Becker, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/734,083 filed Nov. 7, 2005, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The subject invention relates to a patient handling device such as a hospital bed and associated methods of operation. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Modern patient handling devices are becoming increasingly integrated with advanced electronic devices, such as a microprocessors, communication busses, network interfaces, wireless networks, high-tech displays, and advanced sensors. These electronic devices have the potential to greatly enhance patient care. But too often, these electronic devices are complex and do not adequately address ease of use, which can be essential for patient care by accounting for the stresses of a hospital/medical environment. As a result, modern patient handling device controls and user interfaces may be difficult to operate. 
         [0006]    One difficulty is the complexity involved in setting the desired state of the components of the patient handling device in order to produce an alarm should the components be in a non-desired state. Another difficulty is the ability to even notice when the patient handling device is alarming due to one or more components in a non-desired state. Yet another difficulty is the ability to prevent a patient from lowering a fowler of the patient handling device past prescribed angular position, yet maintaining the ability for the patient to still selectively adjust the fowler between a plurality of angular positions above the prescribed angular position. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a patient handling device that can address the difficulties described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0007]    A first aspect of the present invention provides a method of monitoring a patient handling device. The patient handling device includes a plurality of sensors sensing a plurality of features of the patient handling device and a controller in communication with the sensors. The method includes the step of receiving a control signal at the controller to initiate monitoring of the patient handling device. Sensor signals are acquired at the controller from the sensors in response to receiving the control signal. Initial sensor data is generated from the sensor signals based on the initial state of the sensors to establish a desired state of the patient handling device. The method continues with the steps of periodically acquiring the sensor signals from the sensors after generating the initial sensor data and generating current sensor data from the sensor signals based on the current state of the sensors. The current sensor data is compared to the initial sensor data and an alarm is generated in response to a substantial variation between the current sensor data and the initial sensor data. 
         [0008]    A second aspect of the invention provides a patient handling device having a plurality of features for patient care. The patient handling device includes a frame for supporting a patient and a plurality of sensors supported by the frame for generating a plurality of sensor signals, wherein each sensor signal corresponds to one of the features of the device. A user-selectable control produces a control signal to initiate monitoring of the patient handling device. A controller is in communication with the sensors and the user-selectable control for receiving the control signal, acquiring the sensor signals from the sensors in response to receiving the control signal, and generating initial sensor data from the sensor signals based on the initial state of the sensors. The controller also periodically acquires the sensor signals from the sensors and generates current sensor data from the sensor signals based on the current state of the sensors. The controller then compares the current sensor data to the initial sensor data and alarms in response to a substantial variation between the current sensor data and the initial sensor data. 
         [0009]    A third aspect of the invention provides a patient handling device having a plurality of features for patient care and a frame for supporting a patient. A plurality of sensors are supported by the frame, wherein each sensor senses a feature of the patient handling device and generates a sensor signal corresponding to one of the features of the patient handling device. The patient handling device further includes a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors for periodically acquiring the sensor signals from the plurality of sensors to generate current sensor data. The controller also compares the current sensor data to predetermined data. An alert lamp in communication with the controller produces light in response to a substantial variation between the current sensor data and the predetermined data. The light produced by the alert lamp is viewable outward from the frame along at least 180 degrees of a circle defined around the frame. 
         [0010]    A fourth aspect of the invention provides a patient handling device including a frame for supporting a patient above a surface. The frame includes an upper portion which is angularly adjustable with respect to the surface. An actuator is operatively connected to the upper portion for adjusting the upper portion between a plurality of angular positions relative to the surface. An actuator control generates an actuator control signal and an angular position sensor is coupled to the frame for sensing the angular position of the upper portion with respect to the surface. The patient handling device further includes a position lock control for generating a position lock signal. A controller is in communication with the actuator control and the actuator for controlling the actuator to selectively adjust the upper portion between the plurality of angular positions. The controller is also in communication with the position lock control and the angular position sensor for preventing operation of the actuator and thereby preventing adjustment of the upper portion to at least one restricted angular position in response to the position lock signal 
         [0011]    In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of operating a patient handling device is provided. The patient handling device includes a frame for supporting a patient above a surface. The frame includes an upper portion which is angularly adjustable with respect to the surface and an actuator for adjusting the upper portion. The method includes the step of receiving an actuator control signal to adjust the upper portion between a plurality of angular positions relative to the surface. The method also includes the step of sensing an angular position of the upper portion with respect to the surface. When a position lock signal is received, operation of the actuator is prevented, which thereby prevents adjustment of the upper portion to at least on restricted angular position. 
