Patent Description:
The present invention is defined by the appended independent claim.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a patient support apparatus pneumatic system. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to a surface of the device closest to an intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to a surface of the device furthest from the intended viewer.

The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a. " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> generally designates a patient support apparatus in the form of a bed. A patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> includes a mattress <NUM> that defines an interior <NUM>. A pneumatic enclosure <NUM> is in fluid communication with the interior <NUM> and includes an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. A blower <NUM> is in fluid communication with the interior <NUM> and the pneumatic enclosure <NUM>. A pressure sensor <NUM> is configured to detect a pressure at the outlet <NUM>. A controller <NUM> is configured to monitor a speed of the blower <NUM> and the pressure at the outlet <NUM> for detecting at least one of an intake blockage condition <NUM> and an exhaust blockage condition <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the patient support apparatus <NUM> may include a hospital bed. While described as the patient support apparatus <NUM>, it is within the scope of the disclosure that the patient support apparatus <NUM> may include a bed frame, a mattress, or any suitable structure for supporting a patient, including, but not limited to: other types of beds, surgical tables, examination tables, stretchers, and the like.

The patient support apparatus <NUM> may include a frame, which may be in the form of a base frame <NUM>. An upper frame <NUM> may be coupled with the base frame <NUM>. The upper frame <NUM> may be operable between raised, lowered, and tilted positions relative to the base frame <NUM>. The mattress <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> defines a patient support surface and is supported by one of the base frame <NUM> and the upper frame <NUM>. The mattress <NUM> may be in the form of a cushion including a foam base and multiple layers. In some examples, bladders, springs, beads, gel, and the like may be included in the mattress <NUM>. In examples where the mattress <NUM> includes bladders or cells, the pneumatic system <NUM> may control airflow in and out of various air bladders or cells of the mattress <NUM>. The bladders or cells may be adjusted between inflated and deflated conditions to provide comfort or treatment to a patient on the mattress <NUM>. Furthermore, the mattress <NUM> may be encased in a mattress cover <NUM>, which is generally removable from the mattress <NUM> for washing or replacing.

In the illustrated configuration of <FIG>, the patient support apparatus <NUM> includes a head end <NUM> and a foot end <NUM>. A headboard <NUM> is provided at the head end <NUM> and a footboard <NUM> is provided at the foot end <NUM>. The patient support apparatus <NUM> also includes a pair of head siderail assemblies <NUM> and a pair of foot siderail assemblies <NUM>. In some examples, an interface <NUM>, which may be a graphical user interface (GUI), is coupled with an external side of at least one siderail of the head and foot siderail assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the interface <NUM> coupled to the external side of one of the head siderail assembly <NUM>, it is also contemplated that the interface <NUM> may be coupled to any suitable component of the patient support apparatus <NUM> for access by a user or caregiver. For example, the interface <NUM> may be coupled to one of the foot siderail assemblies <NUM>, the footboard <NUM>, or the headboard <NUM>.

The patient support apparatus <NUM> may include various mattress function technologies, such as a microclimate management (MCM) system <NUM> disposed in the mattress <NUM>. The MCM system <NUM> may address shear, friction, pressure, and moisture properties of the mattress <NUM> in order to optimize patient comfort and to keep a patient's skin cool and dry, which may aid in prevention of complications during patient recovery including preventing wounds, bed sores, etc. The MCM system <NUM> may automatically make adjustments based on predetermined therapy functions or may manually make adjustments based on the user input commands received from the interface <NUM> by a caregiver. The pneumatic system <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> is in fluid communication with the MCM system <NUM>.

In some examples, an MCM system status floor indicator <NUM> may be projected as an image onto the floor surface from a projector <NUM> coupled with the foot end <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM>. The image generally indicates information regarding the MCM system <NUM>, which may include whether the MCM system <NUM> is active or inactive. Alternatively, indicators <NUM> may be provided at the foot end <NUM> for displaying information regarding the MCM system <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be in electrical communication with the patient support apparatus <NUM> and/or the mattress <NUM> for gathering input, processing the input, and generating an output in response to the input. In some examples, the controller <NUM> is in the form of a first controller configured to control the mattress <NUM> and a second controller <NUM> may control the patient support apparatus <NUM>. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for a single controller <NUM> to control both the patient support apparatus <NUM> and the mattress <NUM>. In some examples, the controller <NUM> may be in the form of a microcontroller and may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), or microprocessors, memory, and programmable input/output ports. The controller <NUM> may execute programs to automatically control functions and algorithms for the mattress <NUM>, including the pneumatic system <NUM> and the MCM system <NUM>. The input may be provided to the controller <NUM> from various sensors in electrical communication with the mattress <NUM>, or from user input. The user input, including input to the interface <NUM>, may be provided by the caregiver or the patient in order to command the operation of functions of the mattress <NUM>.

