Patent ID: 12233014

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

Various examples of the present disclosure provide a modular patient lift system100as illustrated inFIGS.1and2that provides electronic movement of a patient lift102along an x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. To enable the electronic movement, the modular patient lift system100further includes one or more sensors104to provide electronic feedback regarding the position of the patient lift102(or a portion thereof) within the x, y, z-axis, such that in one or more examples, a “smart” patient lift102is thereby provided. The electronic feedback can include, for example, feedback relating to weight on the patient lift and g-forces of the patient lift. The feedback in various examples is time-stamped to track the movement, location, weight, g-forces, and so forth of the patient lift102over time. Additional desired or required feedback are also contemplated by the present disclosure, such as different types of sensing, monitoring, etc.

As described in more detail herein, various examples of the present disclosure further provide one or more of the sensors104are configured as environmental sensors on the modular patient lift system100that provide environmental feedback on the air quality of the particular area in which the patient lift102is located, passes through, and so forth. Some examples further provide a disinfecting unit106to provide disinfecting services or operations of the air based on the received feedback from the one or more environmental sensors104.

As also described in more detail herein, various examples and implementations of the present disclosure enable improved airflow throughout the surgical suite108by enabling airflow through the modular patient lift system100. The modular patient lift system100can include vents110in rails112that used to transport the patient lift102, a ceiling grid114that supports the rails112to transport the patient lift102, and/or the patient lift102to enable more efficient airflow to the area in which the patient is located. That is, one or more vents110are configured to allow airflow through the particular elements in the modular patient lift system100, such as from an air supply132, thereby providing improved airflow to the patient being transported by the modular patient lift system100(e.g., providing an environment with improved airflow).

The modular patient lift system100in various examples and implementations also provides improved tracking and monitoring, such as of the transport or movement of the patient as described in more detail herein. That is, movement or travel information (e.g., x, y, z telemetry), as well as other information (e.g., other telemetry), relating to the modular patient lift system100is tracked or monitored.

It should be noted that the modular patient lift system100is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various examples of the modular patient lift system can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. And variations and modifications are contemplated. For example, the configuration of the vents110is shown merely for example. The locations, positions, orientations, size, number, shape, etc. of the vents110can be varied as desired or needed, such as based on the configuration of the surgical suite108or one or more components therein.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the modular patient lift system100includes the ceiling grid114in combination with the plurality of rails112that are configured to support a gantry116that allows for movable operation of the patient lift102along the rails112. In one example, the ceiling grid114provides support for the plurality of rails112, the gantry116, a motor (not shown), and the patient lift102. In some examples, the ceiling grid114defines the x-axis and y-axis of the patient lift102(e.g., the x and y movement directions of the patient lift102). The ceiling grid114in some examples includes a plurality of tiles and at least one lighting element. Each tile of the plurality of tiles in some examples includes one or more vents configured to facilitate airflow into the space, such as a surgical suite, where the modular patient lift system is implemented. The airflow through the one or more vents can be deployed from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and in some examples can be configured as described, for examples, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,903,115, 10,405,942, 11,186,989, and 11,259,893. The lighting element provides at least some of the light for the space and can include, but is not limited to, an incandescent light, a light emitting diode (LED) light, and so forth.

The plurality of rails112is supported by the ceiling grid114. For example, a border provided on at least one side of the ceiling grid114supports at least one of the plurality of rails112. The connection between the plurality of rails112and the ceiling, namely the ceiling grid114, is described in greater detail below in connection withFIGS.5and6. In some examples, the ceiling grid114is, forms part of, or is coupled with a modular ceiling system, such as having modular elements that can define different configurations. That is, the modular patient lift system100in some examples is incorporated into a modular ceiling system (such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,903,115 and 11,186,989).

In some examples, the plurality of rails112include three rails112(see alsoFIGS.3and4). A first rail112and a second rail112are provided parallel to one another on opposite sides of the ceiling grid114. The first rail112and the second rail112can be fixed to the ceiling grid114. In other words, the first rail112and the second rail112are not configured to move about the ceiling grid. Each of the first rail112and the second rail112include a groove118, or lift channel extrusion, on a face of the rail112opposite the ceiling grid114. For example, as shown inFIGS.1and2, the groove118is provided on a face provided downward (lower face) opposite of the ceiling grid114. However, this example should not be construed as limiting. The term downward is used in relation to the perspective shown inFIGS.1and2and other examples are possible. As described in greater detail below, one or both of the first rail112and the second rail112can connect or extend a room perimeter lift gantry rail120.