         [0012]    The first and second aspects of the invention allow a user of the patient handling device to easily configure the desired state of the patient handling device. This is accomplished by simply setting the patient handling device to the desired configuration (e.g., setting angles, heights, and siderail positions) and turning the patient handling device on. The initial state of the patient handling device is recorded and the patient handling device produces an alarm when the patient handling device is no longer in this initial state. 
         [0013]    The third aspect of the invention provides at least one alert lamp which is viewable to alert the user when any of a number of sensors indicates an alarm condition. The light produced by the alert lamp is viewable at numerous locations around the bed. 
         [0014]    The fourth and fifth aspects of the invention provide a simple, one touch lockout that allows a patient to adjust a fowler of the patient handling device, but prevents the patient from lowering the fowler past a certain point. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a patient handling device with a mattress; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the patient handling device with the mattress removed to illustrate the upper portion in an inclined position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of the various electrical and electronic components of the patient handling device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  IS a detailed view of a footboard control panel and annunciator; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of a display of the footboard control panel showing an example of several alarms; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are detailed views of the display of the footboard control panel showing a low height alarm; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are detailed views of the display of the footboard control panel showing a brake alarm; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are detailed views of the display of the footboard control panel showing a siderail alarm; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are detailed views of the display of the footboard control panel showing a bed exit alarm; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a detailed view of an outside siderail control panel; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a detailed view of an inside siderail control panel; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a detailed view of the display of the footboard control panel showing a menu; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a detailed view of the display of the footboard control panel showing an instructional message; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view of a healthcare facility with a network and a patient handling device bay ID system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view of alternative room modules in the patient handling device bay ID system illustrating their communication with the patient handling device and non-patient handling device devices; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a display representation at a remote computer illustrating a user interface of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a patient handling device  20  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Those skilled in the art realize that the patient handling device  20  of the present invention may be implemented as a gurney, stretcher, surgical table, examination table, wheel chair, ambulance cot, or other suitable device as is known to the art. Furthermore, the patient handling device  20  need not be utilized solely in a hospital, but in any suitable environment. 
         [0033]    The patient handling device  20  includes a frame  22  for supporting a patient (not shown). A mattress  24  is preferably disposed on the frame  22  for comfortably supporting the patient. However, those skilled in the art realize that the patient handling device  20  may be implemented without the mattress  24  or with numerous alternatives for the mattress  24 , such as cushions. The mattress  24  could be a therapy mattress such as that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/260,452, filed Oct. 27, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0034]    The patient handling device  20  also preferably includes a plurality of wheels  26  supporting the frame  22 . The wheels  26  allow the patient handling device  20  to be easily moved along a surface  28  (i.e., the floor). Of course, the patient handling device  20  may be implemented without the wheels  26 , such that the patient handling device  20  is relatively stationary. When implemented with the wheels  26 , the patient handling device  20  preferably includes a brake for immobilizing at least one of the wheels  26  and more preferably immobilizing all of the wheels  26 . The brake is applied via a brake pedal  30 . In alternative embodiments, the brake may be applied utilize a handle, button, or other suitable activation technique. Braking systems employed on patient handling devices are well known in the art and any suitable system may be employed here, thus the braking system is not described in detail. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the frame  22  includes an upper portion  32  and a lower portion  34 . The upper portion  32  is often referred to as a “fowler portion” or simply a “fowler”. The upper and lower portions  32 ,  34  are angularly adjustable with respect to the surface  28  between a plurality of angular positions. Said another way, the upper and lower portions  32 ,  34  may be adjusted such that they are non-parallel with the surface  28 . This allows the patient to be positioned in a variety of configurations as are well known to those skilled in the art. The angular position of the upper portion  32  with respect to the surface  28  is commonly referred to as a “fowler angle” or “fowler position”. 
