U.S. patent application number 13/941179 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for monitoring systems devices and methods for patient lifts.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ronnie Arespong, William Brian Bishop, Steven A. Dixon, Elin Dovervik, Lars Eklof, David M. Girardeau, Benjamin E. Howell, Nelda R. Johnson, David Lundberg, Whitney Pesot, Kelli F. Rempel, Catherine Ringbjer, Erik Roehl, Christian Saucier, Richard J. Schuman, Joshua W. Shenk, Hanna Youngstrom. Invention is credited to Ronnie Arespong, William Brian Bishop, Steven A. Dixon, Elin Dovervik, Lars Eklof, David M. Girardeau, Benjamin E. Howell, Nelda R. Johnson, David Lundberg, Whitney Pesot, Kelli F. Rempel, Catherine Ringbjer, Erik Roehl, Christian Saucier, Richard J. Schuman, Joshua W. Shenk, Hanna Youngstrom.
Application Number | 20140020175 13/941179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48877013 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140020175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dixon; Steven A. ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
MONITORING SYSTEMS DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PATIENT LIFTS
Abstract
A monitoring system comprises a lift assembly configured to lift
a patient; a control system configured to control operation of the
lift system; and a reporting system in communication with the
control system and configured to receive operational information
for the lift assembly. The reporting system compares the
operational information to a predetermined set of values to
determine if the operation of the lift is in compliance with the
protocols.
Inventors: |
Dixon; Steven A.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Johnson; Nelda R.; (Cary,
NC) ; Howell; Benjamin E.; (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
; Bishop; William Brian; (Apex, NC) ; Saucier;
Christian; (Raleigh, NC) ; Girardeau; David M.;
(Pittsboro, NC) ; Shenk; Joshua W.; (Batesville,
IN) ; Rempel; Kelli F.; (Chapel Hill, NC) ;
Schuman; Richard J.; (Cary, NC) ; Pesot; Whitney;
(Cary, NC) ; Roehl; Erik; (Apex, NC) ;
Dovervik; Elin; (Lulea, SE) ; Lundberg; David;
(Alvsbyn, SE) ; Youngstrom; Hanna; (Kullavik,
SE) ; Ringbjer; Catherine; (Lulea, SE) ;
Arespong; Ronnie; (Boden, SE) ; Eklof; Lars;
(Lulea, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dixon; Steven A.
Johnson; Nelda R.
Howell; Benjamin E.
Bishop; William Brian
Saucier; Christian
Girardeau; David M.
Shenk; Joshua W.
Rempel; Kelli F.
Schuman; Richard J.
Pesot; Whitney
Roehl; Erik
Dovervik; Elin
Lundberg; David
Youngstrom; Hanna
Ringbjer; Catherine
Arespong; Ronnie
Eklof; Lars |
Cincinnati
Cary
Fuquay-Varina
Apex
Raleigh
Pittsboro
Batesville
Chapel Hill
Cary
Cary
Apex
Lulea
Alvsbyn
Kullavik
Lulea
Boden
Lulea |
OH
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
IN
NC
NC
NC
NC |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
48877013 |
Appl. No.: |
13/941179 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61671048 |
Jul 12, 2012 |
|
|
|
61801492 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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61798207 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/85.1 ;
5/83.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/1017 20130101;
A61G 7/1061 20130101; A61G 2203/44 20130101; A61G 2203/72 20130101;
A61G 7/1065 20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; A61G 7/1051 20130101;
A61B 5/11 20130101; A61G 2203/12 20130101; A61G 7/018 20130101;
A61B 2562/0257 20130101; A61G 2203/20 20130101; A61G 7/108
20130101; A61G 7/1073 20130101; A61G 7/1042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/85.1 ;
5/83.1 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/10 20060101
A61G007/10 |
Claims
1. An equipment associating system, comprising: an electronic tag
used in conjunction with an asset; a person lift system including
an electronic reader configured to read the electronic tag when the
electronic tag is a predetermined distance from the electronic
reader; and an information management system configured to receive
information from the person lift system corresponding to the
electronic tag and to associate the corresponding asset and the
person lift system.
2. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the asset
includes a patient.
3. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the asset
includes a medical device.
4. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the asset
includes a person support structure.
5. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the asset
includes a caregiver.
6. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the
information management system includes an asset tracking
feature.
7. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the person
lift system includes a motor, a tether configured to be extended
and retracted by the motor, and a sling support coupled to the
tether, wherein the electronic reader is coupled to the sling
support.
8. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the person
lift system includes a sling and the electronic reader is coupled
to the sling.
9. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the
electronic reader is an RFID reader and the electronic tag is an
RFID tag.
10. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the
electronic reader is configured to write information to the
electronic tag.
11. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the
electronic reader writes information corresponding to at least one
of the condition of the asset, the status of the asset, the
performance of the asset, and the association of an asset with
another asset.
12. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the person
lift system includes a pendant and the electronic reader is coupled
to the pendant.
13. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined distance is less than about 3 feet from the
electronic reader.
14. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the person
lift system communicates the information wirelessly to a
communication system in communication with the information
management system.
15. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the person
lift system includes a rail coupled to a ceiling of a room and a
lift assembly movable along the rail.
16. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the rail
includes electrical conductors configured to provide at least one
of data and power communication to the lift assembly.
17. The equipment associating system of claim 1, wherein the asset
includes a person support sling.
18. A method of associating assets comprising the steps of: reading
an electronic tag used in conjunction with an asset with an
electronic reader coupled to a person lifting system; and
associating the asset with the person lifting system.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the electronic reader is
coupled to a sling support bar of the person lifting system.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of alerting
a user if a sling is not approved for use with the person lifting
system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates to monitoring systems, and more
particularly, but not exclusively, one contemplated embodiment
relates systems, methods, and devices for monitoring, among other
things, operational characteristics of a patient lift, compliance
with care facility protocols, and patient information and progress.
While various systems, methods and devices have been developed,
there is still room for improvement. Thus, a need persists for
further contributions in this area of technology.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] According to one contemplated embodiment of the disclosure,
a monitoring system comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a
patient; a control system configured to control operation of the
lift system; and a reporting system in communication with the
control system and configured to receive operational information
for the lift assembly. The reporting system compares the
operational information to a predetermined set of values to
determine if the operation of the lift is in compliance with the
protocols.
[0003] In another contemplated embodiment, a person support lifting
system comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a person; a
sensor coupled to the lift assembly and configured to sense the
amount of load generated by the person and supported by the lift
assembly; a control system electrically coupled to the sensor
configured to display the total of load supported by the lift
assembly over a predetermined period of time.
[0004] In another contemplated embodiment, a system for associating
assets comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a patient; a
RFID reading device coupled to the lift assembly; a RFID tag
coupled to an asset; and a control system configured to associate
the lift assembly and the asset when the asset is less than a
predetermined distance from the RFID reading device.
[0005] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any
other feature(s), such as those listed above and/or 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
[0006] Referring now to the illustrative examples in the drawings,
wherein like numerals represent the same or similar elements
throughout:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a monitoring system
according to one contemplated embodiment of this disclosure
including a person lift and a hospital bed connected through a room
control board to a workflow automation system and hospital
network;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the person support system of
FIG. 1 showing the upper frame, the lower frame, the lift
mechanisms, the control system, and the mattress;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the overhead person
lift of FIG. 1 according to one contemplated embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a powered sit-to-stand
person lift of FIG. 1 according to one contemplated embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lift system of FIG. 3
showing the lift assembly movably engaging the track;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lift system of FIG. 3
showing the lift motor and drum;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sling configured to be
coupled to the sling bar of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a control system of the
overhead lift of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a flow chart for a procedure for determining when
a lift event has occurred;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for a procedure for determining when
non-compliant lift was performed, such as, when a person is moved
on a person support system and a lift was not used, but should have
been;
[0017] FIG. 11 is side perspective view of a caregiver lifting a
person off the person support system with the person lift and the
lift communicating with various remote devices to display
information about the lift and/or patient according to one
illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the communication device
of the lift system of FIG. 3 according to one illustrative
embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the communication device
of the lift system of FIG. 3 according to another illustrative
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a screen shot of the interface displaying a menu
including options where a user is able to receive information
related to the patient (patient data) or the lift (lift life),
links to locations on the internet (internet links), and product
instruction materials (user manuals) according to one illustrative
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a screen shot of the interface displaying a
second menu after the lift life menu option has been chosen, which
includes information related to the number of times the lift was
used, past errors, manufacturer contact information, and
maintenance suggestions;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a screen shot of the interface displaying a third
menu after the patient data menu option has been chosen, which
includes information related to weight history and rehabilitation
according to one illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a screen shot of the interface displaying the
patient's weight history according to one illustrative embodiment
of the disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a screen shot of the interface displaying the
patient's rehabilitation history according to one illustrative
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a user interface
displaying a guide that can be used to help determine what sling(s)
the caregiver can use for the patient;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view of the monitoring system of
FIG. 1 showing a more detailed view of how the various systems and
devices are connected;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view of the monitoring system of
FIG. 1 showing another illustrative embodiment of how the various
systems and devices are connected;
[0028] FIG. 22 is a screen shot of the interface to the workflow
automation system of FIG. 1 showing the home tab, which displays a
summary of the status of a hospital bed and lift in the room
associated with the patient;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a screen shot of the interface to the workflow
automation system of FIG. 1 showing the patients tab, which
displays the date and time the lift was used along with the model
of the sling, the weight of the person, and/or a predefined
alert;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a screen shot of the interface to the workflow
automation system of FIG. 1 showing the room tab, which displays
the status of various rooms and the locations of caregivers and
objects in a designated section of a care facility;
[0031] FIG. 25 is a screen shot of the interface to the workflow
automation system of FIG. 1 showing the protocols tab, which
displays various alert and reminder options for the lifts and
slings along with options for how and to whom the alert and/or
reminder is to be communicated;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a screen shot of the interface to the workflow
automation system of FIG. 1 showing the reports tab, which displays
a list of caregiver defined (or default) reports that the caregiver
can run to filter data collected by the system, along with
information about each report and usage statistics; and
[0033] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view of a RFID reader coupled to
the lift system and configured to read a RFID bracelet worn by a
patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] While the present disclosure can take many different forms,
for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to
describe the same. No limitation of the scope of the disclosure is
thereby intended. Various alterations, further modifications of the
described embodiments, and any further applications of the
principles of the disclosure, as described herein, are
contemplated.
