Abstract:
A cordless pressure pad connected to a bed pad transmitter for centralized monitoring by a central bed monitor receiving and alarm unit. When a monitored person gets up from bed, the pad transmitter sends a coded RF signal matched to a particular bed monitor unit, and it then triggers an alarm; when the person sits or lays back down, the pad transmitter sends a signal to the monitor to reset. Multiple pads can be linked to a single bed monitor.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/954,892, filed Aug. 9, 2007. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Cordless or wireless pad used on a bed to monitor if a person gets or falls out of bed. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97, 1.98 
     Residential care facilities, particularly long-term residential care nursing facilities, must provide a considerable measure of protection to residents who may be impaired in their ability to care for themselves or to exercise sound judgment Inherent in such care is the need to routinely confine residents to beds, chairs, or other support apparatus. Accordingly, it is known to provide bed and chair occupancy monitoring systems to alert staff or attendants of inappropriate patient movement. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,297 to Joseph teaches a bed monitoring system including a capacitive sensor pad for placement under a patient. The pad comprises a foam plastic pad and heavy aluminum foil plates laminated on opposite sides of the foam. The plates are then adhesively bonded to the inner surfaces of an outer cover. The capacitor of the pad is connected in circuit with an oscillator and produces a frequency-related output. A ripple counter establishes a frequency-related output proportional to the capacitance. A microprocessor reads the counter output and samples are averaged to establish a reference base and the true weight affect of the patient on the sensing pad. Other factors which might effect the signal are readily attended to by programmed compensation. Each subsequent sample is averaged and compared with the reference base. If within a permitted range, the latest and current signal is averaged with the reference base and establishes a new base, and continuously tracks changes in the sensing system. A selected change in a selected time delay system actuates an alert or alarm system, which requires positive resetting to terminate the alarm system. The system is positively reset to return to normal position monitoring. The system may be set to automatically reset the alarm system after an alarm condition is established and then removed by the continuous tracking of the patient movement. Also illustrative of the art, U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,694 to Newham discloses a mobile patient monitoring system. The system includes a load sensor which detects the presence of a patient on a device and further includes a microprocessor responsive to a resident program. A first circuit connected to the microprocessor and to the sensor automatically activates operation of the microprocessor to a “monitor” mode upon detection by the sensor of the patient&#39;s presence on the device; it maintains operation of the microprocessor for a predetermined time period at least equal to a running time of the program; and it terminates operation of the microprocessor at the expiration of the predetermined time period after detection by the sensor of termination of the patient&#39;s presence on the device prior to expiration of the predetermined time period. A second circuit operates the system in response to commands manually applied to the second circuit to deactivate the system to a “hold/reset” mode after activating of the system to the “monitor” mode. The first circuit will also activate the system to the “monitor” mode after the system has been deactivated to the “hold/reset” mode together with subsequent detection by the sensor of termination of the patient&#39;s presence on the device and resumption of the patient&#39;s presence on the device. Alternatively, the microprocessor is responsive to the manually operable switch in the second circuit to activate the system to the “monitor” mode after the system has been deactivated to the “hold/reset” mode. A third circuit connected to the microprocessor provides an audio alarm upon demand by the microprocessor. 
     The present invention provides advantages over prior art systems in that the system sends a wireless signal to a remote monitor. The several advantages of the present invention are set forth below in the summary of the invention. 
     The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventors are aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicants&#39; acknowledged duties of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a cordless or wireless pressure pad connected to a bed pad transmitter, which is in wireless communication with a proximate bed monitor. If remote or centralized monitoring is desired, the bed monitor may function as a programmable transmitter unit to relay signals from the bed pad to a central bed monitor receiving and alarm unit. 
     In use, the pressure pad transmits a single frequency wireless signal or wideband frequency hopping signal to the bed monitor, and if desired, to a central monitor indicating to a caregiver that a patient has gotten out of a bed or fallen out of bed. The wireless signal has a checksum to prevent faulty data, and the wireless link allows the pad to function as if a cord were connecting the pad to the user. 
     When triggered by the removal of a resident/patient&#39;s body weight, the pressure pad transmitter sends a coded signal that is matched with the particular bed monitor or monitors with a “self-read” in operation, and it also sends a signal outside the room directly to a monitor or light in the hall, thereby alerting caregivers to take appropriate action. 
     In addition, the bed pad transmitter sends a coded “I am okay” signal to the bed monitor receiver, and if the bed monitor receiver misses the pulsed signal over a predetermined and preset period, it will output an alarm signal indicating that the pad is lost or removed. This indicates that the pad has been removed from the area or is no longer working. 
