Patent Publication Number: US-11654075-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for upgrading a patient support apparatus to include an integrated patient therapy device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/826,719, filed Mar. 29, 2019, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to patient support apparatuses such as patient beds and particularly, to patient support apparatuses that have therapy devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to patient support apparatuses that have integrated limb compression devices. 
     Patient support apparatuses, such as patient beds, are used in patient rooms to support sick patients and to support patients recovering from surgery, for example. It is desirable for some patients to wear limb compression sleeves, such as foot sleeves, calf sleeves, thigh sleeves, or a combination of these sleeves. The sleeves are inflated and deflated intermittently to promote blood flow within the patient&#39;s limb or limbs thereby helping to prevent deep vein thrombosis, for example. Usually, a separate control box which houses the pneumatic components that operate to inflate and deflate the compression sleeve(s) worn by the patient is provided. 
     Oftentimes, the control box for the compression sleeve(s) is hung on the footboard of the patient bed. Thus, there is a risk that the control box can slip off of the footboard. Also, relatively long power cords are required to be routed from the control box at the foot end of the bed to a power outlet near the head end of the bed or elsewhere in the patient room. The foot ends of patient beds are typically oriented more toward the center of a room and not adjacent to any room wall. The power cord, therefore, may pose a tripping hazard for caregivers, patients, and visitors. The power cord also may be in the way of other carts or wheeled stands, such as those used to support IV pumps and bags, for example. When not in use, the control box must be stored separately within a healthcare facility. 
     There is an ongoing need to reduce the labor required for caregivers to deliver quality patient care. Further, there is an ongoing need for the cost of healthcare to be reduced. Finally, the comfort of a person in a clinical environment is directly related to their perception of the quality of their care and their recovery. A therapy system that provides patient comfort, reduced cost, and improved caregiver efficiency addresses the aforementioned needs. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter: 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a therapy system comprises a patient support apparatus including a frame, a patient support surface supported on the frame, a main controller, a user interface in communication with the main controller, an air system supported on the frame, the air system including a source of pressurized air, a distribution manifold, and an air system controller in communication with the main controller, the air system controller including a processor, and a memory device. The therapy system further includes a pneumatic therapy device a port removeably pneumatically coupling the pneumatic therapy device and the distribution manifold. The therapy system further includes a storage structure for storing a portion of the pneumatic therapy device when the pneumatic therapy device is not in use. The air system controller detects a connection of the pneumatic therapy device to the distribution manifold and signals to the main controller to update the user interface to allow a user to control operation of the pneumatic therapy device from the user interface. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the air system controller may detect a removal of the pneumatic therapy device from the distribution manifold and signals the main controller to update the user interface to reflect removal of the pneumatic therapy device. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pneumatic therapy device may draw power from a power supply of the patient support apparatus to operate the pneumatic therapy device and the air system, the air system simultaneously provides pressurized air to both the patient support apparatus and the pneumatic therapy device. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the air system controller may control the flowrate of the pressurized air between the source of pressurized air, the patient support apparatus, and the pneumatic therapy device. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the air system may further include a valve coupled to the distribution manifold and removeably coupled to the pneumatic therapy device, the valve controls the flowrate of the pressurized air between the air system and the pneumatic therapy device. 
     In some embodiments, the port may be independent of both the pneumatic therapy device and the manifold, the port engageable with a first pneumatic therapy device coupled to a first patient support apparatus, disengaged from the first pneumatic therapy device, and engaged with a second pneumatic therapy device coupled to a second patient support apparatus. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pneumatic therapy device may be a sequential compression device (SCD) assembly. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pneumatic therapy device may further include at least one therapy sleeve operable to engage an occupant and at least one hose having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the at least one hose is removeably coupled to the therapy sleeve at the first end of the at least one hose and to the port at the second end of the at least one hose, the at least one hose further directing a pressurized airstream from the air system to the therapy sleeve. 
     In some embodiments, the port may detect the removal of the at least one therapy sleeve from the port and communicates a signal of the removal of the at least on therapy sleeve to the main controller of the patient support apparatus, the main controller receives the signal and terminates operation of the therapy system. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the port may detect the coupling of the at least one hose to the port and communicates a signal of the coupling to the main controller of the patient support apparatus, the main controller receives the signal and commences operation of the therapy system. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the main controller may be operable to automatically commence therapy upon receiving the signal of the coupling of the at least one hose to the port. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support surface may be formed to integrally include the at least one therapy sleeve therein. 
     In some embodiments, the patient support surface may be formed to integrally include a pocket, the pocket formed to house the pneumatic therapy device and be accessed by a caregiver while the patient is located on the patient support apparatus. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support surface may be formed to include a head end, a foot end spaced apart from the head end, a first edge extending perpendicular to and from the head end to the foot end, a second edge extending perpendicular to and from the head end to the foot end and spaced apart from the first edge, and a body section extending longitudinally between the head end and the foot end and laterally between the first edge and the second edge. The frame includes a footboard positioned at the foot end of the patient support surface and extending between the first edge and the second edge of the patient support surface, the footboard formed to house the air system therein. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the footboard may be formed to have a plurality of ports with at least one of the plurality of ports positioned at the second edge and at least one of the plurality of ports positioned at the first edge, the plurality of ports extending away from the patient support surface and couples to the at least one therapy sleeve. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the footboard may include a battery to provide power to the therapy system independent of the power from patient support apparatus when the patient support apparatus is in a relined position, a seated position, or any position therebetween. 
     In some embodiments, the footboard may be removeable from the patient support apparatus without disrupting the therapy provided to the patient located in the patient support apparatus. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the therapy system may be operable with a single hose coupled to a single port, a plurality of hoses coupled to a plurality of ports simultaneously, and a plurality of hoses coupled to a plurality of ports selectively. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the plurality of hoses may include an alternative therapy device operable to cooperate with the pneumatic therapy device to treat the patient supported on the patient support apparatus. 
     In some embodiments of the first aspect, the footboard may be formed to include a storage space therein to house the pneumatic therapy device and an access panel moveable between an open position in which the pneumatic therapy device is accessible by the caregiver and a closed position in which the pneumatic therapy device is blocked from view and inaccessible by the caregiver. 
     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a therapy system comprises a patient support apparatus including an integrated air system and a user interface. The patient support apparatus includes an air distribution system operable to direct air from the air system to a pneumatic therapy device. The user interface is operable to provide a graphical user interface for a caregiver to control the operation of the integrated air system to vary the operation of the pneumatic therapy device. The patient support apparatus is adapted to store the pneumatic therapy device. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus wherein the patient support apparatus includes a mattress, the mattress including a port for connecting a conduit for the pneumatic therapy device to the air distribution system and including a storage section adapted to store the pneumatic therapy device within the mattress when the pneumatic therapy device is not in use. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the mattress may include a storage space in the body of the mattress for storing the pneumatic therapy device. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the mattress may include a storage pocket formed on an edge of the mattress. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the mattress may include a storage pocket formed on an edge of the mattress. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus may include a storage drawer coupled to a frame assembly of the patient support apparatus. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the storage drawer may be movable to extend from a longitudinal end of the frame assembly. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the storage drawer may be movable to extend from a lateral side of the frame assembly. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the storage drawer may further comprise a lid. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus may include a conduit storage device that is configured as an IV pole positioned on a frame assembly of the patient support apparatus, the conduit storage device including a retention extension for securing conduits stored on the conduit storage device. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus may include a footboard with a storage space for storing pneumatic therapy devices in the storage space in the footboard. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the footboard may include a conduit retractor mechanism adapted to permit extension of a conduit from within the footboard. In some embodiments of the second aspect, a conduit supported on the conduit retractor mechanism may support a conduit that includes a first end coupleable to an outlet of the air distribution system and a second end coupleable to a sleeve of the pneumatic therapy device, while the conduit is supported on the conduit retractor mechanism. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the conduit retraction mechanism includes a ratchet assembly to allow the conduit supported thereon to be extended to a particular length. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the conduit retraction mechanism may spring-loaded and a release may be actuable to cause the conduit supported on the conduit retraction mechanism to be gathered onto the conduit retraction mechanism inside of the footboard. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus may include a conduit retractor mechanism adapted to permit extension of a conduit from within the footboard. In some embodiments of the second aspect, a conduit may be supported on the conduit retractor mechanism supports a conduit that includes a first end coupleable to an outlet of the air distribution system and a second end coupleable to a sleeve of the pneumatic therapy device, while the conduit is supported on the conduit retractor mechanism. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the conduit retraction mechanism may include a ratchet assembly to allow the conduit supported thereon to be extended to a particular length. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the conduit retraction mechanism may be spring-loaded and a release is actuable to cause the conduit supported on the conduit retraction mechanism to be gathered onto the conduit retraction mechanism inside of the footboard. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus may include a footboard that is formed to have a plurality of ports with an at least one of the plurality of ports positioned at the second edge and an at least one of the plurality of ports positioned at the first edge, the plurality of ports extending away from the patient support surface and couples to a therapy sleeve of the pneumatic therapy device. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus may include a footboard that includes a battery to provide power to the therapy system independent of the power from patient support apparatus and to the therapy system when the patient support apparatus is in a relined position, a seated position, or any position therebetween. 