A third rail112is provided perpendicular to both the first rail112and the second rail112in some examples. The third rail112is configured to move along the first rail112and the second rail112via the grooves118provided in the first rail112and the second rail112. In some examples, the third rail112is connected to the groove118of the first rail112via a first connection mechanism and connected to the groove118of the second rail112via a second connection mechanism. The first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism are described in greater detail below. By connecting to the grooves118of the first rail112and the second rail112, respectively, the third rail112is configured to move back and forth in directions perpendicular to the first rail112and the second rail112, denoted as gantry travel Y inFIG.1. However, it should be appreciated that other mechanical arrangements and/or configurations to allow movement of the modular patient lift system100can be used as desired or needed.

In some examples, the gantry116is provided on the third rail112. More particularly, the gantry116is connected to the groove118of the third rail112via a third connection mechanism. The third connection mechanism enables the gantry116to move along the third rail112, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to each of the first rail112and the second rail112, denoted as gantry travel X inFIG.1. By combining the movement of the third rail112in the gantry travel Y direction and the movement of the gantry116along the third rail112in the gantry travel X direction, the gantry116can traverse an entirety of the area defined by the ceiling grid114in some examples.

In some examples, the patient lift102is connected to the gantry116via a connection mechanism122such as a cord, a synthetic rope, a winch, etc. and, accordingly, moves as the gantry116is moved. The connection mechanism122enables the patient lift102to be raised, e.g., moved in a direction toward the ceiling grid114, by drawing in (e.g., retracting) the connection mechanism122and can be lowered, e.g., moved in a direction away from the ceiling grid114, by letting out (e.g., extending) the connection mechanism122, denoted by lift travel Z inFIG.1. When the lift travel Z direction is used in combination with the movement of the gantry116and the gantry travel Y direction and the gantry travel X direction, the modular patient lift system100includes three-dimensional travel telemetry on an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis as described in more detail herein.

The modular patient lift system100further includes at least one motor (not shown). In some examples, a first motor moves the third rail112, a second motor moves the gantry116along the third rail112, and a third motor draws in and lets out the connection mechanism122to raise and lower the patient lift102. In some examples, the at least one motor is manually controlled by a user to move the patient lift102. In some examples, the at least one motor is electronically controlled to move the patient lift102. For example, the at least one motor can be electronically controlled by a controller, such as an electronic control module124to traverse the ceiling grid114. In another example, a specific location including points on each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis on the ceiling grid114can be specified, either automatically or by a user input to the electronic control module124, and the patient lift102traverses to the specific location. Any type of motor can be used, such as based on the particular use requirements or application (e.g., maximum weight of a patient, etc.).

Thus, in various examples, the modular patient lift system100includes the one or more sensors104that provide different telemetry. The one or more sensors104can include one or more of sensors104provided inside or on the first rail112, the second rail112, and/or the third rail112, one or more sensors104provided on the gantry116, one or more sensors104provided on the motor head, and one or more sensors104on the patient lift102, among other locations. The sensors104provided inside or on the first rail112, the second rail112, and/or the third rail112can configured or provided as a sensor104that provides feedback data on the specific position of the gantry116and the patient lift102on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis at a particular point in time. The sensors104provided inside or on the first rail112, the second rail112, and/or the third rail112can be individual sensors104or provided, for example, on a sensor strip that includes multiple sensors104. In examples where additional sensors104are provided on one or more of the gantry116, the motor head, and the patient lift102, the additional sensors104provide additional sources of positioning information (or other information) that can be used instead of or in combination with the one or more sensors104provided on the plurality of rails112to track and log/record the position of the patient lift102. Accordingly, the one or more sensors104provide for twenty-four/seven data logging of positioning of the patient lift102and, therefore, positioning of a patient on the patient lift102. The sensors104can be differently positioned or oriented as desired or needed. Different types of sensors104can be used and configured to perform monitoring or tracking operations, such as using a potentiometer or other device to measure location or speed, a detector to determine where a pointer is located along a wire, a magnetic detection arrangement, etc. In some examples, sensors104can be positioned relative to the ceiling grid114at different locations to facilitate patient lift102location or speed determinations.

