Patent Description:
Patient support apparatuses, such as patient beds, are used in patient rooms to support sick patients and to support patients recovering from surgery, for example. It is desirable for some patients to wear limb compression sleeves, such as foot sleeves, calf sleeves, thigh sleeves, or a combination of these sleeves. The sleeves are inflated and deflated intermittently to promote blood flow within the patient's limb or limbs thereby helping to prevent deep vein thrombosis, for example. Usually, a separate control box which houses the pneumatic components that operate to inflate and deflate the compression sleeve(s) worn by the patient is provided.

Oftentimes, the control box for the compression sleeve(s) is hung on the footboard of the patient bed. Thus, there is a risk that the control box can slip off of the footboard. Also, relatively long power cords are required to be routed from the control box at the foot end of the bed to a power outlet near the head end of the bed or elsewhere in the patient room. The foot ends of patient beds are typically oriented more toward the center of a room and not adjacent to any room wall. The power cord, therefore, may pose a tripping hazard for caregivers, patients, and visitors. The power cord also may be in the way of other carts or wheeled stands, such as those used to support IV pumps and bags, for example. When not in use, the control box must be stored separately within a healthcare facility.

There is an ongoing need to reduce the labor required for caregivers to deliver quality patient care. Further, there is an ongoing need for the cost of healthcare to be reduced. Finally, the comfort of a person in a clinical environment is directly related to their perception of the quality of their care and their recovery. A therapy system that provides patient comfort, reduced cost, and improved caregiver efficiency addresses the aforementioned needs.

The preamble of claim <NUM> is based on <CIT>, which discloses a patient support which includes a patient support surface, a DVT pump mounted in the patient support, and a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the DVT pump. Optionally, the patient support further includes a control system to detect when a DVT device is coupled or in close proximity to the port and/or the type of DVT device. Further, the control system may be configured to control the pump based on the type of DVT device coupled to the port.

In one embodiment of a therapy system <NUM>, the system <NUM> includes a patient support apparatus <NUM> and a pneumatic therapy device <NUM> configured to couple to the patient support apparatus <NUM>. The patient support apparatus <NUM>, illustratively embodied as a hospital bed <NUM>, includes a patient support structure <NUM> such as a frame <NUM> that supports a surface or mattress <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. While the patient support apparatus <NUM> is embodied as a hospital bed <NUM>, this disclosure is applicable to other types of patient support apparatuses, including other types of beds, surgical tables, examination tables, stretchers, and the like. As will be described below in further detail, a main controller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of patient support apparatus <NUM> is operable to control operation of pneumatic therapy device <NUM> using an air system <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>.

Pneumatic therapy device <NUM> is illustratively embodied as a sequential compression device assembly (SCD assembly) <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, although a variety of other pneumatic therapy devices known in the art may be used in addition to/in place of SCD assembly <NUM>. As such, pneumatic therapy device and SCD assembly <NUM> are used interchangeably throughout the application. Pneumatic therapy device <NUM> disclosed herein utilizes an air source <NUM> of air system <NUM> coupled to patient support apparatus <NUM>, shown diagrammatically in <FIG> and <FIG>, and is formed to include one or more compression sleeves <NUM> that are placed upon a patient's limbs as shown, for example, in <FIG>. Air source, air supply, and source for pressurized air are used interchangeably throughout the application. In some embodiments, sleeves <NUM> are embodied as wraps that are sized to wrap about a patient's calves, thighs, and/or feet. Combination sleeves (not shown) that attach to a patient's calves and feet or that attach to a patient's calves and thighs or that attach to a patient's feet, calves and thighs are within the scope of this disclosure. Upper limb sleeves (not shown) removeably coupleable to a patient's arms and/or torso are also within the scope of this disclosure. However, sleeves <NUM> that attach to the patient's lower limbs are the ones that are most commonly used in sequential compression device assembly <NUM>, particularly, for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The SCD assemblies <NUM> disclosed herein are sometimes referred to as limb compression devices, intermittent compression devices (ICDs), DVT prevention systems, or the like. Thus, these terms and variants thereof are used interchangeably herein to cover all types of devices and systems that have compression sleeves with one or more inflatable and deflatable chambers that are controlled pneumatically by delivery and removal of air or other gas from a set of pneumatic components that are contained within patient support apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, frame <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM> includes a lower frame or base <NUM>, an upper frame assembly <NUM>, and a lift system <NUM> coupling upper frame assembly <NUM> to base <NUM>. Lift system <NUM> is operable to raise, lower, and tilt upper frame assembly <NUM> relative to base <NUM>. Patient support apparatus <NUM> has a head end <NUM> and a foot end <NUM> spaced apart from each other with a body section <NUM> extending therebetween. Patient support apparatus <NUM> further includes a footboard <NUM> coupled to patient support apparatus <NUM> at foot end <NUM>, a headboard <NUM> coupled to patient support apparatus <NUM> at head end <NUM>, and a pair of sides <NUM> spaced apart from each other and extending laterally from foot end <NUM> to head end <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>. Headboard <NUM> is coupled to an upstanding portion <NUM> of base <NUM>. Footboard <NUM> is removeably coupled to an extendable and retractable portion <NUM> of a foot section <NUM> of a patient support deck <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM>. In other embodiments, footboard <NUM> is coupled to a foot end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM>. Illustratively, base <NUM> includes a plurality of wheels or casters <NUM> that roll along a floor as patient support apparatus <NUM> is moved from one location to another. A set of foot pedals <NUM> are coupled to base <NUM> and are used to brake and release casters <NUM> as is known in the art.

Illustrative patient support apparatus <NUM> has four siderail assemblies coupled to upper frame assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The four siderail assemblies include a pair of head siderail assemblies <NUM> (sometimes referred to as head rails) and a pair of foot siderail assemblies <NUM> (sometimes referred to as foot rails). Each of the siderail assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> is movable between a raised position, as shown in <FIG>, and a lowered position (not shown but well-known to those skilled in the art). Siderail assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are sometimes referred to herein as siderails <NUM>, <NUM>.

Upper frame assembly <NUM> includes a patient support deck <NUM> that supports mattress <NUM>. Patient support deck <NUM> is situated over an upper frame <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM>. Mattress <NUM> includes a head section <NUM>, a seat section <NUM>, a thigh section <NUM>, and a foot section <NUM> in the illustrative example as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Patient support deck <NUM> is formed to include a head section <NUM>, a seat section <NUM>, a thigh section <NUM>, and a foot section <NUM> such that respective mattress sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned thereon. Mattress sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are each movable relative to upper frame <NUM>. For example, head section <NUM> pivotably raises and lowers relative to seat section <NUM> whereas foot section <NUM> pivotably raises and lowers relative to thigh section <NUM>. Additionally, thigh section <NUM> articulates relative to seat section <NUM>.