     In some embodiments of the second aspect, the footboard is removeable from the patient support apparatus without disrupting the therapy provided to the patient located in the patient support apparatus. Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus illustratively embodied as a hospital bed and showing a patient lying on the bed with compression sleeves positioned on the patient&#39;s lower limbs and further showing a foot section of a frame of the hospital bed having ports for coupling a conduit thereto, the conduit extending between the port and the compression sleeve to guide pressurized fluid between the patient support and the compression sleeves; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the patient support apparatus of  FIG.  1    showing a portion of the air system of the bed coupled to the frame of the patient support apparatus and in communication with the conduit and compression sleeve(s) (together forming a pneumatic therapy device) coupled thereto; 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram showing the pneumatic components of the bed of  FIG.  1    and showing the pneumatic therapy device of  FIG.  2    in communication with the air system of the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram showing the electric and communication components of the bed of  FIG.  1    and showing the compression sleeve(s) and conduit in communication with an air system controller configured to communicate with a main controller of the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a foot end of the bed of  FIG.  1    showing the coupling of the pneumatic therapy device to the support surface of the bed; 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart showing an algorithm preprogrammed in the main controller and configuring the main controller to measure the pressure of the pneumatic therapy device, compare the measured pressure to a preprogrammed threshold, and determine/communicate any necessary pressure adjustment to the air source; 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart showing an algorithm preprogrammed in the main controller and configuring the main controller to determine the presence of the conduit at the port formed in the bed of  FIG.  1    or other embodiments and initiate/continue or cease the air flow to the pneumatic therapy device in response to the presence determination; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foot section of the support surface shown in  FIG.  1    showing a storage section integrally formed within the foot section of the support surface and configured to store the pneumatic therapy device; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foot section of the support surface shown in  FIG.  1    showing a storage pocket integrally formed within a lateral side of the foot section of the support surface and configured to store the pneumatic therapy device; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foot section of the support surface shown in  FIG.  1    showing a pair of compression sleeves integrally formed within the support surface; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foot section of the support surface shown in  FIG.  1    showing a storage drawer movably coupled to a foot end of the frame of the bed and in a foot end, open position; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the foot section of  FIG.  11    showing the storage drawer in a closed position and accessible by a caregiver from the foot end of the bed and/or either of the lateral sides of the bed; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the foot section of  FIGS.  11  and  12    showing the storage drawer in a left lateral side, open position; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foot section of the bed of  FIG.  1    further including a conduit storage device independent of the footboard and configured to support the conduit(s) and/or sleeves of the pneumatic therapy device; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the footboard shown in  FIG.  1    showing a front access panel and a side access panel formed therein and configured to be removed such that a hollow interior of the footboard is exposed; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the footboard shown in  FIG.  1    further including an automatic retractor mechanism configured to couple to the pneumatic therapy device, and the pneumatic therapy device is configured to move between a conduit lengthening direction away from the footboard and a conduit shortening direction towards the footboard; 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded view of the ratchet assembly of the automatic retractor mechanism of  FIG.  16    with a break away section showing a rotary spring configured to bias the automatic retractor mechanism in the conduit shortening direction; 
         FIG.  18    is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the footboard shown in  FIG.  1    having a footboard air supply independent of the pressurized air source of the bed and configured to provide pressurized air to the pneumatic therapy device; and 
         FIG.  19    is a diagrammatic view showing a patient&#39;s room with a footboard as shown in  FIG.  18    decoupled from the bed and positioned next to a bedside chair in which the patient is sitting. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment of a therapy system  10 , the system  10  includes a patient support apparatus  12  and a pneumatic therapy device  14  configured to couple to the patient support apparatus  12 . The patient support apparatus  12 , illustratively embodied as a hospital bed  12 , includes a patient support structure  21  such as a frame  21  that supports a surface or mattress  22  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . While the patient support apparatus  12  is embodied as a hospital bed  12 , this disclosure is applicable to other types of patient support apparatuses, including other types of beds, surgical tables, examination tables, stretchers, and the like. As will be described below in further detail, a main controller  18  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) of patient support apparatus  12  is operable to control operation of pneumatic therapy device  14  using an air system  20  of patient support apparatus  12 . 
     Pneumatic therapy device  14  is illustratively embodied as a sequential compression device assembly (SCD assembly)  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , although a variety of other pneumatic therapy devices known in the art may be used in addition to/in place of SCD assembly  14 . As such, pneumatic therapy device and SCD assembly  14  are used interchangeably throughout the application. Pneumatic therapy device  14  disclosed herein utilizes an air source  58  of air system  20  coupled to patient support apparatus  12 , shown diagrammatically in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , and is formed to include one or more compression sleeves  108  that are placed upon a patient&#39;s limbs as shown, for example, in  FIG.  1   . Air source, air supply, and source for pressurized air are used interchangeably throughout the application. In some embodiments, sleeves  108  are embodied as wraps that are sized to wrap about a patient&#39;s calves, thighs, and/or feet. Combination sleeves (not shown) that attach to a patient&#39;s calves and feet or that attach to a patient&#39;s calves and thighs or that attach to a patient&#39;s feet, calves and thighs are within the scope of this disclosure. Upper limb sleeves (not shown) removeably coupleable to a patient&#39;s arms and/or torso are also within the scope of this disclosure. However, sleeves  108  that attach to the patient&#39;s lower limbs are the ones that are most commonly used in sequential compression device assembly  14 , particularly, for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 
     The SCD assemblies  14  disclosed herein are sometimes referred to as limb compression devices, intermittent compression devices (ICDs), DVT prevention systems, or the like. Thus, these terms and variants thereof are used interchangeably herein to cover all types of devices and systems that have compression sleeves with one or more inflatable and deflatable chambers that are controlled pneumatically by delivery and removal of air or other gas from a set of pneumatic components that are contained within patient support apparatus  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , frame  21  of patient support apparatus  12  includes a lower frame or base  28 , an upper frame assembly  30 , and a lift system  32  coupling upper frame assembly  30  to base  28 . Lift system  32  is operable to raise, lower, and tilt upper frame assembly  30  relative to base  28 . Patient support apparatus  12  has a head end  24  and a foot end  26  spaced apart from each other with a body section  25  extending therebetween. Patient support apparatus  12  further includes a footboard  45  coupled to patient support apparatus  12  at foot end  26 , a headboard  46  coupled to patient support apparatus  12  at head end  24 , and a pair of sides  17  spaced apart from each other and extending laterally from foot end  26  to head end  24  of patient support apparatus  12 . Headboard  46  is coupled to an upstanding portion  37  of base  28 . Footboard  45  is removeably coupled to an extendable and retractable portion  47  of a foot section  54  of a patient support deck  38  of upper frame assembly  30 . In other embodiments, footboard  45  is coupled to a foot end  39  of upper frame assembly  30 . Illustratively, base  28  includes a plurality of wheels or casters  29  that roll along a floor as patient support apparatus  12  is moved from one location to another. A set of foot pedals  35  are coupled to base  28  and are used to brake and release casters  29  as is known in the art. 
