US 5,630,238 A · Bed with a plurality of air therapy devices, having control modules and an electrical communication network

Abstract

A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, a plurality of air therapy devices located on the bed, and a plurality of control modules. Each control module includes a connector for coupling a corresponding air therapy device to the air handling unit and to the electrical communication network. Each control module also includes a controller for operating the corresponding air therapy device with the air handling unit based on command signals received from the electrical communication network.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A bed comprising:

a base frame;
a deck coupled to the base frame;
an electrical communication network;
an air handling unit mounted on the base frame;
a plurality of air therapy devices located on the bed;
and
a plurality of control modules, each control module including a connector for coupling a corresponding air therapy device to the air handling unit and to the electrical communication network, each control module also including a controller for operating the corresponding air therapy device with the air handling unit based on command signals received from the electrical communication network.

4 more elements

A control module for activating an air therapy device on a bed which includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, a control interface coupled to the electrical communication network for transmitting command signals to the communication network, and a plurality of air therapy devices stored on the bed, the control module comprising:

at least one electrically controlled valve having an input and an output;
at least one pressure sensor having an input and an output;
an electronic controller coupled to and controlling the at least one electrically controlled valve and coupled to the output of the at least one pressure sensor;
and
a connector for coupling the input of the valve to the air handling unit on the bed, for coupling the output of the valve to the selected air therapy device, for coupling the input of the pressure sensor to the selected air therapy device, and for coupling the controller to the electrical communication network on the bed so that the controller receives the command signals from the control interface to control the selected air therapy device.

2 more elements

An air therapy device for use on a bed having a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, and a header connector including an electrical connector coupled to the electrical communication network and a pneumatic connector coupled to the air handling unit, the air therapy device comprising an air zone, and a therapy control module having a controller, a valve coupled to the air zone of the air therapy device, and a module connector configured to mate with the header connector to couple the valve to the air handling unit and to couple the controller to the electrical communication network so that the air therapy device uses the air handling unit and electrical communication network.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

08/511,542Filed 4 Aug 1995

Granted

20 May 1997

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

A61G 7/05769
Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor: with inflatable chambers
A61G 7/018
Having adjustable mattress frame: control or drive mechanisms
A61G 7/053
Parts, details or accessories of beds: aids for getting into, or out of, bed, e.g. steps, chairs, cane-like supports
A61G 7/16
Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto: converting a lying surface into a chair

Bed with a plurality of air therapy devices, having control modules and an electrical communication network

Life of this patent

Bed with a plurality of air therapy devices, having control modules and an electrical communication network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31