[0035] A monitoring system 10 according to one contemplated
embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-18. The system 10 is configured to
assist with training and tracking and reporting information related
to at least one of the following: the performance and/or the usage
characteristics of the equipment (i.e., the number of times the
equipment is used, the duration of use, the number of times the
equipment should have been used and was not used, whether the
equipment is being operated beyond its safe working parameters, and
other performance and/or usage information), the status and/or
condition of the equipment (i.e., whether it is damaged, whether it
requires routine service or needs to be inspected, whether it is
operating within acceptable use parameters, whether the equipment
is in use, has an alarm been triggered, and other condition and/or
status information), the location of caregivers, equipment, and
patients, the room status (i.e., available, occupied, restricted,
etc.), information the patient's identification and physiological
information, and the care facility's protocols (i.e., what
protocols apply to the patient, whether or not use of the equipment
is in compliance with the protocols.
[0036] The system 10 includes a patient lift system 12 or lift 12,
a patient support system 14, a communication system 16, an
information management system 18, and hospital network 20 as shown
in FIG. 1. The lift system 12 and patient support system 14 are
electrically coupled to the communication system 16, which provides
for communication between the lift system 12, the patient support
system 14, the information management system 18, and the hospital
network 20. In one contemplated embodiment, the lift system 12 and
the person support system 14 are connected to the communication
system 16 via a wired connection. In another contemplated
embodiment, the lift system 12 and the person support system 14
communicate with the communication system 16 wirelessly. In another
contemplated embodiment, the lift system 12 communicates with the
communication system 16 through the communication system of the
person support system 14.
[0037] The person support system 14 includes a lower frame 22, a
lift mechanism 24 coupled to the lower frame 22, an upper frame 26
movably supported above the lower frame 22 on the lift mechanism
24, a control system 28, and a mattress 30 supported on the upper
frame 26 as shown in FIG. 2. In one contemplated embodiment, the
patient support system 14 is a hospital bed. In other contemplated
embodiments, the patient support system 14 can be a wheelchair,
stretcher, or other patient support device. The control system 28
is configured to cause the person support system 14 to perform
various functions. In some contemplated embodiments, the control
system 28 controls the operation of the lift mechanism 24, gas
supplies, motors, and other features of the person support system
14.
[0038] The control system 28 includes a controller 31, sensing
elements 32, and a communication device 33. In one contemplated
embodiment, the sensing element 32 includes a load cell coupled
between the upper frame 26 and the lift mechanism 24. In one
contemplated embodiment, the controller 31 receives signals from
the load cell and determines the weight of an occupant supported on
the upper frame 26. In another contemplated embodiment, the
controller 31 determines the center of gravity of the occupant
supported on the upper frame 26. In another contemplated
embodiment, the controller 31 determines the position of the
occupant supported on the upper frame 26 using information from the
load cells. In some contemplated embodiments, the controller 31
determines the position of the occupant on the upper frame 26 as a
function of the occupant's center of gravity. In some contemplated
embodiments, the controller 31 determines the occupant's position
based on information from a pressure sensing topper. In some
contemplated embodiments, the controller 31 determines the
occupant's position based on the gas pressure in bladders in a
powered mattress 30.
[0039] The communication device 33 is configured to communicate
information between the person support system 14, the lift system
12 and/or other equipment in the vicinity, the communication system
16, and the hospital network 20. In some contemplated embodiments,
the communication device 33 serves as a hub for a room and
information from other devices in the room is sent to the
communication device 33 to be stored in memory on the person
support system 14, or communicated to the communication system 16
or hospital network 20. In some contemplated embodiments, the
communication device 33 communicates wirelessly with the
communication system 16, other equipment in the room (including the
lift system 12) and/or the hospital network 20. In other
contemplated embodiments, the communication device communicates via
a wired connection with the communication system 16, other
equipment in the room (including the lift system 12) and/or the
hospital network 20.
[0040] The lift system 12, according to one contemplated
embodiment, includes an overhead lift system 34 as shown in FIG. 3.
In some contemplated embodiments, the lift system 12 includes a
floor lift system 36 (i.e., a powered sit-to-stand lift) shown in
FIG. 4, or other person lifting devices, including the various
person lifting devices sold by Liko. The lift system 12 includes a
rail 38 coupled to a ceiling of a room and a lift assembly 40
configured to move along the rail 38. The rail 38 includes a track
42, a stop 44 coupled to the track 42, and a conductor 46 along the
track 42. In one contemplated embodiment, data and power are
communicated over the conductor 46, which can allow a power source
in the lift assembly 40 to be recharged, and can allow the lift
assembly 40 to communicate with the person support system 14, the
communication system 16, and/or the hospital network 20. In some
contemplated embodiments, portions of the rail 38 and lift assembly
40 are constructed as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2012/0000876, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0041] The lift assembly 40 includes, a lift 48, a strap 50
configured to be extended and retracted by the lift 48, a sling bar
52 coupled to an end of the strap 50, a sling 53, and a control
system 54 as shown in FIG. 3. The lift 48 includes a carriage 55
configured to engage the track 42 of the rail 38 and move the lift
assembly 40 along the rail 38, a housing 56 coupled to the carriage
55, motor 58 positioned in the housing 56, and a drum 60 coupled to
the shaft 61 of the motor 58 and configured to raise and lower the
strap 50 as the motor 58 rotates the drum 60 as shown in FIG. 5. In
one contemplated embodiment, the carriage 55 includes a conductor
(not shown) configured to electrically couple with the conductor 46
on the rail 38. The sling bar 52 is coupled to the end of the strap
50 and includes aims 52 with sling coupling portions 64 at the ends
of the arms 52. The sling coupling portions 64 are configured to
receive and removably retain a portion of the sling 53. The sling
coupling portions 64 include a retaining element 66 that is
configured to prevent the sling 53 from disengaging the coupling
portions 64.
[0042] The sling 53 is used to support the person being moved by
the lift assembly 48 and includes a main body portion 68, leg
portions 70, and connecting straps 72. In one contemplated
embodiment, the sling 53 can be one of the slings sold by Liko,
such as, the Solo HighBack model 25 sling as shown in FIG. 7. In
some contemplated embodiments, the sling 53 includes an RFID tag 74
coupled to the sling 53 that includes information related to the
sling, such as, the sling model number, the manufacturing date, the
size, the serial number, the date the sling was last inspected, the
performance characteristics of the sling, the patient's ID that the
sling has been assigned to, and other related information. In one
contemplated embodiment, the RFID tag 74 is positioned between the
layers of material adjacent to the connecting straps 72. In some
contemplated embodiments, the RFID tag 74 can be replaced with a
magnet (not shown).