     Illustrative patient support apparatus  12  has four siderail assemblies coupled to upper frame assembly  30  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The four siderail assemblies include a pair of head siderail assemblies  78  (sometimes referred to as head rails) and a pair of foot siderail assemblies  80  (sometimes referred to as foot rails). Each of the siderail assemblies  78 ,  80  is movable between a raised position, as shown in  FIG.  1   , and a lowered position (not shown but well-known to those skilled in the art). Siderail assemblies  78 ,  80  are sometimes referred to herein as siderails  78 ,  80 . 
     Upper frame assembly  30  includes a patient support deck  38  that supports mattress  22 . Patient support deck  38  is situated over an upper frame  19  of upper frame assembly  30 . Mattress  22  includes a head section  40 , a seat section  42 , a thigh section  43 , and a foot section  44  in the illustrative example as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Patient support deck  38  is formed to include a head section  50 , a seat section  52 , a thigh section  53 , and a foot section  54  such that respective mattress sections  40 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  are positioned thereon. Mattress sections  40 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  are each movable relative to upper frame  19 . For example, head section  40  pivotably raises and lowers relative to seat section  42  whereas foot section  54  pivotably raises and lowers relative to thigh section  43 . Additionally, thigh section  53  articulates relative to seat section  42 . 
     Mattress  22  further includes a pair of edges  61  wherein each of the pair of edges  61  is spaced apart from each other with respective section  40 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  extending therebetween. In the illustrative embodiment, thigh section  43  and/or foot section  44  is configured to support SCD assembly  14  when independent of the patient as well as when coupled thereto. As will be discussed below, in some embodiments, thigh section  43  and/or foot section  44  may be formed to integrally include SCD assembly  14  and/or be configured to store SCD assembly  14  therein when not in use, when patient is ambulatory, and/or to avoid SCD assembly  14  from contacting a floor of a hospital/care center. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , when in use, SCD assembly  14  is configured to communicate with main controller  18  electrically coupled to air system  20  and a user interface  70 . Main controller  18  may be formed to include various circuit boards, electronics modules, and the like that are electrically and communicatively interconnected. Main controller  18  includes one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers  72  that execute software to perform the various bed control functions and algorithms along with compression device control functions and algorithms as described herein. Thus, main controller  18  also includes memory  74  for storing software, variables, calculated values, and the like as is known in the art. 
     As shown diagrammatically in  FIG.  4   , main controller  18  includes a processor  72  and a memory device  74  that stores instructions and/or algorithms used by processor  72 . Processor  72  executes the instructions and algorithms stored in memory  74  to perform the various bed control functions and algorithms along with SCD assembly  14  functions and algorithms described herein. 
     Main controller  18  is further configured to be in communication with user interface  70 . User interface  70  is configured to receive user inputs by the caregiver and/or patient, to communicate such input signals to main controller  18  of patient support apparatus  12  to control the operation of air system  20  and SCD assembly  14  of patient support apparatus  12 , and to control the operation of other functions of patient support apparatus  12 . User interface  70  is further configured to provide access to air system controller  62  to control operation of SCD assembly  14  from user interface  70 . User interface  70  may be formed as a graphical user input (GUI) or display screen  76  coupled to a respective siderail  78  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Display screen  76  is coupled to main controller  18  as shown diagrammatically in  FIG.  4   . In some embodiments, two GUI&#39;s  76  are provided and are coupled to head siderails  78 . Alternatively or additionally, one or more GUI&#39;s are coupled to foot siderails  80  and/or to one or both of the headboard  46  and footboard  45 . Alternatively or additionally, GUI  76  is provided on a hand-held device such as a tablet, phone, pod or pendant that communicates via a wired or wireless connection with main controller  18 . 
     As such, main controller  18  is configured to act on information provided by user interface  70  to control air system  20  based on inputs from a user. For example, user interface  70  includes a user input device (not shown) that is indicative of when a user wishes to actuate therapy of SCD assembly  14 . The user input device corresponds to sequential compression of SCD assembly  14 . Similarly, the user input device provides a signal to main controller  18  that therapy provided by SCD assembly  14  is to be halted when the user input device provides a signal indicative of a user&#39;s desire to stop sequential compression of SCD assembly  14 . As such, user input devices may signal/indicate that the sequential compression of the respective SCD assembly  14  is to be actuated and/or ceased. 
     In some embodiments, main controller  18  of patient support apparatus  12  communicates with a caregiver controller/remote computer device  176  via a communication infrastructure  178  such as a wired network of a healthcare facility in which patient support apparatus  12  is located and/or via communications links  177 ,  179  as shown diagrammatically in  FIG.  4   . Infrastructure  178  may be operated according to, for example, wired and/or a wireless links. Caregiver controller  176  is sometimes simply referred to as a “computer” or a “server” herein. In some embodiments, main controller  18  of patient support apparatus  12  communicates with one or more in-room computers or displays  181  via communication infrastructure  178  and communications link  183 . In some embodiments, display  181  is an in-room station or a nurse call system. 
     Remote computer  176  may be part of a bed data system, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure for circuitry (not shown) of patient support apparatus  12  to communicate with other computers  176  and/or servers such as those included as part of an electronic medical records (EMR) system, a nurse call system, a physician ordering system, an admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) system, or some other system used in a healthcare facility in other embodiments, although this need not be the case. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, patient support apparatus  12  has a communication interface which provides bidirectional communication via link  177  with infrastructure  178  which, in turn, communicates bidirectionally with computers  176 ,  181  via links  179 ,  183  respectively as shown in  FIG.  4   . Link  177  is a wired communication link in some embodiments and is a wireless communications link in other embodiments. Furthermore, communications links  179 ,  183  each comprises one or more wired links and/or wireless links as well, according to this disclosure. Remote computer  176  may be part of a bed data system, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the circuitry of patient support apparatus  12  to communicate with other computers  176  and/or servers such as those included as part of the EMR system, a nurse call system, a physician ordering system, an admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) system, or some other system used in a healthcare facility in other embodiments, although this need not be the case. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  4   , main controller  18  is in communication with a scale system  23  coupled to frame  21  that may be operable to determine a weight of the patient positioned on patient support apparatus  12 . Main controller  18  may vary an operating parameter of therapy system  10  depending upon the weight of the patient sensed by scale system  23 . Scale system  23 , using load cells, is used to detect the weight of a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus  12 , movement of the patient on patient support apparatus  12 , and/or the exit of the patient from patient support apparatus  12 . Other sensors may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the load cells of the scale system  23 , including, for example, force sensitive resistors (FSRs) that are placed beneath the mattress  22  of the patient support apparatus  12  on the patient support deck  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , patient support apparatus  12  has one or more alarms  85 . Such alarms  85  may be one or more audible alarms and/or visual alarms coupled to the circuitry. Audible alarms  85  include, for example, a speaker, piezoelectric buzzer, or the like. The circuitry controls audible alarms  85  to sound in response to various alarm conditions detected. Visual alarms  85  include, for example, one or more alert lights that are provided on frame  21  of patient support apparatus  12  and that are activated in different ways to indicate the conditions of patient support apparatus  12 . For example, when no alerts or alarms exist, the lights are activated to shine green. When an alert or alarm occurs, including a bed exit alarm, lights are activated to shine red or amber and, in some embodiments, to blink. Other visuals alarms that may be used in addition to, or instead of, such alert lights include changing a background color of graphical display screen  76  and/or displaying an iconic or textual alarm message on display screen  76  and may even include IV pole mounted or wall mounted devices such as lights and/or graphical display screens. 
     It should be understood that  FIG.  4    is diagrammatic in nature and that various portions of patient support apparatus  12  and the circuitry thereof is not depicted. However, a power source block  87  is intended to represent an onboard battery of patient support apparatus  12  and an AC power cord of patient support apparatus  12  as well as the associated power handling circuitry. Also, the block representing other sensors  89  represents all other sensors of patient support apparatus  12  such as one or more sensors  64  used to sense whether a caster braking system of patient support apparatus  12  is in a braked or released position and/or sensors  64  used to detect whether each of the siderail assemblies  78 ,  80  is raised or lowered, or other sensors as known in the art. 
