Rotary plate valve having seal anti-herniation structure

Abstract

A mattress overlay apparatus is provided for use with a mattress. The mattress overlay apparatus includes an overlay configured for placement atop the mattress and having a plurality of inflatable bladders, a blower, and first and second rotary plate valves pneumatically coupled to the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves are arranged in series between the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves and the blower are operated to provide the overlay with percussion and vibration (P&V), left and right turn assist, and microclimate management (MCM) functionality.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a mattress overlay used in connection with a mattress of a patient support apparatus and particularly, to a control unit that controls pneumatic functions of the mattress overlay. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to internal components of the control unit for the mattress overlay which have multiple settings for inflating and deflating portions of the mattress overlay.

SUMMARY

An apparatus, system, or method may comprise one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter:

A mattress overlay apparatus for use with a mattress may include an overlay configured for placement atop the mattress that may have a plurality of inflatable bladders. The plurality of inflatable bladders may be pneumatically coupled to a blower. A first and second rotary plate valves may be pneumatically coupled to the plurality of bladders and the blower. The rotary plate valves may be arranged in series between the plurality of bladders and the blower.

In some embodiments, the blower has an inlet and an outlet. The first rotary valve may include a first rotary plate that may be movable between a first position and a second position. When the first rotary plate is in the first position, the inlet of the blower may be coupled to atmosphere and the outlet of blower may be coupled to the second rotary plate valve so that positive pressure produced at the outlet of the blower may be applied to the second rotary plate valve. When the first rotary plate is in the second position, the outlet of the blower may be coupled to atmosphere and the inlet of the blower may be coupled to the second rotary plate valve so that negative pressure produced at the inlet of the blower may be applied to the second rotary plate valve.

In some embodiments, the second rotary plate valve may include a second rotary plate that may be movable between first, second, third, and fourth positions. The plurality of inflatable bladders may include at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder, a left turn bladder, a right turn bladder, and a microclimate management (MCM) envelope. When the second rotary plate is in the first position and the first rotary plate is in the first position, the blower may be operable to inflate the at least one P&V bladder. When the second rotary plate is in the second position and the first rotary plate is in the first position, the blower may be operable to inflate the left turn bladder. When the second rotary plate is in the third position and the first rotary plate is in the first position, the blower may be operable to inflate the right turn bladder. When the second rotary plate is in the fourth position and the first rotary plate is in the first position, the blower may be operable to move air through the MCM envelope.

In some embodiments, when the second rotary plate is in the first position and the first rotary plate is in the second position, the blower may be operable to deflate the at least one P&V bladder. When the second rotary plate is in the second position and the first rotary plate is in the second position, the blower may be operable to deflate the left turn bladder. When the second rotary plate is in the third position and the first rotary plate is in the second position, the blower may be operable to deflate the right turn bladder.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bladders may include at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder. The first rotary plate valve may have a first rotary plate and the second rotary plate valve may have a second rotary plate. When the second rotary plate of the second rotary plate valve is in a P&V position, the first rotary plate may be oscillated between a first position in which positive pressure at an outlet of the blower may be applied to the at least one P&V bladder to inflate the at least one P&V bladder and a second position in which negative pressure at an inlet of the blower may be applied to the at least one P&V bladder to deflate the at least one P&V bladder.

In some embodiments, a frequency at which the first rotary plate oscillates between the first and second positions may be from about 5 Hertz to about 20 Hertz. The mattress overlay apparatus may include a conduit through which the second rotary plate valve pneumatically communicates with the at least one P&V bladder. The conduit may include a tube made of cloth-like, flexible material and a quantity of 3-dimensional (3D) engineered material within the tube that may prevent the tube from collapsing.

The mattress overlay apparatus may include a housing in which the blower, the first rotary plate valve, and the second rotary plate valve may be contained. The second rotary plate valve may have a set of four output ports accessible at an exterior of the housing. The mattress overlay apparatus may include a hose assembly that may have four hoses and a hose adapter that may attach to the housing so that the four hoses may substantially simultaneously couple to the set of four output ports of the second rotary plate valve. In some embodiments, the plurality of inflatable bladders may include at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder that may be pneumatically coupled to a first hose of the set of four hoses, a left turn bladder that may be pneumatically coupled to a second hose of the set of four hoses, a right turn bladder that may be pneumatically coupled to a third hose of the set of four hoses, and a microclimate management (MCM) envelope that may be pneumatically coupled to a fourth hose of the set of four hoses.

In some embodiments, the first hose may be strengthened with a coil of wire due to the blower being operated to inflate the at least one P&V bladder at a higher pressure than may be used to inflate the left turn bladder, the right turn bladder, and the MCM envelope. For example, the pressure applied by the blower to P&V bladders via the first hose may be about 70 to about 80 cmH₂O at a high intensity setting. The pressure applied by the blower to the left and right turn bladders via the second and third hoses, respectively, may be about 30 to about 40 cmH₂O. The pressure applied by the blower to the MCM envelope via the fourth hose may be about 20 to about 30 cmH₂O.

A graphical user interface (GUI) may be accessible on the housing in some embodiment. The graphical user interface may display a first touch button that may be selected to activate a percussion and vibration (P&V) function of the overlay, a second touch button that may be selected to activate a left turn assist function of the overlay, a third touch button that may be selected to activate a right turn assist function of the overlay, and a fourth touch button that may be selected to activate a microclimate management (MCM) function of the overlay.

The GUI may display an off button that may be selected to turn off whichever of the P&V function, left turn assist function, right turn assist function, and MCM function is being operated. Alternatively or additionally, sequential presses of each of the first, second, third, and fourth buttons turns the associated function on, then off, then on, then off, etc. Operation of each of the P&V function, left turn assist function, right turn assist function, and MCM function may be mutually exclusive such that only one of the P&V function, left turn assist function, right turn assist function, and MCM function may be able to be operated at any given time.

In some embodiments, the first rotary plate valve may have a first rotary plate that may be moved by a first stepper motor and the second rotary plate valve may have a second rotary plate that may be moved by a second stepper motor. A first axis of rotation of the first rotary plate may be substantially perpendicular to a second axis of rotation of the second rotary plate, but other arrangements in which the first and second axes are not substantially perpendicular are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The second rotary plate valve may have a plurality of outlet ports and a rotary plate with a hole that may be selectively alignable with each outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports. The second rotary plate valve may have a plurality of cup seals that may be spring biased against the rotary plate. The rotary plate may include a bar that may extend across the hole thereby to separate the hole into two hole portions. The bar may prevent seal herniation of the cup seals as the rotary plate is rotated. Each cup seal of the plurality of cup seals may be aligned with a respective outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports. Optionally, at least a portion of the bar extending across the hole may be curved.

In some embodiments, the mattress overlay apparatus may further include straps that may be coupled to the overlay and sized to extend under the mattress to retain the overlay on the mattress. The mattress overlay apparatus may further include a plurality of hoses that may extend between the second rotary plate valve and the plurality of bladders and further may include a plurality of hose straps that may retain portions of the plurality of hoses along at least one side or a least one end of the mattress or both. Each hose strap of the plurality of hose straps may be constructed so as to define multiple loops, for example, though which respective hoses of the plurality of hoses may be routed. If desired, the overlay may include side and end flaps that may cover the hose straps and the portions of the plurality of hoses retained by the hose straps.

In some embodiments, the plurality of inflatable bladders may include a set of percussion and vibration (P&V) bladders that may be formed by coupling together a first layer of material of the overlay and a second layer of material of the overlay such that the P&V bladders may extend laterally across a majority of a width of the overlay and such that conduits through which air may be delivered to the P&V bladders may be defined between the first and second layers along opposite longitudinal sides of the overlay. Alternatively, the conduits may all be situated along a same longitudinal side of the overlay.

In some contemplated embodiments, the mattress overlay apparatus may further include a vital signs sensor that may be integrated into the overlay. Such a vital signs sensor may be configured to measure heart rate and respiration rate. The vital signs sensor may include a capacitive sensor, for example. The vital signs sensor may be configured to sense patient presence on the overlay and/or patient absence from the overlay.