     Each pad has a uniquely coded chip for matching with the bed monitor, and the pad is matched to the monitor by pressing a read in button on the monitor and then pressing the pad to match the codes automatically. 
     When a monitored person gets up from the pad the bed pad transmitter will send a signal to the bed monitor unit to trigger an alarm, and when a person sits back down the bed pad transmitter will send a signal to the bed monitor to reset the bed monitor unit. 
     The bed pad includes a sleeve or pocket into which the uniquely coded bed pad transmitter is inserted, and there plugged into the bed pad using a plug and socket. The pocket is closed using non-removable, tamper proof plastic clips, which must be cut to change the transmitter. The transmitter is waterproof and sealed. The battery power supply lasts more than three years and may be rechargeable. 
     The signal sent by the bed pad may include other functions to be decided; such as the time to change the pad (i.e., a “change pad indicator”), date manufactured, date first used, and other information to be decided. 
     Both units (pad and monitor) have a “low battery” circuit which send an alert signal to the bed pad monitor or central monitor. The bed monitor includes an internal wireless receiver to detect the signal from the bed pad transmitter. Alternatively, an intelligent receiver module may be plugged into the bed pad monitor wired pad port or another port as if it were a standard pad. In such a case, the external receiver unit has its own battery, indicator, sounder, and so forth, to allow the features required, such as “pad lost” indication, low battery, and the like. The battery is replaceable. However, the bed monitor receiver can work on battery and/or power supply, and may have a simple LED indicator for a “pad lost” condition with an audible sound and/or a visual output, such as an LCD light or other indicator to show in detail the functions required. 
     One major advantage of the wireless system of the present invention is that multiple pads can be linked to one bed monitor. This is especially well adapted for use with visual indicators, such as an LCD display. Costs are reduced because only one bed monitor receiver is required, and the alarms may be moved outside the room so as not to disturb the residents while providing a display identifying which bed is in an alarm state. Further, extra data such as pad usable time left/number of activations, and so forth, can be sent from the pad. 
     Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention does not reside in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
     There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram showing the functional elements of the cordless bed monitor receiving unit having an LCD display of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of the cordless pad transmitter unit; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of the plug-in receiver module unit of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic block diagrams showing how the transmitter unit is fitted and connected to the patient pad; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram showing pad and monitor systems deployed in a number of rooms, each having dedicated transmitter units for receiving and relaying signals from bed pads to a central monitor; 
         FIG. 6  similarly shows a multi-pad system, but all bed pad transmitters send signals to a single monitor; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the operative elements of the bed monitor receiver unit with an externally disposed receiver module; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram showing a pad and standard receiver pair; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram showing a pad and bed monitor with an LCD display; 
         FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram of the wireless pad transmitter; 
         FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram of the wireless bed pad receiver unit; 
         FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram of the bed pad monitor of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a circuit diagram of the wireless bad pad monitor having an LCD display. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 13 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved wireless and cordless patient bed pad and monitor system.  FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram showing the functional elements of the cordless bed monitor receiving unit having an LCD display of the present invention, generally denominated  100  herein. It includes a monitor unit portion  110  with an LCD controller  120 , a receiver controller  130  having an autoread button  140  and EEPROM  150  for reading pad transmitter information into memory, and a receiver module  160 , preferably with a multi-frequency hopping option. The receiver further includes a low battery detect circuit  170 , an LCD visual display  180 , an audible output speaker  190 , a switch for controlling inputs  200 , and an LED/relay control/data output circuit portion  210 . 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of the cordless pad transmitter module  300 , preferably including a multi-frequency hopping option, which comprises a microcontroller  310  having a buffer  320 , EEPROM  330  for storing programmed inputs from a keypad or other input device  340 , a low battery detect circuit  350 , and an antenna  360  for transmitting a signal to the receiving unit shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of the plug-in receiver module unit  400  of the present invention, which comprises a microcontroller  410 , having a low power receiver module  420 , EEPROM  430 , a low battery detector  440 , an LED indicator  450  with indications for Pad OK, Status, and Low Battery, and an audible output device  460 . Again, the unit includes an autoread button  470  for matching the unit to a bed pad transmitter. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic block diagrams showing how the bed pad transmitter  500  is fitted and connected to the bed pad. The transmitter is connected to the bed pad  510  with a wire connector  520 , and then fitted into a pocket or sleeve  530 , which is closed with a flap  540  and secured with tamper proof clips  550 . 