[0043] The control system 54 includes a user interface 76, a
controller 78, a communication device 80, sensing elements 82, and
a battery 83. The user interface 76 includes a pendant 84 with a
display 86 and buttons 88 thereon. The buttons 88 provide input to
the controller 78 indicative of a user's desire to raise and lower
the sling 53, and the display 86 is configured to display
information related to the lift system 12, the patient, the room,
the facility, and other information. In some contemplated
embodiments, the pendant 84 includes an accelerometer 82 that is
configured to determine when the pendant's 84 orientation has
changed such that the button 88 that causes the lift 48 to lift the
person up is pointing downward, and re-assign the button function
to the button 88 that is currently pointing upward, so that when a
user presses the button 88 that appears to make the lift 48 lift
the person, the lift 48 will lift the person (instead of lower). In
some contemplated embodiments, the battery 83 is charged via the
pendant 84 when the pendant 84 is docked in a docking station (not
shown). In another contemplated embodiment, the battery 83 is
charged via the conductor 46 on the rail 38. In other contemplated
embodiments, the battery 83 is recharged over an Ethernet
connection or over a communication bus (i.e., the High Speed
DC-CANTM power-line modem transceiver sold by Yamar
Electronics).
[0044] The sensing elements 82 are configured to sense various
operational characteristics of the lift assembly 40 and provide an
input signal to the controller 78. In some contemplated
embodiments, the controller 78 uses information sensed by the
sensing element 82 to determine at least one of the following: the
accumulated "drive time" (i.e., in seconds), the amount of weight
lifted by the lift system 12 to date (which can be combined with
the total weight lifted by other lifting devices 12 on the same
wing of the care facility to show the total weight lifted over the
entire wing of the care facility), the "drive time" since the
device was last serviced (i.e., in days), the accumulated "capacity
consumption" for the up/down driver motor (i.e., in amps), the
number of resets of a service indicator, the number of accumulated
activation of upper current limiting circuit, the number of started
and completed and not completed charging cycles, the number of
activations of the upper and lower end limit switches, the number
of completed lift cycles, the battery level, the number of times
the device was overloaded, the percent of the load carried by the
patient or the lift, the increase in strength of the patient over
time, the patient's weight history, the decrease in assistance of
the lift over time, and the number of lift events (compliant lifts
and non-compliant lifts).
[0045] The sensing elements 82 can be one or more of a variety of
sensing devices. In one contemplated embodiment, the sensing
elements 82 include an accelerometer positioned within the sling
bar 52 that is configured to sense when the sling bar 52 is tilted
to one side, which may indicate that the sling 53 is improperly
connected to the sling bar 52. In this embodiment, upon detecting
the tilted sling bar 52, the lifting motion can be stopped and the
user can be alerted about the condition and asked to check the
connection of the sling 53 and the sling bar 52 before lifting can
resume. In some contemplated embodiments, the sensing element 82
includes a force sensor that is used to measure the weight of the
patient being supported by the lift system 12. In some embodiments,
the sensing element 82 includes an energy sensor (i.e., an electric
current sensor) that is configured to sense the amount of energy
being used by the lift system 12 to lift the patient and/or the
amount of charge left on the battery 83.
[0046] In another contemplated embodiment, the sensing element 82
includes an optical strap scanner that is configured to assess the
condition of the strap 50. In some contemplated embodiments,
different wavelengths of light can be used to scan the strap 50. In
some contemplated embodiments, the optical strap scanner is the
c2060 seat belt inspection system sold by FibreScan. In some
contemplated embodiments, the optical strap scanner (or other
optical sensing device as discussed further below) can be used to
sense the distance a person is moved by the lift system 12. In one
contemplated embodiment, the optical strap scanner can measure the
distance using marks on the strap 50 that are spaced apart a
predetermined distance. In one contemplated embodiment, a line on
the strap 50 at predetermined intervals can be used. In some
contemplated embodiments, patterns can be shown on the strap and
can be used to determine if the strap 50 was moving up or down. In
one contemplated embodiment, a repeating pattern of three lines of
varying length and/or thickness can be used. In another
contemplated embodiment, a gray scale coding pattern can be used
to, when sensed by the optical strap scanner, determine the
distance, speed, and direction the strap 50 has moved.
[0047] In another contemplated embodiment, the sensing elements 82
are configured to sense when a sling 53 is connected to the sling
bar 52. In one contemplated embodiment, the sensing element 82 a
hall-effect sensor that is configured to sense when a sling strap
72, including a magnet coupled thereto, is attached to the sling
connector 64. In another contemplated embodiment, the sensing
element 82 is a switch that is coupled to the retaining element 66
and is configured to sense when the retaining element 66 is opened
and closed, which could signify the sling strap 72 being attached
to the sling connector 64. In another contemplated embodiment, the
sensing element 82 is an optical sensor that is coupled to the
sling connector 64 and is configured to sense when the sling strap
72 is positioned in the sling connector 64. In situations where it
is determined that the sling 53 is not properly coupled to the
sling bar 52, the user can be alerted and the lift 48 can cease
movement of the strap 50 until the user ensures that the sling 53
is properly coupled to the sling bar 52.
[0048] In another contemplated embodiment, the sensing element 82
includes a RFID reader coupled to the sling bar 52 and configured
to read RFID tags coupled to equipment within a predetermined
distance of the sling bar 52. In one contemplated embodiment, the
RFID reader can sense when a sling 53 is positioned within a
predetermined distance of the sling bar 52 and can be indicative of
the sling 53 being attached to the sling bar 52. In some
contemplated embodiments, sensing that the sling 53 is near the
sling bar 52 in combination with sensing that a sling bar is
supporting a weight is indicative of the sling 53 being attached to
the sling bar 52. In some contemplated embodiments, the RFID reader
is coupled to the sling. In some contemplated embodiments, the RFID
reader is coupled to or integrated into the user interface 76 (i.e.
pendant 84). In some contemplated embodiments, the RFID reader is
coupled to or integrated into the lift 48. In some contemplated
embodiments, multiple RFID readers can be used to triangulate the
location of the different RFID tags 74 to see if a sling 53 is
coupled to the sling bar 52. In some contemplated embodiments, the
RFID reader can alert a user as to when an unknown or unapproved
sling 53 is being used with the lift system 12. For example, if the
incorrect size or weight rated sling 53 is being used with the
patient, the system can alert the user. In another example, if the
sling 53 is not assigned to the person, the user can be alerted. In
some contemplated embodiments, the system can also inform the user
which model sling 53 would be appropriate for them to use with the
patient. In some contemplated embodiments, the system can alert the
user as to the condition of the sling 53. In other contemplated
embodiments, the RFID reader can also write to the RFID tags to
store performance information, association information, or other
information about the caregiver, patient, facility, sling
condition/status, or other information. In some contemplated
embodiments, the RFID reader is configured to read an RFID bracelet
worn by the patient.
[0049] In some contemplated embodiments, the controller 78 can use
the RFID reader to associate the person support system 14, the
sling 53, the patient, the caregiver, and other devices adjacent to
the RFID reader. In one contemplated embodiment, the RFID reader is
coupled to the sling bar 52 and is configured to read any RFID tags
within a predetermined distance, i.e., three feet, from the reader
and store in memory, or write to the RFID tags, what devices are
being used together to associate them with one another. In some
contemplated embodiments, the RFID reader can be used to associate
equipment (i.e., a lift and/or a sling 53) and people (i.e., a
caregiver and/or a patient) with one another and the room if they
have RFID tags and are in the vicinity of the RFID reader. In some
contemplated embodiments, other equipment in the room, the person
support system 14, medications, and other devices including RFID
tags can be associated with one another when they are in the
vicinity of the RFID reader.
[0050] The controller 78 is configured to receive inputs from the
user interface 76 and the sensing elements 82 and control the
operation of the lift 48 as a function of the input. The controller
78 includes a processor 90, a clock 92, and memory 94 as shown in
FIG. 8. In some contemplated embodiments, the clock 92 is removed
and date and/or time information is provided by the information
management system 18 or through the hospital network 20. The
processor 90 is electrically coupled to memory 94, the battery 83,
the clock 92, the sensing elements 82, the communication device 80,
and the user interface 76. The processor 90 is configured to
execute instructions stored in memory 94. In some contemplated
embodiments, the instructions define procedures that cause the
processor 90 to collect and process information sensed by the
sensing elements 82 that is related to the lift system 12 or the
patient being moved by the lift system 12 or the person support
system 14 or the care facility or other equipment in the vicinity
of the lift 48.