         [0036]    The frame  22  defines two sides  36  running lengthwise with the arms and legs of a patient lying in the patient handling device  20  and two ends (not labeled) transverse to the sides  36 . A footboard  38  is disposed transverse to the sides  36  and adjacent to one of the ends. Likewise, a headboard  40  may be disposed transverse to the sides  36  and adjacent to the other end of the frame  22 . Obviously, the footboard  38  is typically disposed near the feet of a patient lying on the patient handling device  20  while the headboard  40  is disposed near the head of the patient. 
         [0037]    The patient handling device  20  also includes at least one siderail  42  disposed adjacent one of the sides  36  of the frame  22 . The siderail  42  is moveable between an up position and a down position. In the up position, the siderail  42  prevents the patient from accidentally rolling off the patient handling device  20  or easily exiting the patient handling device  20 . It is preferred that the siderail  42  include a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the siderail  42  in the up position, such that it may not be easily lowered by the patient. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one siderail is implemented as a plurality of siderails, and more preferably as four siderails: two adjacent the upper portion  32  with one on each side  36  of the frame  22  and two adjacent the lower portion  34  with one on each side  36  of the frame  22 . In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , three of the siderails  42  are shown in the up position and one (not shown) is in the down position. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the patient handling device  20  includes a controller  44  for controlling operation of the patient handling device  20  and monitoring various features of the patient handling device  20 . The controller  44  is preferably a microprocessor-based device, such as a microcontroller. However, those skilled in the art realize that other suitable implementations may be employed for the controller  44 . The patient handling device  20  also includes a variety of electrical and electronic components (not shown) interfaced with or integrated into the controller  44  for enabling operation of the controller  44  and communication with the controller  44 . These components may include, but are not limited to, power supplies, communication interface circuits, networking circuits, amplifiers, multiplexers, logic gates, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes. At least one analog-to-digital converter  46  (ADC) is electrically connected to the controller  44  to convert analog signals from variable voltage/current devices to digital signals which are usable by the controller  44 . The at least one ADC  46  may be separate (i.e., stand-alone) from the controller  44  and/or integrated within the controller  44 . Furthermore, the patient handling device  20  may also include a plurality of distributed nodes (not shown) electrically connected to the controller  44  and various electrical/electronic devices as described herein. The distributed nodes facilitate communication between the devices and the controller  44  while reducing overall wiring costs and complexity. 
         [0039]    The patient handling device  20  includes an upper portion actuator  48  operatively connected to the upper portion  32 . The upper portion actuator  48  moves the upper portion  32  to adjust the upper portion  32  between a plurality of angular positions. The upper portion actuator  48  is in communication with the controller  44  to receive control signals from the controller  44 . The upper portion actuator  48  is preferably a bi-directional motor such that the upper portion actuator  48  can increase and decrease the angular position of the upper portion  32  with respect to a horizontal surface  28  such as the floor upon which the patient handling device  20  is supported. The patient handling device  20  also includes a lower portion actuator  50  operatively connected to the lower portion  34  for moving the lower portion  34  to adjust the lower portion  34  between a plurality of angular positions. The lower portion actuator  50  is electrically connected to the controller  44  and is preferably a bi-directional motor and operates similarly to the upper portion actuator  48  described above. The patient handling device  20  also includes a lifting mechanism  52  operatively connected to the frame  22  for lifting and lowering the frame  22  with respect to the surface  28 . The lifting mechanism  52  is electrically connected to the controller  44  and preferably includes a bi-directional motor. Of course, those skilled in the art realize that the patient handling device  20  may include other actuators for operating features of the patient handling device  20 . The actuators  48 ,  50  and lifting mechanism  52  are well known to those skilled in the art and any suitable actuator  48 ,  50  or lifting mechanism  52  may be implemented; therefore, the actuators  48 ,  50  and lifting mechanism  52  are not described in further detail. 