In some examples, the positioning data can be stored in a memory126of an electronic device, such as the electronic control module124. For example, the electronic control module124can have various components including, but not limited to, a processor that controls the positioning of the patient lift102and a memory126that stores the positioning data (and other data). The positioning data can be stored in the memory126with accompanying time stamps to identify a particular location or position of the patient lift102at a particular time.

In some examples, the one or more sensors104further capture additional feedback data regarding one or more of a weight on the patient lift102, g-forces applied by or on the patient lift102, and so forth. The feedback data can also be timestamped and stored in the memory126of the electronic control module124. Accordingly, in combination with the positioning data, the timestamped feedback data indicates the time the patient is placed on the patient lift102, the time the patient is removed from the patient lift102, the weight on the patient lift102when the patient is placed on the lift102and the weight on the patient lift102when the patient is removed from the patient lift102, the position of the patient and the patient lift102at any particular time, and so forth. In some examples, the timestamped feedback data is used to monitor equipment maintenance feedback. For example, over time, performance of one or more elements of the modular patient lift system100can diminish due to wear and tear. In one example, the effectiveness of the one or motors can diminish. This can be measured by comparing the amount of time taken for a particular path by the patient lift102. An increase in amount of time for the same path to be traversed can indicate a reduced effectiveness of the one or more motors. Based on the feedback of the one or more sensors104, the electronic control module124is configured to output an alert (e.g., a maintenance condition) indicating that equipment maintenance is required to restore initial performance. It should be noted that the feedback data can be used for different purposes (e.g., identify improper use of the patient lift102, identify potential hazard conditions, etc.) and this is merely an example.

In some examples, the one or more sensors104further include one or more environmental feedback sensors104. For example, one or more environmental feedback sensors104can be provided on one or more of the plurality of rails112, the gantry116, the motor head, and the patient lift102. The one or more environmental sensors104measure and collect environmental data such as temperature of the air, humidity of the air, airflow volume, airflow speed, particulate counts in the air, the size of particulates in the air, microbial counts in the air, the size of microbials in the air, types of microbials in the air, and so forth. As the patient lift102moves throughout the surgical suite via the ceiling grid114, the environmental feedback sensors104collect data regarding the air throughout the surgical suite at particular points in time, which can be periodically, at defined time intervals, continuously, etc. The environmental feedback data is timestamped and stored, such as in the memory126of the electronic control module124.

In some examples, the environmental feedback received from the one or more environmental feedback sensors104is compared with previously obtained environmental feedback to monitor the air quality of a space, such as a surgical suite108, in which the modular patient lift system100is implemented. For example, air characteristics can be measured as the patient lift102initially moves through the surgical suite108to a specified location, such as moving the patient to a procedure table or imaging table, and as the patient lift102moves through the surgical suite108to the specified location a second time, such as to move the patient from the procedure table or imaging table. Therefore, examples of the present disclosure provide a modular patient lift system100that measures and monitors air quality throughout a space, such as a surgical suite108, over time.

In some examples, as describe herein, the modular patient lift system100includes the one or more disinfecting units106to disinfect the air in the space. For example, one or more of the gantry116, motor head, and patient lift102includes or is connected to one or more disinfecting units106to disinfect air in the location of the patient lift102as the patient lift102moves through the surgical suite108. As another example, one or more of the plurality of rails112includes or is connected to one or more disinfecting units106to disinfect air in the location of the plurality of rails112. The one or more disinfecting units106can include disinfecting elements to disinfect the air by using disinfecting technology including, but not limited to, ultraviolet (UV) light, UVC, Far-UVC, Near UV, 405 nm wavelength light, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), and so forth. In various examples, the disinfecting unit(s)106are activated manually by a user, electronically by a user via the electronic control module124, or automatically (such as by the electronic control module124) based on feedback received by the environmental feedback sensors104. It should be noted that the disinfecting agent can be applied to the air or space in different ways, which in some examples, includes expelling a disinfecting agent through the vents110when the disinfecting agent is configured to travel through the air. In other examples, the disinfecting unit(s)106are devices or components that emit light to disinfect the air and components within the space, such as the surgical suite108.