Mattress <NUM> further includes a pair of edges <NUM> wherein each of the pair of edges <NUM> is spaced apart from each other with respective section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending therebetween. In the illustrative embodiment, thigh section <NUM> and/or foot section <NUM> is configured to support SCD assembly <NUM> when independent of the patient as well as when coupled thereto. As will be discussed below, in some embodiments, thigh section <NUM> and/or foot section <NUM> may be formed to integrally include SCD assembly <NUM> and/or be configured to store SCD assembly <NUM> therein when not in use, when patient is ambulatory, and/or to avoid SCD assembly <NUM> from contacting a floor of a hospital/care center.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when in use, SCD assembly <NUM> is configured to communicate with main controller <NUM> electrically coupled to air system <NUM> and a user interface <NUM>. Main controller <NUM> may be formed to include various circuit boards, electronics modules, and the like that are electrically and communicatively interconnected. Main controller <NUM> includes one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers <NUM> that execute software to perform the various bed control functions and algorithms along with compression device control functions and algorithms as described herein. Thus, main controller <NUM> also includes memory <NUM> for storing software, variables, calculated values, and the like as is known in the art.

As shown diagrammatically in <FIG>, main controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM> that stores instructions and/or algorithms used by processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> executes the instructions and algorithms stored in memory <NUM> to perform the various bed control functions and algorithms along with SCD assembly <NUM> functions and algorithms described herein.

Main controller <NUM> is further configured to be in communication with user interface <NUM>. User interface <NUM> is configured to receive user inputs by the caregiver and/or patient, to communicate such input signals to main controller <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM> to control the operation of air system <NUM> and SCD assembly <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>, and to control the operation of other functions of patient support apparatus <NUM>. User interface <NUM> is further configured to provide access to air system controller <NUM> to control operation of SCD assembly <NUM> from user interface <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may be formed as a graphical user input (GUI) or display screen <NUM> coupled to a respective siderail <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Display screen <NUM> is coupled to main controller <NUM> as shown diagrammatically in <FIG>. In some embodiments, two GUI's <NUM> are provided and are coupled to head siderails <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, one or more GUI's are coupled to foot siderails <NUM> and/or to one or both of the headboard <NUM> and footboard <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, GUI <NUM> is provided on a hand-held device such as a tablet, phone, pod or pendant that communicates via a wired or wireless connection with main controller <NUM>.

As such, main controller <NUM> is configured to act on information provided by user interface <NUM> to control air system <NUM> based on inputs from a user. For example, user interface <NUM> includes a user input device (not shown) that is indicative of when a user wishes to actuate therapy of SCD assembly <NUM>. The user input device corresponds to sequential compression of SCD assembly <NUM>. Similarly, the user input device provides a signal to main controller <NUM> that therapy provided by SCD assembly <NUM> is to be halted when the user input device provides a signal indicative of a user's desire to stop sequential compression of SCD assembly <NUM>. As such, user input devices may signal/indicate that the sequential compression of the respective SCD assembly <NUM> is to be actuated and/or ceased.

In some embodiments, main controller <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM> communicates with a caregiver controller/remote computer device <NUM> via a communication infrastructure <NUM> such as a wired network of a healthcare facility in which patient support apparatus <NUM> is located and/or via communications links <NUM>, <NUM> as shown diagrammatically in <FIG>. Infrastructure <NUM> may be operated according to, for example, wired and/or a wireless links. Caregiver controller <NUM> is sometimes simply referred to as a "computer" or a "server" herein. In some embodiments, main controller <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM> communicates with one or more in-room computers or displays <NUM> via communication infrastructure <NUM> and communications link <NUM>. In some embodiments, display <NUM> is an in-room station or a nurse call system.

Remote computer <NUM> may be part of a bed data system, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure for circuitry (not shown) of patient support apparatus <NUM> to communicate with other computers <NUM> and/or servers such as those included as part of an electronic medical records (EMR) system, a nurse call system, a physician ordering system, an admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) system, or some other system used in a healthcare facility in other embodiments, although this need not be the case.

In the illustrative embodiment, patient support apparatus <NUM> has a communication interface which provides bidirectional communication via link <NUM> with infrastructure <NUM> which, in turn, communicates bidirectionally with computers <NUM>, <NUM> via links <NUM>, <NUM> respectively as shown in <FIG>. Link <NUM> is a wired communication link in some embodiments and is a wireless communications link in other embodiments. Furthermore, communications links <NUM>, <NUM> each comprises one or more wired links and/or wireless links as well, according to this disclosure. Remote computer <NUM> may be part of a bed data system, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the circuitry of patient support apparatus <NUM> to communicate with other computers <NUM> and/or servers such as those included as part of the EMR system, a nurse call system, a physician ordering system, an admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) system, or some other system used in a healthcare facility in other embodiments, although this need not be the case.

Still referring to <FIG>, main controller <NUM> is in communication with a scale system <NUM> coupled to frame <NUM> that may be operable to determine a weight of the patient positioned on patient support apparatus <NUM>. Main controller <NUM> may vary an operating parameter of therapy system <NUM> depending upon the weight of the patient sensed by scale system <NUM>. Scale system <NUM>, using load cells, is used to detect the weight of a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus <NUM>, movement of the patient on patient support apparatus <NUM>, and/or the exit of the patient from patient support apparatus <NUM>. Other sensors may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the load cells of the scale system <NUM>, including, for example, force sensitive resistors (FSRs) that are placed beneath the mattress <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> on the patient support deck <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, patient support apparatus <NUM> has one or more alarms <NUM>. Such alarms <NUM> may be one or more audible alarms and/or visual alarms coupled to the circuitry. Audible alarms <NUM> include, for example, a speaker, piezoelectric buzzer, or the like. The circuitry controls audible alarms <NUM> to sound in response to various alarm conditions detected. Visual alarms <NUM> include, for example, one or more alert lights that are provided on frame <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM> and that are activated in different ways to indicate the conditions of patient support apparatus <NUM>. For example, when no alerts or alarms exist, the lights are activated to shine green. When an alert or alarm occurs, including a bed exit alarm, lights are activated to shine red or amber and, in some embodiments, to blink. Other visuals alarms that may be used in addition to, or instead of, such alert lights include changing a background color of graphical display screen <NUM> and/or displaying an iconic or textual alarm message on display screen <NUM> and may even include IV pole mounted or wall mounted devices such as lights and/or graphical display screens.

It should be understood that <FIG> is diagrammatic in nature and that various portions of patient support apparatus <NUM> and the circuitry thereof is not depicted. However, a power source block <NUM> is intended to represent an onboard battery of patient support apparatus <NUM> and an AC power cord of patient support apparatus <NUM> as well as the associated power handling circuitry. Also, the block representing other sensors <NUM> represents all other sensors of patient support apparatus <NUM> such as one or more sensors <NUM> used to sense whether a caster braking system of patient support apparatus <NUM> is in a braked or released position and/or sensors <NUM> used to detect whether each of the siderail assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> is raised or lowered, or other sensors as known in the art.

As discussed above, main controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM> that stores instructions used by processor <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Processor <NUM> may further consider information gathered from sensors <NUM>, air system controller <NUM>, and SCD assembly <NUM> to determine when to actuate, adjust, or cease the sequential compression. Illustratively, such sensors <NUM> are embodied as pressure sensors <NUM> although it may be embodied as other sensors known in the art used either alone or in combination with pressure sensors <NUM>.

Further, memory device <NUM> may be pre-programmed to alert the caregiver upon exceeding a predetermined threshold so to avoid patient discomfort, pressure necrosis, and/or loss of capillary integrity leading to edema and increased compartmental pressures. To explain, memory device <NUM> may be configured to alert the caregiver of a pressure of SCD assembly <NUM> which exceeds a predetermined threshold pre-programmed therein.