     As discussed above, main controller  18  includes a processor  72  and a memory device  74  that stores instructions used by processor  72  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Processor  72  may further consider information gathered from sensors  64 , air system controller  62 , and SCD assembly  14  to determine when to actuate, adjust, or cease the sequential compression. Illustratively, such sensors  64  are embodied as pressure sensors  64  although it may be embodied as other sensors known in the art used either alone or in combination with pressure sensors  64 . 
     Further, memory device  74  may be pre-programmed to alert the caregiver upon exceeding a predetermined threshold so to avoid patient discomfort, pressure necrosis, and/or loss of capillary integrity leading to edema and increased compartmental pressures. To explain, memory device  74  may be configured to alert the caregiver of a pressure of SCD assembly  14  which exceeds a predetermined threshold pre-programmed therein. 
     Such a predetermined threshold of pressure may be based on the patient&#39;s vitals, medical history, desired outcome of pneumatic therapy (i.e.: sequential compression therapy via SCD assembly  14 ), as well as other data measurements by sensors  64 . Therefore, it is desirable to identify the sequential compression threshold of each patient and avoid reaching such a threshold to avoid patient discomfort, pressure necrosis, and other associated complications. 
     This may be accomplished via the method shown in  FIG.  6   . This method includes determining/preprograming main controller  18  with the ideal pressure/therapy to be applied upon the patient via pneumatic therapy device  14 . Step  201  includes determining the present pressure applied upon the patient by pneumatic therapy device  14  using sensors  64 . Step  202  includes monitoring the pressure applied upon the patient by pneumatic therapy device  14  throughout pneumatic therapy. Main controller  18  is configured to identify and record the pressure of pneumatic therapy device  14  by measuring and recording the pressure of SCD assembly  14  at pre-determined time intervals (i.e.: every 30 minutes, every 1 hour, etc.), at step  203 . The measured pressure of pneumatic therapy device  14  is then compared to the pre-programmed threshold to determine a threshold violation via the cooperation of sensors  64  and air system  20 , at step  204 . If no violation has occurred, sensors  64  and air system  20  return to step  202 . If a violation has occurred, the violation is recorded as unique to the patient located on patient support apparatus  12 , at step  205 . In approaching the pre-programmed threshold of pressure, the patient is at an increased risk of pressure necrosis, edema, acute compartment syndrome, and/or peroneal nerve palsy. Therefore, the avoidance of maintaining increased pressure on a patient for extended periods of time is desirable. As such, when the pre-programmed threshold is exceeded, main controller  18  is configured to communicate with air system controller  62  to automatically adjust the pressure of pneumatic therapy device  14 , at step  206 . In some embodiments, step  207  includes alerting the caregiver of the violation. Optionally, only one of steps  206  or  207  may be completed. Illustratively, both pneumatic therapy device  14  pressure is adjusted and the caregiver is alerted such that steps  206  and  207  are completed by main controller  18 . Main controller  18  is further configured to measure, record, and adjust the pressure of pneumatic therapy device  14  automatically at periodic intervals, as discussed above. These intervals may be programmed to run at intervals pre-programmed into main controller  18 , randomly run by main controller  18 , or some combination thereof. 
     As mentioned previously, the operation of SCD assembly  14  is controlled by main controller  18  in communication with air system  20 . Referring now to  FIGS.  1 ,  2   , and  5 , air source  58  is illustratively coupled to frame  21  underneath a head end  41  of upper frame assembly  30  and is configured to supply and direct a pressured air stream to SCD assembly  14 . Air system  20  includes a source of pressurized air  58 , a distribution manifold  60 , and an air system controller  62 . Source of pressurized air  58  is configured to generate and communicate a pressurized air stream to SCD assembly  14  through distribution manifold  60  coupled to frame  21  and a plurality of tubes  27  extending therebetween. A plurality of air hoses  59  are coupled to distribution manifold  60  and extend between distribution manifold and edge  31  of deck  38  terminating in a port  15 . The plurality of tubes  27 , distribution manifold  60 , and plurality of air hoses  59  cooperate to guide the pressurized air stream from source of pressurized air  58  to SCD assembly  14 . Distribution manifold  60  is formed to include a plurality of valves  63  and a plurality of pressure sensors  64  and is configured to adjust the pressure of the air from the source of air  58  before it enters pneumatic therapy device  14 . Air system controller  62  is in communication with main controller  18 , source of pressurized air  58 , and distribution manifold  60  and is operable to detect connection of SCD assembly  14  to port  15 , communicate detection of connection to main controller  18 , and initiate operation of therapy system  10  in response to the communication. The detection of SCD assembly  14  may be accomplished by an at least one pressure/attachment sensor  64  configured to identify attachment of SCD assembly  14  to port  15  by monitoring changes in pressure readings that occur when connected. 
     Source of pressurized air  58  is illustratively coupled to base  28  of bed  12  at head end  24  of bed  12 , in communication with main controller  18  and air system controller  62 , and coupled to distribution manifold  60 . Illustratively, source of pressurized air  58  is embodied as a compressor  58  of patient support apparatus  12  such that air system  20  shares compressor  58  with patient support apparatus  12  as well as with other therapy systems coupled thereto. In utilizing a single source of pressurized air  58  for functions of bed  12  and air system  20 , therapy system  10  reduces the clutter of a second, distinct source of pressurized air commonly associated with SCD assemblies  14  and configured to operate solely with SCD assembly  14  and/or other modular therapies. As such, in some contemplated embodiments, wherein mattress  22  is an air mattress that contains one or more air bladders or layers (not shown), air system  20  is configured to control inflation and deflation of the various air bladders or cells and/or layers of air mattress  22  as well as SCD assembly  14 . Source of pressurized air  58  may be embodied as a fan, a blower, or any other source configured to provide pressurized air known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , source of pressurized air  58  includes a pump  82  and a switching valve  84 . Pump  82  is coupled to switching valve  84  and configured to draw ambient atmospheric air into air source  58  and exhaust air into the atmosphere. Switching valve  84  is exposed to the atmosphere and configured to either provide for or block the air into and out of air source  58 . Pump  82  includes an inlet (not shown) and an outlet (not shown) coupled to switching valve  84  and is configured to cooperate with switching valve  84  to create a flow path for the air. Switching valve  84  includes a plurality of outlets (not shown) coupled to the inlet of pump  82  and a second inlet (not shown) coupled to the outlet of pump  82 . At least one outlet of switching valve  84  is open to the atmosphere to provide the flow path for drawing air into air source  58  or exhausting air to the atmosphere depending on the position of switching valve  84 . 
     Distribution manifold  60  is positioned within mattress  22  and configured to direct the pressurized air stream away from source of pressurized air  58  and terminate at a second end  95  at a port  15  formed in mattress  22 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Distribution manifold  60  includes a plurality of valves (not shown) to control air flow between pressurized air source  58  and SCD device assembly  14 . Illustratively the valves are embodied as solenoid valves. In addition, manifold  60  is operable to close the plurality of valves to maintain the pressure in SCD assembly  14 . Manifold  60  may also selectively control venting of the SCD assembly  14  to an exhaust (not shown). Illustratively, distribution manifold  60  guides pressurized air stream towards port  15  formed in each of edge  31  of mattress  22 . Illustratively, a port  15  is formed in the foot section  44  of each edge  31  of mattress  22 . Port  15  is configured to couple to SCD assembly  14  and, thereby, guide pressurized air into SCD assembly  14  during therapy. Illustratively, port  15  is formed to include a plurality of apertures/valves  16 . Each aperture/valve  16  is configured to couple to a single SCD assembly/therapy module  14  such that each port  15  is configured to couple to multiple SCD assemblies  14 /therapy modules  14 . Illustratively, each valve  16  is configured to couple to two SCD assemblies  14  such that each valve  16 , is configured to operate independently of the other. In some embodiments, additional ports  15  are formed in mattress  22  and configured to couple to additional SCD assemblies and/or other therapy devices  14 . Distribution manifold  60  is in communication with air system controller  62  and configured to operate in response to commands from air system controller  62  and/or main controller  18 . 