The plurality of inflatable bladders may include at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder, a left turn bladder, a right turn bladder, and a microclimate management (MCM) envelope. The blower may be operated in an open loop manner at a respective set speed when inflating the at least one P&V bladder and pressurizing the MCM envelope. The blower may be operated in a closed loop manner when inflating the left and right turn bladders. In this regard, the mattress overlay apparatus may further include at least one pressure sensor that may sense a pressure that may be output to the left and right turn bladders. The pressure sensed by the pressure sensor may be used in connection with the closed loop control of the blower. Patient weight and desired time to complete inflation of the left and right turn bladders also may be used in connection with the closed loop control of the blower. The set speed of operation of the blower to inflate the at least one P&V bladder may be different than the set speed of operation of the blower to pressurize the MCM envelope.

The plurality of inflatable bladders may include at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder and the overlay may include a pocket beneath the at least one P&V bladder for insertion of an auxiliary support surface when the at least one P&V bladder is in use to enhance rigidity of the overlay beneath the at least one P&V bladder. The auxiliary support surface may include a separately inflated intermediate bladder, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary support surface may include a substantially rigid plate. The pocket may be configured to receive a chest X-ray plate therein. In some embodiments, the pocket may be accessible through an opening at a side of the overlay. If desired, a zipper may be coupled to the overlay and may be configured to open and close the opening.

In some embodiments, an upper layer of the overlay may include foam. The foam may be situated within the MCM envelope. Thus, the foam may have sufficient porosity for airflow therethough. Alternatively or additionally, an upper layer of the overlay may include a microclimate management (MCM) envelope that may contain 3-dimensional (3D) engineered material therein.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress overlay apparatus for use with a mattress may be provided and may include an overlay that may be configured for placement atop the mattress. The overlay may have at least one percussion and vibration (P&V) bladder, a left turn bladder, a right turn bladder, and a microclimate management (MCM) envelope. An air source may be included in the apparatus and may have an inlet and an outlet. A two-position valve may be coupled to the inlet and the outlet of the air source. The two-position valve may have a first position and a second position. A four-position valve may be coupled to the two-position valve and may have first, second, third, and fourth positions. The at least one P&V bladder may be inflated by air from the air source when the two-position valve is in its first position and the four-position valve is in its first position. The at least one P&V bladder may be deflated by the air source when the two-position valve is in its second position and the four-position valve is in its first position. The left turn bladder may be inflated by air from the air source when the two-position valve is in its first position and the four-position valve is in its second position. The left turn bladder may be deflated by the air source when the two-position valve is in its second position and the four-position valve is in its second position. The right turn bladder may be inflated by air from the air source when the two-position valve is in its first position and the four-position valve is in its third position. The right turn bladder may be deflated by the air source when the two-position valve is in its second position and the four-position valve is in its third position. The MCM envelope may be pressurized by air from the air source when the two-position valve is in its first position and the four-position valve is in its fourth position.

In some embodiments, the two-position valve may include a first rotary plate and the four-position valve may include a second rotary plate. The first rotary plate may have four air passage holes and the second rotary plate may have one air passage hole with a bar extending thereacross to define two air passage hole portions. The four-position valve may have a plurality of cup seals that may be spring biased against the second rotary plate. The bar may prevent seal herniation of the cup seals as the second rotary plate is rotated. Optionally, at least a portion of the bar may be curved. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the bar may be substantially straight.

In some embodiments, a first axis of rotation of the first rotary plate may be substantially perpendicular to a second axis of rotation of the second rotary plate. The two-position valve may include a first stepper motor that may operate to rotate the first rotary plate and the four-position valve may include a second stepper motor that may operate to rotate the second rotary plate.

Inflation of each of the at least one P&V bladder, the left turn assist bladder, and the right turn assist bladder and the pressurization of the MCM envelope may be mutually exclusive such that only one of a P&V function, a right turn assist function, a left turn assist function, and an MCM function may be able to be operated at any given time. The air source may include a blower, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the air source may include a pump, a compressor, a pressurized reservoir, a gas supply system of a health care facility, and so forth.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a valve apparatus may include a valve body, a rotary plate that may be coupled to the valve body for rotation, and a seal that may be in contact with the rotary plate. The rotary plate may have a hole formed therethough and an anti-herniation appendage may be situated in the hole. The anti-herniation appendage may prevent herniation of the seal as the rotary plate rotates the hole across at least a portion of the seal.

In some embodiments, the seal may comprise an annular seal. If desired, a spring may be arranged to bias the annular seal against the rotary plate. For example, the spring may include a coil spring that may be compressed between the annular seal and a portion of the valve body. Optionally, the annular seal may include a cup seal.

In some embodiments, the anti-herniation appendage may include a bar that may extend across the hole to define two hole portions. At least a portion of the bar is curved in some embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the bar may be substantially straight. A stepper motor may be coupled to the valve body and may be operable to rotate the rotary plate. The valve body may include a main body that may having a cylindrical chamber in which the rotary plate may be situated and a cover that may attach to the main body. Optionally, the cover may have a cylindrical projection that may extend into the cylindrical chamber of the main body.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hospital bed including a mattress and a mattress overlay having a control unit coupled to a footboard of the hospital bed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 1 showing the control unit having a housing, a graphical user interface at a front of the housing, and a hose port at a side of the housing for connection to of a set of hoses that lead to a plurality of inflatable bladders of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of some of the internal components of the control unit of FIG. 2 showing a blower, a first rotary plate valve and manifold assembly situated between the blower and a stepper motor, and a second rotary plate valve arranged for coupling to the manifold assembly, and showing a series of arrows that indicate a flow of air from the atmosphere through the blower, the first rotary plate valve, the manifold assembly, and the second rotary plate valve to the mattress overlay to inflate a right turn bladder of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3 showing a series of arrows that indicate a flow of air from the right turn bladder of the mattress overlay through the second rotary plate valve, the manifold assembly, the first rotary plate valve and the blower to atmosphere to deflate the right turn bladder;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, showing a series of arrows that indicate a flow of air from the atmosphere through the blower, the first rotary plate valve, the manifold assembly, and the second rotary plate valve to inflate percussion and vibration (P&V) bladders of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 3-5, showing a series of arrows that indicate a flow of air from the P&V bladders of the mattress overlay through the second rotary plate valve, the manifold assembly, the first rotary plate valve, and the blower to atmosphere to deflate the P&V bladders;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 3-6, showing a series of arrows that indicate a flow of air from the atmosphere through the blower, the first rotary plate valve, the manifold assembly, and the second rotary plate valve to a microclimate management envelope;

FIG. 8A is a bottom plan view of the mattress overlay coupled to the mattress using straps with buckles that wrap around a bottom of the mattress;

FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of the mattress and mattress overlay combination of FIG. 8A showing the mattress overlay coupled to the top of the mattress and showing the straps with buckles wrapping around a side of the mattress;

FIG. 8C is a bottom plan view of the mattress showing the mattress overlay coupled to the mattress using elastic straps that couple to the corners of the mattress;

FIG. 8D is a side elevation view of the mattress and mattress overlay combination of FIG. 8C showing the mattress overlay coupled to the top of the mattress and showing two of the elastic straps wrapping around the side of the mattress;

FIG. 9A is a top plan view of the mattress showing the control unit attached to an end of the mattress overlay, the control unit being pneumatically coupled through the hose and an overlay manifold to the plurality of P&V bladders that are included in the mattress overlay;

FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of the mattress overlay of FIG. 9A showing the mattress overlay above the control unit with the hose located under a right side of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 9C is a side elevation view of the mattress of FIG. 9A showing the control unit coupled to the end of the mattress overlay and pneumatically coupled to the plurality of P&V bladders through the overlay manifold and hose that extends along the side of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of a portion of an interior region of the hose that pneumatically couples the control unit to the plurality of P&V bladders showing 3-dimensional (3D) engineered material situated in the interior region to resist collapsing of the hose;