FIGS.3and4illustrate an example space, such as the surgical suite108that includes a plurality of components128(e.g., medical imaging components, medical treatment components, medical care components, etc.) and the modular patient lift system100according to examples of the present disclosure. The example space illustrated inFIGS.3and4is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Other examples of the space can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some examples, the space illustrated inFIGS.3and4that includes the modular patient lift system100is a medical setting, such as a surgical suite, a medical imaging room, and so forth. In other examples, the modular patient lift system100can be implemented in a non-medical setting and/or for moving objects other than a patient130. The modular patient lift system, as shown inFIGS.3and4, further includes the room perimeter lift gantry rail120in addition to the plurality of rails112. As can be seen, the room perimeter lift gantry rail120extends from outside the entrance and/or exit to the space to the ceiling grid114. In some examples, the room perimeter lift gantry rail120connects to one of the first rail112or the second rail112. In some examples, the room perimeter lift gantry rail120is an extension of one of the first rail112or the second rail112. By extending or connecting to one of the first rail112or the second rail112, the room perimeter lift gantry rail120enables the gantry116, motor hear, and patient lift102to traverse the space from the entrance to the ceiling grid114and from the ceiling grid114to the entrance. Accordingly, the patient lift102enables the patient130to be transported from outside the surgical suite108directly to the destination within the surgical suite108without an intermediate step of transferring the patient130. By controlling the modular patient lift system100electronically via the electronic control module124, a precise location for the patient lift102within the ceiling grid114can be predetermined and the patient130can be quickly, precisely, and accurately transported to the destination, can be accurately and precisely tracked, etc.

In some examples, as the patient lift102traverses the room perimeter lift gantry rail120and the plurality of rails112, the one or more environmental feedback sensors104collect environmental data for particular locations within the space in real time. Based on the collected environmental data, the electronic control module124monitors the environmental conditions and adjusts if necessary. For example, the electronic control module124adjusts one or more of the temperature of the air, humidity of the air, airflow volume (such as provided by the air supply132), and airflow speed. In particular, the airflow volume and the airflow speed can be adjusted by adjusting the angle or size of the opening of the plurality of vents110included in the modular patient lift system100. As another example, the electronic control module124can affect a change in one or more of the particulate counts in the air, the size of particulates in the air, microbial counts in the air, the size of microbials in the air, types of microbials in the air, and so forth by controlling the one or more disinfecting units106described herein. More particularly, the electronic control module124controls and adjusts environmental conditions at specific coordinates, identified on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, within the space based on the collected sensor data at the specific coordinates. It should be noted that the modular patient lift system100can control other factors or operations in response to the received feedback from the sensors104, such as the speed of the patient lift102, the height of the patient lift102, the direction of travel of the patient lift102, etc.

FIGS.5and6illustrate a mounting arrangement200that allows for coupling one or more of the plurality of rails112to the ceiling grid114. More particularly,FIG.5illustrates a cross-section of the mounting arrangement200andFIG.6illustrates the rail112coupled to the ceiling grid114via the mounting arrangement200. The mounting arrangement200illustrated inFIGS.5and6is for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Other examples of the mounting arrangement200can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the rail112illustrated inFIGS.5and6can be any of the plurality of rails112described herein.

The mounting arrangement200includes a hollow structural section (HSS) structural support202, a fastening arrangement including a bolt204and a nut206, a bracket208, and a lift channel extrusion210. The HSS structural support202is various examples is included in a portion of the ceiling grid114and provides a connection point between the ceiling grid114and the rail112. As illustrated inFIG.6, a mounting hole212is provided in the HSS structural support202to allow the bolt204to extend through the HSS structural support202to the rail114. The bracket208, as illustrated inFIG.6, is provided (e.g., coupled to, integrated as part of) on a portion of the rail112proximate to the ceiling grid114. The bolt204extends from the bracket208through the HSS structural support202and is fastened with the nut206above the HSS structural support202. In some examples, at least one washer216is provided between the nut206and the HSS structural support202and/or between the head of the bolt204and the bracket208.

On the rail112, opposite the bracket208, e.g., on the bottom of the rail112, is the groove118, also referred to as a lift channel extrusion. When implemented in the first rail112or the second rail112, the groove118enables the third rail112to traverse the ceiling grid114and when implemented in the third rail112, the groove118enables the gantry116to thereby traverse the ceiling grid114.

As shown inFIG.5, the mounting arrangement200can be provided proximate to a lighting element arrangement214of the ceiling grid114, The lighting element arrangement214can be provided in different ways and configuration, and in some examples, is provided, for example, as described in one or more of U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,903,115, 10,405,942, and 11,259,893. In some examples, multiple HSS structural supports202can be formed in a grid to define the ceiling grid114and form a border for individual lighting element arrangements214, which provides at least some of the light for the medical setting. As described herein, the lighting element arrangement214can includes an incandescent light, an LED light, and so forth.