         [0040]    A plurality of sensors  54  are supported by the patient handling device  20  with each sensor  54  being associated with the various features of the patient handling device  20 . Each sensor  54  senses at least one feature of the patient handling device  20  and generates a sensor signal corresponding to that feature of the patient handling device  20 . These sensors  54  include, but are not limited to:
       at least one siderail switch  56  for sensing the position of each siderail  42 , specifically, whether each siderail  42  is in the up position;   a brake sensor  58  for sensing the activation of the brake;   a height sensor  60  for sensing the height of the frame  22  with respect to the surface  28 .   an upper portion potentiometer  62  for sensing an angular position of the upper portion  32  with respect to the surface  28 ;   a lower portion potentiometer  64  for sensing an angular position of the lower portion  34  with respect to the surface  28 ;   at least one load cell  66 , and preferably four load cells  66 , for sensing the weight, presence, and/or position of the patient on the patient handling device  20 ; and   an arm/disarm signal from a bed exit system.
 
Those skilled in the art will realize numerous techniques for implementing the sensors  54  with the patient handling device  20 . For example, in the preferred embodiment, the siderail switches  56  are implemented as mechanical rocker-type switches. However, the siderail switches  56  may alternatively be implemented as inductive or capacitive sensing proximity switches, photosensitive detectors, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will realize that additional sensors that may be utilized to monitor a feature of the patient handling device  20 .
       
 
         [0048]    The bed exit system detects patient exit from the patient handling device  20  and/or detects a position of the patient on the patient handling device  20 . Such a bed exit system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,432, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The bed exit system is preferably incorporated as one or more software routines in the controller  44  and utilizes the preferred four load cells  66  as described above. The load cells  66 , via the bed exit system, may be used to track the patient&#39;s center of gravity. By knowing the patient&#39;s center of gravity, pressure ulcer management can be performed by knowing that the patient hasn&#39;t moved or turned. Furthermore, the load cells  66 , via the bed exit system, may be utilized to predict a bed exit before it occurs. 
         [0049]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the patient handling device  20  also preferably includes several control panels  68 ,  70 ,  72  in communication with the controller  44 . In the preferred embodiment, the patient handling device  20  includes a footboard control panel  68  disposed in the footboard  38  of the patient handling device  20 . The footboard control panel  68 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 4 , includes a plurality of membrane-style pushbuttons for controlling various features of the patient handling device  20 . Of course, the footboard control panel  68  may use different styles of pushbuttons, switches, or knobs as is well known to those skilled in the art. The footboard control panel  68  also includes a display  74  for displaying information regarding the patient handling device  20  to a user (e.g., nurse, doctor, technician, etc.). The display  74  in the preferred embodiment is a back-lit liquid crystal-type device, however, other types of displays  74 , including touch-screen displays  74  for accepting user input, are known to those skilled in the art. A cover  76  is pivotally hinged to the footboard  38  adjacent to the footboard control panel  68  for concealing and protecting the footboard control panel  68  when closed. The cover  76  may include a window (not shown) to allow viewing of the display  74  when the cover  76  is closed. 
         [0050]    The patient handling device  20  also preferably includes at least one outside siderail control panel  70 , shown in detail in  FIG. 10 , and at least one inside siderail control panel  72 , shown in detail in  FIG. 11 . The inside siderail control panel  72  is disposed on the inside (i.e., close to the patient) of at least one of the siderails  42  to allow convenient control of the patient handling device  20  and an interface to other off bed features (e.g., television control, nurse call, etc.). The outside siderail control panel  70  is disposed on the outside (i.e., away from the patient) of at least one of the siderails to allow convenient control of the patient handling device  20  by users other than the patient. The siderail control panels  70 ,  72  preferably include membrane-style pushbuttons, but other alternatives are known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0051]    The patient handling device  20  includes an upper portion control  78 , a lower portion control  80 , and a height control  82 , each control electrically connected to the controller  44 . Each of these controls  78 ,  80 ,  82  is preferably implemented as a pair of membrane-style pushbuttons (one for up and one for down). In the preferred embodiment, the upper and lower portion controls  78 ,  80  are disposed on each of the control panels  68 ,  70 ,  72  while the height control  82  is disposed on the outside siderail control panel  70  and the footboard control panel  68 , i.e., not on the inside siderail control panel  72 . The upper portion control  78  generates an upper portion control signal, the lower portion control  80  generates a lower portion control signal, and the height control  82  generates a height control signal. Each of these control signals is communicated to the controller  44 . The controller  44  typically responds to each control signal by controlling the actuator corresponding to the control signal in the appropriate direction. A patient or user of the patient handling device  20  can then use the controls  78 ,  80 ,  82  to selectively adjust the height, upper portion angular position, and/or lower portion angular position of the patient handling device  20 . 