FIG. 9E is an enlarged top plan view of the connection between a hose that extends from the overlay manifold and an associated one of the P&V bladders;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mattress overlay with a portion cut away to show a plurality of hoses that are coupled to a side and an end of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a side of the hospital bed with a flaps of the mattress overlay pulled up to reveal the plurality of hoses coupled to the side of the mattress overlay and a side rail of the bed including a graphical user interface;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the side of the hospital bed, similar to FIG. 11, with the one of the flaps pulled down to cover the plurality of hoses coupled to the side of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mattress overlay in which the P&V bladders and associated air delivery conduits are formed by welds between sheets of the mattress overlay;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mattress overlay of FIG. 13 showing the plurality of P&V bladders and the associated conduits inflated;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the second rotary plate valve of the control unit showing a stepper motor on the left side of a manifold block of the second rotary plate valve;

FIG. 16 is another exploded perspective view of the second rotary plate valve that is viewed in a different direction than the exploded perspective view of FIG. 15;

and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the control unit and mattress overlay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A patient support apparatus, such as illustrative hospital bed 10, includes a patient support structure such as a frame 34 that supports a mattress 66 covered by a mattress overlay 32 as shown in FIG. 1 (mattress 66 is shown in FIG. 3). A control unit 12 operates to provide mattress overlay 32 with a plurality of functions such as percussion & vibration (P&V) therapy using P&V bladders 68a, 68b, 68c, turn assist using turn assist bladders 70, 72, and microclimate management (MCM) using an MCM envelope 74 as will be further described below. FIGS. 1-16 show either an embodiment or an embodiment of a component of one possible bed 10 having the capability to perform the plurality of functions. However, this disclosure is applicable to other types of patient support apparatuses, including other types of beds, surgical tables, examination tables, stretchers, and the like.

Illustrative hospital bed 10 has a frame 34 which includes an upper frame assembly 35, a base 36, and a lift system 39 coupling upper frame assembly 35 to base 36 as shown in FIG. 1. Lift system 39 is operable to raise, lower, and tilt upper frame assembly 35 relative to base 36. Bed 10 has a foot end 42 and a head end 46. Hospital bed 10 further includes a footboard 40 at the foot end 42 and a headboard 44 at the head end 46. Footboard 40 and headboard 44 are coupled to the upper frame assembly 35 in the illustrative embodiment. Base 36 includes wheels or casters 37 that roll along a floor (not shown) as bed 10 is moved from one location to another. Bumpers 38 are coupled to the upper frame assembly 35 at the corner regions of bed 10.

Illustrative hospital bed 10 has four siderail assemblies coupled to upper frame assembly 35 as shown in FIG. 1. The four siderail assemblies include a pair of head siderail assemblies 48 (sometimes referred to as head rails) and a pair of foot siderail assemblies 50 (sometimes referred to as foot rails). Each of the siderail assemblies 48 and 50 is movable between a raised position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a lowered position (as shown in FIG. 11). Siderail assemblies 48, 50 are sometimes referred to herein as siderails 48, 50. Each siderail 48, 50 includes a barrier panel 52 and a linkage 54. Each linkage 54 is coupled to the upper frame assembly 35 and is configured to guide the barrier panel 52 during movement of siderails 48, 50 between the respective raised and lowered positions. Barrier panel 52 is maintained by the linkage 54 in a substantially vertical orientation during movement of siderails 48, 50 between the respective raised and lowered positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, control unit 12 includes a housing 14, a graphical user interface 18, a handle 20, a hose port 22, and a vent 24. The housing 14 includes a front portion 16 and a rear portion 26 that attach together to enclose internal components of the control unit 12. The graphical user interface 18 comprises a touchscreen (referred to as touchscreen 18) that is illustratively enlarged in FIG. 1 to show a plurality of touch buttons 18a-18e that a user selects to control the manner in which the control unit 12 operates. Each button 18a-18e corresponds to a particular therapy that overlay 32 is able to deliver to a patient under the control of control unit 12. In some embodiments, one press of each of the buttons 18a-18d initiates the use of the respective function and another, subsequent press of the respective button 18a-18d stops the function. Thus, sequential presses of buttons 18a-18d turns on, then off, then on, then off, etc. the respective function. In the illustrative example, however, a therapy off button 18e is provided and is selected to stop the active function.

A P&V button 18a initiates a P&V therapy using the P&V bladders 68a-c (shown in FIG. 3). P&V therapy involves rapidly inflating and deflating bladders 68a-c to create pulsations at a high frequency to inhibit fluid from accumulating in a patient's lungs. A turn assist-L button 18b initiates inflation of turn assist bladder 70 (shown in an inflated state in FIG. 3) at the right of the mattress overlay 32. That is, during left turn assist, the right bladder 70 is inflated resulting in the patient's right side being raised relative to the patient's left side when the patient is lying in a supine position on mattress overlay 32. A turn assist-R button 18c initiates inflation of turn assist bladder 72 (shown in a deflated state in FIGS. 4-7) at the left of the mattress overlay 32. When bladder 72 is inflated its configuration is basically a mirror image about a longitudinal centerline of the overlay 32 of the configuration of the inflated bladder 70 shown in FIG. 3. Thus, during right turn assist, the left bladder 72 is inflated resulting in the patient's left side being raised relative to the patient's right side when the patient is lying in a supine position on mattress overlay 32. Turn assist, to the left or to the right, is employed by caregivers to assist in changing a patient's wound dressing or bed linens, for example.

An MCM button 18d initiates microclimate management via delivery of air to the microclimate management envelope 74 (shown in FIG. 3) through an MCM manifold 75. Envelope 74 extends from manifold 75 toward the head end of overlay 32. Manifold 75 is a tubular element that extends laterally across a foot end region of overlay 32. An inlet 75a is provided at one end of manifold (near the right side of overlay 32 in the illustrative example) and first and second outlets 75b, 75c extend substantially perpendicularly from manifold 75 by a small amount (e.g., 2 inches or less). Outlets 75b, 75c are pneumatically coupled to MCM envelope 74. Thus, pressurized air entering inlet 75a of manifold 75 exits manifold 75 through outlets 75b, 75c for receipt in MCM envelope 74.

In some embodiments, envelope 74 has openings to atmosphere at its head end such that the pressurized air flows beneath the upper layer of envelope 74 to the openings at the head end of envelope 74. Alternatively or additionally, the upper layer of envelope 74 has a multitude of small perforations (e.g., ⅛^th inch or less) through which air escapes from MCM envelope 74 and moves upwardly toward and around the patient. MCM is employed to reduce the moisture and/or heat between the patient and the upper surface of the overlay 32. MCM envelope 74 is sometimes referred to herein as MCM bladder 74 or just bladder 74 even though, in many contemplated embodiments, MCM bladder 74 permits air to escape to atmosphere therethrough.

In some embodiments, MCM envelope 74 comprises an upper layer of the overlay 32 and includes foam therein. Thus, the foam is situated between upper and lower sheets of material that define the MCM envelope 74. It should be appreciated that the foam has sufficient porosity for airflow therethough if the foam fills the MCM envelope 74. Alternatively or additionally, MCM envelope 74 that may contain a 3-dimensional (3D) engineered material therein and air from control unit 12 flows through the 3D engineered material.

In the illustrative embodiment, turn assist bladders 70, 72 have their respective long dimensions oriented generally parallel with a long dimension of overlay 32. Bladders 70, 72 each extend roughly from a normal-sized patient's head region to their knees when the patient is lying in a standard, supine position on overlay 32. P&V bladders 68a-c have their long dimensions oriented generally parallel with a lateral dimension of overlay 32. Thus, P&V bladders 68a-c are generally perpendicular to turn assist bladders 70, 72. Opposite ends of P&V bladders 68a-c extend beyond opposite outside edges of bladders 70, 72 such that each of bladders 68a-c extends nearly the full width of overlay 32. P&V bladders 68a-c extend over the top surface of bladders 70, 72 and are located so as to underlie the properly oriented supine patient's torso or chest region. Thus, head end portions of bladders 70, 72 extend beyond P&V bladder 68a toward the head end of overlay 32 and foot end portions of bladders 70, 72 extend beyond P&V bladder 68c toward the foot end of overlay 32 as shown best in FIG. 10. The MCM envelope 74 overlies both the turn assist bladders 70, 72 and the P&V bladders 68a-c in the illustrative example.