       FIG. 5  shows bed pad and bed pad monitor systems  600 ,  610 , deployed in a number of rooms  620 ,  630 , each system including dedicated transmitter units  640 ,  650 , for receiving and relaying signals from bed pads to a central monitor  660 , and an optional LCD display  670 ,  680  at each room. The central monitor includes a display  690  showing the room and bed pad monitor  700 ,  710 ,  720 ,  730  that is sending a present signal. 
       FIG. 6  similarly shows a multi-pad system, but all bed pad transmitters  740 ,  750 ,  760 ,  770 , send signals to a single monitor  780 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the operative elements of the bed monitor receiver  800  unit with an externally disposed receiver module  810 . As earlier noted, it will be appreciated that receiver circuitry can be incorporated into the receiver housing or optionally disposed in a plug-in form having a male element  820  for insertion into a female receptacle  830  in the bed monitor receiver housing  840 . The receiver module is battery powered and preferably includes three indicator lights, including low battery  850 , status  860 , and pad lost  870 , as well as a buzzer alarm output  880 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show pad and receiver pairs, the former with a standard receiver  890 , the latter with an LCD display receiver  900 . 
       FIG. 10  is a circuit diagram of the wireless pad transmitter  1000 , while  FIG. 11  is a circuit diagram  1100  of the wireless bed pad receiver unit.  FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram  1200  of the bed pad monitor of the present invention; and  FIG. 13  is a circuit diagram  1300  of the wireless bad pad monitor having an LCD display. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a schematic drawing of wireless pad transmitter  1000 . is connected directly to a bed pad, and transmits the conditions of the bed pad to a proximate wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100 . In this figure, it can be seen that microcontroller U 2  is in communication with connector J 1 , which is externally connected to a bed pad&#39;s output port. Through this port, microcontroller U 2  monitors the conditions of the pad. Microcontroller U 2  is programmable via connector J 2 . 
     DC voltage (VDD) is provided to the circuits of wireless pad transmitter  1000  by way of 3.2 volt battery BT 1 . The output voltage of battery BT 1  is regulated to 3.0 volts by voltage regulator U 3 . VDD is also passed through voltage regulator U 1 , whose output is monitored by the RA 3  analog input on pin  2  of microcontroller U 2 . The software running on microcontroller U 2  generates an alarm when VDD drops below a certain voltage (indicating a low battery condition). 
     Any alarms generated by microcontroller U 2  are converted into formatted data messages that are then sent (via RB 7  pin  13  of microcontroller U 2 ) to the transmitter module connected to connector J 3  (the data is passed on pin  3  of connector J 3 ). The transmitter module connected to connector J 3  receives these data messages and modulates the data onto the RF signal transmitted to the receiver module connected to a proximate bed pad monitor. In this way, the alarms generated by conditions detected by microcontroller U 2  are sent wirelessly to a remote monitor. Microcontroller U 2  also communicates with memory chip IC 1 . Memory chip IC 1  is used to store data. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a schematic drawing of wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100 . Wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100  is connected (via connector J 1 ) to an input port of a non-wireless bed pad monitor, thereby making the monitor operate in a wireless mode. In this schematic, it can be seen that microcontroller U 1  (via RB 7  input pin  13 ) receives data from a RF receiver module via DATA pin  9  of connector J 2 . This is the path by which data transmitted by wireless pad transmitter(s)  1000  is passed to microcontroller U 1 . 
     Note that, through the receiver, microcontroller U 1  can receive data from more than one wireless pad transmitter  1000 . However, only data from those wireless pad transmitters that have been ‘matched’ to the specific instance of wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100  will be processed. 
     To ‘match’ a specific wireless pad transmitter  1000  to the specific instance of wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100 , the user first presses ‘LEARN MODE’ momentary-on switch SW 2 . This causes RA 3  pin  2  on microcontroller U 1  to be pulled up from ground to VDD. The software running on microcontroller U 1  detects this change, and begins running ‘learn mode’ routines that store (in memory chip IC 1 ) data captured by the receiver module connected to connector J 2 . Microcontroller U 1  then automatically ‘matches’ to (stores the unique transmitted code of) any wireless pad transmitter  1000  that is transmitting nearby. While wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100  is in this mode, one or more wireless pad transmitter  1000  can be triggered (by pressing on the pad itself) to transmit, and thereby be ‘matched’ to the specific instance of wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100 . Wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100  is can be made to exit the learning mode by pressing ‘LEARN MODE’ momentary-on switch SW 2  once again. 