In some examples, the controller <NUM> is in communication with a remote device <NUM> via a network <NUM>, such as the internet, a hospital wireless infrastructure, such as an electronic medical record (EMR), an Ethernet, and the like. The network <NUM> may have one or more various wired or wireless communication mechanisms, including any combination of wired (e.g., cable and fiber) or wireless communications and any network topology or topologies. Exemplary communication networks include wireless communication networks, such as, for example, a Bluetooth® transceiver, a ZigBee® transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an IrDA transceiver, an RFID transceiver, etc..

The controller <NUM> and the remote device <NUM> may include circuitry configured for bidirectional wireless communication. Additional exemplary communication networks include local area networks (LAN) and/or wide area networks (WAN), including the Internet and other data communication services. It is contemplated that the controller <NUM> and the remote device <NUM> may communicate by any suitable technology for exchanging data. In this way, the mattress <NUM> may be fully integrated with the patient support apparatus <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may transmit a status of the mattress <NUM> and/or health to the patient support apparatus <NUM> and to the hospital wireless infrastructure, which may be useful for the hospital or for maintenance of the patient support apparatus <NUM>. Furthermore, mattress therapy or functions of the mattress <NUM> may be configured remotely by the remote device <NUM>. The remote device <NUM> may be a remote handheld unit, such as, for example, a phone, a tablet, a portable computer, a wearable device, etc., or may be a device associated with a hospital or another medical facility.

The pneumatic system <NUM> may be associated with a light source <NUM> and an alarm <NUM> for communicating information regarding the pneumatic system <NUM> to the user, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The light source <NUM> and the alarm <NUM> may be included in, or otherwise operably coupled with, at least one of the bed <NUM>, the mattress <NUM>, the interface <NUM>, and the remote device <NUM> for outputting the alarm signal. The alarm <NUM> may have any configuration for outputting the selected alarm signal (e.g., a speaker, a light source, a display, etc.). Moreover, the light source <NUM> may be any practicable type or number of light sources without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic view of an example of the pneumatic system <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> is illustrated. The interior <NUM> of the mattress <NUM> is in fluid communication with the MCM system <NUM>, which may be in the form of an MCM layer, and the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> or chamber. It is within the scope of the disclosure for the MCM system <NUM> and the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> to be located in any suitable position for being in fluid communication with the interior <NUM>, which may include being located at least partially within the interior <NUM>.

It is generally contemplated that the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> will be in fluid communication with the MCM system <NUM> via the outlet <NUM>, which may include an interface connector <NUM>. The interface connector <NUM> may be any suitable connecting component or combination of components including various types of valves, vents, conduits, ports, hoses, etc. for controlling the flow of fluid between the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> and the MCM system <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the interface connector <NUM> and the MCM system <NUM> are connected via a flexible conduit <NUM>. While illustrated as a single outlet <NUM> in <FIG>, the pneumatic system <NUM> may include multiple outlets <NUM> and/or interface connectors <NUM>. Additionally, the MCM system <NUM> may include a plurality of vents <NUM> configured to provide air flow for various mattress therapies.