A hose assembly 30, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pneumatically couples control unit 12 to the mattress overlay 32 covering mattress 66 which is shown in FIG. 3. A hose adapter 28 at and end of hose assembly 30 attaches to a mating port 22 of control unit 12. The control unit 12 inflates and deflates the plurality of air bladders 68, 70, 72 (shown in FIG. 3) and directs air to the MCM envelope 74 (shown in FIG. 3) through respective hoses of the hose assembly 30. The control unit 12 is coupled to the footboard 40 in the illustrative example. In other embodiments, the control unit 12 may be coupled to another portion of the hospital bed 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, control unit 12 is shown with the hose assembly 30 detached from housing 14 of control unit 12. Housing 14 includes a molded front housing shell or portion 16 and a molded rear housing shell or portion 26. Shells 16, 26 are coupled together to enclose the internal components of control unit 12. Graphical user interface 18 is accessible on the front of shell 16 to enter user inputs into control unit 12 and to see displayed information regarding the operation of control unit 12. Housing 14 includes a handle 20 at the top of shell 26. Handle 20 is gripped by a person to carry control unit 12. The rear portion 26 is configured with a coupler 21, such as a hook or strap or the like, that is used to couple control unit 12 to the hospital bed 10. A hose port 22 is provided at one side of housing 14 and is configured to receive hose assembly 30. Particularly, hose adapter 28 at the end of hose assembly 30 is configured to mate with hose port. 22. The hose port 22, in turn, includes a plurality of individual tube ports 64a-64d and a latch 57 that engages a portion of hose adapter 28 to secure hose assembly 30 to port 22. In the illustrative example, side wall portions of shells 16, 26 of housing 14 each have a number of vent holes 24 through which air enters and exits an interior region of housing 14.

In the illustrative example, hose assembly 30 includes a set of hoses 59a-59d and a sleeve 58 that covers the hoses 59a-59d. When hose adapter 28 is mechanically coupled to hose port 22 of housing 14, hoses 59a-59d of hose assembly 30 are pneumatically coupled to respective tube ports 64a-64d. Thus, tube ports 64a-64d align with the hoses 59a-59d of the hose assembly 30. A diagrammatic arrow 62 in FIG. 2 shows an illustrative direction of movement of adapter 28 of hose assembly 30 as it is inserted into the hose port 22. Hoses 59a-59d provide the conduits or passageways through which air is routed to and from the plurality of bladders 68a-c, 70, 72 and to the MCM envelope 74. The hose adapter 28 includes a button 56 that is pressed to decouple hose assembly 30 from hose port 22 of housing 14. The latch 57 of the hose port 22 engages the hose adapter 28 and provides a retaining force which is released when the button 56 is pressed. In some embodiments, an end of sleeve 58 is reinforced, such as with a plastic or metal ring, and is press fit into a bore of hose adapter 28 or otherwise coupled to hose adapter 28 such that adapter 28 overlaps the end of sleeve 58 which covers the hoses 59a-59d.

Hose 59b is pneumatically coupled to the P&V bladders 68a-c. In the illustrative example, a coiled wire 60 is included in hose 59b to strengthen hose 59b so that hose 59b is better able to withstand the higher pressures that control unit 12 applies to P&V bladders 68 as compared to the pressures applied by control unit 12 to bladders 70, 72 through hoses 59a, 59c, respectively, and to MCM envelope 74 through hose 59d. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure applied by control unit 12 to P&V bladders 68 via hose 59b is about 70 to about 80 cmH₂O at a high intensity setting; the pressure applied by control unit 12 to bladders 70, 72 via hoses 59a, 58c, respectively, is about 30 to about 40 cmH₂O; and the pressure applied by control unit 12 to MCM envelope via hose 59d is about 20 to about 30 cmH₂O.

Based on the above description, it should be appreciated that each of tube ports 64a-64d is allocated to direct air from control unit 12 to P&V bladders 68a-c, to turn assist bladder 70, to turn assist bladder 72 or to the MCM envelope 74 via the associated hose 59a-59d of hose assembly 30. Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, port 64a is allocated to the P&V bladders 68a-c, port 64b is allocated to the right turn assist bladder 70, port 64c is allocated to to the left turn assist bladder 72, and port 64d is allocated to the MCM envelope 74. As will be discussed in further detail below, the illustrative control unit 12 is configured to control only one of the P&V, right turn, left turn, or MCM functions of mattress overlay 32 at a time.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the various states of the electro-mechanical internal components of the control unit 12 to inflate and deflate bladders 68a-c, 70, 72 and to pressurize envelope 74 are shown. In FIG. 3, the internal components have a first state in which right turn bladder 70 is inflated to perform the left turn assist function. In FIG. 4, the internal components have a second state in which right turn bladder 70 is deflated after the left turn assist function is completed. The internal components of control unit 12 have similar settings (not shown) for inflating and deflating left turn bladder 72 in connection with the right turn assist function. In FIG. 5, the internal components have a third state in which pressurized air bladders 68a-c are inflated during P&V therapy. In FIG. 6, the internal components have a fourth state in which bladders 68a-c are deflated during P&V therapy. In FIG. 7, the internal components have a fifth state in which pressurized air is delivered to manifold 75 and then to MCM envelope 74 during MCM therapy.

In each of FIGS. 3-7, the depicted internal components of the control unit 12 are shown to the left of the mattress overlay 32. The depicted components of the control unit 12 include a blower 92, a first rotary valve 78 coupled to an inlet and an outlet of the blower 92, and a second rotary valve 76 coupled to an outlet of the first rotary valve 78. Housing 14 of control unit 12 contains blower 92 and valves 76, 78 therein. The second rotary valve 76 includes a housing 80 having a main block 83 with a cylindrical internal chamber 82 and a cover plate 85 to which the plurality of tubes 64a-64d are coupled. Tubes 64a-d communicate pneumatically with chamber 82 through cover plate 85. The cover plate 85 of housing 80 is attached to block 83 with a plurality of screws 84. There is also a plurality of coil springs 88a-88d (as better shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) associated with each of the tubes 64a-64d. Springs 88a-88d bias respective annular cup seals 168a-d (discussed below in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16) against the rotary plate of valve 76 as will be described in further detail below. An inlet/outlet tube 86 pneumatically couples the outlet of the first rotary valve to the chamber 82 of block 83.

A stepper motor 90 is coupled to a back surface of block 83 and an output of shaft of stepper motor 90 turns a rotary plate inside passage 82 of block 83 as will be described in further detail below in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16. Basically, the position of the rotary plate within block 83 dictates whether passageway 86 is pneumatically coupled to tube 64a, 64b, 64c or 64d. Thus, the rotary plate of second rotary valve 76 has four positions. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotary plate of valve 76 is at a first position pneumatically coupling passageway 86 with tube 64a which is, in turn, pneumatically coupled to right bladder 70. In a second position (not shown) of the rotary plate of valve 76, passageway 86 is pneumatically coupled to tube 64b which, in turn, is coupled to left bladder 72. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the rotary plate of valve 76 is at a third position pneumatically coupling passageway 86 with tube 64c which is, in turn, pneumatically coupled to P&V bladders 68a-c. In FIG. 7, the rotary plate of valve 76 is at a fourth position pneumatically coupling passageway 86 with tube 64d which is, in turn, pneumatically coupled to MCM envelope 74 via manifold 75.

The first rotary valve 78 includes a rotary plate 104 sandwiched between a first manifold shell 94 and a second manifold shell 96. Shells 94, 96 couple together to form a manifold that contains rotary plate 104 therein. An inlet 93 of blower 92 pneumatically couples to a first passage (not shown) of shell 94 and an outlet 95 of blower 92 pneumatically couples to a second passage (not shown) of shell 94. A first passageway 98a of shell 96 pneumatically couples to passageway 86 of second rotary valve 76 and a second passageway 98b of shell 96 is pneumatically coupled to atmosphere. A stepper motor 100 is mounted to shell 96 and has an output shaft which turns rotary plate 104 within manifold 94, 96 of valve 78. Plate 104 has a four openings 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d therein in the illustrative example.

