Patent Publication Number: US-11642260-B2

Title: Variable width hospital bed

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Accommodation of patients of a wide girth on a patient support apparatus is an ongoing challenge. Transport of a patient support apparatus designed to accommodate patients of a wide girth through doorways not sized for transport of such apparatus is a continuing concern. While several systems and methods have been developed to provide the ability to change the width of a patient support apparatus, an opportunity exists for continued development in this area. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure includes 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. 
     One embodiment of a system for changing width of a person support apparatus may comprise a control interface comprising a button for width alteration of the person support apparatus. A bed controller may be configured to communicate with the control interface the bed controller may be configured to receive a signal if the button is selected. A motor may be configured to be controlled by the bed controller the motor may be configured to alter the width of at least a portion of a deck section of the person support apparatus. A mattress controller may be configured to communicate with the bed controller. A fluid supply device may be configured to be controlled by the mattress controller. A mattress may be configured to be supported the person support apparatus, the mattress may comprise at least one chamber fluidly connected to the fluid supply device and may be configured to be inflated by the fluid supply device upon the fluid supply device receiving a control signal from the mattress controller. 
     One embodiment of a method for changing width of a person support apparatus may comprise monitoring a button for width alteration of the person support apparatus on a control interface. Sensing selection of the button by a bed controller. Sending at least one of inflate or deflate command to a mattress controller based on configuration of at least one deck section of the person support apparatus. Determining completion of at least one of inflation and deflation of a mattress and sending an indication to the bed controller of completion. Actuating at least one deck section to at least one of an extended and retracted position upon the bed controller sending a command to a motor. 
     Another embodiment of a method for changing width of a person support apparatus comprises determining position of at least one deck section of a person support apparatus. Monitoring a button on a control interface for width alteration of said person support apparatus. Controlling a fluid supply device to at least one of inflate and deflate a mattress in fluidic communication with said fluid supply device based on selection of said button. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the claimed subject matter and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the claimed subject matter. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a changeable width person support apparatus, constructed according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic plan view of a mattress configured to be used with changeable width person support apparatus, constructed according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system configured to change width of a person support apparatus, constructed according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram of another embodiment of a system configured to change width of a person support apparatus, constructed according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein; 
         FIGS.  5 - 6    show a flowchart showing a first method of changing width of a person support apparatus, constructed according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein. 
         FIGS.  7 ,  7 B,  8  and  8 B  are flowcharts showing a second method of changing the width of a person support apparatus. 
         FIG.  9    is a view of a control interface having a retract button and an extend button that a user uses to reduce or expand respectively the width of the person support apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments of the claimed subject matter and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be briefly mentioned or omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the claimed subject matter described. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the claimed subject matter may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the claimed subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     It is understood that the subject matter claimed is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, devices, apparatus, materials, applications, etc., described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The claimed subject matter discloses a variable width person support apparatus which is configured to support a mattress thereon. A system to inflate or deflate portions of the mattress to accommodate a wider or narrower deck section of the person support apparatus is disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  1    shows a variable width person support apparatus  10 , in this embodiment the person support apparatus  10  is a bed however, in other embodiments the person support apparatus  10  may be a wheelchair, stretcher or any other apparatus configured to support a person thereon. The person support apparatus  10  in this embodiment comprises an upper frame  18  which is supported over a lower frame  12  by supports. The supports are configured to variably elevate at least a portion of the upper frame  18  with respect to the lower frame  12 . The lower frame  12  rests on at least one caster wheel  18  in this embodiment, allowing the person supported apparatus  10  to be transported. The person support apparatus  10  in this embodiment comprises a head board  22  at the head end  28  and a foot board  24  at the foot end  30 . The upper frame  18  supports an upper body deck section  34 , seat deck section  38 , thigh deck section  42  and foot deck section  46 . The upper body deck section  34 , seat deck section  38 , thigh deck section  42  and foot deck section  46  are configured to increase in width by articulation of upper body deck extension  36  (also referred to as extender  36 ), seat deck section extension  40 , thigh deck section extension  44  and foot deck section extension  48 . One or more deck extension comprises siderails  26  which define the lateral extremity of the person support apparatus  10 . A fluid supply device  32  is configured to supply fluid to a mattress  16  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and is removably mounted on the foot board  24  in this embodiment while in other embodiments the fluid supply device  32  may be mounted anywhere on the person support apparatus  10 . A control interface  54  is removably mounted on the siderail  26  as shown in  FIG.  1   . The control interface  54  comprises a display  76  which is configured to display alerts and visual messages to a viewer and at least one button  56  to control the extension and retraction of at least one deck extension. The display  76  in one embodiment is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen although any other technology could is used in other embodiments. The button  56  is a physical push button while in another embodiment the display  76  is a touch sensitive screen and button  56  is displayed on the touch sensitive screen. The control interface  54  may employ one button  56  for commanding both extension and retraction while in other embodiments the control interface  54  may comprise one button for commanding extension and a separate button for commanding retraction. 