Such a predetermined threshold of pressure may be based on the patient's vitals, medical history, desired outcome of pneumatic therapy (i.e.: sequential compression therapy via SCD assembly <NUM>), as well as other data measurements by sensors <NUM>. Therefore, it is desirable to identify the sequential compression threshold of each patient and avoid reaching such a threshold to avoid patient discomfort, pressure necrosis, and other associated complications.

This may be accomplished via the method shown in <FIG>. This method includes determining/preprograming main controller <NUM> with the ideal pressure/therapy to be applied upon the patient via pneumatic therapy device <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes determining the present pressure applied upon the patient by pneumatic therapy device <NUM> using sensors <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes monitoring the pressure applied upon the patient by pneumatic therapy device <NUM> throughout pneumatic therapy. Main controller <NUM> is configured to identify and record the pressure of pneumatic therapy device <NUM> by measuring and recording the pressure of SCD assembly <NUM> at pre-determined time intervals (i.e.: every <NUM> minutes, every <NUM> hour, etc.), at step <NUM>. The measured pressure of pneumatic therapy device <NUM> is then compared to the pre-programmed threshold to determine a threshold violation via the cooperation of sensors <NUM> and air system <NUM>, at step <NUM>. If no violation has occurred, sensors <NUM> and air system <NUM> return to step <NUM>. If a violation has occurred, the violation is recorded as unique to the patient located on patient support apparatus <NUM>, at step <NUM>. In approaching the pre-programmed threshold of pressure, the patient is at an increased risk of pressure necrosis, edema, acute compartment syndrome, and/or peroneal nerve palsy. Therefore, the avoidance of maintaining increased pressure on a patient for extended periods of time is desirable. As such, when the pre-programmed threshold is exceeded, main controller <NUM> is configured to communicate with air system controller <NUM> to automatically adjust the pressure of pneumatic therapy device <NUM>, at step <NUM>. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes alerting the caregiver of the violation. Optionally, only one of steps <NUM> or <NUM> may be completed. Illustratively, both pneumatic therapy device <NUM> pressure is adjusted and the caregiver is alerted such that steps <NUM> and <NUM> are completed by main controller <NUM>. Main controller <NUM> is further configured to measure, record, and adjust the pressure of pneumatic therapy device <NUM> automatically at periodic intervals, as discussed above. These intervals may be programmed to run at intervals pre-programmed into main controller <NUM>, randomly run by main controller <NUM>, or some combination thereof.

As mentioned previously, the operation of SCD assembly <NUM> is controlled by main controller <NUM> in communication with air system <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, air source <NUM> is illustratively coupled to frame <NUM> underneath a head end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM> and is configured to supply and direct a pressured air stream to SCD assembly <NUM>. Air system <NUM> includes a source of pressurized air <NUM>, a distribution manifold <NUM>, and an air system controller <NUM>. Source of pressurized air <NUM> is configured to generate and communicate a pressurized air stream to SCD assembly <NUM> through distribution manifold <NUM> coupled to frame <NUM> and a plurality of tubes <NUM> extending therebetween. A plurality of air hoses <NUM> are coupled to distribution manifold <NUM> and extend between distribution manifold and edge <NUM> of deck <NUM> terminating in a port <NUM>. The plurality of tubes <NUM>, distribution manifold <NUM>, and plurality of air hoses <NUM> cooperate to guide the pressurized air stream from source of pressurized air <NUM> to SCD assembly <NUM>. Distribution manifold <NUM> is formed to include a plurality of valves <NUM> and a plurality of pressure sensors <NUM> and is configured to adjust the pressure of the air from the source of air <NUM> before it enters pneumatic therapy device <NUM>. Air system controller <NUM> is in communication with main controller <NUM>, source of pressurized air <NUM>, and distribution manifold <NUM> and is operable to detect connection of SCD assembly <NUM> to port <NUM>, communicate detection of connection to main controller <NUM>, and initiate operation of therapy system <NUM> in response to the communication. The detection of SCD assembly <NUM> may be accomplished by an at least one pressure/attachment sensor <NUM> configured to identify attachment of SCD assembly <NUM> to port <NUM> by monitoring changes in pressure readings that occur when connected.

Source of pressurized air <NUM> is illustratively coupled to base <NUM> of bed <NUM> at head end <NUM> of bed <NUM>, in communication with main controller <NUM> and air system controller <NUM>, and coupled to distribution manifold <NUM>. Illustratively, source of pressurized air <NUM> is embodied as a compressor <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM> such that air system <NUM> shares compressor <NUM> with patient support apparatus <NUM> as well as with other therapy systems coupled thereto. In utilizing a single source of pressurized air <NUM> for functions of bed <NUM> and air system <NUM>, therapy system <NUM> reduces the clutter of a second, distinct source of pressurized air commonly associated with SCD assemblies <NUM> and configured to operate solely with SCD assembly <NUM> and/or other modular therapies. As such, in some contemplated embodiments, wherein mattress <NUM> is an air mattress that contains one or more air bladders or layers (not shown), air system <NUM> is configured to control inflation and deflation of the various air bladders or cells and/or layers of air mattress <NUM> as well as SCD assembly <NUM>. Source of pressurized air <NUM> may be embodied as a fan, a blower, or any other source configured to provide pressurized air known in the art.

As shown in <FIG>, source of pressurized air <NUM> includes a pump <NUM> and a switching valve <NUM>. Pump <NUM> is coupled to switching valve <NUM> and configured to draw ambient atmospheric air into air source <NUM> and exhaust air into the atmosphere. Switching valve <NUM> is exposed to the atmosphere and configured to either provide for or block the air into and out of air source <NUM>. Pump <NUM> includes an inlet (not shown) and an outlet (not shown) coupled to switching valve <NUM> and is configured to cooperate with switching valve <NUM> to create a flow path for the air. Switching valve <NUM> includes a plurality of outlets (not shown) coupled to the inlet of pump <NUM> and a second inlet (not shown) coupled to the outlet of pump <NUM>. At least one outlet of switching valve <NUM> is open to the atmosphere to provide the flow path for drawing air into air source <NUM> or exhausting air to the atmosphere depending on the position of switching valve <NUM>.

Distribution manifold <NUM> is positioned within mattress <NUM> and configured to direct the pressurized air stream away from source of pressurized air <NUM> and terminate at a second end <NUM> at a port <NUM> formed in mattress <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Distribution manifold <NUM> includes a plurality of valves (not shown) to control air flow between pressurized air source <NUM> and SCD device assembly <NUM>. Illustratively the valves are embodied as solenoid valves. In addition, manifold <NUM> is operable to close the plurality of valves to maintain the pressure in SCD assembly <NUM>. Manifold <NUM> may also selectively control venting of the SCD assembly <NUM> to an exhaust (not shown). Illustratively, distribution manifold <NUM> guides pressurized air stream towards port <NUM> formed in each of edge <NUM> of mattress <NUM>. Illustratively, a port <NUM> is formed in the foot section <NUM> of each edge <NUM> of mattress <NUM>. Port <NUM> is configured to couple to SCD assembly <NUM> and, thereby, guide pressurized air into SCD assembly <NUM> during therapy. Illustratively, port <NUM> is formed to include a plurality of apertures/valves <NUM>. Each aperture/valve <NUM> is configured to couple to a single SCD assembly/therapy module <NUM> such that each port <NUM> is configured to couple to multiple SCD assemblies <NUM>/therapy modules <NUM>. Illustratively, each valve <NUM> is configured to couple to two SCD assemblies <NUM> such that each valve <NUM>, is configured to operate independently of the other. In some embodiments, additional ports <NUM> are formed in mattress <NUM> and configured to couple to additional SCD assemblies and/or other therapy devices <NUM>. Distribution manifold <NUM> is in communication with air system controller <NUM> and configured to operate in response to commands from air system controller <NUM> and/or main controller <NUM>.