         [0052]    The patient handling device  20  includes a user-selectable control for producing a control signal. In the preferred embodiment, the user-selectable control is a power button  84 , preferably as part of the footboard control panel  68 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . However, other controls for producing the control signal and other locations for the power button  84  are also acceptable. The power button  84  produces the control signal, which is sent to the controller  44  to initiate monitoring of the patient handling device  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the power button  84  also controls the flow of power to the patient handling device  20 . Furthermore, the power button  84  cannot be activated (i.e., power will not flow to the patient handling device  20 ) unless the brake has been set to immobilize the patient handling device  20 . 
         [0053]    The controller  44  receives the control signal and begins to initiate the monitoring of the patient handling device  20 . Specifically, in response to receiving the control signal, the controller  44  acquires the sensor signal from each of the sensors  54  that is to be monitored. The controller  44  generates initial sensor data based on the initially acquired sensor signals. This initial sensor data then becomes the “setpoint” and is stored in a memory of the controller  44 , thus establishing a desired state of the patient handling device. For example, if the sensors  54  to be monitored are the four siderail switches  56 , the brake sensor  58 , and the load cells  66 , then the position of each siderail  42  and the brake and the weight measured by the load cells  66  are stored in the memory. If the sensors  54  to be monitored are the four siderail switches  56 , the brake sensor  58 , and the arm/disarm signal from the bed exit system, then the position of each siderail  42  and the brake and the current configuration of the arm/disarm signal (e.g., armed or disarmed) are stored in the memory. Thus, the initial sensor data is based on the position of the components being monitored when the power button  84  is depressed. 
         [0054]    After generating the initial sensor data, the controller  44  then will periodically acquire the sensor signal from each of the monitored sensors  54  to generate current sensor data. This current sensor data is then compared to the initial sensor data. An alarm may be then issued in response to a substantial variation between the current sensor  54  data and the initial sensor data. This variation indicates a change from the desired state to an undesired state. Of course, the amount of variation between the current and initial sensor data that results in triggering the alarm may be adjusted, depending on the nature of the data. For example, a variation of a few pounds in the weight of the patient (between initial and current sensor data) need not trigger the alarm, but a variation of fifty pounds could. Furthermore, the step of periodically acquiring the sensor signals may be described as the controller  44  routinely examining the sensor signals to determine the current state of the sensors  54 . Alternatively, the step of periodically acquiring the sensor signals may be described as being immediately triggered by a state change, such as, but not limited to, the presence of an interrupt signal at the controller  44 . 
         [0055]    Alternative methods to issuing the alarm are contemplated within the scope of the invention. In one method, the current sensor data is compared to predetermined data. This predetermined data may be set by the manufacturer of the patient handling device  20  or may be set by the user. In an embodiment in which the predetermined data is set by the user, configuration controls are provided as part of the footboard control panel  68 . Those skilled in the art realize that the initial sensor data may be considered to be the predetermined data since the initial sensor data is set (i.e., predetermined) by the user&#39;s act of turning the patient handling device  20  on via the power button  84 . 
         [0056]    The alarm may be conveyed in several forms. In one instance, the alarm may be conveyed by activating an alert lamp which produces light. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the preferred embodiment, the patient handling device  20  includes a plurality of alert lamps: at least one footboard alert lamp  86  and a pair of side alert lamps  88 . The footboard alert lamp  86  is coupled to the footboard  38  and disposed in a footboard lamp housing  90  located below the footboard control panel  68 . 