[0051] In one contemplated embodiment, the instructions define a
procedure 300 that determines when a lift event has occurred as
shown in FIG. 9. Procedure 300 begins with step 302 where the
processor 90 receives a signal from a sensing element 82 indicative
of a sling 53 being coupled to the sling bar 52. In one
contemplated embodiment, a sensing element 82 is coupled to the
sling bar 52 and is configured to sense when the retaining element
66 is moved to allow the sling 53 to be attached to the sling bar
52. In one contemplated embodiment, the sensing element 82 is a
contact sensor that is in a first state when the retaining element
66 is closed (as shown in FIG. 9) and in a second state when the
retaining element 66 is opened to allow the sling straps 72 to be
coupled to the sling bar 52. In some contemplated embodiments, a
mechanical switch, hall-effect sensor, optical sensor, RFID reader,
magnetic sensor, or force sensor (sense weight) can be used to
determine the state of the retaining element 66 or the engagement
of the sling straps 72 with the sling connector 64. In some
contemplated embodiments, the sling 53 includes RFID tags 74 and/or
magnets coupled thereto as previously discussed.
[0052] In step 304, the processor 90 receives a signal from the
sensing element 82 when the sling 53 is uncoupled from the sling
bar 52. In one contemplated embodiment, the sensing element 82
indicates that the retaining element 66 was moved a second time.
Upon determining that the retaining element 66 has been opened
twice, the processor 90 indicates that a lift event has occurred
and stores information related to the lift event, including the
time, in the memory 94.
[0053] In some contemplated embodiments, a lift event has not
occurred unless steps 302 and 304 are true and an operational
characteristic of the lift 12 has been sensed in step 306. In one
contemplated embodiment the operational characteristics include,
but are not limited to, the distance the person has been moved, the
weight of the person supported on the lift 12, the amount of time
the lift 12 was being used, the amount of current used to power the
lift motor 58, and the duration the buttons 88 on the pendant 84
were pressed and held. The distance the person is being moved can
be determined using a potentiometer configured to rotate as the
strap 26 is extended and retracted. The distance the person is
being moved can also be determined using an optical sensor coupled
to the lift housing 56 and configured to sense patterns on the
strap 50 as the strap 50 moves past the sensor. In one contemplated
embodiment, the pattern includes three indicators (such as, 3
horizontal lines of increasing length on the flat side of the strap
50) that repeat along the length of the strap 50. Using patterns of
indicators enables the processor 90 to determine the direction,
distance, and speed the strap 50 is moving. In some contemplated
embodiments, a single indicator spaced apart at predetermined
intervals is used to indicate the distance traveled. In some
contemplated embodiments, the strap inspection system checks the
condition of the strap 50 and senses the distance the strap 50 has
traveled. In some contemplated embodiments gray scale coding can be
used to determine the distance, the direction, and the speed at
which the person was moved. In some contemplated embodiments, the
gray scale coding can be located on the motor shaft 61 or edge of
the strap 50 and an optical sensor can be used to read the code. In
other contemplated embodiments, the marks can be on the edges of
the strap 50.
[0054] In another contemplated embodiment, step 306 includes
sensing when other devices having RFID tags on them are proximate
to the lift bar 52. Generally, when in storage, the strap 50 and
the sling bar 52 are retracted. In this position, an RFID reader
coupled to the sling bar 52 and configured to read RFID tagged
objects within 3 feet of the reader would generally not be in
communication with any RFID tags. When the lift 12 is being used,
the sling bar 52 is lowered and brought to a location where the
RFID tag 74 on the sling 53 and the caregiver's badge and/or the
person support system 14 can be read. In some contemplated
embodiments, the RFID reader can associate objects having a RFID
tag within the 3 foot radius of the RFID reader. In one example,
the RFID reader can associate a sling 53 including an RFID tag with
a caregiver and a person support system 14 within a predetermined
distance from the reader. The RFID tags on the sling 53 can include
information about the sling model number, performance
characteristics of the sling (i.e., max load is 500 lbs), size of
the sling 53, and other characteristics of the sling 53.
[0055] In one contemplated embodiment, the instructions define a
procedure 400 that determines when a lift should have been used,
but was not used to move a patient as shown in FIG. 10. Procedure
400 can be executed on the person support system 14, the lift
system 12, or on a remote system, including the information
management system 18. Procedure 400 begins with step 402 in which
the processor 90 receives information from the person support
system 14 indicative of a change in position of a person supported
on the person support system 14. In one contemplated embodiment,
the change in position can be detected based on a change in the
person's center of gravity exceeding a predetermined threshold. In
another contemplated embodiment, the change in position can be
detected using a pressure sensing mat positioned on the mattress 30
(or using pressure distribution in bladders in an active mattress
30) and measuring the difference between an initial pressure
profile and a new pressure profile.
[0056] In step 404, the processor 90 receives information from the
EMR system indicative of whether the person is required by the
hospital's protocol to be moved using a lift. If the person is, the
processor proceeds to step 406.
[0057] In step 406, the processor 90 receives a signal indicative
of whether a caregiver was present when the movement occurred. In
one contemplated embodiment, the location of the caregiver at the
time of the movement can be provided by an asset locating and
tracking system. In one contemplated embodiment, the location of
the caregiver at the time of the movement can be determined by the
RFID reader 82 coupled to the sling bar 53. If the RFID reader
coupled to the sling bar does not sense the RFID tag in the
caregiver's badge at about the time the movement occurred, the
indication may be that the caregiver was not present at the time.
If the processor determines that a caregiver was present, the
processor proceeds to step 408.
[0058] In step 408, the processor 90 receives a signal indicative
of whether or not the lift system 12 was used at the time the
movement occurred. Any of the operational characteristics
previously mentioned can be used to determine whether the lift
system 12 was operated. If the lift system 12 was activated, the
processor 90 indicates that the lift event complied with the care
facility's lift protocol. If the lift system 12 was not activated,
the processor 90 indicates that the lift event did not comply with
the care facility's protocol.
[0059] The communication device 80, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, is
configured to communicate information about the lift 12 and the
patient associated with the lift to a plurality of locations and/or
devices as shown in FIG. 11. In one contemplated embodiment, the
communication device 80 communicates information that is charted in
an electronic medical record (EMR). In one contemplated embodiment,
the communication device 80 is a radio frequency transceiver. In
other contemplated embodiments, the communication device 80 can be
configured to communicate with the information management system 18
through a fiber-optic cable, over a power connection (i.e., where
power is communicated to the lift system 12 via the rail 38 as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 14 and), over a LIN Bus, via Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi or NFC (near field communication) or other wired or wireless
communication methods. In one contemplated embodiment, the devices
and locations the information is communicated to includes the
pendant 84, a caregiver's mobile device (i.e., cell phone or tablet
computer or the like), control panels on the hospital beds 14
(i.e., beds associated with the lift system 12), a computer
terminal at a nurse station, and/or a television in the patient's
room. The communication device 80 includes a wifi module (i.e.,
WB40 wifi module sold by Laird Technologies) that can have various
programs loaded onto it and can send and receive signals on various
types of communication platforms, including CAN, USB, RJ45, and
RS232 as shown in FIG. 12. In some contemplated embodiments, the
programs are loaded onto a separate controller and the controller
configures the wifi module as shown in FIG. 13.
[0060] The devices and locations may have a display 96 or graphical
user interface 96 (including the pendant display 86) that is
configured to show the information being communicated by the lift
system 12. In some contemplated embodiments, the display 44
includes a touch sensitive display. In some contemplated
embodiments, the information being displayed is also communicated
from an electronic medical record (EMR), the information management
system 18, the hospital network 20, or other information sources.
The information can be displayed a number of ways on the displays
44. In one contemplated embodiment, a first screen or home screen
is displayed on the display 44 of a computer as shown in FIG. 14.
The home screen includes a number of links that enable the user to
access information corresponding to the title of the link. In this
embodiment, the links enable a user to access information
corresponding to the patient (i.e., patient data), the lift system
12 (i.e., lift life), internet links and user manuals. If the
patient selects the lift life link, a second second screen is
displayed that shows a picture of the lift, the number of times the
lift has been used, warnings messages or caution messages or tips
(i.e., maintenance required for strap--call manufacturer), a link
to a listing of errors or problems, and a link to contact
information for the manufacturer as shown in FIG. 15. If the
patient data link is selected, the display 44 displays a third
screen that includes additional links that allow the user to access
information corresponding to the patient's weight history and
rehabilitation history as shown in FIG. 16. If the patient weight
link is selected, a fourth screen appears with a graph showing the
patient's weight over time is displayed on the display 44 as shown
in FIG. 17. If the rehabilitation history link is selected, fifth
screen appears with a graph showing the type of rehabilitation
activity being rehabilitated (i.e., walk), the person's progress
over time, and a link to a listing of rehabilitation exercises as
shown in FIG. 18. Each of the screens includes a back button that
will take you to the previous screen.