Depending upon the position of plate 104, the inlet 93 of blower is pneumatically coupled to one of passageways 98a, 98b and the outlet 95 of blower 92 is coupled to the other of passageways 98a, 98b. In particular, in a first position of plate 104 shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, inlet 93 of blower 92 is pneumatically coupled to passageway 98b via opening 102a and outlet 95 of blower 92 is coupled to passageway 98a via opening 102d. In the first position of plate 104, openings 102b, 102c are both blocked off. In a second position of plate 104 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, inlet 93 of blower is pneumatically coupled to passageway 98a via opening 102c and outlet 95 of blower 92 is pneumatically coupled to passageway 98b via opening 102b. In the second position of plate 104, openings 102a, 102d are blocked off. An electrical connector 106 is provided for electrically coupling blower 92 to the control circuitry of control unit 12.

In the first position of plate 104, air from the ambient is drawn into passageway 98b of valve 98, moved through blower 92, and then the air pressurized from blower 92 is moved through valve 78 and expelled through passageway 98a into chamber 82 of block 83 of valve 76 through passageway 86. The pressurized air from blower 92 received in chamber 82 of valve 76 is ultimately directed to either bladders 68a-c, bladder 70, bladder 72, or MCM envelope 74 depending upon the state of valve 76 as dictated by the position of the rotary plate therein. In the second position of plate 104, air from overlay 32 is drawn through valve 76 into passageway 98a of valve 78 and is then drawn into inlet 93 of blower 92 where it is expelled from the outlet 95 of blower 92, though valve 78, and then to the ambient through passageway 98b. Additional details of rotary valve 78 and the accompanying blower 92 and stepper motor 100 is shown in FIG. 72 and described in paragraphs [00208]-[00214] of International Publication No. WO 2016/159889 A1 which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Referring once again to FIG. 3, the activation of the left turn assist function is illustrated showing the control unit 12 inflating the right turn bladder 70. In FIG. 3, rotary plate 104 of valve 78 is in the first position and the rotary plate of valve 76 is in the first position. There are several arrows illustrating the direction of airflow through the valve 78 including into the valve 76 to flow, ultimately, to bladder 70 the mattress overlay 32. For example, arrow 110 shows the direction of air flowing into passageway 98b from the ambient atmosphere. From the passageway 98b, the airflow follows arrow 114 to continue through opening 102a of plate 104 of valve 78 and then into inlet 93 of blower 92 through shell 94. From the blower 92, the airflow follows arrow 116 through opening 102d of plate 104 of valve 78 into passageway 98a of shell 96. From the passageway 98a, the airflow follows arrow 112 into passageway 86 of valve 76. From passageway 86, the airflow follows arrow 118 through valve 76 to tube 64a. From tube 64a, the airflow follows arrow 120 through hose 30 into the mattress overlay 32 to inflate the right bladder 70. The inflation of the right bladder 70 assists a patient lying on the overlay 32 to turn to the left.

Referring to FIG. 4, the deactivation of the left turn assist function resulting in the deflation of right bladder 70 is shown. In FIG. 4, the rotary plate of valve 76 remains in the first position, but rotary plate 104 is moved to the second position so that air from bladder 70 is directed to the ambient atmosphere through passageway 98b. In particular, the air from the right bladder 70 follows arrow 132 through hose 30 to tube 64a. From tube 64a, the airflow follows arrow 130 through chamber 82 into passageway 86. From passageway 86, the airflow follows arrow 124 into passageway 98a of shell 96 of valve 78. From the passageway 98a, the airflow follows arrow 128 through opening 102c of plate 104 of valve 78 into inlet 93 of blower 92. From the outlet 95 of blower 92, the airflow follows arrow 126 through opening 102b of plate 104 of valve 78 to passageway 98b of shell 96. From the passageway 98b, the airflow follows arrow 122 into the ambient atmosphere.

It should be appreciated that during activation and deactivation of the right turn assist function using left turn bladder 72, blower 92 and valve 98 are operated the same as just described above in connection with the left turn assist function. However, the rotary plate of valve 76 is moved to the second position so that air exits and enters chamber 82 of valve 76 through tube 64b rather than tube 64a. Of course, tube 64a is pneumatically coupled to left bladder 72 via hose 30 whereas tube 64a is coupled to right bladder 70. Otherwise the description above regarding the inflation and deflation of bladder 70 is equally applicable to the inflation and deflation of bladder 72.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the activation of the P&V therapy function is illustrated in connection with the portion of P&V therapy in which a pulse of air is delivered to bladders 68a-c. During the air pulse delivery portion of the P&V therapy, rotary plate 104 of valve 78 is in the first position and the rotary plate of valve 76 is in the third position. The pulse of air is deliver to P&V bladders 68a-c through a manifold 134 included in overlay 32 adjacent to one of the ends of bladders 68a-c. The manifold 134 directs air from tube 59b of hose 30 to the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c. Similarly to FIG. 3, arrow 110 in FIG. 5 shows the direction of air flowing into passageway 98b of shell 96 of valve 78 from the ambient atmosphere. From passageway 98b, the airflow follows arrow 114 through opening 102a of plate 104 of valve 78 into inlet 93 of blower 92. From the outlet 95 of blower 92, the airflow follows arrow 116 through opening 102d of plate 104 into passageway 98a of shell 96. From passageway 98a, the airflow follows arrow 112 through passageway 86 into chamber 82 of valve 76. From passageway 86, the airflow follows arrow 136 to tube 64c. From tubes 64c, the airflow follows arrow 138 through tube 59b of hose 30 into the mattress overlay 32 to inflate a plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c through the manifold 134.

Referring to FIG. 6, the portion of the P&V therapy function during which the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c is deflated is shown. During the deflation portion of the P&V therapy, plate 104 of valve 78 is moved to the second position and the rotary plate of valve 76 remains in the third position. During deflation, air moves from bladders 68a-c through manifold 134 and into tube 59b of a hose 30. In particular, the air exiting from manifold 134 follows arrow 142 through the hose 30 to tube 64c of valve 76. From tubes 64c, the air flow follows arrow 140 through chamber 82 to passageway 86 of the valve 76. From the passageway 86, the airflow follows arrow 124 into passageway 98a of shell 96 of valve 78. From the passageway 98a, the airflow follows arrow 128 through opening 102c of plate 104 of valve 78 into inlet 93 of blower 92. From the outlet 95 of blower 92, the airflow follows arrow 126 through opening 102b of plate 104 of valve 78 into passageway 98b of shell 96. From passageway 98b, the airflow follows arrow 122 into the ambient. Thus, during inflation of P&V bladders 68ac, plate 104 is in the first position and during deflation of P&V bladders 68a-c, plate 104 is in the second position. Plate 104 oscillates and switches rapidly between the first and second positions during P&V therapy to create high frequency pressure pulses, on the order of 5 to 20 Hertz or greater, in bladders 68a-c.

Referring to FIG. 7, the activation of the microclimate management (MCM) function so that air flows from control unit 12 to the MCM envelope 74 is illustrated. Similar to FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, arrows 110, 112, 114, 116 show the direction of air flowing through valve 78 from the atmosphere 31 to valve 76. Thus, during the MCM function, plate 104 of valve 78 is in the first position. However, during the MCM function shown in FIG. 7, the rotary plate in valve 76 is in the fourth position. From passageway 86, therefore, the airflow follows arrow 144 through chamber 82 of valve 76 to tube 64d. From tubes 64d, the airflow follows arrow 146 through hose 30 into the mattress overlay 32 to flow into the MCM envelope 74 through manifold 75. Because the MCM envelope 74 has a low air loss feature, there is no need to reverse the flow of air from envelope 74 or manifold 75. Thus, plate 104 of valve 78 remains in the first position when the MCM function is turned off and the pressurized air within envelope 74 bleeds to ambient atmosphere through envelope 74.

In some embodiments, blower 92 is operated in an open loop manner at a respective set speed when inflating P&V bladders 68a-c and pressurizing MCM envelope 74. In contrast, blower 92 is operated in a closed loop manner when inflating the left and right turn bladders 70, 72. In this regard, mattress overlay apparatus 10 includes at least one pressure sensor (see sensor 226 in FIG. 17) that senses a pressure of the air being output or pneumatically communicated to left and right turn bladders 70, 72. The pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 226 is used in connection with the closed loop control of the blower 92. Patient weight and desired time to complete inflation of the left and right turn bladders 70, 72 also may be used in connection with the closed loop control of the blower 92. The set speed of operation of the blower 92 to inflate the P&V bladders 68a-c may be different than the set speed of operation of the blower 92 to pressurize the MCM envelope 74, depending upon the established target pressures for the P&V and MCM functions.