         [0057]    One side alert lamp  88  is disposed on one side  36  of the patient handling device  20  while the other side alert lamp  88  is disposed on the other side  36  of the patient handling device  20 . The alert lamps  86 ,  88  are positioned such that the light produced by the alert lamp is viewable outward from the patient handling device  20  along at least 180 degrees of a circle defined around the patient handling device  20  and more preferably viewable at least 270 degrees of the circle defined by the patient handling device  20 . Since the headboard  40  of the patient handling device  20  is traditionally positioned against a wall, the light produced by the alert lamps  86 ,  88  is viewable no matter where a user is around the patient handling device  20 . Furthermore, alert lamps may be positioned such that light is viewable at any point (i.e., 360 degrees) around the patient handling device  20 . 
         [0058]    Preferably, the alert lamps  86 ,  88  are light emitting diodes (LEDs) such that replacement of the alert lamps  86 ,  88  is a rarity. It is also preferred that the alert lamps  86 ,  88  produce an amber (or yellow) colored light. Light having an amber color typically has a wavelength in the range of 577 to 597 nanometers. Furthermore, it is preferred that the alert lamp flash on and off, to emphasize the alarm condition. Those skilled in the art will realize other locations, configurations, colors, and wavelengths for the alert lamps  86 ,  88 . The alert lamps  86 ,  88  are deactivated, i.e., turned off, when there is no substantial variation between the current sensor data and the predetermined data (or initial sensor data). 
         [0059]    To deactivate the alarm and the alert lamps  86 ,  88 , a user may simply correct the problem (e.g., raise a siderail that was lowered). Alternatively, deactivating the alert lamps  86 ,  88  may be accomplished by simply turning off power to the patient handling device  20  by pressing the power button  84  and then turning power back on, by again pressing the power button  84 . When the patient handling device  20  is restarted, the initial sensor data will be set to the current (and desired) state. 
         [0060]    The patient handling device  20  may also include a normal lamp  92  which is activated (i.e., illuminated) when there is no substantial variation between the current sensor data and the predetermined data (or initial sensor data). Said another way, the normal lamp  92  is illuminated when there is no alarm. The normal lamp  92  is also preferably disposed within the footboard lamp housing  90 . The normal lamp  92  produces a light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the light produced by the alert lamp. Preferably, the normal lamp  92  is at least one LED that produces a green colored light. Those skilled in the art realize that green color light has a wavelength in the range of 492 to 577 nanometers. The normal lamp  92  is deactivated, i.e., turned off, when there is a substantial variation between the current sensor data and the predetermined data (or initial sensor data), i.e., when the patient handling device  20  is in the undesired state. 
         [0061]    Thus, in the preferred embodiment, it is easy for a user (e.g., nurse, doctor, orderly, etc.) to quickly determine if there is a problem with the patient handling device  20  that needs to be addressed. The user need simply notice whether the patient handling device  20  is producing a green light or a flashing amber light. 
         [0062]    In another instance, the alarm may be conveyed to a user by sounding an audible signal. The patient handling device  20  may include a speaker  94  in communication with the controller  44  for sounding this audible signal. 
         [0063]    In yet another instance, the alarm may be conveyed by transmitting alarm data to a remote computer  95 , external from the patient handling device  20 . The controller  44  of the patient handling device  20  is in communication with a network interface  96 . The network interface  96  may then communicate the alarm data (as well as other data) to the remote computer  95  over a network  97 . Those skilled in the art realize that the network  97  may be a hardwired network (e.g., Ethernet) or a wireless network (e.g., WiFi., cellular telephone, GSM, Bluetooth, etc.). 
         [0064]    The alarm my also be conveyed by transmitting a nurse call signal to a nurse call system. Nurse call systems are well known to those skilled in the art, but typically lack functionality for detailed data handling. Rather, nurse call systems typically provide a simple on/off signal to alert the user (e.g., a nurse) to a problem. 