     As such, upon receiving an input from user interface  70 , main controller  18  communicates the appropriate signal(s) to air system controller  62  to control air system  20 . Therefore, when a function is requested by main controller  18 , air system controller  62  is configured to energize the appropriate valve of distribution manifold  60  and set an appropriate pulse width modulation for source of pressurized air  58 . Illustratively, ambient, environmental air enters air system  20  through distribution manifold  60  and to SCD assembly  14 . Illustratively, pressurized air is guided into conduit  110  of SCD assembly  14  through port  15 . Conduit  110  guides the pressurized air into therapy sleeve  108  via a pneumatic connector  115  formed in an outer surface  141  of sleeve  108 . Illustratively, each sleeve  108  is formed to include a pressure tap (not shown) in communication with air system  20 . The pressure taps are routed to distribution manifold  60  and coupled to a plurality of pressure sensors  64  through sense lines for feedback of pressure levels within SCD assembly  14 . For example, if pressure in sleeve(s)  108  exceeds a threshold pre-programmed in main controller  18 , pressure sensors  64  sense the sleeve(s)′  108  pressure, provide feedback to main controller  18 , and the main controller  18  communicates with air system controller  62  to adjust the pressure of sleeve(s)  108  accordingly. The aforementioned system is closed-loop and feedback dependent. 
     Illustratively, sensors of sensor block  89 , such as, for example, Hall-effect sensors, RFID sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors, pressure sensors, or the like, are configured to sense tokens (e.g., magnets, RFID tags, NFC tags, etc.). Illustratively, the type/style of sleeve  108  is sensed by sensors  64  and communicated to main controller  18  which, in turn, communicates the sleeve  108  type information to the circuitry for ultimate display on GUI  76  in connection with the compression device control screens. Illustratively, pressure sensors  64  are configured to identify the presence and absence of conduit  110  and, in response, automatically begin, halt, or adjust therapy, respectively, which is discussed in further detail below. 
     To control pressure, air system controller  62  is configured to regulate the speed of source of pressurized air  58  in correlation to pressure. For example, if a pre-programmed threshold requires a particular discharge from source of pressurized air  58  for function of SCD assembly  14 , then main controller  18  is configured to communicate to air system controller  62  so that the appropriate pulse width modulation settings are fixed so to establish the correct pressure and flow output from source of pressurized air  58 . 
     Air system controller  62  is in electrical communication with aforementioned plurality of pressure sensors  64  and is configured to control the operation of air system  20 , including the operation of distribution manifold  60  and air source  58 , to control the pressure within SCD assembly  14 . As such, main controller  18  is configured to monitor the pressure in SCD assembly  14  and determine a violation of the pre-programmed pressure threshold in SCD assembly  14  based on signals received from pressure sensors  64 . Main controller  18  receives a plurality of signals indicative of the pressure of SCD assembly  14  from respective pressure sensors  64 , as discussed above. Main controller  18  is further configured to interpret signals received from pressure sensors  64  and compare them to the predetermined threshold. Upon exceeding this threshold, main controller  18  is configured to convey a signal to air system controller  62  instructing a decrease in pressure and flow output from source of pressurized air  58 . Main controller  18  is further configured to produce an alarm  85  to notify the caregiver of the event violating the threshold and/or other information associated with SCD assembly  14  and/or the patient. Such alarms  85  may be audio, visual, tactile, and/or any other method of notification known in the art. In some embodiments, air system controller  62  may be in communication with sensors  64  and configured to interpret the signals from pressure sensors  64  to main controller  18 , determine if a pre-programmed threshold has been violated, communicate such a violation to main controller  18  and decrease the flow output of source of pressurized air  58 . In such an embodiment, main controller  18  is illustratively programmed to produce and convey and alarm to the caregiver of the violation of the pre-programmed threshold upon evaluation of the signals received from air system controller  62 . 
     Air system controller  62  includes a processor  100  and a memory device  102  which stores instructions used by processor  100  as shown in  FIG.  3   . In some embodiments, processor  100  may consider information gathered from pressure sensors  64  and/or SCD assembly  14  to determine when to provide pressure to SCD assembly  14  such that sequential compression may occur. As discussed above, in some embodiments, main controller  18  is in communication with air system controller  62  such that upon reaching a predetermined pressure threshold, a signal is sent first from pressure sensors  64  to main controller  18  and then communicated to air system controller  62 . In some embodiments, air system controller  62  itself is pre-programmed to identify pressure exceeding a preprogramed threshold and is further configured to convey such information to main controller  18 . Illustratively, air system controller  62  and main controller  18  are configured to cooperate to alert the caregiver when the pressure of SCD assembly  14  exceeds the pre-programmed threshold. 
     As discussed above, SCD assembly  14  is configured to provide sequential compression therapy to a patient positioned on patient support apparatus  12  as shown in  FIG.  1   . SCD assembly  14  is removeably coupled to distribution manifold  60  and is configured to contain the pressurized air stream such that the pressure thereof may be applied to the patient via SCD assembly  14 . SCD assembly  14  includes at least one compression sleeve  108  and at least one conduit  110  having a first end  112  removeably coupled to compression sleeve  108  and a second end  113  removeably coupled to port  15 . In the illustrative embodiment, sleeve  108  is formed to fit a patient&#39;s lower leg. In other embodiments, the sleeve  108  may be formed to fit a patient&#39;s foot, calf, thigh, or some combination thereof. Conduit  110  is configured to extend between sleeve  108  and distribution manifold  60  such that the pressurized air stream formed by source of pressurized air  58  is directed from source  58  through distribution manifold  60  and further through conduit  110  until reaching sleeve  108 . As such, when sleeve  108  is positioned on a lower extremity of the patient, SCD assembly  14  is configured to provide each lower extremity of the patient with therapy independent of the other. Further, main controller  18  may be configured to selectively inflate a first compression sleeve  108  independent of a second compression sleeve  108  such that the second compression sleeve  108  remains uninflated throughout the duration of therapy. Illustratively, each sleeve  108  has a respective conduit  110  coupled thereto and is independent of the other. In some embodiments, a single conduit  110  is shared between multiple sleeves  108 . 
     As such, sleeves  108  are configured to adjust the amount of compression applied to the patient in response to instructions from main controller  18  and/or air system controller  62 . Specifically, sleeves  108  are configured to respond to user inputs including, for example, the target pressure to which each sleeve  108  is to be inflated by air system  20  and/or the desired zone(s) (i.e.: foot zone, calf zone, thigh zone, or some combination thereof) of each sleeve  108  to be inflated by air system  20  if sleeve  108  has multiple zones. The selectable therapy settings further include, for example, the frequency of compression, the duty cycle of the compression cycles, the number of cycles, the time period over which the compression therapy is to take place, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the selectable therapy settings include selection of pressure versus time curves (e.g., step up and/or step down curves, ramp up and/or ramp down curves, saw tooth curves, and the like) as well as the parameters for the various types of curves (e.g., pressure setting at each step, duration of each step, duration of ramp up, duration of ramp down, and the like). 