Furthermore, the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> may include at least one intake or inlet <NUM> in fluid communication with ambient air, A. The inlets <NUM> may be any suitable connecting component or combination of components including various types of valves, vents, conduits, ports, hoses, etc. for controlling the flow of fluid between the ambient atmosphere and the pneumatic enclosure <NUM>. The inlets <NUM> of the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> may be in fluid communication with an air source, such as a pump or blower <NUM>, for pressurizing the pneumatic enclosure <NUM>. In some examples, the inlets <NUM> are fluidly coupled to the blower <NUM> via one or more flexible conduits <NUM>. The blower <NUM> may be in electrical communication with the controller <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> can monitor the speed of the blower <NUM>. Moreover, the speed of the blower <NUM> may be measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). In examples where a rotary vane pump is employed as the air source, the controller <NUM> may monitor the speed of the vanes.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is in communication with the pneumatic system <NUM> and at least one pressure sensor <NUM>. For example, the pressure sensor <NUM> may be in the form of a differential pressure transducer, however the pressure sensor <NUM> may be any suitable sensor configured to provide a signal to the controller <NUM> indicative of a pressure, such as a vacuum pressure sensor, a gauge pressure sensor, a sealed pressure sensor, and the like. In some examples, the pressure sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure a chamber pressure, PC and/or an ambient pressure, PA. The difference between ambient pressure, PA and chamber pressure, PC provides the actual gauge pressure inside of the pneumatic enclosure <NUM> relative to atmospheric pressure. The pressure sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure a pressure at a variety of locations, which may include at the inlet(s) <NUM> and the outlet(s) <NUM>. Furthermore, the controller <NUM> may be in electrical communication with a power supply <NUM> that provides power to the blower <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may monitor the chamber pressure, PC, which may be compared to a predetermined pressure value for maintaining optimal performance of the MCM system <NUM>. The chamber pressure, PC may be indicative of the discharge pressure, or pressure at the outlet <NUM>. It is generally contemplated that the controller <NUM> may command the blower <NUM> to increase or decrease speed in order to maintain the predetermined pressure value. The predetermined pressure value may be a range of pressure values indicative of an operating range, or ideal conditions where the pneumatic system <NUM> is working within a range of acceptable variability. In some examples, the predetermined pressure value(s) may vary depending on a true altitude value, or height above mean sea level, of the patient support apparatus <NUM>. In further examples, the predetermined pressure value may be a default value, or a value input provided by a user or caregiver. The predetermined pressure value, or range, may correspond to a predetermined speed range <NUM> for the blower <NUM>, which is illustrated in <FIG>. In this way, the blower <NUM> may operate within the predetermined speed range <NUM> to maintain the predetermined pressure range. Under a fault condition, the blower <NUM> may be operating outside of the predetermined speed range <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an intake blockage condition <NUM>, an exhaust blockage condition <NUM>, or both conditions may constitute a fault condition. A pressure drop at the inlet <NUM> may indicate that the intake blockage condition <NUM> has occurred. The intake blockage condition <NUM> may result from a variety of situations. Examples of an intake blockage condition <NUM> include a kink in the flexible conduit <NUM> or an item, such as a sheet, improperly situated at the inlet <NUM>. During an intake blockage condition <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may increase the speed of the blower <NUM> to compensate for the loss of pressure in order to maintain the predetermined pressure value. As will be described in further detail herein, the patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> is configured to alert a caregiver when an intake blockage condition <NUM> exists.

Referring once again to <FIG>, a pressure increase at the outlet <NUM> may indicate that the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> has occurred. The exhaust blockage condition <NUM> may result from a variety of situations. Examples of an exhaust blockage condition <NUM> include a kink in the conduit <NUM> or a disconnection of the interface connector <NUM> from the MCM system <NUM>. During an exhaust blockage condition <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may decrease the speed of the blower <NUM>, as air compression requires less volume of air in order to maintain the predetermined pressure value. As with the intake blockage condition <NUM>, the patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> is also configured to alert a caregiver when an exhaust blockage condition <NUM> exists.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the blower <NUM> is maintaining speed and the chamber pressure, PC is maintained at the predetermined pressure value or within a predetermined pressure range, an optimal condition <NUM> may be detected. The speed of the blower <NUM> in the optimal condition <NUM> falls between the speed of the blower <NUM> in the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>. The optimal condition <NUM> generally indicates that the pneumatic system <NUM> is operating optimally and within the acceptable range of variability. Additionally, when the optimal condition <NUM> is detected, the blower <NUM> is operating within an operating speed range <NUM> and the speed of the blower <NUM> is maintained in the operating speed range <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of the speed range, or the operating speed range <NUM>, is graphically illustrated. The intake blockage condition <NUM>, the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>, and the operating speed range condition <NUM> are illustrated as exemplary conditions, which may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of air source or blower <NUM> used. In some examples, the intake blockage condition <NUM> is determined, or detected, when the speed of the blower <NUM> is at or above a predetermined upper threshold value <NUM>. Similarly, the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> may be detected when the speed of the blower <NUM> is at or below a predetermined lower threshold value <NUM>. Thus, the operating speed range condition <NUM> may include blower <NUM> speeds between the predetermined upper threshold value <NUM> and the predetermined lower threshold value <NUM>.