       FIG.  2    shows a mattress  16  configured to rest on the person support apparatus  10  shown in  FIG.  1   . As shown in this embodiment the mattress  16  comprises a mattress core  50  and mattress side bolsters  52  on either side of the mattress core  50 . The mattress side bolsters  52  comprise at least one chamber configured to be supplied with fluid by the fluid supply device  32  thereby inflating the mattress side bolsters  52  in one embodiment. In another embodiment the fluid supply device  32  controls both inflation and deflation of the mattress side bolsters  52 . In this embodiment the mattress core is also made up of at least one bladder configured to be filled by fluid supplied by fluid supply device  32 . In another embodiment the mattress core  50  comprises foam. In yet another embodiment the mattress  16  may be made of any combination of bladders, foam, textile and other polymeric materials. The mattress side bolsters  52  are inflated or deflated based on whether the deck extensions are extended or retracted. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/774,847, 11/775,083 and 13/468,424 disclosing variable width person support apparatus, related systems and methods of use are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG.  3    shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a system configured to change width of a person support apparatus  10 . Control interface  54  comprises a button  56  to allow a user to extend or retract at least one deck extension. A bed controller  58  comprises a bed controller processor  60  and a bed controller memory  62 . The control interface  54  is in communication with a bed controller processor  60  which is configured to receive a command signal indicative of selection of the button  56 . Alternatively, the command signal may be generated in response to manual operation to alter the width of a deck section, for example by a person pushing or pulling on the deck section (or a component such as a siderail which is attached to the deck section) to retract or extend it manually. In this embodiment the bed controller memory  62  is configured to store information regarding the position of at least one of the deck sections including whether they are in the fully extended or fully retracted positions. In this embodiment a head deck width motor  70  actuates the upper body deck extension  36  while a lower body deck width motor  72  actuates the seat deck section extension  40 , thigh deck section extension  44  and foot deck section extension  48  respectively. In yet another embodiment each of the seat deck section extension  40 , thigh deck section extension  44  and foot deck section extension  48  are actuated independently by their own motors which are in communication with the bed controller  58 . The bed controller  58  is configured to track position of the upper body deck extension  36  based on current feedback from the head deck width motor  70 . In this embodiment when the upper body deck section  36  is fully retracted or extended it hits a mechanical stop and/or feature which causes a surge in current which is recorded by the bed controller  58  and used to determine the event of complete extension or retraction being reached. The bed controller  58  communicates similarly with the lower body deck width motor  72 . The bed controller  58  in this embodiment is mounted on the lower frame  12  while in other embodiments the bed controller  58  may be mounted anywhere on the person support apparatus  10 . The bed controller  58  is configured to communicate with a mattress controller  64  comprising a mattress controller processor  66  and a mattress controller memory  68 . The mattress controller  64  is configured to communicate with a fluid supply device  32 . In this embodiment the fluid supply device  32  is a blower while in other embodiments the fluid supply device  32  may be a compressor or a pump. The mattress controller processor  66  is configured to control the fluid supply device  32  to inflate or deflate side bolsters  52 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG.  3    the signal between the control interface and the bed controller is referred to as a command signal. However as described above a user may retract or extend the deck extensions manually in which case the command signal is generated in response to the manual operation. The signal between the bed controller and the mattress controller is referred to as a mattress control signal. The signal between the mattress controller and the fluid supply device is referred to as a fluid supply control signal. The signal between the bed controller and the motor is referred to as a motor control signal. 