     In  FIG. 11  it can also be seen that wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100  receives +5V DC voltage (VDD) via pin  1  of connector J 1 . Connector J 1  is externally connected to a monitor that analyzes and displays to received information to a user. VDD is regulated by voltage regulator U 5  and then passed to the receiver module via transistor Q 2 , and then through pins  6  and  10  of connector J 2 . Transistor Q 2  can be turned on and off by microcontroller U 1  (via RB 6  pin  12  of microcontroller U 1 ). Turning off transistor Q 2  causes the VDD to be removed from the receiver module. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 11 , it can be seen that microcontroller U 1  passes information to the monitor attached to connector J 1 . The information provided to the monitor includes: on pin  2  of connector J 1 , a ‘buzzer-on’ condition, on pin  3  of connector J 1 , a ‘RF signal lost’ condition, on pin  4  of connector J 1 , a ‘RF signal OK’ condition, on pin  5  of connector J 1 , a ‘bed pad’ condition, on pin  6  of connector J 1 , a ‘mat’ condition, on pin  7  of connector J 1 , a ‘low battery’ condition. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , a circuit diagram of wireless bed pad monitor  1200  is shown. It can be seen that wireless bed pad monitor  1200  is a bed monitor circuit integrated with the key elements of a bed pad receiver unit  1100 . First, addressing the receiver portion of the schematic of  FIG. 12 , it can be seen that microcontroller U 3  (via RB 7  input pin  13 ) receives data from a RF receiver module via DATA pin  9  of connector J 5 . This is the path by which data transmitted by wireless pad transmitter(s)  1000  is/are passed to microcontroller U 3 . Note that, through the receiver, microcontroller U 3  can receive data from more than one wireless pad transmitter  1000 . However, only data from those wireless pad transmitters that have been ‘matched’ to the specific instance of wireless bed pad receiver unit  1100  will be processed. 
     To ‘match’ a specific wireless pad transmitter  1000  to the specific instance of wireless bed pad monitor  1200 , the user first presses ‘LEARN MODE’ momentary-on switch S 1 . This causes RA 3  pin  2  on microcontroller U 3  to be pulled up from ground to VDD. The software running on microcontroller U 3  detects this change, and begins running ‘learn mode’ routines that store (in memory chip IC 1 ) data captured by the receiver module connected to connector J 5 . Microcontroller U 3  then automatically ‘matches’ to (stores the unique transmitted code of) any wireless pad transmitter  1000  that is transmitting nearby. While wireless bed pad monitor  1200  is in this mode, one or more wireless pad transmitter  1000  can be triggered (by pressing on the pad itself) to transmit, and thereby be ‘matched’ to the specific instance of wireless bed pad monitor  1200 . Wireless bed pad monitor  1200  is can be made to exit the learning mode by pressing ‘LEARN MODE’ momentary-on switch S 1  once again. 
     In  FIG. 12  it can also be seen that wireless bed pad monitor  1200  receives +5V DC voltage (VDD) from the output of voltage regulator U 4 . VDD is regulated by voltage regulator U 5 , and then passed to the receiver module via transistor Q 4 , and then through pins  6  and  10  of connector J 2 . Transistor Q 4  can be turned on and off by microcontroller U 3  (via RB 6  pin  12  of microcontroller U 3 ). Turning off transistor Q 4  causes the VDD to be removed from the receiver module. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , it can be seen that microcontroller U 3  (via RA 2  pin  1  of microcontroller U 3 ) passes data to microcontroller U 2  (via RA 3  pin  2  of microcontroller U 3 ). In this way microcontroller U 2  receives bed pad alarm information that has been received by the receiver unit. 
     Microcontroller U 3  performs the function of illuminating the Signal Lost LED 4  and Signal OK LED 3  based on the conditions of the radio frequency signals currently being seen by the receiver module attached to connector J 5 . Microcontroller U 3  (via RB 3  pin  9  of microcontroller U 3 ) also controls the current flow through transistor Q 2 . Turning the current on through transistor Q 2  activates buzzer BUZ 1 . Turning off the current through transistor Q 2  deactivates buzzer BUZ 1 . 