Although described herein as a single mount, it should be understood that multiple mounts such as the mounting arrangement200illustrated inFIGS.5and6are used in combination to mount the plurality of rails112to the ceiling grid114. In other words, each rail112of the plurality of rails112is coupled to the ceiling grid114via multiple mounting arrangements200described herein.

In some examples, the present disclosure can be implemented with co-pending application having application Ser. No. 63/190,238 entitled “Modular Return Air Device” and with co-pending application having application Ser. No. 63/190,241 entitled “Central Medical Suite System”, and with co-pending application Ser. No. 17/529,010 and co-pending application Ser. No. 17/694,377; and with U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,671,100, 9,895,202, 9,903,115, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,405,942.

The electronic control module124in various examples is configured to monitor and/or control the patient lift system100, as illustrated in the flowchart300ofFIG.7. For example, the electronic control module124in some examples is operable to generate one or more control signals to control one or more components, operations, etc. of the patient lift system100. That is, in one or more examples, the flowchart300illustrates operations involved in generating one or more control signals for controlling movement of the patient lift102and/or airflow provided by the modular patient lift system100. In some examples, the operations of the flowchart300generate signals to control operation of the patient lift102, gantry116, air flow from the air supply132through the vents110, the disinfecting unit106, etc. as described herein. The flowchart300commences at operation302with receiving sensor feedback data. For example, the electronic control module124receives measurements, sensed data, etc. from one or more of the sensors104as described in more detail herein. A determination is then made at304whether the received data, exceeds a threshold at304. For example, a determination is made whether the measurements exceed an air quality level, a speed level, etc. It should be noted that different threshold levels or values can be defined for different operating conditions, different patients130, different surgical suites108, etc. That is, the thresholds in some examples are defined to monitor or control operations and/or conditions relating to a particular configuration or setting.

If a determination is made that none of the one or more thresholds is exceeded, the settings for the various operations are maintained at306. That is, the settings for the operation of the modular patient lift system100, such as speed, airflow, etc. are maintained at a current level or state at306. If a determination is made that one or more of the thresholds is exceeded, then one or more settings are adjusted at308. For example, a speed, airflow, amount of sanitizing, etc. are adjusted at308. The adjustment can include an increase or decrease is in one or more settings.

Thus, one or more examples provide a patient lift system with improved operation. For example, improved control and/or monitoring is provided by various examples.

With reference now toFIG.8, a block diagram of a computing device400suitable for implementing various aspects of the disclosure as described (e.g., operations or functions to control the modular patient lift system100).FIG.8and the following discussion provide a brief, general description of a computing environment in/on which one or more or the implementations of one or more of the methods and/or system set forth herein may be implemented. The operating environment ofFIG.8is merely an example of a suitable operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the operating environment. Example computing devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, mobile devices (such as mobile phones, mobile consoles, tablets, media players, and the like), multiprocessor systems, consumer electronics, mini computers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Although not required, implementations are described in the general context of “computer readable instructions” executed by one or more computing devices. Computer readable instructions may be distributed via computer readable media (discussed below). Computer readable instructions may be implemented as program modules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combined or distributed as desired in various environments.

In some examples, the computing device400includes a memory402, one or more processors404, and one or more presentation components406. The disclosed examples associated with the computing device400are practiced by a variety of computing devices, including personal computers, laptops, smart phones, mobile tablets, hand-held devices, consumer electronics, specialty computing devices, etc. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “hand-held device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope ofFIG.8and the references herein to a “computing device.” The disclosed examples are also practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network. Further, while the computing device400is depicted as a single device, in one example, multiple computing devices work together and share the depicted device resources. For instance, in one example, the memory402is distributed across multiple devices, the processor(s)404provided are housed on different devices, and so on.

In one example, the memory402includes any of the computer-readable media discussed herein. In one example, the memory402is used to store and access instructions402aconfigured to carry out the various operations disclosed herein. In some examples, the memory402includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, data disks in virtual environments, or a combination thereof. In one example, the processor(s)404includes any quantity of processing units that read data from various entities, such as the memory402or input/output (I/O) components410. Specifically, the processor(s)404are programmed to execute computer-executable instructions for implementing aspects of the disclosure. In one example, the instructions402aare performed by the processor404, by multiple processors within the computing device400, or by a processor external to the computing device400. In some examples, the processor(s)404are programmed to execute instructions such as those illustrated in the flow charts discussed herein and depicted in the accompanying drawings.