As is apparent in FIGS. 3-7, rotary plate valves 76, 78 are arranged in series between the various bladders 68a-c, 70, 72, 74 and blower 92. Furthermore, valves 76, 78 are oriented in the illustrative embodiment such that a first axis about which rotary plate 104 of valve 78 rotates is substantially perpendicular to a second axis about which a rotary plate 170 (discussed below in connection with FIGS. 15 and 16) of valve 76 rotates. The first axis about which plate 104 rotates is defined by the output shaft of stepper motor 100 and the second axis about which plate 170 rotates is defined by the output shafts of stepper motors 90. Other arrangements of valves 76, 78 in which the first and second axes of rotary plates 104, 170 are not substantially similar are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, inflation of the P&V bladders 68a-c, the left turn assist bladder 72, and the right turn assist bladder 72 and the pressurization of the MCM envelope 74 is mutually exclusive such that only one of the associated P&V function, right turn assist function, left turn assist function, and MCM function is able to be operated at any given time. Similarly, deflation of P&V bladders 68a-c, the left turn assist bladder 72, and the right turn assist bladder 72 is mutually exclusive. The position of valve 76 determines which of the P&V function, right turn assist function, left turn assist function, and MCM function is the active function. The position of valve 78 determines whether positive pressure or negative pressure is delivered to valve 76 and ultimately, to overlay 32.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-7, blower 92 serves as an air source for mattress overlay apparatus 10. That is, blower 92 is the source of pressurized air for inflating bladders 68-a-c, 70, 72, 74. In the illustrative example, blower 92 also serves as a negative pressure source or vacuum for removal of air from bladders 68a-c, 70, 72. Alternative air sources that may be used in connection with apparatus 10 in addition to, or in lieu of, blower 92 include one or more pumps, compressors, pressurized reservoirs, a gas supply system of a healthcare facility, and so forth.

In some contemplated embodiments such as the one shown in FIGS. 3-7, the mattress overlay apparatus 10 include a vital signs sensor 77 that is integrated into the overlay 32. The vital signs sensor is located in the patient's thoracic or chest region beneath P&V bladders 68a-c and, in some embodiments, beneath turn assist bladders 70, 72. Vital signs sensor 77 is configured to measure heart rate and/or respiration rate, for example. Vital signs sensor 77 comprises a sheet-like capacitive sensor in some embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, sensor 77 comprises a piezoelectric sensor and/or a force sensor, such as a strain gage or a force sensitive resistor (FSR). Sensor 77 is configured to sense patient presence on the overlay 32 and/or patient absence from the overlay 32. An electrical conductor (not shown) is routed from sensor 77 to control unit 12, such as being routed along or within hose assembly 30, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, sensor 77 communicates wirelessly with control unit 12.

In some embodiments, overlay 32 has a pocket beneath P&V bladder 68a-c for insertion of an auxiliary support surface when P&V bladders 68a-c are in use. The auxiliary support surface enhances rigidity of the overlay 32 beneath P&V bladders 68a-c, thereby to enhance the effectiveness of the P&V function to loosen and/or dislodge mucus from the patient's lungs. The auxiliary support surface comprises a separately inflated intermediate bladder, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary support surface may include a substantially rigid plate. In some embodiments, the pocket that receives the auxiliary support surface is also configured to receive a chest X-ray plate therein. Optionally, the pocket is accessible through an opening at a side of the overlay 32. If desired, a zipper may be coupled to the overlay 32 and may be configured to open and close the opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, the mattress overlay 32 is shown coupled to the mattress 66 in two different embodiments, with two views for each embodiment. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, couplers 148 are used to couple overlay 32 to mattress 66 and in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, couplers 150 are used to couple overlay 32 to the mattress 66.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first embodiment of the mattress overlay 32 coupled to the mattress 66 is shown. The mattress overlay 32 is coupled to the mattress 66 using couplers 148 which are illustratively embodied as straps with buckles 148 in this embodiment. The mattress overlay 32 includes two straps with buckles 148 in the illustrative example. In other embodiments, the mattress overlay 32 may include a different number of straps with buckles 148 to couple the mattress overlay 32 to the mattress 66. The straps with buckles 148 are coupled to the bottom of the mattress overlay 32 and wrap around the mattress 66 to provide a secure fit to the mattress 66. The straps with buckles 148 allow for slight movement of the mattress overlay 32 in relation to the mattress 66 as in the case of the inflation of the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72 and/or articulation of a mattress support deck of bed 10. The straps with buckles 148 may be made of any material suitable for coupling the mattress overlay 32 to the mattress 66. The straps with buckles 148 are positioned more closely to the center of the mattress 66 in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the straps with buckles 148 are positioned elsewhere than the center of the mattress 66, such as more towards the ends of the overlay 32.

Referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D, the second embodiment of the mattress overlay 32 coupled to the mattress 66 is shown. The mattress overlay 32 is coupled to the mattress 66 using couplers 150 which are illustratively embodied as elastic straps 150 in this embodiment. The mattress overlay 32 includes four elastic straps 150 to couple the mattress 66. In other embodiments, the mattress overlay 32 may include some other number of elastic straps 150 to couple the mattress overlay 32 to the mattress 66. The elastic straps 150 allow for slight movement of the mattress overlay 32 in relation to the mattress 66 as in the case of the inflation of the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72 and/or the articulation of the mattress support deck of bed 10. In some embodiments, the elastic straps 150 may be made of any elastic material suitable for coupling the mattress overlay 32 to the mattress 66. The elastic straps 150 are located at the corners of the overlay 32 and are configured to wrap around the corner regions of mattress 66. In other embodiments, the elastic straps 150 may be positioned elsewhere other than the corners of the mattress 66.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the mattress overlay 32 and control unit 12 are shown. The control unit 12 is pneumatically coupled to the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c through hose 30 and manifold 134. The P&V bladders 68a-c are positioned on the mattress overlay 32 so as to underlie a patient's chest. The control unit 12 is positioned at the foot end of the mattress overlay 32 and hose 30 is routed along a side edge of the overlay 32.

In the illustrative embodiment, hose 30 is pneumatically coupled to the manifold 134 which is, in turn, attached to the P&V bladders 68a-c on the left side. In other embodiments, the hose 30 may be on the right side of P&V bladders 68a-c. In FIG. 9B, hose 30 is positioned underneath the mattress overlay 32. In other embodiments, the hose 30 may be positioned on the right side of mattress overlay 32. The hose 30 transitions from underneath the mattress overlay 32 to the manifold 134 and P&V bladders 68a-c above the mattress overlay 32 as shown in FIG. 9C.

Referring to FIG. 9D, a cutaway view of the hose 30 is shown. The hose 30 has three dimensional (3D) engineered material in the interior region. The 3D material includes a multitude of strands 135 that maintain the hose 30 in an opened condition but are soft enough to collapse under the weight of the patient if the patient happens to move onto hose 30. The hose 30 shown in FIG. 9D also is foldable with the overlay 32 for shipping and storage. The material of the hose 30 may be any material suitable to retain airflow but in some embodiments, the material is cloth-like, flexible material. In some embodiments, the air may flow through pipe 59b and then into the flexible, cloth-like hose 30 having the 3D engineered material. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure for pipe 59d to extend from control unit 12 to manifold 134.

Referring now to FIG. 9E, pipe 59b is connected to an air pocket 67 that is formed integrally with the overlay 32. An elbow joint 69 interconnects an end of pipe 59b to an end wall 71 of air pocket 67. Air pocket 67 leads to the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c. In some embodiments, pocket 68 contains 3D engineered material therein. Air delivered through air pocket 67 inflates and deflates all three of P&V bladders 68a-c in some embodiments. In other embodiments, a plurality of air pockets is provided to pneumatically couple to individual P&V bladders 68a-c to inflate and deflate the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c.