[0061] In one contemplated embodiment, upon admittance to a care
facility, a caregiver can determine what equipment will be needed
for the patient and utilize the information management system 18
make sure the appropriate equipment gets placed in the patient's
room. To determine if a lifting device is necessary, a caregiver
may answer a number of questions on a questionnaire, which may be
dictated by the care facility's care protocol. In one contemplated
embodiment, the questionnaire includes the following questions: is
the patient currently using mobility aids in the home, range of
motion demonstrations, whether the patient bear weight (if yes, no
sling is needed), whether the patient is cooperative (if no, use a
full body sling lift and two caregivers), and whether the patient
has upper extremity strength (if no, use a full body sling lift and
two caregivers, but if yes, use a seated transfer aid). In cases
where the patient can bear some weight and they are cooperative, a
caregiver can use a stand and pivot technique or powered standing
assist lift (if not, they can use a full body sling and two
caregivers).
[0062] If the caregiver determines that a lift system 12 is needed
for the patient, the caregiver can use an electronic sling guide to
help the caregiver pick an appropriate sling 53 or harness. In one
contemplated embodiment, the electronic sling guide is displayable
on a wall mounted touch screen display, such as the GRS module
shown in FIGS. 19-20. In another contemplated embodiments, the
sling guide is configured to be pushed to other displays, including
mobile device displays (i.e., cell phones, tablet computers, or the
like), control panels on hospital beds (i.e., the hospital bed 14
associated with the lift system 12), a computer at the nurse
station, a television in the patient's room, and the pendant 84. In
one contemplated embodiment, the sling guide is the smart sling
guide displayed on Hill-Rom's website
(http://www.hill-rom.com/usa/Products/Category/Patient-Handling/Slings-Li-
ft-sheets/Sling:guide/) and shown in FIG. 19. The sling guide
displays a number of options that the caregiver can select to
filter a database containing the various types of slings the care
facility uses in order to help direct the caregiver to a sling or
group of slings that would be most suitable for the patient's
needs. In some contemplated embodiments, the options are selected
by touch or with an electronic pointing technique (i.e., using a
mouse or buttons on a control panel or the control pendant 30).
Once the list of slings 53 is filtered, the sling guide can provide
the user with the model numbers of the slings 53 and with a
location where the slings 53 will likely be found in the care
facility (i.e., the room where the sling 53 or the sling storage
room). In some contemplated embodiments, slings 53 include RFID
tags that allow the sling to be located in the care facility. In
some contemplated embodiments, the sling RFID tags are washable.
Further training can be provided to show how to properly attach the
sling to the patient and connect the selected sling to the lift.
The training can be displayed on the television in the patient's
room or on a display near the lift.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 20-21, the communication system 16
includes a room control board 200 that provides communication path
between various input/output devices and the information management
system 18 and hospital network 20. In one contemplated embodiment,
the input/output devices include the lift system 12, which
communicates directly with the board 200 via a wired or wireless
connection. In another contemplated embodiment, the input/output
devices include a dome light 202, a shower pull switch 204, a
bathroom intercom 205, a patient room station 206 (such as the
Graphical Room Station 5 (GRS-5) sold by Hill-Rom) which can
include an Audio Station Bed Connector (ASBC) 208, a real-time
locating system (RTLS) 210, a hand-hygiene compliance monitoring
system 212, a staff emergency switch 214, a code switch 216, a zone
light 218, and staffing stations 220 (such as the Standard Room
Stations (SRS) sold by Hill-Rom) as shown in FIG. 20. In some
contemplated embodiments, the communication system 16 includes a
network interface unit (NIU) 222 that is configured to provide a
communication path between the hospital network 20 and the person
support system 14 (or other devices connected to the NIU 214) as
shown in FIG. 21. In some contemplated embodiments, a power over
Ethernet switch (PoE) 224 is positioned between the information
management system 18 and the hospital network 20. In some
contemplated embodiments, the information management system 18
communicates with the communication system 16 via the hospital
network 20 as shown in FIG. 21.
[0064] The information management system 18 is configured to route
the information it receives from the lift system 12, patient
support system 14, and the various other input/output devices over
the hospital network 20 to the appropriate destination. In one
contemplated embodiment, the information management system 18
includes at least one of a workflow automation feature, a nurse
communication feature, a real-time locating feature, a device
connectivity feature, and a compliance feature (such as, hand
hygiene compliance monitoring). In some contemplated embodiments,
the information management system 18 includes a computer server
that hosts the NaviCare.RTM. platform sold by Hill-Rom.
[0065] The information management system 18 is configured to
display information related to the care facility, the staff, the
care facility's protocols, the patients in the care facility, and
the equipment in the care facility, and run reports on various
types of information as shown in FIGS. 22-26. In one contemplated
embodiment, the information management system 18 displays a first
screen or home screen with a summary of information for a unit or
wing of a care facility and a number of links that direct the user
to screens that display more detailed information corresponding to
the title of the link as shown in FIG. 22. The summary on the home
screen can include the room number, patient name associated with
the room number, a type of protocol selected for the patient (i.e.,
lift required, falls risk), the primary caregiver's name, the
status of the bed exit detection system, the status of the
siderails on the hospital bed 14, the height of the upper deck of
the hospital bed 14, the status of the brake system on the hospital
bed 14, the angle of inclination of the head of bed section of the
deck, the amount of charge remaining on the lift battery, the daily
amount of lift events, and whether or not a lift emergency is
occurring (i.e., whether or not someone pushed/pulled on the
emergency button/strap that shuts down the lift). In some
contemplated embodiments, the summary can also include, among other
things, a patient lift assessment score (i.e., whether or not the
person needs a lift), the total weight lifted and/or the total lift
events per day by the lift, by all the lifts in a wing or unit, or
all the lifts in the care facility, the percentage that the lift is
helping hold the patient up, the daily usage (i.e., in minutes),
whether or not the lift motor needs to be checked, whether service
is needed, the distance a patient is ambulated, a lift lifetime
indicator, the number of times the lift and/or the sling being used
was overloaded, the lift use time, the time since the lift was last
serviced, the number of times the service indicator was reset, and
the last time an inspection was performed.
[0066] If the user selects the link corresponding to the patient
information, a second screen is displayed with information about
equipment used with the patient, the patient's vitals, the nurse
assessments, any test results, the person's location, and discharge
information as shown in FIG. 23. The information about the
equipment used with the patient is shown in a chart that indicates
the times the lift was used and what day of the week the use
occurred, the model of the sling 53 that was used during that time
(if any), the weight of the person if the lift was used to weigh
them. In some contemplated embodiments, the chart can show whether
the sling 53 was small, medium, or large instead of the model. In
some contemplated embodiments, the chart can identify the caregiver
that used the lift. The chart can be color coded to show when the
lift was not in use and when the load experienced by the lift was
within capacity, near capacity, or over capacity. The information
displayed in the chart can be filtered so that the user can
selectively display the sling model, the patient weight, or only
the uses where the lift was loaded.
[0067] If the user selects the link corresponding to the room
information, a third screen is displayed with information about the
location of the caregivers in the wing or unit of the care
facility, the status of the rooms, and the presence or absence of
equipment in the room as shown in FIG. 24. In some contemplated
embodiments, when a patient is admitted, a caregiver can utilize
this view to locate a room that is vacant with the appropriate
equipment in it. In some contemplated embodiments, the caregiver
can assign a person to a room and assign equipment to be placed in
the room so that it can be placed in the room before the patient
gets to the room or shortly there after.
[0068] If the user selects the link corresponding to the care
facility's care protocols, a fourth screen is displayed with
various alert and reminder options for the lifts and slings along
with options for how and to whom the alert and/or reminder is to be
communicated as shown in FIG. 25. The alert and reminder options
for the lifting assembly 12 include: alert when battery status is
below a predetermined charge threshold (i.e., 10% remaining), alert
if service is overdue by a predetermined amount of time (i.e., 7
days, alert if a predetermined percent of the safe working load has
been exceeded (i.e., 80%), alert if emergency cord is activated,
remind service is due in a predetermined amount of time (i.e., 3
weeks), and alert when lift or the lift strap needs to be been
cleaned. The caregiver can select whether they want to
automatically assign the alerts and/or reminders to all the lifts
in the care facility wing or unit, and whether they want the alert
(i.e., for the emergency cord being activated) to be communicated
to a group of people, a specific person, and/or through a Nurse
Call system. In some contemplated embodiments, the care facility's
protocols can automatically cause specific alerts to be assigned.