       FIG.  4    shows a block diagram of another embodiment of a system configured to change width of a person support apparatus  10 . Control interface  54  comprises a button  56  to allow a user to extend or retract at least one deck extension. A bed controller  58  comprises a bed controller processor  60  and a bed controller memory  62 . The control interface  54  is in communication with a bed controller processor  60  which is configured to receive a signal indicative of selection of the button  56 . In this embodiment the bed controller memory  62  is configured to store information regarding the position of at least one of the deck sections including whether they are in the fully extended or fully retracted positions. In this embodiment the head deck width motor  70  actuates the upper body deck extension  36  while a lower body deck width motor  72  actuates the seat deck section extension  40 , thigh deck section extension  44  and foot deck section extension  48  respectively. In yet another embodiment each of the seat deck section extension  40 , thigh deck section extension  44  and foot deck section extension  48  are actuated independently by their own motors which are in communication with the bed controller  58 . The bed controller  58  is configured to track position of the upper body deck extension  36  based on communication received from potentiometers  78 . Potentiometers  78  are mounted on the motor shafts in one embodiment while in another embodiment the potentiometers  78  may be mounted anywhere on the person support apparatus and configured to sense motion of deck extensions. As the deck sections extend or retract, signals sent by potentiometers  78  allow the bed controller  58  to track position of the deck extensions. The bed controller  58  in this embodiment is mounted on the lower frame  12  while in other embodiments the bed controller  58  may be mounted anywhere on the person support apparatus  10 . Bed controller memory  62  is configured to store information representative of the signal supplied by the potentiometers  78  as well as thresholds values of position which would indicate full extension or retraction of the deck extensions. The bed controller  58  is configured to communicate with a mattress controller  64  comprising a mattress controller processor  66  and a mattress controller memory  68 . The mattress controller  64  is configured to communicate with a fluid supply device  32 . In this embodiment the fluid supply device  32  is a blower while in other embodiments the fluid supply device  32  may be a compressor or a pump. The mattress controller processor  66  is configured to control the fluid supply device  32  to inflate or deflate side bolsters  52 . In this embodiment the mattress side bolsters  52  comprise at least one pressure transducer  74  which is configured to communicate with mattress controller  64 . Signals from the pressure transducer  74  allow the mattress controller to determine the pressure inside the side bolsters  52  which in one embodiment allows the mattress controller  64  to determine if the pressure is low enough that the side bolsters  52  are in a fully deflated state or high enough that the side bolsters  52  are fully inflated. Mattress controller memory  68  is configured to store information representative of the signal supplied by the pressure transducer  74  as well as thresholds values of pressure which would indicate full inflation or deflation of the side bolsters  52 . 
     In one embodiment the deck extensions may be manually extended and retracted. When the deck extensions are retracted manually the side rails  26  would apply pressure on the side bolsters  52  as a user pushes the siderail  26  against the mattress  16 . In one embodiment a signal from the pressure transducer  74  indicating a spike in pressure greater than a predetermined threshold in the side bolsters  52  is used to initiate deflation of the side bolsters. 
       FIGS.  5 - 6    show a flowchart  100  showing a method of changing width of a person support apparatus  10 . At operation  102 , a determination is made by the bed controller  58  as to whether the deck sections are completely extended. If the deck sections are completely extended, the bed controller senses selection of the button  56  in operation  104  after which the system waits for a predetermined time, in one embodiment 2 seconds, in other embodiments, any amount of time in operation  106 . The bed controller  58  sends a signal to the mattress controller  64  to deflate the mattress side bolsters  52  in operation  108 . Mattress controller  64  monitors deflation of the mattress side bolsters  52  in operation  110 . Mattress controller  64  determines if the mattress side bolsters  52  are completely deflated in operation  112 . In one embodiment the mattress controller  64  makes this determination by comparing a pressure derived from the signal supplied by pressure transducer  74  with a predetermined threshold which in one embodiment may be defined by a user though control interface  54 . In another embodiment the mattress controller  64  determines if the mattress side bolsters  52  are completely deflated by tracking the time spent deflating the mattress side bolsters  52 . If the mattress controller  64  determines that the mattress side bolsters  52  are not completely deflated it sends a corresponding signal to the bed controller  58  at operation  114 . The bed controller  58  sends the signal to the control interface  54  through which an audio indication and/or a visual indication on display  76  of ongoing mattress side bolster  52  deflation is communicated. If mattress controller  64  determines that deflation is complete at block  114  it communicates with the bed controller  58 . The bed controller  58  sends a signal to the control interface  54  through which an audio indication and/or a visual indication on display  76  of completion of mattress side bolster  52  deflation is communicated in operation  116 . The bed controller  58  now checks to determine whether button  56  is selected at operation  118 . If not, the bed controller  58  communicates a signal to the control interface  54  to display a message indicating that the mattress side bolsters are deflated at step  120 . If the bed controller  58  determines that the button  56  is selected, it sends a signal to head deck width motor  70  and lower body deck width motor  72  to begin retracting the deck extensions; the bed controller  58  monitors actuation of the deck extensions in operation  122 . During actuation of the deck extensions the bed controller  58  determines whether the head deck width motor  70  and lower body deck width motor  72  are synchronized in operation  124 . If the bed controller  58  determines that the motors are not synchronized it sends a signal to the control interface  54  to display an error message in step  126 . If the bed controller  58  determines that the motors are synchronized, the bed controller  58  monitors whether the end of travel indicative of complete retraction of deck extension has been reached based on signals from the potentiometer and/or current readings from the motors in operation  128 . If the bed controller  58  determines complete retraction of the deck extensions have been reached, the bed controller  58  sends a signal to the motors to stop actuation. If the bed controller  58  determines that the deck extensions have not been completely retracted, the bed controller continues to monitor whether the motors are synchronized in step  124 . 