         [0065]    The patient handling device  20  of the present invention also provides functionality for limiting (or locking out) operation of the patient handling device  20 . The footboard control panel  68  includes an upper portion lockout control  98 , a lower portion lockout control  100 , a height lockout control  102 , and a motion lockout control  104 . Each of these lockout controls  98 ,  100 ,  102 ,  104  is electrically connected to the controller  44  and sends a corresponding lockout control signal to the controller  44  when activated. For example, when the lower portion lockout control  98  is activated, the lower portion actuator  50  will not function when the lower portion controls  80  on the siderails  42  and/or the footboard control panel  68  are depressed. The same reasoning extends to the upper portion lockout control  100 , the height lockout control  102 , and the motion lockout control  104 . 
         [0066]    The patient handling device  20  of the present invention also provides a position lock control  106 . The position lock control  106  is preferably a membrane-style pushbutton located in the footboard control panel  68  and electrically connected to the controller  44 . The position lock control  106  generates a position lock signal which is received by the controller  44 . The activation of the position lock control  106  in the preferred embodiment provides several results. First, the lower portion actuator  48  is actuated to position the lower portion to a horizontal position (i.e., parallel with the surface  28 ). Next, the upper portion actuator  48  is actuated to position the upper portion  32  outside of a restricted range of angular positions of the upper portion  32  In the preferred embodiment, this restricted range is between 0 and 30 degrees with respect to the surface  28 . However, different ranges of angular positions may also be utilized. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the restricted range may be between 0 and 45 degrees. In another alternative embodiment, the restricted range may be any angular position greater than 45 degrees. If the upper portion  32  is already positioned outside the restricted range of angular positions, then no actuation takes place. The controller  44  receives feedback (i.e., the current position of the upper portion  32 ) from the upper position sensor  54 . 
         [0067]    Finally, activation of the position lock control  106  results in preventing the operation of the upper portion actuator  48  utilizing the upper portion control  78  into the restricted range of angular positions. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the patient (or other user) is not able to lower the upper portion  32  under 30 degrees utilizing the pushbuttons of the upper portion control  78 . This allows a simple and convenient technique for a user to place the patient in an inclined position and keep the patient in that position. In some embodiments, however, even when the position lock control  106  is actuated, the upper portion  32  can be adjusted through a plurality of permitted angular positions that fall outside the restricted range of angular positions, such as those positions above 30 degrees with respect to the surface  28 . Those skilled in the art realize that certain medical conditions necessitate positioning patients in these permitted positions for extended periods of time. Those skilled in the art realize other restricted range of angular positions that have clinical or operational significance. Two examples of restricted ranges of angular positions are related to the commonly known Trendelenberg position (where the patient&#39;s feet are disposed higher than their head) and the knee gatch position. Of course, if CPR is to be initiated, a CPR button allows immediate movement of the upper and lower portions of the bed to a fully horizontal position. 
         [0068]    In the preferred embodiment described above, the position lock control  106  restricted the range of angular positions of the upper portion  32 . In other embodiments, however, the position lock control  106  may alternatively restrict the range of angular positions of other portions of the patient handling device  20 , such as, but not limited to, the lower portion  34 . 
         [0069]    The patient handling device  20  also includes an annunciator  110  for quickly alerting the user to status conditions of the patient handling device  20 . The annunciator  110  is preferably located adjacent to and below the footboard control panel  68 , however other locations may also be acceptable. The annunciator  110  includes annunciator lamps (not shown) electrically connected to the controller  44 . A cover plate is affixed over the annunciator lamps, such that messages are illuminated when appropriate. These messages may include, but are not limited to:
       Motion Lockout Set   Siderail Lockout Set   Low Height   Brake Set   Bed Exit Alarm   Zero Weight Alarm   Siderail Alarm   Power On
 
One advantageous feature of the annunciator  110  is that it remains visible to the user, even when the cover  76  of the footboard control panel  68  is closed.