In some contemplated embodiments, if the caregiver does not
automatically assign the selected alerts and/or reminders to the
lifts, the caregiver can manually assign the alert and/or reminder
to each lift using the user interface on the lift. In some
contemplated embodiments, maintenance reminders can be included
(i.e., check the strap 26 for wear). In some contemplated
embodiments, reminders to perform an assessment (i.e., lift
assessment every 12 hour) or a therapy (turn the patient) can be
displayed. In some contemplated embodiments, the reminders for
performing assessments and therapies can be displayed on a display
in the patient's room or on the display connected to the equipment
(i.e., the lift or the bed). The alerts and reminders for the sling
53 include: alert if not in room for a predetermined amount of time
(i.e., 2 days, alert if past lifetime expectancy by a predetermined
amount of time (i.e., 6 months), alert if wrong sling used (which
can be detected if/when a sling is associated with the lift as
described below with respect to the RFD reader and tags), and
remind when periodic inspection is due. The caregiver can select
whether or not they want to automatically assign the alerts and
reminders for the slings 53, show the location of the nearest
sling, and automatically notify a group.
[0069] If the user selects the link corresponding to the reports, a
fifth screen is displayed with a list of the reports that have been
created by the caregiver, care facility, or manufacturer, along
with some information about each of the reports as shown in FIG.
26. In one contemplated embodiment, the information about the
reports can include a title, description, the last time the report
was run, the person who the report is sent to (i.e., notification
list), the frequency the report is scheduled to run (i.e., weekly),
the day the report is scheduled to run (i.e., Monday), and the time
the report is scheduled to run. Each report includes a link that
allows the user to view and/or edit the report. The reports can be
defined to provide caregivers and care facility administrators with
information about a number of topics, including, rehabilitation
progress for the patient, the amount of time the caregivers spend
with the patients, the percentage of time the assigned protocols
and/or hospital care protocols are complied with (i.e., the number
of times a lift is used when a protocol proscribes a lift to be
used), the total amount of weight lifted by the lifts over a given
period of time for a given care facility wing or unit. In another
contemplated embodiment, a report can be included that can chart
the usage of the lifts and locations of the lifts to determine how
many lifts are needed in a given area.
[0070] Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also
envisioned. In one example, an equipment associating system,
comprises an electronic tag 74 used in conjunction with an asset; a
person lift system 12 including an electronic reader 82 configured
to read the electronic tag 74 when the electronic tag 74 is a
predetermined distance from the electronic reader 82; and an
information management system 18 configured to receive information
from the person lift system 12 corresponding to the electronic tag
74 and to associate the asset and the person lift system 12. In one
contemplated embodiment, the asset is a patient. In another
contemplated embodiment, the asset is a medical device. In another
contemplated embodiment, the asset is a person support structure
14. In another contemplated embodiment, the asset is a person's
medication. In another contemplated embodiment, the asset is a
caregiver. In another contemplated embodiment, the information
management system 18 includes an asset tracking feature. In another
contemplated embodiment, the person lift system 12 includes a motor
58, a tether 50 configured to be extended and retracted by the
motor 58, and a sling support 52 coupled to the tether 50, wherein
the electronic reader 82 is coupled to the sling support 52. In
another contemplated embodiment, the person lift system 12 includes
a sling 53 and the electronic reader 82 is coupled to the sling 53.
In another contemplated embodiment, the electronic reader 82 is an
RFID reader and the electronic tag 74 is an RFID tag. In another
contemplated embodiment, the electronic reader 82 is configured to
write information to the electronic tag 74. In another contemplated
embodiment, the electronic reader 82 writes information
corresponding to at least one of the condition of the asset, the
status of the asset, the performance of the asset, and the
association of an asset with another asset. In another contemplated
embodiment, the person lift system 12 includes a pendant 76 and the
electronic reader 82 is coupled to the pendant. In another
contemplated embodiment, the predetermined distance is about 3 feet
from the electronic reader 82. In another contemplated embodiment,
the person lift system 12 communicates the information wirelessly
to a communication system 16 in communication with the information
management system 18. In another contemplated embodiment, the
person lift system 12 includes a rail 38 coupled to a ceiling of a
room and a lift assembly 40 movable along the rail 38. In another
contemplated embodiment, the rail 38 includes electrical conductors
46 configured to provide at least one of data and power
communication to the lift assembly 40.
[0071] In another example, a patient lift system movably coupled to
a ceiling of a room, comprises a lift motor; and a tether
configured to be extended and retracted by the lift motor, the
tether including a plurality of symbols spaced apart a fixed
distance and extending along the length of the tether.
[0072] In another example, a lift system comprises a lift motor; a
tether configured to be extended and retracted by the lift motor
and including a plurality of symbols thereon; a sensor configured
sense the symbols on the tether and generate a signal corresponding
to the symbols as the tether moves with respect to the sensor; and
a control system configured to control the operation of the motor
and to determine a movement characteristic of the tether as a
function of the signal from the sensor. In another contemplated
embodiment, the control system determines the speed the tether is
moving as a function of the signal from the sensor. In another
contemplated embodiment, the control system determines the
direction the tether is moving as a function of the signal from the
sensor. In another contemplated embodiment, the control system
determines the distance the tether has moved as a function of the
signal from the sensor. In another contemplated embodiment, the
symbols include a first line having a first length, a second line
having a second length and a third line having a third length,
wherein the first length, the second length, and the third length
are all different lengths. In another contemplated embodiment, the
symbols include grey scale coding. In another contemplated
embodiment, the symbols are located on an edge of the tether.
[0073] In another example, a lift system comprises a lift motor
including a motor shaft having a plurality of symbols thereon; a
tether configured to be extended and retracted by the lift motor; a
sensor configured sense the symbols on the motor shaft and generate
a signal corresponding to the symbols as the motor shaft moves with
respect to the sensor; and a control system configured to control
the operation of the motor and to determine a movement
characteristic of the tether as a function of the signal from the
sensor. In one contemplated embodiment, the control system
determines the speed the tether is moving as a function of the
signal from the sensor. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system determines the direction the tether is moving as a
function of the signal from the sensor. In another contemplated
embodiment, the control system determines the distance the tether
has moved as a function of the signal from the sensor. In another
contemplated embodiment, the symbols include grey scale coding.
[0074] In another example, a lift system comprises a lift motor; a
tether configured to be extended and retracted by the lift; and a
sensor configured sense the condition the tether as the tether
moves with respect to the sensor. In another contemplated
embodiment, the lift system further comprises a control system
configured to control the operation of the motor and to determine
when the tether requires servicing. In another contemplated
embodiment, the control system alerts a user when the tether
requires servicing. In another contemplated embodiment, the sensor
includes an optical sensor. In another contemplated embodiment, the
lift system is movably coupled to a ceiling of a room.
[0075] In another example, a lift system comprises a lift motor; a
tether configured to be extended and retracted by the lift motor; a
sling support coupled to the tether and configured to support a
sling; and an electronic reader coupled to the sling support and
configured to sense electronic tags within a predetermined area. In
another contemplated embodiment, the lift system is movably coupled
to a ceiling of a room. In another contemplated embodiment, the
electronic reader and electronic tags include a radio frequency
identification reader and radio frequency identification tags. In
another contemplated embodiment, the lift system is configured to
communicate information corresponding to the electronic tags that
the electronic reader senses within the predetermined area to an
information management system. In another contemplated embodiment,
the information management system associates assets that the
electronic tags are coupled to. In another contemplated embodiment,
the assets include at least one of a sling, a caregiver, a patient,
medicine, and a person support structure. In another contemplated
embodiment, the predetermined area extends about three feet from
the electronic reader. In another contemplated embodiment, the
electronic tags include information corresponding to at least one
of the model number, performance characteristics, and size.
[0076] In another example, a lift system comprises a lift motor; a
tether configured to be extended and retracted by the lift motor; a
sling support coupled to the tether and configured to support a
sling; control system configured to control the operation of the
lift motor, the control system including a pendant with at least
one input; and an electronic reader coupled to the pendant and
configured to sense electronic tags within a predetermined area. In
one contemplated embodiment, in the lift system is movably coupled
to a ceiling of a room. In another contemplated embodiment, the
electronic reader and electronic tags include a radio frequency
identification reader and radio frequency identification tags. In
another contemplated embodiment, the lift system is configured to
communicate information corresponding to the electronic tags that
the electronic reader senses within the predetermined area to an
information management system. In another contemplated embodiment,
the information management system associates assets that the
electronic tags are coupled to. In another contemplated embodiment,
the assets include at least one of a sling, a caregiver, a patient,
medicine, and a person support structure. In another contemplated
embodiment, the predetermined area extends about three feet from
the electronic reader. In another contemplated embodiment, the
electronic tags include information corresponding to at least one
of the model number, performance characteristics, and size.