     Looking to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , and as discussed above, compression sleeves  108  are formed to include pneumatic connector  115 . Connector  115  is coupled to an outer surface  141  of sleeve  108  and configured to couple conduit  110  thereto. Illustratively, connector  115  extends away from sleeve  108  a distance to reduce the likelihood of long-term contact between conduit  110  and the patient which otherwise results in patient discomfort. In such embodiments, connector  115  may be formed as a pigtail pneumatic connector  115 . A pigtail pneumatic connector  115  is formed to couple sleeve  108  and conduit  110  and is extends the length of connector  115  such that conduits  110  are spaced apart from the patient at a greater distance than a non-pigtail pneumatic connector  115 . To further avoid patient discomfort resulting from prolonged patient contact with conduits  110 , in some embodiments, pneumatic connector  115  includes an outer shell (not shown) formed from a pliable material. In other embodiments, pneumatic connector  115  includes an inner shell (not shown) formed from a rigid material and an outer cover (not shown) encompassing the inner shell and formed from a pliable material. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , conduit(s)  110  are configured to removeably couple to a port  15  and may be embodied as tubes and/or hoses. As such, conduit(s)  110  are configured to extend between port  15  and sleeve(s)  108  and are formed to receive pressurized air from air system  20 . Illustratively, at least one port  15  is formed in each lateral side  17  of patient support apparatus  12 . Further, multiple ports  15  may extend outwardly from upper frame assembly  30 . In coupling conduit  110  and distribution manifold  60 , port  15  configures conduit  110  to guide stream of pressurized air towards sleeve  108 . Illustratively, each of a pair of compression sleeves  108  is configured to couple to a respective first end  112  of each of a pair of conduits  110  such that each compression sleeve  108  is configured to provide sequential compression to a lower extremity of the patient. In some embodiments, a multi-port connector (not shown) is provided at second end  113  of conduits  110  to permit simultaneous attachment of multiple conduits  110  to associated coupler(s)  116  positioned at opposite lateral sides  17  of patient support apparatus  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , port  15  is formed in mattress  22  and is accessible by a caregiver when the patient is positioned on the mattress  22  and configured to couple to multiple SCD assemblies  14 . Illustratively, a plurality of SCD assemblies  14  may be removeably coupled to port  15  formed in either edge  31  of deck  38 . Additionally, and as discussed above, upon identifying the presence of conduit  110  removeably coupled to port  15 , main controller  18  is configured to initiate sequential compression therapy upon identifying the removal of conduit  110  from port  15 . 
     A caregiver may also initiate/terminate therapy by using user interface  70  and inputting the desired action. As such, a particular zone/combination of zone and sleeves  108  may be selected by the caregiver using user interface  70  via user inputs or buttons  13 . For example, buttons  13  for selection by a user of left and/or right foot sleeves, left and/or right calf sleeves, left and/or right thigh sleeves, or left and/or right combination sleeves such as those described above appear on display screen  76 , in some embodiments. It should be appreciated that the compression sleeve  108  on a patient&#39;s left leg may be of a different type than that on the patient&#39;s right leg. Alternatively or additionally, main controller  18  is operable to determine which type of sleeve  108  is connected to each port  15  based on the time it takes to inflate the particular sleeve  108  to a target pressure as measured by pressure sensors  64 . After main controller  18  makes the sleeve type determination for the one or more sleeves  108  coupled to coupler(s)  116 , such information is displayed on GUI  76 . This may be accomplished via the algorithm shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     The algorithm as shown in  FIG.  7    includes determining/pre-programing main controller  18  with the desired therapy and pressure to be applied to the patient upon identification of the presence of conduit  110  by sensors  64 . The initial presence of conduit  110  at port  15  is determined at step  301  by sensors  64  and main controller  18 . Step  302  includes monitoring sensors  64  for presence of conduit  110 . Sensors  64  are configured to determine the presence of conduit  110  at port  15  and convey a signal to main controller  18  and/or air system, controller  62 . In some embodiments, when the signal from sensors  64  is conveyed to air system controller  62 , air system controller  62  is configured to communicate the signal to main controller  18 . Illustratively, main controller  18  is configured to interpret the signal from sensors  64  and determine the presence or absence of conduit  110  at port  15 , at step  303 . At step  304 , if the signal indicates the presence of conduit  110 , then main controller  18  communicates to air system controller  62  to initiate the pre-programmed therapy and pressure assigned in step  301 . At step  304 , if conduit  110  is not present at port  15  then air flow to SCD assembly  14  is stopped by instructions from main controller  18  to air system controller  62 . At step  305 , the signals from sensors  64  and initiation of therapy by main controller  18  and air system controller  62  are recorded. In some embodiments, step  306  is further included and comprises alerting the caregiver of the decoupling of conduit  110  from port  15 . Optionally, only one of steps  305  or  306  may be completed. Illustratively, upon main controller  18  determining the removal of conduit  110  from port  15 , the pressurized air flow to SCD assembly  14  is stopped by main controller  18  in communication with air system controller  62  and the caregiver is alerted of the violation, thereby completing steps  305  and  306 . 
     Main controller  18  is, therefore, illustratively configured to automatically communicate to air system controller  62  to stop therapy in response to a signal from sensors  64  conveying a disconnection of conduits  110  and ports  15 . Similar to the algorithm described above and shown in  FIG.  7   , sensors  64  are in communication with main controller  18  and configured to convey data concerning conduit  110 . A distinction between the algorithms concerns the identification of the removal of conduit  110  from port  15  rather than the presence of conduit  110 . As such, both measurements may be determined in a single step due to the integral relationship of the presence/absence of conduit  110  at port  15 . In some embodiments, sensors  64  are configured to determine the removal of conduit  110  from port  15  and signal to air system controller  62  the removal of conduit  110 , at step  303 . Air system controller  62  then stops the creation/conveyance of pressurized air flow to SCD assembly  14 , at step  304 , thereby removing main controller  18  from the method in this additional embodiment. 
     As discussed above, when SCD assembly  14  is coupled to air system  20 , air system  20  senses the presence of SCD assembly  14  and begins the transmission of power and/or pressurized air between SCD assembly  14  and air system  20 . Illustratively, such transmission of pressurized air is conveyed through a wired connection to SCD assembly  14 . Whereas the transmission of power may be completed wirelessly, illustratively. In other embodiments, the transmission of power may be conveyed through a wired connection. In some embodiments, air system  20  continuously generates the pressurized air stream upon coupling to SCD assembly  14 , thereby causing SCD assembly  14  to maintain a desired level of pressure within SCD assembly  14 . In other embodiments, air system  20  is pre-programmed to generate pressurized air in cycles, waves, and/or any other desired patterns. In still other embodiments, main controller  18  and air system  20  are in communication such that air system  20  is configured to move between a plurality of pre-programmed patterns in response to user input or automatically in response to sensed pressure values of SCD assembly  14  exceeding a predetermined threshold. Main controller  18 , sensors  64 , and air system  20  are in communication and further configured to identify the removal of the SCD assembly  14  and, illustratively, stop production of the pressurized air stream within the air system  20 . 
     Therefore, upon identification of SCD assembly  14  coupling to air system  20 , air system  20  communicates such coupling to main controller  18 . Main controller  18  is configured to communicate with user interface  70  such that user interface  70  is updated to control operation of SCD assembly  14  by allowing access to air system  20  via user interface  70 . Such access allows for a caregiver to input/receive patient data at a centralized location on patient support apparatus  12 . Illustratively, user interface  70  is configured to alert the caregiver upon disconnection of SCD assembly  14  and air system  20  and/or other interruptions to the therapy therein provided. 
     In further embodiments, conduit  110  is formed as a pneumatic conduit and is made of an elastic, non-porous material configured to expand in length when pressurized with air. Such elastic, non-porous material is configured to move between an extended length (not shown) and a storage length (not shown) in response to the presence of pressurized air therein. Storage length has a distance measuring less than a distance of extended length, and, as such, storage length has a surface area measuring less than a surface area of extended length. At rest, pneumatic conduit has the storage length. Upon actuation of source of pressurized air  58 , pneumatic conduit reacts to the presence of pressurized air by increasing the length and surface area of pneumatic conduit. As such, so long as the pressurized air is directed into pneumatic conduit, pneumatic conduit will maintain the extended length. Therefore, a production and direction of the majority of the pressurized air into conduit is to be ceased before conduit returns to storage length. This permits conduit to be stored in a variety of manners due to the decreased length and surface area of conduit. 
     In other embodiments in which conduit  110  is formed as a pneumatic conduit, pneumatic conduit is configured to include a break away port (not shown). Break away port may be positioned between sleeve  108  and conduit  110  and/or between a first conduit section extending between sleeve  108  and break away port and a second conduit section extending between break away port and second end of conduit. Break away port is configured to disconnect from conduit  110  when longitudinal forces in line with conduit  110  exceed a pre-determined breaking force of port. The force needed to decouple port and conduit  110  is substantially greater than the longitudinal force created by the pressurized air within conduit  110  during operation of SCD assembly  14  and/or other therapies. As such, actuation of SCD assembly  14  does not cause port to break away from conduit  110  unless such force exceeds the breaking force of port. Further, the breaking force is substantially less than the force exerted upon conduit  110  by a leg of the patient when conduit  110  creates a fall risk. Break away port, therefore, is configured to break away from conduit  110  in response to the patient tripping over conduit  110 , thereby resulting in a cessation of therapy until port is reattached to conduit  110 . As such, upon main controller  18  ceasing production of pressurized air and the caregiver removal of SCD assembly  14 , SCD assembly  14  is decoupled from mattress  22  and necessitates a storage location. 