     If at operation  132 , a determination is made by the bed controller  58  that the deck sections are completely retracted, the bed controller  58  now checks to determine whether button  56  is selected at operation  134 . If not, the bed controller  58  communicates a stop signal at step  136 . If the bed controller  58  determines that the button  56  is selected, it sends a signal to head deck width motor  70  and lower body deck width motor  72  to begin extending the deck extensions; the bed controller  58  monitors actuation of the deck extensions in operation  138 . During actuation of the deck extensions the bed controller  58  determines whether the head deck width motor  70  and lower body deck width motor  72  are synchronized in operation  140 . If the bed controller  58  determines that the motors are not synchronized it sends a signal to the control interface  54  to display an error message in step  142 . If the bed controller  58  determines that the motors are synchronized, the bed controller  58  monitors whether the end of travel indicative of complete extension has been reached based on signals form the potentiometer and/or current readings from the motors in operation  144 . If the bed controller  58  determines that complete extension of the deck extensions has been reached, the bed controller  58  sends a signal to the motors to stop actuation. If the bed controller  58  determines that the deck extensions have not been completely extended, the bed controller continues to monitor whether the motors are synchronized in step  140 . 
     In operation  144  if it is determined by the bed controller  58  that the deck sections are completely extended, the bed controller senses selection of the button  56  in operation  146  after which the system waits for a predetermined time, in one embodiment 2 seconds, in other embodiments, any amount of time in operation  148 . The bed controller  58  sends a signal to the mattress controller  64  to inflate the mattress side bolsters  52  in operation  150 . Mattress controller  64  monitors inflation of the mattress side bolsters  52  in operation  152 . Mattress controller  64  determines if the mattress side bolsters  52  are completely inflated in operation  154 . In one embodiment the mattress controller  64  makes this determination by comparing a pressure derived from the signal supplied by pressure transducer  74  with a predetermined threshold which in one embodiment may be defined by a user though control interface  54 . In another embodiment the mattress controller  64  determines if the mattress side bolsters  52  are completely inflated by tracking the time spent inflating the mattress side bolsters  52 . In operation  154  if the mattress controller  64  determines the mattress side bolsters  52  are not completely inflated, it sends a corresponding signal to the bed controller  58 . The bed controller  58  sends a signal to the control interface  54  through which an audio indication and/or a visual indication on display  76  of ongoing mattress side bolster  52  inflation is communicated in operation  156 . If mattress controller  64  determines that inflation is complete it communicates with the bed controller  58 . The bed controller  58  sends a signal to the control interface  54  through which an audio indication and/or a visual indication on display  76  of completion of mattress side bolster  52  inflation is communicated in operation  158 . 
     In this embodiment the mattress side bolsters  52  are configured to toggle between a fully inflated state and a fully deflated state. In one embodiment the pressure indicative of full inflation is variable based on weight of the patient supported by the mattress to a predetermined pressure relief set point. In another embodiment the pressure indicative of full inflation may be input by a user via the control interface  54 . 