In exemplary blower applications, a patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> having all open inlets <NUM> and outlets <NUM> may operate at blower <NUM> speeds of approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM. In applications where a patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> has all open inlets <NUM> and outlets <NUM> and is operating at a higher altitude, such as <NUM>,<NUM> feet (<NUM>,<NUM> meters), a normal operation blower <NUM> speed may be approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM. In conditions above sea level where a patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> includes at least one inlet <NUM> closed, or blocked, the blower <NUM> may run at speeds of approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM or greater. In conditions where a patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> includes a discharge or the outlet <NUM> is fully closed, or blocked, the blower <NUM> may run at speeds of approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM or less. Similarly, in conditions where a patient support apparatus pneumatic system <NUM> includes a discharge or the outlet <NUM> is partially, or approximately half closed, or blocked, the blower <NUM> may run at speeds of approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM or less. As such, the predetermined upper threshold value <NUM> may be approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM and the predetermined lower threshold value <NUM> may be approximately <NUM>,<NUM> RPM.

Upon detection of either of the intake blockage condition <NUM> or the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> when monitoring the blower <NUM> speed and pressure feedback from the pressure sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may output an alarm signal. The alarm signal may include a blockage status indicator on a display, such as the status floor indicator <NUM>, as one of the indicators <NUM>, on the interface <NUM> (<FIG>), etc. Alternatively, the alarm signal may be any suitable alert, or notification, for indicating at least one of the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>, which may include, but is not limited to: an audible alarm on a local or remote device <NUM>, a notification pushed to a display including the interface <NUM> or a display on the remote device <NUM>, an interface lockout mode where the interface <NUM> may not be accessible until a blockage status notification is acknowledged and a light source <NUM> configured to selectively illuminate.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to monitor the frequency of detected intake blockage conditions <NUM> and exhaust blockage conditions <NUM>, which may be stored as a count in a memory of the controller <NUM> or the remote device <NUM>. The count of detected intake blockage conditions <NUM> may be separate from, or in addition to, the count of detected exhaust blockage conditions <NUM>. A predetermined frequency threshold value may be a certain number of detected intake blockage conditions <NUM> and/or exhaust blockage conditions <NUM> where an action may be initiated when the predetermined frequency threshold value is reached or surpassed.

In some examples, upon reaching the predetermined frequency threshold value, the action may include disabling the blower <NUM>. The action may further include the alarm signals as previously discussed, such as the blockage status indicators and/or notifications. In specific examples, upon reaching a first predetermined frequency threshold value, the controller <NUM> may selectively illuminate a light source <NUM> at a first rate. The light source <NUM> may be in the form of an indicator located on any suitable location of the patient support apparatus <NUM> and/or the remote device <NUM>, such as the indicator <NUM>. Additionally, upon reaching a second predetermined frequency threshold value, the controller <NUM> may selectively illuminate the light source <NUM> at a second rate, which is different from the first rate. In some examples, the second rate is higher than the first rate. In additional or alternative examples, the second rate may include selectively illuminating the light source <NUM> with a different level of luminous intensity, such that the second rate is brighter than the first rate. Furthermore, upon reaching a third predetermined frequency threshold value, the controller <NUM> may disable the blower <NUM>. However, the blower <NUM> may be disabled at any suitable threshold value, which may include the second predetermined frequency threshold value.

Referring to <FIG>, and with further reference to <FIG>, a method <NUM> of operating the pneumatic system <NUM> includes step <NUM> of detecting the chamber pressure, PC within the pneumatic enclosure <NUM>. The pressure sensor <NUM> detects the chamber pressure, PC and communicates the detected pressure to the controller <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> compares the chamber pressure, PC to a predetermined pressure value. The controller <NUM> includes programs or algorithms stored in the memory and executable by the processor. One or more of the programs generally relate to storing the predetermined pressure value and comparing the detected chamber pressure, PC with the predetermined pressure value.

In step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the speed of the blower <NUM> based on the comparison of the chamber pressure, PC to the predetermined pressure value (e.g., a pressure differential). If the detected chamber pressure, PC is lower than the predetermined pressure value, the controller <NUM> increases the speed of the blower <NUM> to increase the chamber pressure, PC. Alternatively, if the detected chamber pressure, PC is higher than the predetermined pressure value, the controller <NUM> decreases the speed of the blower <NUM> to increase the chamber pressure, PC. Accordingly, the speed of the blower <NUM> is adjusted to maintain the chamber pressure, PC at or about the predetermined pressure value.