As such, upon receiving an input from user interface <NUM>, main controller <NUM> communicates the appropriate signal(s) to air system controller <NUM> to control air system <NUM>. Therefore, when a function is requested by main controller <NUM>, air system controller <NUM> is configured to energize the appropriate valve of distribution manifold <NUM> and set an appropriate pulse width modulation for source of pressurized air <NUM>. Illustratively, ambient, environmental air enters air system <NUM> through distribution manifold <NUM> and to SCD assembly <NUM>. Illustratively, pressurized air is guided into conduit <NUM> of SCD assembly <NUM> through port <NUM>. Conduit <NUM> guides the pressurized air into therapy sleeve <NUM> via a pneumatic connector <NUM> formed in an outer surface <NUM> of sleeve <NUM>. Illustratively, each sleeve <NUM> is formed to include a pressure tap (not shown) in communication with air system <NUM>. The pressure taps are routed to distribution manifold <NUM> and coupled to a plurality of pressure sensors <NUM> through sense lines for feedback of pressure levels within SCD assembly <NUM>. For example, if pressure in sleeve(s) <NUM> exceeds a threshold pre-programmed in main controller <NUM>, pressure sensors <NUM> sense the sleeve(s)' <NUM> pressure, provide feedback to main controller <NUM>, and the main controller <NUM> communicates with air system controller <NUM> to adjust the pressure of sleeve(s) <NUM> accordingly. The aforementioned system is closed-loop and feedback dependent.

Illustratively, sensors of sensor block <NUM>, such as, for example, Hall-effect sensors, RFID sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors, pressure sensors, or the like, are configured to sense tokens (e.g., magnets, RFID tags, NFC tags, etc.). Illustratively, the type/style of sleeve <NUM> is sensed by sensors <NUM> and communicated to main controller <NUM> which, in turn, communicates the sleeve <NUM> type information to the circuitry for ultimate display on GUI <NUM> in connection with the compression device control screens. Illustratively, pressure sensors <NUM> are configured to identify the presence and absence of conduit <NUM> and, in response, automatically begin, halt, or adjust therapy, respectively, which is discussed in further detail below.

To control pressure, air system controller <NUM> is configured to regulate the speed of source of pressurized air <NUM> in correlation to pressure. For example, if a pre-programmed threshold requires a particular discharge from source of pressurized air <NUM> for function of SCD assembly <NUM>, then main controller <NUM> is configured to communicate to air system controller <NUM> so that the appropriate pulse width modulation settings are fixed so to establish the correct pressure and flow output from source of pressurized air <NUM>.

Air system controller <NUM> is in electrical communication with aforementioned plurality of pressure sensors <NUM> and is configured to control the operation of air system <NUM>, including the operation of distribution manifold <NUM> and air source <NUM>, to control the pressure within SCD assembly <NUM>. As such, main controller <NUM> is configured to monitor the pressure in SCD assembly <NUM> and determine a violation of the pre-programmed pressure threshold in SCD assembly <NUM> based on signals received from pressure sensors <NUM>. Main controller <NUM> receives a plurality of signals indicative of the pressure of SCD assembly <NUM> from respective pressure sensors <NUM>, as discussed above. Main controller <NUM> is further configured to interpret signals received from pressure sensors <NUM> and compare them to the predetermined threshold. Upon exceeding this threshold, main controller <NUM> is configured to convey a signal to air system controller <NUM> instructing a decrease in pressure and flow output from source of pressurized air <NUM>. Main controller <NUM> is further configured to produce an alarm <NUM> to notify the caregiver of the event violating the threshold and/or other information associated with SCD assembly <NUM> and/or the patient. Such alarms <NUM> may be audio, visual, tactile, and/or any other method of notification known in the art. In some embodiments, air system controller <NUM> may be in communication with sensors <NUM> and configured to interpret the signals from pressure sensors <NUM> to main controller <NUM>, determine if a pre-programmed threshold has been violated, communicate such a violation to main controller <NUM> and decrease the flow output of source of pressurized air <NUM>. In such an embodiment, main controller <NUM> is illustratively programmed to produce and convey and alarm to the caregiver of the violation of the pre-programmed threshold upon evaluation of the signals received from air system controller <NUM>.

Air system controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory device <NUM> which stores instructions used by processor <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, processor <NUM> may consider information gathered from pressure sensors <NUM> and /or SCD assembly <NUM> to determine when to provide pressure to SCD assembly <NUM> such that sequential compression may occur. As discussed above, in some embodiments, main controller <NUM> is in communication with air system controller <NUM> such that upon reaching a predetermined pressure threshold, a signal is sent first from pressure sensors <NUM> to main controller <NUM> and then communicated to air system controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, air system controller <NUM> itself is pre-programmed to identify pressure exceeding a preprogramed threshold and is further configured to convey such information to main controller <NUM>. Illustratively, air system controller <NUM> and main controller <NUM> are configured to cooperate to alert the caregiver when the pressure of SCD assembly <NUM> exceeds the pre-programmed threshold.

As discussed above, SCD assembly <NUM> is configured to provide sequential compression therapy to a patient positioned on patient support apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. SCD assembly <NUM> is removeably coupled to distribution manifold <NUM> and is configured to contain the pressurized air stream such that the pressure thereof may be applied to the patient via SCD assembly <NUM>. SCD assembly <NUM> includes at least one compression sleeve <NUM> and at least one conduit <NUM> having a first end <NUM> removeably coupled to compression sleeve <NUM> and a second end <NUM> removeably coupled to port <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, sleeve <NUM> is formed to fit a patient's lower leg. In other embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may be formed to fit a patient's foot, calf, thigh, or some combination thereof. Conduit <NUM> is configured to extend between sleeve <NUM> and distribution manifold <NUM> such that the pressurized air stream formed by source of pressurized air <NUM> is directed from source <NUM> through distribution manifold <NUM> and further through conduit <NUM> until reaching sleeve <NUM>. As such, when sleeve <NUM> is positioned on a lower extremity of the patient, SCD assembly <NUM> is configured to provide each lower extremity of the patient with therapy independent of the other. Further, main controller <NUM> may be configured to selectively inflate a first compression sleeve <NUM> independent of a second compression sleeve <NUM> such that the second compression sleeve <NUM> remains uninflated throughout the duration of therapy. Illustratively, each sleeve <NUM> has a respective conduit <NUM> coupled thereto and is independent of the other. In some embodiments, a single conduit <NUM> is shared between multiple sleeves <NUM>.