       FIGS.  7  and  7 B and  8  and  8 B  are block diagrams showing a second method of altering the width of the bed.  FIG.  7 B  is a continuation of  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8 B  is a continuation of  FIG.  8   . Therefore as a matter of convenience  FIGS.  7  and  7 B  are referred to simply as  FIG.  7    and  FIGS.  8  and  8 B  are referred to simply as  FIG.  8   . The method of  FIGS.  7  and  8    use a control interface  54  such as the one shown in  FIG.  9    in which one button  56 E is used to command extension or expansion of the bed and a separate button  56 R is used to command retraction. The control interface of  FIG.  9    also has indicator lights LE and LR. When the bed is fully extended light LE glows steady green and light LR is off. When the bed is fully retracted light LR glows steady green and light LE is off. When the bed is in an intermediate state (neither fully extended nor fully retracted) one of the lights glows flashing yellow. 
     In  FIG.  7   , block  202  tests whether or not the bed controller senses that retract button  56 R is being pressed. If not the method proceeds to block  302  of  FIG.  8    and tests whether or not the bed controller senses that extend button  56 E is being pressed. However if the test at block  202  reveals that the retract button is being pressed the method proceeds to block  206 . Pressing either button  56 R,  56 E generates a command to alter the width of the bed. The commands are of opposite polarity, i.e. one is to retract, the other is to extend. 
     Block  206  tests whether or not the deck extensions (e.g. extensions  36 ) are at their limit of retraction. If so, the method proceeds to block  208  and stops except for continuing the tests of blocks  202  and  302 . If the deck extensions are not at their limit of retraction the method proceeds along paths  210 A and  210 B to blocks  230  and  212  respectively. First considering path  210 A, at block  230  the bed controller monitors whether the deck width adjustment motors (which are operating as a result of a user continuing to press the retract button) are synchronized. If not the method proceeds to block  234  and stops the motors. If so the method branches to block  228 . Now considering path  210 B, at block  212  the method pauses or delays for a brief time interval (a second or two) while continuing to monitor whether or not the retract button is still being pressed. If the user has continued to apply pressure to the retract button throughout the pause interval, the method proceeds to block  214 . However if user pressure on the retract button is discontinued during the pause interval the method does not proceed to block  214 . The pause interval enables the method to distinguish between a genuine user command and a brief inadvertant touch of the retract button. 
     Block  214  tests whether or not deflation of the side bladders  52  has begun. If not the bed controller issues a “deflate” command to the mattress controller at block  216 . The mattress controller responds by beginning deflation of the side bladders. At block  218  the mattress controller monitors deflation progress and proceeds to block  220 . At block  220  the method tests whether or not deflation is complete either as a result of the actions at blocks  216  and  218  or as a result of having arrived directly at block  220  from block  214 . If the test at block  220  reveals that deflation is not complete the method continues the deflation process and sends a visual and/or aural indication of the ongoing deflation. One example of a visual indication is the flashing yellow illumination of one of lights LE and LR as described above. If the test at block  220  reveals that deflation is complete the method proceeds to block  224  where the mattress controller signals the bed controller that deflation is complete and sends a visual and/or aural indication of the fact that deflation is complete. One example of a visual indication is the steady green illumination of light LR as described above. 
     Irrespective of whether the method has followed path  210 A through blocks  230  and  232  or has followed path  210 B through the appropriate blocks beyond block  212 , the method arrives at block  228  where it tests whether or not the deck sections are at their limit of retraction. If not, the method returns to block  202 . If so, the method proceeds to block  226  and stops, except for continuing to monitor for whether or not the extend and retract buttons are being pressed. 
     The portion of the method outlined in  FIG.  8    is similar to the portion of the method disclosed in  FIG.  7    but shows how the method responds to user pressure applied to the extend button  56 E. In  FIG.  8   , block  302  tests whether or not the bed controller senses that extend button  56 E is being pressed. If not the method proceeds to block  304  and stops, although the test of block  302  (and of block  202  in  FIG.  7   ) continues to be made. However if the test at block  302  reveals that the retract button is being pressed the method proceeds to block  306 . 