Referring now to FIG. 10, mattress overlay 32 has a cover 154 and a plurality of hoses 30a-30h that are coupled to the side and end of the mattress overlay 32 by a plurality of hose straps 152. The plurality of hoses 30a-30h pneumatically couple the control unit 12 to the plurality of bladders 68a-c, 70, 72 and the MCM envelope 74. Straps 152 are constructed so as to define a number of loops through which hoses 30a-h are routed. The cover 154 extends downwardly along the sides and ends of mattress 66 to cover the plurality of hoses 30a-30h. By retaining hoses 30a-h with straps 152 along the sides and ends of mattress 66, the patient has less of a chance to lie on top of any of hoses 30a-h. Only a small portion of hoses 30a-h are situated on top of mattress 66 at the sides of overlay 32.

Referring to FIG. 11, hospital bed 10 with mattress overlay 32 and mattress 66 as shown in FIG. 10 is depicted on top of the frame 34. The mattress 66 is supported by an upper frame assembly 35. The base 36 of the frame 34 supports a lift system 39 which, in turn, supports the upper frame assembly 35. The lift system 39 is operable to raise, lower, and tilt upper frame assembly 35 relative to base 36. The plurality of hoses 30a-30e are shown to be coupled to the mattress overlay 32 by the plurality of hose straps 152 as described above. In FIG. 11, the cover 154 is held back to expose the plurality of hoses 30a-30e. In use, the cover 154 is moved downwardly to cover the plurality of hoses 30a-30e as shown in FIG. 12 with regard to one of the flaps of cover 154.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the siderail assembly 50 further includes a display 156 and a user interface 158 positioned in the barrier panel 52. The display 156 provides information regarding the settings of the hospital bed 10 and has user inputs that are selected to control some functions and features of the hospital bed 10. In some embodiments, the display 156 may be used to provide inputs to the control unit 12 similarly to the graphical user interface 18 of the control unit 12 described above. The user interface 158 contains a plurality of buttons that control some functions of the hospital bed 10, such as controlling lift system 39 and controlling the movement of the mattress support deck of the upper frame assembly 35. The user interface 158 may also interact with the control unit 12 in some embodiments. The mattress overlay 32 of FIGS. 11 and 12 includes straps with buckles 148 to couple the mattress overlay 32 to the mattress 66 as described above.

Referring to FIG. 13, a section of the mattress overlay 32 with the P&V bladders 68a-c is shown. The P&V bladders 68 are inflated through two hose connectors 134a, 134b. The two hose connectors 134a, 134b may be coupled to two of the plurality of hoses 30a-30h to pneumatically couple the control unit 12 to the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c as described above. In some embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 13, P&V bladders 68a-c are formed by coupling together, such as at the illustrative weld lines, a first layer of material of the overlay 32 and a second layer of material of the overlay 32 such that the P&V bladders 68a-c extend laterally across a majority of a width of the overlay 32 and such that conduits through which air is delivered to the P&V bladders 68a-c are defined between the first and second layers along opposite longitudinal sides of the overlay 32. Alternatively, such conduits formed by overlay material may all be situated along the same longitudinal side of the overlay 32. Referring to FIG. 14, an embodiment is shown in which P&V bladders 68a-c are inflated using hoses 30a-c, 30e-g that are routed through respective air pockets at the opposite sides of overlay 32, there being three hoses 30a-c on the right side of overlay 32 and three hoses 30e-g on the left side of overlay 32.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the second rotary valve 76 of control unit 12 is shown. Valve 76 includes a first stepper motor 90, cover 85, main block 83, and a rotatable plate 170. There are further components sandwiched between the cover 85 and rotatable plate 170 and between the rotatable plate 170 and main block 83. The main block 83 and cover 85 are square in shape and the cover 85 has a flange 162 with a circular portion 161 projecting therefrom and having cylindrical holes 164a-164d to receive the tubes 64a-64d. The rotatable plate 170 is round in shape.

Flange 162 of cover 85 has four holes 166 to receive screws 84 to couple cover 85 to main block 83. The circular portion 161 of the cover 85 has a groove 163 that receives an O-ring 165. The O-ring 165 is made of a rubber or elastic material to provide sealing engagement between portion 161 of cover 85 and the inner surface of chamber 82. Thus, ring 165 provides a seal to prevent air from leaking from valve 76 during operation of the control unit 12. The tubular holes 164a-164d correspond to particular tubes 64a-64d so that air may be directed to the plurality of P&V bladders 68a-c, turn assist bladder 70, turn assist bladder 72 or MCM envelope 74.

The rotatable plate 170 includes a hole 172 to allow for air flow through the rotatable plate 170 and a raised portion 176 that has a square hole 178 to receive a square block 180 to provide torque to the rotatable plate 170 from the first stepper motor 90. Rotary plate 170 includes a bar 174 across hole 172 to prevent cup seals 168a-168d sandwiched between the cover 85 and the rotatable plate 170 from herniating when the hole 172 is moved across the cup seals 168a-168d. Bar 174 bifurcates or separates hole 172 into two hole portions with each hole portion being on one side of bar 174 or the other. Springs 88a-88d bias the respective cup seals 168a-168d into engagement with the rotatable plate 170. The bar 174 comprises a curved piece across the hole 172 in the illustrative embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, the bar 174 may include straight portions. Bar 174, therefore, serves as an anti-herniation appendage situated in hole 172. In the illustrative embodiment, bar 174 extends all the way across 172.

The main block 83 includes four holes 192 that align with holes 166 of the first stationary plate 160 that receive the screws 84 to couple the cover 85 and the main block 83 together. The main block 83 includes an opening 194 to receive the passageway 86 therein. The passageway 86 couples the first rotary valve 78 to the second rotary valve 76 as described above. The main block 83 includes four holes 196 that receive suitable fasteners, such as bolts or screws 186, to couple the first stepper motor 90 to main block 83. The main block 83 also includes an opening 198 to receive an output shaft 200 of the first stepper motor 90. The first stepper motor 90 includes holes 202 to align with the holes 196 of the main block 83. Screws 186 are received in holes 196 of main block 83 and holes 202 of the first stepper motor 90.

The cover 85 and the rotatable plate 170 have springs 88a-88d compressed therebetween and in engagement with cup seals 168a-168d that align with the holes 164a-164d and the tubes 64a-64d. Thus, springs 88a-88d are compressed between cover 85 and the respective cup seal 168a-168d, each of which is, in turn, biased against rotary plate 170. The hole 172 of plate 170 rotates with the output shaft 200 to be positioned in alignment with one of the holes 164a-164d to allow airflow to the respective tube 64a-d which are, in turn, pneumatically coupled to respective bladders 68a-c, 70, 72 or MCM envelope 74.

A thrust bearing 182 is situated between the rotatable plate 170 and the main block 83 and helps to maintain the square portion 180 within the hole 178. A shaft seal 184 attaches to a distal end of the output shaft 200 and abuts the thrust bearing 182. The thrust bearing 182 abuts the square block 180. The first stepper motor 90 rotates the rotatable plate 170 through the output shaft 200 and the square block 180 received in the hole 178 of the rotatable plate 170. As shown in FIG. 16, main block 83 has cylindrical chamber 82 which receives the internal components of the valve 76. A set screw 181 is provided to couple square block 180 to raised portion 176 of plate 170. Set screw 181 threads through raised portion 176 and into a hole formed at a corner region of the square block 180.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a diagrammatic view of the electrical system 204 and pneumatic system 76, 78, 92 of control unit 12 is provided. Electrical system 204 includes control circuitry 210 which, in turn, includes a microprocessor 212 and memory 214. In some embodiments, microprocessor 212 and memory 214 are part of a single microcontroller integrated circuit chip. As shown in FIG. 17, GUI 18, on/off button 218, sensors 226, USB port 220, and wireless communication module 224 are coupled electrically to control circuitry 210. A wireless communication module port 222 is shown diagrammatically and provides the communication link between module 224 and circuitry 210.

An alternating current (AC) power cord 216 is also coupled to circuitry 210. Circuitry 210, therefore, includes components to convert the incoming AC power to the proper voltage levels, e.g., 5 Volts (V), 12 V, 24 V, etc., required by various components of systems 76,78, 92, 204. In some embodiments, control unit 12 includes a lithium ion battery pack which is charged while power cord 216 is plugged into a power outlet. In some such embodiments, the components of control unit 12 are powered from the lithium ion battery pack regardless of whether cord 216 is plugged into a power outlet. Battery packs or batteries that operate according to technologies other than lithium ion technology are also within the scope of this disclosure for use in control unit 12.