As such, sleeves <NUM> are configured to adjust the amount of compression applied to the patient in response to instructions from main controller <NUM> and/or air system controller <NUM>. Specifically, sleeves <NUM> are configured to respond to user inputs including, for example, the target pressure to which each sleeve <NUM> is to be inflated by air system <NUM> and/or the desired zone(s) (i.e.: foot zone, calf zone, thigh zone, or some combination thereof) of each sleeve <NUM> to be inflated by air system <NUM> if sleeve <NUM> has multiple zones. The selectable therapy settings further include, for example, the frequency of compression, the duty cycle of the compression cycles, the number of cycles, the time period over which the compression therapy is to take place, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the selectable therapy settings include selection of pressure versus time curves (e.g., step up and/or step down curves, ramp up and/or ramp down curves, saw tooth curves, and the like) as well as the parameters for the various types of curves (e.g., pressure setting at each step, duration of each step, duration of ramp up, duration of ramp down, and the like).

Looking to <FIG> and <FIG>, and as discussed above, compression sleeves <NUM> are formed to include pneumatic connector <NUM>. Connector <NUM> is coupled to an outer surface <NUM> of sleeve <NUM> and configured to couple conduit <NUM> thereto. Illustratively, connector <NUM> extends away from sleeve <NUM> a distance to reduce the likelihood of long-term contact between conduit <NUM> and the patient which otherwise results in patient discomfort. In such embodiments, connector <NUM> may be formed as a pigtail pneumatic connector <NUM>. A pigtail pneumatic connector <NUM> is formed to couple sleeve <NUM> and conduit <NUM> and is extends the length of connector <NUM> such that conduits <NUM> are spaced apart from the patient at a greater distance than a non-pigtail pneumatic connector <NUM>. To further avoid patient discomfort resulting from prolonged patient contact with conduits <NUM>, in some embodiments, pneumatic connector <NUM> includes an outer shell (not shown) formed from a pliable material. In other embodiments, pneumatic connector <NUM> includes an inner shell (not shown) formed from a rigid material and an outer cover (not shown) encompassing the inner shell and formed from a pliable material.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, conduit(s) <NUM> are configured to removeably couple to a port <NUM> and may be embodied as tubes and/or hoses. As such, conduit(s) <NUM> are configured to extend between port <NUM> and sleeve(s) <NUM> and are formed to receive pressurized air from air system <NUM>. Illustratively, at least one port <NUM> is formed in each lateral side <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>. Further, multiple ports <NUM> may extend outwardly from upper frame assembly <NUM>. In coupling conduit <NUM> and distribution manifold <NUM>, port <NUM> configures conduit <NUM> to guide stream of pressurized air towards sleeve <NUM>. Illustratively, each of a pair of compression sleeves <NUM> is configured to couple to a respective first end <NUM> of each of a pair of conduits <NUM> such that each compression sleeve <NUM> is configured to provide sequential compression to a lower extremity of the patient. In some embodiments, a multi-port connector (not shown) is provided at second end <NUM> of conduits <NUM> to permit simultaneous attachment of multiple conduits <NUM> to associated coupler(s) <NUM> positioned at opposite lateral sides <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, port <NUM> is formed in mattress <NUM> and is accessible by a caregiver when the patient is positioned on the mattress <NUM> and configured to couple to multiple SCD assemblies <NUM>. Illustratively, a plurality of SCD assemblies <NUM> may be removeably coupled to port <NUM> formed in either edge <NUM> of deck <NUM>. Additionally, and as discussed above, upon identifying the presence of conduit <NUM> removeably coupled to port <NUM>, main controller <NUM> is configured to initiate sequential compression therapy upon identifying the removal of conduit <NUM> from port <NUM>.

A caregiver may also initiate/terminate therapy by using user interface <NUM> and inputting the desired action. As such, a particular zone/combination of zone and sleeves <NUM> may be selected by the caregiver using user interface <NUM> via user inputs or buttons <NUM>. For example, buttons <NUM> for selection by a user of left and/or right foot sleeves, left and/or right calf sleeves, left and/or right thigh sleeves, or left and/or right combination sleeves such as those described above appear on display screen <NUM>, in some embodiments. It should be appreciated that the compression sleeve <NUM> on a patient's left leg may be of a different type than that on the patient's right leg. Alternatively or additionally, main controller <NUM> is operable to determine which type of sleeve <NUM> is connected to each port <NUM> based on the time it takes to inflate the particular sleeve <NUM> to a target pressure as measured by pressure sensors <NUM>. After main controller <NUM> makes the sleeve type determination for the one or more sleeves <NUM> coupled to coupler(s) <NUM>, such information is displayed on GUI <NUM>. This may be accomplished via the algorithm shown in <FIG>.

The algorithm as shown in <FIG> includes determining/pre-programing main controller <NUM> with the desired therapy and pressure to be applied to the patient upon identification of the presence of conduit <NUM> by sensors <NUM>. The initial presence of conduit <NUM> at port <NUM> is determined at step <NUM> by sensors <NUM> and main controller <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes monitoring sensors <NUM> for presence of conduit <NUM>. Sensors <NUM> are configured to determine the presence of conduit <NUM> at port <NUM> and convey a signal to main controller <NUM> and/or air system, controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the signal from sensors <NUM> is conveyed to air system controller <NUM>, air system controller <NUM> is configured to communicate the signal to main controller <NUM>. Illustratively, main controller <NUM> is configured to interpret the signal from sensors <NUM> and determine the presence or absence of conduit <NUM> at port <NUM>, at step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, if the signal indicates the presence of conduit <NUM>, then main controller <NUM> communicates to air system controller <NUM> to initiate the pre-programmed therapy and pressure assigned in step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, if conduit <NUM> is not present at port <NUM> then air flow to SCD assembly <NUM> is stopped by instructions from main controller <NUM> to air system controller <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the signals from sensors <NUM> and initiation of therapy by main controller <NUM> and air system controller <NUM> are recorded. In some embodiments, step <NUM> is further included and comprises alerting the caregiver of the decoupling of conduit <NUM> from port <NUM>. Optionally, only one of steps <NUM> or <NUM> may be completed. Illustratively, upon main controller <NUM> determining the removal of conduit <NUM> from port <NUM>, the pressurized air flow to SCD assembly <NUM> is stopped by main controller <NUM> in communication with air system controller <NUM> and the caregiver is alerted of the violation, thereby completing steps <NUM> and <NUM>.

Main controller <NUM> is, therefore, illustratively configured to automatically communicate to air system controller <NUM> to stop therapy in response to a signal from sensors <NUM> conveying a disconnection of conduits <NUM> and ports <NUM>. Similar to the algorithm described above and shown in <FIG>, sensors <NUM> are in communication with main controller <NUM> and configured to convey data concerning conduit <NUM>. A distinction between the algorithms concerns the identification of the removal of conduit <NUM> from port <NUM> rather than the presence of conduit <NUM>. As such, both measurements may be determined in a single step due to the integral relationship of the presence/absence of conduit <NUM> at port <NUM>. In some embodiments, sensors <NUM> are configured to determine the removal of conduit <NUM> from port <NUM> and signal to air system controller <NUM> the removal of conduit <NUM>, at step <NUM>. Air system controller <NUM> then stops the creation/conveyance of pressurized air flow to SCD assembly <NUM>, at step <NUM>, thereby removing main controller <NUM> from the method in this additional embodiment.