In other implementations, the computing device400may include additional features and/or functionality. For example, the computing device400may also include additional storage (e.g., removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical storage, and the like. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG.8by the memory402. In one implementation, computer readable instructions to implement one or more implementations provided herein may be in the memory402as described herein. The memory402may also store other computer readable instructions to implement an operating system, an application program and the like. Computer readable instructions may be loaded in the memory402for execution by the processor(s)404, for example.

The presentation component(s)406present data indications to an operator or to another device. In one example, the presentation components406include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc. One skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that computer data is presented in a number of ways, such as visually in a graphical user interface (GUI), audibly through speakers, wirelessly between the computing device400, across a wired connection, or in other ways. In one example, the presentation component(s)406are not used when processes and operations are sufficiently automated that a need for human interaction is lessened or not needed. I/O ports408allow the computing device400to be logically coupled to other devices including the I/O components410, some of which is built in. Implementations of the I/O components410include, for example but without limitation, a microphone, keyboard, mouse, joystick, pen, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, camera, etc.

The computing device400includes a bus416that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: the memory402, the one or more processors404, the one or more presentation components406, the input/output (I/O) ports408, the I/O components410, a power supply412, and a network component414. The computing device400should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to any single component or combination of components illustrated therein. The bus416represents one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or a combination thereof). Although the various blocks ofFIG.8are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, some implementations blur functionality over various different components described herein.

The components of the computing device400may be connected by various interconnects. Such interconnects may include a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), such as PCI Express, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), firewire (IEEE 1394), an optical bus structure, and the like. In another implementation, components of the computing device400may be interconnected by a network. For example, the memory602may be comprised of multiple physical memory units located in different physical locations interconnected by a network.

In some examples, the computing device600is communicatively coupled to a network618using the network component414. In some examples, the network component414includes a network interface card and/or computer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the network interface card. In one example, communication between the computing device400and other devices occurs using any protocol or mechanism over a wired or wireless connection420. In some examples, the network component414is operable to communicate data over public, private, or hybrid (public and private) connections using a transfer protocol, between devices wirelessly using short range communication technologies (e.g., near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth® branded communications, or the like), or a combination thereof.

The connection420may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection or other interfaces for connecting the computing device400to other computing devices. The connection420may transmit and/or receive communication media. In some examples, the connection420allows communication with the modular patient lift system100to allow, for example, for adjustment of the operation thereof.

Although described in connection with the computing device400, examples of the disclosure are capable of implementation with numerous other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices. Implementations of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that are suitable for use with aspects of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile tablets, mobile computing devices, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, gaming consoles, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, mobile computing and/or communication devices in wearable or accessory form factors (e.g., watches, glasses, headsets, or earphones), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, VR devices, holographic device, and the like. Such systems or devices accept input from the user in any way, including from input devices such as a keyboard or pointing device, via gesture input, proximity input (such as by hovering), and/or via voice input.

Implementations of the disclosure, such as controllers or monitors, are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In one example, the computer-executable instructions are organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one example, aspects of the disclosure are implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other examples of the disclosure include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein. In implementations involving a general-purpose computer, aspects of the disclosure transform the general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.

By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media comprises computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable memory implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or the like. Computer storage media are tangible and mutually exclusive to communication media. Computer storage media are implemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and propagated signals. Computer storage media for purposes of this disclosure are not signals per se. In one example, computer storage media include hard disks, flash drives, solid-state memory, phase change random-access memory (PRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium used to store information for access by a computing device. In contrast, communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or the like in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media.

While various spatial and directional terms, including but not limited to top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like are used to describe the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein.

Various operations of implementations are provided herein. In one implementation, one or more of the operations described may constitute computer readable instructions stored on one or more computer readable media, which if executed by a computing device, will cause the computing device to perform the operations described. The order in which some or all of the operations are described should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each implementation provided herein.

Any range or value given herein can be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.

Although examples described herein are described in connection with a particular air handling arrangement and environment, the present disclosure can be implemented in different arrangements and in different environments. For example, the present disclosure is implementable in any application or environment in which air flow control is desired.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,” “interface,” and the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

Furthermore, the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier or media. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

The implementations have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.