       
 
         [0078]    The display  74  of the footboard control panel  68  is used as an interface between a user of the patient handling device  20  and the controller  44 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the display may provide information to the user, such as the upper portion angular position and the lower portion angular position. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the display  74  may provide a graphical representation and/or a schematic map of the patient handling device  20  to indicate which component is triggering an alarm. The triggering component may be blinking or otherwise indicated as is known to those skilled in the art. For example,  FIGS. 6A and 6B  will alternate on the display  74 , creating a blinking effect to inform the user that the height of the patient handling device  20  is low (i.e., lower than the desired state).  FIGS. 7A and 7B  will alternate on the display  74  to show the user that the brake is no longer set. Likewise,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  show that one of the siderails  42  is out of position and  FIGS. 9A and 9B  indicate that a bed exit alarm is tripped. 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the display may provide a menu from which the user can configure features of the patient handling device, by utilizing user interface controls  108  located on the footboard control panel  68 . The display  74  can also convey non-alarm messages to the user, such as in  FIG. 13 , instructing the user not to touch the bed (e.g., while the patient is weighed). 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , the patient handling device  20  of the present invention may be a part of a location detection system (not labeled). The location detection system locates patient handling devices  20  in a facility such as a hospital. Such a location detection system is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/277,838, filed on Mar. 29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0081]    The location detection system includes a locator  112  mounted at each bay location in each room of the hospital. The locator  112  is programmed with a location ID to transmit to the patient handling device  20  once the patient handling device  20  has “docked” with the locator  112 . The locator  112  could be mounted on the ceiling, wall, floor, or any location that permits the locator  112  to carry out its intended function. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the locator  112  could also include additional features to provide an intelligent room module  112 A. For instance, the intelligent room module  112 A may include interface buttons  118  for operator selection that correspond to the patient handling device  20  or room being clean, dirty, empty, occupied, ready for occupancy, etc. An alternative intelligent room module  112 B may also include a graphic display  120  such as a touch-screen display with multiple nested user screens to access or transmit patient data, patient handling device data, or room data. The intelligent room module  112 A,  112 B may transmit this information, e.g., clean/dirty, etc., directly or indirectly to the hospital network  97  using wired and/or wireless communication paths. Communication can occur from the intelligent room modules  112 A,  112 B directly to the hospital network  97 , from the intelligent room modules  112 A,  112 B to other patient handling devices and then to the hospital network  97  or to more than one available hospital network, or directly from the intelligent room modules  112 A,  112 B to the computer  95  or to more than one computer  95 . The intelligent room modules  112 A,  112 B may also be configured as access points between the patient handling devices  20  and multiple non-bed devices  122  such as patient monitoring devices, patient treatment devices, diagnostic devices, and the like, or the intelligent room modules  112 A,  112 B may be configured as access points between the hospital network  12  and the non-bed devices  122 . 
         [0083]    As stated above, data may be transmitted to the remote computer  95  from the patient handling device  20  via the network  97 . This data may include, but is not limited to, any data collected by the controller  44  of the patient handling device  20 , alarm data, location ID data, and non-bed device data from non-bed devices  122  in communication with the patient handling device  20 . This data may also be utilized by other systems present on the network  97 . For instance, the data may be automatically transmitted to an electronic medical record system  99 . Furthermore, the controller  44  of the patient handling device  20  may receive commands initiated at the remote computer  95 . 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , one possible configuration of a display  124  at the remote computer  95  is shown. As shown, the remote computer  95  includes a touch-sensitive user interface (not labeled) that allows hospital personnel such as a nurse to not only view the patient handling device data transmitted to the network  97  from the patient handling device  20 , but also remotely activate features of the patient handling device  20  such as a scale, the bed exit system, brakes, articulation locks, and the like. The user interface may also include configuration controls to allow the users to set the desired state of the patient handling device  20 . 
         [0085]    The display  124  may also include amber  126  and green  128  indicators activated in the same manner as the alert and normal lamps  86 ,  92  on the patient handling device  20 . Audible alarms may also be provided at the remote computer  95  or other locations to indicate whether the patient handling device  20  is in a desired or undesirable state or configuration. 
         [0086]    The remote computer  95  may be in communication with a portable device (e.g., cellular phones, PDAs, pagers, etc.) to deliver information about one or more patient handling devices  20  to a user. This information may include not only that an alarm has occurred, but the exact nature of the alarm. For instance, the portable device may display data similar to that displayed on the display  74  of the footboard control panel  68 . 
         [0087]    Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.