As discussed above, when SCD assembly <NUM> is coupled to air system <NUM>, air system <NUM> senses the presence of SCD assembly <NUM> and begins the transmission of power and/or pressurized air between SCD assembly <NUM> and air system <NUM>. Illustratively, such transmission of pressurized air is conveyed through a wired connection to SCD assembly <NUM>. Whereas the transmission of power may be completed wirelessly, illustratively. In other embodiments, the transmission of power may be conveyed through a wired connection. In some embodiments, air system <NUM> continuously generates the pressurized air stream upon coupling to SCD assembly <NUM>, thereby causing SCD assembly <NUM> to maintain a desired level of pressure within SCD assembly <NUM>. In other embodiments, air system <NUM> is pre-programmed to generate pressurized air in cycles, waves, and/or any other desired patterns. In still other embodiments, main controller <NUM> and air system <NUM> are in communication such that air system <NUM> is configured to move between a plurality of pre-programmed patterns in response to user input or automatically in response to sensed pressure values of SCD assembly <NUM> exceeding a predetermined threshold. Main controller <NUM>, sensors <NUM>, and air system <NUM> are in communication and further configured to identify the removal of the SCD assembly <NUM> and, illustratively, stop production of the pressurized air stream within the air system <NUM>.

Therefore, upon identification of SCD assembly <NUM> coupling to air system <NUM>, air system <NUM> communicates such coupling to main controller <NUM>. Main controller <NUM> is configured to communicate with user interface <NUM> such that user interface <NUM> is updated to control operation of SCD assembly <NUM> by allowing access to air system <NUM> via user interface <NUM>. Such access allows for a caregiver to input/receive patient data at a centralized location on patient support apparatus <NUM>. Illustratively, user interface <NUM> is configured to alert the caregiver upon disconnection of SCD assembly <NUM> and air system <NUM> and/or other interruptions to the therapy therein provided.

In further embodiments, conduit <NUM> is formed as a pneumatic conduit and is made of an elastic, non-porous material configured to expand in length when pressurized with air. Such elastic, non-porous material is configured to move between an extended length (not shown) and a storage length (not shown) in response to the presence of pressurized air therein. Storage length has a distance measuring less than a distance of extended length, and, as such, storage length has a surface area measuring less than a surface area of extended length. At rest, pneumatic conduit has the storage length. Upon actuation of source of pressurized air <NUM>, pneumatic conduit reacts to the presence of pressurized air by increasing the length and surface area of pneumatic conduit. As such, so long as the pressurized air is directed into pneumatic conduit, pneumatic conduit will maintain the extended length. Therefore, a production and direction of the majority of the pressurized air into conduit is to be ceased before conduit returns to storage length. This permits conduit to be stored in a variety of manners due to the decreased length and surface area of conduit.

In other embodiments in which conduit <NUM> is formed as a pneumatic conduit, pneumatic conduit is configured to include a break away port (not shown). Break away port may be positioned between sleeve <NUM> and conduit <NUM> and/or between a first conduit section extending between sleeve <NUM> and break away port and a second conduit section extending between break away port and second end of conduit. Break away port is configured to disconnect from conduit <NUM> when longitudinal forces in line with conduit <NUM> exceed a pre-determined breaking force of port. The force needed to decouple port and conduit <NUM> is substantially greater than the longitudinal force created by the pressurized air within conduit <NUM> during operation of SCD assembly <NUM> and/or other therapies. As such, actuation of SCD assembly <NUM> does not cause port to break away from conduit <NUM> unless such force exceeds the breaking force of port. Further, the breaking force is substantially less than the force exerted upon conduit <NUM> by a leg of the patient when conduit <NUM> creates a fall risk. Break away port, therefore, is configured to break away from conduit <NUM> in response to the patient tripping over conduit <NUM>, thereby resulting in a cessation of therapy until port is reattached to conduit <NUM>. As such, upon main controller <NUM> ceasing production of pressurized air and the caregiver removal of SCD assembly <NUM>, SCD assembly <NUM> is decoupled from mattress <NUM> and necessitates a storage location.

Upon termination of therapy and/or decoupling of SCD assembly <NUM>, SCD assembly <NUM> is configured to be stored between uses. As shown in <FIG>, mattress <NUM> may be formed to have a storage section <NUM> in foot section <NUM> of mattress <NUM> sized to store sleeves <NUM> and conduits <NUM> therein. Illustratively, storage section <NUM> is positioned below a bladder (not shown) and/or a foam support (not shown) such that SCD assembly <NUM> is accessible when a patient is not positioned on mattress <NUM>. In other embodiments, storage section <NUM> is positioned such that it may be accessed when the patient is positioned on mattress <NUM>. In further embodiments, a storage pocket <NUM> may be formed in an edge <NUM> of foot section <NUM> of mattress <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Storage pocket <NUM> is sized to store SCD assembly <NUM> and may be accessed when a patient is positioned on mattress <NUM>. Storage section <NUM> and storage pocket <NUM> may be formed in a single mattress (not shown) such that bed <NUM> is formed to have two storage options <NUM>, <NUM>.

In another contemplated embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a portion of SCD assembly <NUM> is integrally formed in a patient support surface <NUM> of mattress <NUM> such that sleeves <NUM> and conduits <NUM> are accessible when a patient is positioned on mattress <NUM>. Sleeves <NUM> are configured to remain coupled to mattress <NUM> at all times. In other embodiments, SCD assembly <NUM> may be configured to removeably couple to mattress <NUM> using a coupling mechanism (i.e.: hook and loop, etc.) (not shown) such that sleeves <NUM> remain coupled to and positioned on support surface <NUM> of mattress <NUM> until removed from mattress <NUM> by the caregiver. In such an embodiment, sleeves <NUM> may be coupled and uncoupled from mattress <NUM> as many times as desired by the caregiver until the coupling mechanism fails to couple SCD assembly <NUM> to mattress <NUM>.

In some embodiments, bed <NUM> further includes a storage drawer <NUM> fixedly coupled to foot end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM> and positioned below footboard <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As such, storage drawer <NUM> is configured to store SCD assembly <NUM> and move between a foot end open position, as shown in <FIG>, a closed position, as shown in <FIG>, and a lateral side open position, as shown in <FIG>. When in the open position, storage drawer <NUM> may be accessed by a caregiver from foot end <NUM> and/or either side <NUM> of bed <NUM>. When in the closed position, storage drawer <NUM> is concealed and cannot be assessed by the caregiver. Illustratively, storage drawer <NUM> is formed to include rollers/slides (not shown) configured to allow storage drawer <NUM> to move between positions as well as be accessed from a plurality of locations (i.e.: foot end <NUM>, either side <NUM> of bed <NUM>). Storage drawer <NUM> is further formed to include a lid <NUM> coupled to an upper section <NUM> of storage drawer <NUM> and configured to prevent fluids and/or other contaminants from entering storage drawer <NUM> and contaminating SCD assembly <NUM>. Storage drawer <NUM> is also formed to include a bottom <NUM> spaced apart from lid <NUM> and a pair of sides <NUM> extending laterally therebetween. Bottom <NUM> is formed to have apertures <NUM> configured to allow cleaning agents to drain from storage drawer <NUM>. Illustratively, sides <NUM> are formed to include at least one handle <NUM> configured to be grasped by the caregiver and respond to such caregiver actuation that it moves storage drawer <NUM> between the open and closed positions. Illustratively, upon moving storage drawer <NUM> into open position, lid <NUM> is configured to automatically open and allow immediate access by the caregiver. Automatic opening of lid <NUM> may be accomplished by using a spring mechanism (not shown) biased towards an access position, as shown in <FIG>, or any other biasing mechanism known in the art. In some embodiments, storage drawer <NUM> is positioned at head end (not shown) of bed <NUM> and is configured to be accessible from head end (not shown) and/or sides <NUM>.