[0077] In another example, a lift system comprises a lift assembly
configured to lift a person; and an electronic reader coupled to
the lift assembly and configured to sense electronic tags within a
predetermined area surrounding the electronic reader. Wherein the
electronic reader and electronic tags include a radio frequency
identification reader and radio frequency identification tags. In
another contemplated embodiment, the lift system is configured to
communicate information corresponding to the electronic tags that
the electronic reader senses within the predetermined area to an
information management system. In another contemplated embodiment,
the information management system associates assets that the
electronic tags are coupled to. In another contemplated embodiment,
the assets include at least one of a sling, a caregiver, a patient,
medicine, and a person support structure. In another contemplated
embodiment, the predetermined area extends about three feet from
the electronic reader. In another contemplated embodiment, the lift
assembly includes a lift, a tether configured to be extended and
retracted from the lift, and a sling support coupled to the tether,
wherein the electronic reader is coupled to the lift. In another
contemplated embodiment, the lift assembly includes a lift, a
tether configured to be extended and retracted from the lift, and a
sling support coupled to the tether, wherein the electronic reader
is coupled to the sling support. In another contemplated
embodiment, the lift assembly further comprising a sling, wherein
the electronic reader is coupled to the sling. In another
contemplated embodiment, the electronic reader is configured to
write to the electronic tags. In another contemplated embodiment,
the electronic reader stores at least one of performance
information corresponding to the asset, association information,
facility information, asset condition and status. In another
contemplated embodiment, the lift system further comprising a
control system configured to control the lift assembly, the control
system receiving information corresponding to a sling sensed by the
electronic reader and determining if the sling is approved for use
with a specific person. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system alerts a user if the sling is one of unapproved for
use with the person and unknown. In another contemplated
embodiment, the lift assembly is movably coupled to a ceiling of a
room.
[0078] In another example, a monitoring system, comprises a lift
assembly configured to lift a patient; a sling configured to be
removably coupled to the lift assembly; a control system configured
to control operation of the lift assembly; and a reporting system
in communication with the control system and configured to receive
operational information for the lift assembly, the reporting system
being configured to determine if the operation of the lift assembly
is in compliance with a protocol. In one contemplated embodiment,
the reporting system is part of a control system for a person
support structure. In another contemplated embodiment, the
reporting system generates an alert if the operation of the lift
system is not in compliance with the protocol. In another
contemplated embodiment, the operational information corresponds to
a lift event which is determined as a function of the engagement
status of a lifting sling with the lift assembly. In another
contemplated embodiment, the operational information corresponds to
a lift event which is determined as a function of the distance the
sling has been moved. In another contemplated embodiment, the
operational information corresponds to a lift event which is
determined as a function of the weight of a person supported on the
lift assembly. In another contemplated embodiment, the operational
information corresponds to a lift event which is determined as a
function of the amount of time the lift assembly was being used. In
another contemplated embodiment, the operational information
corresponds to a lift event which is determined as a function of
the amount of current used to power a lift motor of the lift
assembly. In another contemplated embodiment, the operational
information corresponds to a lift event which is determined as a
function of the duration an input on a user interface of the
control system was pressed and held. In another contemplated
embodiment, the lift assembly comprises a motor, a tether
configured to be extended and retracted by the motor, and a sling
bar coupled to the tether and configured to removably retain the
sling. In another contemplated embodiment, the sling bar includes a
retaining element and a sensor configured to sense when the
retaining element is configured to allow a sling to be attached to
the sling bar. In another contemplated embodiment, the sensor
includes a load cell configured to sense the amount of force
exerted on the sling bar by the sling. In another contemplated
embodiment, the sensor includes a contact sensor that is in a first
state when the retaining element is closed and in a second state
when the retaining element is opened to allow a sling to be coupled
to the sling bar. In another contemplated embodiment, the sling bar
includes a retaining element and a sensor configured to sense when
the sling is retained by the retaining element. In another
contemplated embodiment, the sensor includes a hall-effect sensor.
In another contemplated embodiment, the sensor includes an optical
sensor. In another contemplated embodiment, the sensor includes an
electronic reader configured to read an electronic tag coupled to
the sling. In another contemplated embodiment, the control system
is configured to determine when a non-approved sling is being used
with the lift system based the information stored on an electronic
tag. In another contemplated embodiment, the control system is
configured to determine when a non-approved sling is being used
with the lift system based on the absence of an electronic tag. In
another contemplated embodiment, the electronic tag includes
information corresponding to at least one of the sling model
number, performance characteristics, and the size of the sling. In
another contemplated embodiment, the sensor includes a magnetic
sensor that is configured to sense a magnet coupled to the sling.
In another contemplated embodiment, the sensor is coupled to a
sling support loop. In another contemplated embodiment, the
reporting system generates an alert if the lift assembly is not
being used in compliance with the protocol. In another contemplated
embodiment, the reporting system communicates whether the lift
assembly was used in compliance with the protocol to an electronic
medical record. In another contemplated embodiment, the reporting
system receives information from an electronic medical record
corresponding to whether or not the occupant is required to be
lifted using the lift assembly. In another contemplated embodiment,
a lift event has occurred when the sling is coupled to the lift
assembly and subsequently uncoupled from the lift assembly. In
another contemplated embodiment, a lift event has occurred when the
sling is coupled to the lift assembly, the lift assembly is
operated, and the sling is uncoupled from the lift assembly. In
another contemplated embodiment, the operation of the lift assembly
is determined as a function of the amount of time the lift assembly
was operated. In another contemplated embodiment, the lift assembly
includes a motor and operation of the lift assembly is determined
as a function of the amount of current used to power the motor. In
another contemplated embodiment, the control system includes a user
interface with a plurality of inputs and operation of the lift
assembly is determined as a function of the duration the inputs
were pressed and held. In another contemplated embodiment, the lift
assembly includes a motor and a tether that is configured to be
extended and retracted by the motor, operation of the lift assembly
is determined as a function of the distance the tether is moved. In
another contemplated embodiment, the distance the tether is moved
is determined using a potentiometer. In another contemplated
embodiment, the distance the tether is moved is determined using an
optical sensor configured to sense patterns on the tether as the
tether moves with respect to the sensor. In another contemplated
embodiment, the patterns include three lines of increasing length
extending across the width of the tether. In another contemplated
embodiment, the reporting system receives at least one of date and
time information from an asset locating and tracking system.
[0079] In another example, a person support lifting system,
comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a person; a sensor
coupled to the lift assembly and configured to sense the load
generated by the person and supported by the lift assembly; a
control system electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to
display the load supported by the lift assembly over a period of
time on a display device.
[0080] In another example, a system for associating assets,
comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a patient; an
identifying device coupled to an asset; a reading device coupled to
the lift assembly and configured to read the identifying device;
and a control system configured to associate the lift assembly and
the asset when the asset is less than a predetermined distance from
the reading device. In one contemplated embodiment, the lift
assembly is an overhead lift with a tether that extends from the
lift, the reader being coupled to the tether. In another
contemplated embodiment, the asset includes a caregiver. In another
contemplated embodiment, the asset includes a sling. In another
contemplated embodiment, the asset includes a patient. In another
contemplated embodiment, the asset includes a hospital bed.
[0081] In another example, a method of determining when a lift
event occurred, comprising the steps of: sensing when a sling has
been coupled to a person lifting device; and sensing when a sling
has been decoupled from the person lifting device. In one
contemplated embodiment, the step of sensing if the lifting device
was operated before the sling was decoupled from the lifting
device.
[0082] In another example a method, comprises the steps of:
determining if an occupant supported on a person support system has
moved from a first position to a second position with respect to
the person support system; determine if a lifting device is
required to move the person; determine if a caregiver was within a
predetermined distance of the occupant when the movement occurred;
and indicate a lift compliance status. In another contemplated
embodiment, the status is compliant if the lifting device was
required to be used and the occupant moved from the first position
to the second position and the caregiver was within the
predetermined distance and the lifting device was operated. In
another contemplated embodiment, the status is compliant if the
lifting device was not required to be used. In another contemplated
embodiment, the status is non-compliant if the lifting device was
required to be used and the occupant moved from the first position
to the second position and the caregiver was within the
predetermined distance and the lifting device was not operated. In
another contemplated embodiment, the status is compliant if the
lifting device was required to be used and the occupant moved from
the first position to the second position and the caregiver was not
within the predetermined distance.
[0083] In another example, a sling assembly, comprises a sling; and
an RFID tag coupled to the sling.
[0084] In another example, an information display system, comprises
an information management system including information
corresponding to a person support structure and a person lift
system; and a display configured to simultaneously display the
information corresponding to the person support structure and the
person lift system communicated to the display by the information
management system. In one contemplated embodiment, the information
management system includes a processor and memory configured to
store the information corresponding to the person support structure
and the person lift system. In another contemplated embodiment, the
information management system also stores information corresponding
to resources including at least one of a care facility, the care
facility's staff, the care facility's protocols, the patient's in
the care facility and the equipment in the care facility. In
another contemplated embodiment, the information corresponding to
the resources is displayed on the display.