     Microcontroller U 3  (via RA 0  pin  17  of microcontroller U 3 ) outputs a MAT logical signal that indicates the condition of an attached mat (if a mat is attached). This MAT logical signal is passed to pin  4  of telephone jack connector J 1 . This MAT logical signal is also passed to RB 0  pin  6  of microcontroller U 3 . In this manner, any conditions detected in data received by microcontroller U 3  (from the receiver module connected to connector J 5 ) are made available to both microcontroller U 2  and to a wireless pad transmitter  1000  connected to wireless bed pad monitor  1200  via telephone jack connector J 1 . If a wireless pad transmitter  1000  is connected to wireless bed pad monitor  1200  via telephone jack connector J 1 , then the integrated system acts as a repeater, receiving transmitted messages from instances of wireless pad transmitter  1000 , and then wirelessly transmitting those messages to a remote centralized wireless monitoring system. This approach is used when placing an instance of positioning a wireless bed pad monitor  1200  just over the door of each room on a nursing floor in a hospital. In this scenario, a centralized wireless monitor system is positioned at the nursing station. As a bed pad alarm is generated, the wireless bed pad monitor  1200  just over the door of the room in which that bed pad resides will display an alarm locally, and then re-transmit the message to the centralized monitor at the nurse station. In this way, the nurse at the station can see the alarm, and then proceed to deal with the issue immediately. Also, if a nurse is not at the nurse station, then the visible and audible alarm generated locally by wireless bed pad monitor  1200  will immediately guide the nurse to the bed from which the alarm was issued. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , the functions of microcontroller U 2  and its associated circuits are now described. It can be seen that DC voltage is provided to the module in one of two ways. First, battery power is provided to voltage regulator U 4  via battery connector J 6  and diode D 6 . Voltage regulator U 4  provides +5V VDD as its output. The second power input is +9VDC or 9VAC from an external source via 9 mm power jack J 4 . This voltage is fed through bridge rectifier D 2  (BRIDGE 1 ) to the Vp source point, as well as to the input of voltage regulator U 4  via diode D 5 . The input (pin  2 ) of voltage regulator U 4  is also the source point for VA. VA serves as the voltage by which the battery condition is measured. 
     The battery condition is determined by having VA feed the input of voltage regulator U 1 , the output of which (when the unit is operating only on battery) provides the only voltage to input RA 1  pin  18  of microcontroller U 2 . The software running on microcontroller U 2  measures the regulated VA voltage and determines the battery condition based on this voltage. If the voltage drops below a predetermined value, then the software running on microcontroller U 2  generates an alarm. It can be seen that microcontroller U 2  can illuminate alarm indicators LED 1  and LED 2 . It can also be seen that microcontroller U 2  can generate an oscillating signal out through transistor Q 1  and inductor L 1  to connector J 2 . The output level of this signal is adjusted by way of variable resistor VR 1 . It can further be seen that microcontroller U 2  can (via RB 7  output pin  13  of microcontroller U 2 ) operate the dry contacts of SPDT relay K 1  via control of transistor Q 3  (transistor Q 3  activates and deactivates relay K 1 . Relay K 1  provides a dry contact output for external systems use. This output can be either polarity, depending on which pins of connector J 3  are used. The outputs described above are operated under the control of the software running on microcontroller U 2 . This software also regularly examines the condition of momentary-on reset button SW 2 , as well as the condition of magnetic switch SW 3  via RA 0  input pin  17  of microcontroller U 2 . If magnetic switch SW 3  closes, the software interprets this as a reset command, and as long as switch SW 3  remains closed, no action is taken. If reset button SW 2  is pressed (and reset on//off switch SW 1  is set to ‘ON’) the software interprets this as a reset, and clears its alarms. 
     Additionally, the software running on microcontroller U 2  monitors the condition of inputs RB 1  (pin  7 ), RB 2  (pin  8 ) and RB 3  (pin  9 ) to determine the tone setting established by the position of tone selector switch SW 4 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 , a circuit diagram of (a non-wireless) bed pad monitor  1300  with an LCD display is shown. It can be seen that bed pad monitor  1300  received bed pad conditions through telephone jack connector J 1  (which is connected directly to the output port of a bed pad). The microcontroller U 2  receives the inputs present on connector J 1  as pad condition (at RA 2  pin  8  of microcontroller U 2 , mat condition (at RB 0  pin  10  of microcontroller U 2  and other condition (at RC 1  pin  19  of microcontroller U 2 ). In this arrangement, microcontroller U 2  can detect and analyze each of these conditions. 
     Microcontroller U 2  also regularly monitors the condition of momentary-on delay switch SW 3 . If this button is pressed, microcontroller U 2  ignores external inputs for a period of time, and therefore, during that time, will not generate alarms. Microcontroller U 2  also regularly monitors the condition of momentary-on switch SW 3 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 13 , it can be seen that microcontroller U 2  controls the displayed image of the LCD display by shifting data serially into logic translator U 14 . Logic translator U 14  then translates the serial input into a parallel output to the LCD display. In this way, microcontroller U 2  can display messages on the LCD display. Microcontroller U 2  can also operate buzzer U 4  and alarm LED D 8 . 
     In addition to the LCD display, microcontroller U 2  controls other outputs, including dry contact relay K 1 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 13 , microcontroller U 2  detects (via telephone jack connector J 1 ) the locally connected bed pad&#39;s conditions, and then displays those conditions on the LCD display, as well as providing audible and visible alarm indications. 
     The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
     Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.