In some embodiments and as shown in <FIG>, SCD assembly <NUM> may also be stored utilizing a conduit storage device <NUM> independent of and removeably coupled to footboard <NUM>. Illustratively, conduit storage device <NUM> is configured to receive and store conduits <NUM> such that conduits <NUM> extend downwardly away from conduit storage device <NUM> and are positioned adjacent to footboard <NUM>. Conduit storage device <NUM> may be embodied as an IV pole as shown in <FIG> and is configured to move between a storage position (not shown) and an active position as shown in <FIG>. Conduit storage device <NUM> is formed to include a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM> spaced apart from first end <NUM>, a body <NUM> extending therebetween , and a head <NUM> coupled to second end <NUM> and is configured to removeably couple to foot end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM> of bed <NUM> at first end <NUM>. First end <NUM> is sized to engage a conduit storage device holder <NUM> formed in foot end of upper frame assembly <NUM> of bed <NUM>. Head <NUM> is formed to have at least one retention extension <NUM> extending upwardly away from second end <NUM> and configured to secure and/or engage conduits <NUM>.

Conduit storage device <NUM> is further configured to move between a first position (not shown) at a first edge <NUM> of foot end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM> of bed <NUM> and a second position (as shown in <FIG>) at a second edge <NUM> of footboard <NUM>. Illustratively, conduit storage device <NUM> is independent of footboard <NUM> and, as such, is moveable between a multitude of patient support apparatuses having a variety of footboard designs. Further, two conduit storage devices <NUM> may be used simultaneously. One of the two conduit storage devices <NUM> is positioned at the first position and the second conduit storage device <NUM> positioned at the second position, illustratively. In some embodiments, conduit storage device(s) <NUM> may be positioned at any location between the first position and the second position. Conduit storage device <NUM> is additionally configured to engage an IV socket (not shown) formed in footboard <NUM> and/or foot end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments, conduit storage device <NUM> is removeably coupled to headboard <NUM> of bed <NUM>.

In further embodiments, footboard <NUM> of bed <NUM> may be formed to include a hollow interior (not shown) sized to store SCD assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, SCD assembly <NUM> is completely hidden from view when footboard <NUM> is in a closed position, as shown in <FIG>. The hollow interior is further configured to be accessible by the caregiver upon the caregiver exposing the hollow interior whether or not a patient is positioned on mattress <NUM>. As such, SCD assembly <NUM> may be placed therein and removed therefrom without disturbance of the patient. Illustratively, footboard <NUM> is formed to include first edge <NUM>, second edge <NUM> spaced apart from first edge <NUM>, and a body <NUM> extending therebetween. In some embodiments, body <NUM> is formed to include a face access panel <NUM> configured to allow access into the hollow interior. In other embodiments, footboard <NUM> is formed to include an edge access panel <NUM> positioned at first edge <NUM> or second edge <NUM> and configured to provide access into the hollow interior. Body <NUM> may be formed to include two edge access panels <NUM> such that the hollow interior is accessible from either edge <NUM>, <NUM> of footboard <NUM>. Body <NUM> may further be formed to include face access panel <NUM> in conjunction with edge access panel <NUM> positioned at first edge <NUM>, second edge <NUM>, or both. Thus, the hollow interior is configured to receive SCD assembly <NUM> through an opening (not shown) formed by removing one of panels <NUM>, <NUM> from blocking access therein. Panels <NUM>, <NUM> are, therefore, configured to move between a closed position blocking access to the hollow interior (<FIG>) and an open position (not shown) allowing access to the hollow interior. Further, SCD assembly <NUM> may be stored within the hollow interior upon being placed within a vacuum-pack (not shown) to reduce the storage space required therein. In addition, SCD assemblies <NUM> not configured to utilize air system <NUM> of bed <NUM> may also include an SCD air pump (not shown) configured to provide pressurized air to conduits <NUM> and sleeves <NUM> and formed to be stored within the hollow interior of footboard <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in other embodiments, footboard <NUM> is formed to include a hollow interior <NUM> configured to house conduit(s) <NUM> and a conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> adapted to permit extension of conduit <NUM> from within footboard <NUM> such that conduit <NUM> may be detachably coupled to sleeve <NUM>. In this embodiment, conduit <NUM> is formed to include an air source port <NUM> at a second end <NUM> of conduit <NUM> that is configured to couple conduit <NUM> to a source of pressurized air (not shown) coupled to bed (not shown). Conduit <NUM> is further formed to include a conduit port <NUM> at first end of conduit <NUM> configured to couple to sleeves <NUM>. As such, conduit <NUM> is configured to extend between air source and sleeve(s) <NUM> and cooperate with conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> to move between a conduit-lengthening direction <NUM> and a conduit-shortening direction <NUM>.

Conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> includes a ratchet <NUM> to selectively permit movement of conduits <NUM> relative to footboard <NUM> between conduit-shortening direction <NUM> and conduit-lengthening direction <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Illustratively, a caregiver actuates a pawl <NUM> to move a ratchet <NUM> to a latched or actuated position such that conduit <NUM> is inhibited from moving relative to footboard <NUM> in a conduit-shortening direction <NUM>, but uncoiling of conduit <NUM> in conduit-lengthening direction <NUM> is permitted. Together, ratchet <NUM> and pawl <NUM> form a ratchet assembly <NUM>. Ratchet assembly <NUM> is configured to move between a locked position (as shown in <FIG>) and a release position (not shown). Movement of ratchet assembly <NUM> between the locked position and the release position is accomplished by actuation of a release (not shown) by a caregiver. The release cooperates with ratchet assembly <NUM> to move pawl <NUM> out of engagement with ratchet <NUM>. In some contemplated embodiments, the release may be embodied as a button, lever, other release device known in the art, or some combination thereof.

Conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> maintains the extended length of conduit <NUM> by blocking movement of ratchet assembly <NUM> in the conduit-shortening direction <NUM> such that conduit <NUM> is blocked from returning into hollow interior <NUM>. As such, conduit <NUM> is lengthened/uncoiled by pulling conduit <NUM> away from footboard <NUM>. Conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> is configured to retract conduit <NUM> upon moving ratchet assembly <NUM> to the release position (not shown). Conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> includes a pair of brackets <NUM>, one of which is coupled to an inner surface <NUM> of footboard <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> rotateably supports a spool <NUM> about which conduit <NUM> is coiled or wound. A biasing member <NUM>, illustratively a torsion or rotary spring, is coupled to spool <NUM> and footboard <NUM> to bias spool <NUM> in conduit-shortening direction <NUM> about an axis <NUM> extending longitudinally through spool <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Thus, conduit <NUM> is biased in conduit-shortening direction <NUM>.