[0085] In another example, a system, comprises an information
management system; a person lifting device including a control
system configured to control the operation of the person lifting
device and to communicate information corresponding to at least one
of the person lifting device and a person being lifted by the
person lifting device to the information management system; and a
person support device including a control system configured to
control the operation of the person support device and to
communicate information corresponding to at least one of the person
support device and the person supported on the person support
device to the information management system. In another
contemplated embodiment, the information management system includes
a work-flow automation feature. In another contemplated embodiment,
the information management system includes an electronic medical
record system. In another contemplated embodiment, the information
management system includes a real time locating system. In another
contemplated embodiment, the information management system includes
a compliance feature. In another contemplated embodiment, the
information management system includes a caregiver communication
feature. In another contemplated embodiment, the control system of
the person lifting device includes a communication device
configured to communicate the information via a wired connection.
In another contemplated embodiment, the control system of the
person lifting device includes a communication device configured to
communicate the information over a power connection. In another
contemplated embodiment, the control system of the person lifting
device includes a communication device configured to communicate
the information via a fiber-optic connection. In another
contemplated embodiment, the control system of the person lifting
device includes a communication device configured to communicate
the information via a wireless connection. In another contemplated
embodiment, the control system of the person lifting device
includes a communication device configured to communicate the
information via a LIN bus. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system of the person lifting device includes a
communication device configured to communicate the information via
a bluetooth connection. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system of the person lifting device includes a
communication device configured to communicate the information
using near field communication. In another contemplated embodiment,
the information received by and stored on the information
management system is displayed on a user interface. In another
contemplated embodiment, the user interface includes a display
coupled to a pendant. In another contemplated embodiment, the user
interface includes a mobile device display. In another contemplated
embodiment, the user interface includes a display coupled to the
person support structure. In another contemplated embodiment, the
user interface includes a terminal at a nurse station. In another
contemplated embodiment, the data corresponding to the person
support device and the person lifting device are displayed. In
another contemplated embodiment, the person lifting device includes
a rail coupled to a ceiling of a room and a lift assembly movable
along the rail, the rail including conductors extending therealong
that are contacted by the lift assembly and configured to
communicate at least one of data and power between the information
management system and the control system of the person lifting
device.
[0086] In another example, a system, comprises an information
management system; a person support device including a control
system configured to control the operation of the person support
device and to communicate information corresponding to at least one
of the person support device and the person supported on the person
support device to the information management system; and a person
lifting device including a control system configured to control the
operation of the person lifting device and to communicate
information corresponding to at least one of the person lifting
device and a person being lifted by the person lifting device to
the information management system via the person support device. In
one contemplated embodiment, a person support device communicates
with the information management system through a communication
system. In another contemplated embodiment, the person support
device includes a person support surface. In another contemplated
embodiment, the person support surface includes at least one fluid
bladder configured to be supplied by a fluid supply. In another
contemplated embodiment, the person support device includes a lower
frame movably supported above a lower frame by a lift mechanism
coupled to the lower frame. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system of the person support device person support device
is configured to determine when an occupant has egressed from the
person support device. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system of the person support device is configured to
calculate the center of gravity of a person supported on the person
support device. In another contemplated embodiment, the information
management system includes a workflow system. In another
contemplated embodiment, the information management system includes
an electronic medical record system. In another contemplated
embodiment, the information management system includes an asset
tracking system. In another contemplated embodiment, the control
system of the person lifting device includes a communication device
configured to communicate the information via a wired connection.
In another contemplated embodiment, the control system of the
person lifting device includes a communication device configured to
communicate the information over a power connection. In another
contemplated embodiment, the control system of the person lifting
device includes a communication device configured to communicate
the information via a fiber-optic connection. In another
contemplated embodiment, the control system of the person lifting
device includes a communication device configured to communicate
the information via a wireless connection. In another contemplated
embodiment, the control system of the person lifting device
includes a communication device configured to communicate the
information via a LIN bus. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system of the person lifting device includes a
communication device configured to communicate the information via
a bluetooth connection. In another contemplated embodiment, the
control system of the person lifting device includes a
communication device configured to communicate the information
using near field communication. In another contemplated embodiment,
the information received by and stored on the information
management system is displayed on a user interface. In another
contemplated embodiment, the user interface includes a display
coupled to a pendant. In another contemplated embodiment, the user
interface includes a mobile device display. In another contemplated
embodiment, the user interface includes a display coupled to the
person support structure. In another contemplated embodiment, the
user interface includes a terminal at a nurse station. In another
contemplated embodiment, the data corresponding to the person
support device and the person lifting device are displayed
[0087] In another example, a person support system comprises a
person lifting system configured to lift a person; a person support
structure configured to support a person thereon; a controller
including a processor and memory storing instructions that, when
acted upon by the processor, cause the processor to determine when
an occupant egresses from the person support structure and if the
person lifting system was operated. In one contemplated embodiment,
the processor determines that an occupant egressed from the person
support structure as a function of a change in the occupant's
center of gravity. In another contemplated embodiment, the
processor determines that an occupant egressed from the person
support structure as a function of a change in a pressure profile
of the occupant. In another contemplated embodiment, the
instructions further cause the controller to determine if the
occupant was required to be moved using a person lifting system
[0088] In another example, a monitoring system comprises a locating
system; a person support structure configured to support a person
thereon; a reporting system in communication with the locating
system and the person support structure and configured to receive
person movement information from the person support structure and
caregiver location information from the locating system, the
reporting system being configured to determine if a lift event
occurred based on the location of a caregiver and a person's
movement with respect to the person support structure. In one
contemplated embodiment, the reporting system and locating system
are incorporated into a control system configured to control the
operation of the person support structure. In another contemplated
embodiment, the person movement information includes a change in a
person's center of gravity with respect to the person support
structure. In another contemplated embodiment, the reporting system
determines that a lift event occurred when a caregiver is located
proximate to the person support structure and a person supported on
the person support structure moves. In another contemplated
embodiment, the reporting system receives information corresponding
to operational information from a person lifting device and
information corresponding to whether the person on the person
support structure is required to be moved with a person lifting
device to determine if the lift event was compliant. In another
contemplated embodiment, the reporting system determines that a
lift event is compliant when the person supported on the person
support structure is required to be moved by a person lifting
device and the operational information from the lifting device
indicates that the person lifting device was being operated while
the person was moving. In another contemplated embodiment, the
reporting system receives the information corresponding to whether
the person on the person support structure is required to be moved
using a person lifting device from an electronic medical record
system. In another contemplated embodiment, the operational
information corresponds to the engagement status of a lifting sling
with the lift assembly. In another contemplated embodiment, the
operational information corresponds to the distance the sling has
been moved. In another contemplated embodiment, the operational
information corresponds to the weight of a person supported on the
lift assembly. In another contemplated embodiment, the operational
information corresponds to the lift assembly was being used. In
another contemplated embodiment, the operational information
corresponds to the amount of current used to power a lift motor of
the lift assembly. In another contemplated embodiment, the
operational information corresponds to the duration an input on a
user interface of the control system was pressed and held. In
another contemplated embodiment, the person lifting device includes
track coupled to a ceiling of a room and a lift assembly configured
to move along the track, the lift assembly including a lift motor,
a tether, and a sing support.
[0089] In another example, a monitoring system, comprises a lift
assembly configured to lift a person; a person support structure
configured to support a person thereon; and a reporting system in
communication with the lift assembly and the person support
structure and configured to receive operational information from
the lift assembly and person movement information from the person
support structure, the reporting system being configured to
determine if a lift event occurred based on person movement
information received from the person support structure and
operational information received from the lift assembly. In one
contemplated embodiment, the person movement information
corresponds to a change in the person's center of gravity on the
person support structure. In another contemplated embodiment, the
reporting system is part of a control system configured to control
at least one function of the person support structure. In another
contemplated embodiment, the person movement information
corresponds to a change in the person's pressure profile sensed by
a pressure sensing system. In another contemplated embodiment, the
reporting system receives information indicative of the patient's
requirement to be lifted.
[0090] Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated
herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of
the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present
disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of
operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be
understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or
preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so
described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be
necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as
within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the
claims that follow.
[0091] In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as
"a," "an," "at least one," "at least a portion" are used there is
no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless
specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language
"at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item may
include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated
to the contrary.
[0092] It should be understood that only selected embodiments have
been shown and described and that all possible alternatives,
modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and
equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as
defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be
protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been
illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing
description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise
forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and
variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while
multiple inventive aspects and principles may have been presented,
they need not be utilized in combination, and various combinations
of inventive aspects and principles are possible in light of the
various embodiments provided above.
* * * * *
References