     Block  306  tests whether or not the deck extensions (e.g. extensions  36 ) are at their limit of extension. If so, the method proceeds to block  308  and stops except for continuing the tests of blocks  202  and  302 . If the deck extensions are not at their limit of retraction the method proceeds along paths  310 A and  310 B to blocks  330  and  312  respectively. First considering path  310 A, at block  330  the bed controller monitors whether the deck width adjustment motors (which are operating as a result of a user continuing to press the extend button) are synchronized. If not the method proceeds to block  334  and stops the motors. If so the method branches to block  328 . Now considering path  310 B, at block  312  the method pauses or delays for a brief time interval (a second or two) while continuing to monitor whether or not the extend button is still being pressed. If the user has continued to apply pressure to the extend button throughout the pause interval, the method proceeds to block  314 . However if user pressure on the extend button is discontinued during the pause interval the method does not proceed to block  314 . The pause interval enables the method to distinguish between a genuine user command and a brief inadvertant touch of the retract button. 
     Block  314  tests whether or not inflation of the side bladders  52  has begun. If not the bed controller issues a “inflate” command to the mattress controller at block  316 . The mattress controller responds by beginning inflation of the side bladders. At block  318  the mattress controller monitors inflation progress and proceeds to block  320 . At block  320  the method tests whether or not inflation is complete either as a result of the actions at blocks  316  and  318  or as a result of having arrived directly at block  320  from block  314 . If the test at block  320  reveals that inflation is not complete the method continues the inflation process and sends a visual and/or aural indication of the ongoing inflation. One example of a visual indication is the flashing yellow illumination of one of lights LE and LR as described above. If the test at block  320  reveals that inflation is complete the method proceeds to block  324  where the mattress controller signals the bed controller that inflation is complete and sends a visual and/or aural indication of the fact that inflation is complete. One example of a visual indication is the steady green illumination of light LR as described above. 
     Irrespective of whether the method has followed path  310 A through blocks  330  and  332  or has followed path  310 B through the appropriate blocks beyond block  312 , the method arrives at block  328  where it tests whether or not the deck sections are at their limit of extension. If not, the method returns to block  302 . If so, the method proceeds to block  326  and stops, except for continuing to monitor for whether or not the extend and retract buttons are being pressed. 
     As previously noted the deck extensions can be extended and retracted manually. In the case of manual operation the step of determining whether or not the extend or retract buttons are pressed (blocks  202  and  302 ) will not yield a “yes” answer. However the bed controller is still able to monitor current readings or potentiometer signals to track the position of the deck extension, including whether or not the deck extension is at its extend limit or retract limit. As a result the method for manual operation is the same except that instead of being initiated by the bed controller sensing whether or not the retract or extend button is being pressed (blocks  202 ,  302 ) it is initiated by changes in the current readings or potentiometer signals. Similar to the case of push-button operation, manual operation generates a width alteration command. If a user pushes on the deck extender (or a component attached to the extender) to cause the deck extender to retract, the command is a retract command. If a user pulls on the deck extender (or a component attached to the extender) to cause the deck extender to extend, the command is an extend command. The retract and extend commands are of opposite polarity. 
     The foregoing description and associated  FIGS.  7  and  8    address retraction and extension explicitly. More generally the method monitors for a command to alter the width of the deck and determines the polarity of the command (blocks  202 ,  302 ). The method ensures that the width extender is not at a limit inconsistent with the polarity of the command (blocks  206 ,  306 ), operates an actuator to move the width extender in a direction consistent with the polarity of the command (implicit in blocks  230 ,  330 ) and issues a fluid supply control signal (not explicitly shown, but a consequence of blocks  216 ,  316 ) to operate the fluid supply device in a manner consistent with the polarity of the command. The fluid supply control signal is issued in response to a mattress control signal (output of blocks  216 ,  316 ). The mattress control signal is generated in response to the command. 
     The method monitors response of the mattress to operation of the fluid supply device at blocks  218 ,  318 . The method of curtails operation of the actuator in response to the extender reaching a limit consistent with the polarity of the command at blocks  208 ,  308 . The issuing step is conditioned on continued presence of the command during a pause interval (blocks  212 ,  312 ). The method also includes the step of providing an indication distinguishing between completion and incompletion of width adjustment (blocks  222 ,  322 ). 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter (particularly in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation, as the scope of protection sought is defined by the claims as set forth hereinafter together with any equivalents thereof entitled to. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise claimed. The use of the term “based on” and other like phrases indicating a condition for bringing about a result, both in the claims and in the written description, is not intended to foreclose any other conditions that bring about that result. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as claimed. 
     Preferred embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Of course, variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this claimed subject matter includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     The disclosures of any references and publications cited above are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties to the same extent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.