It should be appreciated that although circuitry 210 is shown diagrammatically as a single block in FIG. 17, it is within the scope of this disclosure for circuitry 210 to include electrical components that are provided on multiple, separate circuit boards which are interconnected via suitable conductors. It is also within the scope of this disclosure for circuitry 210 to comprise a single circuit board with the associated electrical components mounted thereon. Of course, some components of electrical system 204 may not be attached to any circuit board at all. For example, button 218, USB port 220, and wireless communication module port 222 may be physically mounted to housing 14 rather than to a circuit board. Ultimately, however, suitable conductors connect these components to control circuitry 210.

In FIG. 17, the double headed arrows leading between circuitry 210 and the various other components are intended to imply that bidirectional or two-way communication occurs between circuitry 210 and the associated components. However, this is not to exclude the possibility that other embodiments of control unit 12 may have one-way communication between circuitry 210 and one or more of the other elements. Similarly, the one-way arrow from power cord 216 is not intended to exclude the possibility of two-way communication between circuitry 210 and these components in other embodiments. For example, data over power line communication technology may be employed, if desired, to transmit signals from circuitry 210 over AC power cord 216 away from control unit 12.

Still referring to FIG. 17, blower 92, inlet 93, and the combination direction/oscillation valve 78 pneumatically coupled to the blower 92 and chamber 93 are shown. Valve 78 includes second stepper motor 100 that controls movement of rotary valve plate 104 of valve 78 as discussed above. Valve 78 couples to valve 76 through passageway 98a which directs air to a hose 30 which, in turn, directs air to the plurality of bladders 68a-c, 70, 72 and MCM envelope 74 through one of a plurality of passageways 64a-64d and manifold 134. Valve 76 includes a first stepper motor 90 that controls movement of rotatable plate 170 to direct airflow to one of the plurality of passageways 64a-64d as discussed above. Valve 78 also includes a passageway 98b that couples to atmosphere 31.

One or more sensors 226 are placed in pneumatic communication with any of the passageways 98a, 98b, 64, hose 30, and manifold 134 and are in electrical communication with control circuitry 210 via suitable conductors. Thus, one could allocate sensor(s) 226 as being a component of either electrical system 204 or pneumatic system 76, 78, 92 or both. The one or more sensors 226 may further be placed in pneumatic communication with other components such as the blower 92. Sensor(s) 226 include a pressure sensor or a flow sensor or both. Suitable electrical conductors also interconnect blower 92, first stepper motor 90, and second stepper motor 100 to circuitry 210. In general, conductors communicate control signals from circuitry 210 to blower 92, first stepper motor 90, second stepper motor 100 and communicate feedback signals from blower 92, first stepper motor 90, and second stepper motor 100 to circuitry 210.

Examples of feedback signals from blower 92 include rotational speed of an impeller of the blower 92 and the temperature of the blower 92. The control signal to the blower 92 may include, for example, a voltage signal such as a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. Examples of feedback signals from one of the stepper motors 90, 100 include a step count number indicative of a position of an output shaft of one of the motors 90, 100 and a temperature of one of the motors 90,100. The control signal to one of the motors 90, 100 may include, for example, a voltage pulse to move the motor output shaft by one step or a series of pulses to move the motor output shaft by a corresponding number of steps.

When positive pressure produced at an outlet of blower 92, defined by a an opening 102a of valve 78, is to be supplied to the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72 or MCM envelope 74, valve 78 is operated so that pressurized air from blower 92 is communicated to one of the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72 or MCM envelope 74. When negative pressure produced at inlet 93 of the blower 92, defined by opening 102b, is to be supplied to the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72 or MCM envelope 74, valve 78 is operated so that suction from blower 92 is communicated from passageway 98a to withdraw air from the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72 or the MCM envelope 74.

FIG. 17 has one-way arrows to show that blower 92 is pneumatically coupled to rotary valve 78 to indicate a direction of flow of air to or from the blower 92, whereas bidirectional arrows are shown in passageways 98a, 98b, 64, 134 to indicate that air is sometimes flowing from valve 78 toward the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72, MCM envelope 74, or atmosphere 31 and that air is sometimes flowing from valve 78 away from the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72, MCM envelope 74, or atmosphere 31. Valve 78 is operable to switch between a positive pressure position in which air is drawn from atmosphere 31 to be pressurized by blower 92 for delivery to the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72, or MCM envelope 74 and a negative pressure position in which air is drawn from the plurality of bladders 68, 70, 72, or MCM envelope 74 and is blown to atmosphere 31 by blower 92.

According to this disclosure, valve 78 is also operable while in the positive pressure position and/or the negative pressure position to produce oscillations in the pressure being delivered to P&V bladders 68. It is contemplated by this disclosure that, in some embodiments, only the second stepper motor 100 is used in control unit 12 to control whether valve 94 is in the positive pressure position or the negative pressure position and to control whether the valve 94 produces oscillations while in either of these positions.

Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, many embodiments, variations and modifications are possible that are still within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described herein and as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A valve apparatus comprising a valve body,a rotary plate coupled to the valve body for rotation, the rotary plate having a flat front surface and being rotatable about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the flat front surface, andat least three seals, each of which has a bore and each of which is biased into contact with the flat front surface of the rotary plate in respective directions parallel with the rotation axis of the rotary plate, the rotary plate having a hole formed therethough and an anti-herniation appendage situated in the hole, the hole being open at the flat front surface of the rotary plate and at a flat back surface of the rotary plate, the anti-herniation appendage preventing herniation of the seal as the rotary plate rotates the hole and the anti-herniation appendage across at least respective portions of the at least three seals, wherein pneumatic communication between the hole and the bore of each of the at least three seals is mutually exclusive such that communication between the hole and one fewer of the at least three seals is nonexistent when the hole is aligned in registry with any single bore of the at least three seals.

2. The valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein each seal of the at least three seals comprises an annular seal.

3. The valve apparatus of claim 2, further comprising wherein each of the at least three seals is biased into contact with the flat front surface of the rotary plate by a respective spring.

4. The valve apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of the springs comprises a coil spring that is compressed between the respective annular seal and a portion of the valve body.

5. The valve apparatus of claim 2, wherein each annular seal comprises a cup seal.

6. The valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anti-herniation appendage comprises a bar that extends across the hole to define two hole portions.

7. The valve apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the bar is curved.

8. The valve apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stepper motor coupled to the valve body and operable to rotate the rotary plate.

9. The valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve body comprises a main body having a cylindrical chamber in which the rotary plate is situated and a cover that attaches to the main body.

10. The valve apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cover has a cylindrical projection that extends into the cylindrical chamber of the main body.

11. The valve apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cover has four passages therethrough that communicate pneumatically with the cylindrical chamber and wherein the hole in the rotary plate aligns with a respective passage of the four passages as the rotary plate rotates.

12. The valve apparatus of claim 11, wherein centers of the four passages are spaced apart by about 90 degrees from each other with respect to the rotation axis about which the rotary plate rotates.

13. The valve apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least three seals comprise a first annular seal that is aligned with a first passage of the plurality of passages and further comprising second, third, and fourth annular seals that are aligned with respective second, third, and fourth passages of the four passages, respectively.

14. The valve apparatus of claim 13, further comprising first, second, third, and fourth springs that are arranged to bias the first, second, third, and fourth annular seals, respectively, against the rotary plate.

15. The valve apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth springs each comprise a coil spring that is compressed between the first, second, third, and fourth annular seals, respectively, and a portion of the cover.

16. The valve apparatus of claim 11, further comprising four tubes, each tube being received by a respective passage of the four passages and extending from the cover away from the main body such that an end of each of the four tubes confronts the flat front surface of the rotary plate.

17. The valve apparatus of claim 16, wherein the four tubes extend from the cover in a substantially parallel manner.

18. The valve apparatus of claim 11, wherein each passage of the four passages is cylindrical.

19. The valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotary plate comprises a circular disk and wherein the valve body includes a cylindrical cavity in which the rotary plate is situated.

20. The valve apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of the at least three seals is also situated in the cylindrical cavity of the valve body.