As mentioned above and shown in <FIG>, conduit retractor mechanism <NUM> further includes ratchet <NUM> to selectively restrict movement of spool <NUM>. Ratchet <NUM> includes a wheel <NUM> having teeth <NUM> projecting radially outwardly around the circumference of wheel <NUM>. Each of the teeth <NUM> includes a straight surface <NUM> that lies generally in a plane extending radially from center <NUM> of wheel <NUM>. Each of teeth <NUM> includes a sloped surface <NUM> forming an acute angle with straight surface <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> includes an opening (not shown) at its center <NUM> to receive a first end <NUM> of spool <NUM> therein. The opening is complementary in shape to first end <NUM>. Wheel <NUM> is thus mounted on end <NUM> of spool <NUM>, and secured thereto by a retainer (not shown). When conduit <NUM> is pulled away from foot-board <NUM> for use, ratchet <NUM> illustratively permits rotation of spool <NUM> in the conduit-lengthening direction <NUM> but inhibits movement in the opposite direction. Once extended, conduit <NUM> is configured to removeably couple to sleeve <NUM> via pneumatic connector <NUM> formed therein and port <NUM>. In preparation to store at least a portion of SCD assembly <NUM>, ratchet assembly <NUM> is moved to the release position, and the retractor assembly <NUM>, through operation of internal coil spring <NUM> acting against conduit support spool <NUM>, functions to automatically retract conduit <NUM> and conduit port <NUM> to the storage position, as shown in <FIG>.

In other embodiments of footboard <NUM>, a source of pressurized air <NUM> is positioned within hollow interior <NUM> and configured to couple to SCD assembly <NUM>, specifically, conduit <NUM> via a pneumatic connector <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, pneumatic connector <NUM> is positioned at a second end <NUM> of conduit <NUM> and conduit port <NUM> is positioned at a first end <NUM> of conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, additional connectors are provided to couple mattress <NUM> to source of pressurized air <NUM> such that mattress <NUM> may use a power source <NUM> and a footboard air system <NUM> positioned within footboard <NUM>.

In some embodiments, footboard <NUM> is formed to include power source <NUM>, footboard air system <NUM>, and a pair of conduit ports <NUM> in both first hose <NUM> and second hose <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other embodiments, ports <NUM> may be formed in foot end <NUM> of upper frame assembly <NUM> and/or sides <NUM>, <NUM> of and are configured to couple to footboard <NUM>. Illustratively, ports <NUM> are configured to removeably couple to conduits <NUM> such that SCD assembly <NUM> may be positioned at first edge <NUM> of footboard <NUM>, second edge <NUM> of footboard <NUM>, or some combination thereof. Ports <NUM> extend away from the patient positioned on bed <NUM> and, as such, may be formed in a first edge surface <NUM> of first edge <NUM> and/or second edge <NUM> such that ports <NUM> extend perpendicular to a central axis <NUM> of footboard <NUM>. In some embodiments, ports <NUM> are formed in an outer body surface <NUM> and extend away from the patient, parallel to central axis <NUM>. Illustratively, ports <NUM> are configured to receive two SCD assemblies <NUM> such that both assemblies <NUM> are positioned at a first edge and/or second edge <NUM>. Ports <NUM> are further configured to removeably couple to a plurality of other devices to provide additional therapy and/or increase patient comfort. As such, SCD assembly <NUM> and additional therapies may be powered by an air system (not shown) positioned within patient support apparatus (not shown).

Power source <NUM> and footboard air system <NUM> are independent of the patient support apparatus. The power source <NUM> is configured to retain a backup charge having enough energy to provide power to SCD assembly <NUM> and other therapy devices (not shown) coupled thereto when footboard <NUM> is removed from the patient support apparatus, as shown in <FIG>. Illustratively, power source <NUM> is formed as a battery located within footboard <NUM>. Battery <NUM> permits removal of footboard <NUM> from frame <NUM> such that bed <NUM> may be positioned in a chair position while avoiding disruption of the patient's therapy. As such, bed <NUM> is configured to maintain an actuated therapy upon the patient throughout movement of the bed <NUM> from a prone position, as shown in <FIG>, and a chair position (not shown). Therefore, in some embodiments, footboard <NUM> is configured to be removed from bed <NUM> before bed <NUM> is moved into the chair position.

The patient support apparatus is further configured to maintain an actuated therapy upon a patient when the patient support apparatus moves between a reclined position and a chair position. As such, the therapy is undisrupted during movement of the patient support apparatus. To maintain a power supply to SCD assembly when footboard <NUM> is removed, power source <NUM> is configured to charge wirelessly (i.e.: inductive charging) and/or using a detachable connecter (not shown). Further, footboard <NUM> is configured to communicate with main controller <NUM> in both the bed and chair positions. Such communication may be accomplished wirelessly (i.e.: Bluetooth) and/or wired via detachable connector (not shown), illustratively. Additionally, footboard <NUM> may communicate with main controller <NUM> through hard wired connections. Footboard <NUM> may also be used independent of bed <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The patient may be positioned on a chair and/or other patient support surface <NUM> spaced apart from bed <NUM> while maintaining the actuated therapy upon the patient as patient moves between bed <NUM> and chair <NUM>. Once the patient is positioned in chair <NUM>, the caregiver places footboard <NUM> near the patient such that conduits <NUM> extend between footboard <NUM> and sleeve <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A therapy system comprising
a patient support apparatus (<NUM>), the patient support apparatus including
a frame (<NUM>),
a patient support surface (<NUM>) supported on the frame (<NUM>),
a user interface (<NUM>),
an air system supported on the frame, the air system including
a source of pressurized air (<NUM>),
an outlet coupled to the source of pressurized air, and
an air system controller (<NUM>) in communication with the user interface (<NUM>), the source of pressurized air (<NUM>), and the outlet, the air system controller (<NUM>) including
a processor, and
a memory device,
a pneumatic therapy device (<NUM>),
a port (<NUM>) removably pneumatically coupling the pneumatic therapy device (<NUM>) and the outlet, and
a storage structure for storing a portion of the pneumatic therapy device (<NUM>) when the pneumatic therapy device (<NUM>) is not in use,
wherein the memory device includes instructions, that, when executed by the processor, causes the air system controller (<NUM>) to detect a connection of the pneumatic therapy device (<NUM>) to the outlet and communicates a signal to the user interface (<NUM>) to allow a user to control operation of the pneumatic therapy device (<NUM>) from the user interface wherein the pneumatic therapy device further comprises
at least one therapy sleeve (<NUM>, <NUM>) operable to engage an occupant, and
at least one hose (<NUM>) having
a first end, and
a second end spaced apart from the first end,
wherein the at least one hose (<NUM>) is removably coupled to the therapy sleeve (<NUM>, <NUM>) at the first end of the at least one hose and to the port (<NUM>) at the second end of the at least one hose, the at least one hose (<NUM>) further directing a pressurized airstream from the air system to the therapy sleeve (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that the port (<NUM>) detects the coupling of the at least one hose (<NUM>) to the port and communicates a signal of the coupling to a main controller (<NUM>) of the patient support apparatus, and in that the main controller receives the signal and is operable to automatically commence therapy with a predetermined threshold of pressure to be applied to the patient upon receiving the signal of the coupling of the at least one hose (<NUM>) to the port (<NUM>)..