     Upon termination of therapy and/or decoupling of SCD assembly  14 , SCD assembly  14  is configured to be stored between uses. As shown in  FIG.  8   , mattress  122  may be formed to have a storage section  129  in foot section  144  of mattress  122  sized to store sleeves  108  and conduits  110  therein. Illustratively, storage section  129  is positioned below a bladder (not shown) and/or a foam support (not shown) such that SCD assembly  14  is accessible when a patient is not positioned on mattress  22 . In other embodiments, storage section  129  is positioned such that it may be accessed when the patient is positioned on mattress  22 . In further embodiments, a storage pocket  231  may be formed in an edge  261  of foot section  244  of mattress  222 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . Storage pocket  231  is sized to store SCD assembly  14  and may be accessed when a patient is positioned on mattress  222 . Storage section  129  and storage pocket  231  may be formed in a single mattress (not shown) such that bed  12  is formed to have two storage options  129 ,  231 . 
     In another contemplated embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  10   , a portion of SCD assembly  314  is integrally formed in a patient support surface  367  of mattress  322  such that sleeves  308  and conduits  110  are accessible when a patient is positioned on mattress  322 . Sleeves  308  are configured to remain coupled to mattress  322  at all times. In other embodiments, SCD assembly  314  may be configured to removeably couple to mattress  322  using a coupling mechanism (i.e.: hook and loop, etc.) (not shown) such that sleeves  308  remain coupled to and positioned on support surface  367  of mattress  322  until removed from mattress  322  by the caregiver. In such an embodiment, sleeves  308  may be coupled and uncoupled from mattress  322  as many times as desired by the caregiver until the coupling mechanism fails to couple SCD assembly  314  to mattress  322   
     In some embodiments, bed  312  further includes a storage drawer  335  fixedly coupled to foot end  339  of upper frame assembly  330  and positioned below footboard  45 , as shown in  FIGS.  11 - 13   . As such, storage drawer  335  is configured to store SCD assembly  14  and move between a foot end open position, as shown in  FIG.  11   , a closed position, as shown in  FIG.  12   , and a lateral side open position, as shown in  FIG.  13   . When in the open position, storage drawer  335  may be accessed by a caregiver from foot end  339  and/or either side  17  of bed  312 . When in the closed position, storage drawer  335  is concealed and cannot be assessed by the caregiver. Illustratively, storage drawer  335  is formed to include rollers/slides (not shown) configured to allow storage drawer  335  to move between positions as well as be accessed from a plurality of locations (i.e.: foot end  339 , either side  17  of bed  312 ). Storage drawer  335  is further formed to include a lid  341  coupled to an upper section  343  of storage drawer  335  and configured to prevent fluids and/or other contaminants from entering storage drawer  335  and contaminating SCD assembly  14 . Storage drawer  335  is also formed to include a bottom  345  spaced apart from lid  341  and a pair of sides  317  extending laterally therebetween. Bottom  345  is formed to have apertures  347  configured to allow cleaning agents to drain from storage drawer  335 . Illustratively, sides  317  are formed to include at least one handle  368  configured to be grasped by the caregiver and respond to such caregiver actuation that it moves storage drawer  335  between the open and closed positions. Illustratively, upon moving storage drawer  335  into open position, lid  341  is configured to automatically open and allow immediate access by the caregiver. Automatic opening of lid  341  may be accomplished by using a spring mechanism (not shown) biased towards an access position, as shown in  FIGS.  11  and  13   , or any other biasing mechanism known in the art. In some embodiments, storage drawer  335  is positioned at head end (not shown) of bed  312  and is configured to be accessible from head end (not shown) and/or sides  17 . 
     In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG.  14   , SCD assembly  14  may also be stored utilizing a conduit storage device  452  independent of and removeably coupled to footboard  45 . Illustratively, conduit storage device  452  is configured to receive and store conduits  110  such that conduits  110  extend downwardly away from conduit storage device  452  and are positioned adjacent to footboard  45 . Conduit storage device  452  may be embodied as an IV pole as shown in  FIG.  14    and is configured to move between a storage position (not shown) and an active position as shown in  FIG.  14   . Conduit storage device  452  is formed to include a first end  488 , a second end  456  spaced apart from first end  488 , a body  454  extending therebetween, and a head  458  coupled to second end  456  and is configured to removeably couple to foot end  49  of upper frame assembly  38  of bed  12  at first end  488 . First end  488  is sized to engage a conduit storage device holder  490  formed in foot end of upper frame assembly  38  of bed  12 . Head  458  is formed to have at least one retention extension  460  extending upwardly away from second end  456  and configured to secure and/or engage conduits  110 . 
     Conduit storage device  452  is further configured to move between a first position (not shown) at a first edge  159  of foot end  49  of upper frame assembly  38  of bed  12  and a second position (as shown in  FIG.  15   ) at a second edge  159  of footboard  45 . Illustratively, conduit storage device  452  is independent of footboard  45  and, as such, is moveable between a multitude of patient support apparatuses having a variety of footboard designs. Further, two conduit storage devices  452  may be used simultaneously. One of the two conduit storage devices  452  is positioned at the first position and the second conduit storage device  452  positioned at the second position, illustratively. In some embodiments, conduit storage device(s)  452  may be positioned at any location between the first position and the second position. Conduit storage device  452  is additionally configured to engage an IV socket (not shown) formed in footboard  45  and/or foot end  39  of upper frame assembly  30 . Further, in some embodiments, conduit storage device  452  is removeably coupled to headboard  46  of bed  12 . 
     In further embodiments, footboard  545  of bed  512  may be formed to include a hollow interior (not shown) sized to store SCD assembly  14 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . Thus, SCD assembly  14  is completely hidden from view when footboard  545  is in a closed position, as shown in  FIG.  15   . The hollow interior is further configured to be accessible by the caregiver upon the caregiver exposing the hollow interior whether or not a patient is positioned on mattress  22 . As such, SCD assembly  14  may be placed therein and removed therefrom without disturbance of the patient. Illustratively, footboard  545  is formed to include first edge  557 , second edge  559  spaced apart from first edge  557 , and a body  563  extending therebetween. In some embodiments, body  563  is formed to include a face access panel  565  configured to allow access into the hollow interior. In other embodiments, footboard  545  is formed to include an edge access panel  567  positioned at first edge  557  or second edge  559  and configured to provide access into the hollow interior. Body  563  may be formed to include two edge access panels  567  such that the hollow interior is accessible from either edge  557 ,  559  of footboard  545 . Body  563  may further be formed to include face access panel  565  in conjunction with edge access panel  567  positioned at first edge  557 , second edge  559 , or both. Thus, the hollow interior is configured to receive SCD assembly  14  through an opening (not shown) formed by removing one of panels  565 ,  567  from blocking access therein. Panels  565 ,  567  are, therefore, configured to move between a closed position blocking access to the hollow interior ( FIG.  15   ) and an open position (not shown) allowing access to the hollow interior. Further, SCD assembly  14  may be stored within the hollow interior upon being placed within a vacuum-pack (not shown) to reduce the storage space required therein. In addition, SCD assemblies  14  not configured to utilize air system  20  of bed  12  may also include an SCD air pump (not shown) configured to provide pressurized air to conduits  110  and sleeves  108  and formed to be stored within the hollow interior of footboard  545 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  16  and  17   , in other embodiments, footboard  645  is formed to include a hollow interior  661  configured to house conduit(s)  610  and a conduit retractor mechanism  649  adapted to permit extension of conduit  610  from within footboard  645  such that conduit  610  may be detachably coupled to sleeve  108 . In this embodiment, conduit  610  is formed to include an air source port  611  at a second end  619  of conduit  610  that is configured to couple conduit  610  to a source of pressurized air (not shown) coupled to bed (not shown). Conduit  610  is further formed to include a conduit port  613  at first end of conduit  610  configured to couple to sleeves  108 . As such, conduit  610  is configured to extend between air source and sleeve(s)  108  and cooperate with conduit retractor mechanism  649  to move between a conduit-lengthening direction  680  and a conduit-shortening direction  678 . 