In step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine an actual pressure gauge of the pneumatic enclosure <NUM>. The pressure sensor <NUM> is configured to detect ambient pressure, PA. The controller <NUM> may compare the chamber pressure, PC to the ambient pressure, PA to determine the actual pressure gauge.

In step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> compares the speed of the blower <NUM> with the predetermined speed range <NUM>. As previously explained, the predetermined speed range <NUM> is defined between the predetermined upper threshold value <NUM> and the predetermined lower threshold value <NUM>. When the controller <NUM> detects that the speed of the blower <NUM> falls within the predetermined speed range <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine that the blower <NUM>, and accordingly the pneumatic system <NUM>, is operating in ideal conditions.

In step <NUM>, if the controller <NUM> detects that the blower <NUM> is operating at a speed at or above the predetermined upper threshold value <NUM>, the controller <NUM> detects the intake blockage condition <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> detects that the blower <NUM> is operating at a speed at or below the predetermined lower threshold value <NUM>, the controller <NUM> detects the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>. If at least one of the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> are detected by the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to alert the user in step <NUM>. The alarm signal may be an audible or visual indication on the interface <NUM> or the remote device <NUM> that indicates one or both of the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> are detected.

In step <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to monitor the frequency of the detection of the intake blockage condition <NUM>, the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>, or both. The controller <NUM> includes one or more programs for counting the detected condition, storing the count, and monitoring the frequency. In step <NUM>, the user is alerted when the predetermined frequency threshold value is reached or exceeded. As previously explained, a first alert, such as a light of a first rate or intensity, may be used to indicate a first predetermined frequency threshold value is reached and a second alert, such as a selectively illuminating the light source <NUM> at a second rate or intensity, may be used to indicate a second predetermined frequency threshold value is reached. The alerts for indicating the predetermined frequency threshold value for intake blockage conditions <NUM> have been reached may be the same or different than the alert for indicating the predetermined frequency threshold value of the exhaust blockage conditions <NUM> has been reached. Moreover, in step <NUM>, an action, such as deactivating or temporarily disabling the blower <NUM>, may be conducted by the controller <NUM> when a specific predetermined frequency threshold is reached. It will be understood that the steps of the method <NUM> may be performed in any order, simultaneously, and/or omitted without departing from the teachings provided herein.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the pneumatic system <NUM> is configured to adjust the speed of the blower <NUM> in response to the chamber pressure, PC within the pneumatic enclosure <NUM>. Additionally, the controller <NUM> is configured to monitor the chamber pressure, PC and the speed of the blower <NUM> to detect the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>. Moreover, when one or both of the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> are detected, the user may be alerted via an alarm signal. Additionally, the controller <NUM> is configured to monitor the frequency of one or both of the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM>. The user may be alerted when a predetermined frequency threshold for one or both of the intake blockage condition <NUM> and the exhaust blockage condition <NUM> is reached or exceeded. Additional benefits and advantages may also be realized and/or achieved.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, controllers, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs) or other logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, state machine or the like.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present innovations.

Claim 1:
A patient support apparatus pneumatic system (<NUM>), comprising:
a mattress (<NUM>) defining an interior (<NUM>);
a pneumatic enclosure (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the interior (<NUM>), the pneumatic enclosure (<NUM>) including an inlet (<NUM>) and an outlet (<NUM>), wherein the pneumatic enclosure (<NUM>) is located at least partially within the interior (<NUM>) of the mattress (<NUM>);
a blower (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the interior (<NUM>) and the pneumatic enclosure (<NUM>), wherein the blower (<NUM>) is configured to operate within a predetermined speed range (<NUM>) to maintain a predetermined pressure range in the pneumatic enclosure (<NUM>) and, under a fault condition, to operate outside the predetermined speed range (<NUM>);
a pressure sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect a chamber pressure (Pc) within the pneumatic enclosure (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to monitor a speed of the blower (<NUM>) and the chamber pressure (Pc), wherein an intake blockage condition (<NUM>) constitutes the fault condition and is detected when the speed of the blower (<NUM>) is above a predetermined upper threshold value (<NUM>) of the predetermined speed range (<NUM>).