     Conduit retractor mechanism  649  includes a ratchet  676  to selectively permit movement of conduits  610  relative to footboard  645  between conduit-shortening direction  678  and conduit-lengthening direction  680 , as shown in  FIG.  17   . Illustratively, a caregiver actuates a pawl  682  to move a ratchet  676  to a latched or actuated position such that conduit  610  is inhibited from moving relative to footboard  645  in a conduit-shortening direction  678 , but uncoiling of conduit  610  in conduit-lengthening direction  680  is permitted. Together, ratchet  676  and pawl  682  form a ratchet assembly  684 . Ratchet assembly  684  is configured to move between a locked position (as shown in  FIG.  17   ) and a release position (not shown). Movement of ratchet assembly  684  between the locked position and the release position is accomplished by actuation of a release (not shown) by a caregiver. The release cooperates with ratchet assembly  684  to move pawl  682  out of engagement with ratchet  676 . In some contemplated embodiments, the release may be embodied as a button, lever, other release device known in the art, or some combination thereof. 
     Conduit retractor mechanism  649  maintains the extended length of conduit  610  by blocking movement of ratchet assembly  684  in the conduit-shortening direction  678  such that conduit  610  is blocked from returning into hollow interior  661 . As such, conduit  610  is lengthened/uncoiled by pulling conduit  610  away from footboard  645 . Conduit retractor mechanism  649  is configured to retract conduit  610  upon moving ratchet assembly  684  to the release position (not shown). Conduit retractor mechanism  649  includes a pair of brackets  651 , one of which is coupled to an inner surface  653  of footboard  645 . Bracket  651  rotatably supports a spool  655  about which conduit  610  is coiled or wound. A biasing member  657 , illustratively a torsion or rotary spring, is coupled to spool  655  and footboard  645  to bias spool  655  in conduit-shortening direction  678  about an axis  659  extending longitudinally through spool  655 , as shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . Thus, conduit  610  is biased in conduit-shortening direction  678 . 
     As mentioned above and shown in  FIG.  17   , conduit retractor mechanism  649  further includes ratchet  676  to selectively restrict movement of spool  655 . Ratchet  676  includes a wheel  622  having teeth  624  projecting radially outwardly around the circumference of wheel  622 . Each of the teeth  624  includes a straight surface  626  that lies generally in a plane extending radially from center  625  of wheel  622 . Each of teeth  624  includes a sloped surface  630  forming an acute angle with straight surface  626 . Wheel  622  includes an opening (not shown) at its center  625  to receive a first end  636  of spool  655  therein. The opening is complementary in shape to first end  636 . Wheel  622  is thus mounted on end  636  of spool  655 , and secured thereto by a retainer (not shown). When conduit  610  is pulled away from foot-board  645  for use, ratchet  676  illustratively permits rotation of spool  655  in the conduit-lengthening direction  680  but inhibits movement in the opposite direction. Once extended, conduit  610  is configured to removeably couple to sleeve  108  via pneumatic connector  115  formed therein and port  613 . In preparation to store at least a portion of SCD assembly  616 , ratchet assembly  684  is moved to the release position, and the retractor assembly  649 , through operation of internal coil spring  657  acting against conduit support spool  655 , functions to automatically retract conduit  610  and conduit port  613  to the storage position, as shown in  FIG.  16   . 
     In other embodiments of footboard  745 , a source of pressurized air  758  is positioned within hollow interior  761  and configured to couple to SCD assembly  714 , specifically, conduit  710  via a pneumatic connector  715 . As shown in  FIG.  18   , pneumatic connector  715  is positioned at a second end  719  of conduit  710  and conduit port  713  is positioned at a first end  721  of conduit  710 . In some embodiments, additional connectors are provided to couple mattress  22  to source of pressurized air  758  such that mattress  22  may use a power source  751  and a footboard air system  731  positioned within footboard  745 . 
     In some embodiments, footboard  745  is formed to include power source  751 , footboard air system  731 , and a pair of conduit ports  716  in both first hose  757  and second hose  759 , as shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   . In other embodiments, ports  716  may be formed in foot end  739  of upper frame assembly  730  and/or sides  757 ,  759  of and are configured to couple to footboard  745 . Illustratively, ports  716  are configured to removeably couple to conduits  710  such that SCD assembly  714  may be positioned at first edge  757  of footboard  745 , second edge  759  of footboard  745 , or some combination thereof. Ports  716  extend away from the patient positioned on bed  712  and, as such, may be formed in a first edge surface  783  of first edge  757  and/or second edge  759  such that ports  716  extend perpendicular to a central axis  782  of footboard  745 . In some embodiments, ports  717  are formed in an outer body surface  784  and extend away from the patient, parallel to central axis  782 . Illustratively, ports  717  are configured to receive two SCD assemblies  716  such that both assemblies  716  are positioned at a first edge and/or second edge  783 . Ports  717  are further configured to removeably couple to a plurality of other devices to provide additional therapy and/or increase patient comfort. As such, SCD assembly  714  and additional therapies may be powered by an air system (not shown) positioned within patient support apparatus (not shown). 
     Power source  751  and footboard air system  731  are independent of the patient support apparatus. The power source  751  is configured to retain a backup charge having enough energy to provide power to SCD assembly  714  and other therapy devices (not shown) coupled thereto when footboard  745  is removed from the patient support apparatus, as shown in  FIG.  19   . Illustratively, power source  751  is formed as a battery located within footboard  745 . Battery  751  permits removal of footboard  745  from frame  747  such that bed  12  may be positioned in a chair position while avoiding disruption of the patient&#39;s therapy. As such, bed  712  is configured to maintain an actuated therapy upon the patient throughout movement of the bed  712  from a prone position, as shown in  FIG.  1   , and a chair position (not shown). Therefore, in some embodiments, footboard  745  is configured to be removed from bed  712  before bed  712  is moved into the chair position. 
     The patient support apparatus is further configured to maintain an actuated therapy upon a patient when the patient support apparatus moves between a reclined position and a chair position. As such, the therapy is undisrupted during movement of the patient support apparatus. To maintain a power supply to SCD assembly when footboard  745  is removed, power source  751  is configured to charge wirelessly (i.e.: inductive charging) and/or using a detachable connecter (not shown). Further, footboard  745  is configured to communicate with main controller  18  in both the bed and chair positions. Such communication may be accomplished wirelessly (i.e.: Bluetooth) and/or wired via detachable connector (not shown), illustratively. Additionally, footboard  745  may communicate with main controller  18  through hard wired connections. Footboard  745  may also be used independent of bed  712  as shown in  FIG.  19   . The patient may be positioned on a chair and/or other patient support surface  725  spaced apart from bed  712  while maintaining the actuated therapy upon the patient as patient moves between bed  712  and chair  725 . Once the patient is positioned in chair  725 , the caregiver places footboard  745  near the patient such that conduits  710  extend between footboard  745  and sleeve  108 . 
     As such, footboard air system  731  cooperates with power source  751  to provide pressurized air to the SCD assembly when footboard  745  is decoupled from the patient support apparatus. Footboard air system  731  is independent of air system  20  located in the patient support apparatus and, further, may be the sole air source of the patient support apparatus. As such, footboard air system  731  includes a source of pressurized air (not shown), a distribution manifold (not shown), and an air system controller (not shown) in communication with main controller  18 , source of pressurized air (not shown), and a distribution manifold (not shown). Footboard air system  731  is substantially similar to air system  20  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4    and described above. Accordingly, the description of air system  20  is hereby incorporated by reference to apply to footboard air system  731  except as it departs from the further description and drawings of footboard air system  731 . As such, footboard  745  is configured to communicate with main controller  18  to actuate SCD assembly  716  and maintain such actuation throughout movement of bed  712  and/or removal of footboard  745  and patient from the patient support apparatus. 
     Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.